Nobody in our little group could remember when the tradition started, but they all traced it back to my niece, who issued the first invitation a few years back to go to a Lenten Fish Fry Dinner. Since then it has become an annual trek, and since this is the first time I have been in Minnesota in the spring since 2004, tonight was my first time to join the gang.
Friday night fish fries during Lent are a grand tradition in the Twin Cities , which has a sizable Catholic population. Most of the dinners are served at area churches, but our place of choice, for some reason is the Gallagher-Hanson Post VFW in South St. Paul. Part community center, part neighborhood bar, the place was bursting at the seams this evening with people lined up out the door to get their fried fish, boiled potatoes, baked beans, mac and cheese, and cole slaw.
To Minnesota — Land of 10,000 Lakes and YELLOW FOOD!
While I may not be a huge fan of fish, I certainly enjoyed the cultural experience.
Well, it’s the people, right, the people.
Of course, of course!