An English Chef Opens a Ghost Kitchen in Philly Featuring Customizable Authentic Takeout Fish ‘n’ Chips!
An English Chef Opens a Ghost Kitchen in Philly Featuring Customizable Authentic Takeout Fish ‘n’ Chips!
George Reilly, the seasoned Philadelphia-based restaurateur who hails from across the pond, is returning to his English roots with the launch of a new pop-up concept titled What’s The Catch?, a ghost kitchen serving customizable takeout fish ‘n’ chips orders. The pop-up is open for take-out and delivery, operating out of the kitchen of The Twisted Tail — which is temporarily closed due to city restrictions and construction occupying Headhouse Square. What’s The Catch? is a different concept entirely, however, returning Reilly to his youth and upbringing in England all while presenting a fresh take on a revered English classic.
“As a Brit living abroad, Fish and Chips is a food staple that we yearn for and can rarely find done authentically,” said Reilly. “What’s The Catch is solving that problem and modernizing the ‘Chippie’ experience, giving customers the ability to customize each order to their liking, whilst still pairing with some classic Fish ‘n’ Chip shop sides and extras.”
The What’s the Catch? experience is completely customizable. Guests can choose between three types of fish in two sizes ($12.99 Regular size, $18.99 for Large). Residing staples include Cod and Haddock, with a weekly rotating third fish option (offerings so far have spanned to include Catfish, Mahi Mahi, and more). Guests can either select from a choice of four batters, or forgo batter and enjoy the fish grilled. The meal is completed with diners’ choice of side, with options including Battered Pineapple Rings ($2.50), Fried Pickles ($6) or Mushy Peas ($6), a traditional accompaniment to fish ’n’ chips, and more.
What’s the Catch? is also diet-inclusive: The pop-up also offers a Gluten Free Batter, prepared in a separate fryer, specifically for gluten free diners, who can also enjoy their choice of grilled fish prepared with no batter. For vegetarian guests, options include grilled tempura veggies, among other offerings.
A properly done English chip is no small venture. Reilly, in collaboration with the culinary team at The Twisted Tail, reworked the Chips recipe many times over, until they finally reached an ideal batter recipe that produced the perfect density and crispness and chips, while maintaining the perfect consistency and size.
“It’s amazing the difference between one potato and the next,” Reilly says, “We sampled through many different styles of potatoes before finding the perfect one to use in the making of our chips. Each bite takes me back to when I was 12 years old, excited for our weekly trip to the local Chip Shop.”
What’s The Catch? has been an idea brewing for a few years, but has now finally materialized, with Reilly using this down time at The Twisted Tail to bolster the concept. Reilly continues to test the waters in this new market, in hopes that the pop-up will lead to a permanent location in the near future.
Pick-up orders can be made via phone at 215-558-2471. Delivery is available through Doordash, Caviar, GrubHub and Ubereats, during restaurant hours of Wednesday through Sunday, 12-8pm. Customers can follow What’s The Catch on Facebook and Instagram, or by following the hashtag #whatsthecatchphl.
