Stop by These Local Churches for a Friday Fish Fry Before Lent Ends
Eating fish on Fridays during Lent may date back to the first century CE—but it was officially adopted as cannon by the Catholic Church in the 600s CE. Devout Methodists and Anglican Christians also practice the fish fry tradition, and many people from each denomination abstain from meat on Fridays year-round. While observing Lent locally, you could swing through a Culver's or McDonald's for a quick fish sandwich fix. Or—our preference—you could meet new friends lining up for the goods at one of our many area churches.
Our Lady of the Angels
12905 S.R. 70 E., Lakewood Ranch, (941) 752-6770, olangelscc.org
Offering baked or fried fish with green beans and coleslaw, Our Lady of the Angels' Friday offerings last from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for children, and for an additional $4, you can even sneak a glass of wine.
Incarnation Catholic Church
2929 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, (941) 921-6631, incarnationchurch.org
Incarnation features beer-battered cod, French fries, coleslaw and a roll for $9 for adults and $4 for children under 12. Dinner is served from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. inside the church's Finegan Center.
Epiphany Cathedral
310 Sarasota St., Venice, (941) 484-3505, epiphanycathedral.org
Catered by Sharky's on the Pier, Epiphany Cathedral offers an impressive spread that includes fish chowder ($7), fish and chips ($18), salmon and potatoes ($20) and an option to add shrimp to your meal ($6). Stop by the Epiphany Cathedral Parish Hall between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. It's recommended that you make your order in advance.
Holy Cross Catholic Church
505 26th St. W., Palmetto, (941) 729-3891, holycrossdov.org
For $15, you can choose from fried fish, fried shrimp, a combination of both or baked fish. Dinner runs 4-7 p.m.
Knights of Columbus No. 3358
4880 Fruitville Road, Sarasota
Continuing its annual fish fry tradition, Knights of Columbus offers fish, shrimp or a combo for $14-$16 for adults and $10 for children from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. A cash bar and 50/50 raffle keep the evening lively.
