Henry's Louisiana Grill

Not so long ago, downtown Acworth was a veritable ghost town. A smattering of businesses occupied storefronts here and there, but excitement wasn't part of the plan. There was an investment office, a doctor and further down a dentist. A store would open and close now and again, but there was no real reason to walk the sidewalk.

A small group of people became enamoured with revitalizing downtown, and things began to change.

Along came Chef Henry. Henry's Louisiana Grill has been a cornerstone to the rebirth of a stretch of Main Street Acworth for a few years now. Since the restaurant opened up, foot traffic has increased, and with that, other businesses have moved in. Not that he was solely responsible, but Henry's willingness to stick with it and make it go has put a pulse back in the arteries of Acworth's downtown.

I visited Henry's the other day. It was about two o'clock, so the large dining room was closed. This meant that I could either sit at the bar or at a table just outside the kitchen door, Normally I would not choose to sit anywhere near the kitchen, but today I was alone, so I didn't mind.

The restaurant is done up in Louisiana decor. Henry is from either Baton Rouge or New Orleans, so the look and feel is authentic Cajun. The staff is friendly, but the place was hopping, so Wendy, my waitress, never stopped running.

When she came to me, I ordered my bowl of red beans and rice (which I heartily recommend) and cornbread (which is more like dessert). Henry offers a wide variety of Cajun food, including Chicken Oo La La, Shrimp etouffee, and the occasional gator dish (yes, alligator), but I almost always get the red beans and rice. Especially when I have a sinus headache, if you get the picture.

Wendy never let my tea glass get empty, and took time to speak, even though I was alone and there were a few larger groups that she had to attend to. I enjoyed eating my lunch in relative peace, eavesdropping and looking into the kitchen, with it's small cross on the back wall as the staff hustled dishes up for the waitresses.