Fish Fry Spotlight: Terry's Terrace in Harrison Township knows fish ... - Detroit News

Welcome to the Fish Fry Spotlight, a weekly feature that will run through Good Friday, highlighting a different seafood restaurant or community fish fry.

One of Macomb County's oldest restaurants, Terry's Terrace, is also known as a go-to for fish and chips, and for good reason.

Five weeks into this feature, you'd be correct to assume that I've grown a bit tired of fried fish. Thankfully this Harrison Township restaurant has a stellar version that renewed my love for this seafood entrée.

Terry's Terrace offers three versions of fish and chips made with Atlantic cod: two beer-battered and a lighter version coated with seasoned breadcrumbs. All come with sturdy, crispy fries and your choice of salad, soup of the day or creamy, sweet shredded coleslaw. Their coleslaw is so popular they can go through a five-gallon batch in a single Friday.

One of the beer-battered versions is made with Samuel Adams Boston Lager, and the other is a rotating craft beer batter. Last week it happened to be Sam Adams' Cold Snap white ale.

I had the latter, and it was one of the best versions of fish and chips I've had all season; definitely the crispiest.

Executive chef TJ Newington says the secret is using batter that is cold and choosing a beer that is of good quality, but light.

"The thickness of the beer batter, matters ... the thicker it is the longer it takes to cook. Having the right consistency is key," he said. "We're always trying to give the people what they want while trying to do the classic fish and chips the best we can."

"It's a little fun because I'll just walk up and down the bar looking for something that I think will be good," Newington says of choosing that week's beer for the batter. "Citrus beers are a top pick, an ale, a brown ... something light is what I usually go for."

The fish and chips platters run $15.99-$19.99 depending on which one you choose and if you get two or three pieces.

Seafood is the focus at Terry's, which also serves a lobster roll, lake perch, bourbon-glazed salmon, walleye, crab cakes, lobster tails and more. The massive menu has plenty of options for carnivores and vegans, too.

Terry's Terrace is a fun-loving place that is family friendly, but still offers a lot in the way of bar games. Besides Keno there is a full arcade in the back with stand-up games and other distractions. The bar is known for their flaming Spanish coffees (they even have a vegan version), and right now they're also offering margarita flights.

Terry's Terrace, 36470 Jefferson in Harrison Township, is open daily for lunch and dinner, plus weekend brunch. Call (586) 463-2671 or visit terrystime.com for reservations or to place a carryout.

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mbaetens@detroitnews.com

Twitter: @melodybaetens

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