Different owners these days, but the food is as good as always. They have some fantastic seafood and they are famous for Thank you, Jennifer! Fried Catfish topped with Crawfish Au Gratin Hushpuppy-Battered Catfish Nuggets with Spicy Pecan-Crusted Catfish with Spicy Cream Sauce Catfish with Crispy Kale and Cajun Sauce Recipe. In its essential aspects, it hasn't changed at all. I always get seafood gumbo or turtle soup and usually the seafood platter with a softshell crab. If the fish is wrapped in a sealed plastic package, remove it from the package before thawing in the fridge. Thaw catfish either by rinsing in a colander or strainer under cold water, or in the refrigerator. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Meanwhile, whisk together the cornmeal, corn flour and Cajun seasoning in a pie plate or casserole dish. Whether youre Jack or Jill, Whiskey is for everyone. Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off These are great for a quick snack or appetizer! CLICK HERE to purchase E-Gfit Cards. Serve fried catfish with any of these delicious dishes! In 2016, the Pfeifers elevated the restaurant by 5 feet to avoid the type of flooding that forced the restaurant to close after hurricanes in 2005, 2008 and 2012. In September, its Fettuccine Frenzy every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. I think I've liked pretty much everything I've ever had here and they also have a broiled seafood plate if you want to avoid the fried stuff. The couple also ran the post office in Manchac. Frying fish isn't hard, but requires a little practice and expertise. It looks great. It took me to a road that runs down to Lake Pontchartrain where I saw over 200 cars parked at this restaurant. vegetable, canola or peanut (you may need more or less; depends on how deep your skillet is) See Recipe Notes, , (dill or sweet); squeezed in a paper towel, Place fish in a large baking dish or plastic storage bag, pour in buttermilk; coat well; allow to sit for 10-minutes in refrigerator, Meanwhile, make tartar sauce; After the tartar sauce is made, coat and cook the fish, In a large bowl, add cornmeal, salt, pepper and cayenne; stir with fork till blended. Here are tips to help your catfish turn out superb! Worth the drive! Remove to the prepared wire rack. Add chile, hot sauce, and coconut milk and simmer for 5 minutes. I had the house special - thin fried catfish. Wrap the cooked and cooled catfish fillets in foil and refrigerate. 30160 Hwy 51 S., Akers (Manchac), LA 70421. This was crisp and delish. After Gustav, the main building was dramatically remodeled to make it look even older and more remote than it already was, with cypress floors and walls, creating a look that fits the restaurant and its history perfectly. Stop. Another good way to determine if it's is hot enough (or too hot) is to sprinkle a little cornmeal in it. According to the restaurants website, Louis tended bar and Josie did all of the cooking using her own recipes, including the fried catfish. Use a high-heat oil: either canola, vegetable, walnut, grapeseed or peanut. I asked that, the non-gluten A trip to Middendorf's is always a special treat! You'll be glad you checked this place out. Do not move the catfish fillets for the first 3-minutes; if you do, the coating will fall apart. I cant believe how easy this is. The thin fried catfish is a signature dish at Middendorf's Restaurant, which dates to 1934. Become a Gambit member today and help us continue our mission, For more upcoming events visit Ordered two large thin catfish dinners and a shrimp roumalaud appetizer on this latest visit. It'sa memorial honoring nine slain civil rights activists. The best!! What you're doing. Understand, I've been reading about this place for years and years, well before the current owners took the reins, so there is cause for concern about building a pyramid up in one's mind. We explained this to the waitress, and, she acknowledged. Louis Middendorf and his wife Josie opened the restaurant in the tiny fishing village of Manchac on July 4, 1934. Our server Terry L was a jewel but the younger hostess was a real sourpuss. It's my go to every time. That allowed for a major restoration of that structure and its kitchen. In batches, dredge the fish through the egg mixture and then through the cornmeal mixture, then add to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd. ), The first batch always turns out lighter than the others because the oil is fresh. The sign said "Food Exit 15", so I got off. My wife has been diagnosed for over ten years, as Celiac (no contact with Gluten). Ignore such reports and, on the way out, have the essential debate as to which is the best way to eat Middendorf's famous fried catfish: thin-cut, thick-cut (that gets my vote) or whole fish. Freezing is not recommended. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. What a great recipe! Repeat with the remaining catfish. Combine cornmeal and corn flour in a large bowl. A new addition is a large covered deck at the waterfront, which became immediately popular. (You should be able to get 4 to 5 pieces from each fillet.). Dip catfish into milk then dip into cornmeal dredge until completely coated. All Mind of a Chef Coverage on Eater [-E-], The freshest news from the food world every day. Keep each filet chilled until you are ready. Thin Fried Catfish, very good but the fettuccine alfredo was so watery it was tasteless. Thank you for sharing:). They enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining. They enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining. Yes, the old "brown bag" method works just as well! If the darker color bother you, start over with new oil for each batch. Especially when it comes to fried catfish! Came here with my sweetie and had some of the best thin cut catfish I ever had out on the deck, a little live music and an awesome time! Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Read More. This is important and key to this recipe. If using frozen catfish, thaw fish first by rinsing in cold water in a colander or allowing to thaw in the refrigerator, Use a thermometer; internal temperature should be 145F. No need to look any further. Can single handedly save the world from all its woes. You have permission to edit this article. Make your own! Their fried shrimp and boiled shrimp are also delicious. Bode's Catfish Corner. On top of the Laing, alternate placing grilled pea leaves and pieces of Catfish. I'd skip the appetizer, not worth it. Just stand there and watchand wait, When flipping the fillets, use tongs or a spider. When you place your order, ask for everything you think you might need (more drinks, extra tartar sauce, etc. Are you a customer or the owner/manager of the business youd like to add? First year attending their fettuccine frenzy and will also be our last. Compliments to the chef!!! In 2007, the restaurant was purchased by restaurateurs Horst and Karen Pfeifer. Barbequed Oysters on Half Shell. You'll love this 3-step recipe and it's ready in less than 20-minutes! And were plannin on being here for 40 more. The family decided to build a second restaurant two lots down from the original in 1972 to handle the ever-increasing crowds. Overall this is definitely a good stop on a road trip and I've always had quick and pleasant service.My video review of Middendorf's is here:youtu.be/T7PoiXP4bsQ. Did you know that JavaScript does the following? Combine salt with 1 quart water in a large bowl or container to create a brine. It became immediately popular with guests of all ages. Quick - each fillet only takes about 5-minutes to fry Restaurant quality fried catfish fillets that actually have flavor Susie and her husband, Joey Lamonte, took over the family business and continued to uphold the reputation of the famous restaurant.One of the fondest memories they recall is the day Prince Albert of Monaco ate at the restaurant. Set aside. Chefs are spotlighting their culinary heritage on tasting menus, at buzzy pop-ups, and at new restaurants across the country, By submitting your email, you agree to our, Watch Sean Brock and John Currence Cook Thin-Fried Catfish on Mind of aChef, KFC is bringing back its breadless fried chicken sandwich, and its 2010 all over again, Reba McEntire is the latest country superstar getting into the hospitality game, and her Atoka, Oklahoma restaurant feels welcoming indeed, Sean Brock Cooks Shaved Catfish - Mind of a Chef, The Next Era of American Fine Dining Is Here, Care of West Africa, Party Down Returns Sharper, Bleaker, and Funnier Than Before. calendar.gambitweekly.com. To Assemble and Serve: In a small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil. The restaurant remained in the hands of family members for more than 70 years. No more drive through fried catfish for me! Hey Jim! Get the thick fish, not the thin--at least the first time. The area has a small pond and lots of room for our feathered friends to run. Growing up my parents fried fish , any kind of fish in cornmeal put cornmeal in a brown bag add fish and shake, shake. Keep warm. To use our mobile site, please enable JavaScript. Since,the couple shares a love for animals, they also built a beautiful chicken coop in a fenced area behind the parking lot. This summer marks the 85th anniversary of a landmark that opened on Lake Maurepas at Pass Manchac: Middendorfs, the restaurant best known as the home of thin-cut fried catfish. Although Katrina damaged Middendorf's only moderately, Hurricane Gustav in 2008 devastated the original building. On Thursday, July 1, 2021 from 11am until 6pm, Middendorf's, in Manchac and Slidell, is hosting a blood drive that offers free thin fried catfish and an awesome t-shirt for all donors. It will have the same authentic German appetizers, entrees, and desserts as Manchac. Whetstones New Agency Wants to Represent It. 2019 was a big year for Middendorfs. Cant beat tried and true recipe like this one. I say the thick, because it's about as thick as I remember the thin fish being when I first started eating there . Here at Middendorfs, we are committed to providing a place for our guests that we would want to visit with our families too. Perfect instructions! Thin fried catfish is the name of the game. In 1967, when the lease was up, Josies son, Richard Smith, took control of the family business. Like to know if this would work for flounder/cod ?. Serve restaurant-quality, thin fried catfish individually or on a platter! Complete your catfish dinner with some of these favorite Southern side dishes! It is said that this was almost as exciting as when Eli, Peyton and the Manning parents were found dining at the restaurant. I love the crunchy coating and it was very easy to make! M. Perfect! Top with kimchi and sprinkle with pork floss and gochugaru. Great recipe. The Pfeifers have also started some new traditions that our guests look forward to every year. Thank you for your comments about the fried catfish! It's my go to every time. It's hard to find anyplace more consistent, including in its bothersome qualities (the long wait for a table, for example). I'm not apprehensive about frying fish anymore. Oktoberfest seems to be as much a part of Middendorf's now as our catfish." Oktoberfest at Middendorf's Slidell will be held every Friday for six weeks, Oktober 4, 2019 - November 8, 2019. Written by Tom Fitzmorris August 19, 2016 08:01 in Thick-Cut Fried Catfish @ Middendorf's The controversy has gone on for many decades: which is better, the thick fish at Middendorf's, or the thin? Please enter a valid email and try again. It was Josie who came up with the legendary house specialty, Thin Fried Catfish, which kept the customers coming back again and again. Followed your instructions to a T. Nothing better than this recipe. Have fried catfish like this for years. Using a cast-iron, or heavy bottom skillet, pour oil into skillet and heat to medium; While oil is heating, take a fillet directly from the buttermilk and place it in the cornmeal; pat the cornmeal on the fillet; coat it all over, twice; repeat with remaining fillets, Check your skillet; the oil needs to be around 312 - 350F; you can sprinkle a few pieces of cornmeal in the oil to see if it sizzles; if it does sizzle, the oil is ready, Cooking in batches of two fillets, place them in the hot oil; DO NOT MOVE THE FILLETS until they've cooked for 2 - 3 minutes on one side, After 2 -3 minutes, use tongs and flip the fish over and cook for an additional 3 minutes, Use a thermometer to measure internal temperature; it should be 145F, Remove fillets from oil and place on a paper towel, Repeat until all fillets are cooked and drained, Plate fillets and serve with lemon and tartar sauce, In a small bowl, combine all ingredients; refrigerate until ready to serve, Use a heavy-duty skillet (cast-iron) or Dutch oven, The amount of oil depends upon the size of your skillet; you want about 2" inches of oil. Read More, Stop. Thanks. Middendorf's 87th anniversary is coming up on July 4 which is also our 2nd anniversary in Slidell. Hope it works. I had the large. In 2007, the restaurant was purchased by restaurateurs Horst and Karen Pfeifer. Soaking fish in buttermilk is a method for minimizing the "fishy" smell. The story of Middendorfs Restaurant, how it came to be and its continued success, is one of perseverance and determination. Another thing that the kids really enjoy is going to the Louisiana Childrens Discovery Center, located in downtown Hammond, and working or eating at the mini Middendorfs. Dip catfish into milk then dip into cornmeal dredge until completely coated. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. You just made my day! The thin fried catfish is a signature dish at Middendorf's Restaurant, which dates to 1934. Louis and Josie were the entire staff. you. Post New; Save to Recipe Box; Print; Title: ISO: Middendorf's Fried Catfish: From: Terry Pogue Potomac, MD, 02-22-2005: Board: Copycat Recipe Requests at Recipelink.com: Msg ID . Louis Middendorf was a traveling salesman living in Houston with his wife Josie and her young son Richard. Olive oil is not recommended because it has a low smoke point and burns at high temperatures. Tender catfish fillets, lightly breaded in a Southern seasoned cornmeal mix and fried to perfection! Venture outside, and youll find an open-air porch overlooking an inviting sand/play area for the kids with fountains, palm trees and tiki huts. Slidell New Menu Items We have a few new appetizers and entrees on the menu at Middendorf's Slidell Fried Catfish Tacos, Bayou Pasta, Smoked Catfish Dip, Duck Quesadillas, Seared Tuna Salad and Fried Green Tomatoes. After flipping the fillet, let it cook for another 3 minutes again, DON'T TOUCH IT. If the oil starts to smoke, turn the heat down and remove the skillet from the burner for a few minutes. An entirely neww building continued on this theme, with a fake oak tree and a bar made from cypress trees that had been at the lake's bottom since before the Civil War. They have a very comfortable, family friendly, dining room, very friendly & personable waitresses, the great Middendorf's thin fried catfish we love like nowhere else, and at a price that is a small fraction of what it would cost if we were to buy the same meal here in New Orleans . Whether you like thin sliced or thick fried catfish, this is the place to stop on I-55 to get it. Thank you for the fish recipe. It has ranked in first place for a long time--another issue that gives ammunition to the impatient. Last Modified: Aug 29, 2022 by Anecia. For more than 40 years, Gambit has covered New Orleans, for New Orleans. A little lemon always adds a nice finishing touch! Can you use the coating for other fish? At the time of the Pulitzer Prize honor, the newspaper described her as a young well-spoken Metairie housewife and mother. First year attending their fettuccine frenzy and Most of all, we want you to come back and experience it again and again! To do that, we need Y-u-m. Hangin' with Horst -- Episode 2: Pfeifer Farm Soak catfish in the brine for 30 minutes in the refrigerator. Well Thank you, Maggie! We're sorry, hotels cannot be booked for more than 30 days. In this clip, Currence and Brock fry up some thin-fried catfish the signature dish at legendary New Orleans spot Middendorf's Seafood Restaurant where catfish are sliced. Some other structural additions have included a new high and dry kitchen, the Sunset Dining Room (also high and dry), an elevated storage building and new elevated offices. The busy couple also ran the post office in Manchac. Catfish fried in a tasty cornmeal batter, served with homemade tartar sauce. After the heat has been reduced, put the skillet back on the burner. Thank you! Spray with Pam olive oil spray or similar margarine or butter-flavored spray. After Hurricane Katrina devastated the area, Bella Luna was closed. Your second batch of fillets will be darker than the first; that's because they're being cooked in oil that's already been used. ), because you might not be able to get it quickly later. Thank you very much! Compliments you when you've had a bad day. This is the only fried catfish recipe I use! Fried catfish cut as thin as a dime, a view of the water that ends with the sky and a regular crowd coming from the North Shore and the South Shore to meet in the middle these are hallmarks of . Order fried catfish salad, po-boys or plates. Both types can be used at Middendorf's Manchac and Middendorf's Slidell. So, they packed up the linen napkins and switched from fine dining in the city to Thin Fried Catfish in the swamp. In a large frying pan, heat oil to 350F. Many other items on the menu. I was disappointed and wish I had gotten the thick one. In the 1970s, a second dining room with the vibe of a . Chef Pfeifer and his wife were well-known in New Orleans for their beautiful restaurant, Bella Luna, which was located in the French Quarter. I asked that, the non-gluten requirement be noted on the kitchen order, and, she stated, she would so note. Shallow-fry catfish pieces for 2 minutes on each side. Thin fried catfish is the name of the game. We like to call it Pfeifer Farm, and its a peaceful, happy place. Mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire in a small bowl. But the goodness of its fried seafood can't be denied. The Pfeifers are set to open a second location of Middendorfs in Slidell over the July 4th weekend. 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Ammunition to the impatient with the vibe of a 'll love this 3-step recipe and it 's ready in than... Pieces from each fillet. ) it cook for another 3 minutes again, do n't TOUCH it as... If the fish is n't hard, but the goodness of its fried seafood ca n't be.. 30 days only moderately, Hurricane Gustav in 2008 devastated the area, Bella Luna closed... Dip catfish into milk then dip into cornmeal dredge until completely coated in the of! This 3-step recipe and it was very easy to make feathered friends to.... Forward to every year butter-flavored spray from fine dining in the fridge the city to thin fried catfish her a! 5 pieces from each fillet. ) from all its woes can not be able to it! Remove it from the original in 1972 to handle the ever-increasing crowds is n't hard, but food. 'Ll love this 3-step recipe and it 's ready in less than 20-minutes that allowed a.