It's a TRAP! This blog isn't about antiques it all, it's about FOOD! Some of our favorite food in Manchester, NH, home of the week-long antiques extravaganza taking place about this time next month. If you're not familiar, check out the handy dandy map and schedule by clicking here. It's great and all that, lots and lots of antiques. Anyways, it's almost dinner time and I'm hungry and I want to talk about food. Here's our short-list. You'll notice it's long on family friendly and a little short on fine dining. That's life with toddlers, folks.
El Rincon Zacatecano Taqueria, 10 Lake Ave.
Jen found this place. Tucked on a side street around the corner from the Radisson, home of the NHADA Show, this is one of our favorites. Small, family run, friendly and familiar faces every year. Charlie has toured the kitchen and says it is top notch. The food is cheap, fresh, and fast. Jen's recommendation: tostadas. John's recommendation: carne asada tacos. Bonus joint recommendation: the guacamole is seriously the best we've ever had.
Piccola Italia, 815 Elm St.
This is a classic. On the "how comfortable will you be when your kid dumps a plate of spaghetti on the floor" scale this place rates "ish", so we try to make it once during the week and call it at that. Great for a more dingbat free kind of night out. John's recommendation: Shrimp fra diavolo. I believe that's a special and not on the menu. Jen's recommendation: stop making me go here with the kids or I will hurt you.
Republic, 1069 Elm St.
Question: Are there hipsters in Manchester? Answer: Republic. It's very European-y, duh. I believe I recall drinking out of a Mason jar. John and Jen's recommendation: go there and like it or you won't be cool. Good for date night.
Queen City Cupcakes, 790 Elm St.
Go early, go often. Definitely go early because they sell out every day. Cupcakes taken to a whole new level. Make sure you take some home for your friends. John and Jen's recommendation: every cupcake we've ever had from here has been amazing.
Red Arrow Diner, 61 Lowell St.
It's a diner. If you like diner food, you'll love it. On the "how comfortable will you be when your kid starts putting french fries in his hair" scale, this is a "LOL, that looks fun let Daddy try it". Open 24 hours, breakfast all day and lots of other good stuff too. John's recommendation: Steak Bomb Hash Brown Special. Jen's recommendation: Chili Hash Brown Special.
See you in Manchester!