Post #244821 by WooHooWahine on Mon, Jul 24, 2006 8:14 PM

From The Arizonia Republic:

Mai tai one on: Trader Vic's returns to Scottsdale

Jun. 2, 2006 12:00 AM

Bringing back its kitschy class, its superstiff drinks and its liberal use of coconut, Trader Vic's opens Sunday at the Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale.

Trader Vic's first opened in 1962 but closed in 1990, so this new version has been anticipated since the hotel's remodel, with Valley residents excited about recapturing the glamour of past dinners and happy hours at the legendary eatery.

Trader Vic's is known for its old-school elegance and its scrumptious Polynesian cuisine, with many menu items cooked in custom woks or in Chinese wood-fired ovens. But it's famous for originating the mai tai, made with the restaurant's own mix, dark rum and the juice of a whole lime, garnished with mint, pineapple, cherry and a lime wedge. advertisement

Allen + Philp Architects, who helped freshen the Valley Ho's image, reimagined the upscale restaurant with a sleek, island-referencing design that's classy, not campy.

Dinner is served from 5 to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, until 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. The bar is open at 4 p.m. every day.

Details: 6850 E. Main St., Scottsdale. (480) 421-7799, tradervics.com.