Something’s a Little Fishy

Ever wonder why there is an ‘O’ in Fillet O Fish? I highly doubt it’s to convey a pleasant surprise and more just a pointless attempt at alliteration.

But whatever the case, there is one thing that’s certain about the fish burger – it’s hard done by in the burger world.

When someone goes for ‘the works’ they’re not referring to a beautifully battered piece of fish wedged between tangy tartar sauce or mayo, instead they’re usually referring to a meat patty, bacon, and the various overcompensating fillings of salad, pickles, cheese and tomato sauce.

I often find myself defending food items that have lost their edge in the ever-changing palettes of contemporary eaters. Food fashions are quite interesting in understanding the sociability of food and how some foods are more about status seeking. You can only say macaroon right now and everyone is on the edge of their seats, so could the next food revival be the fish burger?

Growing up with summers on the beach, I spent quite a lot of my pocket money on fish burgers and milkshakes. Always asking for extra mayo and a seeded bun. Unlike fish and chips, packed in annoyingly huge boxes, a burger was a hand-held item, easily transportable. But it was the taste that made it worth it, the layering of flavours that makes all burgers so amazing. Something about the texture of the battered fish as it crunches against your teeth, quickly eased with the smooth mayo, juicy tomato, crunchy lettuce and fresh bread. Delicious, simple food at its peak.

So here’s to hoping that one day instead of fantaszing about a meat-a-sarus hamburger or kebab at three in the morning we crave a fish burger. And the dirty smirk your friends give you for ordering a fish burger will be replaced with a frolic to the burger joint where your demands for some tasty barramundi will be welcomed. Hilarious concept, I know! But one day – fingers crossed.

So why not Fish your burger next time? Go on, you know you want to try something a little fishy.

By Samantha Coutts