For my birthday in early March this year, my husband and twelve-year-old daughter took me to dinner at John Henry's 909 E. Elliot on the southeast corner of Elliot and Rural in Tempe. From our first visit, my husband, daughter, and I were impressed with the elegant ambiance, fabulous food and impeccable service we received. When it was time to review a restaurant for the first issue of Gilbert Vision, my daughter suggested that we review John Henry's.

We made reservations for 6p.m. on a Friday (about 4 weeks after my birthday) and as we arrived, we were greeted by Owner/Manager, Neven Bajlo who seated us in the dining room. To our surprise, our previous server, Mark, remembered us from our last visit and welcomed us. Additionally, he asked my daughter if she'd prefer the mint hot chocolate that she had ordered the last time.

After we settled in, Mark returned and mentioned that he recalled my husband and me ordering La Crema Chardonnay and asked if that is what we would prefer again. Not only was I stunned that he remembered the brand and type of wine we ordered during our last dinner, but was also impressed when he returned with a bottle, compliments of the owner. Nice touch!

Furthermore, while Mark was taking our first course order, he overwhelmed us with his recollection of our previous appetizers - my daughter's order of shrimp cocktail and our orders of escargot.

Once again, my daughter selected the shrimp cocktail ($10.95) presented with four large prawns, cocktail sauce and spicy horseradish. I opted again for the delicious escargot ($8.95) in a rosemary flavored burgundy sauce. My husband chose the Oysters Rockefeller ($9.95), a John Henry's Signature Item, with bacon, spinach, herbs and cream. Bursting with flavor, both the escargot and the oyster were remarkable and of utmost quality. It was a perfect hint of what the evening's meal was going to reveal.

For an entree, my daughter ordered the Garlic Soup Europa ($4.50) that consisted of roasted garlic in a delicate chicken broth - she allowed us one taste each, however, I wanted more. It was flavorful, light and I cannot wait to return and order it.

For my entree, I chose the Steak Diane with a filet instead of the prime strip loin listed on the menu ($26.95) and it was served in a sauce of brandy, cream and shallots with forest mushrooms, artichokes and asparagus. The tender, juicy beef paired with the brandy sauce, made my superb dinner an excellent choice.

My husband ordered one of the evening's specials, Veal Porterhouse ($26.95) and again, was pleased with the tenderness and essence of his entree.

The finale of any perfect dinner is an equally perfect dessert. John Henry's offers many delectable offerings from crème Brule to tiramisu. With our taste buds dancing to the live music in the lounge, we enjoyed our scrumptious desserts, along with a complimentary taste of a Croatian aperitif, Cherry Marasca - a zestful liquor that sweetly ended our dining experience.

Established in 1992 by owners, Neven Bajlo and John Lake, John Henry's earned its namesake from the legendary winning racehorse. The restaurant offers the perfect setting for special occasions, meetings or an intimate romantic dinner. Lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11:30a.m. to 2:30p.m. and Dinner is served Sunday through Thursday from 5-10p.m. and 5-11p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Happy hour is also featured Monday through Friday from 3-6p.m.

For reservations or questions, visit their website at www.johnhenrysrestaurant.com or call (480) 730-9009. You won't be disappointed!