The Queen's Chips
It's been 50 years since the British Invasion of the mid-60's; but if Tyrrell's crisps are any indication, we may be in the middle of a "potato chip" invasion right now. Available at Whole Foods Market and Rite Aid (and online here) these chips remind me of home, and prove some things are better across the pond. US shoppers can chose from six flavors, and one variety of vegetable crisps. May I suggest you pay close attention to Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar, Sea Salt & Cracked Black Pepper and my personal favorite... Sweet Chili & Red Pepper. All three have earned a place in my unofficial top 10. Yum.
Lightly Sea Salted: "Delicious at the seaside," but sadly, not as salty. A good all-around chip, but I kept asking, "Where's the salt?" Perhaps I was spoiled by Tyrrell's other, zestier options. If you like your chips crispy but tamer, these are for you.
Grade: B-
 |
| Lightly Sea Salted |
Mature Cheddar & Chives: You can't hit a home run every time at bat; and I draw the line at Cheddar & Chives, when it comes to favorite chips. "Tremendous with a cheeky pickled onion," doesn't exactly exude deliciousness either. Cheese & potatoes just doesn't do it for me... Sorry.
Grade: D
 |
| Mature Cheddar & Chives |
Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar: It doesn't get much more British than Salt & Cider Vinegar; and Tyrrell's doesn't disappoint with these salty, tasty spuds. The bag reads "Perfect with a bit of Battered Cod," but you could match these up with brussels sprouts, and they'd taste delicious.
Grade: B+
 |
| Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar |
Sea Salt & Cracked Black Pepper: "Cracking with a Cornish Pasty," steak & veg for American readers, this chip marries salt & pepper better than any crisp before it. They're literally bursting with flavor, coupled with Tyrrell's unmistakable crunch. Pass the salt and pepper please. Made from Lady Claire potatoes, grown in Herefordshire.
Grade: B+
 |
| Sea Salt & Cracked Black Pepper |
Sweet Chilli & Red Pepper: "Extinguish with a glass of iced tea," suggests the bag, and they're not kidding. These crisps are plenty hot, but in a
Grade: A-
 |
| Sweet Chilli & Red Pepper |
Veg Crisps: Just the sound of beetroot, parsnip & carrot chips brings a smile to my face (and an ache in my tummy.) The ache's for one of the crispiest vegetable chips on the market... the kind of crisps you miss instantly, once you finish a bag. Not quite as pretty as Terra's, but equal in taste. Not sure if they're "Wonderful with a bowler hat at a rakish angle," but I'm still suffering from "empty bag" withdrawal.
Grade: B
 |
| Veg Crisps |
Worcestershire Sauce & Sundried Tomato: "Excellent with a chunk of cheddar," these chips are not for the timid, nor folks who think BBQ flavor is exotic. I love both flavors on their own, but not necessarily together with a potato chip. I imagine they're all the rage in the UK: They may take some time getting used to, stateside.
Grade: C+
 |
| Worcestershire Sauce & Sundried Tomato |
