Fonda Mexican

There are some experiences that when looking back on them, a feeling of satisfaction seeps through your mind, calming you as a smile escapes your face. These chips enter that category. They are so finger-licking unbelievable that they are capable of becoming a tourist attraction. The tastes and flavours could give rise to being published in the (Chip) Lonely Planet. Mexican food can officially do it all - incorporate avocado in every aspect of a meal, understand the art of cheese and create scrumptious hot chips. Described as 'Fat Chips' and covered with chipotle aoilo, they were off to a good start. When they were placed on our table, we were already devouring burritos, corn and tacos but the table froze and stopped everything to admire these flavoursome, mouthwatering strips of potato. Quite a few 'oooohs' and 'ahhhhs' escaped the table as we dug in and analysed. A smile creeped on everyones face and eyes met across the table with approval and admiration. We initially assumed we had ordered too many for the table, of course we were embarrassingly incorrect in that speculation. They were greedily demolished, with the accompanying sauce licked clean from the bowl.   These melt-in-your-mouth fried potatoes were incredibly versatile - they pulled off the covered in sauce taste, the chip on its own crunch and the tucked in the burrito flavour. Comments were, however, made suggesting that there was a tiny bit more salt than necessary but following this, it was agreed that it did not take away from the exquisite and heavenly experience. If you're down near Swan St, Richmond, take the time to eat these, I assure you, it will be an immensely gratifying and fulfilling bowl of chips. 

Quote of the meal: ‘Muchos goodos'

Rating: 4.5/5 chips

Price: $6.00 
Link: <a href="http://www.urbanspoon.com/r/71/1631993/restaurant/Melbourne/Fonda-Mexican-Richmond"><img alt="Fonda Mexican on Urbanspoon" src="http://www.urbanspoon.com/b/link/1631993/minilink.gif" style="border:none;padding:0px;width:130px;height:36px" /></a>    

Fog

Fog had been on our to do list for sometime as we had heard through the chip-vine that they were battered in duck fat. Battered combined with any form of animal fat was music to our chip-adoring ears! Well the saying 'you can't believe everything you hear' certainly applied to this situation and the disappointment was palpable. The menu elaborately described their hot chips as 'pomme frites, garlic aoili & chipolte ketchup', which was an earful for those used to 'fries with tomato sauce'. As we waited, assuming the worst, we discussed the pronunciation of chipolte and rehearsed lines that could be quoted for the blog. As the waiter served us (the gluten-free) 'pomme frites' and we all reached for the bowl, it was evident that we had made our crucial and unforgivable mistake - only ordering one bowl between the 10 of us. Promptly, a second bowl was ordered as the waiter witnessed the transformation of a civilised group of friends become ravenous animals. While we struggled to agree on the accompanying sauces, we concurred that the potato itself was magnificent! The chipolte ketchup was far too smokey, compelling us to steer clear, the garlic aoili, however, could not be flawed and epitomised the ultimate accompanying flavour. In such a large group, there was a sense of unnecessary criticism and as much as we hot-potatoes appreciate the knowledge, wisdom and love, not all of your opinions can be mentioned.
Quote of the meal: 'Can we have another bowl?'
Rating: 4/5 chips
Price: $10
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St Edmonds

Life is full of surprises and the same applies to chips. St Edmonds – classy, quirky, set in the midst of trendy Prahran and bustling with the upper (and cooler) echelons of society. The menu matches this, catering a mixture of tapas dishes and deli display items. With this mind, we assumed the fries would complement the hip vibe. Unfortunately, we were wrong. The chips were served as French fries style, for those who do not speak the language of potato; this means Maccas chips and was accompanied by mayonnaise. That was the first mistake – the mayonnaise tasted overwhelmingly like egg and was far too thick. The experience continued to plummet when the abundance of salt destroyed any possible flavour of potato, convincing us that we had just developed a cholesterol problem. This compounded by an after-taste that was reminiscent of a hangover deterred us from finishing the bowl!  We chip-gurus were yet to meet a bowl we could not devour and we were disappointed with both ourselves for struggling and St Edmonds for upsetting our stomachs. Sheepishly, we left 1/3 of the fries with an untouched container of mayonnaise. Oh well, maybe we just weren’t trendy or up-market enough.

Quote of the meal: ‘The chips are so salty, when I lick my lips it tastes like I’ve just been swimming in the sea!’

Rating: 1/5 chips

Price: $7.00

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Orgasmic (Summer Holiday Special!)

Whilst holidaying in Byron Bay, the chicks couldn’t help but order a side of chips with their falafels at Orgasmic, a hole in the wall falafel bar we had been to over a number of visits to Byron. With no expectation of even writing a review, we waited with no anticipation of finding something remarkable or special. However, these chips were just too good not to mention! They arrived in a very generous serve, as described, in a ‘basket’ with zaata sprinkled throughout the layers of golden goodness. By the time we had finished our first bite we were obsessed and couldn’t stop talking about their perfect amount of salt, the moorish flavour of the zaata and the heat of every French fry style chip coming fresh from the kitchen. Requiring no accompanying tomato sauce or aioli, the only fault we could find in these chips is that you wont find them in Melbourne.

Quote of the meal: ‘I am making these at home!’

Rating: 4.3/5 chips

Price: $6.00

Galleon

This St Kilda institution is constantly packed with the hip and funky Acland St regulars (and some of the less well-dressed addicts that roam the streets of St Kilda). The peace sign hanging from the window generated a negative impression that the chips would appeal to tree-hugging, vegetable oil-loving hippies. Understated on the menu, simply described as 'chunky fries' without mentioning side sauces or unique flavours, we were dubious as to the Galleon chefs passion and enthusiasm for the fried potato strips. After explaining to the crew I dragged along what comprises the ultimate chip, we were ready for business, with our pens poised and our stomachs rumbling. Initial apathy and doubt quickly transformed into eagerness and approval when the waitress handed down crispy and thick hot chips. Excitement overcame us as the bowl had a combination of beautifully overcooked fries and fluffy, softer fries, providing each palate with their personal preference. This coupled with the mix between thick and thin strips delighted us, compelling us to feel ashamed of our initial reluctance. Served with a thick aoili and a tub of tomato sauce, we were pleasantly surprised by the quality and the taste of the potato chips. The Galleon demonstrates that we chip-loving chicks cannot judge the superiority of fries by a cafe's interior and must always remain opened-minded when it comes to fried strips of potatoes!
Quote of the meal: 'Rate that!'
Rating: 3.5/5
Price: $6.50

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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