Fish and Chips: Where best to have them
Fish and chips is basically a British fast food staple. They have been dining on fish and chips as far back as the 1860s where the first fish and chip shop was opened. Many of us wonder why the word “chips” when clearly they should be called ‘fish and fries.” That’s an easy question to answer: the British refer to fries as chips. The word “fries” comes from the French who call it as “pommes frittes” meaning French fries. There is a bit of confusion with this word, I hope you indulge me. In French “pomme” means apple. So why pommes frittes to mean fried potatoes? In French “pomme” means apple but “pomme de terre” means apple of the earth, which is what potatoes are. Don’t ask me why, but this is how it is.
Going back to Fish and Chips, some people believe it is an oxymoron in terms of healthfulness. It is fish, but it is fried. Nutritionists will tell you that fish and chips are far healthier than most take out food such as burgers, pizzas and even barbecue (which we Pinoys so love to munch on). Up until the 1980s fish and chips in the UK were sold wrapped in old newspaper, until it was discovered that newspaper ink was a food contaminant.
In the Philippines, there are a few restaurants that are known to serve good fish and chips. I can name a dozen, but I would like to limit my choices in the Eastwood area. I work in this area and there are days that I wander aimlessly in Eastwood looking for delicious fish and chips. And I have found two stand-outs.
1. Stackers. It is open 24/7 and a blessing for people working the graveyard shift in Eastwood. They serve fish and chips piping hot from the fryer. For people who want sharing portions, there is a full order fish and chips worth P280. For those dining solo, there is the half order worth P165. I usually order the half order because fish and chips are usually very filling. The only setback is the tartar sauce. Tastes like sandwich spread, tangy and all, but it is still a good meal at its price.
2. Rue Bourbon. This is a newly opened restaurant in Eastwood. Most of the time I see this place jampacked with people trying to get drunk in two hours or less. Apparently, their food is as good, if not better, than their liquor. There is a branch of this restaurant in other areas of the Metro, particularly Makati. Entering the restaurant, I discovered how delicious their fish and chips are! Their order of fish and chips cost P350, kinda expensive compared to the Stackers version. However, the taste is better and the service wonderful. It is a must-visit restaurant if you are in the Eastwood area.
Try Chuck’s Grub fish and chips in Rockwell! stall lang siya