Taco ’bout a comeback

Find tacos savory and sweet in downtown Manchester

After being shelved in both 2020 and 2021, Taco Tour is back — the Greater Manchester Chamber is reviving the event, which will return on Thursday, May 5.

Initial talks to bring Taco Tour back in 2022 took place relatively quickly, according to Cole Riel, member engagement coordinator for the Chamber. Since around early February of this year, the Chamber has been working closely on the logistics of the event with the City of Manchester’s Economic Development Department, as well as with Mayor Joyce Craig’s office.

“Since last year, we’ve been asked about Taco Tour … and I think there’s been a little community murmur happening almost daily,” Riel said. “We actually had some past sponsors of the event reach out early on, and without that, I really don’t think it would’ve been possible, just to have that early support of saying, ‘OK, if it happens, we’ll be in.’ So it’s really exciting to see and to be able to have that, because it’s not an easy or cheap event to pull off.”

Hippo founded the event and ran it for its first eight years before handing over the reins to the now-dissolved Intown Manchester in 2019. Previous turnouts had reported upward of 30,000 attendees, but Taco Tour, like just about every other large-scale event, has fallen victim to pandemic-era cancellations ever since then.

But despite its three-year hiatus, support for and anticipation of the event have not gone away. This year’s Taco Tour has more than 60 participants, among the largest roster of taco vendors yet. They’ll be set up all along Elm Street, which will be closed to vehicular traffic between Bridge and Granite streets likely starting an hour before and for the duration of the event.

No price of admission is required — just come down to Elm Street any time during the event’s four-hour period and get as many tacos as you can eat for $3 apiece. Hanover Street and some other neighboring side streets will also be closed, and a few food trucks join in the fun as well — they’ll be stationed just outside Veterans Memorial Park nearby, Riel said.

Since the event hasn’t taken place in three years, there is a large number of Taco Tour newcomers, and part of the fun is that there are all kinds of non-traditional creations to discover.

Presto Craft Kitchen will be set up in front of Gentle Dental with a meatball Parm taco, featuring a garlic bread tortilla with hand-rolled beef meatballs, a whipped ricotta crema and a pesto Parm crunch. Industry East Bar on Hanover Street is planning to serve a loaded twice-baked potato taco, and Osaka Japanese Restaurant, which just opened its doors in December, will have a spicy crab sushi roll with cucumber and avocado, wrapped in nori seaweed.

“There are some people who haven’t come back downtown since Covid … and they may not even know which restaurants are still here that were here before,” Riel said. “So we’re inviting them back downtown … and they’re going to discover things that are new here too. That’s been really exciting for us, to be able to put the spotlight on some of those businesses.”

There will be a fair share of vegan and vegetarian options, too. The Sleazy Vegan, for instance, is a new plant-based ghost kitchen that’s planning to serve jackfruit tacos with a mango-jalapeño salsa. They’ll be set up at To Share Brewing Co. on Union Street.

The tacos aren’t just savory, either. Much like during previous years, you’ll encounter all kinds of “dessert tacos” and other sweeter items as well. Wild Orchid Bakery will be serving a drunken pineapple upside-down taco, The Smoothie Bus will have fruit tacos on a sugar cookie topped with chocolate sauce and whipped cream, and Granite State Candy Shoppe has a horchata ice cream option, featuring creamy frozen rice pudding with a hint of cinnamon.

A map of all of the participating businesses, which will also include details on their respective tacos, will be available to download at the event’s website. Outside of Elm Street and the surrounding streets, the Currier Museum of Art and the New Hampshire Fisher Cats will have taco celebrations of their own. Taco lovers can also go to the website to vote for their favorite option — the business that receives the most votes will get $1,000 to give to a nonprofit of their choice, as well as a special “taco trophy” designed by Manchester Makerspace.

“It’s going to be something hopefully that folks can put behind a bar and then all year long people can walk into that establishment, see the trophy back there, and be like ‘What the heck is that?’ Riel said. “This is a destination for a lot of people, and we really want [Taco Tour] to serve as that invitation to come back downtown and see what Manchester has going on.”

Taco Tour Manchester
When: Thursday, May 5, 4 to 8 p.m.
Where: Participating businesses stationed on Elm Street, various side streets in downtown Manchester and at the Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St.) and Northeast Delta Dental Stadium (1 Line Drive)
Cost: $3 per taco (cash only)
Visit: tacotourmanchester.com
Event is rain or shine. Elm Street will be shut down to vehicular traffic from Bridge to Granite streets for the duration of the event, as well as on a few side streets.

Featured photo: Courtesy photo.

Eats on wheels

Food truck festival returns to Hampstead

More than a half dozen local food trucks serving all kinds of unique menu items will return to Hampstead Congregational Church for the second annual Hampstead Eats food truck festival, happening on Saturday, April 30. The event also features live local music and a food drive to support the New Hampshire Food Bank.

Event coordinator Roxanne McGaffigan said attendees ages 5 and up pay an admission fee to gain access to the trucks, with food selections then priced per item. The festival started in part as a fundraiser for the renovation and upkeep of the town’s Congregational Church. A small portion of the proceeds generated from ticket sales are also donated to the Food Bank.

“The trucks are out along the church driveway. … We’re going to have a few less tables, so that the trucks will be spread out a little bit more,” McGaffigan said. “There is some parking behind the church … and then there’s also parking on School Street, which is just a few houses over.”

Six of the eight featured trucks attended last year’s festival, but their menu concepts are all very diverse. Chef Koz’s Crescent City Kitchen, which offers scratch-made Cajun, Creole and Caribbean-inspired items like chicken jambalaya and fish tacos, is back this year. Boogalow’s Island BBQ and The Whoop(ie) Wagon are also both returning — the former offers Jamaican-inspired options like jerk pork and chicken, while the latter, hailing from just over the state border in Topsfield, Mass., is known for its creative takes on whoopie pie flavors.

The Traveling Foodie, a late addition to last year’s festival lineup, is also back. One of their signature items, simply called “Love in a Cup,” is a layered barbecue dish featuring pulled pork, macaroni and cheese, collard greens, coleslaw, cheese, sour cream and cornbread all in one cup.

Newcomers of this year’s Hampstead Eats are B’s Tacos, which has a year-round brick-and-mortar restaurant in Manchester and a seasonal spot in Londonderry; and Pat’s Cider Donuts, a longtime vendor at the Deerfield Fair. This will be the Pat’s first public event of 2022.

Kona Ice, which offers multiple flavors of tropical-themed shaved ice, will be providing free cup upgrades for those who bring a nonperishable item to donate to the Food Bank, McGaffigan said.

Lots of open grass will be available nearby for festival-goers to bring blankets or chairs and enjoy the live performances, which will include the Space Heaters, the Sons of the Solstice and members of Let’s Play Music.

Participating vendors

B’s Tacos (nhtacotruck.com)
Boogalow’s Island BBQ (boogalowsbbq.com)
Chef Koz’s Crescent City Kitchen (find them on Facebook @crescentcitykitchennh)
Chubb’s Fries & Dough (find them on Facebook @eddiemencis)
Kona Ice (kona-ice.com)
Pat’s Cider Donuts (patsciderdonuts.com)
The Traveling Foodie (jrmcateringllc.com)
The Whoo(pie) Wagon (thewhoopiewagon.com)

2nd annual Hampstead Eats food truck festival
When: Saturday, April 30, noon to 5 p.m.
Where: Hampstead Congregational Church, 61 Main St., Hampstead
Hours: $5 admission fee for ages 5 and up (cash or check only); foods are priced per item
More info: Search “Hampstead Eats” on Facebook, or call the church office at 329-6985
Event is rain or shine.

Featured photo: Scenes from last year’s Hampstead Eats food truck festival. Courtesy photos.

The Weekly Dish 22/04/28

News from the local food scene

• Greek eats to go: There’s still time to get your order in for the Greek food festival pop-up event at St. Philip Greek Orthodox Church (500 W. Hollis St., Nashua) — online orders are being accepted now through April 30, with pickups on Saturday, May 14, normally the church’s festival weekend. Featured items include pastitsio (Greek lasagna), keftedes (Greek meatballs) and spanakopita (spinach pie), which can all be ordered as dinners with rice and Greek string beans baked in a tomato sauce. Those same dinner-sized portions can also be ordered a la carte, as well as the church’s own freshly baked baklava — that comes in a pack of four per order. Visit nashuagreekfestival.com to order, where you’ll choose a pickup time between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. For more details, check out our story on the event, which is on page 25 of the April 21 issue of the Hippo. Visit issuu.com/hippopress to download the e-edition for free.

• Cajun flavors: Join the Franco-American Centre for a special Cajun Night, happening on Saturday, April 30, at 6 p.m. at the Alpine Club (175 Putnam St., Manchester). In addition to a variety of Cajun options served buffet style, the event will feature a cash bar, door prizes, games, karaoke and more. Admission is $20 for Franco-American Centre members and $25 for non-members. The Franco-American Centre’s inaugural Franco Foods Fleur Délices challenge, held earlier this month, was a success and will likely return next year, according to event organizer and office manager Nathalie Hirte. Visit facnh.com.

• African celebrations: Save the date for a Taste of Africa event being held at Mola Foods (9 Simon St., Nashua) on Friday, May 6, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The event was added due to the high demand and fast sellout of a similar tasting held on April 22, according to a press release. Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of traditional meat and vegan dishes hailing from different parts of Africa, in addition to wines from Averill House Vineyard in Brookline and live music from Les Blazeurs. “The response to Taste of Africa has been wonderful, so that’s why I’m hosting another one,” Mola Foods founder and Cameroon native LaFortune Jeannette Djabea said in a statement. “This is a chance to experience African cuisine and culture in a comfortable, cozy environment.” Tickets to the event are $40 per person. Visit molafoods.com.

• A bittersweet farewell: After nearly three decades in business, Manchester’s Candy Kingdom will permanently close its doors on Saturday, April 30, as owners Phyllis and Richard Capers get set to retire, according to a notice on the shop’s website and Facebook page. “There are no words to express our gratitude to all of our past employees, friends and customers who helped make this dream come true,” the post reads in part. “You have given us so many wonderful friendships and memories that we will take with us always.” Now through their final day open, Candy Kingdom will be offering 50 percent off its entire inventory. Visit candykingdom.shop.

On The Job – Michelle ‘Mo’ Wheeler

Michelle ‘Mo’ Wheeler

Clothing designer

Michelle “Mo” Wheeler of Merrimack is the founder, CEO and designer of Doublesolid Apparel, an online clothing store with designs that encourage conversation about mental health. A portion of all Doublesolid’s sales is donated to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) New Hampshire and other mental health organizations.

Explain your job and what it entails.

My husband often collaborates with me on the artwork, but I’m responsible for everything else, from designing products, updating the website, marketing, budgeting, SEO and everything in between. … Our designs are mainly inspired by my mental health journey, what I’ve seen, what I’ve felt and what I’ve learned while trying to live a balanced life with bipolar disorder, ADHD, PTSD and conversion disorder diagnosis. Our designs are intentionally bold to instigate conversation, because the stigma of mental illness keeps many of us sick and often unable to access the care we desperately need. Talking about mental illness can literally save a life; it’s definitely saved mine. As a rape survivor and a suicide attempt survivor, I want to reach as many people with my story as possible, because we’re not alone … and when we feel connected, we feel better.

What led you to this career field?

I’ve been working since I was 13. I’ve always loved to work, but over the years, my mental struggles have made it tougher to maintain employment. I began experiencing seizures and other physical ailments, which also made stress-relief difficult. I was an active triathlete, but that, too, had to change. I knew I had to feel like an active member of the community, so I combined my work as a mental health advocate and my work experience into the idea for Doublesolid Apparel and voila — I’m creating, networking and benefitting the community.

What kind of education or training did you need?

I have a degree in psychology and a certificate in photography … but none of that was required to do what I’m doing now. I’ve built up skills from the many different jobs and training I’ve had throughout life, and I figured out a way to do what I wanted to do, at my age, without starting all over again.

What is your typical at-work uniform or attire?

It could be sweats, pajamas or a polka dot skirt with fishnets and my Doublesolid favorites. It depends what I’m doing. If I’m in a meeting, that’s one type of outfit. If I’m at home designing, that’s another.

What do you wish you’d known at the beginning of your career?

Patience with myself. I want to learn everything right now, and that’s impossible. I keep learning, and I’ll keep making mistakes, but that’s all part of creating something. The symptoms of my mental illness cause me to question myself constantly and feel less-than and unworthy. Having patience with myself is crucial to my success as an entrepreneur, and that’s a hard thing to accept and learn.

What do you wish other people knew about your job?

It’s tough for me to do this as I never feel adequate. It may not seem like much, but for me to take something I created and put it in front of others scares me something silly. Nevertheless, I put my heart and soul into it all, so having anyone interested in it is mindblowing,.

What was the first job you ever had?

I can’t remember if it was cleaning rooms at the Abbot Inn or [working at] Dunkin’ Donuts in Hudson. Regardless, it was back in the days of aluminum ashtrays … and me having to wear a terrible uniform made of polyester and sandpaper.

What is the best piece of work-related advice you’ve ever received?

My husband, Chad, my biggest supporter and the other half of Doublesolid’s design team, constantly reminds me that I can do whatever I set my mind to. Having that support helps to keep me going and reaching beyond the stars.

Five favorites

Favorite book: The Grapes of Wrath
Favorite movie: The Nightmare Before Christmas
Favorite music: Elvis Presley and Sex Pistols
Favorite food: Italian
Favorite thing about NH: Its peacefulness and beauty

Featured photo: Michelle ‘Mo’ Wheeler. Courtesy photo.

Kiddie Pool 22/04/28

Family fun for the weekend

Family chickens

Learn all about the care and keeping of backyard chickens at the Beaver Brook Association’s Maple Hill Farm (117 Ridge Road in Hollis; beaverbrook.org, 465-7787) on Friday, April 29, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. The cost is $25 per person (children are free but need to be registered in advance).

When the chicken class is done, stay for a hike. Find hiking trail maps and a guide to early spring flowers on the Association’s website.

Take them out to the ball game

The New Hampshire Fisher Cats continue their run of home games at Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in downtown Manchester against the Reading Fightin’ Phils through Sunday, May 1. Games through Saturday, April 30, start at 6:30 p.m.; the Sunday, May 1, game starts at 1:35 p.m. See milb.com/new-hampshire for tickets and the lineup of promotions such as the pop-it giveaway (Friday, April 29) and Princesses at the Park (on Sunday, May 1).

Kids on stage

The Palace Youth Theatre presents its production of 101 Dalmatians Kids on Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m. at the Palace Theatre (80 Hanover St. in Manchester; palacetheatre.org). Tickets cost $15 for adults, $12 for kids.

A week of storytimes

• Bookery Manchester (844 Elm St. in downtown Manchester; bookerymht.com) finishes up its vacation week schedule of daily storytimes. Register online; storytimes are free, crafts cost $10. On Thursday, April 28, at 10 a.m. the story will be Ada and the Galaxies and the craft will be a galaxy jar. On Friday, April 29, at 10 a.m. the storytime will focus on Ralph Baer, the Manchester-based father of video games, with the book The Boy Who Thought Outside the Box.

Vacation days outings

• Squam Lakes Natural Science Center (23 Science Center Road in Holderness; nhnature.org, 968-7194) opens its public trails season on Sunday, May 1, with regular daily hours from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last trail admission at 3:30 p.m.). The three-quarters of a mile live animal exhibit trail features coyote, fisher, foxes, bobcats, black bear, river otters, deer, owls, raptors and more, according to the press release, which recommends planning a two-and-a-half-hour visit to walk the trail, which winds through meadows, forests and march boardwalks. Admission costs $22 for adults, $20 for ages 65+, $16 for ages 3 to 15 and is free for children 2 and under.

• The Aviation Museum of New Hampshire (27 Navigator Road in Londonderry; aviationmuseumofnh.org) is regularly open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. This week the museum will also be open Thursday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission costs $10 for 13 and over and $5 for 65+, children ages 6 to 12 and active military and veterans. Children 5 and under get in free and the family maximum is $30.

• The Currier Museum of Art (150 Ash St. in Manchester; currier.org) is open Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Fridays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m., admission is free as part of the Art After Work programming, when the museum features live music, tours and live music: This week, Old Tom and the Lookouts is slated to perform on April 28. Otherwise, admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for 65+, $10 for students and $5 for ages 13 to 17 (children under 13 get in free).

• The Children’s Museum of New Hampshire (2 Washington St. in Dover; childrens-museum.org, 742-2002) is open Tuesdays through Sundays, with sessions from 9 a.m. to noon all six days as well as from 1 to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Admission costs $11 per person, $9 for 65+ (no charge for children under 1). (The museum has mask-required and mask-optional sessions; see the website for details.)

This week’s lineup of activities includes World Culture Thursday, when the museum features a craft or other activity celebrating a different culture around the world. On Science Fridays, kids can participate in messy experiments and activities that demonstrate a scientific concept, according to the website. These programs are part of regular admission. As of April 25, there was still availability for the 2 p.m. programs.

• The SEE Science Center (200 Bedford St. in Manchester; see-sciencecenter.org, 669-0400) is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Purchase reservations in advance via the website (masks are required for all visitors age 2 and up); admission costs $10 per person ages 3 and up.

• The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center (2 Institute Drive in Concord; starhop.com, 271-7827) is open daily through Sunday, May 1, from 10:30 a.m. through 4 p.m. There will be four planetarium shows daily, according to the website, which recommends purchasing timed tickets in advance. Admission costs $11.50 for adults, $10.50 for students and seniors and $8.50 for kids ages 3 to 12 (admission is free for children 2 and under; masks required for visitors over the age of 2). Planetarium show tickets cost $5 per person (free for children 2 and under); see the website for the schedule of planetarium shows and for the mask requirements by day.

Save the date: for Dad

The Educational Farm at Joppa Hill (174 Joppa Hill Road in Bedford; theeducationalfarm.org) is holding a Dad & Me Expedition on Saturday, June 18, with start times at 9 a.m., 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. Meet at the farm stand and enjoy an all-ages-friendly walk in the woods, according to the website. The cost is $18 per family.

Treasure Hunt 22/04/28

Dear Donna,

My grandmother took a trip to Europe in 1913, starting in Germany and then going to the Netherlands, France, England and Ireland. She accumulated a number of postcards in the process and I’ve had them for years and am wondering if they have any significant value.

What do you think?

John

Dear John,

Having postcards from Europe is pretty similar to having postcards from the U.S. Most of them are mass-produced (even now) and of significant sites, views, places, historical pieces etc.

I think you should have them looked at just in case. Maybe a few are worth over $10, and rarer ones even more, but most in general are in the $1 range.

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