THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Trader Vic's

THIS RESTAURANT IS CLOSED Trader Vic's Restaurant Review:

Formerly located in the Benson Hotel, Trader Vic's closed for a while but returned in full dress at the heart of the Pearl District. Two totems stand guard at the entrance while tribal masks, tiki carvings, woven-grass wall coverings and other indigenous South Seas artifacts decorate the dining room and bar. The bar and the cocktails are what made the Trader Vic's brand famous, and remain, probably, its most appealing feature. On the edible side, appetizers are the best choice. Barbecued spare ribs, crab Rangoon and crispy prawns make up classic pupu offerings. Yellowfin tuna, poke with avocado, and homemade taro chips complement the sweetness of the drinks. Entrées center on the Chinese wood-fired oven featuring fire-roasted pork, lamb, chicken, salmon and beef. For dessert, banana fans can go for the trio: bananas Foster, a frozen chocolate banana pop and a banana fritter. Background sounds are (what would you expect?) a soothing mix of Dean Martin and his famous trio.