Thomas Jefferson served deep-fried slab cut potatoes at the White House in 1802; there is discussion of them as far back as 1680 in Belgium.
How old is the fish fry?

Trust the English to cop a good thing.

Long ago I was staying in Seven Oaks and commuting to London. Coming back to Seven Oaks at night, I always stopped at a fish and chips place on the way to where I was staying.
The best I have ever had! Yes, with the newsprint wrapping.

Many years ago, midwives working in the ghetto or country were advised to cover the birthing board (or bed) with newspapers; the greasy inks were germicidal.