Tank Fish and Chips, Carlton (by invitation) by Obelix

Bluesy jazz spilling onto the pavement welcomed Kiddo and I into Tank Fish and Chips on Lygon Street.  Tank is what I would describe as a top-shelf fish and chippery.  Brothers and owners Sam and Bill herald from a fine dining background.  They lured their Head Chef Joey to their current venture, Tank, at both Lygon Street and in the Emporium.

The point of difference between Tank and say your average fish and chip shop is that they use market fresh fish.  It's also the little niceties such as a superb housemade tartare and chips with twist.  There's the line up of the usual suspects:  flake, Atlantic salmon, barramundi, flat head with the daily market special.  All are market fresh and all are sustainable sourced.  At the Emporium Tank, one could also get their fish steamed in addition to the grilled and battered treatment.  Tank personnel are passionate about their fish and they take their time discussing your order with you, providing advice on the best method of cooking for the fish you ordered.

I like my fish grilled and Sam recommended I try their salmon grilled with seasoned brown rice.  The salmon was spot on.  Not a moment over or under done.  Frozen salmon fillets pales in comparison.  I chose a rocket, beetroot and almond salad which was crisp and zesty to go with the salmon.

The chips were seasoned with a tangy seasoning, not unlike Smiths BBQ chips.  The nutty texture of the seasoned brown rice was the perfect foil for the creamy salmon.

Kiddo was well fed and watered with her Kids Pack.  This came with a battered fish of the day which was the blue grenadier.  It was a very apt fish for a kids pack - mild and easy to eat.  The crumbed calamari was just as large as the fish!  It was surprisingly tender.

Sam gave me the adult version of their calamari to try.  It was lightly crumbed and grilled.  Equally tender with a bit of spicy kick.  It was very more-ish.

The service was quick and the care the staff took in explaining the types of fish was to be commended. There's a lot of pride in their food here.  Sam explained that they make an effort to keep consistent rosters to maintain the consistent quality in food and service.

Verdict

We loved it.

Overall

I think Kiddo's parting remarks as we waddled out of Tank replete, summed up our experience,"When can we come back next?"  I think that is endorsement enough.  Tank brings the class and quality to what is normally considered a fast food experience.

Find it at

Tank Fish and Chippery
149 Lygon Street
Carlton Vic 3053
Telephone: 9040 2124