Fish 'n Chips

It looks as though we'll have to return to Canada next year. Despite careful research and assiduous sampling, I have yet to discover the perfect fish n' chips. Actually, that's not quite true. The best fish n' chips I ever had was at Swan's Brew Pub in Victoria, British Columbia about 20 years ago, and I've never forgotten it. The fish was tender, moist, and sweet; the crust was, well, crusty, and flavorful; the fries awesomely crisp. Ah yes, and the draft beer hoppy and cold, just the way I like it. Since then, I've tried, believe me. I've eaten fish n' chips all over Canada and sometimes even in the states. Mostly, the fish is too dry, the crust too soggy, and the fries just ordinary. The WORST I've ever had was in Southampton, Ontario, on the night before we left. Apparently, we should have headed to the Lord Elgin in the neighboring town of Port Elgin, but we knew they didn't serve beer and who wants fish n' chips with a diet Coke? So I tried, against my better judgment, the local fare and it was plain awful. The fish was dry as shoe leather, the crust like cardboard, and the sweet potato fries were burned. Should have ordered the chicken fricassee, I found out later. So, it's back to Canada next year, for my continuing research.