Post #481957 by croe67 on Mon, Sep 7, 2009 4:25 PM

We spent about 5 hours there this past weekend on Sunday night.

Highlight of the evening:
When the bartender came to take our first drink order, he slapped down an OHANA Luau at the Lake/Trader Vic's coaster in front of each of us.
Made my day!!
:D :D

Overall, our visit was a bit mixed.......
1st drink was marginal, but all subsequent drinks were much better.
They were completely out of Menehune swizzles (a bummer), but MaiTai glasses were well-stocked :)

Appetizers in the bar were all good.

In the dining room the Chinese Oven was not being utilized AT ALL, which was a real bummer. There were probably 35-40 people in the dining room - not full (holiday weekend, Sunday night), but not using the Chinese Oven? Just didn't feel "right". How are they cooking their "Chinese oven specialties" on the menu without the oven fired-up?

My steak was WAY overcooked & wasn't great.
One of the curry garnishes was left empty on a friend's dish because they were out of it?
The dessert wasn't as good as in the past either. (always great in the past...)

Is about my 6th visit to the new Vic's Chicago. Feels like things are slipping. Noticeably so. I hope when the economy turns around that the quality will get back to where this location started. ....or preferably before..... Food was absolutely FABULOUS on all prior visits. I wonder if they have had some turnover in the kitchen, too? My latest meal would indicate that is highly likely...