I’m not a big fish eater, but I love finding new food in my area, even if it’s not new at all. New Orleans Take-Out is a Cajun style “born on the bayou” type of restaurant that has been in Madison for 30 years. Sadly, I just came upon it within the last year, and yesterday I finally stepped foot into this Louisiana inspired eatery.
The walls are decorated with old photos and newspaper clippings showcasing the people who have come in and the notoriety they have received in their almost middle age lifetime. That said, I felt like i was just catching wind. So I was excited.
I opted for the Mississippi catfish because nothing makes my stomach churn like the thought of a wide mouth, wide eyed, whiskery fish. I just hope mine was one of those River Monsters we see on TV, but more than likely it’s of the Mississippi aquafarm variety. I had my choice to serve it with white rice or dirty rice. I went all in on the dirty.
My food arrived to my table on a red cafeteria tray remnant of my 3rd grade zipper lunch bag days. The catfish & rice were boxed into a plastic container that was nothing more than a minor nuisance to my hunger. Once in I took the crystal hot sauce from my table and generously introduced it to the catfish. Sorry fishy, this might burn a little.
Once satisfied with the dousing I forked right in. On the first bite I instantly tasted the water. Boom! The flavor of habitat shot into my taste buds. I can only describe it as murky — but lively, and quite good. The fried battered was tasty with spices and the hot sauce added that zest I was looking for. My only regret was ordering a half size. The dirty rice was as expected. As it was my first time with these flavors, “dirty” is the best way to describe their grain. It will toughen you up real quick.
In the end I ate every last bite, satisfied, but bummed I didn’t order more. If you want an escape from the midwest lifestyle, a road trip south may be necessary, but make sure you stop at New Orleans Take-Out on your way out of town.
