Luau 400, New York City, NY (restaurant) - Locating Tiki

UT uncle trav Tiki Socialite Kalamazoo Joined: Apr 27, 2005 Posts: 2466	UT uncle trav Posted posted on Thu, May 21, 2009 2:19 PM Name:Luau 400 Type:restaurant Street:400 E. 57th St. City:New York City State:NY Zip: country:USA Phone: Status:defunct Description: Thought that the Luau 400 deserved it own spot on Locating Tiki. I hope some TC members can throw in some information about this place as it is very hard to come by. I believe it was opened in about 1957 by Harry Bloomfield. The curious name comes from the restaurants address (400 E. 57th St.) The Luau 400 had a Hawaiian themed floor show as late as 1972 as far as I can tell. One of the notable performers was Hal Aloma who also recorded an album at the 400. Here is a small mention in a New York magazine article from 1958. The Luau 400 at 400 E. 57th St., is another example of what we think the South Seas should be like. To enhance the atmosphere, owner Harry Bloomfield has employed all his theatrical skill to present tropical trees, waterfalls, and exotic birds as a background for the sloe-eyed waitresses, ukulele players, etc. A favorite with show people, especially for private parties, and one of the last ports of call for upper East Side theatregoers on the way home. With both an iconic menu and mug design this location has always made me curious as to what else may be found. here is an ad I found on the net and a mug from the collection of Scaraba Tiki. [ Edited by: uncle trav 2009-05-21 14:25 ]

Name:Luau 400
Type:restaurant
Street:400 E. 57th St.
City:New York City
State:NY
Zip:
country:USA
Phone:
Status:defunct

Description:
Thought that the Luau 400 deserved it own spot on Locating Tiki. I hope some TC members can throw in some information about this place as it is very hard to come by. I believe it was opened in about 1957 by Harry Bloomfield. The curious name comes from the restaurants address (400 E. 57th St.) The Luau 400 had a Hawaiian themed floor show as late as 1972 as far as I can tell. One of the notable performers was Hal Aloma who also recorded an album at the 400. Here is a small mention in a New York magazine article from 1958.

The Luau 400 at 400 E. 57th St., is another example of what we think the South Seas should be like. To enhance the atmosphere, owner Harry Bloomfield has employed all his theatrical skill to present tropical trees, waterfalls, and exotic birds as a background for the sloe-eyed waitresses, ukulele players, etc. A favorite with show people, especially for private parties, and one of the last ports of call for upper East Side theatregoers on the way home.

With both an iconic menu and mug design this location has always made me curious as to what else may be found. here is an ad I found on the net and a mug from the collection of Scaraba Tiki.

[ Edited by: uncle trav 2009-05-21 14:25 ]

Post #455452 by uncle trav on Thu, May 21, 2009 2:19 PM