FISH FRIES: Many reader commiserated with Carol Cucuzza’s
fruitless search for a good Friday fish fry.

Ellen Tingley writes, “I must agree that Bradford and
surrounding areas have the corner on the best in the U.S. We live
in Tampa, Fla., and have yet to find a good fish fry. They have
similar dishes, but nothing to compare to the ones we used to get
at all restaurants in Bradford. I’ll send y’all some warm weather
if you’ll send us a good ol’ Bradford fish fry!”

Tom Ewell writes, “All of us poor transplanted Bradfordians to
the metro New York area have to suffer when it comes to a fish
fry.”

“These highly cultured New York nitwits say if you want a fish
fry go to McDonald’s or Burger King. Maybe all of us transplants
could get together and start our own fish fry place (after Lent it
could serve ham and leek dinners) but the prices would be high
because we would need to bring the best culinary talent from back
home to do it right.

“Some churches do have fish fries on Fridays during Lent but
they are not too well advertised.”

Judi Robinson writes, “Just read the RTS about the lack of fish
fries on Fridays. In Phoenix, about the only time one can be found
is on Ash Wednesday and maybe Good Friday. We always had great fish
fries until not eating on Fridays went away. I do miss them
also.”

Kathy Rickard, “We live in Johnsonburg and we, too, enjoy our
‘Friday night fish fry.’ But when I was out of the area working in
the Greensburg area, I realized it is not a tradition
everywhere.”

“I just never could find a fish fry to compare to what is so
available here. My children, as college students in the Erie area,
found the same was true. So whenever they came home for the weekend
I had to be sure I had a fish fry waiting for them.

“We all know about the great expectations from the McFarland
House in Wilcox or the Elks and Fox’s in Johnsonburg – the great
aroma and the tastes extraordinare! It’s a good reason to remain in
the area.”

We could be wrong, but we think the communities that can boast a
good fish fry are the ones dominated by Catholics. Agree?