Post #508515 by bigbrotiki on Tue, Feb 2, 2010 10:23 AM

Kids, you're going in circles here! Let it rest. There are two basic factions here, and both have very valid points, both should be able to co-exist:

The "this is better than no Tiki","Trader Vic's needs to survive in this market"-crowd, comprised mostly of locals who are happy to be able to get a decent Tiki cocktail in their vicinity, some of which even concede that while this might not be THE perfect representation of the style, it'll do just fine for the area. I think they have a right to feel that way. I won't see them as "traitors" to the style. :)

The lovers of true Tiki (count me in here), who are very aware of the fact that the watering down of the style has contributed to its eventual disappearance once before (especially thru the same way, the so-called Buffet-ization). Many of those folks sit in larger cities where they have some original vintage Tiki bars, and some classic-style Trader Vic's to enjoy. They have the luxury, and the right, to say "We wouldn't go to this type of Trader Vic's".

As long as both factions can express their views here, and we don't hail generic designs such as that signage as a shining example of Tiki style (which nobody here would do, I believe?), we can agree to disagree. So much of it comes down to personal taste and discretion. Many folks have no problem with Asian Tikis, but this site is the place to point out their flaws. No reason to get defensive about it.

This Trader Vic's is a Tiki Bar, but a Nouveaux Tiki Bar --unfortunately for some, but fortunately for others. And I am not saying that in a snobby, patronizing, spoiled LA way. As long as we are aware what is what, and can say so here, this site serves its purpose.