Triniti Shutters
Acclaimed River Oaks-area restaurant where first lady dined calls it quits
The push towards Super Bowl LI brought an unprecedented number of high quality new restaurants, but, now that the game is over, one River Oaks staple is calling its quits.
Triniti restaurant has closed, chef-partner Ryan Hildebrand announced Tuesday. The chef released the following statement about his decision:
It is with a heavy heart that we announce Triniti's closure. I want to thank our staff. I have had the opportunity to work with amazing, amazingly talented people that have become more than friends. They have become family, and I will miss them dearly. We have enjoyed successes and have executed dinners and menus I never dreamt possible. The Mercury Dinners, pairing food and wine to the signs of the zodiac, and creating 20 menus in five years will all continue to inspire me.
I want to thank this city for the venue in which to practice our craft and share our visions. I am excited for the next chapter – for myself, my family, and for the staff of Triniti, (Chef de Cuisine) Pat Sommers, (Sous Chef) Nick Hill, (Beverage Director) Aki Hagio, (Sommelier) Rick Stiles and (Service and Special Events Manager) Jase Westeen, who I know will continue to lead and inspire. Cheers, all!
For five years, the New American restaurant earned acclaim for Hildebrand's locally-sourced, carefully prepared fare, including hosting first lady Michelle Obama in 2014. Hildebrand tried a number of things to expand Triniti's appeal, including serving lunch and rebranding the restaurant's bar as a lounge called Sanctuari, but it never quite clicked with diners.
Instead, Hildebrand will turn his attention to his burger-oriented concept, now called FM Kitchen & Bar, that's slated to open just north of Washington Avenue in either late February or early March. The combination of Hildebrand's version of a classic, diner-style burger with a full range of wine, beer, and cocktails could prove to be a winning formula in a city that has recently embraced comfort food as its dominant trend.