City, Recommended Restaurants - by Allix Geneslaw on Monday, October 20, 2008 7:57 - 4 Comments - 18 views
Entering A Salt & Battery in the West Village, I half-expected (and desperately hoped) to be taken down by the Poppins and ruthlessly mocked by a crowd of burly Cockneys, just like in Arrested Development’s Wee Britain. The atmosphere, which is colored by groups of angry, British construction workers slinging expressions like “bloody Hell” and “‘ello love”, makes the experience, though the crispy fried fish definitely pulls its weight, too. For a fish & chips joint, I’d expect nothing less than this dangerously-close approach to Wee Britain.
The menu features various types of fish to fry, which can be accompanied by sides such as chips, onion rings, potatoes, or baked beans. I ordered a small portion of haddock and chips ($9.50), which was delivered to my spot at the counter with an affectionate “enjoy, my love!” And that I did. The moist, flaky fish is encased by a crunchy crust fried to golden perfection. I sheepishly observed the regulars who liberally sprinkled vinegar onto their fish and followed suit. This seasoning added much-needed tanginess to the meal. Sadly, however, I could do without the chips. They’re more like potato wedges than thin French fries and are a bit limp and flavorless.
I’d recommend coming here for some tender fish and quality time with Mr. F., though I’d be sure watch out for cars driving on the left side of the bloody road. (I vowed to resist the urge to randomly insert the word “bloody” into this post, and I am quite proud that I was able to comply until this point.)
Photo by Allix Geneslaw
4 Comments
Steven Kaplan
Claire, you should have a chat with the owners the next time your in and do a little investigating. It’s cool to know that they are a lot of times out of certain drinks because of trade restrictions imposed by our president. Also you should take the time to go next door to the British goods store and get the full experience that you may have missed out on.
Also, the arrested quotes are awesome! I hope there is a chicken dance reference sometime soon.
Tea and Sympathy is wonderful, but kinda expensive, at least for pub food. But then again, I guess its cheaper here considering the exchange rate? I dunno, it still feels to expensive. Speaking of chippies! There’s also the Chip Shop in Brooklyn (http://www.chipshopnyc.com/). Ooo and also for any NYU in London people, GO to Rock & Sole Plaice in Covent Garden– hands down, best fish and chips I’ve ever had. And for the any more anglo foodie philes, you’re all welcome to my house in NJ to indulge in Beef Wellington’s on Wellington Avenue. Fer serious.
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I love this place but replacing cod with haddock is a gastronomic travesty. Sorry environment… That said, this is one of the few places in the city where you can get an Irn Brew (thought its been out of stock recently) and other good UK drinks like Vimto and Shandy Bass (beer and lemonade yay!) Also get the mushy peas… sounds nasty but chips and peas covered in malt vinegar and salt is a blessing on a shitty day. Sorry you didn’t like chips though, I always thought American french fries are joke to a potatoey chip.