News Summary
The food culture in Greater Boston has shown a strong preference for french fries, with Saus and Sullivan’s Castle Island emerging as top destinations. Recent voting revealed that straight-cut fries are the crowd favorite, while gourmet offerings and nostalgic crinkle-cuts highlight the diverse fry scene. Saus employs a meticulous twice-frying method for an ideal texture, gaining popularity among food enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Sullivan’s Castle Island upholds a cherished tradition with its crinkle-cut fries since 1951. The rising popularity of fries prompts discussions about their nutritional value while showcasing the area’s culinary creativity.
Greater Boston
The vibrant food culture of Greater Boston has revealed a strong preference for french fries among locals, with Saus and Sullivan’s Castle Island taking the lead as top spots for this beloved comfort food. Recent voting conducted by Boston.com readers showcased straight-cut fries as the favorite variety, highlighting the diverse opinions on fry types within the community.
Saus has garnered significant attention for its gourmet offering of straight-cut fries, which are accompanied by a range of delectable dipping sauces. Responding to reader recommendations, it was listed alongside other popular fry establishments including Kelly’s Roast Beef, Boston Sail Loft, and Eastern Standard. Part of Saus’ appeal lies in its meticulous preparation process, which involves a unique technique of twice-frying potatoes to achieve an ideal texture.
Tanya Walker, co-owner of Saus, emphasizes that the perfect french fry requires careful preparation. The restaurant’s method involves frying the fries first at a lower temperature before cooling them and frying them again at a higher temperature. This painstaking approach results in fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Saus prides itself on using Idaho russet potatoes that have been aged, boosting the overall quality of the fries.
In addition to the restaurant’s signature fries, Saus also offers a selection of sauces for dipping, with a recommendation to have at least three choices available to complement the fries. Their popular dish poutine, topped with cheese curds and miso mushroom gravy, showcases the culinary creativity that has made Saus a favorite among fry enthusiasts.
Notably, while Saus’ straight-cut fries dominate the local preference, Sullivan’s Castle Island remains a cherished local institution, famous for its crinkle-cut fries. Operating since 1951, this beloved eatery has maintained a loyal customer base that pairs its crinkle-cut fries with hot dogs and cheeseburgers, affirming the variety of fry styles that can delight different palates.
Brendan Sullivan, owner of Sullivan’s Castle Island, continues the tradition of serving crinkle-cut fries that hold a significant nostalgic value for many patrons. In recent years, the popularity of french fries among younger diners has surged, with fries often being chosen as a standalone dish due to their affordability and satisfying nature.
The resurgence in popularity of fries has also sparked some discussions regarding their health implications. Harvard Medical School’s Robert H. Shmerling defended fries after a study branded them as “death food,” attesting to their enduring appeal and presence in communal dining experiences throughout Greater Boston.
Saus opened its doors in 2011 after Walker and her colleagues faced layoffs and sought to provide an elevated fry experience. The restaurant has since expanded to two locations: one situated at 33 Union St. in downtown Boston and another at 1 Bow Market Way in Somerville, which began operations in 2018. Through continued innovation and commitment to quality, Saus has successfully carved out a niche in the competitive food scene.
The celebrated french fry culture of Greater Boston reflects both a love for classic comfort foods and a growing trend towards culinary creativity, making it an essential part of the local dining experience.
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Additional Resources
- Boston.com: Favorite French Fries in Greater Boston
- NBC Boston: Suspect in McDonald’s French Fry Assault
- Wicked Local: Readers Vote Saus Best French Fry
- Live 95.9: Best French Fries in the U.S.
- Boston Herald: Police Search for Salty French Fry Flinger
- Wikipedia: French Fries
- Google Search: French Fries
- Google Scholar: French Fries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: French Fries
- Google News: French Fries
