A red carpet welcome rolled out the latest addition to the bar scene in Lafayette.
Trynd, a swanky upstairs lounge in the former Stan's on Vermilion Street opened Thursday night with a flourish of fine wines, signature martinis and a sleek big city decor. It's a far cry from the mysterious rituals of the Freemasons that once took place in the 1916 Masonic Lodge. Or maybe not. Owner Nidal Balbeisi worked closely with his interior designer, Todd Zimmerman, to create an atmosphere that promotes intimate conversations, from the low slung leather chairs and a small bar that houses private bottles of wine to the intricate lighting which is flatteringly dim, you have to lean in close to murmur to your date.
Opening night offered an icy variety of specialty cocktails. (The Ind staff quaffed a bit, we all loved them but nobody can remember their names. Check back here later this afternoon for a complete bar menu.) The generous food spread represented the global cuisine Balbeisi serves at his many restaurants, Lebanese, Mexican, Asian inspired and soon to be Italian, when the restaurant at Trynd opens in the fall.
It's hard to know the character of a lounge from its opening night bash. Obviously, I'll have to spend some time bellied up to the bar before I can write a real review, or better yet, get on downtown and check Trynd out for yourself, 116 East Vermilion.
Here's the drinks menu, as promised:
Paulistano - Oronoco rum, fresh mint, fresh lime, and simple syrup
Cucumber Gimlit - Hendricks gin, muddled cucumbers and lime
Bellini Martini - Ketel Oranje, peach nectar, and champagne
The Trynd - Tanqueray gin, peach nectar, lemon juice, lime juice, pineapple juice,
simple syrup, with a gingerale float
The Granate Flower - Ketel One vodka, Pama liqeuer, St. Germain, and cranberry
Chocolate Dream - Stoli Vanil vodka, Godiva white and dark chocolate, Nocello, and a touch of cream
Tryndy New Fashion - Crown Reserve, Disarrono amaretto, simple syrup, bitters, and an orange slice
KOC Drop - Ketel One Citroen, simple syrup, lemon juice, in a sugared martini glass
Oranje Cosmo - Ketel One Oranje, cranberry juice, lime juice
French Kiss - Ciroc vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice
Pink Cherry Caipiroska - Belvedere vodka, pink grapefruit, fresh cherries, lemon juice, Amaretto
Grand Maria - Belvedere Orange, Grand Marnier, red wine
IX Gingerine - Belvedere IX, pineapple, gingerale
Apple Pie Martini - Belvedere Pure, Navan vanilla liqueur, apple cider, cinnamon, lime juice
Get Your Rocks Off - 1 test tube of pop rocks, 1 test tube of Belvedere IX, 1 test tube of pink grapefruit juice