VFW Post 8308 serves up fresh fare
Coleslaw, chicken tenders and French fries at the VFW Post 8308 in Lawrence.
Coleslaw, fish on a dish and French fries at the VFW Post 8308 in Lawrence.
Full disclosure – I am not one to eat a fish sandwich, or pretty much any other type of fish. No fish on a dish, no salmon, no baked cod. You get the drift. And, I am a non-practicing Catholic who doesn’t worry about eating meat during Fridays in Lent. So, I went to the fish fry at the VFW Post 8308 in Lawrence and had chicken.
Their fish fry runs from 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and at noon on the dot, we had our pick of every table in the place – it’s possible that it’s because the building isn’t visible from the street. Once you see the VFW sign and turn into the parking lot, you’ve still got to drive down a small hill before the building appears.
But with food as good as theirs, the place should be packed. I chose chicken tenders, French fries and coleslaw for my lunch, and my companion, Almanac circulation director Judi Smith, opted for fish on a dish, also served with fries and coleslaw.
The coleslaw arrived first. The cabbage was fresh and crunchy, and the slaw dressing was just sweet enough – there was no need to use salt and pepper.
The fresh theme carried throughout the rest the meal. My chicken tenders weren’t overly breaded, nor were they greasy – obviously the result of clean fryer oil. Three pieces of chicken and perfect French fries – it’s the best “unhealthy” meal I’ve had in quite some time.
Smith’s fish on a dish was delightful as well. The perfect portion wasn’t greasy, and it was flaky, light and fresh.
The bartender was polite and attentive, despite having to cater to patrons at the bar, takeout orders and a few other tables that eventually filled up.
There’s a right way and a wrong way to cook fried food – and the Lawrence VFW has the method down pat.
VFW Post 8308 serves lunch and dinner 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Fridays in Lent, including Good Friday. Open to the public. Dine in or take out. Call 724-941-2005 for more information.