ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — If you had to guess where Fish Fry Friday originated, you probably would think it was in one of the southern states. Well, actually Wisconsin holds the title of making Fish Fry Friday possible.
Early German Catholic who settled in Wisconsin stuck to their religious beliefs of not eating meat on Fridays. Lucky for them, Wisconsin's 15,000 lakes provided all the fish they could ever need.
Bluegill, catfish, perch and walleye were just some of their daily catches. German Catholics were able to catch and fry. If they wanted a meatier fish, cod was brought in from the East Coast to Wisconsin.
In Wisconsin, beer-battered, deep-fried fish is usually served up with tartar sauce, French fries or German potato pancakes with a side of coleslaw and rye bread.
Traditional Fish Fry in Tampa Bay
With the season of Lent in full swing, there are only a couple of spots hosting a traditional fish fry in the Tampa Bay area.
Transfiguration Catholic Church, in St. Petersburg, is hosting its Lent Fish Fry every Friday at 7 p.m. starting on March 8 until April 12. Each plate will cost you about $8.
Location:
4000 43rd Street North
Saint Petersburg, Florida 33714
St. John Vianny is hosting its 18th Annual Fish Fry. Plates vary between $8 to $12. Kids under the age of 5 can eat for free.
Location:
St. John's MSGR Trainor Parish Hall
8350 Blind Pass Rd, St. Pete Beach, Florida 33706
Other options:
If you can’t wait until Friday evenings, select Wendy's and Chick-fil-A restaurants will be serving up their cod fish sandwich during Lent.
We’re on the hunt for the best spots in the Tampa Bay area where you can get a fried fish plate year-round.
Send us your recommendations on our Facebook page.
►Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the 10 News app now.
Have a news tip? Email tips@wtsp.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.