Quest for spicy fries

When I first moved to Nottingham, England back in, oh, -97, we often used to have lunch in a little hole-in-the-wall pub in the city centre called Gatehouse. They served magnificent thick "door-stopper" sandwiches and best of all, they served these spicy fries that were to die for. Unfortunately there was at some point a change of management, and they refurbished the pub into a trendy bar sort, but worst of all they refurbished the menu: sandwiches were smaller and the spicy fries were gone altogether. They must have gotten requests, as the spicy fries appeared back in the menu at some point - but they must have changed cooks too and they just weren't the same anymore. Soon after that we stopped going there - it wasn't the cozy little pub with good food anymore so what would have been the point.

Ever since then Dragon has been searching for those perfect spicy fries. Pretty much anywhere we go, if there are spicy fries on the menu, he will order them just in case they would match up to those Gatehouse originals. And they never do. Most often they are not very spicy, or not salty enough, or are just missing that one magic ingredient that makes them lacking. They are not crunchy enough, or not soft enough. They are to thick or too skinny. If I knew what the magic formula was, I'd be making them myself - but alas, the mystery recipe has not been found and the quest continues.

Until today. Hallelujah, we have found fries that match the Gatehouse originals! After a very successful shopping trip with Clay this afternoon, we were dying of hunger so we parked the car at Clay's and walked to Denman and picked the closest restaurant available which happened to be Central Bistro. And when Dragon saw the spicy fries on the menu, he ordered them - I think after almost ten years of searching he's almost given up hope but can't shake the habit, but this time we hit the jackpot.

Just right spiciness, saltiness, thickness - and crunchy on the outside and slightly soft on the inside, served with a perfect home-made mayo. We just looked at each other and knew. And rest of the food was good too, so we'll be coming back to Central for sure. They have an extensive brunch menu too, so we have to come back with the gang one Saturday.

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