Post #303549 by Son-of-Kelbo on Wed, May 2, 2007 10:43 AM

That's the Pure Truth, TS! What an unctious, backpeddling, last-minute PR turnabout, now that they've already chopped the place up on the QT, to stave-off the righteous ire from those who were mounting the effort to save the joint. Masterfully chickens**t, craven in its slap-dash promotional spin (like this is what they've been planning all along, folks!), obviously blurted out in rattled response to the "Save TV's BH" outcry no doubt coming at them from all quarters now.

This is a phoney spin to run up against the preservation convention coming to Hollywood this month, so "the Great Preservationists" BA & Oasis can craft a hasty yap about how dearly they regard the Trader Vic's legacy in their stewardship. MFs chopped her, were first going to all but dump the franchise and offer "a few drinks and menu items" inside C55 -- and are now falling over themselves trying to look like this sudden "relocation" announcement springs from their abiding regard for TV's place in history.

I say we hold a "Beverly Hills Tea Party", and throw all their rum into the swimming pool! No, wait..., let me think that one through again...

Well, let's see what their "relocation" plans really are, and maybe we can hold their feet to the fire -- put enough light on finding out "exactly what kind of 'relocation'" is underway for Trader Vics BH poolside at the Hilton, who's in charge, what their plans are, what kind of attention to tradition and quality they're willing to go on record to say they're pursuing. Who has input? Are the patrons and historians shut out? Make 'em eat their big-hearted "post-demolition turnaround", in big high-profile spoonfuls.

First, let's find out who's "Officially In Charge" of overseeing the content and aesthetics of the full-on "relocation" touted in this new, "new" press release's wonderful news. Then, let's let 'em know the 'Ohana are ready to offer any knowledgable guidance that may be required to avoid the creation of a "McVic's", in place of what we've lost.

And whatever, wherever, I'm calling for a six-month Memorial Toast (say Saturday Night, November 3rd?) to the memory of "the old Trader Vic's", possibly in the new one, if it's done right and not botched-up, or at some other location (Tonga Hut?, Bahooka's? Johnny & Libby's Palapa?) so those of us who were tentatively planning to meet there this Fall will still have a charge in her honor. (And maybe set some food on fire...) Oh, yeah, and Benny's definitely not invited (unless he personally makes g**damned sure the "relocation" of Trader Vics within the Hilton is Respectful, Meticulous, Generously Funded, and a Quality Job Of The First Order). Grrrrrrr.

Cheers and aloha,
SOK

"Don't let it be forgot,
That once there was a Spot,
Where Blowfish all wore sunglasses,
and Tiki-times were hot..."

[ Edited by: Son-of-Kelbo 2007-05-02 10:48 ]