Trinity - Wow! A Keeper!
While catching lunch at a favorite local eatery of ours in Freehold, the owner, who we have gotten to know over time sat down to chat and told us that he just had dinner at a fantastic restaurant that opened in Keyport. Respecting his taste for good food, we decided to try Trinity in Keyport, New Jersey. Word is just starting to get around about this fabulous find for fine dining and in a month or so it should be packed to the gills! All we can say is WOW! On the tiny main street in Keyport lies a beautiful, historic, multi-level church which has been totally redone and now houses a truly unique restaurant. “Blessed” by the talent of Executive Chef Michael d’Ennery, it was an experience from the moment we entered. Greeted by the owner as we swallowed in the beauty of the open air second floor and mahogany ceiling, we were led to a table upstairs that overlooked a deliciously mellow jazz band playing where the old altar of the church would have been. The ambiance is amazing. You feel like you are transformed into another world, an unbelievable contrast to the unassuming local street outside. We chose to sit in a sort of semi private little alcove for two which allowed us a view of all that was going on, but afforded us a little privacy. Well, we were sold on the aesthetics and were hoping that the food would measure up as well. It sure did and what a treat it was! The Expresso Martini I ordered to unwind and relax was one of the best I have ever had. Hubby had his usual Beefeaters. As an appetizer we ordered the Catalan Style Clams ($12), a plentiful portion of littlenecks served in a delightfully sinful, but delicate preparation of white wine, chorizo, red Spanish peppers, cilantro with a touch of cream. It is also accompanied by crispy garlic crostinis. The flavor combination was out of this world and we couldn’t dip enough of the crusty fresh rolls and crostini into the sauce. My husband told the chef that he should make the sauce a “soup” because it was so delicious. I guess also because at one point my husband was eating the sauce with a spoon! Even though the entrees come with a small house salad of fresh mixed greens with a refreshing vinaigrette, we wanted to try one of the a la carte salads. We chose the Baby Spinach Salad ($8) with honey crisp apples, candied walnuts, fresh goat cheese in a champagne vinaigrette. Yum! The salad was plentiful, enough for two and a great choice. There are so many entrees to choose from ranging from dry aged steaks, veal chops, seafood, pasta that a choice was difficult. My husband had Braised Short Ribs which had an Asian flair and was served over rice, with spiced cabbage, Korean BBQ sauce and scallion oil ($23). The meat was delicious, tender and the sauce and cabbage had just the right kick to it. The dish could have just used a bit more sauce, which we were not ashamed to tell the chef about. I chose a special of Grilled Swordfish ($26) over lentils in an amazing light cream sauce. Although some of the preparations do use cream (which some weight conscious don’t like), first of all they are light sauces, not like a heavy alfredo type sauce and secondly, the menu has many plain grilled or broiled choices. We just wanted to experiment with some of the more interesting preparations. The swordfish was cooked to perfection, moist, fresh and flavorful. We would both definitely order the same entrees again, but of course we look forward to trying so many other things on their extensive menu when we go back. We were so stuffed that we passed on dessert, although some selections definitely caught my eye for the next visit. The service was attentive and the wait staff was helpful in helping us narrow down our choices. Dinner was like getting a massage, thoroughly relaxing and refreshing. All in all, the restaurant is a masterpiece and we are delighted that some truly fine dining is now only 20 minutes from Marlboro.    [21 Oct 2007 19:06:55]

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     ­CharMel, Marlboro New Jersey