Wednesday, October 17, 2007

Trader Vic's Las Vegas Marks Opening with Arrival of Tikis

The famed four-mile stretch of the glittering Las Vegas Strip was reminiscent of Easter Island today, as dozens of tiki statues mysteriously appeared to mark the opening of the Trader Vic’s restaurant at the Miracle Mile Shops at the Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Check out the video here!

Origins unknown, the tikis are definitely friendly. Tourists are invited to take pictures with the tikis and rub them for good luck. Casino gamblers infused with tiki-power can expect much good fortune, and Trader Vic’s apologizes in advance to casino operators who can expect payouts of record jackpots today. Tiki sightings have been reported by the “Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas” sign, by the replica Eiffel Tower and many of the tikis appear intent on watching the Bellagio fountain show. Magic tikis were also spotted on-stage with famed illusionist, Hans Klok.

Each of the tiki statues are hand-carved and stand 6-feet tall by 3-feet wide. Don’t be rude and ask how much they weigh, because those Trader Vic’s BBQ Kobe short ribs with nashi pear salad and soy sake glazed Hawaiian ono with green papaya salad are hard to refuse! Suffice it to say, they’re healthy, robust tikis.

*In the mythology of some Polynesian peoples, Tiki was the first man on earth. There are several versions of the Tiki’s story, but according to the Maori, the god Tumatauenga created him. One day, Tiki saw a woman, Marikriko, swimming in a lake and was overcome by her beauty. Marikoriko seduced Tiki and the two eventually married. The traditional Tiki is today regarded as a symbol of good luck and fertility. Trader Vic’s is regarded as a symbol of good food, good fun and a laid-back tropical atmosphere.

* In deference to Polynesian cultures, the tikis created for this event are only representative of authentic tikis and do not accurately depict any actual cultural symbols. We saw that Brady Bunch episode and we’re not about to mess around with the mojo of the Tiki. D’uh.

With an upscale restaurant, second-level ultralounge and outdoor party patio overlooking the famed-Las Vegas Strip, Trader Vic’s Las Vegas is a 15,000 sq. ft. dining and entertainment venue that will appeal to all Inspired by Trader Vic’s famed tropical island motif, Trader Vic’s Las Vegas features contemporary design with backlit inlaid bamboo walls, zebra wood fixtures and a sweeping shingled roof. Forty-foot tall wooden tikis preside over the dining room, and the amplified sounds of progressive house and electronic lounge music emanate from two separate DJ booths.

Diners can enjoy a wide variety of Asian/Polynesian inspired dishes such as Hawaiian poke with ahi and hamachi served with taro chips, traditional bongo bongo soup, BBQ Kobe short ribs with nashi pear salad and soy sake glazed Hawaiian ono with green papaya salad. Let the libations flow with Trader Vic’s famous (and infamous) cocktail menu of more than 40 specialty drinks, including the original Mai Tai, and other signature cocktails such as the Scorpion and Navy Grog.

Hours of operation:
Restaurant: 11am - Midnight (7 days a week)
Patio: 11am - 4am (7 days a week)
Ultra lounge: Thursday – Monday 9pm - 3am (Closed Tuesday & Wednesday)
Retail Boutique: 10am – Midnight (7 days a week)

• Dress code for ultralounge and restaurant (no dress code for patio)
• Entrees from $9 to $35
• DJ entertainment
• Non-smoking restaurant
• Smoking permitted in ultralounge and patio
• Wheelchair accessible
• Vegetarian friendly
• All major credit cards accepted
• Reservations recommended
• Phone #702.405.4700 or www.opentable.com

www.VicIsComing.com or www.TraderVicsLV.com

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