Rate-A-Restaurant, #31 in a series
Restaurant: Trader Vic's
Location: Inside the Beverly Hilton -- 9876 Wilshire Blvd.
Type of restaurant: Tropical/ tiki bar
They stipulated: You pretty much have to order a cheesy, sticky sweet tropical drink. (Otherwise, what the hell are you doing at Trader Vic's? Go to Sona or something.)
What we ordered: Ahi tuna with wasabi mashed potatoes for Mike; sea bass for Maria
High point: It was New Year's Eve, and we went there because (a) we didn't have reservations anywhere else; (b) they didn't force a prix fixe dinner on you and (c) we thought it would be fun and kitschy. And it was. Plus, they added some nice touches -- free champagne at midnight, party favors and complementary dessert.
Low point: Still, if you're gonna play the tropical role, then I say -- go all out. The singers and hula dancer was nice, but how bout blasting some Hawaiian music over the speakers? Also, for New Year's, it was a pretty mellow affair (not that we complained -- we were sort of looking for something not too crazy). But it ended too quickly -- the place cleared out by 12:30.
Overall impression: Surprisingly, the food wasn't bad for a place like that. After all, you don't go to Trader Vic's for the food, just like you sure don't head to El Coyote for the Mexican fare. You go for the beverages. And more beverages.
Chance we will go back: Trader Vic's is probably a once a year place -- just like you don't want to overindulge in anything too kitschy. See you in 2005!
For all of our Rate-A-Restaurant reviews, check out our companion blog site, www.ratearestaurant.blogspot.com.
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