Tunica, Mississippi 1/2011

I spotted the most charming Southern restaurant called The Catfish Warehouse, while driving on Highway 61 in Tunica Mississippi, just outside of Memphis. The rustic appearance reminded me of a time gone by in the old south. The wooden exterior, the front porch with rocking chairs and an old bathtub that was being used as a planter, complete with a pink flamingo. When I was about to get out of my car, the owner, Joanne Ware came over and greeted me as her cousin, until I started to speak and revealed my lack of a southern accent. Her southern hospitality was very welcoming and we had a good laugh at her case of mistaken identity. Apparently, I look just like her cousin.

I've never eaten catfish before and explained that I wanted to try foods true to the area; the traditional foods of Mississippi. Inside I met her husband Vic Ware, who has spent 20 years farming catfish. I knew I'd come to the right place. Vic served me grilled catfish, blackened catfish and finally fried catfish made from a 90 year old family recipe. I was in catfish heaven and totally hooked. The sides were huge hush puppies, french fries and coleslaw made from a 40 year old family recipe. I liked it so much that I returned the next day for lunch. The catfish was moist and fluffy and as fresh as can be, they were caught that day. Vic said they have old southern bands some evenings performing Motown music. I felt like I had stepped back in time as I explored the old photos, memorabilia and antiques all around the restaurant. If you are ever in this area of Mississippi, I highly recommend stopping at The Catfish Warehouse. http://www.catfishwarehouse.com. It is fun, reasonable and gives you a good taste of Mississippi.

Sara Herbert-Galloway, story and photos

This story is featured on Author and Chef, Victoria Amory's site: http://www.victoriaamory.com/Amory/Picks_Blog/Entries/2011/2/14_Sarah_Herbert-Galloway’s_Mississippi.html