BiteClubber
D asks: Have you ever done a review or a blog for the best fish and
chips in Sonoma County. We have been craving good fish and chips, so I
thought I’d ask you! Thanks.
Fish ‘n chips have been much on my mind lately as well. It’s that bundle-up time of year when a crispity, crunchity piece of Alaskan cod and a splash of vinegar sound pretty darned good. Add a frosty bottle of root beer and life’s sweet.
For years Betty’s Fish and Chips was my inland* go-to. Solid. Predicatable. That changed when Mel’s Fish and Chips popped onto my radar. (Radar, in this case equals a Google search for “Santa Rosa fish and chips”.) Little more than a hole-in-the-wall spot off Hopper Ave., the walk-up counter has been turning out all manner of fried and battered seafood since 1988.
You’ll get right off that the spot’s nothin’ fancy. Funny newspaper clips on the wall. A few outdoor tables when it’s nice. A sliver of a counter for single diners. Steaming paper bags blossoming with grease spots as folks race for their cars.
Under the watchful ownership of Wafa Jolivette since 2000 (you’ll often find her at the fryer), everything at Mel’s gets done by hand.
Alaskan cod gets floured and battered to order, then takes a quick trip
through piping hot oil and onto your plate. Same with the onion rings,
which start as (gasp!) raw onions! Okay, the fries start out frozen,
but they’re still hella good and extra thick. And so on. You can get a sample platter for $7.99 that includes fish, two prawns, artichoke hearts and freshly made cole slaw, along with containers of tartar sauce, ranch and chili sauce for your dipping pleasure.
If
you’re not a cod fan, Mel’s also offers clam strips ($1.99), jalapeno
poppers, scallops, prawns, fried cajun dogs ($3.99) and a deep fried
burrito (you’re on your own with this one). There seems to be no end to the things Wafa’s willing to batter dip and fry.
She
won’t tell you the secret to her magic batter, however. “We mix a few
different flours and mix it until it’s smooth. Hey! I can’t tell you
everything!” Wafa says over the phone. Drat. Because her fish and chips
will ruin you to pretty much anything else.
And that’s no fish tale.
Mel’s
Fish and Chips, 1016 Hopper Ave., Santa Rosa, 707.578.1954. Open
Tuesday through Friday from 11am to 8:30pm, Saturday, 11:30 to 8:30pm.
Closed Sunday and Monday.
Now the other inlanders..
-Betty’s Fish and Chips: A
Santa Rosa institution. Solid, but for the price it can be hit or miss.
More of a sit-down spot where you can kick back and enjoy the
knick-knackery. Plus,they’re open Sunday (Mel’s is closed Sunday and
Monday) 4046 Sonoma Hwy., Santa Rosa; 539-0899.
- Toad in the Hole:
Though I’d heard the fish and chips had improved (including one vote
for “The Best Fish and Chips Ever!”), my newest experience was
off-putting at best. Rubbery and almost impossible to cut fish that
slipped out of its fried jacket almost immediately. Tasteless coleslaw.
Understaffed and slow service. $10 for two pieces of fish? I’m still taking a pass, Toadies. 116 Fifth St., Santa Rosa, 707.544.8623
Untried: Cape Cod Fish & Chips in Cotati, Ace in the Hole Pub in Graton. Stay tuned for Stout Brothers Pub, ETA for opening is late October, early Nov.
*Bayside Best-
Like clam chowder and oysters, I’ve got a totally different standard
for fish and chips along the coast. Best I’ve found in Bodega Bay is Dee’s Deli by Lucas Wharf.
Got a favorite fish and chippery? One I missed? Tell me.
(And yes, if anyone actually cares, I found yesterday’s Bahn mi at Lee’s Noodle House while waiting for my fish and chips. Call it serious food kismet.)
I have been to Betty’s, not as bad as Alcatraz but no match for Mel’s. Mel’s doesn’t have enough seating so I get frustrated when I want their combo and it’s raining. I’ll still stop by hoping they aren’t busy…ha! I live to far away for takeout.
I eat at Mel’s quite often because it’s very near my house – the fish is always great, the fries taste good and I love the slaw. That being said, I really like and prefer Fourth and “Sea” in Petaluma – but not about to drive down there every time I get a craving for fish & chips. It’s just a batter preference.
Posted By: Chuck (07/11/2008 7:33:24 PM)
)
Comment: In the past I would frequantly visit Mels, because they served some of the best fish & chips I’ve ever eaten. That was under the past or orignal ownership. In those days it was all about the quality. Everything fried in fresh canola oil. Quality has taken a big-time dive under the current ownership. I saw in the article above something about a ‘secret batter’. Well I can solve that problem for you! It’s called DIP-IT, available at any grocery outlet or by in the one ton size at Costco or Smart & Final. Mels once used an outstanding homemade batter or at least a batter of higher quality. By the way, Dip-it is a prossed food substance. The orignal Mels served home-made coleslaw, I used to watch him cut the cabbage onsite, fresh cut french fries. The new owners use frozen fries (I saw the full box go in and the empty box go out along with a box of that Dip-it batter, not so fresh coleslaw. OK, my reason for leaving a not so favorable review. I just mad a visit to Mel’s, thought I would give it another chance. It was worse than ever. I waited almost thirty minutes for two pieces of deep fired fish. The women were working at about halfspeed in order to keep up with the conversation. The overall qualtiy and tase was fair at best overall a third rate outfit.
Posted By: Michaela (Mike at Empire) (23/08/2008 10:53:33 AM)
Comment: I agree that Mel’s is the best fish~n~chips town, however; the fried artichokes are what are addicting (co-worker shared one and now that’s is why I eat there). The crabcakes aren’t bad either. I would like to see Lobster rolls on the menu one day, and the coleslaw is good too. Thanks Wafa, You rock!
Posted By: Sara (3/8/2008 11:00) (09/03/2008 1:02:53 PM)
Comment: Ya Mel’s fish & chips ROCKS!!! Well I work their my mom is the owner and it’s really fun working their!
Posted By: Gary (29/10/2007 1:18:02 PM)
Comment: I miss Betty’s, Mel’s and Cape Cod since moving to the Central Coast six years ago. Also good in SoCo is Fourth & C in Petaluma. Worth a try!
Posted By: Dr Phil. (27/10/2007 9:03:15 AM)
Comment: this is bordering on an obsession Mihelle.Do you need a hug?
Posted By: Michelle (26/10/2007 5:53:27 PM)
Comment: I had Mel’s Fish & Chips this past weekend…. WOW!! really, really wonderful! I also tried the fried artichoke hearts, they were delicious as well. We will most definitely be returning to Mel’s for Fish & Chips done right!! I am very tempted to leave a “doggie bag” of Mel’s Fish & Chips over at Toad in the Hole….so they can taste how it’s done!!
Posted By: hmmm. (23/10/2007 5:56:40 PM)
Comment: pissing off brits? do you know a brit?? brits love the crack…should i define?? a tongue in cheek joke…perhaps you should leave the good ole us of a and meet some other people outside of santa rosa, and realize, the banter associated with the “british folk” would make you blush and giggle all at the same time. just reading some of the well put retorts from paul makes me want to grab a beer and get ready for some fun at the toad in the hole. sheesh.
Posted By: The Real Deal (23/10/2007 11:28:17 AM)
Comment: Oh dear! Paul just pissed off a whole bunch of Brits, not a good thing to do when you’re running a pub. On his best day I wouldn’t feed his fish and chips to my dog, cause I’m one of those Brits and I sure will not be trying the Toad anytime soon! Way to go Paul!
Posted By: dr phil (22/10/2007 9:01:02 PM)
Comment: Mark meet Michelle.Michelle meet mark,you .two make a wonderful angry couple
Posted By: Mark (22/10/2007 2:04:32 PM)
Comment: I agree Heather…But for the record I don’t personally KNOW anyone who posts on here, unlike the “horrified” and others. I just think it’s ridiculous for friends and business owners to hop onto an opinion forum and say people shouldn’t state their opinion…I had nothing to say about The Toad until I saw this guy’s behavior. On that note, let’s continue to critique (both positive AND negative) the food of this “bloody” area!
Posted By: rancid taste in my mouth… (22/10/2007 7:10:05 AM)
Comment: mark you just proved horrified’s point…horrible.
Response: Hey BiteClubbers. There are clearly some very upset folks on both sides here. I’d rather we keep the discussion constructive rather than personal. I always encourage comment and feedback from both readers and restaurant owners. Paul stands by his product, and I respect that. I look forward to everyone’s continued reports about the Toad and other restaurants. Because your opinion is what matters.
Posted By: Mark (21/10/2007 10:46:36 AM)
Comment: Oh no one is trying to ruin anyones business…This guy is doing it for himself. The reason we aren’t mentioning burgers is because this is a FISH AND CHIPS THREAD! lol…And if a PUB can’t get the most basic dish down, then that’s kinda like an Italian deli not being able to slice prosciutto!!!
Posted By: Mark (21/10/2007 10:43:27 AM)
Comment: If Americans are a “horrible lot” then why don’t you move back “bloke”..We have this REALLY cool thing here called a public forum and freedom of speech…Oh and the INTERNET!!! But now I’m talking space talk…Cheerio!
Posted By: horrified (21/10/2007 6:56:55 AM)
Comment: mark, michele and of course heather, what horrible people you american lot are! trying to destroy someones business is just plain mean. i have been a patron of the toad in the hole and had wonderful service from paul. he is a great bloke with a pub trying to makean honest living. heather, why not focus on something that was good too? i hear the burger is the best around.
Posted By: Mark (20/10/2007 2:12:52 PM)
Comment: Never eaten at Toads but just from this guys attitude I NEVER WILL….Be a real restauranter and take critisism. Arguing on a public message board and acting like a baby is bad for your business. I don’t know the person who runs this place or anyone else who has commented, but your demeanor is awful. I’ll make sure to pass the word on to “thousands” too…REAL restaurants in this area have thrived from good food and great service. From what I’ve seen you have neither goin for ya!
Posted By: Michelle (20/10/2007 2:02:36 PM)
Comment: Hey Paul… Why don’t you give me something good to say…and give me something good to EAT too!! That is your business, right? You have a lot of nerve — this is a public forum I can say positive or negative things if I want to. Your Fish & Chips SUCK PAUL – THEY SUCK! Your establishment has been given second & third chances and you guys still can’t get it right! Might I mention we aren’t even talking about a culinary masterpiece here, It’s FRIED FISH!!! You might want to read my positive comments about; Rosso’s, Mambo’s, Mel’s, Casanova’s, Willi’s. Face it, you’re just mad cuz more people other than just Heather & I think you guys can’t fry fish! Maybe you should ask your Uncle how to do it right?
Posted By: http:// (19/10/2007 5:28:11 PM)
Comment: WELL WHAT A SURPRISE YOU SHOULD PIPE IN WITH MORE NEGATIVE COMMENTS.The only time you have anything good to say it is to concur with whatever heather has to say! The rest of the time it seems to be negative…as in your last posting about rats? AS for this notion that fish and chips in england are this incredible experience every time just shows that as usual you are just taking cheap shots!I have eaten fish and chips in the uk that I WOULD NOT FEED YOUR DOG.If you have nothing good to say dont say anything at all. Paul Stokeld
Posted By: Michelle (19/10/2007 8:46:48 AM)
Comment: Sorry Paul, it’s not just Heather that does not care for your Fish & Chips. I also don’t like them, and it’s not Heather that is telling thousands of people it’s your recipe that got the word out…it truely isn’t good. I was at Equis last night, and I had this “Fish & Chips” conversation with a lady (Didn’t know her) and she said that Toad in the Hole’s Fish & Chips were really bad too. She just got back from London and she admitted that she might be a bit spoiled from eating the “real deal”. But again Paul, my point is…don’t blame Heather — her experience with your waitstaff and her experience with the Fish & Chips there is not an isolated dining experience…it is the “talk of the town”. I would suggest changing your recipe and getting a different quality of Cod….sorry.
Posted By: Paul Stokeld (17/10/2007 7:40:59 PM)
Comment: I have now eaten our fish and chips for six days in a row to see if they are as bad as you seem to claim they are Heather. LUCKILY, we fry our fresh lightly battered fish in fresh oil with home made real potatoes (not frozen).I do not think they are as bad as you portray them to be.For some reason you seem to have a bad experience every time you come into the toad that you pass onto thousands of people.I WOULD LIKE TO GIVE YOU A PERSONAL invitation to come in and sit down with us and see what it is that you are experiencing that so many satisfied customers are not!Yours sincerely ,Toad.
Posted By: Dawn (16/10/2007 2:34:27 PM)
Comment: “English style” basically means fresh fish, cod or haddock battered to order and fried as you wait, chips made from real potatoes never ever frozen,mushy green peas add color and also kind’ve add the veggie, trust me fish and chips with mushy peas is the best add lashings of salt and vinegar, bread and butter and a pot of hot tea delicious!
Posted By: MEL (16/10/2007 9:35:53 AM)
Comment: I personally hope Wafa never adds mushy peas to the menu.Our original concept was not to emulate “English”, or any other style of fish & chips. It was simply to make what we liked, to be prepared fresh and sold at a fair price. We had many Brits tell us it reminded them of home while others who inquired whether we were selling “English style” were never able to explain what that meant. In my book NO ONE will ever top Thompson’s. I often long for just one more order! Keep up the good work,Wafa, and thanks Laurie for the heads-up to this blog. MEL.
Posted By: Wulfstan (15/10/2007 12:16:13 PM)
Comment: Yes, the little centre with Lee’s & Mel’s is a hidden gem for inexpensive, delicious food. I’m also glad to hear that I can find mushy peas in Sonoma. How I miss those w/o Old Vic. We can make them at home, but usually lack the time.
Posted By: Big John (14/10/2007 6:28:30 PM)
Comment: Went to try Mels today, but they’re closed Sundays. On the way home, tried crusing Old Town Windsor. Found Patterson’s Pub. Really good, real cod and the chips are terrific. I suggest trying the “spicy” batter. Cajun like, but not too hot. 9057 Windsor Road.
Posted By: Ben (14/10/2007 6:04:56 PM)
Comment: Murphy’s in Sonoma has mushy peas and colcanon.
Posted By: Went to Mel’s for lunch… (14/10/2007 5:58:59 PM)
Comment: ..yesterday and it was AWESOME! Would never have found it without Bite Club. Thanks!
Posted By: Joe Bloggs (12/10/2007 10:36:26 PM)
Comment: Don’t care for the batter at 4th and C it’s got that corn meal stuff in it a bit like the batter on a corn dog Yuk! But the burgers there are good so are the chips and I must say the fish without the batter is quite tasty.
Posted By: Micky (12/10/2007 10:33:16 PM)
Comment: I think McNears fish and chips are the best in town, P Town that is… But don’t have fish on a Sunday night you never know what you’re going to get!
Posted By: kat (12/10/2007 10:23:16 PM)
Comment: Aww, no love for 4th&Sea in Petaluma? Love their fish sammich…perfectly fried fish, not too greasy, and their garlic fries/chips are yummy..don’t know if they are cut fresh there or frozen, but they are thick cut with the skin still on, and tasty.
Posted By: Stephanie (12/10/2007 9:26:44 PM)
Comment: I freakin’ love Mel’s. My mom and I have been going there for years and have never found a better place. They also have deep-fried twinkies and candy bars upon request, but I admit I’ve never quite had the guts to go that far against my health conscience, tempting as they may be. Wonderful place; I’m glad it finally got some recognition.
Posted By: A Traditional Brit Chippy Lover (12/10/2007 5:16:42 PM)
Comment: When Oh when will these fish and chip spots stop serving the coleslaw and start serving good old mushy peas? Brit style Yum Yum!
Posted By: shirley (12/10/2007 3:15:35 PM)
Comment: Thanks for the tip. We’ve been looking for a good fish and chip place. Growing up, lived for the long gone Thompson’s on Mendocino Ave. We’re on our way to check it out.
Posted By: cloverdawn (12/10/2007 2:10:25 PM)
Comment: Thanks for the response, Heather. Can’t wait to try Mel’s. I did forget about the Boat House in Bodega Bay. Great little hole in the wall. Everything’s good. I especially love the scallops. The place is very tiny and very popular, in nice weather the croud spills out onto the deck where they BBQ oysters. Yum.
Posted By: kudzu (12/10/2007 1:58:43 PM)
Comment: Inquiring palates want to know: are the clam strips frozen or fresh before frying??
Posted By: Michelle (12/10/2007 12:46:25 PM)
Comment: Regarding Toad in the Hole’s fish and chips… I have one word “HORRIBLE” Very rubbery, and the fish tastes old!! I have driven by Mel’s several times. Now, I plan on going in for some of that sampler platter. Thanks for the tip Heather that was hella awesome!
Posted By: Mark (12/10/2007 12:22:33 PM)
Comment: I don’t think he could have used a BETTER term for it than “hella good”….So good that I just ordered a combo to go lol
Posted By: Wojamo (12/10/2007 11:45:04 AM)
Comment: This place sounds too good to be true! I love that you used the term “hella good.”
Posted By: Mark (11/10/2007 7:07:22 PM)
Comment: Mel’s deep fried artichoke hearts = reason to live
Posted By: natasha (11/10/2007 5:53:41 PM)
Comment: I always enjoy the fried calamari and chips at the Boat House right on Hiway #1 in Bodega Bay. Their fish and chips is also tasty-very fresh items and not greasy! Good coleslaw too!
Posted By: TRACEY (11/10/2007 5:02:56 PM)
Comment: Cape Cod F&C has always been my go to place in Cotati, I liked Mels under the old ownership better, new fav. is Murphys in Sonoma- Best Fish Tacos ever which means the Fish and Chips ROCK too but try the Onion Rings fries will never mean as much to you again!