November 20, 2008

Winner: Luau Dinner for two

The cocktail menu at new Beverly Hills restaurant Luau is based on secret recipes researched by mixologist Jeff Berry, who spent more than a decade decoding the ingredients via interviews with original Luau bartenders.
We invited Stylephile readers to tell us about their favorite tiki cocktail for the chance to win a dinner for two at Luau, and the following entry by ivyfine was a clear winner, with extra points given for superlative story-telling.
"For years I'd been dying to trek to Rosemead to visit Bahooka, one of the last remaining tiki places in LA. When my friend Meredith was turning 30, I got my chance. We were intrigued by the section of the drink menu entitled, "Flaming Drinks for Two" and ordered a "Bahooka Bowl." The ancient waiter set down a wooden salad bowl filled with what tasted like Kool-aid and vodka (heavy on the vodka!) punctuated by a pair of flaming croutons. We gleefully dove in with our 2-foot long straws while giggling about the kitschy decor which included hundreds of fish frowning down on us from tanks perched over our table. We finished our bowl before our food arrived so of course we ordered another one. Big mistake! We were both on the verge of acute alcohol poisoning about halfway through it, but still laughing our heads off and loving every second. I vaguely remember a surreal journey across Gilligan's Island trying to find the restroom. I don''t remember much after that. Thankfully, I''d thought to bring along my teetotaling hubby who acted as our chauffeur. Otherwise, I think we''d still be there! The capper is that Meredith was in no condition to drive back to her place so she spent the night on our couch. She felt so bad the next day, she stayed the entire weekend! But we still laugh about our Bahooka Bowl experience and vow to go back (although I''m sure one will be enough next time).
Congratulations, Ivyfine!
LUAU 369 North Bedford Drive Beverly Hills, CA 90210. Tel: 310-274-0900.

November 20, 2008 in FASHION | Permalink

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