A Fish Fry Brings Neighbors Together
A Fish Fry Brings Neighbors Together
There is an area in southwest Florida that is a “Fisherman’s Paradise”. It is located along the Caloosahatchee River, which is the waterway connecting the Gulf of Mexico with Lake Okeechobee. A variety of species of fish, both freshwater and saltwater, are abundant. Fishermen have been known to catch bluegill, catfish, crappie, pompano, sheepshead, and sea trout. After they clean their catch, they have what is known as a Fish Fry for the entire neighborhood.
The banks of the Caloosahatchee River are an ideal location for the Fish Fry to be held. This grassy expanse is shaded by massive live oak trees. It is a comfortable area to get out of the blazing sunlight. This area is large enough to comfortably accommodate everyone. It is a peaceful area, as well, with sights of nature. In the unobstructed view upstream, alligators are often seen sunning themselves. Pelicans perch on the dock posts. Eagles soar overhead.
Many people help wherever they are needed…our neighborhood is known to be helpful to each other. Some clean picnic tables. Others arrange lawn chairs in an ever-expanding semi-circle. Serving tables are set up to hold all of the delicious food everyone brings to share. Dishes, utensils, and napkins are placed in the convenient location at the beginning of the line. Several bring their instruments and play music to entertain us. Listening to guitars, a banjo, and a harmonica makes all of our moods merry.
Propane-powered deep fryers are placed near the serving tables. The fishermen share the job of frying the fish they caught. The fishermen’s wives batter and bread the fish in tasty concoctions of light and crispy, lip-smacking spicy, and downright crunchy. Even though the ingredients of these fry mix breadings aren’t shared, they certainly must have flour, cornmeal, salt and pepper, among other things. Hush Puppies are also deep fried to
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perfection along with the fish.
Everyone brings a covered dish to share and to go with the fried fish fillets. These prove to be just as delicious as the fish, itself. One favorite fish go-with is Loaded Fried Potatoes with bits of bacon, diced onions and peppers, sour cream, and shredded cheddar cheese mixed in. Another side dish that compliments the fish is Three Bean Salad. This sweet and tangy dish is delicious with kidney beans, green beans, and wax beans. Of course, there are always plenty of foods from which to choose…breads to salads to vegetables to desserts. But, nothing beats the taste of fresh fish eaten in the outdoors.
Having a Fish Fry is an enjoyable time for all of us. We are lucky to have so many fishermen live nearby. We can count on them to catch and cook a variety of different fish. They can count on us to listen to their fish stories; to share in their bounty; to appreciate them as neighbors.
When you’re having your next fish fry, or any special meal, order a truly delicious turtle cheesecake as your dessert. The author is sure that their is always room for cheesecake!
A Fish Fry Brings Neighbors Together / Author: Laura Weaver