A jolly good meal

Fried Cod with a load of chips

It isn't fish and chips without some malt vinegar

So good I fell over while trying to take the picture

The Verdict: A good, solid thumbs up. But is that good enough?

Sorry for the delay Uncle Bruce!!

About a month ago my uncle Bruce sent me on a mission to try out a New York fish and chip restaurant featured on the Food Network. I happen to like fish and chips (see the post about the Chip Shop) and was more than happy to accept the mission. The fish and chip place in question is called A Salt & Battery, and is located in a part of Greenwich Village that some people are attempting to call Little Britain.

To be completely honest, Uncle Bruce, I had already eaten at A Salt & Battery. I liked it, but to give a more accurate review I did go back two weeks ago to try it again and take the above pictures. Here is my review:

Authenticity:

I grew up on Skippers and Ivar's fish and chips, and let me tell you, I have no complaints. But it certainly is nice to step inside a fish and chip place manned by our English-speaking friends from across the pond. I think that any fish and chip establish with Brits behind the counter speaks for its authenticity. After all it is traditional English fare.

Food:

I ordered the cod and also asked for a small side of chips and a ginger beer. I was a little concerned abou the batter because I recalled that the last time I was there it didn't stick to my fish. That is very important. This time I was not disappointed--the batter stuck! The crispy piece of cod was placed on top of a nice bed of chips. Real chips, real chunks of potato instead long thin fries.

Before digging in I splashed on the malt vinegar. The first bites were really hot so it was hard to ascertain the flavor at that moment. I did toss a few flecks into the tartar sauce. I am not a fan of tartar sauce, but this was good and tangy. My roommate Angie said it was the best she had ever tried. Once cooled, I ate wholeheartedly. It was good and greasy. I do wish they had seasoned the fish a little bit, however.

The chips were very good. I must say I do like potatoes, especially when fried (and mashed, but that's another story). They weren't as crisp as I was hoping, but fortunately not greasy.

I washed it all down with good ginger beer. The good kind that burns the nose. No, it was not real beer.

Summary

A Salt & Battery is a very small restaurant that maybe sits about six people. Angie and I were very lucky to get a place to sit. The menu offered an assortment of fried fish and seafood, meat pies and British soft drinks and ales. They even had fried candy bars. Next door to A Salt is a British market called Tea & Sympathy where one can stock up on Cadbury, tea and tinned food.

It was really good food, much better than Ivar's. I think you will like it, Uncle Bruce. If you geta chance to come to New York, you will have to eat there.

But how does it compare to Chip Shop? I think I like the Chip Shop a little better. The batter was better and thicker, and not as greasy. The chips were a little crisper. Plus the food was served on actual dishes instead of a disposable basket. However newspaper would be the authentic serving ware, but I guess us American might be a bit squeamish about using newspaper for a plate and napkin. I haven't been back to Chip Shop since early September so I may need to have a refresher meal.

However A Salt & Battery is one 30-minute train ride away, whereas the the Chip Shop is around a 45-minute, 3 train journey. Sometimes convenience wins over for the best fish and chips meal.