First Look: The Upper Room

(Credit: Owen Riley Jr. )

The changes are both subtle and remarkable.

When business partners Steve Boone and Kip Wynne, owners of Trio, decided to convert what had been Stellar Restaurant and Wine Bar into a new kind of place, they sought to retain some elements and refresh some others.

"We felt like it was time to do something a little more casual," Boone said. "We tried to take as much of what Stellar was good at and incorporate it ... but trying to keep it approachable."

Remaining in the newly opened The Upper Room are the fiber-optic-powered twinkling ceilings and bar and the racks of wine supporting the restaurant's extensive wine list. Gone, however, are the hushed tones and whispered conversation. A few added TVs enliven the atmosphere.

"We want people to come in and immediately feel like it's OK to have a smile on your face while you're eating and have a good time and just enjoy the whole experience, not just the food," Boone said. "We like to call it casual elegance."

The menu has been overhauled to feature some classic entrees as well as some more casual additions.

"We kept some of the higher-end things for people that want to come in for a Peace Center event or whatever and have a nice dinner," Boone said. "But then we also added the burgers and sandwiches."

Boone said the burgers are made special with their own concoction - "Mike's secret recipe" created by the restaurant's sous chef Mike Brown.

Early favorites at The Upper Room include the bacon cheddar burger ($8.95) and shrimp po'boy ($8.95). Or try the French dip ($8.95) or one of several salads, including the Cape Cod (spring mix, tomatoes, Granny Smith apples, dried cranberries, blue cheese and toasted walnuts, $5.95) and the Southwest chicken (spicy chicken salad with cilantro, jalapenos, black beans, corn, tomatoes and homemade guacamole, $7.95).

Popular entrees include a bourbon-marinated pork tenderloin with mango chutney ($15.95) and blackened tuna ($14.95). The menu also features a couple of steaks for the meat lovers as well as vegetarian-friendly pasta dishes.

Though it comes at the end of the menu, dessert at The Upper Room is no afterthought. Plentiful selections include carrot cake, brownie a la mode, a Reese's Cup pie and fried cheesecake, a unique creation of the restaurant's pastry chef.

Boone said the restaurant is also offering private dining. He said Trio has received inquiries for years for private events, which it was unable to accommodate in that space. The Upper Room, though, is ideal for it, and diners can choose from the menu of either restaurant for their events.