No. 30: Ten Foot Henry
1209 1ST ST. SW., CALGARY, ALBERTA
TENFOOTHENRY.COM
403-475 5537
IT USED TO BE THAT CALGARY’S LOVE OF BEEF WAS UNCONDITIONAL.
On restaurant plates, vegetables always played second fiddle to protein. But local taste is evolving. And one of the restaurants at the forefront of this vegetable-first mentality is Ten Foot Henry. Owned by Aja Lapointe and Steve Smee, the leaf- and legume-friendly restaurant is helping to breathe new life into the 1st Street dining scene. Chef Smee’s menu places meat in a supporting role. None of his techniques are overly fussy, allowing handfuls of simple ingredients to shine on each plate, as evidenced by a dish of whipped potatoes with goat yogurt, ruby-coloured crispy beet chips and a fried egg.
The fried baby potatoes showcase beauty in simplicity, tossed with chunks of charred pepper, fresh dill and parsley, and served with a creamy green goddess dressing. Henry’s regulars will strongly advise that you not leave the building before spooning into an indulgently sweet butterscotch pudding that’s finished with big chunks of salted sponge toffee. Food aside, one of the most captivating elements of dining at Henry is its interior. The bright, white walls and lush little green plants suspended from wooden beams magically create an airy atmosphere in a completely windowless dining room. The plaid upholstered banquets and open kitchen-facing bar are the best seats in a house.
HOURS
Monday to Sunday
11:00 AM until 11:00 PM
FOOD PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITTANY BECK, INTERIOR AND KITCHEN BY DESERAE EVENSO
