TID BITS Back-to-school goodies

COOKIES ARE BETTER THAN APPLES

BACK TO SCHOOL GIFTS FROM SWEET DOODLE CAKES

BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Looking for a gift that will impress your kids’ teachers this year? Why not show a little love to a local mom, turning out cute, decorated sugar cookies for a profit? At Sweet Doodle Cakes, owner Nichole Renwick crafts themed cookies for holidays throughout the year, including back-toschool gifts for teachers. Her Teacher Appreciation/Back to School cookies vary in design and come in mini options (about 2” in diameter) as well as an extra-large option (4-5” in diameter). Some sales allow

for customers to personalize cookies with a teacher’s name, and all cookies come ready for gift giving in cellophane bags or boxes, with ribbons and a tag. Prices range from $3.50-$25. Keep an eye on Instagram (@sweetdoodlecakes) for presales and flash sales. “I post pre-designed sale options on both Instagram and Facebook and take orders from there,” Nichole explains. Special packages include four-packs of SWEET DOODLE mini cookies,

CAKES cookie cards with @sweetdoodlecakes attached mini cookies, and more.

Everyone is welcome at Bud’s Seafood Grille. Friendly service, hearty portions, and a range of fish, seafood, pasta, steak, and poultry entrees make Bud’s a great choice for a business lunch, family dinner, or night out for two. Every meal begins with fresh sourdough bread made exclusively for Bud’s by our local Genova Bakery. The covered outdoor patio seats thirty and is the perfect spot to take a break from shopping in Lincoln Center and enjoy a leisurely lunch or even just a drink with a friend or two. We also invite you to come visit the newly renovated bar and dining room which now offers more window tables for a lovely view of Lincoln Center while you dine. While at the bar, take advantage of the nightly deals on bar bites. Please be sure to ask about our banquet and catering services for your special event or holiday party. Full bar and banquet room available. Open for lunch, dinner, and scrumptious Sunday brunch. Happy hour daily with $1.00 off all beer & well drinks 4pm -6:30pm.

BUD’S SEAFOOD GRILLE

314 Lincoln Ctr., Stockton 209) 956-0270, budsseafood.com

Owners Harry and Susan Yu have been a major part of the local economy since 2007 when Mikasa opened its location in Lathrop. Cooking with local produce and only using the freshest fish right from the Bay has always been key to their success. Fortunately the Yu’s chose Tracy for their newest location stocking the full bar with the most extensive liquor, sake, wine and beer selection around. Plus, with happy hour 7 days a week you’ll be sure to get your fill! Mikasa also offers off site catering and a separate banquet room for all your rehearsal dinners, large parties or business needs. Try the special SJM Roll pictured).

MIKASA JAPANESE BISTRO

2610 S. Tracy Blvd. Ste. 110 Tracy, 209) 830-8288 15138 S Harlan Rd., Lathrop, 209) 858-1818

Nestled on the Brickwalk in Lincoln Center Midgley’s Public House specializes in steaks and seafood, with an extensive appetizer menu and unique desserts. Our bar menu consist of several unique cocktails, fine wines and spirits. We have several dining options including our extensive patio, dining room with floor to ceiling open windows, and a large bar area. We offer several dining options for large parties and do catering of all sizes, including our own food truck, Midgley's Public Truck, that can be rented for private and public events.