Fish Type: Cod Price: $14.00
Overall, I would recommend this Fish Fry.
| Fish Score: Good Potato Score: Excellent Tartar Score: Excellent Bread Score: Good Miscellaneous Score: Good |  |
Comment: I wanted a no-frills Fish Fry this Friday and that’s pretty much what I got at the Riviera Bowl in Sauk City.
The 3-piece cod at the Riviera runs $14 and is a heck of a deal at that price (there’s also a 2-piece for a couple bucks less). For starters, the wild-caught Alaskan cod was fall apart flaky and 100% grease-free. The delicate loins were home to an ultra-crumbly breading that held together surprisingly well. In a strange juxtaposition, despite its crunchiness, it had a sort of soft feeling that was incredibly inviting and kept me coming back for more. It was unique and I’m not sure I’ve ever had cod exactly like it before.
The potato pancakes were equally distinctive and had an oddly appealing uniform exterior. While they looked different than most, the insides were supple, the traditional flavors were there, and they were bolstered by a hot bacon-infused syrup. It was kind of a crazy combo but the smokiness of the bacon and sweetness of the syrup took the cakes to tempting new places. I’d order them again any day.
The tartar was big and bold and gave the fish a pop, the creamy slaw brought even more zip, and the dome-shaped roll was well above average.
While this wasn’t exactly what I’d call a “no-frills” Fish Fry I’m incredibly impressed with the enhancements on the plate. The pancakes and their bacon dressing were a nice change of pace, and the fish, while common, was just a little different than the norm. Overall, this one is easily recommendable, and about as intriguing as a $14 plate of cod can be.rivierabowl.com/
51 Polk St
Sauk City, WI 53583
(608) 643-4071
