What’s your favorite – Mars or Milky Way? Truth be told, the UK version of the Mars bar was produced to be a sweeter version of the American Milky Way, so they are quite similar. Originating in Scotland and served in fried form at A Salt & Battery in the West Village, this treat will warm your insides like a hot mug of eggnog on a winter’s day. I was skeptical about this treat when my British mate described it to me, but when I headed to A Salt & Battery (112 Greenwich Ave, 212-691-2717) for a taste of their fish and chips, I had strict orders to not leave without trying one, even if I only had one bite. I ordered it at $3.25 a bar. It came out blistering hot and was a little intimidating at first; this was different than the fried Twinkies and fried Oreos I’ve heard about. I took a bite. I cannot remember the last time I had a bite of anything that compared to that bite. The thin, crisp tempura-like batter cooked to golden brown perfection collapsed into the creamy nougat goodness of the bar and tore off oh-so-gently without leaving a caramel string across my chin. I can chew gum and walk at the same time, but standing there, stopped in my tracks by that first bite, I realized that a fried Mars bar is worthy of full and absolute attention.
