When the Student Senate announced new menu items at the Gizmo, I was excited to finally try my favorite dish: fish and chips, but my experience was not what I was expecting.

If I could smell the food I wanted to order before I ordered it, I would have been saved.

On March 30th, the Student Senate announced the introduction of two new menu items at the Gizmo: fish and chips and grilled cheese. 

I only eat Halal food, and fish is almost always Halal. Therefore, I have tried my fair share of fish in Galesburg, such as the fish sandwiches at Culvers, McDonalds, Masa, and 156 East Bar and Grill. Currently, I can only eat two of the menu items at the Gizmo: a decent halal chicken sandwich or a dry beef burger. I was excited when I heard that they were introducing one of my favorite dishes. 

I was initially disappointed because it came without a sauce, as fish and chips usually come with a tartar sauce that complements the different flavors and textures of the dish. However, I satisfied myself by grabbing enough ranch to hopefully still enjoy one of my favorite meals. At my first bite, I liked the crispy skin, which I felt was well seasoned. To my surprise, there was a pungent smell coming from the fish, which repulsed me and made me unable to finish the whole fish. Though I tried to force myself to not waste it. The fish itself also tasted as if it was old, which is difficult to explain, but has a rather foul taste.

I have heard from some of my friends that seafood is meant to be a little smelly and perhaps I am just a picky eater. However, I believe I have tried enough fish and chips to know what is good and what is unpleasant. My experiences with fish at the Caf in the past have not been pleasant either. The fish tastes old at times and other times tastes fine but leaves me with a very angry stomach. Perhaps you would have to try the fish and chips for yourself to decide if it’s my taste buds at fault or Bon Appetit just needs to get better and fresher fish.