Fry Me to the Moon

January 2020

Nobody here is trying to say that fried food is good for you – though we can certainly say that certain fried foods are healthier than others. Fried asparagus, for example, is clearly better than fried Oreos. So, let’s just agree that fried foods are a guilty pleasure, and should be consumed in moderation. Having said that, here are some of our fried goodies in the Gables.

Bahamian Conch Fritters (pictured above). Owner Danny Guiteras will tell you that the secret is to avoid all that breading, just batter and fry. His decades-old recipe creates the best tasting conch fritters this side of the Caribbean. Served with cocktail and/or sour cream horseradish sauce. The Globe. 377 Alhambra. $14

Chicken Tenders. Why do these fried tenders taste so good? It’s because they are soaked in buttermilk, says owner Martin Lynch. He won’t say how long, but it’s bloody well long enough. Served with BBQ or honey mustard sauce. John Martin’s Irish Pub. 253 Miracle Mile. $12

Spring Break Duck. They do several duck dishes here, including a duck with wild basil and a duck noodle soup. But it’s when they roast the duck first – and then fry it up crispy – that they fly to the moon of deliciousness. Moon Thai & Japanese. 1118 S. Dixie Hwy. $12 lunch, $21 dinner.

Korean Fried Cauliflower. It looks like sweet and sour pork. But instead you are eating a healthy plant, from the same family as kale and broccoli, fried up crisp then tossed in a sweet tangy sauce with sesame seeds and green onions. Very tasty. Cheesecake Factory. 2418 Ponce de Leon Blvd. $6.95

Fried Soft Shell Crab. The Japanese have always been good at deep frying foods, for example their lightly battered tempura dishes. This is a slightly heavier fry, crunchy on the outside but juicy on the inside. True heaven if you like seafood. Izakaya. 159 Aragon Ave. $10

Fried Mac + Cheese. Probably the only healthy thing about this ultimate indulgence in comfort couch food is the tomato bisque that it is served with, for dipping purposes. Crafted as fried logs like croquetas. Yard House. Shops at Merrick Park. $12.75

“Signature” Onion Rings. Nothing worse than soggy fried onion rings. Nothing better than when they are done right, like these crispy panko crusted rings, with a smoked jalapeño ailoi sauce for an extra kick. Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. 2525 Ponce de Leon Blvd. $10

“Signature” Fried Asparagus. Perry’s prides itself on this starter, developed by their food engineers in Texas. Lightly battered, fried asparagus somehow pairs really well with jumbo lump crabmeat. We have no idea why, but should we care? Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille. Shops at Merrick Park. $19