The Story Behind the “Disco”
Old-school staple the Tick Tock Diner in Clifton been serving tipsy club goers 24/7 since the 1940s. “Cheese always makes it better. The fact that the gravy melts the cheese makes for a drunk person’s heaven,” said Niko Hatzigianakis of the late-night treat. Niko, who has been with the Tick Tock family for more than 16 years, says the dish has taken on a life of its own.
“It used to be something you only saw in the middle of the night. But we see it more and more during the day. Especially during breakfast.” The way Niko sees it, club kids from the ’80s and ’90s aren’t staying out late anymore. Now, they’re taking the family out for breakfast, so Disco Fries are that little nostalgic treat … or an overtired parent’s heaven if it’s 9 am on a Sunday.
Who Really Invented Disco Fries?
disco friesNiko would disagree with anyone who says that New Jersey invented Disco Fries. “If you’ve ever been to Canada, they have a dish there called poutine,” he said of the dish, made with cheese curds. “That is really where it started.”
But New Jersey’s where it ended — and residents are very particular about how they take their Disco Fries. About 10 years ago, Niko led the charge to create a whole menu revamp dedicated to Disco Fries. “We had a whole section with all the different things you could put on your fries that was a take on poutine. But no one really went for it,” he said. “That’s the thing about New Jersey. They like what they like and that’s it. Fries, gravy, cheese. Nothing else.”
According to bestofnj.com; barrypopik.com. Source of photos: internet
