Now! Please enter a valid email and try again. Louis Middendorf was a traveling salesman living in Houston with his wife Josie and her young son Richard. And ignore the buzz about how Middendorf's isn't as good as it used to be. This summer marks the 85th anniversary of a landmark that opened on Lake Maurepas at Pass Manchac: Middendorf's, the restaurant best known as the home of thin-cut fried catfish. M. Perfect! Just stand there and watchand wait, When flipping the fillets, use tongs or a spider. Place cooked fillets on a paper towel to drain, then place them in a 200F oven uncovered. No more drive through fried catfish for me! Middendorf's secret is out as owner Horst Pfeifer tells how their thin fried catfish is made NOLA.com 94.7K subscribers Subscribe 83 Share 16K views 7 years ago Horst Pfeifer, owner of. This newcomer . Become a Gambit member today and help us continue our mission, For more upcoming events visit Both types can be used at Middendorf's Manchac and Middendorf's Slidell. Then work on your appetite with images of the great raw and broiled oysters, the stuffed crabs, and the soft-shell crabs in their season (warm months . 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. Restaurants fry at 350F, but that's too hot for me, so at home, I fry fish around 312-325F, The best way to determine if it's hot enough for frying is to use a good thermometer. Followed your instructions to a T. Nothing better than this recipe. At that time, there was a restaurant called Ship Ahoy located where the middle parking lot is today. Thank you, Jennifer! 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. Add shallots, garlic, and ginger and saut until soft. After more than 40 years of working in the restaurant, with no family to hand the restaurant down to, Susie decided to sell the family business. In a separate bowl, mix to combine cornmeal and cornstarch. Quick - each fillet only takes about 5-minutes to fry Restaurant quality fried catfish fillets that actually have flavor Whetstones New Agency Wants to Represent It. Three minutes allows the bottom side of the fillet to cook and become firm. Just get a hoagie bun, add a little Louisiana remoulade sauce or tartar sauce, some lettuce and a fried catfish fillet! Appropriate to its history in colonial times, Middendorf's marks the farthest outpost of NOMenu's restaurant-rating purview. Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed your homemade catfish! The restaurant opens a new l. Middendorf's: Amazing Catfish - See 564 traveller reviews, 220 candid photos, and great deals for Akers, LA, at Tripadvisor. Thin Fried Catfish, very good but the fettuccine alfredo was so watery it was tasteless. Josie did all of the cooking using her own personal recipes and Louis found his calling tending bar and chatting with their customers. You will enjoy it if you like a lot of fried breading with your fish. Grill pea leaves until charred and tender. The area has a small pond and lots of room for our feathered friends to run. It's always good with "the hubs" likes it:). Mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire in a small bowl. (When covered with foil, they get mushy and all your patience is in vain. Whether youre Jack or Jill, Whiskey is for everyone. For cod, I usually use a pub-style batter! Remove catfish from oil and let drain on paper towels. I cant believe how easy this is. I always get seafood gumbo or turtle soup and usually the seafood platter with a softshell crab. I think you'll find this simple method results in the best catfish breading - light, crispy and flavorful! First: Chill the catfish for a good 15 to 20 minutes in the freezer. 51 at Pass Manchac (Exit 15 off I-55), (985) 386-6666 . 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. 2019 was a big year for Middendorfs. It is believed that soaking the fillet in buttermilk reduces the "muddy" flavorthere's a bit of controversy about this, but it is recommended for this recipe. Ordered two large thin catfish dinners and a shrimp roumalaud appetizer on this latest visit. Barbequed Oysters on Half Shell. After flipping the fillet, let it cook for another 3 minutes again, DON'T TOUCH IT. 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. There's nothing fancy or gourmet about my recipes-just easy, simple, delicious and memorable! Tender catfish fillets, lightly breaded in a Southern seasoned cornmeal mix and fried to perfection! Last Modified: Aug 29, 2022 by Anecia. Unwrap the catfish and. Have fried catfish like this for years. They have a pretty extensive menu with lots of options and good po boys to round everything out. Keep warm. Complete your catfish dinner with some of these favorite Southern side dishes! Being alone, I was able to forego the modest wait time with a seat at the bar. Wrap the cooked and cooled catfish fillets in foil and refrigerate. "Best Thin Fried Catfish in Louisiana!" Review of Middendorf's 220 photos Middendorf's 30160 Hwy 51 S., Akers, LA 70421 +1 985-386-6666 Website E-mail Improve this listing Ranked #1 of 2 Restaurants in Akers 564 Reviews Price range: $20 - $35 Cuisines: Seafood More restaurant details RickyH59 Houston, Texas 335 197 Thaw catfish either by rinsing in a colander or strainer under cold water, or in the refrigerator. Fry the catfish fillets in batches, usually one or two fillets at a time. Cut catfish into thin fillets. Add chile, hot sauce, and coconut milk and simmer for 5 minutes. Here are tips to help your catfish turn out superb! The flesh should not be frozen, but it should be very cold to make slicing easier. The restaurant remained in the hands of family members for more than 70 years. This is natural. Middendorf's has always given us a Five Star dining experience. Nice and crispy on the outside and fluffy and flavorful on the inside. And post it to this group of course for other. Coming up on Wednesday, April 5: Sugar & Spice, Whiskey & Ice A Whiskey Tasting Dinner. Shallow-fry catfish pieces for 2 minutes on each side. I was disappointed and wish I had gotten the thick one. And go get yourself the Mittendorf Special!I grew up in Louisiana but had never been to Mittendorfs. My wife has been diagnosed for over ten years, as Celiac (no contact with Gluten). I'm a lucky guy. Required fields are marked *. It is mild-flavored and benefits greatly from a dip in the horseradish hot sauce provided." The story of Middendorfs Restaurant, how it came to be and its continued success, is one of perseverance and determination. If you don't have fresh catfish, use frozen. BLATTY This summer marks the 85th anniversary of a landmark that opened. Wowza! What sides to serve with fried catfish dinner. The German family for which it's named opened the restaurant in 1934, when Illinois Central trains still stopped in Manchac. Stop. Wrap in foil and store for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. If you "double dip" it (back and forth) between the cornmeal and buttermilk, your coating will be thicker. Yummy coleslaw and the gumbo is the best i've ever had!!! Worth the drive! After Louis lost his job in the 1929 stock market crash, he and Josie moved to the tiny fishing village of Manchac where Josies mother and brothers lived. Thank you for sharing:). I use 1 tablespoon fresh lemon per 1 cup of milk. Been going After the heat has been reduced, put the skillet back on the burner. After Hurricane Katrina devastated the area, Bella Luna was closed. Then work on your appetite with images of the great raw and broiled oysters, the stuffed crabs, and the soft-shell crabs in their season (warm months). In September, its Fettuccine Frenzy every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. ADVOCATE PHOTO BY J.T. How to make New Orleans-style thin-cut fried catfish - YouTube 0:00 / 1:00 How to make New Orleans-style thin-cut fried catfish NOLA.com 94.3K subscribers Subscribe 140 Share 18K views 5. 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 . Compliments you when you've had a bad day. We explained this to the waitress, and, she acknowledged. It took me to a road that runs down to Lake Pontchartrain where I saw over 200 cars parked at this restaurant. Good sign. Take a tour and check out delicious recipes! Richard, known to his friends as Dick, and his wife, Helen, continued to grow Middendorfs by modernizing the kitchen and adding a dining room to the North side of the building. What a great recipe! I'm a big guy with a big appetite and I couldn't finish it.Thin fried not your thing? Great recipe! Highly recommend. Remove the fish from the freezer and use a boning knife to very carefully cut each fillet into thin pieces. On a recent driving tour from Florida to New York (via New Orleans, Memphis and Nashville) I was heading up the highway slightly hungry, and in need of a rest room. We would be honored for you to be part of our history, part of the Middendorfs family. Are you a customer or the owner/manager of the business youd like to add? Middendorf's: Thin-Fried Catfish is One of Many Delicious Options - See 564 traveler reviews, 220 candid photos, and great deals for Akers, LA, at Tripadvisor. 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. 1 photo. 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 . Were in the Age of Food Talent. To Assemble and Serve:In a small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil. 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. Catfish are bottom-feeders, meaning they swim on the bottom of the lake or reservoir floor. 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? You just made my day! We will not repeat. Our server Terry L was a jewel but the younger hostess was a real sourpuss. The service staff is always been stressed, and while they deliver everything on time, they don't visit the table as much as you might expect. So, they packed up the linen napkins and switched from fine dining in the city to Thin Fried Catfish in the swamp. You'll love this 3-step recipe and it's ready in less than 20-minutes! I had the house special - thin fried catfish. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Weve stood up to city hall with you, cheered the Saints with you, 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. Yes! I'm a lucky guy. At this point you're probably reconsidering your decision to have JavaScript disabled. You can make buttermilk by adding fresh lemon juice to plain milk. Stir it and let it sit for a few minutes at room temperature. Compliments to the chef!!! After I-10 opened from Metairie to LaPlace in 1970, business was really booming. I made this last night, turned out Amazing!!!!! Crispy and flavorful - this recipe has a great flavor and the cornmeal coating turns out crunchy and delicious! Try something different. Copyright 20042023 Yelp Inc. Yelp, , and related marks are registered trademarks of Yelp. Keep each filet chilled until you are ready. Hubby says Its better than our go-to catfish spot. Hope it works. Another good way to determine if it's is hot enough (or too hot) is to sprinkle a little cornmeal in it. Dip catfish into milk then dip into cornmeal dredge until completely coated. Southern Fried Catfish is easy to make and this restaurant-quality recipe won't disappoint! Thank you. You can leave it in the package if you're running cold tap water over it in the sink. Order fried catfish salad, po-boys or plates. Frying fish isn't hard, but requires a little practice and expertise. Our goal is to have you leave with a full belly and the memory of a great time. 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. Thank you for your comments about the fried catfish! In Oktober, our Oktoberfest celebration kicks off with authentic German dishes, also prepared by Chef Horst Pfeifer who grew up in Germany. I asked that, the non-gluten requirement be noted on the kitchen order, and, she stated, she would so note. Fill a large Dutch oven fitted with a deep-frying thermometer halfway with oil and heat to 360 degrees F. Line a sheet tray with paper towels and fit with a wire rack. There was a problem saving your notification. danced in the streets with you and cried over our collective loss with And go get yourself the Mittendorf Special!I grew up in Louisiana but had never been to Mittendorfs. 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. Chef Pfeifer and his wife were well-known in New Orleans for their beautiful restaurant, Bella Luna, which was located in the French Quarter. Thank you! At times, it has also been home to ducks, geese and even turkeys. The couple also ran the post office in Manchac. Catfish was great! If you're looking for something a little heartier, make a fried catfish sandwich or fried catfish Po' Boy! 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. Shop | Middendorf's Restaurant Home of the World Famous Original Thin Fried Catfish Shop Middendorf's Gift Cards make great gifts! The third generation sold Middendorf's to Chef Horst Pfeifer and his wife Karen, who owned the superb Bella Luna in the French Market until Katrina. Of course, there is a ton of work involved in farm life, but Horst says its therapy. And after visiting and taking it all in, we totally get it. What you're doing. Middendorf's has always given us a Five Star dining experience. Soaking fish in buttermilk is a method for minimizing the "fishy" smell. 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 . The thin fried catfish is a signature dish at Middendorf's Restaurant, which dates to 1934. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Very very delicious!!! Thank you very much! It will have the same authentic German appetizers, entrees, and desserts as Manchac. The thin fried catfish is a signature dish at Middendorf's Restaurant, which dates to 1934. It turns out crispy and flavorful everytime! 3735 Ulloa St., 304-1471. Place a generous spoonful of Laing on the bottom of a serving dish. 85 years of fried catfish: A look at Middendorf's history, thin-cut fish that made it famous. Most of all, we want you to come back and experience it again and again! All rights reserved. It definitely has a great atmosphere and is in a unique location. Serve the catfish with the Spillway Sauce on the side. We explained this to the waitress, and, she acknowledged. This is the most common challenge for homemade fried fish. We'll have so much fun together once you do. I had the large. Place in the freezer for 15 minutes to chill and firm up. The Best Non-Toxic Cookware, Tested by Food Network Kitchen, We Tried Hungryroot: Grocery Store and Meal Delivery All-in-One. Grill pea leaves until charred and tender. This is the only fried catfish recipe I use! When ready to cook the catfish, pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. It's on the northern littoral of Pass Manchac, way out in the marshes between Lakes Maurepas and Pontchartrain, which in the 1700s was the frontier between the United States and the Spanish Isle of Orleans. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Blake Pontchartrain: The story of the civil rights activists memorialized at Claiborne and Jackson avenues, Blakeview: Happy 90th birthday to Shirley Ann Grau, New Orleans novelist and Pulitzer winner, Get catfished in Slidell: Middendorf's opens a Slidell restaurant July 4. I coat it twice with the cornmeal. In a large frying pan, heat oil to 350F. 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. Middendorf's Restaurant. Catfish fried in a tasty cornmeal batter, served with homemade tartar sauce. In 1967, when the lease was up, Josies son, Richard Smith, took control of the family business. If it sizzles, it's hot enough. Bode's Catfish Corner. Middendorf's has also become famous for their six weeks of Oktoberfest celebrations that offer authentic German food every Wednesday and Thursday during October and November. 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