Post #303956 by christiki295 on Fri, May 4, 2007 1:00 AM

A new thread for a new vibe.

Trader Vic's remains and, in some ways, is better. The markeing scheme in the Beverly Wilshire of the "Island Retreat" is appropriate. Its new poolside location makes it the only LA tiki bar to offer an authentic, open air polynesian inspired experience.

Best of all, the traditional aspects of Trader Vics remain: the neon script; the beloved Chai in control of the bar; the Mai Tai recipe and glasses; the Fog Cutter mugs and, yes, there is a large tiki as a silent sentinel offering homage to the by-gone era. The decilious pupus remain - I even think I saw my favorite: the flaming Beef Cho Cho.

Think "W" Westwood; think Miami Beach; think Tiki's Waikiki - for the new Trader Vic's Lounge is reminiscent of each of these tropical locales.

There is also scuttlebut from the coorporate office that Trader Vic's is considering reopening elsewhere in Beverly Hills.

I'll not say it is a net gain: the TIPSY factor is much lower; I didn't enter through an A frame; I didn't see one Menehune bowl; the waitstaff is longer univerally clad in Aloha shirts; the tapa cloth did not reappear; nor did the carved tiki poles. I didn't gaze upon tropical art at the valet. However, I'll not say it's a net loss, either. Updated, open-air and different, yet I still think Mr. Bergstrom would be pleased; certainly his grand-daughter was.

I'll leave it in the capable hands of Soccer Tiki and ALTIKI to describe the evening, after all, they were there beginning when it is still light out.