New Hope's Second Saturday

It's that time again... April 11th is approaching - every second Saturday of the month New Hope has it's "Second Saturday" celebration.

From ilovenewhope.com
"New Hope celebrates the arts every Second Saturday of each month. From 5 - 9 pm art galleries, restaurants, and boutiques remain open late during the festive celebration. Musicians playing in the streets will put anyone in the mood to take our gallery walk in good weather conditions. During cooler months art galleries are still celebrating, inside their individual shops, with open receptions featuring some of the most talented artists from Bucks County to Istanbul Turkey. Come join us for this festive event. "

One of my favorite restaurants - Havana - is located in New Hope. There's a large outdoor bar, which has heat lamps turned on when it's cool outside. They usually have live music and some other activities going on. Checking out the art galleries and hitting up one of the restaurants (all of which are great) is worthwhile. It would definitely make for a Saturday night that's more interesting that dinner and a movie.

Here's a link to the Second Saturday map...

To visit the Second Saturday website go HERE.

For a list of restaurants and prices to expect at them go HERE.

Here's to interesting Saturday nights and full bellies.
- Cait

Spotting Dinner - Pasta Like a Rock Star

Spring produce is exciting after the cold winter months in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. The freshness is welcome and long awaited and bountiful. A vegetable I most look forward to and reminds me of spring is asparagus. When I was TasteSpotting for dinner ideas I came across a pasta dish posted by thepinkpeppercorn. It utilizes there of my favorite ingredients - pasta, mushrooms, and of course asparagus!

Photo from thepinkpeppercorn

Pasta Like a Rock Star
via thepinkpeppercorn
Adapted from InStyle Magazine, creator unknown
(4-6 servings)

1-450 g package penne
3 tbsp butter
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
4 cups thinly sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup finely chopped shallots
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/4 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp dry marsala (or madeira)
1 bunch asparagus, cut to 3/4 inch pieces
1/4 - 1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs - flat-leaf parsley, tarragon, chives
1/2 cup grated parmigiano-reggiano
drizzle of white truffle oil (optional)

1. Bring to a boil a small pot, with 1 inch of boiling water. Add the asparagus for thirty seconds, only to blanch it briefly. Remove into a strainer, and briefly rinse with cold water just until cool. Set aside.
2. Cook the penne according to package directions, but more al dente than suggested (there is ample liquid in the sauce for it to absorb) Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
3. Meanwhile, heat the butter and olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Once it is bubbling, add the mushrooms, and cook 5 minutes. Lower the heat, and add the shallots and garlic; cook 4-5 minutes until the shallots soften.
4. Add the wine, and cook until evaporated, 1-2 minutes. Add the chicken broth and cook until the mushrooms are tender and the pan is almost dry. Add the marsala, and salt.
5. Add the cooked penne, asparagus, reserved pasta water, chopped herbs, and parmigiano to the saucepan. Continue to cook until heated through, being careful not to overcook the pasta, but trying to have most of the liquid absorbed by it, 3-4 minutes (depending upon personal taste). Check for seasoning. Drizzle with white truffle oil, but truffle salt is nice too. Serve.

What wonderful spring flavors... If you wanted to, you could easily "beef" up this dish by adding grilled chicken breast to it. That would be perfect served outside with some cool white wine. Don't forget candles for your outdoor table. Oh what a lovely "date" night that would make. A crisp spring salad and perhaps a bowl of lemon sorbet with fresh berries would round off the meal nicely.

Here's to spring nights and full bellies.
- Cait