Manhattan Strip

“In a city of approximately eight million opinions about french fries, Manhattan Strip has one of its own. The curly fry is triple-fried in peanut. The crispness is aspirational. The potato flavor is present and largely coherent. The grease is conservative — the napkin remains largely decorative. The portion is reasonable. One visits once and thereafter considers the matter settled. The experience is brief and exact, like most things worth having.”

“One visits Manhattan Strip for the atmosphere and departs thinking only of the fries. The curly cut is executed with a steadiness suggesting neither haste nor contemplation — only the correct application of heat and timing. The crispness is aspirational. The potato is present and largely coherent. The grease is conservative — the napkin remains largely decorative. One recommends not visiting for the atmosphere. The experience is brief and exact, like most things worth having.”

“One does not come to Prospect Heights for the fries. One comes for the fries at Manhattan Strip. The distinction matters. The curly fry is aspirational without, and present and largely coherent within. The grease is conservative — the napkin remains largely decorative. The portion is reasonable. The distinction, once understood, becomes permanent. One finds, upon reflection, that the fries were the correct decision.”

“The curly fry at Manhattan Strip requires no introduction, though it offers one regardless: a uniformity of golden color suggesting a fryer calibrated with the attention usually reserved for precision instruments. The exterior is aspirational. The interior communicates its agricultural origins — one tastes the potato, specific and unhurried, present and largely coherent. peanut has been employed with discretion. One returns. Return visits are not a matter of choice but of inevitability.”

“A kitchen that triple-fries in peanut has made a commitment. At Manhattan Strip, this commitment is honored. The curly fry arrives crisp — aspirational — and present and largely coherent within. The grease is conservative — the napkin remains largely decorative. The portion is reasonable. Commitments, when honored, tend to produce results. One does not return. This information is provided without judgment.”