Donauschwaben’s German-American Cultural Center resembles a busy amusement park during Lenten season, serving on average 1,100 people each night. This year, the event will be takeout only.
“When we’re busy, it’s almost like a Cedar Point line — it kind of loops around and we’ve had people wait up to an hour just to get in,” says Mike Iskandar, one of the chefs at Donauschwaben’s, who suggests customers come early for the fish fries.
To allow for social distancing, the line will be more spaced out than usual and customers will wait in the large main hall for their orders. Chairs will be available and the wait is estimated to be only around 10 minutes. Beer, wine, and booze-soaked “drunken gummy bears” will be available for takeout too.
“It’s one of our biggest fundraisers for the club, along with our Oktoberfest,” he says.
The club staff provides a fish dinner ($14-$14.50) with your choice of baked or fried cod, a fish and shrimp combo or chicken tenders, alongside french fries, baked potato, mac ‘n’ cheese, mini pierogies or mini-potato pancakes with applesauce.
“All the fish is breaded that day, fresh to order,” says Iskandar.
New this year is a family pack that includes five full dinners of fried fish, baked fish, shrimp, french fries and a quart of mac ‘n’ cheese ($75).
“It’s mainly just your typical fish dinner, but we give you your money’s worth,” says Iskandar.
Fridays, Feb. 12-April 2, 4-8 p.m. 7370 Columbia Road, Olmsted Falls, 440-235-2646, donauschwabencleveland.com
