Surprisingly Unforgettable Food and Acoustic Band at Henry's Grille

Just when I thought I knew Maginhawa street inside and out, another restaurant takes me by surprise.

We've celebrated our monthsary along Maginhawa street for so many times and we couldn't resist the urge to visit it again after my Tita texted me about a restaurant there. She was told that the restaurant's cook is a real Italian chef. We searched online but to no avail, so we decided to celebrate our late monthsary date in Henry's Grille to find out. 

The waiter warmly greeted us and graciously heeded to our multiple requests for a change of seating due to lighting concerns. We arrived shortly after 7 PM with a few diners inside, finishing off their last few sips from their beer bottles, juxtaposed with a band that was just setting up. 


Soon we were the only diners left with a highly interactive acoustic band, led by Pinoy Idol Finalist, Sherwin Marquez. They entertained us and responded to all of our song requests, no matter how crazy they were. Yes, they hilariously attempted to sing Eminem's rap part in "Love the Way You Lie" and even Phantom of the Opera's "All I Ask of You". What a range of requests huh? Haha. In all fairness, it was the first time I heard an acoustic version of Phantom of the Opera and they did justice to the song. 


Crowned by dim lights and graceful draping of sheets, backdropped against a small garden, Henry's Grill exudes a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere - perfect for sharing a few drinks with friends over good food and music. 

Shrimp Popcorn (Php190)

We started off our meal with their Shrimp Popcorn served with Dalandan Dip - my favorite dish of the evening! I originally didn't intend to order this since I shy away from deep fried and oily food. Surprisingly, these beer battered shrimps were undeniably moist, plump and succulent without the expected overpowering oily aftertaste. Next to hakao, I've found a new favorite way of enjoying shrimps! 

Chicken Ala Henry (Php195)

We also ordered one of their house specialties, Chicken ala Henry. It's a dish drenched in a thick sweet sauce with a strong garlic taste and a hint of sourness at the end, possibly emanating from a citrus origin. It's a highly flavorful and moist chicken dish that's perfectly paired with a cold bottle of beer. Yum! 

Grilled Kare-Kare (Php270)

Another house specialty, their Grilled Kare-Kare, tasted very different from its counterparts in Romulo Cafe and Cafe Juanita. Aside from having grilled beef cubes, the peanut sauce had a very dark and roasted nutty taste, which lasted quite long on the palate. It may be a richer and bolder kare-kare but I thoroughly enjoyed their own spin on this classic Filipino dish.

Henry's Fried Rice (Php150)

To top it all off, RJ and I also had their Henry's Fried Rice - a dish we'd later regret ordering due to its strong flavor. We would have fully appreciated their fried rice if only our other orders weren't as equally powerful in taste. It would, however, go wonderfully with more subtle dishes such as steamed seafood. 

Though Henry's Grille is more of a drinking place, RJ and I still had a great monthsary dinner there. The service was impeccable and the band's laid back and friendly disposition drew us in, along with other diners, that we decided to stay for awhile to enjoy the music even after eating. The band even reawakened my long shelved dream of becoming a lead vocalist. :P

Aside from the service and entertainment, Henry's Grille's food will surely merit another visit from me. I NEED to have another one piece of those Shrimp Popcorn! I still can't confirm if an Italian cook is really behind Henry's Grille's food since it wasn't written anywhere in the restaurant and I didn't see a foreign looking chef in the kitchen. But whoever the chef is, RJ and I are big fans of his cooking! 

Once again, Maginhawa Street delivered another unforgettable monthsary dinner. :)

More Info on Henry's Grille:

Address: 131 Maginhawa Street, Teacher's Village East, Quezon City, Metro Manila

Map: Click Here

Landmark: Across Bayantel building

Contact: (632) 433-4782, 024263567, 639202223680

Operating Hours: Mon-Fri

Budget: Php250-300/head

Payment Methods: Cash, Visa, Mastercard, American Express
Outfit: Casual
Notes: Acoustic Night every Friday by Sherwin Marquez


Other Maginhawa Street Restaurants:
Cocina Juan: The Winner Central American Dinner on 10-10-10
Delish: Where I Fell In Love with Oysters & Waiters 
Kiss Your Date and Kiss the Cook
A Spellbinding Love Potion at Gayuma ni Maria
If You Feel Like Cutting Off Your Ear Today, Just Drop by Van Gogh is Bipolar First


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