Mar 4, 2015 1 min read

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F?ormer VFW State Commander Dominic DeFranco walks past Post 764’s mural with a takeout order.

Barbara Miller/Observer-Reporter

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?Pan-fried fish, clam chowder and coleslaw from VFW Post 764

Barbara Miller/Observer-Reporter

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The Veterans of Foreign Wars emblem is prominently displayed at the entrance to Post 764.

Barbara Miller/Observer-Reporter

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VFW Post 764’s menu of Friday specials includes several seafood choices and meat-free side dishes.

Barbara Miller/Observer-Reporter

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Chef Pete Locante’s specialties are usually reserved for “members only” at Post 764, but the public is welcome on Fridays during Lent. Locante served in the U.S. Army from 1962 to 1968 before becoming a chef in civilian life.

Barbara Miller/Observer-Reporter

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Chef Pete Locante checks an order in the Post 764 kitchen. On the plate is an order of crab cakes.

Barbara Miller/Observer-Reporter

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VFW Post 764 in McMurray is usually open only to members, but those who’d like to sample its superb cuisine have an unrivaled opportunity on Fridays during Lent.

The tantalizing aroma of two takeout orders of pan-fried fish prepared by U.S. Army veteran Pete Locante, who became a chef in civilian life, made me want to dive into the Styrofoam containers as soon as I arrived home.

Lightly breaded and speckled with parsley, there are only three words to discribe the fish: Yum, yum, yum.

An ample portion of add-your-own-salt french fries tasted great to this low-sodium adherent. My husband said the skin-on fries reminded him of the famous ones served at a Pittsburgh area amusement park. Diana Curley runs the potato-cutting mechanism, and buckets of spuds awaited what was sure to be a busy night.

Two fish platters with bowls of clam chowder totaled $24.04. VFW Post 764 at 460 Valley Brook Road, serves food from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Fridays during Lent. Eat in or call ahead at 724-941-2005.

- Barbara Miller