This story was updated on April 23 to correct a misspelling and to correct the name of Tre on Main’s executive chef.
By SHANA SLOMA
shana@readthereporter.com
Last Thursday night, Restauranteur Chris Evans launched his third culinary venture with the soft opening of eclectic Italian eatery Tre on Main, 10 E. Main St., Carmel.
Evans, alongside Director of Operations Francesco Settanni, welcomed guests through the restaurant’s cobalt blue doors to enjoy handcrafted cocktails and a complimentary modified menu featuring items like grilled Caesar salad and pappardelle pasta with short rib ragu.
Tre showcases an array of artwork from internationally renowned artist Jason Myers. According to Evans, Tre was designed to provide an opportunity to relax and unwind in an environment that welcomes families, but caters to those in search of a dining respite.
Reporter photo by Shana Sloma
“I wanted to indulge people in all senses,” Evans said. “I wanted people to be mesmerized by the art, the lighting, the music, and of course, the food and the wine.”
Tre offers guests a “two-hour vacation from the stresses of life” by immersing them into a full-fledged sensory experience.
From the smooth, sounds of Coltrane to the powerful pops of color amid a fusion of leather, wood, and metal décor, Evans’ vision, developed with Parallel Design Group, adds an element of artful luxury to the restaurant’s modern industrial vibe.
After “joining forces” with restaurant veteran and Puglia, Italy, native Settanni two-and-a-half years ago, Tre is the culmination of authentic Italian influence interwoven into a menu unlike any other in Indiana. The menu, though currently rotating during its early operational phase, will boast opulent offerings with classic inspiration.
Tre, which means “three” in Italian, is an expansion of the Sangiovese Ristorante brand but “taken up two notches.” With hospitality being a cornerstone of Evans’ other restaurants, Tre will continue the tradition of getting to know its guests to offer a more personalized experience.
“We offer a level of hospitality where we get to know your name; get to know your family,” Evans said. “We really acknowledge who you are and what you are.”
Evans said he believes “perception is everything.” That is why Myers was chosen to depict the vibrant tranquility of Tre.
“I can’t think of a single other restaurant in the Indianapolis or Carmel area with an art package like this,” Evans said.
Reporter photo by Shana Sloma
A longtime friend and collaborator of Evans, Myers was given full license to create all of Tre’s artwork. The La Vita series, Italian for “The Life,” features a palette of rich blue hues to create a sense of calm. The artist chose a shade of blue he had previously created with Pennsylvania company, M.L. Campbell, to invoke a sense of tranquility within the dining establishment’s interior.
“Usually, figurative art doesn’t give you that serene restaurant feeling,” Myers said. “It comes off more abrasive and aggressive. But I had used this blue before and thought ‘This would be perfect.’”
Under the culinary direction of former Chatham Hills Country Club Executive Chef Oscar Perez, Tre on Main will feature an array of dishes to ensnare the senses. The menu will offer both carnivores and vegans a chance to enjoy the offerings, as well as those with allergies, intolerances, and preferences.
“We’ve got people that can engage guests when they come in and make them feel welcome,” Evans said. “It’s amazing what a conversation can lead up to. We need to socialize. I think humans are social creatures. It makes you healthy and happy.”
Tre on Main is open daily from 4 to 10 p.m. The website is still being updated. Call (317) 669-6580 for more information.
Reporter photo by Shana Sloma