This is the Snub.
Recently, the state of Michigan, which is well-known for its numerous freshwater lakes and its long-standing history of holding fish fry competitions, was not included on the famous list of “America’s Best Fish Fry.” This exclusion has resulted in a rise of incredulity and hostility among the people who live in the state that is located over the Great Lakes.
This is the history of fish fries.
According to the Catholic Church, which encourages its members to abstain from eating meat on Fridays during the season of Lent, fish fries have historical ties to the Catholic Church. The tradition of holding a fish fry on Fridays was first established in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the 1860s by German and Polish Catholic immigrants who had settled there. This practice eventually spread to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
During the time of prohibition, fish fries became increasingly popular as a result of the fact that numerous illegal clubs and pubs began serving fish in order to justify their operations. In addition, during the time of slavery, laborers would finish their Saturdays early, go fishing, and then return for a communal fish fry. This was a ritual that had been passed down from generation to generation.
The culture of fish fry in the state of the Great Lakes
There are some of the best fish fries in the country in the state of Michigan, which is surrounded by the Great Lakes. Michigan is home to a vast variety of mouthwatering fish fries, which can be found at a variety of establishments, including the Elks Lodge, the Moose Lodge, the Knights of Columbus, and various churches across the state.
In particular, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan is well-known for the abundance of mom-and-pop eateries that serve seafood that has been caught in the immediate vicinity. It is generally agreed upon that the omission of these establishments from the list constitutes a significant breach of justice.
Those Fish Fries from West Michigan
The region of West Michigan is known for its abundance of high-quality fish fries, which may involve the use of fish that is derived from the Grand River or Lake Michigan, which is located nearby. In the region of West Michigan, the following are some notable fish fry venues:
- The Grand Rapids location of Fat Man’s Fish Fry
- Located in Grand Rapids, the Sutherne Fish Fry
- Grand Rapids is home to the greatest white fish chicken.
- Birch Lodge, located in Grand Rapids
- Sanitary Fish & Marketplace in Grand Rapids, Wyoming The Grand Rapids Fishery in Wyoming Embassy Bar & Grill in West Olive McKenna’s Village Restaurant in Lakeview Mill Creek Tavern in Comstock Park Sanitary Fish & Marketplace in Grand Rapids Michigan
- Tavern of Remus, located in Remus
Final Thoughts
The surprising absence of Michigan from the list of “America’s Best Fish Fry” has brought attention to the state’s thriving fish fry culture as well as its traditions that have been passed down for generations.
Participating in the culinary adventure that is Michigan’s fish fries is something that should not be missed, regardless of whether you are a local or a visitor to the state.
Michigan Snubbed by ‘America’s Best Fish Fry’ List