Trader Vic's Tiki Party!: Cocktails and Food to Share with Friends [A Cookbook]

Since it's rather impossible to go to a Trader Vic's and not be hooked on the Tiki lifestyle, I was sort of expecting that this book would be cheesy and have a few recipes and the like to keep fans happy. Boy was I wrong: Pretty much the entire Trader Vic's drink and appetizer menu is spelled out in here, and it'll keep you in the kitchen experimenting with the menu (and the cocktails, of course.) The menu is simple enough that even inept people in the kitchen like me thinks that they can handle the menu. The drink menu is simple enough, and it's something you'll want to immediately want to tackle with the Trader Vics Mai Tai Mix, 33.8-Ounce Plastic Bottle (Pack of 2). You really can't go wrong with this book, although the amazing accessories and glassware that goes with the drinks are pricy. Still, if you want to host a tropical party in winter weather, start with this book.

This cocktail/appetizer book brings back fond memories of Trader Vic's in downtown Chicago. The recipes are straight off the Trader Vic's menu. This island cocktail cookbook makes a great gift for the entertaining couple who have everything. It might also interest readers to know that Trader Vic's is set to re-open once again in Chicago. The legend is born again!

It's clear and wonderful. I had a hard time choosing what I wanted for the party. Great for big parties!

By Bill Marsano. Trader Vic's Tiki Party!: Cocktails & Food to Share with Friends," by Stephen Siegelman, is perfect for retro theme parties. Trader Vic, with his famous rival Don the Beachcomber, ushered in the Tiki Bar Era of American partying, which centered mainly on the 1950s and 1960s (which of these two men actually invented the Mai Tai, signature drink of the epoch, remains in dispute--both claim it.) Those were days of restaurants blanketed with faux-Polynesian decor, when pupu platters were the rage and drinks came in bowls serving four or more and were decorated with paper umbrellas, which folks later learned to call parasols. Relive that glorious and joyously ridiculous time with this collection of tropical cocktails and food recipes for everything from finger food to entrees. The recipes are interesting, mostly pretty easy to make, and generally fun to eat or drink. The photos are very nice but the main appeal is that the recipes are clearly presented and easy to follow.--Bill Marsano is an award-winning writer on wines and spirits.

The book contains "recipes for 100 of the restaurant's best loved tropical cocktails like the Samoan Fog Cutter, Potted Parrot, and of course, The Original Mai Tai, invented by Trader Vic himself in 1944." (summary from Buch Gourmet) This has some terrific ideas for outdoor parties. Think of having a luau and how much fun it would be. Besides drink recipes, the book has nibbles. How does Crab Rangoon, Cha Siu Pork or Crispy Prawns sound? With this book, you are ready for Polynesian-style entertaining.