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August 20, 2009 01:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time
U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish Showcased on Regional TV News
JACKSON, Miss.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Two culinary artists recently used their talents to offer recipe ideas and cooking demonstrations featuring U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish on regional television stations across much of the South.
Dolores Fratesi, a culinary instructor and catfish farmer from Leland, Miss., and Lee Richardson, executive chef at Ashley’s restaurant in Little Rock, Ark., conducted the on-air demonstrations and interviews, which reached viewers in Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Tennessee. Their efforts sought to draw attention to National Catfish Month – celebrated throughout the month of August – and honor American catfish farmers while showcasing the tasteful versatility of the popular fish.
“Dolores and her family are Mississippi catfish farmers and understand as well as anyone the importance of U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish, and Lee, as a professional chef, is dedicated to sustainable cooking and often showcases U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish on his menu. I’m very pleased to have these talented people speaking on behalf of our industry,” said Roger Barlow, president of The Catfish Institute.
Ms. Fratesi appeared on WLBT in Jackson, Miss., WABG in Greenville, Miss., WCBI in Columbus, Miss., and WREG in Memphis, Tenn. Chef Richardson appeared on KARK in Little Rock, Ark.
Both Richardson and Fratesi agree that U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish is a great fit for most recipes. “We try to create updated dishes, modified from old recipes, using ingredients that are more colorful, flavorful and sustainable,” Fratesi said.
To view a sample of the recipes prepared by Fratesi and Richardson, including Catfish Po’boys with Pesto and Red peppers, Catfish Lafitte, and Fried Catfish, visit http://www.UScatfish.com.