All Hail The French Fry At European Republic
By Amanda Lindner / alindner@longislandernews.com

Despite attempts to cut holiday weight, there is one little thing I treat myself to every now and then. OK, maybe it's not so little. My guilty pleasure? Big, hearty crispy potato wedges from European Republic, formerly known as Potato Republic. With their multicultural assortment of sauces and dishes, both names are perfectly fitting.

In most restaurants, French fries are the side dish - the item to fill up the plate, the complement to the sandwich. But can't French fries be more than that? After all, potatoes were a major contributor to Europe's population growth in the 19th century (and its ruin earlier during Ireland's potato famine), and even today, the potato is the world's fourth-largest food crop, following rice, grain and maize. So the Foodies say, all hail the French fry! And that is exactly what European Republic does.

Located at 339 New York Ave., European Republic is the home of the French fry, well, the Dutch fry. Before introducing them to Huntington, owner Aziz Yosofi, originally from Afghanistan, was taught how to make the hand-cut potatoes in Amsterdam.

While the potato wedges are twice-fried, they don't leave behind a puddle of grease and their crisp, golden-brown outside is a delicious complement to their white mashed potato-like inside. The fries are served in paper cones and made fresh to order so you can hear the canola oil crackle as you wait. While this Foodie is now convinced that fries can be the star of any meal, I'm not one to eat them plain. Luckily there are 21 different dips to choose from.

Avocado, Parmesan, barbeque cheddar, roasted eggplant, lemon dill, blue cheese, mango chutney - take your pick. The one dip you won't find is plain ketchup. However, the European ketchup, a zesty blend of ketchup and mayonnaise, is a favorite among customers. To make things interesting, try the creamy smoked salmon, caviar or black olives. To spice things up, try the Cajun, jalapeño cheddar or Jamaican curry.

Even more appetizing are the prices. The fries start at $2.99 for a small with one sauce, medium size is $3.99 with two sauces and the triple is $5.49 with three sauces - and enough to share with all your Foodie friends. If you wanted to give another sauce a whirl, they come at $0.35 each, and worth every penny.

While the fritas are its claim to fame, European Republic is more than just potatoes. The grab-and-go type storefront boasts a selection of 24 different wraps from spicy grilled chicken with goat cheese to chicken curry, and even organic tofu or roasted vegetables for the vegetarians. The flour wrap is fresh, the lettuce is crunchy, and the chicken is tasty. My personal favorite is the chicken and fresh mozzarella. And yes, the mozzarella is actually fresh.

For about $6 you can get the fries, a half wrap and a drink at lunch, and a buck more gets you a full wrap. If you're better at sticking to a diet than I am, the fries are easily swapped for a soup or salad too. European Republic also serves Italian-style pastas, which are surprisingly good, and desserts too.

While mostly a carryout restaurant, the café-style fry and sandwich joint has six small tables where everyone from college-age students to business owners come in to enjoy a lunch set to a mix of Middle-Eastern music and charming wall art.

For cheap good eats, and the best French-Dutch fries, it's European Republic.

European Republic
339 New York Ave Huntington, NY 11743
(631) 692-9330
Atmosphere: Casual Cuisine: Grab And Go
Price Range: $2-$10 Hours: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.