The Trader Vic’s 90th Anniversary Celebration kicked off in elegant style with Friday’s Black “Tai” event in Emeryvile. This ticketed event was an all-inclusive experience including unlimited food and Trader Vic’s cocktails from various stations located throughout the venue. Plus DJs in some rooms and the Martini Kings playing in the main dining room. The staff did a great job with the setup and service throughout the night.
The event began with checking outside the restaurant and then a photo stop. We were led into the Cook room that was decorated with 1930s-40s artifacts from the original Hinky Dinks and then as it transformed into Trader Vic’s. We received a mini Mai Tai welcome cocktail and a Vic’s staff member walked us through the displays.
Next, we went to the Mai Tai Lounge which was set up to celebrate the 1950s-60s, with the Scorpion or a Mai Tai being the featured cocktails. The main dining room was set up for the 1970s, and the room next door highlighted Vic’s Middle Eastern locations with a boat full of the potent Tiki Puka Puka cocktails. The Trader’s Office featured spinoff restaurants Senor Pico and Mama Gruber with menus and artifacts, plus tequila tasting.
Finally, the Captain’s Cabin was set up for present day with a display and representatives from KōHana Hawaiian rum, plus a delicious Hawaiian cocktail with that rum and Campari. The tour aspect was more difficult as went through the restaurant and ran into other guests, but overall the displays and vast number of Trader Vic’s artifacts was astounding. A large Guest Book was available for people to sign in and wish Trader Vic’s a happy 90th year.
The night became somewhat of a blur, and in retrospect Mrs. Mai Tai and I should have split some of those drinks. Nonetheless it was great to be able to socialize and speak with so many people. Mrs. Mai Tai dressed up in a tropical duster and I wore a vintage shirt from the Hawaiian Village with my suit. So many people really dressed up, a nod to the old days when people wore suits and dresses at fancy Polynesian restaurants like Trader Vic’s.
One Reply to “Trader Vic’s Black Tai Event”