Perth Voice Interactive

WHO’S on a post-Christmas diet?

Channeling Donald Trump, I’ve decided to alter reality and have passed an executive order to extend the festive period until the kids go back to school.

That way I can keep drinking every night and eat unhealthy food for another week.

It all makes sense in some JG Ballard novel where the world is teetering on the brink of insanity.

However, I am cutting back on expenditure, so I decided to give Seabreeze Fish and Chips a go.

Situated on the Canning Highway, just before East Fremantle town hall, I’ve always seen a sign for the chippie while idling at the traffic lights, but have never went because it was too tricky to park.

Turns out the easiest way is to take the May Street turn off, then right at the roundabout and park on Silas Street.

Seabreeze is a no-frills takeaway.

You know the drill – drinks fridge in the corner, plastic chairs along the wall, faded “Fishes of the Sea” poster, and newspapers strewn across a table.

But it’s hard to beat their prices, especially their family packs.

I ordered the Special for 4 ($55) which had four pieces of hake, four crab sticks, dim sim or pineapple, and an $8 portion of chips.

If you are sans kids, their individual hake was $13.20 and chips were $5.50.

Seabreeze has a good range of fish including hake, barramundi, snapper, Spanish mackerel and red emperor.

They also do a wide variety of “snacks” with everything from crumbed sausage and NZ mussels to corn jacks and prawn cutlets.

The chippie should be commended for being open seven days a week – a bold move in these tough economic times.

When I visited on a stinking hot Wednesday evening, it was fairly quiet and the staff were friendly and polite.

As I waited for my order, I could hear the reassuring gurgle of the deep fat fryer and felt my arteries tensing in anticipation.

First off it’s great value for money – there was a mountain of chips and eight pieces of fish (four large and four smaller fillets).

But did it taste any good?

I’m pleased to report it was very enjoyable – the fish had a light golden batter and the fillet was super fresh.

You could get the chips normal or crunchy and we went for crunchy – they were just the right thickness and had a satisfying crispy bite.

The dim sim had a nice mix of tasty pork and herbs and weren’t desiccated (sometimes they can be rock hard and dry).

My fish cake ($4.70) had a pleasant soft filling with subtle traces of herbs and spices.

The crumbed coating was nice and light and it was one of the best fish cakes I’ve had from a takeaway (usually they’re deep-fried atrocities).

The salt and pepper squid ($9.90) was enjoyable too – not overcooked with tender squid and a peppery kick.

If you’re after budget fish and chips, I can’t really fault Seabreeze – great value for money and the quality was good.

And if you’re feeling guilty afterwards, there’s a gym around the corner.

Or you could leave it until the kids are back at school.

New executive order – eat more chips.

Seabreeze Fish and Chips
17/155 Canning Hwy, East Fremantle
9339 6129
seabreeze-fish-n-chips.tuckerfox.com.au

by STEPHEN POLLOCK