Return Visit edition: As I walked in, all the tables out front were occupied, plus the two tables just inside the large rolled-up glass garage door. But further in, the place was barren, except for two visible staff.
Pete was nowhere to be seen. I should have known he was not present at all. Biggest clue? The music was generic ’70s rock. Steely Dan, Hall & Oates, Joe Cocker. Not that there’s anything wrong with those bands & musicians – it’s just that Pete has a far more refined curatorial ear. He will play music that is more current while seeming equally timeless, if not even more so. Often by musicians you’ve never heard of, and occasionally dipping back decades.
While I was looking forward to seeing Pete, he was not the reason I came. I came for food and a beer. Dinner. I came for dinner. Last time I was in, Pete placed in my hand a taster of their India Pale Lager. It was quite tasty. So I was looking forward to quaffing from a full sized serving of their IPL. I figured I would have an order of fish tacos along side the IPL, for a nutritious and tasty meal.
But life opened up and showed me other paths. I love it when that happens.
As my order was about to emerge from my mouth — indeed, my beer order had already been spoken aloud and the waiter was pouring it — I looked down and saw the words KITCHEN SPECIAL. Has the brain-stomach connection ever been more evident? I paused, and said to the waiter, “Whoah, gotta read this special,” taking it in even as I was speaking those words.
I recalled that Little Brook Farm had been a supplier to the much-missed earlier incarnation of Republic. And BOOM I was captured. What had I been considering before? No matter, forgotten, of zero consequence. I was now ordering this Kitchen Special. And I am so glad I did. It was delicious. The steak was mouthwatering. The fries dipped in the lemon aioli? Heavenly.
In an earlier life I spent significant time in the Netherlands, where I became accustomed to fries (“frietjes”) with mayonnaise (“fritessaus“), much to my surprise and delight. But I did not recognize “gremolata.” (Later I looked it up… “A green sauce made with chopped parsley, lemon zest, and garlic. It is the standard accompaniment to the Lombard braised veal shank dish ossobuco.”) Having at least one menu item unknown to me only enhanced the appeal. Mere sustenance with no adventure makes for a boring meal. And this was an adventure of the best kind, with the happiest outcome.
When I was done, the only thing left on my plate was a small slick oily spot. Damn, it was good.
Luckily I had about half of my beer left. So I got to relax and digest as I slowly finished the beer. It was also delicious. I asked the server if it was available in cans yet. He said no, but he would not be surprised if that happened soon. I for one look forward to that.
Just the Facts
Republic Brewing Company is located at…
72 Old Granite Street,
Manchester, NH
Phone: (603) 836-3188
Parking Options:
Street spaces are limited. Hometown Coffee Roasters, just to the west, allows parking in their spaces. Also consider…
Center of NH Parking Garage
65 Granite St, Manchester, NH 03101
SNHU Millard Parking garage
75 South Commercial Street, Manchester, NH 03101
Or ride your bike, and park it on their wall!
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Hours:
Wed: 3 – 8:30 p.m.
Thu: 3 – 9 p.m.
Fri: 1 – 9 p.m.
Sat: Noon – 9 p.m.
Sun: Noon – 8 p.m.
Kitchen will close 30 minutes before doors.
Unfortunately, only dogs recognized as service animals under titles II and III of the Americans with Disabilities Act, trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with disabilities, are allowed.
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