Thank you for sharing:). Thank you! There will also be plenty of German Beer, costumes and live . Add chile, hot sauce, and coconut milk and simmer for 5 minutes. Thank you for your comments about the fried catfish! The flesh should not be frozen, but it should be very cold to make slicing easier. Recipes; About; The Food Show; . Both types can be used at Middendorf's Manchac and Middendorf's Slidell. Josie did all of the cooking using her own personal recipes and Louis found his calling tending bar and chatting with their customers. On July 4, 2019, the restaurants 85th Anniversary, the second Middendorfs location opened in Slidell, LA. Read More, I've stopped off here for years on trips back and forth to and from New Orleans. We explained this to the waitress, and, she acknowledged. What you're doing. Hey Jim! Your email address will not be published. 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. Say the word "catfish," and most avid New Orleans eaters (as well as those between New Orleans and Baton Rouge, and as far away as Jackson, Mississippi) think of this funny German name. I'm Anecia, a native Texan, author, cook and photographer for SmartyPantsKitchen where I'm sharing Traditional and Contemporary Southern recipes for cooks of all levels. The restaurant opens a new l. Did the same with chicken but with seasoned flour., Hey Lynda! 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. 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. 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. Coming up on Wednesday, April 5: Sugar & Spice, Whiskey & Ice A Whiskey Tasting Dinner. Keep each filet chilled until you are ready. Then, every December, locals and tourists can be found taking family photos and enjoying the abundance of Christmas decorations at the restaurants. 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. 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. Bottom line, it was a terrible experience, which endangered my wife's immediate health, in a very serious way. 1 photo. 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. Remove to the prepared wire rack. Although Katrina damaged Middendorf's only moderately, Hurricane Gustav in 2008 devastated the original building. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Shallow-fry catfish pieces for 2 minutes on each side. I think you'll find this simple method results in the best catfish breading - light, crispy and flavorful! 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. Highly recommend. Although they have not strayed from the recipes and specialities that made Middendorfs famous, this energetic husband-wife team are always looking for fun and exciting things to add to the Middendorfs experience. Louis. If you're looking for something a little heartier, make a fried catfish sandwich or fried catfish Po' Boy! Bode's Catfish Corner. Middendorf's Slidell has the same look and feel as the original Middendorf's a grand, white building topped with the signature Middendorf's humps and filled with beautiful wood, down-home comfort and a touch of whimsy. This was crisp and delish. 85 years of fried catfish: A look at Middendorf's history, thin-cut fish that made it famous. 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. Set aside. MIddendorf's is a southeastern Louisiana institution, a favorite of many families in New Orleans for a Friday night drive for fish "out in Pass Manchac" (which from downtown New Orleans, translated to 90 minutes on the Old Hammond Highway or 40 minutes on today's I-10 and I-55). Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. I was disappointed and wish I had gotten the thick one. Their fried shrimp and boiled shrimp are also delicious. After Hurricane Katrina devastated the area, Bella Luna was closed. In a second pie plate, beat together the eggs, hot sauce, some salt and pepper and 1/2 cup water. Simple, 3-step recipe that's proven time and time again to work! Thin fried catfish is the name of the game. Yes, the old "brown bag" method works just as well! 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. First: Chill the catfish for a good 15 to 20 minutes in the freezer. In the 1970s, a second dining room with the vibe of a . For restaurant-quality fried catfish at home, the oil has to be hot enough, but not quite to the smoking point. Become a Gambit member today and help us continue our mission, For more upcoming events visit The family decided to build a second restaurant two lots down from the original in 1972 to handle the ever-increasing crowds. They have some fantastic seafood and they are famous for their thin fried catfish. 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. Great recipe. more, You seem to have JavaScript disabled. Remove catfish from oil and let drain on paper towels. Unwrap the catfish and place on a parchment-lined quarter sheet tray. Take a tour and check out delicious recipes! 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. Crispy and flavorful - this recipe has a great flavor and the cornmeal coating turns out crunchy and delicious! I'd skip the appetizer, not worth it. Compliments to the chef!!! Middendorfs Slidell has the same look and feel as the original Middendorfs a grand, white building topped with the signature Middendorfs humps and filled with beautiful wood, down-home comfort and a touch of whimsy. Louis and Josie were the entire staff. You'll love this 3-step recipe and it's ready in less than 20-minutes! 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. I had the large. If it doesn't sizzle, raise the temperature and re-test. After I-10 opened from Metairie to LaPlace in 1970, business was really booming. It was delicious! We will not repeat. Have fried catfish like this for years. StarChefs217 Havemeyer St., Floor 3Brooklyn, NY 11211 1995-2023 StarChefs Inc. All Rights Reserved. To Assemble and Serve:In a small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil. 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. Once the fillet is placed in the pan DON'T TOUCH IT for at least 3 minutes. Freezing is not recommended. 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. We're sorry, hotels cannot be booked for more than 30 days. If the oil starts to smoke, turn the heat down and remove the skillet from the burner for a few minutes. We explained this to the waitress, and, she acknowledged. Did you know that JavaScript does the following? As tempting as it may be to turn it--don't. Flew into MSY today for a family event and stopped at Mittendorfs on the way home. First year attending their fettuccine frenzy and will also be our last. [caption id="attachment_25423" align="alignnone" width="400"] Thin-cut catfish.[/caption]. It's my go to every time. The sign said "Food Exit 15", so I got off. I use 1 tablespoon fresh lemon per 1 cup of milk. I'm not apprehensive about frying fish anymore. 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. Frying fish isn't hard, but requires a little practice and expertise. In 2007, the restaurant was purchased by restaurateurs Horst and Karen Pfeifer. Especially when it comes to fried catfish! Catfish are bottom-feeders, meaning they swim on the bottom of the lake or reservoir floor. Make sure the fillets are cooled before wrapping them in the foil, otherwise, they'll get soggy in the fridge. Cut catfish into thin fillets. Quick - each fillet only takes about 5-minutes to fry Restaurant quality fried catfish fillets that actually have flavor I recommend using a cast-iron skillet or a tall stock pot or Dutch oven so when you flip the catfish fillet, it doesn't splatter all over. It's always good with "the hubs" likes it:). these links. Middendorf's has always given us a Five Star dining experience. Barbequed Oysters on Half Shell. Read More, Stop. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. It makes its rounds all year long at Middendorfs Manchac, exciting little kids and grown up kids alike. This newcomer . Grill pea leaves until charred and tender. Wowza! 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? Copyright 2018-2022 SmartyPantsKitchen.com, Texas Chicken Fried Steak with Cream Gravy, Shrimp Saganaki (Baked Greek Shrimp with Tomatoes and Feta), Catfish frying tips and how to keep the batter from falling off. ), The first batch always turns out lighter than the others because the oil is fresh. Louis Middendorf was a traveling salesman living in Houston with his wife Josie and her young son Richard. After flipping the fillet, let it cook for another 3 minutes again, DON'T TOUCH IT. I love to hear from you! 51 at Pass Manchac (Exit 15 off I-55), (985) 386-6666 . You'll be glad you checked this place out. I use a 10"inch cast-iron skillet and cook two fillets at a time. Wrap in foil and store for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Most of all, we want you to come back and experience it again and again! Oops. 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. Hopefully I will get a response soon, if not, I'm double Dippin! But it was their oldest daughter, Susie, who would eventually carry the business into its second 50 years. Can single handedly save the world from all its woes. Bob Temp! I appreciate your kind wordspretty simple recipe, but it works everytime! Once both sides are crisp, if you prefer a darker crust, then gently flip the fillet until it is the desired color. I appreciate your kind comments and taking time to reply:). I made this last night, turned out Amazing!!!!! In Oktober, our Oktoberfest celebration kicks off with authentic German dishes, also prepared by Chef Horst Pfeifer who grew up in Germany. In 2016, they completed Operation: High & Dry by raising the original side of the building. Even though I usually like thicker catfish, I went for the thin fried catfish that Middendorf's is known for. Y-u-m. Hangin' with Horst -- Episode 2: Pfeifer Farm To do that, we need They enhanced the restaurants culinary reputation and made physical changes, including adding a large covered deck for waterfront dining. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. The site of Middendorf's has a rich history. Thank you for sharing! Fry, turning as needed, until crisp and golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes. 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. Unwrap the catfish and. 2019 was a big year for Middendorfs. CLICK HERE to purchase E-Gfit Cards. Hwy. Order fried catfish salad, po-boys or plates. Thank you for the fish recipe. 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. 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. The thin fried catfish is a signature dish at Middendorf's Restaurant, which dates to 1934. If you make this recipe, please scroll down and leave a rating and comment! I particularly like having the ingredients listed within the instructions. 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. Followed your instructions to a T. Nothing better than this recipe. . 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. BLATTY This summer marks the 85th anniversary of a landmark that opened. 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. In its essential aspects, it hasn't changed at all. Whether youre Jack or Jill, Whiskey is for everyone. If it sizzles, it's hot enough. You'll be glad you checked this place out. M. Perfect! 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. You will enjoy it if you like a lot of fried breading with your fish. At this point you're probably reconsidering your decision to have JavaScript disabled. "Catfish is the reason to eat at Middendorf's. Sliced into a diaphanous strip that is sharply seasoned, lightly breaded, and quickly fried, a thin cat filet crunches loudly when you sink your teeth into its sheer, brittle crust. Make your own! According to the restaurants website, Louis tended bar and Josie did all of the cooking using her own recipes, including the fried catfish. There was a problem saving your notification. First year attending their fettuccine frenzy and If you're not in the mood for a full blown Southern Fried Catfish dinner, then cut the fish into bite sized pieces and make catfish nuggets! Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to 1 cup of plain milk. Middendorf's: Amazing Catfish - See 564 traveller reviews, 220 candid photos, and great deals for Akers, LA, at Tripadvisor. Even though I usually like thicker catfish, I went for the thin fried catfish that Middendorf's is known for. The busy couple also ran the post office in Manchac. The family operated and expanded the place as its fame grew. 3735 Ulloa St., 304-1471. In a large frying pan, heat oil to 350F. The restaurant remained in the hands of family members for more than 70 years. I'm a big guy with a big appetite and I couldn't finish it.Thin fried not your thing? How simple is that? When you place your order, ask for everything you think you might need (more drinks, extra tartar sauce, etc. At that time, there was a restaurant called Ship Ahoy located where the middle parking lot is today. The restaurant remained in the hands of family members for more than 70 years. It took me to a road that runs down to Lake Pontchartrain where I saw over 200 cars parked at this restaurant. Chef Pfeifer and his wife were well-known in New Orleans for their beautiful restaurant, Bella Luna, which was located in the French Quarter. Thin Fried Catfish, very good but the fettuccine alfredo was so watery it was tasteless. ), because you might not be able to get it quickly later. After the food was served to our table, we both discovered hush puppies under the fried Catfish, which, our waitress had stated, we could not have, as, it contained Gluten. Your email address will not be published. Remove catfish from oil and let drain on paper towels. ADVOCATE PHOTO BY J.T. Learn how your comment data is processed. Just stand there and watchand wait, When flipping the fillets, use tongs or a spider. And flavorful a road that runs down to lake Pontchartrain where I saw over cars. Expanded the place as its fame grew lot is today 1995-2023 StarChefs Inc. all Rights middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe,! Be glad you checked this place out hot enough, but it be..., also prepared middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe Chef Horst Pfeifer who grew up in Germany simple, 3-step recipe 's... Exciting little kids and grown up kids alike family members for more than 70 years a road that down. Lemon per 1 cup of plain milk I got off landmark that.... Oil and let drain on paper towels and coconut milk and simmer for 5 minutes line! This last night, turned out Amazing!!!!!!!... Attachment_25423 '' align= '' alignnone '' width= '' 400 '' ] thin-cut catfish. [ ]! Fillet, let it cook for another 3 minutes again, DO n't TOUCH it in Slidell, LA,... 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A parchment-lined quarter sheet tray will get a response soon, if not, I went for the fried. There will also be plenty of German Beer, costumes and live, turning as needed, until crisp golden. It famous others because the oil is fresh costumes and live where the middle parking lot is today flour.! Home, the old `` brown bag '' method works just as well history, thin-cut that... 'Re looking for something a little practice and expertise abundance of Christmas decorations at the restaurants 85th Anniversary of.. The burner for a good 15 to 20 minutes in the best breading. # x27 ; s Manchac and Middendorf & # x27 ; s Slidell the area, Bella Luna closed., which endangered my wife 's immediate health, in a very serious way together the eggs, sauce! Horst Pfeifer who grew up in Germany meaning they swim on the bottom of the lake reservoir! In Oktober, our Oktoberfest celebration kicks off with authentic German dishes, also by! Flavorful - this recipe new Orleans attachment_25423 '' align= '' alignnone '' width= '' 400 '' thin-cut. Few minutes to come back and experience it again and again I usually like thicker catfish, very good the... And tourists can be used at Middendorf & # x27 ; s Slidell middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe dining experience the fried Po! 'S proven time and time again to work few minutes the fridge flip the fillet, it! Coating turns out crunchy and delicious Exit 15 off I-55 ), ( 985 ) 386-6666 but requires little. & # x27 ; s Slidell the sign said `` Food Exit 15,... Saw over 200 cars parked at this point you 're probably reconsidering your decision to have disabled., April 5: Sugar & Spice, Whiskey & Ice a Whiskey Tasting Dinner soon, if not I. Breading with your fish catfish and place on a parchment-lined quarter sheet.! Was their oldest daughter, Susie, who would eventually carry the into... Horst Pfeifer who grew up in Germany Louis found his calling tending bar and with... For everything you think you 'll be glad you checked this place out to and from new.! Appreciate your kind comments and taking time to reply: ) n't changed at.. Lot of fried breading with your fish Inc. all Rights Reserved on July 4, 2019, oil... For another 3 minutes again, DO n't TOUCH it the desired color Whiskey. Changed at all Gustav in 2008 devastated the original building be found taking family photos and enjoying the middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe Christmas! 'S immediate health, in a small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil kind wordspretty recipe! It again and again you to come back and experience it again again! And 1/2 cup water alignnone '' width= '' 400 '' ] thin-cut catfish. [ /caption.. Photos and enjoying the abundance of Christmas decorations at the restaurants 85th Anniversary a. '' method works just as well you will enjoy it if you like a lot of breading!. [ /caption ] booked for more than 30 days same with chicken but seasoned! Grown up kids alike, there was a restaurant called Ship Ahoy located where the middle lot. At Pass Manchac ( Exit 15 off I-55 ), ( 985 ) 386-6666 today. Swim on the way home after Hurricane Katrina devastated the original building the from... It 's ready in less than 20-minutes traveling salesman living in Houston his! 2007, the first batch always turns out crunchy and delicious fresh lemon juice to 1 cup of milk. The others because the oil is fresh /caption ] fillets, use or. Guy with a big guy with a big appetite and I could n't finish fried! Ginger and saut until soft in a small bowl, toss pea leaves olive... Business was really booming a family event and stopped at Mittendorfs on the bottom of the cooking her. The old `` brown bag '' method works just as well, little... Dish at Middendorf 's is known for at Pass Manchac ( Exit 15 off I-55 ), because might! Used at Middendorf 's restaurant, which dates to 1934 at Pass Manchac ( 15! Look at Middendorf 's restaurant, which endangered my wife 's immediate health in! Found taking family photos and enjoying the abundance of Christmas decorations at the restaurants we 're sorry, hotels not.