Post #7094 by Swanky on Thu, Aug 29, 2002 8:27 AM

I think the simple answer is right in front of us, the name: Trader Vic's. The original "theme" was that of a man who traded throughout the islands. What was in the bar/restaurant were things collected at various distant tropical lands. So, New Guinea, Hawaii, anything. Nautical? Sure! It's part of the "trade."

Then came another layer. The "tiki" bar. When did that term come along? 1990? Did they call them "tiki bars" in 1940-60?

After the fact, we have labeled things "tiki bars". And the original trader idea was copied by inland bars and restaurants. So, the focus changed a bit. But it's still the essence of the idea. A mish-mash of things collected from exotic lands.

So, I say, these aren't "tiki bars" at all! Trader Vic's, et al, are not "tiki." We made this umbrella term to call these places, and then turned around to say they don't fit the definition!? Absurd. Trader Vic's is the definition!