Jan Norris: Food and Florida

Mark Militello, severed from a relationship with David Manero at The Office this spring (he was allegedly told of his cut by text message) – will revamp and redesign Trina, the venerable restaurant in the Atlantic Hotel on Ft. Lauderdale beach.

I spoke with him about the move a month ago, when he was putting plans in place to take the reins. “It’ll be a chef-driven menu,” he said. “I’m looking at the end of July – it’s definitely not my food in there yet.”

The name will change, as well, but Militello, formerly of Mark’s on Las Olas, in Boca’s Mizner park and CityPlace in West Palm Beach, still hasn’t decided on a moniker.

“The space is beautiful – really pretty. We’ll do a few design things, but it’s beautiful as it is,” he said. “My focus is on the menu right now.”

Back in the decision-making role

When it first opened, Trina, under the culinary direction of Don Pintabona, chef at the Tribeca Grill and now of Dani in New York, won accolades for its fare, but in recent years since his departure, the critics have adjusted their scores downward.

“I’m totally redesigning the foods, but don’t have them ready to announce yet,” he said yesterday. Asked whether some of his former influences – Asian, Caribbean, Italian – will be on the menu, he said, “Yes, all of them. But no sushi. I really don’t care for sushi that often – just once in a while.” Fish carpaccios make take the place of it on the new menus, but it’s still undecided, he said.

Staff, details – and a killer breakfast

Because the restaurant is in the hotel, Militello will be responsible for breakfast, lunch and dinners at Trina. “We’ll have a phenomenal breakfast,” he said. “The entire menu is chef-driven – I’m sourcing products, bringing in some of my old staff, and handling it all. It’s a huge task when you take over hotel foods.”

Look for an end of July opening.