Gordon Ramsay addressed a cheerful, hungry crowd. He encouraged attendees to ‘work their magic.’ As soft music played, free and delicious menu samples delighted attendees. With a smile, Ramsay thanked the line cooks and shook the restaurant manager’s hand. At the VIP launch party, New Yorkers learned about the new casual food spot.
On Sunday, Times Square’s Gordon Ramsay Fish and Chips opened. The fast-casual restaurant brought British cuisine to New York City. Menu items included crispy cod, fishwiches, fried shrimp, and fry variations. Ramsay’s signature sticky toffee and biscoff shakes appealed to sweet tooths. The refreshing crafted lemonade and sweet tea had delightful flavors.
Attendees watched line cooks prepare the food. One chef tossed fries in a large metal bowl. Another team member dipped battered cod in a deep fryer. Shortly after, the food came out golden brown. “We make the batter from scratch in the back,” said a waitress. She handed out fishwiches: circular, crispy cod in a soft pita wrap. With a grin, she walked to the next table.
Friendly staff in pinstripe aprons served free samples. The dirty #1 chips had chorizo, jalapenos, and cheese. The spicy and smoky flavors delighted guests. Servers handed out fried cod with southwest ranch drip. The savory fish came on a skewer. A garnish and lemon accompanied the sample. Tasty fried shrimp came with a choice of curry-mango or cocktail sauce.
The dirty # 3 chips featured bacon, cheddar cheese, green onion, and sour cream. Complete with a toothpick, these tangy fries enticed attendees. Some dipped the fries in the curry-mango sauce. Natural fries made an appearance as well. Lightly seasoned with sea salt, the simple classic excited guests. This menu item paired will with the ranch dip.
Guests washed down their food with various drinks. The peach-flavored lemonade offered a sour contrast. Diet cokes provided zesty and bubbly tastes. In small cups, the sticky toffee and biscoff shakes appeared. Topped with whipped cream and sugary syrup, they became a meal highlight.
Sample trays sported British flags. Several walls displayed the flag as well. The red tile behind the line cook’s counter gleamed. As visitors laughed, acoustic music played. The Beatles became one notable artist. Through the restaurant, Ramsay hoped to “bring quintessential British cuisine to Times Square.”
Ramsay modernized fish and chip recipes with culinary expertise. Though a British classic, he elevated recipes with perfect food pairings. “The batter comes from watching my mum make fish and chips back home,” he said with a smile. He greeted all guests with a handshake.
All participants received a free goody bag. The bag featured the restaurant’s name and a fish logo in embroidery thread. Gifts included Ramsay’s ten-minute dishes cookbook, Biscotti cookies, high-quality cookware, and an embroidered baseball cap.
