Ask a Mississippi Local

Why is catfish so popular in the state?
When no one else ate it, cooks here loved it. It's plentiful in the rivers and lakes, and we raise more of it than any other state. At restaurants you find it broiled, fried, barbecued; we even have catfish pate.

And tamales—aren't they Mexican?
Mexican laborers introduced them in the 19th century, and African-American cooks started selling them. Now there are tamale restaurants all over the Delta.

Any favorites?
Scott's in Greenville and Joe's in Rosedale are darned good.