3-31-2011 The Puritan Backroom .

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 And even though I forgot my camera, I even took pictures with the camera in my (lousy, cruddy, outdated)phone...which never saved the pictures.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!

3-26-2011 Recipes and Unforseen Circumstances...

Well, it appears that my travel plans for this weekend will have to be postponed, due to a (minor, thankfully!) accident and the inability to use my vehicle. So, instead of eating it up, I was sitting in a car dealership all day. I hope to hit Cactus Jack's in Manchester tomorrow, because you all NEED to know about this place if you don't already. More to come- if not tomorrow, then definitely soon.

Also, it is my intention to add a "Lighten Up" page, in which I will bring you a weekly "lightened up" version of some tasty dish of the prior week's review. I'm still trying to figure out the tab/link situation, but when I do, I'll have some tasty recipes for you to try. I'm working on a lighter version of the Blarney Puff as we speak...

Stay tuned!

3-19-2011 The Barley House- Concord, NH

I thought it would be appropriate to do my first review in Concord, the capital of our fair state. Going on a suggestion from a friend, who graciously agreed to join me on my little culinary adventure, I chose to try out the Barley House which just happens to be across the street from the Capital Building on North Main Street. Not to get too far off the subject, because we are talking food here, but I just love Main Street in Concord. It’s just so…Main Streety. You’ve got your professional offices, local businesses, restaurants- pretty much your typical Main Street America. Some unique variations include the Red River Movie theater, the Capital Center for the Performing Arts, and at the very end of all of it is our gold-domed Capital Building. With better shoes and more time on my hands, I think I could have spent the day going into every little shop. I was especially tempted to stop into Star Bellies, which appeared to be a funky boutique for children. Fortunately for my wallet, I was running late and could not stop in...this time.