I hadn't read much about TRIO at the Four Seasons, but thought it the most appropriate place to dine given the fact that we were in Austin for a triathlon. Silly, I know, but I couldn't help myself. Luckily, my friend Joanna graciously humored me and we ended up having a very nice meal. Not a "personal best," but a good showing.
If it truly had been a race, the service would have put Trio at the bottom of the pack. Sooooo slooooow, and there weren't even that many people in the restaurant. At one point I recalled having read a comment on Zagat that someone had to call the restaurant from their table in order to get a server! I started to wonder if we'd need to do the same. But luckily when the food did arrive it was, in most cases, worth the wait.
We began with popovers -- a nice alternative to the standard basket of rolls. They had a bit of parmesan baked into the top which was good while they were warm, not so much the longer we waited for the rest of our food.
The apps finally arrived. Joanna's English Pea Ravioli with Ricotta, Corn and Morels was worth the wait; my Crab Fondue with Herb Bruschetta was not. The bread was barely crusty, and too thick to bite into and keep the crab fondue from falling off. Quite the balancing act. I eventually switched gears and used the popover instead.
I was beginning to worry that my strategy of choosing the restaurant by its name was seriously backfiring. Luckily, the mains and sides reversed that course. I had the 8 oz Filet Mignon, while Joanna enjoyed theRice Flake Crusted Halibut. But the real stars were the three sides: Truffle Macaroni, Green Beans andSweet Corn Creme Brulee. I could have eaten that last one for dinner and dessert!
Thankfully, the positive trend continued into dessert. Sticking to my tri/Trio guns, I ordered the Trio of Dark Chocolate (dark chocolate ganache cake, Valrhona creme brulee, and Callebaut chocolate mousse). Joanna had the Lemon Creme Brulee Tart (with balsamic strawberries, pistachio ice cream and strawberry gelee).
By the time we finished, we'd decided the restaurant needed to be renamed Creme Brulee.
Check, please!
Ou est l'addition?
Posted by: | June 23, 2008 at 07:49 AM
I think you need to give TRIO a second chance. They are awesome!!! The food is spectacular every time that I've been in!!
Posted by: Bonnie | August 13, 2008 at 07:09 PM
The service has been outstanding every time that I have been there. Best waitstaff in town!!
Posted by: Christi | August 13, 2008 at 07:10 PM