A SIMPLE SEARCH through the street food finder in Manchester produced the barbecue truck worthy of tracking down each time it’s in town. Amidst a bustling convoy of food trucks, each promising a unique culinary adventure, Ray Ray’s Smokehouse stood out with a beacon of tantalizing aromas and a ceaseless tide of satisfied customers. The little chalkboard sign out front gave us our specials of the day. My decision was made within the blink of an eye, and being a massive potato lover, the Monster Fries were my choice of instinct. Waiting for the food only made my tummy rumble more often, as the smells coming from the truck merely foreshadowed the juicy, salty, thick slabs of meat that would come out of it. The Monster Fries were indeed behemoth, a medley of seasoned home fries, my favorite part being the skin-on pieces, smothered in creamy nacho cheese and topped with a triumvirate of succulent meats — pork, chicken, and brisket. To further adorn this dish and add a little something extra, it was chocked full of crispy bacon pieces, fresh chives, jalapeños, pico de gallo, fragrant cilantro, and a packet of cool sour cream for you to add if you want it. As a tiny gift on the side, you can choose your sauce. Since I prefer more of a spice, I decided to go with the hotter version, tangy with a hint of heat. Ray Ray’s Smokehouse taps into a primal instinct that has been ingrained in us since the beginning of time — the irresistible allure of juicy, tender meat, the satiety of biting into it with grease dripping down our chins, and the comforting warmth of a meal that fills not just the stomach, but also the soul. Next time they’re in town, make sure to give them a visit. Your taste buds will thank you. GN
Mary Hazelwood: Transforming Adversity Into Advocacy
Growing up in a world of unpredictability, where stability was a luxury and trust a fragile commodity, was the reality for Mary Hazelwood. As a child, Hazelwood experienced the instability of the...
