My My boutique hits New Hope

My My, what a funky boutique in New Hope (photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Maureen Ferguson has moved her retail showcase of independent artists, crafters, and vintage clothing from Doylestown to New Hope, and West Ferry Street may never be the same.

In fact, the retail-challenged street once known as "Antiques Row" has shown signs of life lately, not only with the opening of My My, but also the advent of Little Barn Antiques next door and the expansion of Sally Goodman Antiques further up the hill.

Ferguson seems charming, intelligent and understated, as are her offerings. She believes that her tagline speaks for itself: "handmade. vintage. awesome."

Prices start at around $6 for a bar of handmade soap. Of note were the vintage fabrics, radio collection, and newsprint flower sculptures. The space is airy and inviting.

My My is located at 15 W. Ferry St.; 215-693-1318.

Towpath House in New Hope may go condo

Five-building complex as seen from South Main Street, New Hope (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

The restaurant portion of the five-building complex bordered by the Ingham Creek, Delaware Canal and West Mechanic Street is now called 'Tuscany', and before that it was 'Esca', but most still remember it as the 'Towpath House'. It sat directly across the canal from Johnny Francis' Canal House, and at one time both were bustling nightly with large, loyal crowds.

The Canal House and adjacent businesses are long gone, and in their place stands builder George Michael's largely unfinished and unoccupied townhouse complex overlooking the dry, crumbling Delaware Canal.

And now Towpath landowner Paul Licitra has indicated to Borough Hall that he will be submitting a sketch plan for Borough Council to review at their August meeting -- a plan widely expected to take the form of a residential development.

Licitra confirmed that conversion of the property from mixed use to residential is being contemplated.

"I can't provide much detail at this early stage, but I can say that we intend to improve the property and make it an asset to the neighborhood," he said.

New Hope's Annapurna fills local Indian restaurant void

Annapurna Indian restaurant in New Hope (Photo: Charlie Sahner)

By Charlie Sahner

Annapurna sits at the back of the Four Seasons Mall in New Hope, a location that once made up part of the sizable and popular Toys for Men shop. There are now windows in the rear offering Delaware River views courtesy of a prior restaurant's effort, but unlike that establishment, this one has a crack at succeeding.

A recent visit to Annapurna revealed clean, tasteful decor, a classic selection of Indian cuisine, and friendly, efficient service. The details: to start, one won't find unusual, fiery regional dishes. And that may be a good thing. It seems that while some local palettes might be accustomed to Thai cooking, far fewer are familar with the culinary joys of the subcontinent.

Annapurna manages to cover all the bases in a pleasing, authentic way. Appetizers include the standard pakoras and samosas tastefully rendered, and the bread selection focused on interesting varieties of naan. Prices were moderate, with many entrees in the $12-15 range, including tandoori, curry, masala, korma and biryani dishes. The vegetarian selection was sizable and varied.

Standouts included the chicken tikka masala (cooked in a mild, but well-seasoned tomato and cream sauce), and the shrimp vindaloo, which had an abundanance of medium shrimp in a wonderfully seasoned curry sauce that made up in flavor what it lacked in heat. In fact, should one be an experienced fan of Indian cuisine, informing the waiter that one's dish can be prepared on the hot side would not be out of order.

The service was excellent; our waiter offered extra helpings of basmati rice and chutneys. Fresh coriander was in the air, and the entrees weren't swimming in ghee. The river view added to the overall experience. We'll be back.

A great introduction to Indian food for everyone that can also be enjoyed by experienced afficiandados. BYOB and take-out avaialble.

Annapurna is located at 32 S. Main St.; (215) 862-5080.

New owners to convert large New Hope retail space into Italian restaurant

By Charlie Sahner

A local partnership, 46 North Main Associates, LLC, is taking over the property located at that address in New Hope and seeking permission to convert it into a restaurant featuring homemade pasta, pizza and fine Italian entrees at what owners say will be moderate prices.

At 7,000 square feet, the space formerly occupied by the Trading Post of Bucks County seems ideal to create the type of airy, almost opulent decor for which co-owner Antonio Adragna is known. His Cafe Antonio in Morrisville has a loyal following, traditional Italian menu, and an impressive interior featuring soaring ceilings, chandeliers, and charming murals.

Says Lambertville resident and partner Glenn Kapuscienski, "We want to combine the energy of New Hope with fine Italian dining on the riverfront."

Blueprints for the planned restaurant feature two prominent bar areas, and a rumor has circulated among some concerned homeowners in New Hope's largely quiet north end that a nightclub or bar might be in the works.

But the owners say they're interested in gaining the community's respect and loyalty as a fine dining venue. "New Hope is a wonderful historic town with diversity and a flair for the arts," said Kapuscienski. "We intend to be a friendly neighbor and a complement to the community."

Former Congressman Patrick Murphy joins in celebration of LGBT pride at annual New Hope parade

Former Congressman Patrick Murphy at New Hope, PA Gay Pride Parade

By Charlie Sahner

Cloudy skies Saturday did not dim the enthusiasm at the New Hope Celebrates Pride Parade, this year kicked off with a well-received address by former U.S. Congressman Patrick Murphy.

Dubbed "Freedom to Be", the spirited march was the main event in a week-long celebration of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered and allied community. The parade also featured marching bands, spectacular floats, and talented entertainers, along with friends and families of the LGBT community.

Murphy addressed the cheering parade audience and then joined in the march with his family. The former congressman is popular in the LGBT community, having helped pave the way in the U.S. House of Representatives for the successful repeal of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" law which forced gays and lesbians to remain silent in order to serve in the military.

"Today is a great day to celebrate what makes America the best country in the world," said Murphy, a former captain in the 82nd Airborne Division of the Army who saw combat in Bosnia and Iraq.

New Hope Fantasy Renaissance Faire returns to West Mechanic Street this weekend, rain or shine

By Charlie Sahner

The New Hope Fantasy Renaissance Faire returns to Mechanic Street this weekend, a fitting locale as the event was born on this storied street, and many local denizons need not alter their daily clothing routine to fit right into the medieval themed street happening.

Remember, this is New Hope, so don't expect a genteel affair featuring jousting for maidens and high tea. Think more Pirates of the Caribbean, and you'll be closer to home. Among the entertainers are Unholy Sideshoe (leave the kiddies behind for this one), Lords of Adventure, Pinklefoot Adventure Show, Terra Serpentis, Mery Music Makers and Four Pices of Eight, along with a Shakespeare the Bard Faire, blacksmithing demos, belly dancing and a book signing.

Popular retail venues Medieval Gallery and Against the Grain will be heavily represented at the event, as owner Mike McManus once again provides support and organization for the event.

The fair is the brainchild of the late Dan Henley, a ruddy, gray-bearded giant of a man who was often seen stringing beads in front of Mechanic Street Mugs during the tourist season. "Dan can't be with us this year, but the event's growing popularity is a tribute to his love for Renaissance fairs and street events," said Joel Roberts, owner of Mechanic Street Mugs. "We've got some great stores, restaurants and galleries on the block and they're all ready to roll out the red carpet for our visitors."

The New Hope Fantasy Renaissance Faire starts at 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday on West Mechanic Street, rain or shine, admission free of charge.

New Hope gets a karate school

 By Charlie Sahner

Well it took long enough, but New Hope finally has a dedicated karate school or, in this case, dojang of its own.

In recent years, karateka had to seek study in nearby towns like Lambertville and Buckingham, but now locals can receive bona fide martial arts instruction at the Logan Square Shopping Center in a large, new facility adjacent to New Hope Beverage (itself a worthwhile destination, with a large selection a value priced imported, domestic and micro-brewed beer).

New Hope Karate offers traditional Tang Soo Do, mixed martial arts, kickboxing, self defense and even classes taught in Spanish. Also of note is the Parent's Night Out program, which allows moms and dads the opportunity to drop off kids aged 5-12 for a few hours of fun, including karate, movies and other supervised activities.

Owner and head instructor Robert Reynolds is no stranger to the area or martial arts community. He ran Reynold's Karate and Fitness for many years in Lambertville, and was known on the tournament circuit as a formidable fighter and champion. Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art that places a somewhat greater emphasis on hand techniques than the popular Tae Kwon Do, and also derives much of its kinetic power from hip rotation, not unlike its Japanese and Okinawan counterparts. This makes the art an easier fit for those students coming to train with previous experience in styles like Shotokan and Goju-Ryu.

Reynolds also enjoys an excellent reputation as an instructor for children, an important membership and financial component for any successful dojo, but this latest offering is more well-rounded with the addition of specialized adult classes, like those featuring the highly effective Israeli Krav Maga self defense system.

Those interesed in seeing New Hope's new martial arts facilty and viewing some "Little Ninjas" (and not-so-little ninjas) in actiion are welcome to view classes in the morning (around 9:30 a.m. to noon) and evening (4:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m.) Reynolds says the first week is always free if one choses to sign up, and I'll take him at his word -- this guy's the real deal.

Local rock band to perform benefit concert for New Hope-Solebury High School classmate and leukemia research

By Charlie Sahner

New Hope band JC Satellite will perform "A Concert for Carly - Destroy Leuk" on Saturday, March 5 to raise awareness and money for Acute Myeloid Leukemia Research at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Three of the four bandmembers are classmates at New Hope-Solebury High School of Carly Stephens, who was diagnosed with leukemia in July, 2010.

Radio deejay "Spike" from Philadelphia's WYSP 94.1 FM will emcee the concert, which also includes an opening performance by singer/songwriter Kelly Carvin and special guest Gabby D'Angelo, another classmate from New Hope-Solebury High School.

Doors to the concert will open at 7 p.m. at the Eagle Fire Hall, 46 N. Sugan Road in New Hope. Tickets are priced at $12 and available at the JC Satellite website.

Those who can't attend may make a donation to AML Research at the Childrens' Hospital giving page. 

St. Martin of Tours Church in New Hope may close school

 By Charlie Sahner

Rumors are flying among parents of children enrolled at St. Martin of Tours School in New Hope that the institution is closing.

St. Martin of Tours School is a private Catholic elementary school serving students of all denominations from pre-kindergarten through 8th grade.

Some speculate that low enrollment may be the cause.  Other parents are wondering how a potential closure might affect enrollment figures at New Hope-Solebury schools, although several parents have said on a popular local Facebook site that they would move their children to other area Catholic schools if necessary.

School teachers and staff there seem well-liked by students and parents, some of whom say they are still fighting to keep the school open.

A church spokesperson contacted Sunday confirmed the move was under consideration, but said, "The final word will come from the Cardinal within two weeks."

New Hope tries to dig out

By Charlie Sahner

New Hope did its collective best Thursday to dig out from the massive double-punch storm that dumped more than a foot of heavy, wet snow on the borough.

Residents complained of shoveling for two hours or more merely to unbury cars and clean front sidewalks of homes, and state workers seemed hard pressed to clear the numerous canal bridges in town.

By mid-afternoon, several sections of sidewalk downtown remained unpassable, although many strollers appeared to have stayed home, as streets were nearly empty of foot traffic.

But locals were sure to continue digging out and sprucing up for the busy Winter Festival weekend just ahead.