Seeing as it's been over a year since I've updated this blog, I figured that I should finally write a review. To be completely honest, many-a-fry has been consumed since then, and there are tons of fry photos on my phone that I simply can't place. Ah, well.
So, today's review is for the Tribune Tavern in Oakland, CA. I think yesterday was an off-night for the kitchen since I've had fries here several times in the past year and they've been great. Last night, however, the french fries weren't so stellar.
(Please excuse terrible phone photo due to dim interior lighting.)
I usually order: Tavern Fries with Garlic Aioli for $6.00.
However, Fry Partner and I ordered the "Fish & Chips: beer battered local Rock Cod, fries, house tartar."
Fish, undercooked (some of it was a weird orangey/salmon color on the inside. I consumed it anyway. I was hungry). Fries, strange taste that is unexplainable, I don't know if they were cooked in too-old oil or what, but even Fry Partner agreed there was something strange about them.
Half of the fries were also a bit hard on the inside, others too mealy. They were under-seasoned. Slightest crisp on the outside, but definitely not enough.
Did I mention that the tartar sauce was watery?
And yet I continued to eat.
And then I felt REALLY SICK AFTERWARDS. Like wanting to vomit sick.
I swear this is the first time the food has tasted so nasty. I'm willing to give the fries another chance since they've been relatively yummy in the past. Last night's experience, however, was yukky.
+++
Fries:
Price: $6.00 as a side. As part of the gross Fish & Chips, $17 (not worth it).
Portion Size: Medium as an accompaniment to the fish. If I remember correctly, the side is actually quite a large portion.
Texture: Could definitely use more crispiness on the outside. Either mealy or hard on the inside.
Greasiness Level: 3 out of 5 (standard grease level)
Seasoning: None
Fried In: I believe some sort of vegetable oil
Condiments: salt, pepper, homemade ketchup that's slightly spicy, mustard, the watery tarter sauce that comes with the Fish & Chips. Usually comes with Garlic Aioli, which I did not have access to.
Overall Quality of French Fries: 6 out of 10. I am being generous, because at least they weren't as disgusting as those ridged fries that are mealy throughout that you get at a hot dog stand. Plus, I've had much better fry experiences here, and I'm pretty sure my latest experience is not representative of their usual Fry-Making...Even though I suspect these fries are frozen and then thrown in the fryer, they are usually much tastier.
