Well, drat. Triniti Restaurant (2815 South Shepherd) and its connected lounge, Sanctuari Bar, hosted their last evening of service on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5.

When the Obamas visited Houston in 2014, Michelle’s dinner at the fine-dining restaurant made local and national news. Houstonians with a posh sense of dining desires often bought tickets to the brilliantly creative Mercury Orchestra dinners hosted at the restaurant as well.

Triniti partners Chong Yi and chef Ryan Hildebrand had just celebrated the five-year anniversary of the restaurant in December 2016.

The announcement came by press release this afternoon from representatives of the restaurant:

“It is with a heavy heart that we announce Triniti’s closure. I want to thank our staff. I have had the opportunity to work with amazing, amazingly talented people that have become more than friends. They have become family, and I will miss them dearly. We have enjoyed successes and have executed dinners and menus I never dreamt possible. The Mercury Dinners, pairing food and wine to the signs of the zodiac, and creating 20 menus in five years will all continue to inspire me. I want to thank this city for the venue in which to practice our craft and share our visions. I am excited for the next chapter – for my self, my family, and for the staff of Triniti, (Chef de Cuisine) Pat Sommers, (Sous Chef) Nick Hill, (Beverage Director) Akiko Hagio, (Sommelier) Rick Stiles and (Service and Special Events Manager) Jase Westeen, who I know will continue to lead and inspire. Cheers, all!” – Ryan Hildebrand

Bartender Akiko Hagio continued to build on the success of Sanctuari Bar, which was originally (wo)manned by Leslie Ross and Laurie Harvey. Photo by Becca Wright

FM Burger, Ryan Hildebrand’s forthcoming burger concept located at 1112 Shepherd, north of Washington, is expected to open this spring.