February 28, 2007

Tricks of the Trader

Trader Vic’s Reopens

That’s one amazing way-back machine, er, closet you’ve got there.

The way you transport yourself to another bygone era each time you get dressed defies the laws of physics.

Another way to sate your need to bend space and time? Trader Vic’s.

Yep. The late ’60s Dallas icon recently reopened in the Hotel Palomar complex after locking up nearly twenty years ago. The original brass door handles remain, but new Tiki carvings grin at guests entering Hinky Dinks: the lounge-slash-bar named after Trader Vic’s first restaurant.

Start with Bongo Bongo soup (a creamy potage of spinach and oysters), then try the signature egg roll (filled with chicken, smoked ham, and bean sprouts). Most entrees — like the Hawaiian pork — are cooked in the restaurant’s original Chinese ovens.

It’s the perfect spot to take you back in time — without the need for a flux capacitor.

Or, in your case, a whole lot of polyester and fringe.

Trader Vic’s & Hinky Dinks, 5300 East Mockingbird Lane, adjacent to the Hotel Palomar (214-823-0600 or tradervicsdallas.com).