Scenes from a good place - Chippy's Fish and Chips in Bellwoods Park

On one of the warm days during the past week, I decided to walk from home (Roncesvalles) to work (Front Street). It was a perfect afternoon on Queen Street. The walk was all the sweeter, as I planned to go to one of my happy-places: eating Chippy's fish and chips in Trinity Bellwoods Park.

Chippy's is a fish and chip take-out joint, fancier than most, and it is tasty. It was the concept of ex Susur manager John Lee (not the chef) and ex-Rosewood chef Neil Coutinho to open a good fish and chip shop. The fish is fresh and coated in Japanese panko breadcrumbs and battered in Guinness beer, the chips are twice fried and the fresh sides of curry gravy or tartar sauce are delicious for dipping. The entire menu fits on the chalkboard and the small shop is prone to line-ups during lunch and dinner. You can get a meal for about $8 - $12 with a pop.

I had the haddock, which was tasty, but I'll try the halibut next time for something with some more meat, maybe bring a friend to split a side of shrimps. The meal wasn't too heavy or greasy, which is how I remember the fish and chips as a kid, the grease turning the newspaper slick and see-through. Wetnaps are provided, which is likely appreciated by the Paper Place store nextdoor, who would prefer to have their stock left unfondled by greasy hands. Plenty of little touches, like lemon wedges, malt vinegar packets and plenty of salt and ketchup are onhand, as well as cans of pop and gelato for dessert.

Get some take out and relax in the park, watching all the dog-walkers and locals. It's a perfect way to spend an afternoon.

PS There is a Bloor Street location in the Annex at 490 Bloor Street (West of Spadina), but their main webpage hasn't been updated with that info. It's the same size shop, but I don't know the neighborhood well enough to recommend a place to take your food.

Chippy's Fish and Chips Toronto - 893 Queen St. West

NOW review: Fresh, fried and fab

BlogTO - Cheap Eats: Chippy's