{"id":4623,"date":"2021-09-14T14:14:07","date_gmt":"2021-09-14T14:14:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/?p=4623"},"modified":"2021-09-14T14:14:09","modified_gmt":"2021-09-14T14:14:09","slug":"the-great-eatmcr-chip-safari-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/guides\/the-great-eatmcr-chip-safari-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"The Great EATMCR Chip Safari 2021"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>They said it couldn\u2019t be done. They said there was no way the human body could endure such a horrific volume of carbohydrates in one day. They scoffed at our lofty, potato-centric ambitions, branding us \u2018dreamers\u2019 and \u2018deranged, spud bothering fantasists\u2019. They even said we should get real jobs.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They were, in fairness, pretty much entirely correct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But even so, the Great EATMCR Chip Safari of 2021 (Trademark Mary-Ellen McTague) was a resounding, near heart attack inducing success and we would readily do it again. With more people to help out and ready access to a defibrillator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When fried potato enthusiast and mate of EATMCR Lucy Noone-Blake tweeted the idea of chronicling the best chips in Manchester, the response was instantly resounding. An emphatically positive deluge of replies suggested that it was, in fact, quite a good idea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And it was one we were very, very keen to be involved with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">If I were to go round and document all the chips in Manchester restaurants would anyone be interested? I think its work that needs doing<\/p>&mdash; Lucy Noone Blake (@lucynooneblake) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/lucynooneblake\/status\/1422540801511407620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 3, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Quicker than you could say \u2018sweet potato fries are not fucking chips, now get them out of my sight\u2019, a plan was hatched. Establishments were listed, furious debates raged as to which venues would make the cut, with a flagrant disregard for our own health and wellbeing becoming more and more prominent with each spot that was confirmed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Thirteen. Thirteen restaurants made the cut. Thir-fucking-teen. In one day. Not even a full day either. A fucking afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Full disclosure, we managed nine. And it almost killed us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The starch stuffing dream team consisted of the aforementioned plot hatcher extraordinaire Lucy, EATMCR owner\/bossman\/sheriff Paddy Brown and myself. A triple cooked trio of chip loving renegades. Did some people compare our grandeur and influence to the original New World Order? No, literally only I did that, in my own head, because as far as I\u2019m aware Lucy and Paddy have absolutely nothing but disdain and indifference for mid \u201890s professional wrestling. Still though, two iconic trios, it can\u2019t be denied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Don&#39;t want to stress anyone out but IT&#39;S CHIP TOUR DAY \ud83c\udf5f<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/eat_mcr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@eat_mcr<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Lucy Noone Blake (@lucynooneblake) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/lucynooneblake\/status\/1426141939745820675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 13, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">This is my Christmas Day \ud83c\udf5f\ud83c\udf5f\ud83c\udf5f<br><br>On a totally unrelated note, there\u2019s going to be a big lad in an old Fila trackie top sweating heavily in Stephenson Square at around half five. Please take pity on him. <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/udjoH7xxxM\">https:\/\/t.co\/udjoH7xxxM<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Joe Baiamonte (@JoeBaia) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/JoeBaia\/status\/1426149441761910785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 13, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Armed with empty stomachs, massive appetites and a total and utter lack of comprehension of how detrimental to our digestive systems the next few hours was going to be, we descended on our first venue: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/honestburgers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Honest Burgers<\/a> on Bridge Street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yes, OK, we\u2019ve started with a chain, but a chain where the quality of spuds cannot be denied. Although my suggestion of adding Maccies on Oxford Road to our route at 3am was promptly shut down, Honest was allowed as the launch pad of our operation and it delivered in droves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A round of rosemary salted chips was dropped to our table, complete with accompanying beef gravy and vegan mayo (separate pots, obviously) and the feeding frenzy began.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To the chest swelling tones of Andrea Bocelli\u2019s dramatic classic \u2018Por ti Volare\u2019, a smattering of the rosemary flecked chips were shaken into the gravy, offering up an immersively rich Sunday Roast vibe to proceedings. The outer crunch, the inner fluff of the spuds was spot on, with the gravy a perfect texture so as to coat, not drench, the chips, even after a full submersion. The rosemary was equally not too overpowering, but perfectly complementary and positively moreish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"856\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/HONESTCHIPS-856x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4625\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/HONESTCHIPS-856x1024.jpg 856w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/HONESTCHIPS-251x300.jpg 251w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/HONESTCHIPS-768x919.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/HONESTCHIPS-600x718.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/HONESTCHIPS.jpg 1284w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 856px) 100vw, 856px\" \/><figcaption>&#8220;Quando sono solo sogno all&#8217;orizzonte&#8230;&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Paired with a pint of Camden Hells, we were off to the races. Not even the scraps survived. Which was actually where, unbeknownst to us at the time, our downfall would begin some restaurants later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>\u201cThis lot are gonna be hard to beat\u2026\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cRight, where ne\u2026.\u201d \u201c&#8230;Hawksmoor\u201d<\/em> Lucy\u2019s interruption of Paddy\u2019s query was blunt yet absolutely fair. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/hawksmoormanchester\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Manchester outpost<\/a> of the classic London staple, located round the corner from Honest in an old Victorian courthouse on Deansgate, with it\u2019s dark wood panelling, parquet flooring and sublime cocktail menu is enough to make you feel like a half cut Don Draper upon entry; all mood lighting and Martinis, the bar area oozes sophistication and debauchery in equal measure. If a load of Mad Men poured in for a half dozen Old Fashioned\u2019s at lunch you wouldn\u2019t be in the least bit surprised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On this visit, however, steak and top shelf spirits are left on the sidelines (well, sort of) as their triple cooked chips and dripping fries took centre stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was upon ordering that Creameries Commando (official title) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/maryellenmctague\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mary-Ellen McTague\u2019s<\/a> name was brought up to the Hawksmoor staff. As we placed our order, we made sure to accessorise our chips with anchovy hollandaise and stichelton hollandaise. It then dawned on me that I was a Martini away from replicating Mary-Ellen\u2019s go-to Hawksmoor bar order, which she enthused about to me a couple of months ago over far too many shots of bourbon and pickle juice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cWell, you\u2019ve got to go for it now you\u2019ve mentioned it\u201d<\/em> a particularly devious member of bar staff exclaimed as I blurted my realisation out loud, without taking into account that it was half two in the fucking afternoon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cHow would you like your Martini?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cI, erm&#8230;well&#8230;dr\u2026.yeah I\u2019ve literally never had one before\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cIf you\u2019re doing Mary-Ellen\u2019s order, I can just do it like she has it &#8211; Strong and dirty\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cI, haha, ye\u2026.does it come with olives in it?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s how my first ever Martini order went down and, true to form, it was strong. Stronger than The Rock\u2019s thighs on leg day. Fortunately, despite the whirlwind of gin and vermouth enveloping my brain, my tastebuds were left well in tact to experience some of the best, if not the best chips I have ever had the pleasure of dropping into my mouth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CHIPTOUR1-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4626\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CHIPTOUR1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CHIPTOUR1-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CHIPTOUR1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CHIPTOUR1-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CHIPTOUR1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>FUCK&#8230;ING&#8230;HELL<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Lots of noises were made. All involuntary. Whatever happens during the three rounds of cooking these chips go through, it can only be surmised is some sort of sorcery. It\u2019s not even worth knowing how the end result is achieved. Just enjoy the magic while each golden, rectangular wonder passes your lips. The dips are no mere sideshow either, each providing supreme umami vibes, somehow lifting these Holy Grails even further into the stratosphere. I could bang on for another 2,000 words about them, to be honest. Every other couple of words would just be \u2018fucking hell\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cThis lot are going to be hard to beat\u201d<\/em> is my final, ridiculous understatement of a review as we saddle up for a visit to venue number three.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>\u201cFUCKIN\u2019 HELL, LET\u2019S MAKE A CHIP BUTTY\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Those final words from Hawksmoor must have made their way up the road to the team at Kala Bistro, because this lot did not fuck around with their contribution to our urban carb safari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The King Street standout, another jewel in the crown of Elite Bistro Kingpin Gary Usher, is a pretty fucking wondrous place. Being that we\u2019re only downing a portion of chips, we belly up to the bar rather than taking a table in the main restaurant and, were it not for the fact we had another TEN portions to navigate, it is hard to picture the day deviating away from these seats. Sunlight bouncing through the towering front windows, a handful of truffle parmesan chips are illuminated as they are placed in front of us, as if descending from upon high. Between the presentation and the couple of bevs swilling around my stomach, it certainly felt like a borderline religious experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What came next was a moment of such divine inspiration that the end result deserved it\u2019s very own deification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A couple of rogue, Hors-d&#8217;\u0153uvre sized focaccias appeared unexpectedly, their varnished crusts glistening in the mid-afternoon sun. Immediately, we knew what had to be done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cFuckin hell, let\u2019s make a chip butty\u201d<\/em> came the cry and, despite Lucy being drained of about a litre of blood from an over enthusiastic bread slicing incident (a noble effort in the quest for ultimate chip butty creation) there was no messing with a masterpiece that could have easily stood up next to ANY of Neil Buchanan\u2019s Art Attacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CHIPTOUR3.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4627\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CHIPTOUR3.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CHIPTOUR3-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CHIPTOUR3-600x800.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>We literally gave blood for this&#8230;<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Was it a \u2018posh\u2019 chip butty? Yes, OK, there\u2019s no denying that. But eschewing the traditional majesty of a flour dusted bap or slices of toastie loaf, slathered generously in butter and gravy\/curry sauce\/mushy peas being the vessel for our chips was unavoidable in these circumstances. We had bread, we had chips, what else were we going to do?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The result? More noises. More shaking of heads as we wondered how such a simple staple can be done so,so well. It may just be the most perfect bar snack in all of Manchester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Just one thing, though.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The shape of the \u2018chips\u2019 at Kala is ever so slightly on the \u2018wedge\u2019 side of the scale. Not a criticism, just an overview of the geometry of the Elite Bistro offering.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I plead my case about whether or not these truffle and parmesan adorned starchy bois should even be considered chips, but we\u2019re already well on our way to the next leg of the tour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>The Pit Stops<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Time is now working against us. That\u2019ll happen when you\u2019re allowing the necking of Martinis and severing of fingertips to get in the way of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=BT1k52h4b8w\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">fucking Catalina Wine Mi\u2026.<\/a> I mean EATMCR Chip Safari.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We realise our next few spots need to be navigated swiftly, but one look at the line up tells us we\u2019re in trouble: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/saltpeppermcr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Salt &amp; Pepper<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/northernsoulmcr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Northern Soul<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/almostfamous\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Almost Famous<\/a>. Three portions in and we\u2019re flagging, now we\u2019ve got to funnel another trio of heavy hitters down our gullets?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Salt &amp; Pepper, as everyone is extremely well versed in by now, produce their unbeatable crinkle cut concoction with their signature ferocious blend of green peppers, onions, chillies, salt and spices. The aroma alone enough to generate a tsunami from even the most dried out of saliva glands. Chloe Tao and her brother Cash are rarely seen without a snaking queue at their Arndale Market stall, and just one mouthful of their chips will tell you why.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We then stagger in the direction of the Northern Quarter and park ourselves at Northern Soul\u2019s new digs on Tib Street.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is where the pain begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s humid, we\u2019re full of potatoes and lager and we\u2019re about to inhale even more of it. Oh, and this round of spuds comes complete with a topping of macaroni and cheese the size of a fucking Renault Clio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have longstanding reservations about the use of mac and cheese as a side order to meals, let alone a topping. I take a long, lazy sup of Neck Oil and wonder how on earth any of us are going to withstand the strain of MACARONI AND CHEESE FRIES.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/macandcheesefries-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4628\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/macandcheesefries-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/macandcheesefries-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/macandcheesefries-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/macandcheesefries-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/macandcheesefries.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>&#8220;Yeah, did anyone order all the fucking carbs in the world?&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Let it just be said that both the mac and cheese and the fries are a thing of beauty. Both expertly prepared and, I\u2019ll admit, the queso-esque sauce oozing onto the crisp, salty brilliance of the fries is decadent as shit, I\u2019m just not sure the macaroni is necessary, delicious though it is. But let\u2019s not allow personal preferences to get in the way of this being an elite beer snack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember when I mentioned that the pain had started? Yeah, well, it gets a whole lot worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Almost Famous are a decade old Manchester institution and the city\u2019s first proper viral culinary superstars. And their bacon bacon fries are, for very good reason, one of the city\u2019s most beloved dirty dishes. But by fucking christ, a titanic sized portion of these bastards was the last thing I wanted to see sat down before me at this moment in time. And I hate myself for saying that, but when it feels as though chips are now piled from your lower intestine up to the back of your tonsils, more of the fuckers topped with bacon mayo and \u2018bacon rain\u2019 is enough to make you weep openly in public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/baconbaconfries-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4629\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/baconbaconfries-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/baconbaconfries-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/baconbaconfries-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/baconbaconfries-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/baconbaconfries.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>Oh m8<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Fortunately tears were avoided and Paddy, tiring of the pair of us measly picking at a dish we would ordinarily devour (Lucy\u2019s vegetarianism prevented her from partaking in this course) performed a herculean effort. One heroic gust of second wind catapulting him forwards, his fork stabbing through starch and bacon like an angry cobra going apeshit on a warren of rabbits it\u2019s just stumbled upon. The chips disappear into his mouth, pain etched on his face, but also glory. A true \u2018taking one for the team\u2019 moment that will be seared into our collective memories forever. This may have been when the crying started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CHIPTOUR4-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4630\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CHIPTOUR4-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CHIPTOUR4-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CHIPTOUR4-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CHIPTOUR4-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/CHIPTOUR4.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>&#8220;Alexa, play <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=wcV1UpZAWAc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">&#8216;A Real Hero&#8217; <\/a>by Electric Youth&#8221;<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>The Last Leg<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cGuin&#8230;actually, wait, just a pint of something easy\u201d<\/em>. We collapse into the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bayhorsetavern\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bay Horse Tavern<\/a> on Thomas Street not a well gang. We order the \u2018thrice cooked chips\u2019, complete with a miniature saucepan of beef gravy and we realise Guinness, although perfectly poured in this Northern Quarter stalwart, is not the way to go refreshment wise. In all honesty, neither is any lager after seven portions of chips, but there we were, committing to complete and utter heart failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even seven portions deep, however, there was no denying the strength of Bay Horse\u2019s chips. The time and patience put into each cooking of them a worthwhile effort. We\u2019d much prefer them as our first round to our seventh, but even so, it\u2019s painstakingly obvious that these beefy behemoths are well worth your attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At this point, Lucy departs. A group hug is shared, like a scene straight out of a late \u201890s\/early \u201800s coming of age film, only missing an overly emotional pop punk ballad to really deliver the gravitas that it so richly deserved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Left to our own devices now, Paddy and I head Babwards. Greek fries, crumbled with feta and olives and drizzled with tzatziki, garlic mayo and chilli sauce are, much like the previous four courses, chef\u2019s kiss worthy fries. It\u2019s also an arseload of salt for two lads who can barely even talk to each other at this point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">In quite a lot of pain <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/sBSHpsQFfj\">pic.twitter.com\/sBSHpsQFfj<\/a><\/p>&mdash; EATMCR (@eat_mcr) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/eat_mcr\/status\/1426225318893920261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">August 13, 2021<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We give the basket of Greek goodness in front of us the valiant effort it deserves. It\u2019s not exactly Angelos Charisteas heading in the winner in the Euro 2004 final, but given our own fitness levels in the moment, it\u2019s also not that far off either. Applause is also apt as, in a market as saturated as the \u2018loaded fries\u2019 one, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bab_mcr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bab<\/a> have produced a dish that is actually pretty unique, with more bars focusing on the melted cheese\/bacon\/fried chicken\/gravy toppings for their Frankenstein\u2019s monsters. Feta and olives are a welcome break from the norm, even if the pair of us feel as if we\u2019re about to go blind, slip into a coma, or both.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><strong>\u201cTime to say goodbye\u201d<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The operatic beefcake Andrea Bocelli scored the opening scene of this tour and it\u2019s with his soul stirring crescendo of Italian drama coursing through our veins that we amble, not quite beaten, but battered to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/thefryby\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Fry By<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We order up a cone of European inspired fritey fulfilment at the Hilton St hatch, holding it aloft like the Champions League trophy when it arrives. We fucking did it. For each and every one of you we did it. We are about a stone heavier respectively,\u00a0 but we mercilessly plough through the double cooked deliciousness, seeing off everything in our wake, pickled pink onions, a myriad of mayos, homemade salts, each tastier than the last. This is our last dance, like Michael Jordan and Scotty Pippen, just ruining the ever loving shite out of any poor set of sods who steps before them in the NBA Play offs, we polish off the ninth and final serving. And what a spot to draw a close to proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"768\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/chiptourdone-768x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-4631\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/chiptourdone-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/chiptourdone-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/chiptourdone-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/chiptourdone-600x800.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/chiptourdone.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" \/><figcaption>There is so much pain behind those eyes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>While Fry By\u2019s residency on Hilton Street is sadly no longer, we expect to see the Amsterdam inspired frite shop open for business elsewhere at some point in the future. Their red desiree potatoes, fresh from McCalls on High Street, are steamed, blanched, fried and seasoned to a tee, delivering an almost Kettle Chip like quality. It\u2019s no surprise that the post-5pm crowds were constantly amassed around the spot next to Corner Boy during its three month stretch. Wherever this gem reappears, it\u2019s going to do gangbusters business.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And so, sweaty, exhausted, potentially on the verge of a major cardiac incident, we head off into the sweet embrace of Stevenson Square, victorious and in agony. As the sun lilts behind the Victorian splendour of the surrounding buildings, we regret not being able to give superior spud slingers such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/vietshack\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Viet Shack<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/evelynscafebar\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Evelyn\u2019s<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/bullandbearmcr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Bull and Bear<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/10tiblane\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">10 Tib Lane<\/a> and the assorted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/tomschophouse_\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chop Houses<\/a> their flowers. Maybe next time\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As we swear off all potato based orders for at least a month, Paddy disappears to a nearby offy. He returns with a Toffee Crisp. My mind is blown.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>One afternoon. So many chips. One historic culinary adventure&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":4624,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"spay_email":""},"categories":[5,23],"tags":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v17.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>The Great EATMCR Chip Safari 2021 - EAT MCR<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatmcr.co.uk\/guides\/the-great-eatmcr-chip-safari-2021\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Great EATMCR Chip Safari 2021 - EAT MCR\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"One afternoon. So many chips. 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