Fish Type: Cod Price: $10.50
Overall, I would recommend this fish fry.
| Fish Score: Good French Fry Score: Good Tartar Score: Good Bread Score: Good Miscellaneous Score: Excellent |  |
Maybe Friday just draws a different crowd? Or maybe it is just too early for the hipsters to arrive; I mean the sun is still up after all. I guess it doesn’t bother me one way or the other, I’m gonna order a Fish Fry. Hey barkeep, is it cool if we sit at the bar and eat? It is? Sweet. How ‘bout you chuck a couple of pieces of that beer battered cod in the fryer for me and grab a “Matilda” for the little lady? We’re hungry.
15 minutes, or so, pass and four Fish Frys sit idly at the server’s station.Where do you think those plates are headed, my love? Not sure? I bet one of ‘em is mine… For shame, look at my fish, just sitting there, getting cold and collecting grease. Maybe it ain’t mine? I kinda hope not. Well, there go three of them, out into the crowd behind us, only one left. Uh oh, I think that is your Matilda… yup, sure nuff, it is, and the last of those four Fish Frys is mine. Here it comes.
Plates are served, and still look lovingly prepared even after a few stalled moments at the counter.Wow, I am surprised. This fish has been sitting for a good 4 minutes, but is still nice and hot. And wow! What a great beer batter. It is nice and light, and really flavorful. The cod itself is also pretty boss, although I bet by the time I get to the end it will be a little mushy, it is nice and flaky now. Mmm mmm mmm. I am gonna hit that tartar with it and see what happens.
This tartar looks weird, but what the hell, what doesn’t kill me only makes me stronger, right? Whoa! Even though it is kinda thin (and looks ranch-y) it tastes awesome! What is that? Chili powder? Cayenne pepper? Whatever it is, it’s wonderful, and combines with that beer batter to take this fish to the next level. Awesome!
I gotta get a fry or two in. Hey, wait a minute. These chip-looking fries are really good (I saw the dude spray them with some vinegar back there), but a few of them are cold. What is going on here? Were there some remnants left in the bowl from an old batch that snuck onto my plate? Hmmm, lucky for me, the bulk of them hot and crispy, and really compliment the zesty cod/tartar blend with a little vinegar zest of their own. I’ll look past those couple oddballs, I guess.
Wow, I am really impressed. The Alchemy seems to have stepped their Fish Fry up a notch and look, a nice little wheat bun! Last time we were here there was nothing starchy to speak of and now we have this delightful “Pac-man” roll, complete with a pat of butter in his gaping jaws. Way to go Alchemy!
Man, this Fish Fry is really something. I bet the coleslaw is still kickin’ ass too… What what? It is! My dear lord, usually this red cabbage has some serious bite but whatever they have done to it has really quelled its boisterousness. This stuff is sweet and mild; I bet I eat ever last bite.
The slaw, roll, chips and fish are gone. An empty plate with a disheveled cup of tartar and a greasy napkin are all that remain.Well, my dear, it looks like this trip to the Alchemy was a total success. You got to enjoy one of their delectable veggie dishes while I got my Fish Fry (and loved it). I guess we will have to put them #1 on our list of places that have a great Fish Fry and great veggie options – I certainly can’t think of one better at this point. You agree? Well then, let us count our blessing as we truly have experienced a great meal. And look, it is only 7:45 or so. I thought the crowds would be much worse and we would be here forever, but here we are, full on fish, the sun is still up, and we are out the door. You can’t beat that. Agreed? Agreed…
alchemycafe.net/
1980 Atwood Avenue
Madison, WI 53704
