New Luau in Beverly Hills?

On 2008-09-25 22:28, Sparkle Mark wrote:
Peeked in the front door and through a hole in the paper covering the window.

VERY NICE! It looks great and appropriate for who, what and where it is.

I'll start saving for one of those spendy Grog Log cocktails now.
The drinks better be as nice as the finishes inside.

Cheers
Mark

It is nice to hear that everyone loves it.

Well , Tiki Trav flew home today to Austrailia so I guess hes out .

That all sounds very promising, guys. I am happy if I was wrong.

Aloha,

For those of you out there that are willing to try something new, LUAU ( 2008), will be opening it's doors to the
public real soon (last week of Oct.).

It was a real honor for me to be able to work on this project
as my Grandfather Eli Hedley worked on the original ( 1954)The Luau.

MAhalo Nui Loa,

Bamboo Ben
(Custom Tropical Decor)

That history note is so cool. We saw the magic you accomplished at the Kon Tiki in Tucson as shown in these photos. I hope we can visit the Luau when we go to Oasis next summer and see what you have created there. Wendy

Congrats on the Build Ben. Hope to see it someday!!

My wife just forwarded me an e-mail posting from urbandaddy.com to announce the opening of the restaurant. I'm not a member, so I can't give you a direct link, but here's the content of the posting along with their photo of the new interior:

"Sure, you generally favor a good scotch—but lately you've been craving...a secret-recipe cocktail supped from a giant coconut.

Luau rises from the dead on Friday in Beverly Hills, with a new look and an old cocktail menu so hush-hush that it literally had to be decoded (more on that later).

Once home to many a Rat Pack binge (like every place in LA with a liquor license), the new Luau brings you an upscale Balinese vibe—think Murano glass-tiled walls and lamps made from puffer fish—to go with those booze-filled tree fruits. And if you need something a little more substantial, we can vouch for the tasty Banana Leaf-Wrapped Halibut. But the Pupu Platter with Wagyu Meatballs is better for sharing with somebody you wouldn't mind seeing in a hula skirt later.

And as for those drinks, original owner Steve "Mr. Lana Turner" Crane was so paranoid about his concoctions, he recorded all his recipes in code. (Talk about dedication to the craft.) So when reopening Luau thirty years later, the man behind Il Sole hired esteemed tiki mixologist/cocktail detective Jeff Berry, who'd already cracked it. Now you can have your BoLo, Pearl Diver and Luau Coconut like Sinatra before you...but you can't ask what's in them.

Though your refined palate just might detect a splash of rum.

Luau, opens Friday, 369 N. Bedford Dr (between Wilshire and Brighton), Beverly Hills, 310-274-0090"

Too Cool ! I just got interviewed by the LA Times about my tiki work for the restaraunt . It should be in the Image section coming out this Sunday . Sweeet !

I think the picture of the dining room is actual size. :lol:

Seriously.

On 2008-10-20 15:53, Bora Boris wrote:

I think the picture of the dining room is actual size. :lol:

Seriously.

Seats 130 Boris.

D'oh!

SPOILER!! DO NOT LOOK IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO SEE.

This is from Eater LA today ~

Eater Preview: Luau

It doesn't open until later this week, but here's an inside look at Luau in Beverly Hills. As discussed earlier, isn't so much a replica of the original Luau, the once tikified favorite for celebs in the 60s, but more a contemporary ode to the original. The connections are subtle: There's a print of the original Luau salt-and-pepper shakers hanging on one wall; Makoto Tanaka's (Mako, Robata-Ya) menu has the requisite pupu platter, albeit one with Wagyu meatballs and firecracker shrimp; and designer Loree Rodkin worked with Ben "Bamboo Ben" Bassham, grandson of the original's designer and builder. But probably the most significant throw-back is tikiologist Jeff Berry's cocktail list: After talking with Luau's former bartenders, he "cracked the code" to the legendary rum-centric drinks like the Bo-Lo, Luau Coconut and Pearl Diver, some of which are served in fresh pineapple or coconut shells. There's a good chance this will be just as much a celeb magnet as the original because Andy Hewitt, owner of tabloid-favorite Il Sole, backs the operation (as do the Maloof brothers, but that's a whole other story.) Private tastings are taking place over the next few nights, and Luau opens to the public for dinner on Friday. (369 North Bedford Dr, 310.274.0090)

He looks like a cool little guy. Nice job Ray!

From what I'm seeing in these photos, this looks like a very classy, updated version of tiki style to me. Not as tropical as some may like, but I don't think the kitch factor would work too well in Beverly Hills. The decor is sparse to some degree, but still looks warm and inviting.

I just made reservations for Friday night. I'm scared about the prices though. Does anybody have a clue on what the entrees are going for?

Just so you average schmoes know the entrees rage from $28-$62 which isn't bad. The person who took my reservation was very nice and claimed they wanted to be somewhat of a family style joint as well. I have no clue what to expect other than some good drinks and a nice evening with the lady.

Hope to see some of you guys there!

looks and sounds good,
but it may have to be one of those once a year places for me.

Jeff(bigtikidude)

When I was a kid (underage) I used to get a bluish drink with dry ice...anyone know what that could be? It was so long ago, perhaps the adults at my table got that and I was served something else, but I remember always loving those dry ice drinks.

All i can say is....... LOO - WOW!!!!!!!

looks great!! very classy and i like that the entree's are on pricey side ....keeps the L.A. riff-raff and beer and shot crowd at bay.....

nice work......now come to chicago and build one you bastards!

if anyone bothered to notice....
Ben is a Class Act!
dare i say TOP SHELF!?
:lol:
and a master translator!
i think your grandpa would be proud
This looks so beautiful

Revival in all the right places
(especially the drinks)

Contemporary where required

very cool!

Congrats y'all!

I cant wait for tonight to see the whole thing finished . Cindy and I are going to the private tasting party and we will try to get some pics . Thanks for the compliment Boris . Thats a real wide angle shot so its kinda hard to see the tiki in that pic . Its a reproduction of the original "Luau" saltshaker . Im not sure who will be attending but I hope that Paris Hilton doesnt yap my ear off all night .

Here's the original....

Let's see yours Ray!

On 2008-10-22 08:40, TIKI-RAY wrote:
I cant wait for tonight to see the whole thing finished . Cindy and I are going to the private tasting party and we will try to get some pics . Thanks for the compliment Boris . Thats a real wide angle shot so its kinda hard to see the tiki in that pic . Its a reproduction of the original "Luau" saltshaker . Im not sure who will be attending but I hope that Paris Hilton doesnt yap my ear off all night .

...unless she's talking about commissioning you to do a tiki for her Mansion. :)

Sorry Ken , I was in a mad rush to get it down there in time while they were still working on the lighting inside . All I have is a bad , dark cell phone pic right now but we will try to get some better ones tonight . While I was carving it , Cindy kept concentrating on me making sure the butt on this little guy was perfect . She kept rubbing it and shaking her head till I got it just right . Since then she has won the Lotto for millions of dollars so she in convinced that all who go to see this tiki should rub his little bottom for good luck too . But dont blame me if you get a splinter from rubbing too hard .....hahaha

On 2008-10-22 09:17, TIKI-RAY wrote:
Sorry Ken , I was in a mad rush to get it down there in time while they were still working on the lighting inside . All I have is a bad , dark cell phone pic right now but we will try to get some better ones tonight . While I was carving it , Cindy kept concentrating on me making sure the butt on this little guy was perfect . She kept rubbing it and shaking her head till I got it just right . Since then she has won the Lotto for millions of dollars so she is convinced that all who go to see this tiki should rub his little bottom for good luck too . But dont blame me if you get a splinter from rubbing too hard .....hahaha

With all that rubbing, will there be complimentary tubes of tiki lube? Don't want the little guy to go up in flames! Besides, it will give his bottom a lustrous shine!

[ Edited by: Tiki Kiniki 2008-10-22 09:38 ]

COMPLIMENTARY ???????????????? No way !!!!!!!!! We are just two blocks from Rodeo Drive . $620.00 for each 1/2 oz. tube .

On 2008-10-22 09:38, TIKI-RAY wrote:
COMPLIMENTARY ???????????????? No way !!!!!!!!! We are just two blocks from Rodeo Drive . $620.00 for each 1/2 oz. tube .

??? $620 for lube?? It had better have other intrinsic qualities like anti-wrinkling agent or something.....after all, your wood ain't getting any younger! D'Oh

Ouch ! You really parted my hair with that one . Actually its a synthetic blend made from range free dolphin and baby seal oils . ( I know Im gonna hear crap about that line ). Just kidding folks !

GET BACK ON TOPIC!
CEASE THESE BUTT-RUBB SHENANIGANS!
take a pic or two tonight!
Also get a good shot of the pufferfish lamps
Thanks!
and Congrats!
did Cindy really win a Million dollars?!?!
tell her she's surrounded by enough carvings
and needs some paintings! :)

Have fun tonight kids!

Well, to stay off- and on-topic (butt-rubbing-wise), Manuel and I are having dinner there on Friday for his birthday.

I've been keeping him away from this thread, so he's in for a surprise... as far as he knows, the new Luau is an Asian-fusion desecration of past tiki glory, as was reported earlier, before things really took shape.

But the photos here look incredible... Bamboo Ben has done an outstanding job... A few weeks ago, I took a peek in the front door and I was blown away by what I saw. I've been dying to get a better look since then... can't wait until Friday!

Oh, also, thanks Trader Tom! I was poking around on the internet looking for info on the opening of the Luau, and found nothing until I checked here and found what I wanted, including a phone number!

So hopefully, this will be another step toward returning Los Angeles' status as a Tiki Mecca!!!

does anybody know what the dress code is?

I was going to wear nice dress shorts and a new Tommy but I think Im wearing slacks just to be on the safe side . We are just leaving for there now . Ill have more info for you tomorrow .

On 2008-10-22 16:07, tobunga wrote:
....as far as he knows, the new Luau is an Asian-fusion desecration of past tiki glory, as was reported earlier....

I'm happy you're all so excited, kids. Me, I am reserved, still. The EXTERIOR looks great, but look at the interior and imagine it without the blowfish, and Ray's cool Tiki, and it still could be Asian fusion. Not to rain on everybody's parade, but I am fairly certain that Ray got the job to carve the lil bugger as an afterthought, after the management had gotten wind that there was anti-anticipation for lack of Tiki-ness out there. To me, it smells like a token Tiki, just like 70s TV shows had their token black person. For a Tiki Bar it does make it not.

But then, who says this WANTS to be a Tiki bar? I don't think they want to be, and that's fine with me. I think from the restaurateur standpoint, this place looks really stylish, it really does. But so do many restaurants in the casinos of Las Vegas.

YES Ben did a great job, as always, and to hire Jeff to design the drinks is commendable. But the original Luau was one of the birthplaces of Tiki style. This one is an example of a modern, streamlined, and yes "tasteful" tropical space. I am simply concerned with the watering down of a definite stylistic language, and that this new place will be confused with being an example of TIKI style...even if it doesn't want to be.

And I am not suggesting it should have been a copy of the original to achieve that, there are many ways to pay homage other than being generic and safe. Case in point, VERY close in social level to our Beverly Hills: The Mahiki in London. It leaves NO doubt and is making no apologies about its stylistic heritage. AND it is hugely successful, with celebrities and royalty lining up. So it COULD work.

Here are some pics from the original Luau, just for comparison of the old and the new :) :

I apologize I had to insult your stylistic sensibilities with such tacky visuals, folks, let's leave it with what Steve Crane had to say about HIS Luau:

[ Edited by: bigbrotiki 2008-10-22 19:24 ]

Waiting anxiously for pictures from all you Luau socialites. Go ahead brighten up our dreary, rainy cold fall, 3350 miles from all things 'Hollywood' Luau! I'm really excited for all you attending and of course those involved in the creation! The tease pics look amazing!
Please rub the Tiki's butt for me... I need all the luck I can get!

Well we had a great time and the place was packed to the gills . The fire marshall kept kicking folks out of the bar and back to the dining room .( I bet he can walk in anytime and get a great table ) I dont drink anymore but everyone said the drinks were tasty and STRONG . The sample platters going around the room were absolutely delicious as well .It was funny to see Cindy and Tom Arnold get into a little conversation and she even was tempted to pinch his butt. He said "Go ahead " but she backed off and giggled . Andy and Doug were gracious hosts and introduced us to several people there . Cheryl Crane personally complimented me on my tiki and even got my business card . I was honored just to meet her . She told me that she loves that tiki is coming back strong . What a classy lady too. It was too hard to take pics because of the crowds though . It reminded me of the Planet Rooth opening night . I know I have a tiki in there but I was so impressed with the New Guinnea masks and carvings all around . Ben did a great job and he should be proud . His work starts at the main entrance , through the bar and restaraunt and winds its way upstairs . It was kinda hard to tour the place leisurely because of the crowd but I really didnt mind when Joe Walsh accidentally bumped into me .Doug told me he was going to send me some high rez. pics of my tiki to post so Ill wait for those .There also is a HUGE picture in the bar of the original saltshaker photographed on canvas and nicely framed too. Yes this place is not totally tiki but I loved it anyways .

Tiki-Ray is a carver in So. Cal. since 1985. All his work is freehanded and very Unique.Signed and finished to last. I have an oldschool tiki style that I get a lot of compliments on . Contact me at tikiray.com and myspace.com/tikiray1....Thanks,Tiki-Ray

[ Edited by: TIKI-RAY 2008-10-23 00:29 ]

Good news! I hope people say the same about Joe Collins (me) as you did Joe Walsh (when is the Joe Walsh Tiki Mug coming out?)

[ Edited by: Coco Joe 2008-10-23 00:40 ]

The restaurant was posted today on DailyCandy.com's Weekend Report for LA. That should get a lot of fashionistas and other Southern Californians out to see the spot.

an unexpected bowl of bananas

[ Edited by: the Oracle 2008-10-23 09:29 ]

Ray, I'm glad to hear they have some PNG art in there, too. And to get a compliment for your Tiki from Steve Crane's daughter (and ex-hostess at The Luau) must have been very rewarding.

Hey Sven

I agree with your observations about the possible watering down of the public concept of what tiki is; however, I think that it also provides an opportunity to prove that there is a market for this concept (they at least have the cocktails and finishing decore touches right). If the BH Luau can succeed then the unimaginative investment people can have some commercial proof that there is a market again for polypop restaurants and bars, and if you're going to go to all of the trouble to compete with them (BH Luau) you will have to do them one better.
I know that this is a pipe-dream, but it is my pipe-dream.

The bad part is now we'll have to be elbowing Tom Arnold out of the way at garage sales and thrift stores to get to the tiki memorabilia.

Best
Mark

Who's Tom Arnold?

Looks like we will have to go down and check this place out.

On 2008-10-23 11:54, Murph wrote:
Who's Tom Arnold?

Looks like we will have to go down and check this place out.

Well, I'm not sure what Tom Arnold has done or who he is, :) but if you go eat at Pink's Hot Dogs
http://www.pinkshollywood.com/pgz/photos.htm
and look at their "walls of fame" you will notice that every other autographed celebrity photo is a picture of Tom Arnold.
I believe that he actually pays for his hot dogs with autographed pictures, and that he eats there several times per week.
Can't blame a guy for liking good food, musta been why he was at the Luau.

I'm sorry sir, we only take American Express, Visa and Master Card, we do not accept 8x10 Glossies

Best
Mark

Bongo Logic:

If high-dollar, high-style-with-a-touch-of-tiki places start opening up in high-dollar locations... This may lead to mid-dollar, mid-style-with-a-bunch-of-tiki "knock-offs" around the country.

Have heart because maybe the new wave of tiki bars is growing. Didn't the original wave occur just after tough economic times? Aren't people eager for some escape from reality?

This BH Luau is a very good sign!

just wanna say hi to all those folks directed to this site by the L.A. Times article on the luau.............."HELLLLLOOOOOO!!!.....

I can seeeeeeeeee yooooooooooouuuuuuu!!!!

On 2008-10-24 03:26, Bongo Bungalow wrote:
Bongo Logic:

If high-dollar, high-style-with-a-touch-of-tiki places start opening up in high-dollar locations... This may lead to mid-dollar, mid-style-with-a-bunch-of-tiki "knock-offs" around the country.

Have heart because maybe the new wave of tiki bars is growing. Didn't the original wave occur just after tough economic times? Aren't people eager for some escape from reality?

This BH Luau is a very good sign!

Thats a very good point, take for example car manufacturers whenever a successful car is produced there is always a competing company that mimics that model, sometimes for the better sometimes for the worse. If you have a successful tiki bar that is on the somewhat high end side there will no doubtedly be a shift towards making that more obtainable for the average Kanaka. Supply and demand will be a driving force among these times more then ever, to create and submerge yourself into a world of temporary bliss and stiff drinks. This might be the Cadillac of tiki bars but a Volkswagen can still get me to that same desired destination. Cheers to the future!

Aloha Nui Loa

[ Edited by: Mongoloid 2008-10-24 08:17 ]

Here we go, now THIS is being talked about and already accepted as an example of the NEW form of Tiki style:

...even as the owner disavows the title "Tiki", but calls it "Polynesian panache". Polynesian in name, "The Luau", but where else? It is these mixed messages that the place is sending out that make me classify it as a MISSED OPPORTUNITY.

After years of reading articles about the new Tiki wave just being around the corner, I am kind of pragmatic about articles such as this. So pragmatic (and ambivalent about the Luau) in fact, that I wasn't mentioned in the article, probably because in my phone interview with the writer I expressed doubts that did not fit in with his agenda of high end Tiki (I am surprised he didn't mention the Mahiki as a prime example of that theory--while I believe it actually might have been one of the main impulses for the Luau's Beverly Hills set).

This is not to say that this is not a well-written and balanced article, I think the writer does an admirable job at describing the place accurately and objectively, noting its lack of actual Tikis, and giving the Tiki traditionalists and Tiki Central their voice without being condescending, kudos for that.

And after all, as they saying goes, there is no such thing as bad press (meaning anything that is printed about a subject is good as it creates more public awareness).

Here's some funny photos of celebs at this joint

http://www.celebritymound.com/?p=13836

Did Joe Walsh know it was the 2008 Luau or did he think it was the 1978 Luau?

“It's hard to leave when you can't find the door” :music:

I have just returned from this joint. I was pleased that as soon as we sat down they offered us a free drink on their opening night woohoo!! Food was amazing! The drink menu only has a hand full of tiki drinks and the waitress said they'll have the rest next week or so. We had a pearl diver, luau coconut, mai tai, and the drink served in a pineapple (sorry but forgot the name). All very good and strong. Oh and Martin Denny was playing loud the whole time.

One think that I didn't care for was the hindu hand sculpture all over which is the logo.

[ Edited by: Coco Joe 2008-10-24 22:15 ]

Prices ?

Prices aren't bad at all. Drinks are $12-$18. Food kinda varies...I had a delicious Halibut wrapped in banana leaf with coconut rice for $24 (servings are pretty big and they encourage people to share). Our bill came out to be $88.

There is a bar area with only a couple old dudes hanging out. My gal works close so I'll be hitting the bar up a lot once the drink menu really gets going.

[ Edited by: Coco Joe 2008-10-24 23:03 ]