HOUSTON — Every year around this time, you may notice a lot more fish and seafood is being offered at restaurants. That's because we're in the season of Lent, which is a 40-day long religious observance (excluding Sundays) of fasting and repenting while preparing for Easter.
Christians usually give up something and/or devote themselves as volunteers during the season to help focus on their relationship with God.
Lent 2022 runs until April 17 (Easter Sunday).
During this time, many Christians will be avoiding meat and turning to fish on Fridays. Many churches and restaurants offer fish fry events and other Lent-friendly options on Fridays as helpful substitutions.
Multiple council groups under the Knights of Columbus will have fish plates available for adults and kids.
So, bring on the fish! Here's our list of events that we'll keep updated throughout the season.
Knights of Columbus 8771 - Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church - Cypress
The Knights of Columbus 8771 at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church boasts the largest first fry in the greater Houston area with over 1,500 meals served on average every Friday during Lent. They're open from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Fridays for dine-in or takeout.
Location: 11507 Huffmeister Road, Houston, 77065
Knights of Columbus Council - St. Michael
For KoC Council #14700, prices range between $12-15 for the adult plates and the kids' plates are $6. You can also get a dessert for $2 a slice. Proceeds will benefit local charities supported by the council.
Plates will be served from 5 - 7 p.m. every Friday starting March 4. It's best to order your plate(s) before 6 p.m. on Thursdays. Walk-ups are not guaranteed to be served. Plates will not be available on Good Friday (April 15).
Knights of Columbus Council - Prince of Peace
KoC Council #8482 will have Friday Fish Fry events at two locations. Like the previous councils, they will also have adults' and kids' plates every Friday during Lent except for Good Friday. Proceeds will benefit charities supported by this council.
Choices for the main entrée are fish (fried or grilled) and fried shrimp. They'll also come with hush puppies, coleslaw a either a baked potato or French fries. Plates will be available for dine-in or take-out.
Locations
Zaka Road Family Center - 9623 Zaka Rd, Houston, 77064 (Open 4:30-7:30 p.m.; $1 bingo and cash bar also available)
Knights of Columbus - Spring
KoC Council #6557 will have a fish fry scheduled every Friday except Good Friday. Catfish dinners will be available for $12 a plate from 5-6:45 p.m.
Plates include fried fish, coleslaw, French fries, hush puppies, tea, or lemonade. You can dine in or drive up. Proceeds will support St. James the Apostle Catholic Church.
Knights of Columbus - Alvin/Manvel
KoC Council #6403 will have a fish fry schedule like the other chapters (every Friday except Good Friday). Catfish dinners will be available for $11 a plate from 5-7 p.m. You can dine in or take them to-go.
Catholic Daughters will also have desserts for sale. All proceeds will go to supported charities.
Knights of Columbus - Katy
KoC Council #12955 will have plates available every Friday (except Good Friday) at the St. Edith Stein Catholic Church. They'll be available from 6-7:30 p.m.
Prices for plates range between $4-12. Fish plates are "all you can eat" and all dishes include French fries, hushpuppies, green beans and coleslaw. Drinks will be complementary and other side orders will be available, including jalapeño poppers.
Location: 3311 N Fry Road, Katy, 77449
Knights of Columbus - Humble
KoC Council #6878 will host a traditional fish fry every Friday during Lent at St. Mary Magdalene Catholic Church. The fry will run from 5 to 7 p.m.
Plates cost $10 and you can pay with cash or a check made out to KOC6878. The plates include fried fish, fries, coleslaw and hushpuppies. Drive-thru and dine-in options are available for those attending Stations of the Cross.
Location: 110 Isaacks Road, Humble, 77338
Knights of Columbus - Clear Lake
KoC Council #10959 will have plates available for drive-thru only from 4-6 p.m. at the St. Bernadette Catholic Church. Their $12 meal will include catfish, fried hush puppies and coleslaw.
Like other council chapters, their fish fry will not be available on Good Friday.
Location: 15500 El Camino Real, Houston, 77062
Ouzo Bay - River Oaks
Ouzo Bay has an expansive fish program with a variety of options.
All fish are available at market price and can be served with house-made sauces including a champagne reduction with Siberian caviar ($29), jalapeño bianco with colossal crab meat ($13), and Mediterranean salsa Verde ($4).
If you know of any other locations offering fish on Fridays in observance of Lent, email web@khou.com so we can add to this list.
