Annette A.-“Why I Love Henry’s: 

To explain why I love Henry’s, I must simultaneously explain why I love Henry himself.  There is no Henry’s Louisiana Grill without the man, larger than life, who dreamed of this restaurant many years ago.  It has been my absolute privilege to watch first-hand and close-up as the idea was first spoken, then discussed,  then planned, then executed, finally to take off with a life of its own.  Rarely does one get to see so vividly the remarkable results of talent, opportunity, and hard work coming together to create something so big out of absolutely nothing.  I literally watched a man’s dream come true before my eyes, and I have been delighted and entertained by it for 10 years.  In the old days, before Henry became so popular, we would show up often, both to support the business and to make sure some cars were parked outside to make it look really busy.  It didn’t take long before we couldn’t even get in the place.  Who were all of these people in “my” little restaurant?
Henry’s quickly became a solid component of my life and my lifestyle.  Got something to celebrate?  Let’s go to Henry’s!  Someone’s birthday?  Let’s go to Henry’s!  Want to meet for a drink?  Let’s go to Henrys!  Crawfish season?  Let’s go to Henry’s!  it is a place to enjoy life.  The staff knows me and makes me feel special every time I come in the door.  My neighbors are usually there.  Henry is usually present and always in character.  But of course he is NOT in character-that is really him!  One should say Henry IS a character.  He is an enigma, simultaneously a perfect gentleman and a raunchy tale-teller.  He endears himself to me by always noticing when I have a new hair style, or am wearing something new.  I know this personal touch is not reserved just for me,  but he has a wonderful way of making it seem that way.  He always remembers that I have a crab allergy.
Great food and a fun atmosphere are irresistible, and Henry’s has both.  There are new dishes, new drinks, new causes to support, and always some awesome news about what Henry himself has been up to in the community.  We can relax at the bar, enjoy a wonderful dinner, and then head upstairs to Henry’s Uptown to dance the night away, oftentimes with Henry himself.
Through it all there has never been any doubt that Henry’s family came first.  Everything was done with Claudia, Danielle (Gracie) and Liam front and center in his life.  The perfect weaving of love, family, food, hospitality, creativity, community, and friendship together with a poignant childhood story and memories shared with everyone he meets has made Henry’s unique and beloved by all who come through the doors.
And that is why I love Henry’s!

Congratulations to Karen S., Winner of the 2nd Place Prize

Karen S.-“Henry’s:  Let’s Celebrate!”: 

No more driving to the hospital every day.  No more radiation, no more chemo. It’s done, the end!  I was emotionally “spent” and physically scarred, but this day, March 15, 2008 was a time for celebration!  I got to choose the place.  My neighborhood friends arranged a night out to celebrate the end of my treatment for breast cancer. 
I didn’t want to dress up – not my style.  I wanted good food that everybody would enjoy.   I wanted to laugh, raise a glass, and be close with my friends. I wanted a place where everyone around us was in the same mood we were.   I wanted the whole restaurant to be filled with positive energy.  And that was all I needed.  Nothing else.  Just relax and know it would all be good.   I wanted Henry’s. 
When I recall that evening, it encompasses all the reasons why Henry’s is my favorite restaurant.  I knew the Ooh La La would be fabulous.  I knew we’d share more than a few drinks and laugh louder than we should.  I knew Henry would visit our table, and that we’d all take a second to stare at his crazy chef pants and hear what he had to say.  I knew he’d adorn us with Mardi Gras beads and make us feel like our table was the “it” table in the restaurant.   He’d make us feel like he wished he could sit down and hang out with us all night.
I could go on about other similar evenings at Henry’s, where lasting friendships developed over dinner without the kids, milestone celebrations like my 40th birthday, neighborhood baby showers, and Christmas parties.   It all happened at Henry’s.
Henry’s for me is about all that’s truly important --- laughter, love, friendship, positive energy, and celebration!  God Bless You Henry’s!!!

Thank you to the rest of the essay contestants (in no particular order);

Juanita H., Sandra S., Andy & Sandy P., Lori L., Dawn M., Ginger F., Linda H., Gloria H., Claire T., Mark W., Chuck S., Cheryl B., Marlene E., Karen & Fred B., Mary Lee & Jim G., and Henry F.  Thank you for your kind words and rave reviews! 

Yeah Baby!---Chef