The Queensland Competition

2017 Queensland Fish and Chips Industry Award and People’s Choice Winner

THE GREAT BRITISH FRYER

Name: Brian and Tracy Corrigan
Business and location: 22-32 Siganto Dr, Helensvale, Gold Coast Queensland

Can you share a happy fish and chip memory? (answers from Brian)
I’m originally from Scotland and I can remember a trip to the seaside, eating fish and chips in the car with my family. It was raining outside and the windows all steamed up with the heat from the hot fish and chips.

Where have you eaten the best fish and chips?
In our shop

In your restaurant/business, how do you cook your fish & chips?
Offering customers the British style of fish and chips is out point of difference, and all our fish are North Atlantic deep-water species.

North Atlantic Cod is a big seller. We use larger pieces – 220 grams or more, with a British batter, deep fried until it is golden and crispy. Cod is a nice white firm fish with a milder taste. We have haddock as well. It has a stronger fishy smell and flavour, so we usually ask customers whether they’ve tried it before, so they know what to expect. Occasionally we have Plaice, which is a flat fish, and we also have local Calamari on the menu. We use a solid vegetable oil for frying. The British batter we use is plain batter, imported from the UK.

Our favourite potatoes are sebago, although availability is seasonal. Our chips are cut fresh each day – we don’t use frozen chips. We soak and rinse them to reduce the starch, which gives a slightly crisp finish on the outside and a fluffy centre when cooked. For the real British experience, if you add vinegar, it makes the chips go soggy – the way they serve them in the UK.

What is your personal favourite fish to use for fish and chips?
We don’t have a personal favourite. Both the cod and haddock from the UK are the highest quality and cook very well.

What Australian wine (or other beverage) would you match with your fish & chips?
My personal favourite is a nice cold beer.

How long have you been making/serving fish and chips? Just over a year now.