Try fish and chips on this side of the pond.
Find U.K.’s iconic takeout food right here in the city
Chief among guilty pleasures is fish and chips. But a good combo — with a batter that’s thick, but not too thick, and chips that are crisp without being pushy about it — can be hard to find.
Here are three places to sample this lip-smacking tribute to the United Kingdom. Sir Winston’s Fish and Chips; 10505 51st Ave.; 780-430-7170
The atmosphere at Winston’s is cheerful and decidedly British with soccer paraphernalia and signature tea towels on the bright blue walls. The batter is tempura-esque, quite crispy on the outside, but with a softer underside that seems to pillow the fish. Try a sharp shake of malt vinegar with your chips. L1 Fantasyland Hotel West Edmonton Mall
Nothing like a hot and crispy indulgence after a tough day of shopping. There is only one kind of fish at L1, cod, but it is swathed in a homemade beer batter for $14. Bonus: a chic lounge atmosphere and table service to boot. Brits Fish and Chips; 6940 77th St.; 780-485-1797 Downtown location: 11603 104th Ave.; 780-452-7000
I visited the downtown location, which has an authentic British feel with a front door that mimics the beloved red phone booth. You order at the counter, and a server brings the food out later. Brits has a huge variety of fish on the menu — from cod to haddock to halibut to turbot, plus some types of fish typically associated with Britain, such as skatewing, hake and huss.
If you like crisp batter, Brits is the spot for you. Guinness and Boddingtons are on tap, and the menu is studded with traditional sides, including mushy peas, battered sausage, and haggis.