TRIO Palm Springs

When he opened Trio in 2009, Tony Marchese needed the eatery to be a success. After dabbling in real estate, he was eager to return to the hospitality industry he loved. “It was something I was very passionate about,” Marchese recalls, “and Trio had to work.” The lively restaurant quickly established itself as one of Greater Palm Springs’ premier hotspots, drawing the likes of celebrity guests such as Lily Tomlin and Robert Downey, Jr.

Now, 12 years later, Marchese hasn’t messed with success, but he’s made a few significant changes to keep the popular restaurant evolving with the times. “Our slogan is: robust flavors with a twist,” he notes. “The twist is more Italian food. I wanted to work part of my heritage into the restaurant.”

Chicken marsala, wild mushroom fettuccine, and Tony’s rigatoni now join delectable staples like baby back ribs, seared center cut pork chop, and pesto-crusted king salmon on the menu. And several salads have been updated to incorporate more seasonal ingredients.

Besides entrée changes, the biggest recent addition to Trio is new executive chef Jennifer Town. Marchese and Town previously worked together, and he’s effusive of her prowess in the kitchen. “Jennifer is very talented,” he says. “She’s been on the Food Channel, has cooked for the James Beard House, and has a great culinary background.”

Another draw is the positive energy that emanates throughout the restaurant, thanks to the friendly staff, beloved craft cocktails, and exuberant dining music. Marchese recalls one of his favorite stories shared by a guest, which he insists sums up the Trio vibe. “She must have been in her 80s,” he says. “She came up to me and said, ‘I love Trio! It makes me feel young.'”

Photography by Kaminsky Productions