Lent is a time of fasting, but that doesn’t mean that we need to give up eating altogether. As Catholics, we are asked to abstain from meat every Friday during Lent, and on both Ash Wednesday and Good Friday, we are also asked to limit ourselves to one large meal and two small meals. Doing these simple actions helps us remember the sacrifice that Christ made for us during his final days.
On those seemingly dreadful Fridays in Lent, when we forget to fast from meat until we reach the lunchline, we should be thinking about what Christ did for us and how we can fill ourselves with meatless meals. Think about what we can do to listen to the Church’s dietary restrictions and to our own stomachs. Questions pop into our minds: But what good food is there? I’m not a vegetarian, so what am I supposed to eat on Fridays?
Fish! At places such as Boston Fish Market, Shakou, and Tokio Pub, you can get meatless meals for reasonable prices. Boston Fish Market, locations in both Wheeling and Des Plaines, touts a menu full of fresh sea fish. Order at the counter and find your own table, the waiters and waitresses will serve you once your food is ready. Options range from classic kalamari to cajun gumbo. When going to Boston Fish Market, be prepared for large portions and don’t be afraid to ask for a doggie bag.
Shakou, a modern sushi restaurant with four locations dotted throughout the northwest suburbs of Chicago, offers a wide variety of raw and cooked fish. With a calming and upbeat atmosphere, it is the perfect place to hang out with friends or family on a Friday during Lent.
Located in Schaumburg, Tokio Pub is a more casual Asian food option. Whether you want to celebrate after a sports game/tournament, or you just finished a long shopping spree, Tokio Pub serves every need. With a happy hour that includes half priced rolls and tacos, anyone can eat there! In between both the other restaurants in terms of ambiance and style, the option is always open, and remember- if it’s Friday, don’t order meat!