As a citizen of the London Borough of Barnet, there is one culinary delight that I can honestly say we are spoiled for. Even better, it is one which I absolutely love. I am talking about Fish and Chips. When we talk about proper British cuisine, we think of three things. A Sunday Roast, A full English Brekkie and Fish and Chips. In my house, growing up as a Roman Catholic, Friday was fish and chips day. My fish of choice was Plaice. In our bit of London, we didn't have mushy peas, that was a northern thing. We'd have pickled onions and gherkins. Dad would buy it, so he'd always ensure the portions were massive. Mum was always more frugal with her portions, and fish and chips meant it was the weekend, so I loved every aspect of the dish. Back in those days, there were three chippies we'd use. The King Neptune at The Green Man, Salcolme Gardens (Now called Frydays and locally known as Nicks) and the one on Deansbrook parade. Dad would go through spells of each. All were customers of his, but his preferred one was The Neptune, which later became The King Neptune. He liked this as he'd put his order in, nip over the road to the pub, have a beer and then collect dinner. He'd tell them not to rush. Mum would always moan about how long it took, Dad would blame their 'terrible service'. On occasion, he'd have two or three pints and forget, and the food would be cold. Mum would be outraged and insist that he used another one for a few weeks. I always assumed that Mum didn't know what Dad was up to as a kid. Now I realise she knew full well, but it was all part of that game we call marriage. If I was lucky, Dad would take me, he'd buy me a lemonade and we'd sit in the garden of The Railway Tavern. Sometimes, I'd sit there on my own, whilst he chatted inside to a mate. I didn't mind. I was always warned "Don't tell your mother".
Fish and chips was the one food that I always associated with takeaways. It also was a food I assciated with fun. We'd go to the seaside and have fish and chips. Sitting on the beach, with fish and chips and a bag of pop was one of my best childhood memories. It didn't really ever occur to me that you'd eat fish and chips in a restaurant. Of course, fish and chips became a staple of pub food, but it wasn't 'proper'. The fish was always a bit dry, the chips not properly cooked and some don't even have malt vinegar. How hard is it. In the 1980's a wonderful fish and chip restaurant opened in Mill Hill Broadway. It was called La Carp D'ora. It immediately became my mum's favourite restaurant, where we'd eat out when she wanted 'dinner out'. They even got a supply of Guinness in for her. It was the best fish and chips I'd ever had. One of my best mate's girlfriends worked there, which was even better. We got star treatment.
It closed around twenty years ago. Several restaurants have come and gone. It is currently a Pizza place. It is a shame. I've rarely eaten fish and chips out since. Last Saturday, we were going to a gig in Barnet, so we went for fish and chips at Fresh Fry in Barnet, by the Everyman cinema. It was wonderful. Excellent fish and chips, massive portions and reasonably priced drinks. I'd highly recommend it. We usually have a fish and chips takeaway once or twice a month. Frydays (Nicks) are currently our choice, although this is as much because I pass it on the way back from the gym at Mill Hill East (yes I know....). We also regulalrly use Booba's and The King Neptune, when it is convenient. Both are good. I will be visiting the Neptune soon, but this is to try their new range of pie and mash!
On our visit to Fresh Fry, I actually realised that it is nice to eat fish and chips in a restaurant. Not only that, but at £25 for dinner inc a glass or two of wine, it is great value. I think it needs to be done far more regularly. Any suggestions......
