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Batterfish

Batterfish was a fish and chip shop in Portland, Oregon. Previously, the business operated in Encino, Los Angeles, as a food truck in Santa Monica, California, and as a food cart in Happy Valley, Oregon. Batterfish specialized in fish and chips and was featured on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. The restaurant closed by 2023.

Description

Batterfish was described as a fish and chip shop on Belmont Street in southeast Portland.[1] The business served catfish, cod, salmon, and tilapia, with chili, curry, garlic ginger, lemon basil, and traditional batter options.[2][3] Sides included fries, onion rings, and peas.[4] Over time, the menu expanded to include burgers, burritos, and sandwiches.[5] Batterfish also served fish tacos and burritos to commemorate a restaurant which had previously operated in the Portland space, as well as vegan options.[1]

History

The restaurant opened in Encino, Los Angeles, in 2014,[6] and operated there until June 2016, when owner Jason Killalee announced plans to operate Batterfish as a food truck in Santa Monica, California, starting on July 15.[7][8] In 2017, Batterfish was featured on the Food Network's Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives (season 27, episode 3).[9]

In 2020, Batterfish began operating from a food cart at the Happy Valley Station pod in Happy Valley, Oregon.[10][11] The business relocated and became a brick and mortar restaurant in southeast Portland's Sunnyside neighborhood in 2022, operating in a space which previously housed Char Latin Grill.[5] The restaurant closed by 2023, and the restaurant Annam VL moved into the space.[12][13]

Reception

In 2015, Lucas Peterson of Eater Los Angeles said Batterfish served the best fish and chips in Los Angeles.[2] Guy Fieri said of the restaurant, "If you can a make a living off a fish and chips truck in a town like Los Angeles, you must be doing it right."[14] Thrillist described Batterfish as an "Encino wonderland" and a "British pub-inspired spot with unique fish and chip options". The site recommended the curry cod with sweet potato fries.[15] Jamie Hale included Batterfish in The Oregonian's 2021 list of Portland's 12 best fish and chip eateries.[11]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b Yentch, Katrina (February 27, 2023). "Where to Eat and Drink on Portland's Restaurant-Packed Belmont Street". Eater Portland. Archived from the original on April 8, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  2. ^ a b Peterson, Lucas (February 17, 2015). "LA's Best Fish & Chips Are Frying Up in Encino". Eater LA. Archived from the original on July 27, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  3. ^ "Happy Fry-Day: Experience Fish & Chip Bliss at Encino's Batterfish". LA Weekly. May 20, 2016. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  4. ^ "BatterFish". Time Out Los Angeles. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  5. ^ a b Frane, Alex (March 17, 2022). "Batterfish Brings Fried Fish Burritos and Spicy Catfish Sandwiches to Sunnyside". Eater Portland. Archived from the original on June 27, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  6. ^ "Best Inexpensive Lunch Spots in The Valley". CBS News. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  7. ^ "Scouting Report: At BatterFish, customizable fish 'n' chips is the way to go". Los Angeles Times. August 6, 2014. Archived from the original on August 9, 2016. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  8. ^ Elliott, Farley (June 29, 2016). "The Valley's best fish & chips spot to close". Eater LA. Archived from the original on July 27, 2022. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  9. ^ "Barbecue, Batter and Beer Can Chicken". Food Network. Archived from the original on July 27, 2022. Retrieved July 28, 2022.
  10. ^ Jackson-Glidden, Brooke (September 28, 2020). "A Fish & Chips Shop Once Called 'LA's Best' Has Found a New Home in a Happy Valley Food Cart". Eater Portland. Archived from the original on July 27, 2022. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  11. ^ a b Hale, Jamie (May 17, 2021). "The 12 best fish and chip spots in Portland". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on June 2, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  12. ^ Jackson-Glidden, Brooke (October 17, 2023). "The Rose VL Family Will Open a New Restaurant on Belmont". Eater Portland. Archived from the original on October 17, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  13. ^ Wong, Janey (January 20, 2021). "Portland's Restaurant, Bar, and Food Cart Closures". Eater Portland. Archived from the original on March 31, 2022. Retrieved October 19, 2023.
  14. ^ "BatterFish". Food Network. Archived from the original on January 24, 2021. Retrieved July 27, 2022.
  15. ^ "BatterFish". Thrillist. Archived from the original on July 28, 2022. Retrieved July 28, 2022.