‘Dip your pollock in the batter – both sides – and then gently lower it into the oil.’ No, it’s not what you’re thinking. It’s 4.30pm on a quiet Thursday afternoon, and Gallery’s having a fish frying lesson at the brand new Seafish Cafe in Liberty Wharf. We’ve got our battered fillet o’ fish (locally-caught pollock, natch) and it’s bubbling away in the vat of hot beef dripping while chef Roger White keeps a close eye on timings. ‘Two to three minutes max, and then it’s done’ he says over the sizzle of the fryer. We fish it out, literally, with what looks like a giant sieve, and then it’s into the chip-filled Seafish takeaway box – paper of course, no polystyrene here, and ready for a sprinkle of salt-and-vinegar salt before it’s wrapped up. Delicious.
It’s the blanched, twice-fried Maris Piper fluffy-on-the-inside chips and the speciality salts, as well as the sustainable (and often locally-caught) fish cooked to order that are propelling Seafish Cafe up the ranks of Jersey’s favourite fish and chip shops. And although the restaurant and cafe serves ‘premium fish and chips’, you can still pick up a classic corn dog or a battered saveloy to go with your fish supper. Don’t forget to check out the wallpaper while you’re waiting for your fish to fry, it’s full of fish and chip facts you never knew that you never knew.
SEAFISH CAFE, LIBERTY WHARF, ST HELIER
TEL: 510015, WWW.SEAFISHCAFE.COM
TAKEAWAY COD AND CHIPS: £6.50
OPEN: MON-SAT FOR LUNCH 12-2.30PM AND DINNER 5-9.30PM
MON-THURS AND 5-10PM FRI-SAT.
CLOSED SUNDAYS