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Among other things we noticed, leaving Dorginac's this a.m.-- one being Copeland's Sweet Fire & Ice is now changing to "Copeland's Social City" -- was signage on New Orleans Hamburger & Seafood: "Introducing Thin Fried Catfish Platter, $8.88". We finished our errands and swung back by to check it out. While the menu touts it as "Manchac Style", it's not quite, exactly. But that's not to say it was bad, nor that it wasn't a great value for under $9 (reg. menu price $10.99), apparently an introductory/grand opening special. The coating was a little darker in color than the Middendorf's standard by which it was being judged. And, tasting it plain, without tartar, revealed a light, lemony seasoning we were not unfamiliar with. The portion was more than adequate, even at the regular price, served set atop garlic bread, and accompanied by herbed garlic fried potato wedges, hush puppies, and a dab of creamy cole slaw that had golden raisins in it. One piece on my platter had that very slight "catfishy" flavor some who don't care for catfish might find unappealing, But I don't say this to put anyone off, only to report my experience.

i ate the same yesterday and thought the taste was fishy. i have eaten much catfish and have only experienced this taste one other time. what is the cause?

Fishy-tasting catfish would tend to indicate either wild-caught catfish (doubtful in this setting), or farm-raised catfish that is not as fresh as it could be. Again, not to say that either indicates spoilage. They could probably eliminate any complaints in that regard by just soaking the fillets in milk for a bit before coating and frying.

That new name is worthy of old Al (God rest his soul), who surely would have come up with something just as corny, like Al Copeland's Hip Hangout or Al Copeland's Crazy Crib.

I often find farm raised catfish tastes slimy and/or fishy. I think it may have something to do with what the fish is fed in the ponds. Remember, we are what they eat.

I agree with EAC....the wild stuff almost never tastes fishy, but rather is usually sweet and mellow. The farm-raised stuff varies between insipid & tasteless and downright muddy...sometimes veering off into a too-corny flavor that reminds me of the smell of a fresh bag of dry pet food.

Low-N-Slow wrote:tasting it plain, without tartar, revealed a light, lemony seasoning we were not unfamiliar with.

I find that their fried shrimp have a lemony flavor too. It must be something in their crumb mixture.