After a long morning at work, I’d developed a rather hearty hunger when lunchtime arrived. I decided that this was best assuaged by some traditional deep-fried treats, so took myself up the road to the City Restaurant.
Exterior
I recently sampled pretty decent lunchtime fried goods at the Deep Sea, although that proved to be a little over-filling to become a regular practice.
My heart was set on fish to go with my chips, today, and I had a particular longing for haddock. I have grown very attached to sustainable white fish options like hake and pollock, but the chip shop experience is still defined by haddock, for me.
Fish and chips
The City was packed with sit-in diners, today, but I was immediately served in the takeout line. I’m a devotee of the chippy brown sauce as a one-stop condiment, so had both the battered fish and the golden chips slathered in the stuff.
I toddled back down the road, to set about the business of devouring this most British of delights.
The fish was just as satisfying as I’d hoped. The haddock was its usual meaty self, and the batter was pretty decent. I tore at it in a fairly primitive fashion, shoving morsels faceward with increasing rapidity.
The chips were a solid effort, too. They could have used a little more crispness, here and there, but they were soft and plentiful, so that got two big ticks.
I don’t think either element, or indeed the brown sauce seasoning, really excelled, but I was left full and content, as the last few stray chips were hoovered.
Hopefully, 2013 will hold further and better chip shop experiences. I must make a trip to L’Alba D’Oro, for example. I’d certainly be happy to return to the City Restaurant, as their fish supper was rather good. You should try it, next time you’re in the neighbourhood.
Scores
Blythe scores the City Restaurant
3.5/5 for food
3/5 for presentation
3.5/5 for setting
3.5/5 for service
giving an overall 13.5/20
Today’s quester was: Blythe
I ate: battered haddock and chips
I drank: nowt
I wore: two overcoats
Total bill: £6
