Catholic Student Center at Washington University - 6352 Forsyth Blvd, St. Louis, MO

Wayfinding / Greening


(3 Out of 4 Fishes)
They only have one fish fry a year, so not much signage advertising the fish fry from the street. You have to locate the entrance of the fish fry behind the main building. Paper fishes on the wall along the stairs are a nice touch of wayfinding hierarchy that you are getting closer to the fish fry. No menu, but one is not really needed as there are just a few sides and really no menu choices. Fairly good on greening with no styrofoam and no condiment packages. Real coffee cups were a nice touch. Paper cups, but there were quite a few attendees with their own Sigg and Kanteen beverage cups.

Food


Pre-bread cod squares, but they were crispy and hot. Just a few sides including mac and cheese, salad, and bread. Dessert was store bought cookies, but they were some high quality cookies. Salad was a highlight. Everything was kept simple, which was fine.

Value


Great value. $5 for adults, $3 for students or kids. $1.50 for an extra piece of fish or mac and cheese. Only $19 for our family of five. Dessert and coffee included.

Atmosphere


Definitely a highlight, a fun and youthful atmosphere - this was a college student center after all. Music in the background, a TV in the corner showing the NCAA tournament, and a roomful of people enjoying fried cod. Can it get much better? A beautiful student center with a lovely chapel and courtyard. Very friendly and enthusiastic volunteers. Some students were taking advantage of the spring weather and playing corn toss as we were leaving.

Overall
3 Out of 4 Fishes. The book of John talks about becoming fishers of men and the Catholic Student Center is helping to prepare the next generation of church leaders. However, the next generation of fish fryers also must be developed, and this is definitely the training ground for those future fish fry leaders. Overall it was a fun fish fry. This is also the home fish fry of the famous 'Cod Squad'. While we usually don't mention fish fry dates, this fish fry is only held once a year (the Friday before Palm Sunday), so plan according. Also, a relatively late fish fry from 6-8pm. Being late in the fish fry season, take advantage of the spring weather and daylight savings time by visiting Forest Park before or after your visit. Worth checking out (both the fish fry and one of the country's greatest urban parks).

Reviewed 3/26/10