To Uncertainty & Beyond!

We made a discovery in the Balkans that has become something of an obsession for me: Surf’n'Fries.

This brightly colored California themed fry stand serves up some of the best fries I’ve ever tasted. Their menu consists of a variety of potato shapes (e.g. wedge, straight, curled) as well as chicken strips and chocolate fries (didn’t try them). The Fry’n'Dip variety are uniquely cut into long flat strips that are curled lengthwise at the edges. This makes the fries perfect for dipping in the sauce or your choice. It also allows the fries cook to a perfect crispiness. A special seasoning is used and each batch is fried to order in a blend of three “high quality” vegetable oils (minus trans fats).

You have the choice of no less than 6 different dips. My favorites were the Texas (mayo, BBQ sauce, Tabasco, and chili powder) and Mediteran (tomato, olives, garlic, oregano, anchovies, olive oil). You can also get plain ketchup, mayo, yogurt, or a few other sauces that have different blends of herbs and spices. Most European countries serve fries with mayo, so ketchup is a bit of a rarity.

I made it a point to seek out an inverted pyramid of delight in each new Balkan city, and I ended up visiting four of the ten locations in Croatia and Bosnia. Before you rush to judgment, I’m not the only fry-monger out there. There was always a line out the door of locals and tourists alike! It is especially popular as a late night snack.

Sadly, there are no Surf’n'Fries in Turkey, and I know my life will be that much emptier because of it. I hope that someday the our paths will cross again.  Until then, I can only fondly remember my golden, fried friends that welcomed me to the Balkans and warmed those cold Bosnian nights.