Site of Trader Vic’s in Destin, Florida,
from vrbo.com
Some out-of-nowhere news: Trader Vic’s is opening next month in Destin, Florida, in the state’s panhandle. It’s part of the new Palms of Destin resort — the Palms website makes only vague references to a “themed” restaurant, but doesn’t mention Trader Vic’s anywhere. However, Craigslist ads are looking for a Sous Chef to work under Executive Chef Juan Palerm, and the Trader Vic’s website now has a page for the Destin location (with no information beyond “March 2007″). Someone who owns one of the condos has their unit up for rental, advertised here, with mentions of Trader Vic’s (and “Traitor Vic’s”), including this photograph of the purported location. I’m not sure the location could look less tiki unless it was a parking garage, but we can hope that this picture is pre-tikification.
It’s seems strange to me that the word has come out about this location so late in the game; I can’t help but wonder if this is a quickie marriage. The new San Francisco, Bellevue and Scottsdale locations have been criticized for their relatively spare decoration; I’m getting tired of saying resignedly, “well, at least you can get a decent Mai Tai.” Please, please, please let this location be a good one.
Thanks to GatorRob for the tip-off!
- Trader Vic’s to open in Florida! [Tiki Central]
- Palms of Destin
- Sous Chef [Craigslist.org]
- Destin, Florida [Trader Vic's]
- 10%Off - Palm Tree Heaven - Spectacular Pool, Bay & Gulf View [Vacation Rentals by Owner]
- Trader Vic’s, Destin [Critiki]
February 2nd, 2007 at 5:52 am
Vic’s really seems to have a problem figuring out what constitutes the core of their appeal, don’t they? I wouldn’t go there just for the food and drink, because it’s far too expensive. It’s all about ambience.
Well, like you said, at least the Palo Alto Vic’s knows they’ve got a problem and seem willing to fix it. Let’s hope the other new locations do the same.
July 9th, 2007 at 11:43 am
What attracted me to Trader Vic’s is the worldwide atmosphere, dedication to scratch cooking and great original drinks. The ambience is tropical, fun and entertaining, while maintaining the fine dining appeal. That is why we are more expensive than, let’s say TGIFriday’s. We are a fine dining restaurant and bar. I din’t know what the problems are for the other locations, but I believe we have found solutions to many problems of any restaurant trying to make it out there and I am always willing to listen to suggestions and pass it on to , not only corporate TV, but our ownership as well. Please let us know what we can do better. Sincerely
Chef Juan
August 25th, 2008 at 8:54 pm
Hi,
It does have a Plain-Jane exterior sadly. I stayed in the condo back in February. I will give a brief description of the local. The entry is a drab columned concert sidewalk. Then a set of glass doors flanked by two rather nice blackened wooden tikki. The style was of undetermined poly-somewhere origin. A spares side hall leads to the traditional trader vic open dinning area with large dug out canoe on the ceiling and numerous booths and tables and chairs. The bar was a “c” shape with a traditional long plank off to the side. A small band was playing Jazz and Marvin Gay music. A rather lame covered patio was outside. Even though it seemed vacant of the thundering beats of native drums and the flaming spears I had a good time. The exotic drinks and my exotic date kept my interest. Sadly one of the few hospitable oasis of traditional folk kitsch left in the area of Florida. Alas the exotic flowers of Florida are being crushed some even before they can be planted.
Fare well Faraway Friends
Ulan-Darkhan