“Family is what made Trinity and the Trinity family is what makes us.”
The Trinity has been in business for 11 years this July. The restaurant and hotel were the brainstorm of Derek Balzano, son of Dale and Janie Balzano. He convinced his father and Michael Moore the building from the 1800s scheduled for demolition could be renovated! Initially, the concept of a wine bar and boutique hotel would be all that they would open. However, the Balzanos quickly realized that they needed more revenue. That’s when three meals a day, six days a week, happened. Trinity became everyone’s victory, from those who said it wouldn’t work to those who cheered the family on to success. A customer recently shared, ‘The Trinity is everyone’s pride and joy when you want to show off Carlsbad and what we are or if you have a special occasion; it’s the place to be.’
From the very beginning, The Trinity has contributed to the community for fun(d) raising to Helping Hand Meals, the annual Blessing Dinner that fed nearly 700 people. Quick thinking to assist our community was recently displayed when The Trinity manager, Ms. Donna, heard of an employee at our local grocery store who sustained injuries when she was hit by a truck. Chef Sam and Ms. Donna immediately organized a brownie fundraiser that provided much-needed funds to the young lady.
Mahi Mahi
The Mahi Mahi with a twist! Topped with a fresh strawberry pico and served on a bed of spinach dressed with house pecan oil.
The Chef of The Trinity
Chef Samantha Smith attended Le Cordon Bleu in Scottsdale, AZ. She received an Associate in Culinary Art and a Bachelors in Culinary Management. Growing up with a family that highlighted the way to her cooking success, Chef Sam is now going on 14 years in the culinary world where some of her favorite dishes are Italian, French, and Mediterranean. For Chef Sam, nothing is better than enjoying one’s company and a perfectly prepared meal with friends, bringing those near and far together.
Chef Sam says staff at The Trinity truly love being together, making each experience a joyful memory for them as well as the patrons. This summer The Trinity will be bringing fresh new specials daily, always made from scratch!
General Manager Donna
The Trinity’s General Manager Donna has been with Dale and Janie Balzano, owners of The Trinity & Balzano Family Vineyard, going on ten years. She expresses their relationship as an honored privilege. This beautiful bold building is often described as an oasis in the desert with so much history. The Trinity is definitely a place you need to experience. Donna says what she loves most about Trinity is the family they have become, from sitting down every night and having a family meal together or celebrating holidays as a family.
Chicken Florentine
Perfectly sautéed chicken breast in a classic Florentine sauce of spinach and mushrooms topped with provolone cheese and served over a bed of fettuccine with fresh sautéed vegetables.
Most days or nights you can see the owners, Dale & Janie Balzano, working alongside staff at either The Trinity or Balzano Family Vineyards. The Balzanos strive to stay active in their community and continue to build lasting bonds, showing the utmost support for the men and women in uniform.
Stay tuned for my next SouthEast Eats!
Have a suggestion? Somewhere I should check out?
Email me! Jennifer@focusnm.com
Article written by Jennifer Peterson and originally published in Focus on Carlsbad 2020 Summer edition.
