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your plaice or mine
Fish and Chips - England's most famous dish

by Chris Cooke

The ecstasy of consumption, in all its many forms and guises, can be captured in one singular, all encompassing experience. I talk not of the delicate white wine sauces of Northern France, nor the truffles and sweet delights of Belgium. Dear reader, I refer to the innumerable pleasures which can be obtained if one is able, and willing, to join the tens of thousands in England who participate in the Friday evening ritual of that grandiose English tradition, namely the Friday night Fish and Chip Dinner.

There are but a few culinary offerings which transgress both class and wealth - and fish and chips is certainly one. It is noted that Her Majesty the Queen is partial to a regular serving of Dover Sole, fresh from the shores of Ireland. One can be fairly sure, however, that this would be presented, not with roughly cut chips fried in thrice used fat, but more likely with sauté potatoes or perhaps even fresh garden peas. Indeed it is fairly certain that she has never eaten in the traditional manner - the common method being direct from an envelope shaped ingeniously from wrapped newspaper, which is invariably one of the 'tabloid' variety.

The robustness and longevity of the fish and chip supper is evident when one considers the demise of many similar foodstuffs laid low by the message for us all to be HEALTHY. The new enemy is now fat, and the armies of the deep fried are no match for the Gods of the Low Cholesterol. However, pockets of resistance remain extant, and the humble chip stands alone in defense of its salt water Monarch, whether it be Cod, Haddock or Plaice. Even surprise attacks from its allies the burger or that most cunning of enemies 'fillet o' fish,' are no match for the masses that assemble on Friday, ready to march from the pan into the mouths of its new hosts.

It is said that when the Ravens fly from the Tower of London, England will be forsaken. Perhaps also the same could said when the final portion of fish and chips is lost to memory.

If you're not in Merrie Olde England, you can make it yourself. Get a recipe for Fish and Chips

inmamaskitchen thanks Chris for this article.
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