Originally Posted by Sweet Willie
When Henry Adaniya, owner of Trio (1625 Hinman Ave., Evanston; 847-733-8746), says he’s reinventing the place, he’s not kidding. First he replaces Grant Achatz with Dale Levitski; then he overhauls the menu, the dining room, and even the name. As of August 17th, it will be called Trio Atelier, and it will offer small, medium, and large plates in a more relaxed atmosphere. “Whether you want to do a few small tastes and wine, come in for a dessert tasting, or compose a 15-course tasting menu, you can do it,” says Adaniya, who promises the interior will be much more “avant-garde” in appearance. “Salt is actually one of the essential ingredients in the art installation.” We have no idea what that means, but it definitely sounds interesting.
Evanston's Trio Atelier restaurant closing next month
Evanston's Trio Atelier is closing its doors.
Feb. 25 is expected to be the last day of business.
The restaurant, formerly known simply as Trio, has become a launching pad for chefs that have gone on to find huge acclaim on their own, including Shawn McClain (Spring), Rick Tramonto (Tru) and Grant Achatz, who opened Alinea, the trendy and impossible-to-get-into Halsted Street restaurant featuring contemporary American fare.
After Mr. Achatz's departure, owner Henry Adaniya closed for two weeks to retool his concept, bringing in chef Dale Levitski (La Tache) and Mary McMahon (the Pump Room) to handle pastries, and reopened in August 2004. The menu was freewheeling: Patrons got to pick their French-influenced meals from a selection of various plates.
Mr. Adaniya says he will start a consulting business and may pursue his dream of opening a hot dog stand in Hawaii. His two chefs are exploring other business opportunities. The business is being put on the selling block, says Mr. Adaniya, who added that he hopes "to see another operation carry on our tradition of excellence."