Kyle and I are on a pre-Uruguay trip to the Pac-Northwest. We flew into Seattle and drove to Vancouver. Absolutely amazing city…but I won’t cover all of Vancouver in this post. Check the Travel Tips page soon for that.
The debate I’m interested in is Cod v. Halibut. This is fish ‘n chips country and we were set to try this out. After hearing that the most amazing thing about the fish ‘n chips in the Pac-Northwest was the halibut fish ‘n chips, we were intrigued. Mr. Pickwicks was the recommendation from the locals, so we went to the Denman location. This is a “chain” and nothing too “special” to look at as far as the restaurant decor goes, but oh…my…god…the fish ‘n chips are fantastic. The picture shows that I got one piece of cod (the long, curly piece) and one piece of halibut (square piece). Now, of course, this is just my opinion, but I will attempt to describe.
The batter on both is exquisite…light, flakey, and not a bit greasy. The cod and batter combo was the perfect match of tender flakey fish and light, crisp batter. The halibut was also good, but I felt that the fish itself (being more steaky) was a bit heavy.
Bottom line, when it comes to fish ‘n chips I am a cod lover. The right batter, the right chips (with malt vinegar) and I’m all set. Simple as that. And I should mention the Dead Frog Pale Ale…just perfect for finishing off the meal.
Posted on September 1st, 2007 by katiejocannon
Filed under: Food, Travel
Great report. In the times I’ve had great halibut fish & chips, the batter has been a bit heavier and crispier than it appears in the photo. That may be the key to balancing it with the heavier meat.
More work needs to be done on this important subject. Count me in anytime for a fish & chips investigation.
That looks soooo good! Yum!
Now I’m craving Vancouver cod… what’s the closest local version of Mr. Pickwicks? Sea Salt perhaps…
Hi Katie and Kyle aka Northwest Foodies
We, too, had cod on Sat. night at a really great restaurant in River North in Chicago and it was delish!
So glad you are having a great time. Vancouver is a winner of a city–so much to do and see. Did you go to the huge park? Also, we went to a really trendy part for dinner twice that I can’t remember the name of now. Young and hip–just like us. Had lots of oysters.
Have fun!
Love,
Me
This honestly makes my mouth water (not hard to do to a pregnant woman). I’m thinking that although I have never partaken in the halibut version of fish n’ chips that I would definitely like the cod more. I’ll have to test it out when I venture to Vancouver!