Back when I was in elementary school, I used to go shopping with my mom and the highlight was always sitting down to lunch. There was a spot in South Coast Plaza called the Back Bay Rowing & Running Club. I loved everything about that restaurant. I loved the oars hanging on the walls, the food and most importantly the time with my mom. We were just talking about the restaurant the other day and how we would always split the Back Bay Potatoes. The restaurant closed years ago and while this is not the exact recipe from the restaurant, I have spent a lot of time perfecting these yummy carbs. Here is my version of the Back Bay Potatoes.
We typically don’t eat a ton of potatoes (or many carbs) around here so when we do, we go big! These are seriously so delicious and always take me back to those lunches with my sweet mom.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag small yellow or red potatoes
- 1 small onion
- 2 slices bacon
- garlic infused olive oil (or regular )
- jack cheese
- salt and pepper
- 21 Seasoning Salute (Trader Joe’s)
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375. Wash and dry the potatoes and cut in half (if some are particularly large, cut them in to 4 pieces). Place on a baking sheet lined with foil. Drizzle olive oil over top and then mix them all around to coat. Sprinkle with 21 Seasoning Salute* and bake for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, flip the potatoes and bake 20 more minutes.
While potatoes are baking, heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a saute pan. Dice half of an onion and add to the pan. Saute for 5-6 minutes. Add bacon and cook until almost crisp. Remove and cut into small pieces. Place onions and bacon in a small bowl and set aside. Grate enough cheese to cover potatoes.
When potatoes are cooked, empty immediately into a bowl and toss with onions, bacon and cheese. The heat from the potatoes will melt the cheese. Serve immediately or keep warm until served.
*If you don’t have that seasoning, sprinkle with oregano, garlic, and celery salt. I highly recommend having 21 Salute on hand if it’s available to you. A 2-pack is linked above. This is what I use daily on my avocado toast. Sooooo good!!!
While these may be a splurge they are well worth it. I love the way the smell and taste of food can trigger such great memories. Let me know if you try them. I served them alongside tilapia and steamed broccoli. Without a doubt, they are great with anything. Enjoy!
More Scrumptious Dishes
Classic Chicken and Dumplings Soup
Chicken & Vegetable Lettuce Wraps
I remember that restaurant! These look delish, I’m going to try them soon!
You remember!!! I love that so much. I so wish I could walk back in there with my mom one more time. It was a good one and so many memories there. Let me know if you do give them a try!
Have a great rest of your week.
Looks so yummy!! I need to make these Chelsea @ http://thewilliamsjourney1.blogspot.com
I’ve followed you for years and never commented but had to today. This was my absolute favorite meal for years. Growing up I loved going there and when I was home from college, a shopping trip to South Coast plaza and my favorite potatoes was always on the list. I was so sad when it closed. I’ve always loved seeing snippets of home (CdM) in your photo shoots and have tried some restaurants when we are home visiting but this just made my heart so happy. My parents are visiting and this recipe is going to be on the list of things to make. Thank you!
Oh, Allison! I love it. I am so happy you took the time to comment so I could hear this story. Isn’t it crazy how food can stir up all of those memories. I hope you end up trying them and let me know. I am sure they won’t be exactly like Back Bay but they come pretty darn close. Enjoy the visit with your parents. Happy Friday!
I’m a long time reader, first time commenting. My family LOVED this restaurant. I have such fond memories of going there yearly on the day after Thanksgiving. It was our lunch time break tradition. We were sooo sad to learn it has closed. They had this amazing turkey sandwich with avocado on sqaw bread. And we loved the potatoes too! Thanks for stirring up old memories.
Oh. My. Goodnesss. How did I forget about the turkey and avocado on sqaw? That is what my mom and I would split along with the pototaoes. I LOVED that sandwich. Thank you for jogging my memory. I love that you went there the day after Thanksgiving. Such a fun tradition. So sad it’s gone but love that we can share the fond memories. Thanks for taking a moment to comment. xo
I love how food can bring back such good memories. These sound delicious!
I too loved Back Bay!!! I have similar fond memories shopping with my mom and sister! I’m sad SCP doesn’t have many of these casual and fairly quick places to eat anymore. I also loved 24 Carrots and the soup place, Salmagundi, for an even quicker meal when time was of the essence!!
Thank you for the walk down memory lane… Loved that restaurant & time w mom & that turkey on squaw!!
Sweet post, Courtney- something extra special about reading a blog from the area you live in.
Hey Courtney! I Love when you throw a great go-to recipe on your blog! A dinner party must-have now for me is your nod to the Zucchini Boats! YUM! A little adjustment I would make to the above recipe is to cook the bacon first, omit the oil and cook onion in the bacon renderings. “BACON OIL”…doesn’t get much better than that! XO
Hi Courtney! Just wanted to let you know that I tried your bay bay potatoes and it was so delicious! We will definitely be having them often. Thanks for sharing this great recipe.