Riverside Catfish House is entering the summer season with a new owner and a kitchen full to the brim with catfish filets and fingerlings fried using a breading recipe more than half a century old.
"The quality of our food and recipes stand out on their own. It's just different," says Cynthia Massengale, who recently took over ownership of the popular Lookout Valley restaurant.
The Catfish House has been in Massengale's extended family for nearly 60 years. Along with her sister brother-in-law, niece and daughter, she is continuing her family's tradition of serving up delicious Southern recipes with large helpings of hospitality.
"It's a family atmosphere for dining and it's a relaxed place,"says Massengale. "You can sit and look at the Tennessee River. You may occasionally see an eagle and can always see the pretty mountains. It's a nice scenic drive and not far from downtown.
Riverside Catfish House is located off Cummings Highway. Perched on a hill overlooking the river, guests can dine in the main room, where every seat offers a view out the windows and into the mountains. There is also an outdoor deck that guests can walk on before or after their meal to better appreciate the scenery.
The restaurant's famous catfish is prepared fresh with the Catfish House's special breading. The crispy catfish is served in large filets on a catfish platter and also in all-youcan- eat servings. There is also a fingerlings platter with smaller bite-size pieces. Every plate is served with a few of the Catfish House's hush puppies, which are prepared by the kitchen staff using a special recipe that has been in the Massengale family for years.
"Besides the fish, a lot of people love our frog legs," says Massengale. "We also have a baked shrimp dish now as well."
For guests watching their waistlines there are house salads available that make perfect sides, and baked salmon, tilapia and grouper that can be prepared with a light dusting of Old Bay seasoning, lemon-pepper or blackening seasoning.
New to the menu this season are white beans, a delicious side item that join other choices like the side salad, baked potato, french fries, onion rings and slaw.
"Everything is fresh and we have delicious homemade coconut pie and buttermilk pie," says Massengale.
Tradition
Riverside Catfish House has been in the same family for nearly 60 years and uses a breading recipe nearly that old.
LOCATION: 18039 Highway 41.
PHONE: 821-9214.
HOURS: Friday and Saturday from 2-9 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 9 p.m.