The Henry Experience

He Said

Fox’s continual evolution in restaurant concepts finally hits their home, literally. Right next door to the Fox Restaurant Concepts headquarters is The Henry. One has to wonder if this will become a continually changing place for concepts as new ideas are tried out, or if this one is to become the next North or Arrogant Butcher. Design wise it incorporates a lot of the same looks as the other concepts, a mix of what was Modern Steak with maybe a hint of Arrogant Butcher. It tends to be a bit more upscale and walking in reminded me just a bit like a Houston’s. The service is the usual friendly and professional Fox standard. It does seem that they continue to work out a few kinks in this new establishment. I got locked into the restaurant on my first visit when trying to leave and it took 3 people to figure out how to get the doors to open. But I took that as just typical first day type jitters. Out second visit was definitely much improved and the food was beautiful.
The table was for quite a few of us and the selection was varied, including the drinks. They definitely did a great job with the drink selection, including some amazing wines (get the Spanish Blend) and cocktails that were perfect for sipping. For dinner the warm salmon salad was a winner if you were looking for healthy and tasty. Perfectly cooked salmon and if you are a Brussels sprouts fan this is the place for you. It felt like one too many items on the many incorporated the famed vegetable. But then again they do seem to be the “it” vegetable right now. The half chicken meal and I do mean meal was moist and you could easily pull apart the legs. No need for pleasantries, just use your hands and go for it. It came with 2 sides the favorite being the cauliflower polenta. Creamy and oddly had the consistency of grits right out of the pot. Served in a separate bowl and definitely plenty portion size, I ate the whole thing and could have eaten 2 more.
So the one question I still have lingering on my mind is what is the scene at The Henry? There seems to be a battle brewing, from suited up business men on obvious company dinners to hipsters enjoying cocktails, to the local Arcadia neighbors. Everyone seems to want to call it their own. My first trip I felt a little underdressed, having shown up in shorts and polo but given the wide range of people I think you can easily feel comfortable in just about any ensemble. It’s definitely not a failure given the crowds and wait times. Reservations are probably your best bet. But in the cool weather days their patio is a definite winner. Something about it made us instantly relax, throwing our feet up against the raging fire (and I do mean raging not roaring it was windy and that fire was spitting out heat like nobody’s business), and having a few cocktails it was the perfect ending to our evening.

She Said

This place has it all! Coffee counter, bar, lounging area, outside patio and full restaurant. When we first arrived I once again was extremely impressed by the décor. I give huge kudos to Fox’s interior designer. This place draws you in and you don’t want to leave! Dim ambience, rich wallpaper and classic pictures/painting hanging on the wall gives a luxurious, older feeling. (Reminded me of the décor at the SOHO House New York.) The crowd was quite mixed. Young professionals drinking at the bar, baby boomers scattered around at tables and young hipsters lounging on the couches.

On this particular night we were there for a birthday dinner and happen to have a large party. Our table of twelve was seated at a long table up against the side wall of the restaurant. It was a pleasant and we all fit quite comfortably.

We started with the Garlic, Kale dip. Perfect starter! Warm pitas accompanied the creamy dip. The garlic amped up the vitamin rich kale and made me think this is the new modern twist on the traditional Spinach Dip. The portion was perfect and this was a great starter to share with friends. I was starving so I claimed the last pita and scrapped the bowl!

For an entrée I decided on the Wild Mushroom Tortiloni. Well, this could be a new favorite indulgence of mine. Warm, rich and decadent! Hints of smokiness from the grilled Brussels sprouts blended with the sweet butternut squash in a buttery sauce. The plump tortiloni were cooked perfectly and filled with savory wild mushroom. I passed a forkful over to “He” and we agreed this was a splendid dish. I had a smile on my face as I finished my last bite… Happy Belly!

For dessert a few of us shared the bread pudding. Yummmmmmm. This was bread pudding at its best. The bread part is actually croissants (made in house) with warm fruit and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. If you are a fan of bread pudding you HAVE to try this one!

The food is enough to come back for, but this hot spot is fun for stopping in for a drink or a quick coffee. You won’t be disappointed.