Lifestyle
French fries tops the chips
A chip off the old block… well French block it seems…
Once beloved by Britons, the chunky chip has been overtaken as the fried potato of choice, with frites now reigning supreme as the nation’s favourite, according to new research. A poll of a selection of food-loving Brits by Côte Brasserie, saw French fries preferred by a resounding 62 percent of the nation.
Crispier texture (58 percent), not as greasy (32 percent), not going soggy like a traditional chip (24 percent) and being able to get more on a plate (18 percent) are the main reasons Brits are shunning traditional chips for frites. And to add insult to injury, as many as 56 percent said that, in general, the French have better food than we do in Britain.
However, whether you prefer a chip or a fry, when it comes to sauces, a dollop of ketchup (50 percent) unsurprisingly remains the go-to condiment, with curry sauce (31 percent) coming second, beating off gravy (19 percent) in popularity.
On average, of the 2,000 Brits polled, they eat chips or fries three times a week, with four in ten (44 percent) describing themselves as a connoisseur of fried potatoes. Men are more likely to be fanatics (47 percent) compared to women (41 percent). London (67 percent), Leicester (52 percent) and Birmingham (51 percent) are the self-confessed chip / fry connoisseurs of the UK, while those in Norwich (26 percent), Cambridge (25 percent) and Plymouth (29 percent) aren’t as keen on fried spuds.
As the nation’s biggest frites lovers, Londoners can get their hands on a free portion of French fries with Côte’s new secret menu item, Le Curry Sauce, at the restaurant’s pop-up frites stand at St Katharine Docks from midday until 4pm on Friday 17th May. Only a limited number of free portions are available, so make your way over early to avoid disappointment.
65 percent of those polled claimed they would have chips with every meal if they could, while a third (35 percent) admit they always order a side of chips when out for a meal. Half (53 percent) of Brits put their sauce on the side of the plate, while one in three (32 percent) slather it all over the fries.
Steve Allen, Côte Brasserie’s Executive chef:
“It’s clear that Brits are big fans of chips whatever form they take. The crisp texture of frites pairs perfectly with a flavoursome sauce, which is often the star of the show. I’m not at all surprised about the popularity of curry sauce either.”
With such passion, it’s no surprise that one in three (32 percent) have had a ‘friendly’ argument with family and friends about which is best – chips or fries. Despite being a well-loved table sharer, pouring sauce all over the chips without asking (41 percent), double dipping (37 percent), shaking salt all over without asking (31 percent), taking the last fry (28 percent) and reaching over someone to nab one (26 percent) are all considered bad etiquette when sharing a plate of chips or fries.
“If you are open to sharing a portion of fries with friends and family this Spring, Côte’s Frites with Le Curry Sauce secret menu item is available in all 82 of the French bistro’s locations across the UK until the 16th June 2024 – just say ‘Le Curry Sauce’ when ordering. The secret menu is part of Côte’s Spring Specials.” – Côte Brasserie
