Four finalists. Three judges. Two days. One winner.

That set the table for judging Bama’s Best Catfish July 26-27. The Green Leaf Grill in Mentone took top honors in the competition sponsored by the Alabama Catfish Producers, a division of the Alabama Farmers Federation.

The contest, which celebrates National Catfish Month in August, carried judges from Mentone in northeast Alabama in DeKalb County south to St. Clair County’s The Ark in Riverside. The next day, judges visited Heard’s BBQ & Soul Food in Maplesville in Chilton County before stopping at David’s Catfish House in Thomasville in Clarke County.

“It was an honor to be a finalist, but winning is just a dream come true,” said Green Leaf Grill owner Jimmy Rogers. “I was born and raised eating catfish. It’s always been on my menu, and it’s our best-seller.”

Bama’s Best Catfish finalists were selected from over 200 customer nominations submitted on the Federation’s Facebook page and at AlabamaCatfish.org. David’s Catfish House received the People’s Choice Award through online voting.

Judges for the event were Catfish Journal Editor Mike McCall, Catfish Farmers of America President Townsend Kyser and ABC 33/40 anchor Wendell Edwards. Alabama Catfish Producers Chairman Sid Nelson and Federation Catfish Division Director Mitt Walker accompanied the group.

Kyser said he enjoyed seeing U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish prepared by restaurant owners passionate about cooking for customers who love to eat catfish.

“I especially liked seeing the different ways they prepared catfish — from catfish cakes to seasoned grilled catfish,” Kyser said. “We all eat with our eyes first, and when I saw the fried and grilled catfish at the Green Leaf Grill, I couldn’t wait to bite into it. It was as good as it looked.”

Rogers’ preparation and presentation pushed the Green Leaf Grill to the top for judges, Kyser said.

McCall said the restaurants were unique, and choosing a winner was difficult. 

Edwards joked he’d been practicing for judging the contest his entire life.

“I was born for this,” the TV personality said. “I love catfish. I grew up eating it practically every single Friday. My grandmother would hold a fish fry, and often I would overindulge.”

In addition to eating delicious catfish, he said judging the event was educational.

“I learned a lot about catfish and its production,” he said. “Alabama ranks second nationally in catfish production, behind Mississippi. Several of the restaurant owners said business had increased since they were named a contest finalist. I also met some nice catfish farmers who are proud of what they raise on their farms.” n