19. Trio

Our party of four eagerly anticipated an evening at this highly touted restaurant. What we experienced was overpriced mediocrity. This is not to say that the food was bad -- it wasn't. However, at the prices Trio charges and the clearly high impression that they have of themselves, dinner should have been spectacular. It was humdrum. By itself, the food would probably receive 3 stars, but when value (or lack thereof) is factored in, I have to reduce that to 2 stars. The rack of lamb, the New York strip, and the halibut were nothing special. My wife's order of braised short ribs was the standout of our entree choices, but I consider one out of four to be a pretty poor percentage. Our dinner epitomized what people categorize as "hotel food" -- bland and priced about double what it is worth. That is, except for the wine, which was priced closer to triple its retail price. ($135 for a $40 bottle of wine? Puh-leeze!) Even ordering with restraint -- four entrees, two shared appetizers, one salad, four shared side dishes and no desserts ---- with wine and tip our dinner for four ran over $500. The final insult was being charged for valet parking -- a concept that I've never completely grasped (why can't I park my own car?). Dinner was expensive enough -- we shouldn't be charged extra for parking on the premises. Trio is the equivalent of a hotel mini-bar. It exists as a "convenience" for those staying there, but there is little reason for someone outside of the hotel to use it.

Great! Four stars!! Very expensive. Call ahead and make reservations or you might miss out.