Best Use of the Deep Fryer in 2006: Weird Fish (2193 Mission St, 415-863-4744)

Health concerns aside, you can't argue with the goodness of just about anything that's deep fried. My nominee for favorite new deep-fried item of 2006 is (drumroll, please): the fried yo-yos at Weird Fish in the Mission. Basically, they're thick slices of fried dill pickles served with a chipotle dipping sauce. They're wonderfully briny, crunchy and a much more interesting side than ho-hum fried potatoes.