So, fish (especially fishy fish) is pretty much my culinary kryptonite. It had been decades since I had been out for "fish and chips". I would rarely try a bite of someone else's order. My response usually ranged from indifference to active dislike. So, when my friends in England suggested fish and chips at Shakey Shakey, my expectations were rather low. Boy, was I ever pleasantly surprised.
Every order here is accompanied by a simple lettuce and parsley salad (nice), tomato and cucumber salad (tasty), and cooked onions in a balsamic and oil sauce with spices (frickin' amazing). We also had some sides that included a mildly spicy sausage, pickled onion, mushy peas, and gherkin. All were good. The chips (fries) were tasty, and there were an abundance of them, but I wish I had asked for them to be cooked extra crispy.
I had a bite of my friend's haddock. It had good flavor and very good texture. My cod, however, was a blank canvas upon which the very essence of "fish-n-chips" was painted in masterful strokes. It was cooked perfectly, with flaky flesh and crispy batter. The favors were mild, yet thoroughly enjoyable. It was served searingly hot from the fryer, and was as close to perfect as this non-fish aficionado could possibly want. I had expected to tolerate this dish, instead it was the best of its kind I have ever enjoyed.
The owner and family were wonderfully friendly. The service was excellent. All this, and pricing that was more than reasonable. read more