Sorry Grandma, Jesus...

Lent is fast approaching. Though I was raised and continue to be Catholic, the first thing I think of when I hear "Lent" is not fasting, prayer, or Easter. It's fish! (Sorry, Grandma. Please keep giving me crucifixes for my house and mantillas for my head.)

It's not my fault. I grew up in a small, predominately Roman-Catholic town. The Italians love to cook, Catholics love to keep tradition, and small towns (at least the one I grew up in) are crowded with bars and diners. This perfect storm meant that the possibilities for fish frys were endless on a Friday night in my hometown, especially if you considered that not only were bars and restaurants frying fish, but churches and volunteer fire departments were as well. My family happily took part in the fruits of such labor.

I love to continue that tradition now that I am grown. While I enjoy a fresh piece of fish grilled or pan-seared, such preparation is a non-Lenten meal for me. Fridays in Lent mean fried fish. Cod or Haddock. Breaded or Battered. Here are some of my favorite places to get it:

1. The Backdoor Tavern, 128 Beaver Street, New Brighton, PA 15066

The Backdoor offers huge portions and small prices. The fish is cod, and it is battered. It isn't greasy or too doughy (the batter is thin), and it is always piping hot when it gets to you. The fish is enough alone for you to make the trip. But, the accompaniments are great as well. The mac-n-cheese is homemade - creamy and flavorful. The beer list is lenghty and includes a great deal of microbrews. Parking is limited, and wait times are considerable. So get there early and post up at the bar until your table is ready.

2. Weisz's Hazel Manor, 215 North St Ellwood City, PA 16117

Weisz's is a hole-in-the-wall neighborhood bar. It has really slow service and gets really crowded on Fridays during Lent. The fish is breaded haddock. It is served skin-on, unless otherwise requested. It is well worth the wait. Fresh haddock, hand breaded after you order it, fried to perfection.

3. Rene's , 1030 5th Ave, East McKeesport, PA

Rene's serves breaded haddock in huge portions. The fish is fresh and served hot. Housemade cocktail and tartar sauces are wonderful.