Peachy Picks A Salt & Battery Our Coverage Sponsored by Stribling and Associates
Nicky Perry, Owner of A Salt & Battery in front of her portrait
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Mat Arnfield, Executive Chef of A Salt & Battery
Like Nicky, he is a total peach
Whether your name is Eddy or Patsy, you live Upstairs or Downstairs, or if you are ready to marry the next Earl of Grantham or run off the the chauffeur, A Salt & Battery will not only satisfy your craving for fish & chips, but its simple straightforward concept will wow you and exceed your expectations. Normally you cannot find a gem like this outside of England but Nicky is a shining star that feels like she belongs in New York so lucky us, and she certainly does. Owned by Nicky Perry and her husband Sean, A Salt & Battery goes to show you that good things come in small packages, as there are 7 coveted seats, and authenticity is the name of the game. Downton Abbey Season 3 starts in 65 days in the USA (see our countdown on the right) so we suggest you get yourself in the mood and visit Nicky! It is absolutely worth Peachy's pilgrimage from the Upper East side and naturally she walked there in her Paul Mayer flats.
At Whom You Know, we've reviewed a lot of French and Italian restaurants and the truth is Peachy has spent limited time in France and has never been to Italy, but she used to LIVE in London and has been there many times aside from living there. She also went to school in Ireland and has a family member that was living at St. Andrews in Scotland so she's been there too. Peachy has eaten a lot of authentic Fish & Chips and A Salt and Battery is the best she's ever had on this side of the pond. Nicky Perry OWNS this concept as far as we can see over here, and not only does she serve up the best around, but also she does it with the best sense of humor. Ask her about the 84-year-old...and, we needed somewhere appropriate to pop into when we were getting peckish after watching all the beloved BBC Home Entertainment videos...Patsy Stone we think you haven't eaten since the mid 70's but if you came here, you would.
Once you get there, try to get the window seat as it is fantastic for people-watching:
If you don't love Fish and Chips yet, you will. All Americans that have not left America ever-be advised that what you would call a French Fry is actually a CHIP.
There is no shortage of atmosphere packed into a small spot and we love their serious enthusiasm:
It is so much easier to go to 112 Greenwich Avenue than to hop on Virgin Atlantic! Also notice you can join Nicky's Frequent Fryers Club. Peachy began with Idris Ginger Beer from England - non-alcoholic:
Dare, try it. If you have never had it, we'd suggest it's in the same family as root beer but even better! If you are lucky enough to visit on a day when the Deep Fried Brussel Sprouts are on the specials menu, do not hesitate to order them as they are tops. Mat suggested we start with them:
They are crisp, crunchy and flavorful bursting with hints of rosemary, seasoned with salt and stepped up with parmesan. This set the stage for an amazing gastronomical experience.
Next, another item we've never had before, and as we close in on nearly 200 restaurants on our list it is surprising we can still find new items to try. Battered beets - sliced beetroot in a light batter served up with Marie Rose sauce had smashing flavor and had an amazing texture as well.
Next was the piece de resistance which naturally were the Fish and Chips! Peachy opted for the Prime Haddock, King of Fish. This succulent white fish is the perfect accompaniment to any self-respecting chip they say, and they are spot-on. The Haddock was fresh and flaky, exactly as it should be, and the batter was light and crisp. Served up piping hot, the fish was every bite as good as you can see from the picture, and Mat even tells you exactly how to prepare it in the below video.
We loved the sauce and vinegar that highlighted its best flavors and this kind of comfort food everyone in New York should experience at least once this winter!
You definitely need a Fuller's to wash it down:
The result, before being attacked by Peachy's fork with excitement!
Now you know what will warm you up as it is cold outside...
A serving of Heinz Baked Beans was also in order for prime authenticity; imported vegetarian beans baked in a sweet tomato sauce will hit the spot.
And, you know you've never had an Imported Mars Bar battered and deep fried before, so experience it, recommended by Mat!
Our esteemed panelist adds:
The name is too cute, and immediately pulls you into another world. Owned by the same proprietors as the tea shop next door, A Salt & Battery has been catering to the emigres and locals alike since 1999. In the heart of Greenwich Village, it's the perfect place to hook up with your friends on a Saturday afternoon, for a beer and a bit of fish and chips.
On our day there, only British accents abounded, so it's a great way to indulge your need for that taste of Merry Olde, with their menu, and their atmosphere. Settle back into the menu, and please try one of the daily specials.
Ours were the brussel sprouts. For lovers of the sprout, this is beyond! Lightly fried, no batter, with a dusting of rosemary, parmesan, and salt, the vegetable soars to a new level of accessibility. Yes, bring your kids, and they'll eat their vegetables! Beets are next on the must-eat list. Do come hungry, because you'll want to try one of everything on the diverse menu. The beets are parboiled, sliced, and done in a batter that might remind you of tempura. So light. So fragrant. So delicate. Everything is made to order, so it's all piping hot. Beverages are needed, not just for the friendly pub atmosphere, but in between your courses, as you chat. Who knew Shandy came in a can? With just a hint of Bass Ale, the lemonade beverage is great for any lunch break, and perfect for the light drinker out there. Do try the ESB Fuller Ale, though. It's smooth quality melds perfectly with your seafood of choice, and the requisite "chips". No limp fries, here. Perky, and the fish! A moist, succulent, abundant filet atop a basket of crispy fries does justice to any appetite.
Pollock replaces the cod so long the base item on the menu. The fish is local, so the green element is not just important, but a necessary ingredient in the freshness of this food. Also on the menu are scallops, and shrimp. Instructions: take the steaming basket before you, sprinkle with a healthy dose of salt, then shake the malt vinegar over it all, to allow the salt to penetrate into the depths of the fries. Yes, do it! Sauces on the side of all items are "up-the-ante" kind of sauces: they take your familiar recipe, and add their own ingredients. For example, the "Marie Rose" sauce that comes with the beets has an added touch of horseradish that gives bite, but not in a stand-offish way. Oh, the delights of sauces. A Salt & Battery brings England home to those of us on this side of the pond. And how perfect as a take-out for an afternoon of BBC Home Entertainment programs would this be? It's like a vacation in a basket.
Dessert? If there's room, you can try the banana: a cinnamon batter dipped, and of course, fried, with a light air about it that melts in the mouth.
Forget about bars: the new cruise just might be at A Salt & Battery, where everyone is friendly, and the lilting accents fill the air. You might just find the Daniel Craig of your dreams.
Peachy Picks A Salt & Battery!
A Salt & Battery is Highly Recommended by Whom You Know.
And finally, if you are so inclined you may want to take the Fat Bastard Challenge:
Peachy must admit she was tempted because the food is so good there...
Jon Weeks, on the right, is one that has earned this esteemed spot on their board...
You know you want your name up there:
