Tag: TraderVics

Was pleased to attend a special event last night at Trader Vic’s which was a fundraising effort for the people of Tonga who were affected by the recent volcanic eruption. Trader Vic’s organized a silent auction to raise money through the Fraternal Order of the Moai, and a series of guest bartenders each of whom did a riff on the Trader Vic’s cocktail the Tonga Punch. The event was held in the Cabin room and included a DJ, some small bites from Trader Vic’s, and some rum tasting from Zaya and Bacardi. There were Tongan dancers performing as well.

It is so great that Trader Vic’s continues to be a central point of gathering for the community, and that fellow tiki bars, bartenders, and artists are able to work together for a good cause. There were a lot of great items at the silent auction, including lots of tiki mugs, gift cards, glassware, and even some tikis and masks.

Mrs. Mai Tai and I arrived early, so I had Trader Vic’s Tonga Punch, a sweet cocktail that’s easy to drink with light rum. Marie’s King’s version used heavier rums from Trader Vic’s and Wray & Nephew, along with pomegranate grenadine. This one was the best of the evening that I tried. But I did also enjoy the Tonga Punch from Jeanie Grant, a version using a variety of exotic rums/rhums and allspice dram. The punch from Trader Vic’s alum Ismael Alejandro was fruity with an agricole base that was also very good. So cool to try all these recipe riffs.

If you have the means, please consider donating.

Trader Vic’s Emeryville is hosting a fundraiser event on Thursday, February 24th from 6:30 – 9:00. The proceeds will be directed to the Fraternal Order of the Moai Foundation and are benefitting Tonga for the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption.

The event includes a special Tongan dance presentation by the consulate of Tonga. There will also be silent auction items donated by large collection of artists and tiki venues (see below). Additional music is from DJ Speakeasy Ray.

Guest bartenders include Marie King or Tonga Hut Los Angeles, Jeff Ponder and Jasmin Fajardo of Pagan Idol, Jeanie Grant of Palmetto, Tony Martinez of The Kon-Tiki, and Trader Vic’s alumni Brent Harris and Ismael Arriaga.

Thanks to Trader Vic’s for organizing this. I’m sure this will be a very special event, so be sure to make a reservation. See you there!

Trader Vic’s Emeryville is bringing back this vintage cocktail as a special fundraiser this month (this version is from the 1972 Trader Vic’s Bartenders Guide). The Tonga Punch is “a refreshing and fruity combination of light rum, curacao and grenadine mixed with orange and lemon juices” and is a very sweet cocktail that is easy to drink. Mine tasted very cherry-forward, so I wonder if maybe they used the Trader Vic’s Maraschino Cherry syrup in place of the grenadine.

For the month of February, Trader Vic’s will donate $10 for each Tonga Punch sold to the Fraternal Order of Moai, benefitting the country of Tonga for the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcanic eruption.