Miss Marple's Tearoom

'Life changing' isn't generally a describing word when discussing a meal, but when it comes to Miss Marple's in Sassafras, it is an understatement. While they appear to be regular, mundane hot chips that could be purchased at any ol' fish and chip take-away joint, they were so much more than that! They were the quintessential hot chip - fluffy inside, crunchy exterior and cut in thick, long pieces with the scattered smaller, almost burnt pieces waiting eagerly for you at the bottom. Judging by our facial expressions when we devoured our first bite, I wouldn't be surprised if all the other tables were compelled to buy them. Although we had our doubts when we saw the tacky garnish and the minuscule amount of tomato sauce, it exceeded all expectations. The pleasantries of offering the last few chips and the niceties of attempting for everyone to have an equal share escaped our mind as we fought for the last chip, even suggesting to break it into five to ensure equality. Hogging of tomato sauce, burning your tongue and stopping to talk would only mean a lost chance as these delectable, finger-licking strips of goodness were snatched up by the others in one's moment of hesitation. We only come up for air when the bowl was finished and even then, conversation revolved around the chips. These chips enter the top of the hierarchy, putting all others to shame.

If you are ever near the Mount Dandenongs, forget the 1000 steps and indulge your craving in these mouth-watering, delicious and life changing hot chips. Special kudos to the hospitality and service provided at Miss Marple's and shout out to the incredible scones (be sure to order extra jam).

Quote of the meal: 'This is the best day of my life'

Rating: 4.5/5 chips

Price: $6.50Urbanspoon

Gattica

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Gattica's hot chips are the epitome of classic, good ol' fashioned strips of potato. The lack of salt coupled with inconsistent crunch was met with disappointment. However, the home-made aioli saved the chips from below average to mediocre. Although it was far from memorable, would recommend when meeting friends for a quick coffee or to quench a chip craving.
Quote of the meal: 'the ultimate average chip'
Rating: 2.5/5 chips
Price: $7.50
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After the Tears

After the Tears can do no wrong and this time was no different. Despite chips not exactly fitting the mould of the average Eastern European herring or golabki, they excelled in taste, crispness and accompanying condiments. These hand cut chips served with paprika mayonnaise, sour cream and tomato sauce, were not too oily or too soggy. We were hesitant when the waitress presented us with hand-cut chips with the skins left on and the sauces all mixed in one bowl. However, upon biting into the first chip, we were hooked. The skins ensured a crispness that distinguished it from others and the flavours were addictive. The bowl was polished within minutes and our conversation was revolved around these finger-licking delights. Furthermore, the chips were tasty without the accompanying sauces as there was a hint of rosemary and garlic. This we found very impressive as the condiments played their role to perfection - didn't detract from the scrumptious potato but added that extra flavour when needed. Respect to serving options of sauces as it caters to those who prefer the classic tomato sauce, the adventurous paprika mayo or the traditional sour cream. It tasted home-made and fresh, rather than packaged and defrosted. I'm already itching to go back!
Quote of the meal: 'Should we order another one?'
Rating: 4.5/5 chips
Price: $8.50Urbanspoon

Las Chicas

The chicks headed to the chicas.
Dependable, consistent and comfortable come to mind when thinking of Las Chicas as it achieves a balance of innovative dishes in a casual, pleasant atmosphere. A popular place for locals whether it be to cure a hangover or appease the craving for vegemite mushrooms. However, the sole objective today was to analyse and review the Chicas' esteemed salt n vinegar crinkled cut chips. An inspiring and delicious concept was met with great anticipation by myself, Juzz 'Sparky' Joffe, Oscar 'I've been eating chips for years' Hanner, Sam 'Meagan' Cahn and Georgia 'FOMO' Horovitz. When presented to us, an overwhelming and far too intense odour of vinegar emanated from the bowl but the chips appeared crispy and cooked to perfection. However, upon first bite, criticisms ensued. Firstly, the vinegar had produced a soggy sensation on the chips negating the necessary crispness. This was followed by a thickness in the aoili that was met with dismay. In saying that, as we dug deeper into the bowl, the chips appeared less soggy and we experienced the essential and delectable crunch. Kudos to the flavours and the design of crinkled cut but it lacked the moorish and addictive component that all potatoes generally achieve.
Quote of the meal: 'Woah, all I can smell is the vinegar and I have a blocked nose!'
Price: $8.25/$10.45
Rating: 2/5 Chips

Fitzrovia

Fitzrovia's menu boasts 'thrice cooked' fries, we were very aroused. While the chips looked delicious and the serving was hearty, the presentation was something we hadn't encountered before. We had our worries that their thick, almost brick-like appearance would mean too much potato content and not enough crunch. Our suspicions hit the nail on the head upon our first bite. Indeed, there was just a bit too much soft potato inside and not enough crispiness on the outside to counteract the plumpness of the fries. However, this did not stop us from polishing them off! As a necessary element of any side of chips, the accompanying aioli complimented and lifted the experience, as well as an extra pinch of salt.
Quote of the meal: 'They're good but I wouldn't dream about them'.

Birdman Eating

The hype surrounding this highly regarded cafe failed to meet our expectations. Menu described their unique version of chips as 'confit kipfler potatoes with chilli salt & vanilla aioli'. While that sounds mouth-watering and quite different from the usual 'french fries with aioli and tomato sauce', each bite broke our potato-loving hearts. Don't be fooled by the image, they were lacking in flavour and excitement. Necessary components of our beloved fries include crunchy exterior and soft interior whereas these were dry, too big and under-cooked. The chilli salt was meet with disappointment and the vanilla aoili tasted the same as regular aoili. Respect to the presentation and the description on the menu, but it was an attempt to cover-up what was regular roast potatoes. Quote from the meal: 'they just don't taste good'!