Trilogy- Naples 5th Ave South Newcomer

Chef Ross Peterson, formerly of Roy's in Bonita Springs, then of Syrah, and wife Jasmine, opened Trilogy in November, at the former site of Zoe's. With managing partner Stephen Fleischer, they spruced up the place, brought in creative Asian fusion, a la Roy's, and have been favorably received.

First, a digresssion...This economy is not good for many businesses, and the restaurant industry has been buffeted, with closings soon expected for Marie Michelle and Ruth's Chris Steakhouse.
Don't judge a restaurant's quality or success by the old "standard" of number of patrons seated at 7 pm or a full parking lot. Less people are dining out in a slow economy.

Support the restaurant you "were thinking of going to", by going there this week. Your support really, really makes a difference. Off soapbox.

I ate at Trilogy last week, and had a superb Filet Mignon ($36). That says a lot, as it's not one of the tastier cuts to me, just the most highly priced. It had a delicous truffle salt crust, and came perfectly medium rare, as ordered, with a tasty horseradish sauce.
Others tried the Tri-Fixe Menu, a 5 pm to 5:45 pm $31.95 special, with a first course of Soup du Jour or Trilogy Tossed Salad, an entrée Trilogy choice of Jasmine's Asian Flounder Francaise, Sauteed Chicken and Artichoke Pasta, or Grilled 8 oz NY Strip Steak, followed by a "Trilogy of Chocolate" mousse dessert. My dining companions thought their Flounder and Sautéed Chicken Pasta to be good, just nothing so noteworthy they'd order again. Coulda been an off night, as Ross was not in the Kitchen this particular night. Jasmine was circulating, very helpful with wine pairing, and even assisting a server who was in the weeds. Our server, Meagan, was tops, with anticipating our needs, and never missing a beat on service.

The starters include Maine Lobster Mac and Cheese ($17), Meatloaf (20), Tempura Shrimp (16), and Wicked Shrimp (15), with Gorgonzola Cheese and Cilantro. There's even Pulled Pork and Coleslaw Flatbread (11). Sushi Chef Raul Mejia has 15 items to choose from. Prices are overall in line with 5th Ave, with a pretty Tokyo Style Grilled Salmon (24), Hickory Smoked Duck Breast (25), and Flame grilled Short ribs (32).

NOTE: TRILOGY SUDDENLY CLOSED JUNE 2009. LOCALS FELT THE PRICES WERE TOO HIGH IN THE $30'S AND $40'S , WHILE NIEGHBORING RESTAURANTS DROPPED PRICED TO THE TEENS AND TWENTIES. THE FOOD QUALITY DROPPED DURING THE SEASON AFTER, AS MR. FLEISHER PUT IT- CHEF PETERSON "WENT ON SABBATICAL." NOW, THE OWNERS AND STAFF ARE ALSO ON THE SAME SABBATICAL.