Fish and chips favorites haven't changed much, but price points have

Craving fish and chips, so where do you go?

I’ve done past stories about how fish and chips is a long-standing Catholic tradition of not eating meat on Fridays during Lent, substituting fish instead. I looked back on one T&G story, where I listed city places such as the Sole Proprietor, the Boynton, Quinn’s Irish Pub or Herbies as popular spots. Ronnie’s in Auburn, a seasonal haunt, is out since it’s permanently closed. However, there has been no mention of Ronnie’s in Charlton (different business owner) since the Facebook posting about the closure in Auburn.

When I’m out and about, I often hear diners’ updates on restaurants and the higher costs for food on local menus. I sometimes wonder if they shop for groceries. Whether retail or wholesale, food costs have increased.

Let’s talk fish and chips. On the West Side of the city, “fish n chips” is promoted as a $9.99 Friday special, all day, dine-in only. Take-out for fish and chips at a nearby deli is in the $14 price range.

Patti J. Foley, who operates Foley & Son Fish and Chips, 274 Plantation St., Worcester, a family business started by her mother, the late Evelyn Foley, in 1967, says she charges $12 for an order of fish and chips. “I remember when we charged $6,” said Foley, who has used her mom’s recipes for seafood since taking over the business in 1996. For fish and chips, Foley uses cod, dipping it into a wet batter before being fried. She makes coleslaw and tartar sauce served with seafood. The business opens from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays. Cash only.

Craving fish and chips, I recently headed out of the city for a seafood fix. At a popular bar and grille, I opted for fried haddock, served on top of fries and onion rings. Coleslaw and tartar sauce were on the side. The presentation was great. Crispy batter and tender, flaky fish. Chips and onion rings were soggy and almost room temperature. Price, $14.95.

OK, I’ve always leaned more toward a fish (haddock or cod) with a crispy batter and non-greasy fries. Win some, lose some.

Thinking back, the best fish and chips I had this year was early in January when Worcester Restaurant Group offered $10 specials (dine-in only) at the Sole Proprietor and VIA Italian Table. It reportedly was one of the most successful promotions WRG has ever held.

At the Sole, I had the $10 fish and chips special, a generous portion of fried food, perfectly prepared. I lost count of how many orders passed by our table. Early afternoon, it was a packed house.

We all have personal tastes and preferences when it comes to food. Fish and chips are no longer just for the Lenten season. It’s an entrée or special you can find year-round at pubs, pizza spots, restaurants and cafes.

Just remember that all fish are not created equal. And, price points for fish and chips vary significantly.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Table Hoppin': Finding a good place for fish and chips for Lent