re: Middendorf's Catfish

Hands down one of the worst seafood places this state has to offer.

I'm not a fan of Middendorf's catfish (though I like some of the other menu items). The thin stuff is indeed mostly batter, and it's pond raised catfish anyway.

Give me wild-caught, preferably belly flaps. Y'all can keep the pond raised stuff (tastes like corn/catfish feed to me).

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The ladies in that kitchen could do it in their sleep.

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Probably not. The fish is sliced like that at the processing plant of the farm it is bought from.

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Probably not. The fish is sliced like that at the processing plant of the farm it is bought from.

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Are you saying that a hugely popular SELA mainstay with access to as much wild catfish as they do right at their docks is buying processed, farm raised fish? Not saying you're wrong but that's a pretty shitty thing to say if you aren't sure.

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The thin stuff is indeed mostly batter, and it's pond raised catfish anyway.

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I don't disagree about anyone's preference for thin cut catfish but I'm almost positive their fish aren't farm raised. The Manchac area has been forever known as a catfish factory. I haven't eaten there in years because I live in Houston now but I'd be disappointed to hear they've moved to farm raised fish.

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Wrong. I can tell you've never in the back of the house.

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I can't say whether or not something goes on with the fish once it arrives at the restaurant to get it even thinner, but I do know the processing plant basically has a certain amount of people who are solely responsible for slicing fish for Middendorf's and a few other restaurants in Mississippi that sell a similar style.

Since 1985ish, my family has owned a restaurant 5 or so miles from the farm where the fish is raised, and we have inquired about getting a similar cut in the past. It can be done pretty easily.

Also, my father and I are pretty good friends with the guy responsible for day to day operations of the fish farm.

So, no, I've never been in the back, but I do know a little about what's going on at the production site.

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Fair enough, seems you've more knowledge of the situation than most. Can't say that's not disappointing to me though.

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Well, I guess it would be a little disappointing until you're back in the area for lunch.

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I'm not a fan of the thin catfish. The only times we go to Middendorf's is when family is in from North LA. I always leave thinking all I've eaten was batter. They do make a damn fine hush puppy though,

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this

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solely responsible for slicing fish for Middendorf's and a few other restaurants in Mississippi that sell a similar style.

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Well, I was in the wholesale food business for years in the Fla parishes and I have seen them fileting the larger boneless filets into their thin strips. But keep in mind, this was only until 2001.

Glad you liked it, personally I think their thin catfish sucks. It's mostly batter. Even their regular catfish is thin. I like a chunk of meat when I'm eating protein, not cormeal. Bring on the down votes.