drunk_haile_selassie t1_j6lvxh4 wrote on January 31, 2023 at 6:26 AM

Reply to comment by Phantom_Ganon in ELI5: when people give up red meat for lent, why do they always eat fish instead? Aren't chicken and turkey white meats too? by Inanimatepony

The rules for Catholics have lapsed quite a lot over time. They used to not be allowed to eat meat on any Friday. Now its just Good Friday.

NetworkLlama t1_j6lxfia wrote on January 31, 2023 at 6:44 AM

This is where McDonald's Filet-O-Fish came from. McDonald's fanchisee Lou Coen came up with the idea. McDonald's founder Ray Kroc wasn't convinced and devised a Hula Burger (grilled pineapple with cheese) as an alternative and challenged Coen to a competition. The highest-selling product would win.

The Filet-O-Fish won handily, selling 350 to...some very small number that Ray Kroc wouldn't admit. It was reportedly the first ever addition to the McDonald's menu. It was a huge hit among Catholics after that.

gwaydms t1_j6lykxe wrote on January 31, 2023 at 6:58 AM

Our local Catholic churches have Friday fish fries during Lent. Fish and chips/fries, hushpuppies, maybe cole slaw or potato salad. You don't have to be Catholic to pick up a plate. As Episcopalians we observe Lent also, and some of those churches have great fried fish.