By Candice Coleman
It’s fish fry season, when – pun intended (you’ve been warned) – “Meet Me in St. Louis” turns into “No Meat for me in St. Louis.”
During this Lenten season, we find a host of local chefs whipping up a variety of meatless meals and here are some standouts:
One of our favorite places to “go fish” is Mission Taco Joint. Known for its bold, yet approachable takes on tacos, burritos, tortas and margaritas, Mission Taco is offering a new fish taco inspired by the popular TV show, “Squid Game.” Made with crispy calamari rings and tentacles on a flour tortilla and topped with lettuce, pickled carrots, sweet and spicy Gochujang sauce, soy aioli and toasted sesame seeds, the Squid Game Taco ($3.75) is available through April at all Mission Taco locations in the St. Louis area. In addition to the Squid Game taco, there are also two fish taco selections on the menu year-round: the Mango Hop-Anero Shrimp and Baja Fish tacos.
In cod we trust, and we found a few options guaranteed to float your boat:
Who doesn’t roar for Lion’s Choice? The iconic St. Louis-based brand known for its famous roast beef sandwiches, crave-worthy fries and frozen custard is bringing back a fan-favorite this Lenten season: The Crispy Cod Sandwich is available every Friday throughout Lent. Lion’s Choice’s breaded cod filet is fried until golden brown, and served on a buttery and toasted sesame bun with a slice of melted Swiss cheese and creamy tartar sauce. Guests can order the Original Crispy Cod Sandwich for $4.95, or get the Original Meal with fries and a drink for $8.45. The limited-time offer is available until April 15 at all Lion’s Choice locations.
The island-inspired Yellowbelly in the Central West End has a Friday special of Lobster Taquitos ($15) with poblano cream sauce and chihuahua cheese – a lent-friendly take on the eatery’s popular Pibil Chicken Taquitos. Additionally, Yellowbelly’s dinner menu offers a range of seafood, from lobster rolls to fish sandwiches, including Pan Seared Scallops, Seared Grouper, Grilled Salmon, a Warm Mini Lobster Roll and a Rum Battered Cod Sandwich. Guests can book their online reservations for socially distanced dine in service or place a carryout order through the Yellowbelly website.
Eckert’s Country Restaurant in Belleville, Illinois, is offering several fish specials for dine in and carry out every Friday through April 15. Eckert’s Family-Style Cod Dinner for Four ($45) comes with a cod basket, a family-sized side of mac ‘n’ cheese and French fries. Eckert’s also has a number of other cod specials, including an individual Cod Basket ($11) with fried cod and fries, a Cod Platter ($16) with mac ‘n’ cheese and fries, and Cod by the Pound ($20).
Fancy a brew with your battered cod sandwich? Schlafly Beer is offering Fish & Fries at all four brewpub locations through Lent. The classic dish features Hefeweizen-battered cod fried golden brown and served on a bed of house-cut French fries with tartar sauce. Additionally, Schlafly offers fresh fish sandwich and fish taco specials at select locations, including Grilled Salmon Salad ($15.25), Fish Sandwich ($13.50) and Grilled Mahi Mahi Tacos ($12.50) at Schlafly Tap Room; and Catfish Po’Boy ($14.25) at Schlafly Highland Square. Pair the fish with your favorite Schlafly beer style, from Coffee Stout to Just A Bit Hazy IPA. All Schlafly brewpubs offer dine-in and carry-out service.
“Knead” some more recommendations?
KNEAD Bakehouse on Hampton Avenue in South City is getting in the spirit with its savory Fried White Fish sandwich on sourdough brioche. It comes with a side of chips, a pickle and KNEAD’s famous tartar sauce. The special is available every Friday. Order online for curbside or inside pick up.
The acclaimed Nathaniel Reid Bakery has a special Tuna Fish Salad Sandwich ($7.75) for Lent. It comes on a flaky croissant piled high with albacore tuna, mayo, Dijon mustard, dill pickles, celery, hard-boiled eggs and red onion. The sandwich is available Fridays during Lent.
Russell’s On Macklind, the family-run restaurant that focuses on homestyle, from-scratch cooking and baked goods, has a couple of fish specials during Lenten Fridays for dine in or carry out: a Fried Cod ($14) dish served with Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Garlic Green Beans and lemon caper aioli, and a classic Fish & Chips ($14) entrée with Beer Battered Cod, Sea Salt Fries and Caper Dill Pickle Remoulade.
When it comes to elevating pescatarian palate, Avenue Restaurant in Clayton has you covered with two notable specials: Chilled Shrimp and Avocado with tomato confit ($15) and Filet of Sole with shrimp and fresh dill over julienned vegetables ($32), as well as an exquisite Eggplant Involtini, filled with spinach, roasted peppers and mozzarella and topped with herbed breadcrumbs for $22.
And don’t forget Retreat Gastropub in the Central West End offers popular seafood appetizers and entrees year-round, with starters like Smoked Salmon Dip ($12) and Smoked Salmon Tartine ($12). For an entrée, try the gluten-free Pacific Cod ($24) with herb butter, red pepper curry and quinoa; or the Seared Salmon ($23) with Parmesan risotto, arugula pistou and pickled peppers.
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