Trader Vic's Las Vegas

MY TIKI HAS SPRUNG A LEEKY!!! by Chef-N-Critic What a let down! Those of us familiar with the Trader Vic's chain or even the great historical tiki eateries like Mai Kai in Ft. Lauderdale, know what true tiki style is...and this is NOT it...or even close. Now I know Vegas is the place where we create more of a hip atmosphere, so I expected a change. I know not everything should be covered with bamboo today. But asside from a few large statues, the bland walls and boring touches remind me more of Trader Joe's not Trader Vic's. It's own website says it's "steeped in island style". The only thing Trader Vic's Las Vegas is steeped in is small portions and pricey drinks. I am not even talkin' tropical specialties. Quick review: Diet soda 5 bucks...bottled water 10 bucks. Kalua Pork Sliders--3 small sliders and a few onion rings---booooring at any price....but more than the water. Coconut Chicken(fried)--served with dipping sauce---no imagination---sa ... more

MY TIKI HAS SPRUNG A LEEKY!!! by Chef-N-Critic What a let down! Those of us familiar with the Trader Vic's chain or even the great historical tiki eateries like Mai Kai in Ft. Lauderdale, know what true tiki style is...and this is NOT it...or even close. Now I know Vegas is the place where we create more of a hip atmosphere, so I expected a change. I know not everything should be covered with bamboo today. But asside from a few large statues, the bland walls and boring touches remind me more of Trader Joe's not Trader Vic's. It's own website says it's "steeped in island style". The only thing Trader Vic's Las Vegas is steeped in is small portions and pricey drinks. I am not even talkin' tropical specialties. Quick review: Diet soda 5 bucks...bottled water 10 bucks. Kalua Pork Sliders--3 small sliders and a few onion rings---booooring at any price....but more than the water. Coconut Chicken(fried)--served with dipping sauce---no imagination---same as everywhere else. They also bring assorted crusty breads to your table with faux-exotic dipping sauces...whoopie?! They should put more into the entrees and less into faking us full. If you just go there for a tropical drink in the trademark ceramic coconut mugs you may survive the experience. But everything else is NOT memorable. ***Insider tip*** A media event is planned for Friday, Nov. 9th, 2007...food and drink will be free to reviewers. Expect reviews that follow mine to be excessively positive. I pay my own tab for an unbiased account. less