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| - The BF and I are really into Tiki; we even host a Tacky Tiki Gay Pride Brunch. It should come as no surprise that Trader Vic's is right up our alley. Dining at this establishment even affords us the opportunity to rock some Hawaiian shirts from our collection.
The atmosphere at Trader Vic's is impeccable. It's a swanky combo of island and Mid-century Modern design that fits in perfectly with the Hotel Valley Ho vibe. This place is Tiki with a hefty dash of class.
The Tiki drinks are excellent and the bartenders pride themselves on mixing with scientific precision. There's a wide variety of drinks with something for everyone. Note that the glassware is specific to each drink at Trader Vic's. Try the Mai Tai as Trader Vic's claims to have the "real" version. Whether or not it's the original, it's very good. If you're accustomed to a sickly sweet Mai Tai, then this one will be a revelation. None of the Tiki drinks at Trader Vic's fall into the sickly sweet category, thankfully. I like the Bahia, which is a shaken (not blended) version of a Pina Colada. The BF really likes the Gun Club Punch that comes served in a ceramic tumbler designed to look like an oversized shotgun shell. It's a blend of silver and dark rum with pineapple and lime juices along with grenadine and curacao. Sometimes the BF will also order the Fog Cutter with silver rum, brandy and gin. The Trader Vic Sling is also very tasty. It's a combination of gin, sloe gin, cherry liqueur, lime juice, creme de cassis and grenadine. Be careful of enjoying too many libations as it's easy to become a Tiki Drink Drunk at Trader Vic's.
For appetizers (or pupus in Tiki speak), the sampler platter that includes Barbeque Spare Ribs, Crab Rangoon, Crispy Prawns and Cha Siu Pork (from the Chinese Wood Fired Oven that can be seen in its own glassed-in room near the kitchen) is great for sharing. The last few times we've been they've had a Firecracker Shrimp special that makes a great pupu to split. The shrimp are stir-fried with fresh pineapple, bell pepper and lots of spice. The whole thing is served in half a pineapple.
For entrees, the Apple Wood Bacon Wrapped Jumbo Sea Scallops can be sublime, but the last time I had them they were a bit over-cooked. The slaw that comes on the side with the scallops is delicious. The Calcutta Chicken Curry is very tasty. The restaurant makes a big deal out of presenting all the extras (e.g., coconut, raisins etc.) separately for you to mix in for yourself. The dishes they use for this presentation are cool, but it's a bit superfluous. The BF has enjoyed the Maple Leaf Duck Breast. The Fried Rice is also delicious and the Macadamia Nut Crusted Mahi-Mahi is also tasty. The Panko Onion Rings make a nice side dish for sharing.
We normally don't save room for dessert. We tried the dessert sampler once, but there was nothing outstanding on it.
Prepare to give your AMEX a workout at Trader Vic's because it's spendy. However, it's worth it.
Trader Vic's serves impeccable drinks and refined Polynesian food in a delightful setting. Eating at this establishment is like being swept away to the best of Honolulu.
Mahalo, Trader Vic!
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