Trendy Trynd opens in downtown

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

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