My Hunt for Decent Grub
You know, I’ve been meaning to share a bit about a place I popped into not too long ago. It’s funny how you sometimes find decent spots when you’re not even properly looking. I’d been grumbling to myself for weeks about how hard it is to get a straightforward, good meal these days. Seems like everywhere you go, it’s either too fancy for its own good or just plain disappointing. I remember telling my wife, “I just want some honest food!” after a particularly grim experience with what was supposed to be a “gourmet” burger but tasted like cardboard. What a waste of money that was.
Anyway, I was out running some errands, had a list as long as my arm, and got a bit sidetracked. Next thing I know, I’m wandering down a street I hadn’t planned on, and my stomach starts making noises. That’s when I saw it: The Fish Box / Flannery’s Seafood Bar. Didn’t look like much from the outside, pretty low-key. Sometimes, those are the hidden gems, right?
Stepping Inside and Getting Settled
So, I figured, “What have I got to lose?” and decided to give it a whirl. I pushed the door open and went in. First thing I noticed was it wasn’t one of those massive, noisy places. It had a bit of a cozy vibe, which I liked. You could hear folks chatting and the clink of forks, but it wasn’t deafening. I found a small table near the window. A young lad came over pretty quick, not overly fussy, just handed me a menu and let me be. I appreciate that; I hate it when they hover over you.
Took a good look at the menu. It wasn’t one of those encyclopedias, thankfully. Mostly fish, as you’d expect. Different types, cooked different ways. I was in the mood for something simple, something classic. Something they couldn’t really mess up if they knew their stuff.
The Main Event: Ordering and Eating
I decided to go for the classic fish and chips. It’s my go-to test for any place that calls itself a seafood joint. If they can’t get that right, well, then there’s not much hope, is there? I also got myself a cold beer to go with it. Seemed like the right thing to do.
The food didn’t take an age to arrive, which was good because I was starting to get properly hungry by then. When the plate landed in front of me, I thought, “Alright, this looks promising.” The batter on the fish was a lovely golden brown, not too pale and definitely not burnt. And it looked crispy. The chips looked like proper, chunky chips, not those skinny little things you get sometimes.
So, I dug in. First, the batter – it was spot on. Crispy, just like it looked, and not greasy at all. That was a relief. The fish inside was white and flaky, and it tasted fresh. Not a hint of that old, frozen taste you sometimes get. The chips were good too, fluffy on the inside, a bit of crisp on the outside. Came with a little pot of tartar sauce, which was decent.
Here’s what stood out for me:
- The Fish: Really good quality. Flaky, tasted clean and fresh.
- The Batter: Perfect. Crispy, light, and not oily. This is where many places fall down.
- The Chips: Proper pub-style chips. A generous portion.
- The Vibe: Relaxed and unpretentious. Just a comfortable place to eat.
I sat there and enjoyed every bite. It wasn’t trying to be a Michelin star meal, just good, honest grub. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you’re looking for. It really hit the spot, especially after some of the rubbish I’d eaten out recently.
My Final Take on The Fish Box / Flannery’s
So, there you have it. My little trip to The Fish Box / Flannery’s Seafood Bar turned out to be a pleasant surprise. I walked in on a whim, not expecting much, and left feeling well-fed and pretty content. It’s not a fancy place, doesn’t put on any airs and graces. It just serves good seafood at a fair price. Would I go back? Yeah, I definitely would. If I’m in that part of town again and craving some decent fish, I know where I’m heading. It’s good to find these reliable little spots. This one gets a solid thumbs-up from me.
