Countdown for LA Trader Vic's

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O Ojaitimo Member Joined: Aug 04, 2006 Posts: 1317	O Ojaitimo Posted posted on Sun, Apr 19, 2009 8:55 AM Getting close. The inspectors have delayed the opening according to Trader John. The Chinese oven being one issue they are not used to dealing with. They are still working hard to open ASAP and the people at LA Live were all having fun and packing the place next door last night. I'll post more pictures when Trader Vic's is ready. Here are a couple of the exterior from last night. I'd like to see a Tiki Central night at Trader Vic's like Tiki Ti has. My vote is for Thursday or Sunday night since I am in LA those nights. I think you are all going to be jazzed when you first walk in. I am pretty jaded and I was shocked when I entered. Talk about transporting one self! Great job Trader John.
R RevBambooBen Tiki Socialite Huntikington Beach Joined: Nov 12, 2002 Posts: 7942	R RevBambooBen Posted posted on Sun, Apr 19, 2009 8:07 PM That tile is pretty contempo... Fitting in that area. Anymore pics or exact dates?? :)
B bigtikidude Tiki Socialite Anaheim,Ca. Joined: Aug 10, 2004 Posts: 9222	B bigtikidude Posted posted on Sun, Apr 19, 2009 9:04 PM I'd be up for a Sun nite TC nite at trader vics. as its not as busy as fri. or sat. I'm off monday, and Tiki Ti is not open on sun. so if I am up for a drink on sun in LA area. I have to go to BH TV and I'm kinda over that hassle. please update when the Opening will be, when known. thanks for the updates Tim. Jeff(bigtikidude)
C christiki295 Member LA-2547 mls east Hawaii &5500 Easter Is Joined: Apr 09, 2003 Posts: 3837	C christiki295 Posted posted on Mon, Apr 20, 2009 6:20 PM On 2009-04-19 08:55, Ojaitimo wrote: Getting close. The inspectors have delayed the opening according to Trader John. The Chinese oven being one issue they are not used to dealing with. They are still working hard to open ASAP . . . Nice photos. Is everything ready, or not quite? Just 4 biz days left. The inspectors delayed the opening? Doesn't Phil Anschutz own AEG and therefore LA Live. Doesn't he have enough clout to have the inspectors grant a conditional or temporary permit? He certainly has enough $$$ to pay them to look the other way.
R RevBambooBen Tiki Socialite Huntikington Beach Joined: Nov 12, 2002 Posts: 7942	R RevBambooBen Posted posted on Mon, Apr 20, 2009 6:52 PM On 2009-04-20 18:20, christiki295 wrote: On 2009-04-19 08:55, Ojaitimo wrote: Getting close. The inspectors have delayed the opening according to Trader John. The Chinese oven being one issue they are not used to dealing with. They are still working hard to open ASAP . . . Nice photos. Is everything ready, or not quite? Just 4 biz days left. The inspectors delayed the opening? Doesn't Phil Anschutz own AEG and therefore LA Live. Doesn't he have enough clout to have the inspectors grant a conditional or temporary permit? He certainly has enough $$$ to pay them to look the other way. Even Frankies Tiki Room in Vegas ( 1200 sq ft?) was able to get a temporary permit for their opening in Dec. 08. ( now full fledge). I REALLY dig that entry! Serious!! That bamboo-ish tile rocks! Can't wait to see Danny's Tikis out there with it! For a " Mall" type store front, it's gonna POP!!! ...and blow away the others!
T TIKI-RAY Member Alta Loma, California Joined: May 18, 2003 Posts: 846	T TIKI-RAY Posted posted on Tue, Apr 21, 2009 8:43 AM Ive been a union construction foreman for 20+ years working mostly in LA county . I spent 3 years at a Kaiser hospital job which could have been finished in a year and a half . But these days the paperwork is more important that than the final product . If something happens such as an earthquake or a pipe bursting, look out because they want to go back through the records to see who inspected it and installed it and have their heads on a stick .You can do everything possible to make it as safe as possible but when an earthquake come , Mother Nature always wins . Just to mount an anchor in the concrete ceiling is a major task. First you find an inspector available to watch you drill the hole overhead , then the next day you have to set an appointment to get him to that area again to confirm that it is still a hole and then you can set the anchor and torque it to specs . Then you need to set an apointment 2 days later to get him back there to retorque it where he might finally sign it off .This is just one of thousands of anchors in the building . Now add in plumbing , electrical , sheet metal ducts, a/c piping and all the cosmetics for decor . Then you have temp inspections , punchlists and hopefully you will get a final signoff in the near future . Thats just mechanical, dont forget health inspections going on as well. In a high profile area such as this , you are lucky to be getting this establishment this early . Remember, the bigger the name, the bigger the building, the bigger the problems.
T tikibars Tiki Socialite Aku Hall, Chicago Joined: Apr 11, 2002 Posts: 2034	T tikibars Posted posted on Tue, Apr 21, 2009 8:53 AM On 2009-04-19 08:55, Ojaitimo wrote: I'd like to see a Tiki Central night at Trader Vic's like Tiki Ti has. At the grand opening party for the Chicago Trader Vic's last week, the general manager, Pallava, told me that he is shipping out to L.A. to be the GM at the new Vic's out there. Before Chicago, Pallava was at Atlanta. He's a younger guy who gets Tiki, or at least understands the importance of our crowd in supporting and hyping a Tiki restaurant. He approached me about reviving Tabu Tiki Night in Chicago, and I'd be that he'd be into having a regular event for the TC regulars in L.A. as well. Give him a month or two to catch his breath (he is moving out there today, I think, and he is going to have a lot on his plate getting things up and running), but then talk to him about it. If a TC person wants to step up to organize and plan the event, it just might happen for you.
C christiki295 Member LA-2547 mls east Hawaii &5500 Easter Is Joined: Apr 09, 2003 Posts: 3837	C christiki295 Posted posted on Wed, Apr 22, 2009 12:52 PM The website now has a countdown clock on its site, so this Saturday may happen.
TD Tiki Diablo Member socal Joined: Jun 24, 2002 Posts: 1916	TD Tiki Diablo Posted posted on Thu, Apr 23, 2009 12:13 AM Dropping my tikis off thurs morning.
TS Tom Slick Tiki Socialite The Beaches of South Bay, SoCal Joined: Aug 26, 2005 Posts: 1093	TS Tom Slick Posted posted on Thu, Apr 23, 2009 2:57 AM I had read May 2nd on the site earlier today....? http://www.tradervicsla.com/
C christiki295 Member LA-2547 mls east Hawaii &5500 Easter Is Joined: Apr 09, 2003 Posts: 3837	C christiki295 Posted posted on Thu, Apr 23, 2009 3:59 PM And no more count-down clock, either.
LL Limbo Lizard Tiki Socialite Aboard the 'Leaky Tiki', Dallas Joined: Aug 24, 2006 Posts: 788	LL Limbo Lizard Posted posted on Thu, Apr 23, 2009 4:31 PM Clock's back, now, and looks like it's counting down to midnight, Friday night,May 1.
R robtikiti Tiki Centralite Monterey Park, CA Joined: Nov 10, 2008 Posts: 71	R robtikiti Posted posted on Fri, Apr 24, 2009 9:33 PM A peek inside, but this is just between you and me, okay? http://www.flickr.com/photos/attackcat/3471907175/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/attackcat/3472718418/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/attackcat/3472721508/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/attackcat/3472725348/
CJ Coco Joe Member Los Angeles Joined: Sep 27, 2008 Posts: 724	CJ Coco Joe Posted posted on Fri, Apr 24, 2009 9:37 PM On 2009-04-24 21:33, robtikiti wrote: A peek inside, but this is just between you and me, okay? http://www.flickr.com/photos/attackcat/3471907175/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/attackcat/3472718418/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/attackcat/3472721508/ http://www.flickr.com/photos/attackcat/3472725348/ looks awesome! thank you very much but I suggest keeping things a secret until the opening...not sure about others but I would like to be surprised.
B bigbrotiki Tiki Socialite Tiki Island, above the Silverlake Joined: Mar 25, 2002 Posts: 11621	B bigbrotiki Posted posted on Sat, Apr 25, 2009 10:57 AM I felt very privileged to be invited to a small gathering of friends and family that was celebrating the passing of all the inspections yesterday evening. This was done with a Hawaiian-style blessing of the locale, and live music and drinks. The above photos make it look like the place is finished, but it is not quite. The exterior, and a lot of details have to be installed, still. But John Valencia and his crew did a magician's job at setting everything up so it looked complete, with a running bar and kitchen (AND flaming Chinese oven!) serving cocktails and appetizers. I am very happy to say that this Trader Vic fully succeeds in the idea of creating an oasis, a haven from the world outside. And it does so in classic Polynesian style, while being completely contemporary. It may suffice that I ran around with a smile on my face all evening long. I do not think that these photos reveal too much, and give all a taste of this new port of call in downtown L.A.: a happy John Valencia with the dancers John SR. and John JR. Reverend Neil McHenry brakes the bag of salt The anointing of the place other offerings that were partaken in gladly Me chewing some delectable Trader Vic tidbit, with Chicago ex-pat, now L.A. general manager Pallava These guys smiled inwardly Tiki Diablo's outside guardians awaiting erection
T tikiyaki Tiki Socialite The Exotic Port of REDONDO BEACH, CA Joined: May 18, 2004 Posts: 2725	T tikiyaki Posted posted on Sat, Apr 25, 2009 11:58 AM Wow, looks great in there !
TSW The Sperm Whale Tiki Socialite Lakewood California Joined: Aug 23, 2004 Posts: 1553	TSW The Sperm Whale Posted posted on Sat, Apr 25, 2009 12:06 PM I can't wait!!
CJ Coco Joe Member Los Angeles Joined: Sep 27, 2008 Posts: 724	CJ Coco Joe Posted posted on Sat, Apr 25, 2009 2:23 PM OH BOY!!
BB Bongo Bungalow Member Indiana Joined: Aug 20, 2007 Posts: 1295	BB Bongo Bungalow Posted posted on Sat, Apr 25, 2009 5:47 PM Pallava has left Chicago already!!!? Well... they must send him around to open new locations. He is one terrific host!
T TraderJohn Member Los Feliz Joined: Mar 20, 2008 Posts: 88	T TraderJohn Posted posted on Sun, Apr 26, 2009 12:29 AM Trader Vic’s Los Angeles @ LA LIVE 800 W Olympic Blvd. A120 Los Angeles, CA 90015 Official Opening Date is Saturday May 2nd, 2009 Hours of Operations Sunday to Thursday 4:00PM to 12:00 Friday and Saturday 4:00PM to 2AM Live Entertainment on Friday and Saturday starting at 7:00PM please go to http://www.opentable.com to make your reservations. Look forward to seeing you all, Mahalo
H Hakalugi Special Tiki Central Agent Redondo Beach, CA Joined: Aug 10, 2004 Posts: 3465	H Hakalugi Posted posted on Sun, Apr 26, 2009 1:23 AM opentable.com doesn't seem to be working too well for TV, yet. Can you give us a direct phone number to make reservations? Looking forward.
K KreepyTiki Member Joined: Mar 18, 2007 Posts: 217	K KreepyTiki Posted posted on Sun, Apr 26, 2009 7:33 AM Opentable.com says that the earliest date they're accepting reservations for is Sunday, May 3rd. Is that because Saturday is now sold out, or is the sytem just not working properly??? If the latter, then I second the request for a direct # we can call to make reservations by phone. And the place looks gorgeous, by the way! Can't wait to go! Cheers & Mahalo :drink: :tiki:
T TraderJohn Member Los Feliz Joined: Mar 20, 2008 Posts: 88	T TraderJohn Posted posted on Sun, Apr 26, 2009 9:57 AM Sat May 2nd is Fully booked,if we get any cancellations I will re post. Mahalo
CJ Coco Joe Member Los Angeles Joined: Sep 27, 2008 Posts: 724	CJ Coco Joe Posted posted on Sun, Apr 26, 2009 4:11 PM We made reservations for 7pm on sunday. Figured we could go after Ben's nooner.
C christiki295 Member LA-2547 mls east Hawaii &5500 Easter Is Joined: Apr 09, 2003 Posts: 3837	C christiki295 Posted posted on Sun, Apr 26, 2009 8:41 PM On 2009-04-26 00:29, TraderJohn wrote: Trader Vic’s Los Angeles @ LA LIVE Live Entertainment on Friday and Saturday starting at 7:00PM Look forward to seeing you all, Mahalo I like the live entertainment!
M Murph Member SoCal Joined: Jul 11, 2006 Posts: 843	M Murph Posted posted on Sun, Apr 26, 2009 9:16 PM We're in for Sunday. Perfect timing we have a Birthday to celebrate.
O Ojaitimo Member Joined: Aug 04, 2006 Posts: 1317	O Ojaitimo Posted posted on Mon, Apr 27, 2009 5:50 AM Looking good John. Had the LA Trader Vic's Big Kahuna flaming drink which was excellent. Chinese oven looks hot too! Finishing touches are being installed over the next few days to be ready for next weekend. I wanted to wait until the floats and baskets are installed to show more so here are a few for now. Can't wait to see it complete. edited to remove a few pictures that I posted too soon. Sorry John, just excited! ![](https://tikicentral.com/uploads/5344/49f55655.jpg [img]https://tikicentral.com/uploads/5344/49f55593.jpg [img]https://tikicentral.com/uploads/5344/49f554a7.jpg) [ Edited by: Ojaitimo 2009-04-28 00:59 ]
S Son-of-Kelbo Member NOHO, CA Joined: Aug 03, 2004 Posts: 590	S Son-of-Kelbo Posted posted on Mon, Apr 27, 2009 10:13 AM Are those "whoopie-floats"? Better check before you sit... :lol: This looks very promising. We'll be sending out a canoe from the island with a recon party, and on the prowl for Flaming Beef Cho-Chos... Oooo. "Don't let it be forgot, That once there was a Spot, Where Blowfish all wore sunglasses, and Tiki-times were hot..." SOK [ Edited by: Son-of-Kelbo 2009-04-27 10:14 ]
M MolokaiMike Member Hollywood Joined: Feb 27, 2008 Posts: 7	M MolokaiMike Posted posted on Mon, Apr 27, 2009 12:06 PM Does anyone know if the bar is open to the public on Saturday, May 2nd? I know the dining room is already booked, but we were thinking of dropping by for a drink, and to check the place out. If Trader John knows, please let us know. I was planning on bringing friends and wouldn't want their first experience at the new LA Vic's to be turned away at the door. But would love to step through the doors on opening night, if it's possible. BTW - Great to see some of the treasures from the Trader Vic's warehouse make their way to the new location! We saw that Papua New Guinea mask when we were at the warehouse sale last year, and were hoping it would find its way south. Also, it would be great to organize a Tiki Central night there. Bet the turnout would be pretty good!
CJ Coco Joe Member Los Angeles Joined: Sep 27, 2008 Posts: 724	CJ Coco Joe Posted posted on Mon, Apr 27, 2009 1:11 PM Lounge will be open at 4:00PM no reservation needed.
C Crowntiki Member Crowntown, USA Joined: Nov 23, 2004 Posts: 23	C Crowntiki Posted posted on Mon, Apr 27, 2009 1:21 PM Any word on a Happy Hour? I'm guessing $5 drinks and 1/2 priced appetizers like Scottsdale might be too much to hope for, but everywhere in Downtown LA has some sort of HH deals. I'm guessing weekdays only, but any specs would be appreciated as I ready my liver for launch...
N Naneki Member Behind the 8 Ball in Ventikitura County Joined: Dec 06, 2006 Posts: 125	N Naneki Posted posted on Mon, Apr 27, 2009 3:11 PM Woo Hoo! The Wahines can be as wild as we want.
T thejab Grand Member (1 year) Tradewinds Apartments, Alameda, CA Joined: Mar 25, 2002 Posts: 2992	T thejab Posted posted on Mon, Apr 27, 2009 6:34 PM I'm getting excited! I read this today: The décor at Trader Vic's at L.A. LIVE reflects the elements of the traditional tiki bar: beautiful carved wood, tiki masks, tribal décor, lots of plants, and comfortable booths and tables. The glass-enclosed Chinese oven sits centered in the back of the restaurant, so patrons can watch the master chefs at work. Much of the décor was created by a family in Tonga, including the tribal tapa cloth on the walls and the carved wooden doors and wall panel. Some items have come from other Trader Vic's locations, such as the outrigger that hangs from the ceiling in the event room, which came from the Dallas location, and part of the bar, which came from the Chicago location; the other part of the bar came from Osaka, Japan. "Traditional", YES! It looks like Happy Hour is daily from 4:00 to 6:00, plus Tuesday is Tiki Central night!: Live entertainment is featured Friday and Saturday, and drink specials are available from 4-6 pm daily during "Tiki Time." Trader Vic's at L.A. LIVE will also be hosting Mai Tai Mondays with a special invitation to people who work in the restaurant industry; and Tiki Central Tuesdays for the faithful tiki fans who belong to that group, and other special evenings. Full article: http://in.sys-con.com/node/937167
T TraderJohn Member Los Feliz Joined: Mar 20, 2008 Posts: 88	T TraderJohn Posted posted on Mon, Apr 27, 2009 9:18 PM We have a few seats left in the Dinning Room for Sat and the Bar lounge will also be open. check on http://www.opentable.com for reservations. Come out Sat we will make the room for TC ! [ Edited by: TraderJohn 2009-04-27 21:19 ]
CJ Coco Joe Member Los Angeles Joined: Sep 27, 2008 Posts: 724	CJ Coco Joe Posted posted on Mon, Apr 27, 2009 9:22 PM On 2009-04-27 21:18, TraderJohn wrote: We have a few seats left in the Dinning Room for Sat and the Bar lounge will also be open. check on http://www.opentable.com for reservations. Come out Sat we will make the room for TC ! [ Edited by: TraderJohn 2009-04-27 21:19 ] Open table is stating that internet reservations are only available for the 3rd and after but I would love to come Saturday instead. Is there another way to make reservations for Saturday?
T TraderJohn Member Los Feliz Joined: Mar 20, 2008 Posts: 88	T TraderJohn Posted posted on Mon, Apr 27, 2009 10:11 PM We seem to be having issues with Open table, please check tomorrow or call 213 785 3330 after 4:00PM to book your reservations.
CJ Coco Joe Member Los Angeles Joined: Sep 27, 2008 Posts: 724	CJ Coco Joe Posted posted on Mon, Apr 27, 2009 11:47 PM On 2009-04-27 22:11, TraderJohn wrote: We seem to be having issues with Open table, please check tomorrow or call 213 785 3330 after 4:00PM to book your reservations. Will there be a menu posted on the website prior to the grand opening?
M MolokaiMike Member Hollywood Joined: Feb 27, 2008 Posts: 7	M MolokaiMike Posted posted on Wed, Apr 29, 2009 2:56 PM Quote: "Live entertainment is featured Friday and Saturday, and drink specials are available from 4-6 pm daily during "Tiki Time." Does anyone know if there will be live music opening day, Saturday May 2nd? And if so, what time?
S spycygrl Member El Segundo, CA Joined: Aug 08, 2005 Posts: 70	S spycygrl Posted posted on Wed, Apr 29, 2009 5:31 PM I was wondering that, as well. Also, wondering if the "drink specials" will be a-flowin' on opening day? The Boyfriend and I definitely wanna hit the Lounge on Saturday as a little pre-birthday for me (May 6 = 41! ack!). I'll need plenty of mai tais to start the birthday week off right! :) On 2009-04-29 14:56, MolokaiMike wrote: Quote: "Live entertainment is featured Friday and Saturday, and drink specials are available from 4-6 pm daily during "Tiki Time." Does anyone know if there will be live music opening day, Saturday May 2nd? And if so, what time?
CJ Coco Joe Member Los Angeles Joined: Sep 27, 2008 Posts: 724	CJ Coco Joe Posted posted on Wed, Apr 29, 2009 7:29 PM http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/dailydish/2009/04/trader-vics-la-live-downtown.html
T TIKI-RAY Member Alta Loma, California Joined: May 18, 2003 Posts: 846	T TIKI-RAY Posted posted on Thu, Apr 30, 2009 7:23 AM So cool to see Sven and Grog get a mention in that article . But what about the esteemed carver Danny ?
T TikiPug Member Den of Sin / Pug's Pair-A-Dice Joined: May 14, 2003 Posts: 818	T TikiPug Posted posted on Thu, Apr 30, 2009 8:52 AM I just read this whole thread for the first time and I'm, a little confused. When Bamboo Ben was building Frankies here in Vegas he told me his next project was the Trader Vics in L.A. Yet it doesn't seem like he had anything to do with it. :-? :-? :-?
KC Kona Chris Tiki Socialite Chandler, AZ Joined: Jul 16, 2005 Posts: 242	KC Kona Chris Posted posted on Thu, Apr 30, 2009 2:10 PM I'm sure it's been expressed, but can I just chime in and state how happy I am that this place looks as awesome as it does? I was so afraid we were going to get something like TV's Las Vegas. Instead we have a place that more completely expresses the Polynesian aspect than the Beverly Hills TV's ever did. I can't WAIT to get back to LA! Chris
B bigbrotiki Tiki Socialite Tiki Island, above the Silverlake Joined: Mar 25, 2002 Posts: 11621	B bigbrotiki Posted posted on Thu, Apr 30, 2009 3:25 PM We are indeed all filled with confidence that this Trader Vic's will show to the world that a new Polynesian restaurant CAN be classic "Tiki" style and contemporary at the same time.
R robtikiti Tiki Centralite Monterey Park, CA Joined: Nov 10, 2008 Posts: 71	R robtikiti Posted posted on Sat, May 2, 2009 12:38 AM A few more shots from last week's opening ceremony and blessing: http://www.flickr.com/photos/attackcat/sets/72157617585057842/ Enjoy!
B Beachbumz Grand Member (1 year) Kihei, Maui Joined: Jan 09, 2008 Posts: 1124	B Beachbumz Posted posted on Sat, May 2, 2009 2:02 AM Okay, definitely going to Vic's next time I fly into LA.. That place rocks, I really need to get me a set of those plates too... Thanks for posting the link to the pictures.. Love to see more..
O Ojaitimo Member Joined: Aug 04, 2006 Posts: 1317	O Ojaitimo Posted posted on Sat, May 2, 2009 11:59 AM LA Trader Vic's May 1,2009 Eve of opening day
IK Iokona Ki'i Member SoCal Joined: Nov 14, 2008 Posts: 816	IK Iokona Ki'i Posted posted on Sat, May 2, 2009 12:23 PM Great Photos! We had an Awesome time last night. Everything was perfect. Beautiful decor! Stunning tikis! Excellent drinks and Delicious food! The sea bass blew us away! The Staff was top notch! Music and dancers very entertaining! Tiki folks always a blast! Congratulations Trader Vic's LA! Look forward to many memorable times in your wonderful new diggs!

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