Bucatini & Clams

A couple of weeks ago we had a dinner party planned for twelve with Rip Plus Tan.  And then life happened.  Greg had to make a last minute trip to New York so Teddy and I were left to host on our own.  As much as I love the men in my friend's lives, I asked if we could switch it just girlfriends so that we could really catch up in that way that only ladies do.  With a friends' recent engagement and another's upcoming wedding we had a lot to discuss!  After a weekend full of parties, I had little time and even less desire to do any heavy duty cooking.  So Teddy and I went to The Hollywood Farmers Market to gather all of the ingredients for a super easy, no-fuss, summer dinner.  Check out all of the recipes, as well as my favorite market vendors and tabletop details, on Jenni Kayne's amazing blog Rip Plus Tan.  While Teddy napped I set the table, grounded by a pretty olive garland from the lovely ladies at Botany Flowers.  Julianna (the recently engaged!) is a stellar sous-chef and always helps me plate in the kitchen.  After some last minute assembling, we sat down to a simple dinner of caprese salad, bucatini & clams and finished with yummy flavors from Carmela Ice Cream.  It must be said that Courtney brought me a gag hostess gift of the Sex and the City Trivia Game.  In fact, it was no joke!  After enough champagne, I insisted that we play and it turns out I've probably seen each episode a few too many times!!  I love my friends and eating good food with great company is the best- throw in a game with lots of laughs, what more could one want from a summer night?

The Menu

Sips

champagne & rose

Snacks

salami, cucumbers, olives & figs

To Start

heirloom tomatoes, basil & burrata

To Share

bucatini & clams with fennel & leeks

Sweet

carmela ice creams

honey lavender, mint chip & peaches 'n cream