Ode to Chip Shop

Last night I went for drinks with some friends, and we reached that inevitable point in the evening where you either MUST get something to eat, or you'll be one of those embarrassing drunk people who can't handle their liquor. Right next door (and don't fret, there are two locations in Brooklyn), there was a place that I had heard of, but never ventured into: Chip Shop.

Let me explain why I was only aware of Chip Shop, but not a customer. Chip Shop sounds like some British spot and I think we can all agree the Brits aren't known for their stellar cuisine. I remember early in my career being in London for meetings and being so busy I hadn't eaten, and being on the verge of passing out from hunger but being unable to eat the gross stuffs that pass for food in London. Boiled what???

Don't let the name fool you. While Chip Shop does have a decidedly British vibe (pubby atmosphere, UK flags everywhere, Beatles paraphernalia covering every surface) the cuisine can best be described as "fried".

That's it.

And when was the last time you had something fried that wasn't wonderful, a gift? Lest you think I am making much ado about nothing, let me give you an idea of what "fried" entails as a cuisine and why I am so enamored of it.

Deep Fried Pizza
Fried Macaroni (can be had with or without meat, but why would you have it without?)
all manner of Fried Fish
Fried Chicken, in finger form
Deep Fried Burger

And if you want dessert, and you should, you have your choice of fried delights like banana chocolate sauce and candy bars like Twix, Mars or Snickers. Yes, they're all fried. And until Mayor Bloomberg, he of the city-imposed health mandates, banned trans fats, they offered a TWICE fried cherry pie.

My current plan is to sell my apartment and use the proceeds to purchase fried food from Chip Shop until it kills me. Oh yeah, we're in a contraction/recession/depression and I can't sell my apartment. All the more reason I need some fried relief.