420 Field Point Road · Greenwich, CT · 06830 · USA
(203) 869-7500 · Fax: (203) 869-7502
Theresa & Thomas Henkelmann, Proprietors

The restaurant Thomas Henkelmann

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Born in the Black Forest of Germany near the Alsatian border, Thomas began his training in his family’s restaurant Zum Zacher in Braünlingen, Germany. He continued his apprenticeship for three years in the kitchen of the famous Black Forest Hotel on Lake Titisee. The next year was spent in the kitchen of the world-renowned Hotel Le Richemond in Geneva. Needing to speak fluent French, Thomas spent a year and a half in Paris.

At his mother’s urging, he hitched a ride with a family friend to Illhauesern in Alsace to the famed three-star Michelin rated Auberge de l’Ill.  With no appointment he went to seek employment with the illustrious owners, the brothers Haeberlin.  It was a Monday, the restaurant was closed and his ride gone.  Thomas knocked on the kitchen door hoping to use the phone.  Chef Paul Haeberlin answered the door, a conversation ensued, and so began the most influential relationship in Thomas Henkelmann’s career. 

Following his training with Haeberlin, he was Patissier and Poissonier at the three-star Michelin Aubergine in Munich under Chef of the Century Eckart Witzigmann (Gault Milleau).  He then completed his Chef’s Master Degree before moving to New York City in 1989 as Executive Chef of the restaurant Maurice at Le Parker Meridien. Thomas’ intention to stay in the US for only one and a half years was altered in 1992 when he became Executive Chef of the critically acclaimed La Panetière in Rye, NY.

In 1997, Chef Henkelmann and his wife Theresa purchased Homestead Inn and founded restaurant Thomas Henkelmann in Greenwich Connecticut. The restaurant was awarded the prestigious 4 star Mobil Award for 2000. Chef Henkelmann offers contemporary French cuisine, seasonal specialties and the classic signatures for which he has become famous. Classic French training, a German background and time spent in France, Germany and Switzerland’s finest 3 star Michelin restaurants, inspire his menu.