It's O-FISH-AL, The Red Perch Has Nashville Hooked
Fish and chips is a dish that I typically steer clear of. To be honest, I blame the numerous trips through the Captain D's drive-thru with my grandmother as a child. However, my recent meal at The Red Perch has changed my perspective on this dish entirely.
Let's start at the beginning, shall we?
One Sunday morning while I was brunching and blogging at this little Australian cafe in Belle Meade, I noticed the most darling family walk in. I didn't think much about it other than " isn't this the cutest family ever!" You know exactly what I am talking about. The picture-perfect family that looks like stepped off the pages of J. Crew catalog? Anyway, they were seated at the table behind me. Sipping my latte ever so slowly, their little pup made its way over to say hello. Being the animal lover that I am, I fell in love and began chatting. Our conversation turned from puppies and babies to all things food and Nashville where I learned that Cameron and Nicole recently relocated from Hawaii to open an Australian fish and chips restaurant.
Before I knew it, brunch was brought to the Payne's table and Nicole and I were exchanging phone numbers and Instagram accounts like thirteen-year-old girls. Needless to say, this post has a special place as I am excited to welcome Nashville's newest addition to the dining scene, The Red Perch, an Australian fish and chips restaurant owned and operated by Cameron and Nicole Payne.
Chef Cameron, originally from Australia, boasts quite the culinary resume as he worked in various restaurants in Australia, including World's 50 Best Restaurant, Attica. Nashville, it's not often that we get someone who has this kind of experience. After leaving Attica, Chef Cameron spent time as an executive chef in Turkey before he traded in industrial kitchens and restaurant life for the open seas where he became a private chef on a boat cruising around the world.
The Red Perch is located in the historic Nashville Arcade and the word has already started to spread about their delicious offerings. Even though the restaurant has only been open a little over three weeks, they've been consistently selling out of menu items daily! Clearly, Nashville is hooked!
While the beer battered fish and hand cut chips may anchor the menu, The Red Perch offers an assortment of seafood options. During my visit, I had a chance to sample almost the entire menu and I had a hard time choosing a favorite!
If you are looking for something light and refreshing, I'd recommend the Hawaiian Poké which is filled with flavor and didn't leave me overly full.
I find Calamari to be hit or miss in a restaurant. It's either fried to perfection or it tends to be on the rubbery side. The Red Perch hits the mark with this. Squeeze a little lemon on top and you're good to go!
Let's talk about the star of the show, Beer Battered Fish and Chips. As I mentioned earlier, this is not a dish I gravitate towards, but I had to give it a shot. I'm so glad I did; it was amazing.
Not only was the fish battered and fried to perfection, but Chef Cameron makes his own tartar sauce that is absolutely divine! Not to mention those chips aren't your ordinary "chips." The Red Perch has a resident chip maker that hand cuts these chips daily.
Out of this world is the first thing that comes to mind when I think about this Shrimp Banh-Mi. If you like to spice it up a bit, this dish is for you.
In addition to these menu staples, The Red Perch also has daily seafood special that is sure to make you swoon.
The Red Perch is open Monday - Friday from 10:30 - 3:00 p.m. All items are conveniently served in to-go containers. Patrons can grab a seat inside the establishment or grab their order and head back to work. Drop in this newest Nashville establishment and say hello!
Tariff: Dishes range from $6.00-13.00.
Can't-Miss: My two favorites were the Shrimp Banh-Mi and the Beer Battered Fish and Chips. You can't go wrong with either!
Potential Pass: You all know I am not the biggest seafood lover, but I really didn't have a dish that I didn't like. And I promise I am not being biased!
Until Next Time!