The Fish Fry Fanatic
The Friday Fish Fry Fanatic will feature a different local fish fry each week of Lent. This is the first in a series of seven articles.
Baked or fried Alaskan Pollock, fries and slaw
Uniformed Cub Scouts are eagerly busing tables, homemade desserts and ice cream are dished up by members of the Show Choir, confirmation candidates are covering the serving line and boy scouts are working side-by-side with the KCs in the kitchen. This scene could have been from generations ago, but it’s exactly what you’ll find at St. Jude’s Parish hall every Friday night during Lent! Although the Knight of Columbus Council #5544 have organized this fry fry for decades (no one seems to know how long anymore), it is truly a community effort.
Gene Tang tends the fryer
This Lenten dinner has a more laid back pace than you’ll find at other fish fry events around town. The serving line is never too long so you can get seated quickly. Most people take time to linger and visit with each other as there is no hurry to turn over tables to other diners in the roomy parish hall. Before you leave, take your chance in the 50/50 raffle that benefits Metro Catholic Outreach or enter the Cedar Rapids Kernels drawing for 17 pairs of tickets.
Grand Knight Chris Zaugg worried earlier about everything coming together but all the help he needed seem to just show up and went quite smoothly. Jay Fields was seen taking a well earned break outside as patrons entered the parish hall at 1st Ave SW and Edgewood Rd. He and his brother knights started early Friday morning thawing the fish and wrapping potatoes for the first fish fry of the season.
The menu isn’t lacking for variety. You’ll find both fried fish and baked fish with either a mild or spicy seasoning. Sides include baked potato, french fries, slaw, green beans, apple sauce and roll with butter. Hot coffee, lemonade or ice water is included with the meal. If you don’t care for fish, try a grilled cheese sandwich hot off the griddle. A rumor was overheard that the Knights may be introducing a new product soon – fish tacos. Stay tuned for more information on this breaking news.
The Cedar Rapids area has a boatload of fish fry dinners. This Lenten season step out of your usual routine, support a local fish fry and sample a slice of Americana!
Confirmation candidates help on the serving line
Location:
St. Jude Parish Hall
50 Edgewood Rd NW
Cedar Rapids, IA 52405
Hours:
5:00 – 7:30 PM
Fridays during Lent
Cost:
Adults $9.00
Seniors (65+) $8.00
Active Military: $5.00
Kids (5-12): $4.00
Toddlers (4 & under): Free
Next Week: The all new Knights of Columbus Council #909 at 1620 E Ave NE.