official trader vics chicago thread - General Tiki

BB Bongo Bungalow Member Indiana Joined: Aug 20, 2007 Posts: 1295	BB Bongo Bungalow Posted posted on Fri, Mar 27, 2009 2:58 AM On 2009-03-27 01:32, Koolau wrote: I had a similar crappy experience at the old Beverly Hills TV - maybe we TC'ers just expect too much of Trader Vic's. We want perfect drinks, food, and service, and are sorely disappointed when the restaurant fails to deliver. The best Trader Vic's experience I had was in Las Vegas - we just walked in, ordered tons of pupus, drank and laughed. I didn't have high expectations, and didn't get all bent when the bartender gave my girlfriend a Menehuene Juice that was much darker brown than my Mai Tai - we just switched drinks, moved on, and ordered Navy Grogs next round. I think you've got it right Koolau... we expect too much. TV Chicago is only what it is and on any given day either we and all the guests there create a transcending experience... or not. The decor is not the ultimate tiki decor, the drinks are not the untimate tiki drinks. I've had two memorable evenings there, but the next time I might leave feeling that I've just paid too much for too little. Yet, as one in the business, I appreciate what they've created. I know I'm not as good as these guys. When I went with a group of 20, the manager insisted on buying the first round of drinks- Mai Tais for everyone! This set the stage for a great evening. This kind of hospitality really makes a difference, but is not going to happen for every guest on every visit. (And, I have to admit, it's not likely to happen at my restaurants, by my managers either.) I hate it when there's a new movie out I want to see and a friend tells me, "It's the best movie ever!" I struggle to keep my expectations low, because I know I'll enjoy the movie more. This is true of restaurants and tiki bars as well. I don't get to Los Angeles often, but on the last visit I sought out the famous Tonga Hut. I was at first, quite disappointed. THIS is what all the fuss is about? Then I started to think about how unique it truly is and how cool it must be when they're putting on one of their big, crazy events. There's much to appreciate, if you have the right attitude. So, TV Chicago is, in my opinion, only what it is... And I can't wait to go again.

On 2009-03-27 01:32, Koolau wrote:
I had a similar crappy experience at the old Beverly Hills TV - maybe we TC'ers just expect too much of Trader Vic's. We want perfect drinks, food, and service, and are sorely disappointed when the restaurant fails to deliver.

The best Trader Vic's experience I had was in Las Vegas - we just walked in, ordered tons of pupus, drank and laughed. I didn't have high expectations, and didn't get all bent when the bartender gave my girlfriend a Menehuene Juice that was much darker brown than my Mai Tai - we just switched drinks, moved on, and ordered Navy Grogs next round.

I think you've got it right Koolau... we expect too much. TV Chicago is only what it is and on any given day either we and all the guests there create a transcending experience... or not. The decor is not the ultimate tiki decor, the drinks are not the untimate tiki drinks.

I've had two memorable evenings there, but the next time I might leave feeling that I've just paid too much for too little.

Yet, as one in the business, I appreciate what they've created. I know I'm not as good as these guys.

When I went with a group of 20, the manager insisted on buying the first round of drinks- Mai Tais for everyone! This set the stage for a great evening. This kind of hospitality really makes a difference, but is not going to happen for every guest on every visit. (And, I have to admit, it's not likely to happen at my restaurants, by my managers either.)

I hate it when there's a new movie out I want to see and a friend tells me, "It's the best movie ever!" I struggle to keep my expectations low, because I know I'll enjoy the movie more. This is true of restaurants and tiki bars as well.

I don't get to Los Angeles often, but on the last visit I sought out the famous Tonga Hut. I was at first, quite disappointed. THIS is what all the fuss is about? Then I started to think about how unique it truly is and how cool it must be when they're putting on one of their big, crazy events. There's much to appreciate, if you have the right attitude.

So, TV Chicago is, in my opinion, only what it is... And I can't wait to go again.

Post #442867 by Bongo Bungalow on Fri, Mar 27, 2009 2:58 AM