Every two years or so, we get a particular bee in our bonnet that whispers "Let's create some exciting new dishes for the Pastini menu!". Well, that buzz started a few months ago and on July 23rd it premiered! Executive Chef/Partner Craig Bashel has been researching authentic Italian recipes, shopping for local ingredients and making a little magic in the kitchen, assisted by partner Susie Bashel as food critic extraordinaire and dish dog (guess which role she prefers).

Wonderful new pastas include Butternut Squash-Gorgonzola Ravioli with Sage Butter, Rigatoni con Chicken Cacciatore, Cavatappi San Marzano (with Italian sausage, roasted peppers, mushrooms and tomatoes), Orecchiete with Italian Sausage, Baked Ricotta Polenta with Marinara, Gnocchi alla Vodka, Capellini di Napoli (plump shrimp in tomato-cream sauce with oregano and vermouth), Lamb Sugo with Cavatappi*, Linguini with Chicken Marsala and Orecchiete Toscana (small, ear-shaped pasta with arugula, cannellini beans, broccolini, balsamic onions, garlic and breadcrumbs). And finally we have Nonna's Sunday Supper, creamy Maccheroni and Cheese topped with meaty Bolognese sauce…first generation Italian immigrants made comfort food like this for family suppers.

Cavatappi is one of the new pasta shapes we have introduced to the Pastini line-up, a whimsical corkscrew that is hollow in the middle. Hearty and tender at the same time, it's a great match for several saucy combinations.

Just in time for summer Pastini has added three lovely salads. A Butter Lettuce Salad combines creamy herb-gorgonzola dressing with pancetta, tomato, chopped egg and housemade croutons. Our new Spinach Salad Balsamico starts with baby spinach and balsamic red onions, fresh tomato, parmesan and toasted hazelnuts, dressed with balsamic-red wine vinaigrette. And the traditional Panzanella Bread Salad* is an authentic combination of arugula, rustic bread chunks, cucumber, balsamic red onion, yellow and red bell peppers, tomato, capers and sherry vinaigrette.

New sandwiches are also great for summer lunches, including the Italian Deli with Pepper Relish, with soprasetta, mortadella, ham, provolone and lettuce with a spicy olive-peperoncini spread on a Pearl Bakery ciabatta roll.

We hope you will enjoy...buon appetito!

(* Sorry, not available at the NE Broadway Pastini)