Looking for a Friday fish fry? Here are some of the many options across Centre County
Something fishy is in the air on Fridays for the next two months. It’s Lenten fish fry season, and local churches, fire halls and restaurants are geared up for the annual observance with deep roots.
The Christian tradition of eating fish on Fridays dates back to the first century AD, when Christ was crucified on Good Friday, and the faithful abstained from meat to commemorate. Throughout the centuries, herring was the fish available to those who did not live close to the sea because it was easily preserved by salting and smoking. The Norsemen who first traveled to North America were very skilled at harvesting and salting cod to preserve it, and their travels to the cod-rich waters of northern Canada was a first foray into what is now a global fishing industry.
Before refrigeration and freezing, salted cod was the norm for the many fast days decreed by the pope. Meatless Fridays, in addition to other holy days throughout the year, spawned a huge demand for salt cod. The Catholic Church mandated no meat on Fridays year-round until 1966, when that rule was relaxed. Now, the abstinence is only on Fridays during Lent and on Ash Wednesday.
Fish fries are very popular in the Midwest and the Northeastern U.S., making use of the local fresh catch. In the Great Lakes area, that means perch, walleye, bluegill and smelt. Cod and haddock are on the menu in upstate New York or western Pennsylvania. Fish fries in the southeast — South Carolina and Georgia — feature catfish, flounder, or bass coated in a cornmeal batter.
Centre County has many options for Friday Fish Fries this Lenten season as churches and fire companies take advantage of this unique fundraising opportunity. The social nature of a fish fry is also something to consider, though all the fries offer takeout options. But joining your neighbors or fellow parishioners in the social hall is a rite of early spring that is good for the soul after a long, cold winter.
St. John’s the Evangelist Catholic Church in Bellefonte is the bellwether, with the longest history at about 20 years. Grand Knight Barry Pearce explained that the event is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus Council 1314 and the Catholic Daughters of America, who provide the man-and woman-power to stage the weekly dinners that serve 400 and always sell out.
The doors open at 4 p.m., so a line starts to queue up around 3:30 p.m. The event is held in the school auditorium, with family-style seating. The menu includes the classic side dishes — macaroni and cheese, stewed tomatoes, French fries, coleslaw and applesauce — and offers a choice of Baked Lemon Pepper Cod, Yuengling Beer-battered Fried Haddock, or Panko Breaded Fried Shrimp for $14/per person. Haluski and pierogies are also available a la carte and your choice of a homemade dessert is included with your dinner. For more information, check out their Facebook page.
Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Port Matilda is another popular destination, serving 200-250 dinners each Friday. Barbara Henderson works in the office and offered the tip that the busiest time is between 5 and 6 p.m. Good Shepherd serves cod, and also offers a variety of homemade soups a la carte. The dine-in option is very popular with the parishioners who value the social aspect of breaking bread together.
Our Lady of Victory in State College does not serve a fish fry during Lent, but they do offer pierogies and haluski for drive-thru pick up as a fundraiser.
The Columbia Volunteer Fire Company in Osceola Mills has a fish fry on Fridays that goes a little longer into the season, including Good Friday on April 18. They offer baked or fried fish options as well as fish and chips. You can find out the details at their Facebook page.
In Warriors Mark, Franklin Fire Company is eager to get folks in the building to see their new equipment. Their first fish fry last Friday set a new record of 381 dinners. You can find more information at their Facebook page.
The Nittany Valley Fire Company in Mill Hall offers a Seafood Buffet on some Fridays during Lent; the next scheduled buffets are March 14 and 28 and then again on April 11. You can read rave reviews on their Facebook page.
Many local restaurants offer Friday fish specials if you prefer a more seated and served experience. Check out the menus at Champs Sports Grill, Duffy’s Tavern, Federal Tap House, Otto’s Pub & Brewery, The Governor’s Pub, We Are Inn, Elk Creek Cafe + Aleworks, or Gigi’s Southern Table.
If you want to skip the crowds and have your dinner at home or in the park, you could pick up a Fried Fish Dinner from Justin Leiter at Belle City Bites, which will be parked at 167 S. Potter St. in Bellefonte from 4-7 p.m. on Fridays during Lent. There is a cheesesteak on the menu for meat eaters, and the rosemary Parmesan truffle fries, sold a la carte, are sinfully good.
