There’s a few things that are pretty quintessentially Midwestern: You’ve got your cheese curds, you’ve got your bloody mary with a beer chaser, and you’ve got your church basement fish fry. Now, fried fish certainly isn’t an exclusive Wisconsin delicacy, but we do it like nobody else. The buttery, crispy breading with just the right saltiness is amazingly perfect even when the quantities are through the roof. Of course, the time for fish frys is now. In the traditional Catholic holy time of Lent, Fridays are reserved for fasting and no meat. The no meat is easy to abide by, but if you’re planning on fasting a fish fry might not be your best bet. So, now that it’s March, hunker down through the final push of winter and get out every Friday night for the beautifully local deliciousness of a fish fry.
EAT SOME FISH Note that these events exclude frys and boils at restaurants and other eateries.
Fish Fry at St. Raymond Church Fridays Mar. 7-Apr. 11, 4-7:30pm • St. Raymond Church S10444 Highway 53 Brackett • 715-877-3400 • www.straymond.us The menu includes deep fried or baked cod loins, green beans, baked beans, Au Gratin potatoes, French fries, coleslaw, desserts, bread pudding, milk, and coffee. Carryouts may be arranged by phone. Immaculate Conception 30th Annual Lenten Fish Boils Mar. 7, Mar. 21 & Apr. 4, 4:30-7:30pm • Im-
maculate Conception Parish, 1712 Highland Ave., Eau Claire • Adults $10, children ages 6-12 $5, preschoolers are FREE • 715-835-1540 • www.icec.us Menu includes Alaskan pollock fish, baby red potatoes, onions, carrots, cole slaw, macaroni and cheese, vienna bread, ice cream cup, and beverage. All-you-can-eat dining. Carryouts are available.
This event is handicap accessible.
Fish Fry at Holy Rosary Parish (Lima) First Fri-
days, 4:30-7:30pm & every Friday Mar. 5-Apr. 19, 4:30-7:30pm • Holy Rosary Parish (Lima), N6235 Cty Hwy V, Durand • $7.50 small portion, $9 large portion • (715) 672-5640 • www.triparish.4lpi.com Fantastic fish fry with potato salad, baked beans, french fries, cole slaw, dessert and more.
Knights of Columbus Fish Dinner Fridays from Mar. 7-Apr. 19, 4:30-7:30pm • St. Joseph Parish, 910 Wilson Ave., Menomonie • Adults $10, seniors $9, children 4-11 are $.75/year, children 3 and under FREE • 715-232-4922 • www.menomoniecatholic.org Boiled salmon, baked fish, deep fried fish, buttered carrots, boiled onions, creamy cole slaw, marble rye bread, baked potatoes, boiled red potatoes, Swiss Miss pudding, milk, hot chocolate and coffee. Meet in Charles Hall. Family Style Fish Fry Dinner First Fridays, 4:30-
7pm • Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, 13989 195th St., Jim Falls • 715-382-4422 Fish Fry served family style (all you can eat) with soup, potatoes, coleslaw, jello, buns, milk, coffee, and pudding. “Early Bird” - senior special 4:30-5:30pm. Carry-outs are available. Also, there is a bake sale.
St. Olaf Men’s Club Fish Fry Mar. 14, Mar. 28, Apr.
11 & Apr. 25, 4-7pm • Father Agnew Parish Center, 2407 North Ln., Eau Claire • $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $4 for children ages 6 to 12, children 5 and under eat free, $8 carryouts (call in advance) • 832-2504, ext. 130 The menu features baked or batter-fried fish, baked potatoes, french fries, baked beans, green beans, veggies, dessert, coffee and milk.
Spring Fish Boil Apr. 11, See contact info for start
time • St. Mary’s Community Center, 1828 Lynn Ave., Altoona • Adults $9, Seniors & adults paid in advance $8.50, kids 12 and under $3 • (715) 8351012 • www.e-clubhouse.org Food includes Kraft macaroni and cheese, milk, and coffee. Pie extra. Also featuring a cake walk and silent auction with lots of great items. Presented by the Altoona Lions Club.