A peek into Trader Vic's at L.A. Live; set to open May 2 [Updated]

When Trader Vic's in downtown Los Angeles opens to the public May 2, it won’t have the same intimate, clubby feel as the Vic's at the Beverly Hills Hilton once had, but it will have the requisite moai, island-themed decor and the roster of fruity drinks. Big and bright with a wide-open bar that looks onto Olympic Boulevard, this new incarnation of Trader Vic's reflects the chain's storied past but aims to broaden its appeal to lure tourists and convention-goers. In that sense, Trader Vic's has stayed true to its tiki roots even as it celebrates its 75th birthday.

American tiki is to Polynesian culture what a Norman Rockwell painting is to a typical family dinner. Expect cultural authenticity, and you'll be disappointed. That doesn’t mean you shouldn't enjoy the hybrid exoticism of tiki, steeped as it is in mid-century America and romanticized visions of island life. Like French fries or pizza, tiki is a uniquely American invention.

Last Friday, a few dozen FOVs (Friends of Vic's) gathered as "ohana and family" to celebrate and bless the new location. "Tiki Modern" author Sven Kirsten, who consulted on the restaurant's decor, was on hand as the Rev. Neal "The Big Kahuna" McHenry led a ritual to consecrate the venue, sprinkling red salt from Hawaii dissolved into Pacific Ocean water on the doors and entryways.

Openings: Tender Greens & Trader Vic's

After various frustrations and delays courtesy of the health department, Tender Greens' West Hollywood location will open tomorrow. The date was pushed back from the restaurant's previously targeted opening date of Monday. Downtown L.A. is in the eatery's long-range plans, but the owners are waiting for the economy to recover a bit — at least if you believe the Tender Greens Twitter feed, which features daily lunch specials. Tender Greens, 8759 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood. (310) 358-1919.

Also, the opening date for Trader Vic's in the L.A. Live complex has been pushed back to mid-April. They're starting to hire servers, bartenders, wait staff and managers.

— Elina Shatkin

Photo:  Top: Chipotle barbecue chicken salad at Tender Greens. Credit: Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times Trader Vic's Mai Tai. Bottom: Trader Vic's Mai Tai. Credit: Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Time.

Recession Busters: Cost of Luau's Recession Punch dips along with Dow

With the Dow Jones industrial average's recent drop below 7,000, most of us are hoping that this recession has hit bottom, but at Luau you're in luck if the economy keeps getting worse. The Beverly Hills tiki restaurant and lounge reprices the cost of its Recession Punch on a daily basis to reflect the change in the Dow.

The base price of $14 that's based on a Dow of just under 13,000 means yesterday's guests imbibed this mix of rum and citrus juices for under $7.50. (That isn't cheap, but remember that your average tiki drink packs two and sometimes three times as much booze as a standard cocktail.) Luau's bar is open Tuesday-Sunday, 6-11 p.m.

Luau also recently introduced its Sunday Chinese dinner, a prix-fixe meal  for $24.95 per person that includes a choice of two pupus and the soup of the day; an entrée like kung pao chicken, beef with broccoli or crispy catfish; a side of mixed vegetables; and your choice of steamed or fried rice. Luau: 369 N. Bedford Drive, Beverly Hills; (310) 274-0090.

Click here for more recession-busting dining deals.

-- Elina Shatkin

Photo: The Blue Loree cocktail at Luau in Beverly Hills. (Credit: Ken Hively / Los Angeles Times)

Restaurant Spotting: Trader Vic's has a sign — and a tentative opening date

Whether it opens as an ersatz, corporate version of its former self or a bar that keeps the true flame of tiki alive, Trader Vic's in the L.A. Live complex now has signage that looks out onto Olympic Boulevard. The opening date has already been pushed back a couple of times, but the owners are hoping to launch sometime in April. At the very least, it should open sometime in 2009, which is the chain's 75th anniversary. Stay tuned.

Also on the downtown watch list: Charcoal Grill will be coming to 108 W. 2nd St., just around the alley from the Edison. Workmen finished putting up the sign today just before noon.

— Elina Shatkin

Photos by Elina Shatkin / Los Angeles Times