Being from ye olde merry England I really appreciate how much more awesome my life here in Oz is. But there is one thing that Australia just can't get right; fish and chips! Who would have thought this country with all the blue stuff around it and an apparent love affair with seafood would struggle with such a simple dish? The fish must be freshly battered and crisp. The chips must be fresh, not frozen and certainly not processed! Yet time and again I get soggy batter, overcooked fish, and chips that don't even deserve to be called chips. 'Geriatric mash' might be a better name.So when I heard that Merivale's own Brit Jeremy Strode was opening up The Fish Shop in Potts Point I got a little excited. I grabbed me a Brit and a Scot and went for a gander.
The Fish Shop is set up 'canteen' style with high tables and bar stools scattered throughout the decent space. Small touches like mismatched furniture, stained glass inserts and wooden panelling give this place the aura of your favourite summer holiday fish shop down the south coast. The kitchen is open, with four bar stools a little invasively placed along one counter overlooking the kitchen. The bar is nestled up the back. Menus come as mini newspapers with fun factoids. For example did you know that a scallop has hundreds of eyes, all of which are blue? Might have to google that one.
We start with potato scallops and some natural oysters. The oyster are fresh and the potato scallop isn't processed! Generous slatherings of salt and Satchwell's vinegar make this the best potato scallop I have had in years. This bodes well. Now for the mains. Specials are scrawled on the blackboard. I decide grilled kingfish is just the thing, while the odd couple go for classic battered fish.The fish and chips are divine. The right amount of crisp, golden batter encapsulates lovely delicate whitehead fillets. The tartare is homemade, the chunks are identifiable. Oohh gherkin, capers. And the chips, bless me the chips. Fresh!
My kingfish arrives with crispy skin and a lemony rocket salad. It is a simple composition that highlights what an awesome fish that kingfish is. Oh thankyou humble kingfish for being so very delicious. Given the prices I'm very happy with the portion sizes. No main is over $30 (though I'm sure adding lobster or crab to the specials menu would change that!).
I have a gin and rhubarb cocktail for desert (alco) though I am tempted by the ice cream sandwich on offer. I'll save that one for next time I reckon. Though Time Out just did a write up so heaven knows if ill be able get a seat there anytime soon. Can we get a poms seated first policy happening? I'm hooked!
http://merivale.com.au/thefishshop/
The Fish Shop is set up 'canteen' style with high tables and bar stools scattered throughout the decent space. Small touches like mismatched furniture, stained glass inserts and wooden panelling give this place the aura of your favourite summer holiday fish shop down the south coast. The kitchen is open, with four bar stools a little invasively placed along one counter overlooking the kitchen. The bar is nestled up the back. Menus come as mini newspapers with fun factoids. For example did you know that a scallop has hundreds of eyes, all of which are blue? Might have to google that one.
We start with potato scallops and some natural oysters. The oyster are fresh and the potato scallop isn't processed! Generous slatherings of salt and Satchwell's vinegar make this the best potato scallop I have had in years. This bodes well. Now for the mains. Specials are scrawled on the blackboard. I decide grilled kingfish is just the thing, while the odd couple go for classic battered fish.The fish and chips are divine. The right amount of crisp, golden batter encapsulates lovely delicate whitehead fillets. The tartare is homemade, the chunks are identifiable. Oohh gherkin, capers. And the chips, bless me the chips. Fresh!
My kingfish arrives with crispy skin and a lemony rocket salad. It is a simple composition that highlights what an awesome fish that kingfish is. Oh thankyou humble kingfish for being so very delicious. Given the prices I'm very happy with the portion sizes. No main is over $30 (though I'm sure adding lobster or crab to the specials menu would change that!).
I have a gin and rhubarb cocktail for desert (alco) though I am tempted by the ice cream sandwich on offer. I'll save that one for next time I reckon. Though Time Out just did a write up so heaven knows if ill be able get a seat there anytime soon. Can we get a poms seated first policy happening? I'm hooked!
http://merivale.com.au/thefishshop/
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