Articles
The articles below were written for publication in the "News" section of Harry's of America, LLC's website, hookedonharrys.com, pending its relaunch. The articles are intended to center around Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille's restaurant locations and engage the customer base through. Subjects include fun facts, an explanation of popular menu items, and interesting historical details about New Orleans.
Harry's of Tallahassee Joins "Celebrate America"
Tallahassee's largest Independence Day celebration
This Fourth of July, Harry’s was honored to have joined the City of Tallahassee in their 30th annual Independence Day celebration, Celebrate America, as the catering sponsor for the second year in a row. We were happy to provide some of our favorite dishes to the hardworking employees of our State’s Capitol, and truly enjoyed the event.
Over the past few years, Celebrate America has out-grown its past venues, and is now held at Tom Brown Park to accommodate all of Tallahassee’s most patriotic citizens.
Year after year, Celebrate America has proven to be a great event the whole family can enjoy – filled with food vendors, arts and crafts booths, a variety
of exhibitors, and of course, a beautiful fireworks show.
This year, the live music and entertainment was provided by Jacobs Ladder, The Flip Flop Boys, and ACME Rhythm & Blues. The opening ceremonies also included a Naturalization Ceremony presided by United States Magistrate Judge James A. Stampelos, which welcomed thirteen people of eleven different backgrounds as United States citizens. There was also a performance by Rhiannon Beattle, who sang “God Bless America,” as well as the National Anthem preceding the spectacular fireworks show, sponsored by City of Tallahassee Utilities.
For more information about next year’s event, visit talgov.com.
Hurricane Warning!
Read the story behind one of our most loved signature cocktails.
A combination of dark and light rums in a whirlwind of tropical fruit flavors– Harry’s Hurricane will blow you away!
Hurricanes are a New Orleans classic, a must-have for any Mardi Gras celebration, and have been one of the most loved drinks on our menu for over 20 years, but what’s the story behind the sweet specialty cocktail that packs a category-5 punch?
This classic cocktail has been getting the party started since the 1940s, with its roots tracing directly back to the French Quarter. Rumor has it that the name itself is a reference to a password that was common during the United States’ prohibition era. One of the many passwords used to get into speakeasies during this time was “storm’s brewing.”
Now, this hurricane brewed during World War II, when certain liquors were low in supply. Before bar owners were allowed to purchase those certain liquors, they had to purchase several cases of rum first. The end result was an excess of rum in every bar.
One bar owner named Pat O’Brien worked to create a cocktail that would use up his surplus rum in a way that everyone loved. After a bit of trial and error, he found the right mixture. For a fun presentation, O’Brien paired the cocktail with a glass that resembled a hurricane lamp and the Hurricane was born!
It has been a classic ever since, making it a must-try for all New Orleans lovers. Just like the original, the Harry’s Hurricane is served in a hurricane glass and garnished with an orange slice and a cherry. So take cover at the Harry’s location nearest you to enjoy the best kind of Hurricane there is.
Happy hour is from 2:00pm-7:00pm daily, and ALL DAY on Tuesdays.
Use #HookedonHurricanes, to try one on us!
What's the deal? Cajun vs Creole Cuisine
For Louisianans, food is a huge source of passion and pride, so don't be surprised if you find yourself wondering the difference between "Cajun" and "Creole." These terms are often used interchangeably, but do they words mean the same thing?
Cajun and Creole dishes share many of the same ingredients, but it’s hard to summarize the history behind Louisiana’s unique flavors in just a few sentences. In short, no - the two terms are not synonmous. But their differences are easily identified by looking to the people behind these famous cuisines. Just like the common saying, “In order to really know someone, you have to meet their family,” the same goes for the best of Louisiana’s famous cuisine.
The terms “cajun” and “creole” are often used interchangeably but, as it turns out, there is a difference. According to Baton Rouge radio show host and food blogger, Jay D. Ducote, the biggest and most easily identified difference between Cajun and Creole food is whether or not tomatoes are in the dish. Creole cuisine incorporates tomatoes, while Cajun food usually does not. But there’s more to it than tomatoes, each with their own cultural influences.
The word “Cajun” originates from the term “les Acadians” – a term that refers to French colonists who settled in the Acadia region of Canada. Le Grand Derangement, or the Great Upheaval, of the early 1700s forced many of the Acadians out of their homes. As a result, many Acadians ended up settling in an area of Louisiana called Acadiana.
According to Louisiana Travel, as the Acadians adjusted to their new location, they found ways to incorporate the resources available to them. The flatlands, bayous, wild game of South Louisiana, and the Gulf of Mexico all helped shape the truly unique New Orleans cuisine.3
Some of our most classic menu items, as well as some dishes that appear on the seasonal menus, such as, boudin balls (pictured below), Tasso sauce, Andouille sausage, and the holy trinity of Cajun cuisine – a vegetable medley of celery, onions, and bell peppers – are all attributed to the Acadians.
As for “Creole” cuisine, it’s important to take a look at the history of this term first. In the 18th century, the term “French Creole” typically described someone of European ancestry, while the term “Louisiana Creole” was assigned to those of mixed racial ancestry.
Like the ancestral history of its people, Creole food is a blend of the various cultures of New Orleans. Louisiana Travel reports, the dishes consist of an array of diverse spices, including those from Italian, Spanish, African, German, Caribbean, Native American, and Portuguese backgrounds. Because the wide mix of cultures and easier access to exotic ingredients, Creole cuisine has a bit more variety. That’s why you find tomatoes in Creole jambalaya and not in Cajun jambalaya.
Either way, Cajun or Creole – New Orleans cuisine is the result of cultural blending that you can taste. Next time you’re in the neighborhood of one of our five locations, stop in and try something new! Our creole style jambalaya never disappoints, and the grit cakes, served with Tasso ham sauce, are to die for!
Check out our amazing menu at hookedonharrys.com and sign up for our mailing list to receive news updates, special offers, and coupons for your next visit.
Supporting the Apalachicola Riverkeeper
Harry's teams up with the Aveda Institute to raise awareness during Earth Month.
As a seafood restaurant, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille cares about the preservation and wellness of our earth’s resources – especially the water.
This year, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille in Tallahassee teamed up with Aveda Cosmetics Company & the Aveda Institute to celebrate Earth Month by raising awareness and money for the Apalachicola Riverkeeper.
Apalachicola Riverkeeper is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration and protection of the Apalachicola River and Bay, one of the most ecologically diverse natural areas in the Southeastern United States.
According to their website, their “sole mission is to preserve this spectacular natural resource for future generations.” Their members, 1400 strong, work hard to save the Rive and Bay through advocacy, science, on-the-water patrols, public education and, when necessary, legal action.
Harry’s assisted Aveda in their fundraising efforts by serving as the catering sponsor for their
“Catwalk for Water 2015” – an event which showcased the talents of their stylists by requiring that all wardrobe be made entirely from recycled materials. Last year Aveda’s Earth Month efforts raised a total of $6 million for Clean Water.
We are happy to help such worthy causes, and truly enjoyed seeing all the earth-inspired looks in celebration of Earth Month.
N'awlins: A Place Like No Other
Learn some fun facts and triva exculsive to New Orleans.
New Orleans, NOLA, N’awlins, The Big Easy, The Crescent City – no matter what you prefer to call this historic and distinctive city, there is clearly something about it that charms tourists and locals alike. With its deep and diverse historical and cultural backgrounds, it’s no surprise that New Orleans lays claim to quite a list of unique attributes and fun facts.
-
Louisiana is the only state in which Mardi Gras is a legal holiday.7
-
The game of craps was brought in New Orleans by Bernard de Marigny.8
-
The official colors of Mardi Gras were chosen in 1872. Purple represents justice, the green for faith, and the gold for power. 8
-
Each seat in the Superdome is a different color than the one next to it, providing the illusion of a full house even when some are empty. 8
-
Tulane's school of business is the oldest college of commerce in the U.S. 8
-
The total mileage of New Orleans’s canals both above and below the ground exceeds that of Venice, Italy. 8
-
The St. Louis Cathedral is the oldest continually operating cathedral in the United States. 8
-
Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. that does not have counties. Instead, its political subdivisions are called parishes.
-
The New Orleans Superdome is the world’s largest steel-constructed room unobstructed by posts.
-
Louisiana is the only state that still refers to the Napoleonic Code in its state law.
-
In Louisiana, biting someone with your natural teeth is considered a simple assault, but biting someone with your false teeth is considered an aggravated assault. 6
-
The Saint Charles streetcar line in New Orleans and the San Francisco, California cable cars are the nation's only mobile national monuments. 6
-
New Orleans is known to where Voodoo was introduced into the U.S. 6
-
New Orleans has over 20 historic districts, the highest number in the U.S., according to the National Register. 6
-
According to the Guinness Book of World Records New Orleans is home to the longest continuous bridge in the world– the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway. 6
-
New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz music.
-
The first opera in the United States was performed in the 1790s in New Orleans. 6
-
New Orleans is the birthplace of Louis Armstrong, Truman Capote, Reese Whiterspoon, Ellen DeGeneres, and Lil Wayne.
-
Because of its sea-level location, 90% of burials in New Orleans cemeteries are located in aboveground tombs. 8
Scroll through the list below or click the links to see how many facts you know about New Orleans.
Geography of the Menu at Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
Tracing the inspiration for the names of your favorite New Oreleans style dishes at Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille.
As a New Orleans style restaurant, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille has a special love and appreciation for the unique culture and deep history of the Big Easy. Even in the smallest ways, we like to pay homage to the city that has been the source of inspiration for so many of our most popular dishes.
Let’s take a look at some of the references to New Orleans that are sprinkled throughout the menu.
The Mussels St. Charles: This appetizer – steamed mussels in a sun-dried tomato, roasted
red pepper, and white wine sauce served with a side of toasted crostinis – is named after the historic St. Charles Streetcar line located in New Orleans. Not only is it the oldest
continuously operating streetcar line in the world, but the St. Charles streetcar line is also one of the only two mobile national monuments in the United States.6
The Catfish Pontchartrain – a truly southern dish with fried catfish resting on a bed of nola rice, topped with etoufée sauce, and served with a side of collard greens – is named after the famous Lake Pontchartrain, and perhaps the Pontchartrain Causeway, named the longest continuous bridge in the world by Guinness Book of World Records. 6
The Crab & Eggplant Napoleon – panko crusted eggplant slices stacked with layers of crab meat, held together with a rosemary sprig, and topped with a parmesan cream sauce – gives a nod to another historical construct of New Orleans: the Napoleon House. Over 200 years old, this iconic building was offered to Napoleon Bonaparte as a
refuge during his exile in 1821. Though Napoleon never made it, the name remains to this day.4
The Voodoo Shrimp – sautéed in a creole style garlic herb butter sauce, served with toasted crostinis – alludes to New Orleans’s status as one of the alleged most haunted cities in the United States, and the spooky associations often made with the practices of Voodoo witchcraft.
The Jazzy Trio – featuring crispy fried shrimp, crawfish, and calamari tossed in a creamy bayou chili aiolo also known as our jazzy sauce – is a subtle reference New Orleans as the birthplace of jazz music and home to many famous jazz musicians such as, Louis Armstrong, Sidney Bechet, Ellis Marsallis, Wynton Marsallis, Branford Marsallis, and Harry Connick, Jr. This
tangy appetizer has the perfect amount of kick that will make you want to dance.
The Bayou Bloody Mary – our zesty version of a Bloody Mary made with Tito’s Vodka and garnished with a spicy, pickled green bean – is certainly a tribute to the Louisiana bayous as a defining feature of this unique region of the United States. Just as the term “bayou” indicates an extremely slow moving river or lake, our Bayou Bloody Mary is a perfect for slow sipping on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
The Chicken Baton Rouge – grilled chicken breast smothered in a sun-dried tomato beurre blanc sauce and topped with goat cheese – is named after Louisiana’s state capital and home of Louisiana State University, Baton
Rouge. Harry’s Baton Rouge sauce is red in color, which translates to “rouge” in French.
The Jackson Square Redfish – blackened redfish served with a copious amount of red beans and rice, paired with smoked sausage – is named after a must-visit location in New Orleans. Located in the French Quarter, historic Jackson Square is named to honor Andrew Jackson.
The French Quarter Pork Tenderloin – pork cooked to order and topped with mushrooms and caramelized onions in a creole style herb butter sauce –aligns with another National Historic Landmark found in New Orleans, the French Quarter, the Big Easy’s oldest neighborhood and original settlement.
To try any of the items featured in this article for 50% off, #HarrysGeography to @hookedonharrys.
Click here to view a full menu by location.
Talkin' dat N'awlins Talk
Learn the ABC's of popular New Orleans terms and phrases.
Whether you’re ordering New Orleans cuisine or preparing to visit the Big Easy, you’re bound to encounter some language that will make you pause and say, “Say what?”
Though its located in the deep South, the language used by New Orleanians is a blend that is as unique as its historical background, with influences from several distinct dialects and cultures.
With the help of Experience New Orleans, we’ve gathered some of our favorite and most popular N’awlins terms to help share our love for the city, its people, and its food.
Click on the terms below to learn more.
Mardi Gras: A Celebration Across Centuries
Read the history of one of the world's most loved celebrations.
At Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, EVERY Tuesday is Fat Tuesday, which we celebrate weekly by making the best happy hour around available ALL DAY for our guests to enjoy. We have the drinks, we have the beads, and we have the great New Orleans style food. Now, here’s the history.
According to HISTORY.com, the origins of Mardi Gras can be traced back thousands of years alongside Christian celebrations and practices. With Christianity, Mardi Gras quickly spread through the European countries as a prelude to Lent – the 40 days of penance between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday celebrated by Catholics.7
Traditionally, celebrators binged in preparation for several weeks of fasting required by Lent, especially on the day before Ash Wednesday. In France, this
practice earned the name “Mardi Gras,” which translates to “Fat Tuesday.”
Many historians believe that the first American Mardi Gras took place on March 3, 1699, when the French explorers Iberville and Bienville landed in what is now Louisiana. They held a small celebration and named the spot “Point du Mardi Gras.” In the decades that followed, the holiday was marked with street parties, masked balls and lavish dinners.
On Mardi Gras in 1827, a group of students danced through the streets of New Orleans, wearing colorful costumes to mimic the celebrations they observed while visiting Paris. A short ten years later, the first recorded New Orleans Mardi Gras parade took place – a tradition that continues to this day.
Tallahassee Gets Down
One of the city's most favorite, long standing traditions.
For Harry's located in Tallahassee, the Florida State football season
is one of the busiest times of the year. Located in the heart of downtown Tallahassee, Harry’s is just blocks away from the Donald L. Tucker Civic Center’s complimentary shuttle to the Doak Campbell Stadium, making it a great spot to grab some food or drinks before or after the game.
It's no secret that Tallahassee is bursting with Seminole Pride year-round, but as each game get nearer, Seminole fans kick it into high-gear. One of the city’s best known and biggest celebrations – The Tallahassee Downtown Getdown – takes place the Friday night before each home game.
For nearly 20 years, The Tallahassee Downtown Getdown has been the community pep rally, stirring up excitement and pride with live music, food vendors, local crafters, and, of course, adult beverages! It's an event that's great for all ages.
As always, Tallahassee Police Department will be keeping everyone safe inside the event by blocking off the surrounding streets to prepare for the heavy foot traffic.
As always, Harry’s will be open for lunch and dinner, with seating available inside as well as outside on our gorgeous, shaded patio overlooking FSU’s iconic Wescott fountain.
This Fall, there will be a total of seven Tallahassee Downtown Getdown Events: September 4, September 11, October 9, October 16, October 30, November 11, and November 20. Each event will begin at 7pm and last until 10pm. So if you're in town, stop in to Harry's to take a break from the heat with a cold cocktail, grab dinner with your fellow Nole fans, and be sure to grab some garnet and gold beads on your way out!
For the latest information, check out www.TallahasseeDowntownGetdown.com
See you there!
As a special treat, this year’s party featured an exquisite cheese platter that was later dubbed “Cheese Mountain.”
As a final thank-you to our loyal patrons, we distributed party favor bags filled with beads, coupons, Harry’s Hot Sauce, and a few other surprise goodies.
If you’re a local business owner or employee, and would like to join next year’s festivities, contact the General Manager at your Harry’s location for an invitation.
Each year, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille thanks our many patrons and friends for the very important role they play in our success. We are so grateful for their patronage and referrals year after year, and think it is only appropriate that we thank them with our annual Local Business Appreciation Party.
The theme is, as always,“Laissez les bons temps roulez!”which means, “Let the good times roll!” – and we certainly do. With the help of Executive Chef, Bennett Depew, and each location’s Local Store Marketing Coordinator, we put together an evening of music, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and our favorite dishes for our loyal patrons to enjoy.
Appreciating Local Businesses
We couldn't do it without you!
Fighting Hunger: One Po'Boy at a Time
Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille supports the Florida Association of Food Banks's fight against hunger with an annual donation campaign.
Year after year, the Florida Association of Food Banks remains committed to making sure food reaches families that need it most. Each February, Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille joins them in their fight to create a Hunger-Free Florida – One Po’Boy at a Time.
Harry’s Fighting Hunger One Po’Boy at a Time campaign is attributed to the creation of the po’boy sandwich. Created by Bennie and Clovis Martin, the po’boy, short for “poor boy,” was the name given to the filling sandwich they provided to streetcar motormen and conductors free of charge during the 1929 transit strikes in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Harry’s hopes to honor the po’boy’s foundation in helping others by donating $1 for every po’boy sold during the month of February to the Florida Association of Food Banks. “This is our opportunity to give back to those in need,” said Louis Saig, President of Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille, “Helping to feed the hungry is as worthy a cause as it gets.”
Last year, the Association – a partnership of 14 food banks serving all 67 counties in the Sunshine State – distributed more than 197 million
pounds of food last year to those in need.1 “Florida has more than three million people that are food insecure,” said Rebecca Brislain, Executive Director, Florida Association of Food Banks. “For every dollar we receive, our Food Banks provide six to eight dollars worth of food to those who struggle with hunger.”
All five Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille locations – St. Augustine, Gainesville, Tallahassee, Ocala and Lakeland – participate in this campaign each year.
For more information about Harry’s Seafood Bar and Grille, call (904) 642-2165 x 108 or visit www.hookedonharrys.com.
For more information about how to get involved with the Florida Association of Food Banks, click here!
Throw Me Somethin' Mistah!
A look at the tradition and signifcance of Mardi Gras beads.
At parades of all kinds, the practice of throwing beads and other trinkets from parade floats is a festive way to participate in celebrations of all kinds. Today, parade beads range from simple strains of small, colorful, metallic beads to oversized pieces, complete with charms, logos, bells and whistles. Especially at the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans, crowds of people will line up in the streets with their arms stretched out to collect as many beads as they can.
The origins of this bead-tossing phenomenon dates back to the 1800s, and has since evolved into one of the most widely recognizable symbols of New Orleans and the Mardi Gras celebration.
In 1872, a group of businessmen invented a King of Carnival named Rex, who tossed sugar-coated almonds into the crowds of aristocratic attendees. Soon thereafter, different Krewes began the practice of tossing inexpensive necklaces made of glass beads. The beads were an instant hit among the crowds of New Orleans residents and visiting Mardi Gras tourists.5
By 1900, over 100,000 tourists had traveled to New Orleans to participate in the celebration and collect some Mardi Gras beads of their own. Over the years, other items have been incorporated into the New Orleans’s term, “throws,” such as plastic cups, toys, Frisbees, figurines, and doubloons. 5
Today, the colorful beaded necklaces remain the most popular trinket passed out during the celebration. Traditional Mardi Gras beads are purple, green, and gold colors. The purple symbolizes justice; the green represents faith; and the gold signifies power. 5
At any of the five locations of Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, you will find a basket of assorted beads at the host stand. Feel free to grab a few, or even a
handful, to celebrate the New Orleans spirit!
Long Week? Come in to Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille for the Royale Treatment
When you’ve had a long week, there’s no better feeling than being able to kick back with a great drink, followed by some great food. At Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille, we know just how to take care of that.
All you need to know are two words: "The Royale." Those two words are will start you off with a cocktail and order you a Signature Dish fit for a King.
To begin your Royale treatment, begin with our newest Signature Cocktail, The Royale. Made with Crown Royal Apple, elderflower liqueur, and fresh lemon juice topped with Gosling’s ginger beer and garnished with a rosemary sprig, The Royale is perfectly refreshing and visually charming. Its subtle sweetness and crispness, combined with the aromas of elderflower and rosemary have made it a huge hit among guests.
Consistent with our theme of royalty, is the Crab Crusted Redfish Royale - blackened redfish topped with crabmeat, served atop a bed of smashed potatoes and corn maque choux, and finished with our Louisiana beurre blanc sauce.
This Signature Dish is truly as good as it sounds, and remains one of the best selling items on the menu. Created by Executive Chef, Bennett Depew, the Crab Crusted Redfish Royale presents flavors that are exceptional and inventive, bringing guests back – some travelling all the way from Georgia – specifically for this dish!
If the Royale treatment sounds like the perfect way to end your workweek, #HarrysRoyaleTreatment to @hookedonharrys for 20% your entire meal.
As always, you can view our complete menu by location here.
Every Tuesday is Fat Tuesday at Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille
Featuring an ALL DAY happy hour!
“Laissez les bons temps rouler!” It’s one of the phrases we’ve adopted at Harry’s Seafood Bar& Grille that translates to “Let the good times roll!”
Our daily happy hour certainly helps us to keep the good times rolling, with prices that are pretty unbeatable. Daily happy hour runs from 2pm-7pm, with specials including $3 draft beers, $4 house wines and premium cocktails, and $5 Signature Cocktails and super premium cocktails.
Another expression we’ve adopted is “lagniappe,” meaning “a little something extra.” On Tuesdays, we give a little extra time for happy hour. Every Tuesday at Harry’s is Fat Tuesday, which means our daily happy hour specials have no time limit. That’s right, ALL DAY happy hour every Tuesday.
So come in next Tuesday and try that drink you’ve been wondering about. With a list of 8 different Signature Cocktails, there is definitely something that will help you get over Monday and make it to hump day.
The Harry’s Hurricane, a combination of dark and light rums with a whirlwind of tropical fruit juice flavors, is guaranteed to blow your worries away.
Or try the Big Easy, a unique combination of liqueurs that create a candied taste that will go down easy, just like the worry-free name it shares with our beloved New Orleans.
The Bayou Bloody Mary, made with Tito’s vodka and garnished with a
spicy, pickled green bean is a great way to take things slow, just like the Bayou where it gets its name.
For a different twist on the common Moscow Mule, try our Southern Mule, made with Bulleit Rye Whiskey, Rose’s lime juice and Gosling’s ginger beer.
The Rhythm & Blue Margarita is a perfect Mardi Gras version of an electric blue, top-shelf margarita, made with Sauza Blue Tequila, Patron Citronge, Blue Curacao, and topped with Grand Marnier.
Try the Royale for a multifaceted and refreshing cocktail with Crown Royal’s Regal Apple, elderflower liqueur, Gosling’s ginger beer, and fresh lemon juice.
The Pomegranate Martini is a sweet classic, made with a seductive blend of Absolut Vodka, Pama Pomegranate Liqueur, and Pom Pomegranate juice, shaken and served chilled.
For a refreshing cocktail that will make you feel like a day at the spa, try the Crescent City Cucumber, prepared with freshly muddled cucumber slices blended with Tanqueray Gin, elderflower liqueur, and topped with a splash of soda water for a light, crisp flavor.
Love your Signature Cocktail? Let us know! #FatTuesdayAtHarrys or #AtLeastItsNotMonday to @hookedonharrys to enjoy your next cocktail on us!
As always, you can view a complete menu for all five Harry’s Seafood Bar & Grille locations here.