BLOOMINGDALE — Students enrolled in the culinary arts program at the Jefferson County Joint Vocational School are helping to assist in the preparation of this year’s Lenten dinner menu, as the school’s restaurant, Crestview Inn, begins its annual Fish Fry Fridays.

From now through Easter, students will prepare a selection of dishes for dining in or carrying out various fish options. All of the proceeds raised will go toward benefitting the school’s program, according to instructor Glenn Zalenski.

Zalenski said the event, which is now in its fourth year, is another way for students to learn about the restaurant trade.

“It’s always an experience for them,”Zalenski commented. “They learn how to make it and market it. The fish will be available for dine in or carry out from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Fridays.”

This year’s Lenten menu includes tuna fish, a fish fillet or a tuna melt sandwich. Other dishes available include pierogies, fish filets and fried popcorn shrimp dinners. Side dishes are french fries, onion rings, hush puppies, coleslaw, a side salad or a cup of soup. A dessert of the day will be among the options available. The prices at the Crestview Inn range between $6 to $12.

All of the food is prepared with Zalenski’s guidance, it was noted.

Students are holding a pierogi fundraiser in addition to the Lenten menu, Zalenski stated. One dozen perogies with onions will be sold for $12. Those containing cheese and other flavors will be offered as well.

“We have about 85 dozen pierogies ready to go,” Zalenski said, noting this is a new event the school is doing due to the number of requests it has received for the item.

Zalenski said all of the foods are prepared by the culinary students, with proceeds going toward class field trips and projects.

Meanwhile, students have gained further experience through catering various events.

Among the catered events were JVS board meetings, activities held by Future Career and Community Leaders of America and during the Mingo Junction PALS Chrysalis Adult Day Service event.

The restaurant operates from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays. It is open to staff members and the public.

For information, call (740) 264-5545, Ext. 602.