Cafe Trio
![Cafe Trio](/uploads/2/0/2/1/20212639/1262826.jpg)
We are not quite sure exactly what Cafe Trio is trying to be. It is not exactly what we would call a Cafe, as the name suggests, and we are not sure where all the references to old-world Hollywood fit in. The menu, too, is generic without much identity, and the live music is billed as 'jazz'. So, we are confused, to say the least, about what Cafe Trio is attempting to be and whether or not it lives up to that standard. Where Cafe Trio succeeds is in it's dark and cozy nightclub decor, it's whimsical cocktail list (though not all of them are available), and the very generous portions. And, of course, the live music, which we happened to miss. Where Cafe Trio fails is in it's very sloppy, too-familiar service, and it's uncreative, ho-hum menu. At $28 an entree, we can think of better ways to spend our money.
Atmosphere
![Inside Cafe Trio](/uploads/2/0/2/1/20212639/4479348.jpg)
Looking as if it were modeled after a 1940's Hollywood Nightclub, Cafe Trio is a cozy dark dining room with a large focus on the bar. Dining tables are black sparkling laminate nestled along fabric banquettes, or stand-alone tables romantically clothed in white linens. On the floor, dark carpet gives the room a cozy, warm feel. Along the walls, framed original artwork is modern and sleek (and also for sale) and in the center is a large, gleaming black grand piano. Lighting is provided by either small candles on the tables, or subtle Christmas lights swathed in dramatic pink fabric overhead. Frequent references to famous stars, such as Rita Hayworth and Marlyn Monroe, show up on the walls, over the bar, or in the menus. Upstairs are two more dining areas that are a little brighter, in both color and lighting, and towards the back is a large and more casual covered patio. Overhead, upbeat music from the 30's and 40's plays in the background, though there is also live music every night.
Service
I really hate to bash any server, in this case a very nice server who meant well but was clearly never trained. Besides not knowing the cocktail list (I can forgive that) and practically sitting on one of our empty chairs every time he talked to us (I cannot forgive that), dishes were not cleared, silverware was not replaced, he had to be reminded to bring bread, and he actually reached over us to put the soup on the table when there was plenty of room to go around to the other side. Niceness is all well and good, and we appreciate a friendly server, but a little service-training would go a long way here.
Food
![Food at Cafe Trio](/uploads/2/0/2/1/20212639/9697617.jpg)
The menu at Cafe Trio is traditional, meaning that there is really nothing unusual or exceptional about it. Still there are some nice choices and certainly a large selection from which to choose. To start, a huge spinach and goat cheese salad ($8) was nicely presented, though the goat cheese tasted a bit of cooking oil, signifying that it was deep fried instead of pan-fried. The bowl of greens, though, was fresh and the roasted peppers were nice. The vinaigrette came on the side, so there was no chance of being overdressed, which was much appreciated.
Each entree at Cafe Trio comes with a complimentary salad or a bowl of soup. The potato-cheese soup was rich and thick, with a good deal of cream and potatoes, though it wasn't nearly hot enough to be enjoyed properly. In contrast, the tomato soup was light and hot, and a nice drizzle of pesto gave it nice contrast and color.
For entrees, a humongous KC strip with gorgonzola cream ($29) was perfectly cooked and had a lovely pile of smashed potatoes on the side, both of which were piping hot and pure comfort-food delight. Praline-crusted scallops ($26) were not as successful, as the sweet nuttiness of candied pecans and the heavy seasoning of the rice pilaf seemed overpowering for the delicate scallops. In between bites there was an odd trace of chili powder that seemed baffling and mildly unpleasant.
For dessert, a highly-recommended crème brulee cheesecake was very sweet, heavy, and dense, and surrounded by piles of canned whipped cream. Our server suggested it was one of the best cheesecakes ever. I can't really agree there, but it wasn't altogether bad. Then again, how can anything with the words crème brulee and cheesecake be bad?
To drink, Cafe Trio has a nice selection of wines and cocktails. I was especially intrigued by a Ginger Rogers, which was made with ginger and carrot juice, but they were out of carrot juice. So, I selected a second cocktail made with tamarind, but they were out of tamarind. Finally, I settled on a Halle Berry, which was plum vodka, muddled blackberries, and champagne, and it was very enjoyable. Tangy, sweet, and bubbly, it had the perfect amount of strength and sweetness. I enjoyed it all the more because, after ordering 2 drinks they didn't have, it was on the house. Sometimes mishaps can work to our advantage.
Each entree at Cafe Trio comes with a complimentary salad or a bowl of soup. The potato-cheese soup was rich and thick, with a good deal of cream and potatoes, though it wasn't nearly hot enough to be enjoyed properly. In contrast, the tomato soup was light and hot, and a nice drizzle of pesto gave it nice contrast and color.
For entrees, a humongous KC strip with gorgonzola cream ($29) was perfectly cooked and had a lovely pile of smashed potatoes on the side, both of which were piping hot and pure comfort-food delight. Praline-crusted scallops ($26) were not as successful, as the sweet nuttiness of candied pecans and the heavy seasoning of the rice pilaf seemed overpowering for the delicate scallops. In between bites there was an odd trace of chili powder that seemed baffling and mildly unpleasant.
For dessert, a highly-recommended crème brulee cheesecake was very sweet, heavy, and dense, and surrounded by piles of canned whipped cream. Our server suggested it was one of the best cheesecakes ever. I can't really agree there, but it wasn't altogether bad. Then again, how can anything with the words crème brulee and cheesecake be bad?
To drink, Cafe Trio has a nice selection of wines and cocktails. I was especially intrigued by a Ginger Rogers, which was made with ginger and carrot juice, but they were out of carrot juice. So, I selected a second cocktail made with tamarind, but they were out of tamarind. Finally, I settled on a Halle Berry, which was plum vodka, muddled blackberries, and champagne, and it was very enjoyable. Tangy, sweet, and bubbly, it had the perfect amount of strength and sweetness. I enjoyed it all the more because, after ordering 2 drinks they didn't have, it was on the house. Sometimes mishaps can work to our advantage.
Cleanliness
Cafe Trio is a new restaurant and very clean, including the bathrooms.
Pros
Dark, cozy dining room, huge portions, nice cocktail list (when available), live music. Try the Steak Gorgonzola.
Cons
Very sloppy service, not all cocktails on the list are available, uneventful menu.