Archived Article By Tom Fitzmorris Originally published June 28, 2006 Click here for the current edition Tervalon's? The Name Rings A Bell A couple of weeks ago, someone wrote asking me about a new restaurant called Tervalon's in Algiers. Since then I've learned that it's a straightforward Creole restaurant with sandwiches and platters. I haven't been there yet, but know that it's in the Aurora Village Mall, in the space formerly occupied by the Aurora Steakhouse. But what intrigued me most was the name. Tervalon is surname of one of the most famous people in the history of New Orleans dining, although most of the hundreds of thousands of people he served over the years knew him only as Harry. Harry, the waiter at the Camellia Grill. I wondered whether he or his family had anything to do with this new place. So I wrote his son, attorney Harry Tervalon Jr. Who told me that he knew nothing about it, nor about Lisa Marie Tervalon, who called me on the air one day to talk about her new cafe. So much for that connection. He also volunteers the information you probably want to know now: How's the old man? Harry Sr. and wife made it through the storm okay (a little flooding, but the house is back to normal). He just had knee replacement surgery (this will not have to be explained to anyone who worked as a waiter for any length of time). And he's rolling right along in his retirement at 86. No doubt telling the same jokes and still getting laughs. It was nice to have an excuse to reminisce about Harry. They don't make guys of his like anymore. Let's not think, however, about the Camellia Grill, which just continues to sit there. © 2006 Tom Fitzmorris. All rights reserved. news@nomenu.com