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Cravings: Relax and enjoy the Vibe at Cafe Trio

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Relax and enjoy the Vibe at Cafe Trio

Feature by: Erin Jones

 

The martinis made them do it. Twelve years ago, at the dimly lit bar of a restaurant now long gone, three gentlemen sat and dreamed. They were tired of working for The Man. A shop owner, an accountant and a commercial construction manager, undeterred by their lack of restaurant experience and encouraged by a generous pour, decided to buy the very restaurant they were sitting in. Christopher Youngers and Tai Nguyen spent three months learning the ropes from the original owner, and then, perhaps before they even realized what they had done, they were in the restaurant business. Before they could say “I’ll have another,” Café Trio was born, modeled after the supper clubs of the 40s and 50s.

 

Originally, Café Trio was located at 35th and Broadway, but after five years the lease was up, and it was time for a change. They took over the quirky space at 47th and Main that was formerly Frondizi’s, a space that had been vacant for two years. Where most people saw challenges, Chris and Tai saw opportunity. The new location offered private event space and one of the best patios in town overlooking the JC Nichols Fountain and Country Club Plaza. A full-time event coordinator joined the team and bookings for rehearsal dinners, corporate events and other special occasions have been pouring in ever since. Trio can accommodate groups up to about 130 for seated dinner service and larger for cocktail parties.

 

The location changed, but the contemporary American cuisine, swanky decor featuring local artists and jazzy ambiance that Café Trio had become known for did not. Chris and Tai had built a loyal customer base quite willing to follow them anywhere, myself included. “We want to create the kind of place where people come to make an evening of it,” said Chris. “We don’t want them to feel rushed. We want them to dine at their pace, enjoy some drinks and great music, and stay awhile.”

 

“We offer really great food without the foodie attitude,” said Tai. “We know how to treat our guests and our staff. I think that’s why we have lasted so many years. We stayed focused on this one restaurant, and we set the tone from the top down to provide warm hospitality and exceptional food.”

For a casual dining experience, the patio is the way to go. It’s open year round and always comfortable. The patio has its own outdoor bar, and the full menu is available. Trio Happy Hour features daily drink specials including half price wine and $5 martinis from 2:00 to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and all day on Monday. Chris and Tai never want you to suffer from a case of the Mondays again; just stop in for a martini and some amazing food specials and everything will be okay.

 

I’ve been to Trio many times for different occasions–business dinners, ladies’ lunches, happy hours, date nights and special events. I love the food, of course, but the thing that keeps me coming back is the stylish, sophisticated vibe of the place. I feel cool when I’m there–like, New York cool. Sarah Jessica Parker cool. There is just something about it that makes me want to put on a great dress, a strand of pearls and some shiny heels, and disappear into the 1940s for the evening. Maybe it’s the stirring jazz notes that float out from the exquisite grand piano in the center of the room, but I feel transported to a different era.

 

Until the food comes, anyway, and then I’m snapped out of my reverie to admire what is always a beautiful meal. Over the years, I’ve had so many things here. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever had the same thing twice; I always try something new.

 

The mussels are the most popular starter, but I would steer seafood lovers toward the ceviche because it is light and flavorful and served with homemade tortilla chips that are exactly the right amount of salty and crispy. If you’re into salad, consider the panzanella, a blend of cucumber, tomato, red onion, basil, red bell pepper and pine nuts with a house herbed parmesan vinaigrette. There’s a lot going on with this salad; it’s like you’ve thrown all of your friends from different parts of your life together for one big party and they all get along and everyone is dancing. The panzanella is a party.

 

There is halibut on the summer menu, and when I see halibut, it’s hard for me to see anything else, regardless of how it’s prepared. But the paella is gorgeous and now saffron rice is something I will no longer be able to live without. I have also enjoyed the grilled rack of lamb, served with saffron couscous and heirloom carrots. Everything on this plate is extraordinary; the attention to detail can only be the work of a master, and that is exactly what Executive Chef Nick Estell is.

 

Nick has worked in the kitchens of several fine dining establishments throughout the city. With Trio now for about a year, Nick enjoys the variety of the ever-evolving seasonal menus and the creative freedom he has when putting together new menus. He is committed to buying local and works with several regional farmers to obtain the freshest possible ingredients.

 

Café Trio offers consistently superb food and hospitality, with a seamless combination of sophistication, style and comfort. It is a Kansas City Original we can be proud of and will certainly enjoy for many years to come. HLM

 

Visit cafetriokc.com for menu previews, special promotions and to make reservations.