Henry at Life Hotel Joseph JJ Johnson Joseph Johnson Henry at Life Hotel

Henry at Life Hotel

Life Hotel
19 W. 31st St.
New York, NY 10001
212-615-9910
Map
Cuisine: Global
Chef Joseph "JJ" Johnson's pan-African restaurant at the boutique Life Hotel.
Openings: Open daily

Features

  • Dress code: Casual
Henry at Life Hotel, New York, NY


Henry at Life Hotel Restaurant Review:



About the restaurant & décor: The 68-seat dining room at Henry, in the boutique Life Hotel in the former LIFE Magazine headquarters, is probably awash in the sounds of R&B oldies at this very moment. Its dim lighting, sleek leather chairs and mirrored walls lend a level of downtown cool to the NoMad spot. Downstairs there’s a cocktail bar, Gibson + Luce.

Likes: Piri piri clams; short ribs; sweet potato pie.
Dislikes: Can get loud.

Food & Drinks: Chef Joseph "JJ" Johnson oversees the kitchen, and the menu is inspired by the flavors of the African diaspora --- that means African, Latin and Caribbean ingredients share the spotlight. Start with fried piri piri clams, which are fragrant with fennel and Thai basil and just the right amount of spicy. Adzuki beans, cucumbers and cashews give texture and heft to the collard green salad. For entrées, pan-roasted diver scallops and braised pork arrive on a cilantro-tinged hominy stew. The signature dish does not disappoint --- the bone-in beef short rib is tender and lusciously rich, and it comes with a wok of millet that is nutty and satisfying. Or order "It Was All A Dream…,” which is Henry lingo for the whole menu. End with silky sweet potato pie with purple yam and coconut ice cream. Henry's cocktail program features twists on spritzes, martinis and drinks like Mortimer & Mauve, a mix of rye, vermouth, chai and ginger. The wine list features a Portuguese rosé, Lambrusco and Napa Valley Zinfandel by the glass.