this is life in austin & aspen

Downtown Austin’s Trendy New Happy Hour
Review by William Jackson & Sandra Rascon

If you haven’t experienced a Happy Hour at TRIO at Four Seasons, you haven’t truly experienced Happy Hour in downtown Austin.

Austin’s newest place to be “scene” is nestled in the welcoming arms of the Four Seasons, located on the green banks of Lady Bird Lake, smack dab in the middle of the business and world-famous entertainment districts.  When you descend the grand staircase and round the corner, you can feel the excitement as you prepare to embark on what is sure to be a memorable journey of culinary and visual delights and lively conversations.  Is there a bad seat in the house?  We think not.  There’s the inviting outdoor patio overlooking the serene Lake, the spacious main dining room where views of nature peak through the stately windows, or the hip Wine Bar reminiscent of a trendy bar in Miami Beach — TRIO is the perfect setting to network, host a successful business event, or simply decompress.

Prepare to experience TRIO’s charming service, which seems like a perfectly executed theatrical production: attendants swirling in and stealing away almost invisibly, set into motion by nothing more than the subtle movement of your eyes, or the menu, signaling it’s time to let the show begin.  The management is as comfortable as family and has a knack for ensuring the enjoyment of each guest without compromising individuality. Be prepared for a brief, delightful, and engaging conversation that is never intrusive.

Prepare to experience food impressive in its precision.  Wonderful delicacies booming with flavor.  Chef de Cuisine Todd Duplechan has filled the menu with a tantalizing selection sure to delight even the most discriminating palate.  Not to mention menu items can be enjoyed at half-price, an enticing invitation to taste every selection at least once.

Unforgettable are the Mussels drenched in a rich broth of Roquefort, Prosciutto and Riesling – you will ask for a spoon or bread.  Even Truffle Fries rise to the occasion with Rosemary, Garlic and Meyer Lemon Aioli.  Certainly, the little-known three-day marinating process involving sugar is key to this simple yet amazing gourmet delight!  Lamb Sliders are not far behind, these tantalizing mini gourmet burgers are made with local lamb, tzatziki and cumin.

If you have the pleasure of meeting Chef Todd, inquire about the Pecan-Fed Pig, a spicy dish he introduced to us that is not on the Happy Hour menu but SHOULD BE!

If you prefer a cocktail, you won’t get any dirty looks or get your hand slapped, the accommodating bar staff is more than thrilled to make your request.  But, be advised, TRIO is known for its impressive wine selection with over 300 unique selections with 60 served by the glass.  Especially delightful are the Happy Hour selections, which are specifically selected to complement the food.  No surprise here, as the wine is personally selected by award-winning Sommelier, Mark Sayre who received the title of Austin’s Best Sommelier for 2007 from The Wine & Food Foundation of Texas and The Texas Sommelier Association. Mark says, “Baked Gulf Oysters and a glass or two of the Riesling, Schloss Vollrads, Germany, 2007–there’s nothing better.”

If Red is your choice, the secret is out about Cabernet Amavi Cellars, a Washington 2006!  It stands alone as a medium bold that leaves the palate refreshed.  Truly, it is one of the few red wines that can be enjoyed without an edible complement and is a discovery worth making.  If champagne is desired, enjoy a glass of Louis Roederer – well known in France for gracing weddings and special occasions.

The hallmark wine experience at TRIO is that your glass is always filled from a bottle at your table, in front of you.  You’ll feel as if you’re at an exclusive wine tasting event as even the table settings are smartly designed and arranged to mimic those set at an actual wine tasting.

With four star service, elegant cuisine, expansive drink selections, trendy guests, local pundits and complimentary valet for all TRIO Happy Hour clientele, this upscale Wine Bar is everything it should be — allowing you to enjoy life as it’s meant to be.  You can’t help but become a regular.

After all, aren’t you supposed to be Happy and much more enlightened, when you leave Happy Hour?

Happy Hour at TRIO is Monday through Saturday, 5pm to 8pm, 98 San Jacinto Boulevard, Austin, 78701. For additional information, call (512) 685-8300.