The best fry in Vancouver
Posted by Matt SamyciaWood on Monday, July 27th, 2009Tags for this Article: best, Costco, england, fries
I was spoiled as a kid, having grown up in Yorkshire (England) I ate my fair amount of fish and chips (fried in lard for extra flavour). For those not in the know, the English ‘chip’ is like a fatter, more substantial American ‘fry’. Not many people here in Canada sell ‘chips’ as I know them, instead they sell the slim, normally limp and rather pathetic Northern American ‘fry’ which is as pleasurable as a wet handshake or soft tappy tap hug. It wasn’t until the other day that I tried a fry that I have to say was the best I have had in 10 years living in Canada.
Before I say where it was from I have to say I like good food. I have high expectations and enjoy a fancy restaurant. Maybe this is why the fries I had were so good because from where I got them I was not expecting them to be good at all. It is like going to see a movie that has been slated by reviewers, you are expecting a mediocre movie. Your expectations are set low often resulting in a surprisingly enjoyable movie.
The fries were from, wait for it … Costco. Yes, I admit it, I ate there. And they were amazing. They were crispy, fresh out of the oil, and not as limp as other fast food fries. Coupled with hot gravy, I was in fry heaven.
Where do you think the best fries in town are? Maybe we should have a fry off?
Without a doubt I’d say Moderne Burger – they cut the potatoes right before they fry them and I’ve never had them that good!
They make great fries!
OMG…how cute are you! I love that you admit that you have eat Costco fries, makes you human. We have been known to eat the odd hot dog there ourselves.
As for French fries, I have never tried Moderne Burger, but I have had many a fries at Les Faux Bourgeois – they are delicious – plus they come with yummy aioli.
Cafe de Paris used to have the best fries, but the atmosphere is no longer the same since Michel sold it a few years ago.
I used to work at Au Petit Chavignol and I have to say the fries there were the best I have ever had. We used kennebec potatoes, cut, rinsed, soaked overnight, 2.5 minute blanch at 325, followed by a hard fry at 365 degrees. Shortening was the fat we used, something that seemes to keep the fries crispier for longer. I miss the easy access to those little buggers.
I’ve gotta say that the Costco fries have a nice crispy exterior, but the overall taste leaves much to be desired (and for some odd reason my portion always has more than a few transluscent limp ones in it.. time to have a lil chat with Rmd Costco). If you like their fries, you can actually pick up a bag from their freezer aisle and bake them at home (tastes about the same).
Places like Fritz and that fry place on Commercial are overrated. I’m sure Fritz sees more drunk patrons than regular fry lovers?
Feenie’s used to have some marvelous fries. As of late, I did enjoy the ones @ Au Petit Chavignol, as well as Chambar’s. Worst fries: Crab Shack in North Van.
I commented on a fry off in a previous post here. Please bring it on!!
I have to say that I havent tried the costco chips, but if you are from england like myself then you have to go to the three lions cafe on broadway. By far the closest thing to a proper chip in all of Canada! They are perferctly cooked, and they use the right kind of potato what ever it is!? I recomend all but especially fellow expats to go and seek out the lions, its simply a must.
I am in full agreement with Owen on this one – had dinner at Au Petit on Friday and the fries were outstanding…the blue cheese dip doesn’t hurt either. They get my vote for cities best.