Restaurant Review: Trader Vic’s

When I got a mail from Prachi, inviting me for an Blogger’s Round Table at Trader Vic’s an Legendary Style Food and Service Restaurant at Phoenix Market City Mall on Saturday, I thought it will be an good idea to accept the invitation as the only reason was the food is HALAL (confirmed by asking the chief chef at Trader Vic’s).  I have never been to that part of Bangalore anytime….and I have heard a lot about the Phoenix Mall from my friends. So I thought it will be great going out… Ever since the Phoenix Market City Mall has come up…it has turned to be an hottest destination for the Bangaloreans…who love to spend some time in leisure away from city’s hustle-bustle. Spread across 1.4 million sq.ft., this lavish mall gives you an world class shopping, dining and entertainment attractions.

I am always very curious to know about the history behind food and food places. I strongly believe there is always something remarkable behind every food. When asked to the Chief Chef, about the place…he told us…the whole theme behind the Trader Vic’s…is something like a person by name Victor J. “Trader Vic” who wants to inject the spirit of islands into everyday lives…gave birth to Trader Vic’s. Mixing, jumbling and experimenting with flavours this person has found a new way to coddle your senses….

It was mentioned in the mail….the restaurant is an Polynesian themed restaurant and one of it’s first in Bangalore. A Family restaurant united by four cornerstones: Decor, Food, Drinks, and Service. Combined, these define the Trader Vic’s Brand and create the Trader Vic’s experience.

As I mentioned earlier, it’s an Polynesian themed restaurant and the décor signifies it in all the possible way….good number of Tiki’s with different colours, shapes and sizes are kept in such a way to add glamour to the restaurant. Small roof lights enhance the wooden décor of the restaurant along with Tiki’s on wall give an impressive and warm look to the place. Huge amount of natural light coming form the side window gives a new glow to the place….I think the place might look more beautiful under the star light night sky….

Coming to the food…I found the menu at Trader Vic’s quite interesting…it’s for the first time I have seen Chinese Oven. It’s huge and Chef has graciously explained about the cooking process in that oven. You can see it in the picture’s below…

We have ordered Peachtree Punch No and Honolulu Bay for drinks which are mocktails…. I just loved their mocktails. The combination of flavours was very delicate and nicely chosen….The presentation of the mocktails was so appealing…I can drink trough my eyes…

Next to hit the table was an assorted platter of Island Tidbits, Pyramids and Kung Pao Chicken. Island Tidbits is an assorted platter of Crispy prawns, Crab Rangoon, Chicken Wings and Jalapeno Cheese Balls. These were served with signature Canton Catsup and Mandarin Mustard. Jalapeno Cheese Balls took my heart away…they are crunchy from outside and very soft and cheesy inside….just melt in mouth….

Pyramids are very delicate and delectable…made with fried Wonton and stuffed with Asian vegetable filling…love these too…Kung Pao Chicken was an Chinese Classic and Trader Vic’s style chicken recipe which was saucy and juicy and served with Jasmine Rice. I felt the recipe is quite mild and lacks that hint of spiciness what we Indian normally search for…Digging into main course…it was an elaborate spread with Vegetable fried rice, All in Vic’s fried rice, Green Curry Prawns and 9 Spice Half Chicken.

When we were waiting for the main course to arrive, the chief chef at Trader Vic’s paid his visit to our table enquiring about food….and giving us the details about the restaurant, food and place. When asked by me about his personal favourite in the menu, he said all are close to his heart but if he has to choose one then it would be 9 Spice Half Chicken.

As we have already ordered it…we waited for the platter to arrive to indulge and see what made the recipe so special….slowly cooked chicken is served with Asian Slaw, sweet onion dressing and roasted potatoes….one of it’s kind recipe…flavours are clear…taste was good…

Vegetable friend rice had babycorn, green beans and broccoli….the flavour was mild and even my toddler loved to had some spoons….and All in Vic’s fried rice came with prawns, fish, chicken and poached egg on top….along with Soy sauce and Chilli oil as entremets …..

Thai Green Curry Prawn has got Thai green chilli, coriander and coconut…the medley of flavours were good….but I felt the recipe is slightly sweeter….As everything especially related to food has to end on sweet note….we have ordered Chocolate Nut Tiki, Rum Top and Passion Cheesecake. I tasted Chocolate Nut Tiki, which was simply wow….out of the world…Chocolate Nut Tiki is something between cake and brownie….it’s gooey and loaded with good amount of chopped walnuts….served with generous scoop of Vanilla Ice cream. It was a heavenly dessert to me….There was a complimentary Tiki Bowl drink from the restaurant…which you can see in the pics…

Service was prompt and the food was served neatly. Warm greetings from attentive and knowledgeable staff made an excellence service team. Chosen ingredients, mostly imported from US…..fine quality food products and good hygiene is maintained…these key features kept them running in the business.

FINAL VERDICT:

If you want to steal sometime with your loved ones or on planning an business meet or just planning to hang out with your buddies on weekends…then this could be the place…a place where you can sit back, relax, absorb the surroundings and feel the island mood…a place where time stops and memories are made….Food was good, ambience was very good, servings were very good, décor is something different and unique which you will love at sight….the décor takes you on joy ride of inland world….fair value for your money…The USB of the restaurant is the good ambiance…. An average for two may come around RS.2, 500 /- drinks & taxes extra. So now you know where to hit this weekend with your gang…isn’t it…? Do drop by to feel the tiki touch island mood….

RATED:

FOOD: 3½ /5

AMBIANCE:
5/5

DECOR:
5/5

SERVICE:  4/5

VALUE FOR MONEY: 3 1/2 /5

I thank Prachi and Priyanka for sending across the invite for Blogger Round Table. I really had good time reviewing Trader Vic’s.DISCLAIMER: This is not an paid review. Review is done by tasting the food all by myself.