The Luau in Beverly Hills, CA (restaurant) - Locating Tiki

T Tattoo Tiki Socialite Los Angeles Joined: Sep 24, 2005 Posts: 321	T Tattoo Posted posted on Wed, Mar 12, 2008 10:33 AM Name:The Luau in Beverly Hills, CA Type:restaurant Street:421 North Rodeo Drive City:Beverly Hills State:CA Zip:90210 country:USA Phone: Status:defunct Description: Stephen Crane (a.k.a. Steve Crane, Steven Crane) started out as bit actor in Hollywood in the 30's and became better known for being one of Lana Turner's ex-husbands than for any of his roles. Realizing his limited acting skills, Steve Crane turned his charm and energies to the restaurant business and in 1953 bought out 'The Tropics' in Beverly Hills. Taking his cue from Trader Vic's and Don the Beachcomber, Steve created his own Polynesian themed restaurant 'The Luau'. The restaurant quickly became a hit and a 'must see' Hollywood celebrity hot spot. Soon Steve Crane was approached by Sheraton to create Polynesian theme restaurants for the hotel chain to compete with Hilton and their association with Trader Vic's. His company, 'Steve Crane and Associates' soon opened up the Kon-Tiki restaurants in Montreal, Portland, Cleveland, Boston, Waikiki, and 'Ports O' Call' in Dallas. The Luau is considered by many to be one of the great original Tiki palaces from the height of the Polynesian Pop era. Featuring an exotic tropical interior and a menu to match with over 70 tropical drinks. Florian Gabriel in association with Architect George Nakashima designed the stunning interior filled with intricate Tikis, square grown bamboo, and even featured a small waterfall. Stephen Crane's own exotic contribution was high prized hookers at the bar. The Luau is also known for having one of the most stunning lines of Tiki mugs and bowls. Attributed to Florian Gabriel, they are known for their intricate design and construction. As the Polynesian Pop fad faded, so did the success of the Luau. After 26 years, the restaurant closed it doors for good and the site was demolished in 1979. For more info... Here's a great thread dedicated to Steve Crane himself: http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=25511&forum=1 An extensive thread with lots of great pictures on Steve Crane's Ports O' Call restaurant in Dallas: http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=22867&forum=2 Some great images and information on the Montreal Kon-Tiki restaurant in this Canadian Tiki thread: http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=29014&forum=5 Some information on one of Steve Crane's lesser restaurant, the Chaparral Club: http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=13618&forum=2 [ Edited by: Tattoo 2009-03-31 11:22 ]

Name:The Luau in Beverly Hills, CA
Type:restaurant
Street:421 North Rodeo Drive
City:Beverly Hills
State:CA
Zip:90210
country:USA
Phone:
Status:defunct

Description:
Stephen Crane (a.k.a. Steve Crane, Steven Crane) started out as bit actor in Hollywood in the 30's and became better known for being one of Lana Turner's ex-husbands than for any of his roles. Realizing his limited acting skills, Steve Crane turned his charm and energies to the restaurant business and in 1953 bought out 'The Tropics' in Beverly Hills. Taking his cue from Trader Vic's and Don the Beachcomber, Steve created his own Polynesian themed restaurant 'The Luau'. The restaurant quickly became a hit and a 'must see' Hollywood celebrity hot spot. Soon Steve Crane was approached by Sheraton to create Polynesian theme restaurants for the hotel chain to compete with Hilton and their association with Trader Vic's. His company, 'Steve Crane and Associates' soon opened up the Kon-Tiki restaurants in Montreal, Portland, Cleveland, Boston, Waikiki, and 'Ports O' Call' in Dallas.

The Luau is considered by many to be one of the great original Tiki palaces from the height of the Polynesian Pop era. Featuring an exotic tropical interior and a menu to match with over 70 tropical drinks. Florian Gabriel in association with Architect George Nakashima designed the stunning interior filled with intricate Tikis, square grown bamboo, and even featured a small waterfall. Stephen Crane's own exotic contribution was high prized hookers at the bar. The Luau is also known for having one of the most stunning lines of Tiki mugs and bowls. Attributed to Florian Gabriel, they are known for their intricate design and construction.

As the Polynesian Pop fad faded, so did the success of the Luau. After 26 years, the restaurant closed it doors for good and the site was demolished in 1979.

For more info...

Here's a great thread dedicated to Steve Crane himself:
http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=25511&forum=1

An extensive thread with lots of great pictures on Steve Crane's Ports O' Call restaurant in Dallas:
http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=22867&forum=2

Some great images and information on the Montreal Kon-Tiki restaurant in this Canadian Tiki thread:
http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=29014&forum=5

Some information on one of Steve Crane's lesser restaurant, the Chaparral Club:
http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=13618&forum=2

[ Edited by: Tattoo 2009-03-31 11:22 ]

Post #366428 by Tattoo on Wed, Mar 12, 2008 10:33 AM