Everyone has a favorite holiday. Most people would say it’s Christmas or maybe Thanksgiving. Some might say the 4
th of July or Halloween. But for me, my favorite holiday is an unconventional one…it’s National French Fry Day.
My love of fries has deep roots. They have always been my preferred side dish, so I’ve tried many a fry. Truth be told, fries are not created equally, and as I’ve gotten older I’ve created a sophisticated (albeit a little strange) way to categorize the various kinds. Enter #MyFryHierarchy.
Many in my close circle have learned about my infamous hierarchy, but now it’s time to make it official. Some of my choices will be unpopular, and I know your hierarchy may look different from mine, but this is what my heart truly desires. So in honor of National French Fry Day, shall we begin?
6. Curly Fries
This is probably my most unpopular opinion, but I really hate curly fries. Get off my back. They will fall at the bottom of my hierarchy any time. These tend to be very potato-y, and have a poor mechanism for dipping. I’ve almost lost friends over this one, but I’m sticking to my guns.
If you must choose to indulge, Arby's is the classic way to go.
5. Steak Fries
Steak fries are a little lower down on my list. Honestly, I don’t love super potato-y fries and these tend to fall into that category. Prepare to be shocked: if a restaurant has steak fries I may actually opt for a different side.
I’m not a steak fry connoisseur, but if you’re interested in them, you can get them Lo-o-o-usiana fast at Bojangles.
4. Tater Tots
I know, I know…not technically a fry, but you can’t deny that tater tots are delish. I love tater tots because they are pretty much bite sized hashbrowns. They give meals a little breakfast-y twist which I always appreciate.
The MVP of the tater totty is definitely Sonic.
3. Shoe String
Look at this fry. Doesn't it look like it belongs dipped into a milkshake? There is something so satisfying when you take a bite of multiple shoe string fries. It is almost a crime to just eat a single shoe string fry. These are the best kinds of fries to scrape the bottom of the ketchup container to get every last bite. It’s not very often that you find these out in the wild, but when you do it’s a happy day.
My favorite shoe string fry restaurant? Steak N' Shake. Make sure you add that Steak N' Shake seasoning on top. You're welcome.
2. Crinkle Cut
Look at the beauty. The grace. I can also never say no to a good crinkle fry. More and more restaurants are catching on to their goodness because I’m seeing them e-ver-y-where. Similar to waffle, their grooves allow for a nice distribution of ketchup, and if they cook them right, they have the perfect crisp to them.
My favorite crinkle fry restaurant?
Portillo’s (looking @ you, Chicago friends.)
Who is the winner? What is the best French fry?
1. Waffle Fries
My one true love (besides my dog, of course). Waffle fries are the gift humanity didn’t know we needed. They hold the best distribution of ketchup, they have the perfect ratio of a crisp outer layer to soft inner layer, and they really make you wonder how one even cuts a potato into that shape. Basically if you ever want to brighten up my day, bring my some waffle fries.
My favorite waffle fry restaurant? Chik-fil-a. If you don't have a Chik-Fil-A in your area, bless your heart.
How to you celebrate National French Fry Day?
Want to create your own #1 fry recipe? Try Bri McKoy’s sweet potato fries recipe in her book
Come and Eat. The book actually comes with 21 recipes (!!) so it not only feeds your soul, but your belly, too.
Plus, imagine the jealousy of all your friends when they realize you can personally produce fries for yourself, at any time. It'll be like magic. Potato-filled magic.
What do you think? What is your favorite fry? Applause and admonishments welcome in the comments below, but know this: you will never change my mind about curly fries.
If this put you in a food mood, you should check out:
What Type of Reader Are You Based on Your Choice of Soft Pretzel?: QUIZ
We'll Match Your Favorite Treat to Your New Favorite Audiobook
Pick Some Food, Get a Cookbook: QUIZ
Aryn is one part digital marketer, one part musician, and honestly 100% just too cool to sit with us at lunch. When she’s not being the number one dog mom this side of the Mississippi, she’s probably diving into Grecian waters. She has never once had her name spelled correctly at Starbucks.
HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc., operates Page Chaser, the publisher of Come and Eat.
