Batter up! Where to find the best fish and chips on P.E.I.

Do you like it battered in beer and deep fried, or smothered in crumbs and pan fried? Do you like chips with the potato skin on or off? Hand cut or wedges or store-bought?

Whatever they put in the tartar sauce is unbelievable. I've asked them twice what's in it and they won't tell me! Dennis King

There are so many places to eat on P.E.I., especially in the summer, and so little time. You don't want to waste precious calories eating less-than-stellar fish and chips.

We rounded up a few experts to point us in the right direction.

The Celebrity Chef

On his website, famed Island chef Michael Smith firmly names Rick's Fish and Chips in St. Peters, P.E.I., as his favourite spot for fish and chips, calling it "awesome" and fresh.

"Fish and chips? Rick's! St. Peters is home to our favourite spot for a well-executed, old- fashioned fish fry. They understand technique which, understandably, matters to a Chopped Canada judge guy like me!" he adds on the Tourism PEI website.

Read more here.

The food writer

Andrew Sprague is a food writer based in Charlottetown. His monthly restaurant reviews for The Buzz will both tickle your funny bone and make your mouth water.

His top pick?

"It is well worth the drive for the fish and chips from Brehaut's Restaurant in Murray Harbour," Sprague said. A note: Brehaut's is now known as Harbourview Restaurant.

"Brehaut's has been in business for decades and I'm confident the fish and chips is a big reason why."

He points out the fish and chips at Richard's in Covehead is top-notch too, but you may have to stand in line for an hour to get it on a busy night.

"That says a lot about the quality of the food there," he adds. And, it can be fun to chat with others in line and people-watch as you wait.

Spraguealso loves Rick's in St. Peter's.

"To be honest, there are so many good fish joints that it's hard to put one ahead of the other."

The Industry Boss

Dennis King, executive director of the P.E.I. Seafood Processor's Association, tries to watch his waistline but admits to indulging in fish and chips (well, it isprobably in his job description).

"The two best places I've eaten fish and chips this year is Richard's in Covehead and Clam Diggers in Georgetown," he said.

King is originally from Georgetown and performs a weekly comedy show at the local playhouse, so his loyalty to the area runs deep. But his praiseof Clam Diggers is sincere.

"Whatever they put in the tartar sauce is unbelievable. I've asked them twice what's in it and they won't tell me!" he said.

"I think Clam Diggers has a very unique batter, it's flaky, almost crumb-y."

While portions at Richard's are "probably a little bit too much to eat," King said, "I don't know how you could do it better. It's not as heavy a batter either."

A long wait

The only problem both of these establishments have and it's a good one to have is they are extremely popular.

Richard's warns customers how long the wait is it's been known to be up to an hour and gives out buzzers that go off when orders are ready. It's right on the wharf at Covehead, so customers can sip drinks and people watch while local fishing boats come and go.

Clam Diggers, next to the harbour in Georgetown, is also very busy but takes reservations. The water view from their large windows and expansive patio is pretty and soothing.

Your suggestions

Some suggestions from our enthusiasticFacebookaudience: Steamers, John Brown's, Hunter's,GahanHouse, Churchill Arms, Water Prince Shop in Charlottetown, Fun on a Bun on Montague, and Skip's inSummerside.

And the top two nominees: Rick's Fish and Chips in St. Peters and Richard's Fresh Seafood inCovehead.

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