Post #429585 by Numatiki on Mon, Jan 19, 2009 7:42 PM

Albino tiki and I spent about three hours in Trader Vic's a couple of weeks ago. Sat at the bar and observed as much as we could, talked with the staff, and got to know some patrons. A fantastic way to spend an evening.

We had and enjoyed the Mai Tai, Singapore Symphony, Rum Giggle, Trader Vic's Grog, Samoan Fog Cutter, & Black Stripe. All quite good for what they were each going for. Also had the "Chicago Trader", which I guess is only served at this location, but didn't care for it much. Too medicinal.

Spoke with Adam and another bartender (whose name I forget) at length about the place. Mentioned Tikicentral to Adam and he knew right away what I was talking about. We also noticed that Adam served the Mai Tais without spanking the mint (as tikibars taught us was important to do), then noticed later that the other bartender DID spank his mint. I mentioned to the other guy that Adam wasn't spanking his mint and he laughed and remarked, "And HE'S the bar manager!", which I found pretty funny. So, Adam, if you're reading this, please spank your mint before you stick it in our drink. :wink:

We also had some sushi, which was phenomenal. We both highly recommend the Mount Vic's roll, which we ordered without eel because we both despise it. The best piece of sushi I've ever had. And quite a large roll, makes an entree by itself or an appetizer for 2 or 3. We subsequently went back for dinner this past Saturday and enjoyed everything. I recommend the miso-glazed sea bass. Great service, too.

As for the drink controversy. This makes the third Vic's we've been to, and the Mai Tais here tasted, to me, exactly like they did at each of the others. Seeing as how they use the same recipe and mix, I'm not sure how different they could be. We watched the bartenders work and they do measure everything, though often a bit sloppily (though nowhere near as sloppily as Tiki-Ti). I'd imagine that if you find a drink you like, you're bound to get it the same way each time you go in.

People watching and fraternizing was part of the experience as well. We watched a "high maintenance" type girl who sat next to us try three or four drinks, sending each back, before settling on a glass of white wine. :roll: Much respect for the patience the bartender showed, as well as his dedication to service by not charging her for the ones she didn't like. Can't say that I would have been as gracious, as I nearly scolded her myself. I also observed Adam comp one of the two drinks a guy had ordered as an apology for making him wait (he really hadn't waited all that long at all). Cool move for any bartender. Also made friends with "Bob", an old-timer from the Palmer House, who regaled us with tale after interesting tale. Ended up buying his Samoan Fog Cutter for him as a thank you for the stories.

In any event, we're both ecstatic to have a tiki bar back in Chicago proper (only a $6 cab ride home!), and even more overjoyed to have it be an excellent one like Vic's. We'll be there as much as humanly possible.