Friday fish fries are a Lenten tradition in my hometown of Cleveland. For the month of March, every church and bar (don’t ask) has it’s own version. However, like snow in April, parking and cheap real estate, this Cleveland staple that’s scarce in the capital.
This spring, though, I’ve been on the look out for DC-area equivalent. So far, I’ve found two.
St. James Catholic Church
905 Park Ave., Falls Church
Fridays until March 26.
5 pm to 8 pm (or until supplies run out)
When I opened the door to this church’s basement rec room and was over-powered by the smell of battered fish, I thought I had hit the deep fry jackpot. I imagined little, Catholic grandma’s battering fish with their secret [insert Eastern European country] here recipe.
The reality — too salty fries, fish sticks and rock hard hushpuppies – was quite different. This fish basket was a far cry from the best of Cleveland — fresh Lake Erie perch served over hand-cut fries.
Of course, in this season of self-deprecation, it seems ridiculous to complain about a $7 dinner. Just maybe these people are giving up good, fresh food for lent. I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt and thinking of the cost as a charitable donation.
Epiphany of Our Lord Byzantine 3401 Eoodburn Rd., Annandale
Fridays until March 26.
dine-in 5 pm to 7 pm (or until supplies run out)
With a write-up in the Washington Post, I’m optimistic about this dinner. I’m not so optimistic about the food not selling out before my arrival.
The focus here isn’t a fish fry, though. It’s pierogies, which the Post spells ”pirohis,” Eastern European-style dumplings. And apparently Our Lord Byzantine makes them like my grandma used to — stuffed with potato and cheese. I’m also a fan of the saurkraut. With my last attempt to find pierogis in DC not going so well, I’ll be scooting over here early on Friday.
On the hunt for the perfect fish fry
This spring, though, I’ve been on the look out for DC-area equivalent. So far, I’ve found two.
St. James Catholic Church
905 Park Ave., Falls Church
Fridays until March 26.
5 pm to 8 pm (or until supplies run out)
When I opened the door to this church’s basement rec room and was over-powered by the smell of battered fish, I thought I had hit the deep fry jackpot. I imagined little, Catholic grandma’s battering fish with their secret [insert Eastern European country] here recipe.
The reality — too salty fries, fish sticks and rock hard hushpuppies – was quite different. This fish basket was a far cry from the best of Cleveland — fresh Lake Erie perch served over hand-cut fries.
Of course, in this season of self-deprecation, it seems ridiculous to complain about a $7 dinner. Just maybe these people are giving up good, fresh food for lent. I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt and thinking of the cost as a charitable donation.
Epiphany of Our Lord Byzantine
3401 Eoodburn Rd., Annandale
Fridays until March 26.
dine-in 5 pm to 7 pm (or until supplies run out)
With a write-up in the Washington Post, I’m optimistic about this dinner. I’m not so optimistic about the food not selling out before my arrival.
The focus here isn’t a fish fry, though. It’s pierogies, which the Post spells ”pirohis,” Eastern European-style dumplings. And apparently Our Lord Byzantine makes them like my grandma used to — stuffed with potato and cheese. I’m also a fan of the saurkraut. With my last attempt to find pierogis in DC not going so well, I’ll be scooting over here early on Friday.
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