I really wanted to tell you all about a local favorite of mine, Cactus Jack's, this week...I even went so far as to have an all out feast with my daughter Sunday so I could report back to you how great it was. And even though I forgot my camera, I even took pictures with the camera in my (lousy, cruddy, outdated)phone...which never saved the pictures. Pooh. I really don't think it would be doing CJ's justice to leave out photos, but I promised that I'd tell you about a new place every week. So, I'm going to tell you about the Puritan Backroom instead.
First of all, this place has been around since time began. (Ok, it's really only been the Backroom since the 70's, but because that was before I was born, it may as well have been the dawn of time.) You'd think that time might make it less of a draw because there's always something new popping up in Manchester. Not so. We went for lunch and we were lucky to find a parking spot, and the half an hour wait was a relief, compared to the typical hour long wait. And people have no problem waiting- partly because they have plenty of seating, partly because they give you party mix while you wait, but mostly, I think it's because the food is just THAT good.
When I was little, we always came to the Backroom for special occasions, such as after-dance recital dinners. Maybe that's why it still feels like such a treat to come here. Despite the Greek influence that is definitely apparent in the menu, the restaurant itself always reminds me of the inside of a pirate ship- I don't know if it's because it's dimly lit (not necessarily a bad thing) or maybe because of the exposed beams along the catheral ceiling. Either way, I can honestly say that I cannot compare the Backroom's atmosphere to that of any other restaurant- it's completely unique.
My first favorite thing about the Backroom is their bread basket. It doesn't necessarily look like anything special- it's a mix of dinner rolls and pita bread. I don't know what they do to it, but their pita bread is THE BEST- it's perfectly soft and warm, and I look forward to it every time I eat there.
My second favorite thing to eat here are the potato skins. I know, you can get those just about anywhere. But nobody else makes them this good. I actually think I had the first potato skin of my life here- maybe that's why they're so near and dear to my heart. The potato pulp to skin ratio is perfect- not too much potato, not too little. The same goes for the melted, ooey, gooey cheddar cheese that smothers the skins. And of COURSE there's plenty of bacon! Another big plus for me- they do NOT skimp on the sour cream. I could probably eat a whole order myself...right now.
Because it was only lunch and I was already full from the bread and skins (and lunch was still to come!), I didn't get to have their greek salad. But I've had it plenty of times before to tell you that the Backroom has the greek down to a science. Crisp mixed greens, Kalamata Olives (none of that sliced, canned black olive junk), bright tomatoes and loads of feta cheese- all topped with a light oregano-laced greek dressing. And what I like best about their greek salad is that they give you a nice, big block of feta on top of the salad. It's nice to have the option to crumble...or not.
Even though I ate enough to keep me full until dinner time, I ordered a sandwich as well. Again, I've had cheeseburger club sandwiches at many other restaurants, but only the Backroom char-broils their burgers, so you get that nice, charred, crunchy outer crust surrounding a juicy hamburger patty. It's the way a burger should be. The whole grain white bread that I chose was toasted to perfection, the becon was crisp as were the lettuce and tomato. In addition to the french fries that came with it (they were just so-so...but I didn't come for the french fries!) I also ordered a side of cole slaw. I am now officially ADDICTED to their cole slaw. It's creamy, the cabbage isn't soggy but crunchy and bright, and they give you a mountain of it! I wished I had an extra stomach so I could finish it all.
I guess it goes without saying that dessert was out of the question at this point, which is too bad because they have a great dessert selection. I guess I'll just have to head back there again soon, WITH my camera, so I can tell you about everything I missed during this trip, including their award-winning chicken tenders.
If you're in Manchester for business or pleasure, you've just got to give the Backroom a try. (And if it is pleasure, might I suggest that you try the Mudslide- it's amazing!). If you already live in Manchester, then you've been there- and odds are, you enjoy it as much as I do!
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