Next Stop: My Hood

The votes are in, and no, I didn't rig it. This week we're heading to St. Gabs, which just so happens to be within walking distance to my house. I've heard around town that this is fry is top notch. I've also heard that they pass out free beer when the line gets too long. Here's hoping!

Fry goes to 7 p.m., and I plan to arrive around 6 p.m.

Be there, or be square.

St. Gabriel the Archangel
6303 Nottingham Avenue
St. Louis MO, 63109
314-353-6303
http://www.saintgabes.net/index.htm

Polish Parish Offers Friendly Fry

The verdict is in - the Poles know how to fry up a decent fish. The fry at St. Agatha's in Soulard was a festive kick off to the 2010 Lenten season. Atmosphere was great (kitschy, even by fish fry standards, but great), food was above average and the beer cooler was fully stocked with exotic malt liquors containing 8% alcohol.

Upon arrival, we expected to wait in line, but it would appear no one actually knows about this diamond in the ruff. In fact, soon after sitting down, a patron alerted the staff of our blog party and the parishioners brought over free homemade bread and Polish beer in appreciation for us bringing in, what turned out to be, about 50% of the revenue for the night. Note to any other frys we visit this season: free food and beer weigh heavily on my critique of your operation.

Aside from the bribery, the food was pretty decent by fish fry standards, and portions were more than generous. Fish seemed to be fresh, not frozen or straight from the Van de Kamp's box. The potato salad, fries and bread were especially tasty. And the dessert was good (as dessert usually is), despite only having one option available. The meal was a steal at $6 for dinner, dessert and tea/coffee.

My only recommendation would be to offer a couple different fish options. With fish frys becoming more progressive, diners are accustomed to a shrimp or fish taco here and there. Also, offer free water. Even if it's in an old pitcher from the church basement tap, we can't tell the difference.

Overall Rating: 8.5 out of 10 fish patties

Szczęśliwy Czas Smażonego mięsa Ryby!

Well friends, we're back!

Back for a third season of mediocre, and sometimes over-priced, fish and all the Goedeker commentary you can stomach. For the next seven Fridays we'll travel throughout the city in search of the best fish St. Louis Catholics can fry up. As always, it's sure to be a trying couple months. But we'll get through it together, with a little help from a few Bud Lights and a lot of ketchup.

We're kicking-off the 2010 season with a truly unique fry, unknown to many aficionados. As many of you know, Justin is half Polish. To show my appreciation for my man friend, and fully embrace his culture, we're heading to St. Agatha's in Soulard for the Polish American Fish Fry.

Hope to see you there!


Friday, February 19 @ 6:15 p.m.
St. Agatha Polish Roman Catholic Church
3239 South 9th Street (at Utah)
St. Louis, Mo 63118
(314) 772-1603
http://www.polishchurchstlouis.org/