On the Market.

So the other night it was my turn to make dinner as it was Adam’s turn to take Cody to soccer practice. It was also the end of the pay period which meant the pantry was down to zero. The only thing left was spaghetti and Adam generally is not fond of the stuff. He tolerates it only because me and the boy like it. So, I decided to do something a little different from the norm and make baked spaghetti. Truth be told I’m not the best of cooks. I’d also never made baked spaghetti before because I always hated it as a kid. But I gave it go anyway working with what I had and creating my own recipe off a basic one I found on the internet. And, better yet, it includes products from the Roanoke City Market!

Here’s what I used:

12 oz. Heartland Naturals Spaghetti

1 lb. Sandy River Pork Hot Sausage (Grab some on the Roanoke City Market on Saturdays.)

24 oz. Jar Bertolli Five Cheese Spaghetti Sauce with Asiago and Fontina Cheeses (For a “wetter” spaghetti use an extra half to full jar of sauce.)

Dash of Red Pepper Flakes

Dash of Fresh Oregano and Basil (Purchase an herb pot from Rolling Meadows Farms for fresh herbs all year.)

Dash of Garlic Powder

3 scallions, chopped

Parmesan cheese

Sargento Swiss Cheese Slices

Here’s how I made it:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cook the sausage in a pan adding scallions about halfway through. In the meantime, bring water to a bowl and cook spaghetti 11 minutes. Drain both spaghetti and sausage.

Add spices to taste to sausage and mix well. Then combine spaghetti, sausage, and sauce in bowl and mix well. Pour into a 9×13 baking dish and spread evenly. Cover the spaghetti with parmesan cheese, then go back and cover the dish with a package of swiss cheese slices.

Bake 30 - 35 minutes or until heated through.

The result?

My husband liked it, Cody liked it, and I actually liked it! It was a little spicy which made it extra tasty and was great leftover the next day!

You can now find strawberries for sale on the Roanoke City Market. Additionally, Community School’s 28th Annual Strawberry Festival will take place this year on May 2nd and 3rd from 10:30am to 5:30pm in Elmwood Park.

Strawberries aren’t just for eating. These fun products give strawberries character you’re sure to enjoy without the calories.

Strawberry Preserves Soap by Rebecca’s Soap Delicatessen, $4.50
My new Strawberry Preserves Soap smells deliciously sweet and is so good even my husband likes it! The scent is an edible blend of strawberries and sweet syrup. It’s filled with ground oatmeal and poppy seeds for exfoliation and is great for those wanting a little scrub in the tub. Each bar weighs at least 4 oz. and is 95% natural - only the color and scent are artificial - and 100% vegan.

Strawberry Cheesecake Hand Spun Hand Dyed Merino Wool Yarn by Simply Twisted Yarn, $10
This is a pretty mix of pinks, creams and whites. It is a fun thick, thin and twizzly yarn. It was made by me hand dyeing merino wool roving and then spinning it into this fun textured skein. 100% merino wool; 40 yards; 2.3 ounces; thick, thin and twizzly. This yarn was handspun with love by me on my new Ashford Kiwi! The twist was set by soaking in Eucalan Lavender Wash.

Cotton Strawberry Hat - Size 6-18 mo. by My Market Stall, $16
This hat is 80% cotton and 20% wool so it’s perfect for warmer seasons and climates. The wool is only added to make the yarn have more elasticity. It has the look and feel of cotton. Comes wrapped in tissue paper tied with raffia and a tag with laundry instructions.

Salty DAWG Creme Shampoo ™ - WILD Strawberry Fields by Gudonya Too, $6.50
Not the too-sweet and almost plastic-smelling strawberry we all associate with car air fresheners. More of a juicy, ripe berry, with perfumed essence of pears and raspberries. Creamy, juicy and Wonderful! HIGH levels of sea salt mixed up with a creme soap give you SQUEEKY clean hair. Then we put in the HAIR LOVING ADDITIVES of Panthenol (also called Provitamin B5) and Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein!!! Reports have shown that Panthenol draws moisture from the air, and is an excellent moisturizer. It binds to hair follicles readily, and coats the hair and seals its surface; lubricating follicles and making strands appear shiny, and aids overall cell metabolism in the hair. Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein is a naturally derived
wheat protein that contains the carbohydrates and makes a unique hydrating complex that gives a combination of moisture-balancing and film-forming properties that works to give hair better body control and a smoother, softer feel. Salty Dawg give your hair a great clean that is great FOR your hair too!!!

Mini Strawberry delight cake purse by Tabitha Emma, $26
mmm.. strawberry delight! Isn’t this purse just mouthwatering? This cute cake shaped purse is ergonomically designed for little girls age 3-10, but is also suitable for the young at heart. (not suitable for children younger than 2 due to small beads) The bag is squishy, soft and safe, making it ideal for young children. The bag is suitable for carrying small things like change, phones, sweets/candy and small toys; great for play!

Springtime Blossoms Rooibos Tea by Tea for All Reasons, $5
Welcome springtime with this delicious brew that is not just fabulous in taste, but also fun to look at. Rich with a creamy strawberry and almond Rooibos, this no-caffeine blend is rounded out with Rosehips, Rose petals, and little candy flowers. Great over ice as well.

Chocolate Strawberry Cupcake Original Oil Painting by Mary Hughes Studio, $75
A simple white cupcake slathered with homemade frosting, dripping in chocolate, decorated with strawberries with a side of chocolate coins. What’s the occasion? Does there need to be one?? I’ve “placed” this delectable desert on a pink antique glass plate. A chocolate background gives it nice contrast.

Strawberry Petite Pendant by Imogen, $8.50
This pillowy square pendant measures just a little under an inch (23mm x 23mm). (**chain not included, see the “chains” section for add ons) The metal loop at the top is sterling silver. These bubbly little pendants are made of a mix of resin and plastics.

Strawberry Fields Bracelet by JQ Jewelry Designs, $55
This is one of my favorites! Unique, fine silver strawberries are combined with faceted, dark green pearls and smooth, rhodochrosite stones. My photo can’t show the true beauty of this type of pearl -faceted just like semi and precious gemstones. Very cool! Soft and sweet strawberry-hued stones are just wonderful when set against the fine silver and 14kt rolled gold. Measures 7 5/8 inches (19.2cm) including the fine silver toggle clasp.

First Fridays at Five kicks off this Friday, April 4th at the Rail Side Amphitheatre located on Salem Avenue. The event begins at 5:30pm and will run through 8:30pm. Admission costs $5 with drink tickets running $3 each. The event will support local charities. In the event of inclement weather, event will be rescheduled for the next Friday.

Here’s the schedule of live entertainment:

April 4 - Key West
May 2 - The Worx
June 6 - The Kings
June 20 - Burning Bridges
July 11 - Level 6
August 1 - Drivn
August 15 - Llyod Dobler Effect
September 5 - Monkey Fuzz
October 3 - The Worx

There are a lot of foods that are a challenge for me to eat, and certain foods that I simply don’t like or would never consider eating - like foie grois for example. However, 202 Market always brings out the adventurer in me. The chefs there have an amazing talent for making my most feared foods taste good. Here’s a look at the current tasting menu by Chef Chad Scott. This menu was particularly challenging for me because I’m a) not overly fond of fish, b) the thought of eating the liver of anything makes my stomach turn, and c) I have never liked goat cheese.

The goat cheese apple soup was fantastic. I could eat it all day. My husband and I sipped ours out a cute little cup and relished the flavor. Maybe goat cheese isn’t so bad after all. I really dug it in this dish. Adam thinks it’s the texture of the cheese I’m ordinarily not fond of. Melted into soup it’s transformed into something wonderful.

I’ve never been a big fan of fish. I enjoy tuna and will tolerate salmon. However, this BBQ Snapper was wonderful and very steak-like. It came with a bit of smoked bibb lettuce and sorbet. It was fun pulling off the “lid.”

I was a bit apprehensive about the Foie Gras. I shouldn’t have been. While the texture was a bit strange, sort of scrapple like, the flavor was impeccable. I mixed everything on the plate together and delighted in the individual flavors all melding into one.

Next up was the paella. This is the only dish I’ve ever had at 202 that I didn’t like. However, it wasn’t because it wasn’t good. My husband loved it. I am not at all a fan of Mexican food, and the thought of eating a mussel turned my stomach. I mean, it looked like a muscle. I did try it, but it was a no go. However, it is not something I would eat anywhere regardless of who makes it. I just picked out the shrimp and chicken and sausage and a bit of scallop and ate that, leaving the rest.

Well, Mr. Manager wasn’t at all happy with my discontent over the paella. He very happily brought me the Steak Wagu so “I wouldn’t go hungry.” I loved it!

Finally, we finished off the dinner with a Creamsicle-Ginger Float. It was both fun to eat and delicious.

The next time you stop in 202 why not give the Chef’s Tasting a try? You get to sample a little of everything rather than having to choose just one or two items from the menu, and you leave with your stomach full and content!

For dinner reservations please call 540.343.6644 Monday-Sunday beginning at 11am. They’re located at 202 Market Square in downtown Roanoke.

There’s a new restaurant in downtown Roanoke. Horizon Bar and Grill opened this month with a menu boasting a southwestern flair on fine dining. They are located in Wertz’ old location at 215 Market Street. Here’s a look at some of their offerings.

Steak Nigeri - flank steak over plantains

Lamb Shanks over refried beans

Sweet Potato Enchiladas over black beans

If you’ve had a chance to try out their fare, please let us know what you thought!

There are new crafts arriving weekly on the Roanoke City Market. Here are a few from this past week.

Matching Pear & Berry Soap and Lotion from Rebecca’s Soap Delicatessen. Enter to win a set through 4/30/08.

Lampwork earrings made from Dana James’ own lampwork beads.

Leaf shaped, stoneware bird feeders created by Brian Seckinger of Roanoke Valley Clayworks.

And Lavender Milk Bath from Enchanted Forest Soaps.

There are a lot of beautiful flowers to be found on the Market. Now is the time to begin preparing to plant for spring. Here’s a little bit of the color you can expect to find.

Beautiful, fresh cut pink flowers from Julia Light.

Early spring bloomers from Sumdat Farm.

Heucheras from Rolling Meadows Farms.

And vibrant color from Walter’s Greenhouse.

Yes! The Roanoke Farmer’s Market is open year round and while most of the farmers will continue to hide until St. Patrick’s Day, the pig farmers and crafters are out in full force. Here’s a sampling of what Saturday’s market was like.

Passing Cheryl Dolby’s Native American sculptures is often like passing a mini art gallery. Heavily influenced by the Hopi Indian tribe, her work truly speaks for itself.

This medley of soap balls by Enchanted Forest Soaps make for a quick and easy gift. Or use them in a dish in your bathroom for a natural air freshener.

Ham and pork tenderloin, sausage and farm fresh eggs were available from Martin’s Farm.

These cinnamon beeswax crosses make any room in the house smell of cinnamon sticks! Jerry sells these along with his own hand painted, wooden signs that boast popular sayings - including every local’s favorite “Running on Floyd Time.”

Linda Jo has arrowhead necklaces for sale in addition to her more highly detailed work of phenomenal necklaces, chokers and pendants.

Slough off dry, itchy skin with some yummy, scented sugar scrub from Rebecca’s Soap Delicatessen. This amazing product comes in Raspberry Vanilla (pictured), Lemon Verbena, Pink Sugar, and Blackberry Vanilla. Plus, it won’t leave you feeling greasy or make the tub slippery! Buy one to try or grab two and take advantage of special pricing.

Gary Crowder, former owner of Wertz’s Restaurant, sold pickles alongside produce over the weekend. These dollar pickles were a big hit, and what you see here is all that’s left, at least until cucumber season rolls back around.

Little Blue Woman Candles was offering bright, colorful candle baskets for sale. Of course you can always buy pillars, tapers, and votives individually if you like. These candles are naturally scented with pure essential oils.

Kyle and her husband Dave have the perfect product for those who love to socialize. Their cheese platters, made from recycled wine bottles, are fun and functional. Pick one up to use at your next event.

There were also baked goods, additional jewelry, and produce to be found from several regular farmers including Robert Nichols, Jack Ferguson, and Charlie Lavinder. So feel free to stop by and browse or just say “hello.” We love the company this time of year when the general populace seems to be in hiding!

202 Market is hosting two special artists for Mardi Gras 2008. Celebrate on Friday, February 1st with Eric Lindell and on Saturday, February 2nd withSway Katz. They’re claiming it will be “a party the likes of which you won’t find anywhere else.”

You can also enjoy Open Mic Nights every Tuesday  at 202 Market. Listeners can experience some of this area’s hidden talent…

And on Wednesday nights, musicians can bring their instruments and rock out with singer/ guitarist Hoppie Vaughn at Electric Open Jam. 202 is the place to experience DJ’s Diego, Mateo, Quest Entertainment’s DJs and DJ Dance. Their completely distinct sounds ensure that there is something for every listener!

The lunch specials for Blues BBQ Co. this week are as follows:

Monday, January 28th - Fried Chicken Club-w/ ham, lettuce, tomato, mayo-choice of side, drink $8.95

Tuesday, January 29th - Savannah Style Pulled Pork-choice of side, drink $8.95

Wednesday, January 30th - Chopped Brisket BBQ-choice of side, drink $8.95

Thursday, January 31st - Fried Green Tomato BLT w/provolone-choice of side, drink $8.95

Friday, February 1st - Crab Cake Sandwich w/homemade tartar sauce-choice of side, drink $10.95

Don’t forget, downtown delivery is now free with the purchase of $15 or more.

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You can also catch the following entertainment this week:

Tuesday, January 29th - ACOUSTIC ENDEAVORS (no cover) a fantastic bluegrass band that will
really amaze you!

Thursday, January 31st - GUY”S NIGHT… We all know what ladies night is, but how about a Guy’s
Night!! $2.00 in-house specials, $5.00 appetizers, Action Movies, and great
company…

Friday , February 1st - JACK WAYNE & THE BLUE NOTES (no cover) a group of young Roanoke musicians
that can really play!

Saturday, February 2nd - DYER & ZANNIE (no cover) come check it out…

SUPERBOWL SUNDAY - February 3rd -
Come on down and watch your favorite team on the big screen! There will be
in-house specials and $5.00 appetizers. We will be rooting for the Giants so
anyone wearing Giants attire will receive 10% off of their food purchase.
(Dine-in only)

VALENTINE’S DAY – Thursday, February 14th -
The Blues BBQ Valentine’s Day dinner includes a 5 course meal for $25.00 per
person. Reservations can be made for 5 p.m., 7 p.m., or 9 p.m. MAKE YOUR
RESERVATIONS TODAY!