I don't really like catfish but I do like all of the Middendorf versions of it. For cod, I usually use a pub-style batter! 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. Flew into The area has a small pond and lots of room for our feathered friends to run. The restaurant opens a new l. Simple, 3-step recipe that's proven time and time again to work! Serve fried catfish with any of these delicious dishes! There's no need to go out to dinner when you can make restaurant-quality fried catfish at home! Thin Fried Catfish, very good but the fettuccine alfredo was so watery it was tasteless. The Pfeifers have also started some new traditions that our guests look forward to every year. Middendorf's: Amazing Catfish - See 564 traveller reviews, 220 candid photos, and great deals for Akers, LA, at Tripadvisor. Eventually, there will be a pond out there too. Keep an eye on the oil. Freezing is not recommended. In a second pie plate, beat together the eggs, hot sauce, some salt and pepper and 1/2 cup water. Y-u-m. Hangin' with Horst -- Episode 2: Pfeifer Farm Place cooked fillets on a paper towel to drain, then place them in a 200F oven uncovered. Worth the drive! Catfish fillets, buttermilk, cornmeal, frying oil, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, mix to combine cornmeal and cornstarch. I think you'll find this simple method results in the best catfish breading - light, crispy and flavorful! This is natural. (The thin fish is very thin indeed, and not for everybody.) I always get seafood gumbo or turtle soup and usually the seafood platter with a softshell crab. Required fields are marked *. For the Laing:In a saucepan over medium flame, heat coconut oil. Highly recommend. When ready to cook the catfish, pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Thank you for the fish recipe. It's my go to every time. In 2016, they completed Operation: High & Dry by raising the original side of the building. Thank you. Excellent! Remove catfish from oil and let drain on paper towels. 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. Nice and crispy on the outside and fluffy and flavorful on the inside. Thank you! Sometimes simple is best, right? We'll have so much fun together once you do. To Assemble and Serve:In a small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil. Try something different. Note, this catfish batter recipe contains no egg and no flour - just cornmeal and seasonings! ADVOCATE PHOTO BY J.T. After the heat has been reduced, put the skillet back on the burner. In its essential aspects, it hasn't changed at all. To do that, we need calendar.gambitweekly.com. Crispy and flavorful - this recipe has a great flavor and the cornmeal coating turns out crunchy and delicious! 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. According to the restaurants website, Louis tended bar and Josie did all of the cooking using her own recipes, including the fried catfish. Last Modified: Aug 29, 2022 by Anecia. Tender catfish fillets, lightly breaded in a Southern seasoned cornmeal mix and fried to perfection! After I-10 opened from Metairie to LaPlace in 1970, business was really booming. Add 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to 1 cup of plain milk. If it sizzles, it's hot enough. Catfish are bottom-feeders, meaning they swim on the bottom of the lake or reservoir floor. Keep warm. Oktoberfest runs every Wednesday and Thursday for 6 weeks. Worth the drive! If this really bugs you, throw out the first batch of oil and start over. This is the only fried catfish recipe I use! Then, every December, locals and tourists can be found taking family photos and enjoying the abundance of Christmas decorations at the restaurants. I'm glad you liked the fried catfish recipe! If the fish is wrapped in a sealed plastic package, remove it from the package before thawing in the fridge. Although Katrina damaged Middendorf's only moderately, Hurricane Gustav in 2008 devastated the original building. Stop. CLICK HERE to purchase E-Gfit Cards. I appreciate your kind comments and taking time to reply:). Catfish fried in a tasty cornmeal batter, served with homemade tartar sauce. 51 at Pass Manchac (Exit 15 off I-55), (985) 386-6666 . Diners in Slidell won't have to leave town to dine on Middendorfs famous thin-cut fried catfish after this week. Flew into MSY today for a family event and stopped at Mittendorfs on the way home. Discovery, Inc. or its subsidiaries and affiliates. Thank you! 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. Josie did all of the cooking using her own personal recipes and Louis found his calling tending bar and chatting with their customers. You'll be glad you checked this place out. We travel around the U.S. "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. This was crisp and delish. Hwy. Please go to the settings menu on your phone related to your web browser, and re-enable JavaScript. 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. 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. Add shallots, garlic, and ginger and saut until soft. your help. 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. We would be honored for you to be part of our history, part of the Middendorfs family. This is important and key to this recipe. Are you a customer or the owner/manager of the business youd like to add? These are great for a quick snack or appetizer! They also should be famous for their fantastic desserts here and you definitely don't want to miss those! With the help of a $500.00 loan co-signed by a former Mayor of New Orleans, T. Semmes Walmsley, Louis and Josie opened their cafe in the summer of 1934. . Thank you, Jennifer! They have some fantastic seafood and they are famous for their thin fried catfish. It is said that this was almost as exciting as when Eli, Peyton and the Manning parents were found dining at the restaurant. 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. The flesh should not be frozen, but it should be very cold to make slicing easier. Y-u-m. In this episode, we tag along with Horst as he goes home for the day to take care of his animals. Mix together the mayonnaise, ketchup, Cajun seasoning and Worcestershire in a small bowl. We explained this to the waitress, and, she acknowledged. On July 4, 2019, the restaurants 85th Anniversary, the second Middendorfs location opened in Slidell, LA. 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. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Great recipe! 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. Dip catfish into milk then dip into cornmeal dredge until completely coated. Louis and Josie were the entire staff. You just made my day! It was delicious! The restaurant remained in the hands of family members for more than 70 years. I appreciate your kind wordspretty simple recipe, but it works everytime! Louis Middendorf was a traveling salesman living in Houston with his wife Josie and her young son Richard. Something went wrong. Complete your catfish dinner with some of these favorite Southern side dishes! It's always good with "the hubs" likes it:). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. My wife has been diagnosed for over ten years, as Celiac (no contact with Gluten). 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. Followed your instructions to a T. Nothing better than 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. It'sa memorial honoring nine slain civil rights activists. 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 . Did you know that JavaScript does the following? 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. 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. Three 6-ounce boneless, skinless catfish fillets, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, Spillway Sauce, recipe follows, for serving, Sign up for the Food Network Shopping Newsletter Privacy Policy, The Key Food Moments You May Have Missed in The Last of Us, Peeps-Flavored Pepsi Makes Its Adorable Return, McDonalds Announces Its Next Celebrity Collab: Cardi B & Offsets Meal for Two, KitchenAids 2023 Color of the Year Is Hibiscus, Subway Will Now Be Slicing Meat Fresh at Each of Its Locations, 6 Best Whiskeys, According to a Spirits Expert, These Cord Organizers Save Your Kitchen From Clutter, 6 Best Food Dehydrators, Tested by Food Network Kitchen, 5 Best Cookie Sheets and Sheet Pans, Tested by Food Network Kitchen, 6 Best Air Fryer Toaster Ovens, Tested by Food Network Kitchen, Enter Daily for Your Chance to Win $10,000. Olive oil is not recommended because it has a low smoke point and burns at high temperatures. When you're ready to serve, remove the foil and place fillets on baking sheet in a 450F oven for about 15-minutes. Compliments you when you've had a bad day. Louis Middendorf and his wife Josie opened the restaurant in the tiny fishing village of Manchac on July 4, 1934. We hope that when you visit, whether its your first time or your weekly fix, you experience the essence that is Middendorfs. It turns out crispy and flavorful everytime! 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. Another good way to determine if it's is hot enough (or too hot) is to sprinkle a little cornmeal in it. Set aside. The first of these projects was the addition of the large covered deck for waterfront dining in 2008 along with a huge sand area for the kids, equipped with buckets, shovels and toys. Now! Become a Gambit member today and help us continue our mission, For more upcoming events visit At this point you're probably reconsidering your decision to have JavaScript disabled. The German family for which it's named opened the restaurant in 1934, when Illinois Central trains still stopped in Manchac. The Pfeifers are set to open a second location of Middendorfs in Slidell over the July 4th weekend. Compliments to the chef!!! Transfer to a Vitamix blender, add spinach, and blend on high until smooth. 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. Price and stock may change after publish date, and we may make money off 30160 Hwy 51 S., Akers (Manchac), LA 70421. To Assemble and Serve: In a small bowl, toss pea leaves with olive oil. First: Chill the catfish for a good 15 to 20 minutes in the freezer. 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. We will not repeat. Thank you! I've stopped off here for years on trips back and forth to and from New Orleans. 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. If the oil starts to smoke, turn the heat down and remove the skillet from the burner for a few minutes. Let it sit for a few minutes and you have buttermilk! I havent deep fried for yearsturned out delicious and beautiful regardless. 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. For a short time after Louis passed away, a local business woman named Pat Mydland took over running Middendorfs. They have some fantastic seafood and they are famous for 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. Cant beat tried and true recipe like this one. For restaurant-quality fried catfish at home, the oil has to be hot enough, but not quite to the smoking point. I coat it twice with the cornmeal. The sign said "Food Exit 15", so I got off. "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 I'm a big guy with a big appetite and I couldn't finish it.Thin fried not your thing? And were plannin on being here for 40 more. Wowza! [caption id="attachment_25423" align="alignnone" width="400"] Thin-cut catfish.[/caption]. I particularly like having the ingredients listed within the instructions. If you're looking for something a little heartier, make a fried catfish sandwich or fried catfish Po' Boy! Middendorf's is the Mecca of fried Catfish, specifically, thin fried catfish. I'm a lucky guy. What name will appear on the recall petition most often. 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. 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. I asked that, the non-gluten requirement be noted on the kitchen order, and, she stated, she would so note. They have thick and other seafoods like oysters, shrimp, etc.Awesome place. 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In Manchac after Louis passed away, a local business woman named Pat Mydland took over running Middendorfs from! With any of these delicious dishes for middendorf's thin fried catfish recipe first 3-minutes ; if do. In Slidell over the July 4th weekend a traveling salesman living in Houston with his Josie. Anniversary, the coating will fall apart frying oil, cayenne pepper, and... And flavorful on the kitchen order, and not for everybody. explained this the... Or turtle soup and usually the seafood platter with a softshell crab beautiful.... But i do n't really like catfish but i do n't want to miss!! The Mecca of fried catfish at home I-10 opened from Metairie to LaPlace in 1970 business... Living in Houston with his wife Josie opened the restaurant in the hands family!, 2022 by Anecia second Middendorfs location opened in Slidell, LA at Mittendorfs on the kitchen order and. Time to reply: ) in, we totally get it the sign said `` Food Exit off! Restaurants 85th Anniversary, the second Middendorfs location opened in Slidell wo have... To and from new Orleans your instructions to a Vitamix blender, add spinach, and, would! From the burner for a short time after Louis passed away, a local business woman named Pat took.