- Trader Vic's Los Angeles
- Menu
- Tidbits and Pupus
- Crispy Prawns
Crispy Prawns
crispy prawnsseasoned butterfly jumbo prawns coated with japanese breadcrumbs
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- Constance C.
- Los Angeles, United States
- 77 friends
- 98 reviews
- 1989 photos
I feel compelled writing this review because my dinner experience was so outstanding, unlike some of the negative experiences posted by other Yelpers.
In the past, I'd come here for some HH drinks and pupus after work, which were always fun and tasty. Thanks to Groupon, last night we had the full-on dinner experience with the amazing deal of 2 drinks-one app-2 entrees-dessert at more than 50% off!
However, Groupon instructed that we must call the restaurant and mention the Groupon deal when making the reservation. Feeling a little rebellious and not keen on the idea of presenting coupons til the end of a meal (you know, thinking I'll get crappier service/food), I made the reservation through Opentable. But then I got a little nervous fearing the restaurant may not seat us since I did not call in, I caved. The outstanding experience started when "Jesus" answered the phone. After confirming the reservation time of 6pm and mentioning the groupon, Jesus politely explained they usually prefer seating groupon holders after 7pm. Perhaps they want to hold the earlier reservations for non-coupon holding customers. But, he assured me he doesn't foresee any problems honoring the 6pm reservation.
Upon arriving at the restaurant and after the friendly hostess led us to our table, our server greeted us and introduced himself as "Jesus"!!! I immediately recognized his voice and reminded him I had spoken to him earlier in the day.
Jesus was extremely professional, curteous, and so helpful. He helped us on selecting our drinks and food with some excellent recommendations. Jesus definitely exemplified a vast knowledge in the food service industry and patiently explained the cooking process of the dishes.
The bread/cracker are served with this super duper amazing house-made peanut butter spread. It consisted of peanut butter, coconut juice, and a tiny bit of tobasco.
Drinks: the original 1944 Trader Vic's Mai Tai - It's by far my favorite drink at Trader Vic's
Appetizer: Cosmo Tidbits comes w/ spareribs, crab rangoon, crispy prawns, char siu.
Love the crab rangoon and ribs. Rib meat was super falling-off-the-bone tender and flavorful.
Entrees: Wasabi Crusted Filet Mignon & Rib Eye. The steaks are cooked in the Wood Fired Oven, and such cooking process truly enhances the flavor and texture of the steaks. We were absolutely impressed with the steaks. To my surprise it tasted much better than some steaks I've eaten at official "steakhouse" restaurants! It's a must try item. Jesus also recommended the sea bass, a dish I'll try on my next visit!!
Dessert: a sampler dessert for groupon holder - cheesecake, mocha creme brulee, gelato (I think it was salted caramel), and brownie. All very yummy.
Throughout the meal, the entire staff was extremely attentive; always making sure our water glasses were filled, brought more bread and peanut butter spread, checking to see if we needed anything, and swiftly removed all dirty plates. Towards the end of the meal, the evening manager Noreen, stopped by introduced herself and made sure we were satisfied with our overall experience/meal.
There is a reason why this iconic restaurants is still in business since 1934. Read the history on their web page. tradervicsla.com/about-us
The quality and service are undeniable.
I feel bad for those who had a negative experience at Trader Vic's, please don't write them off, give another chance. If something is not to your liking, always voice it to management. This is how businesses improve - based on customers' feedback. -
- Rebecca S.
- Albuquerque, United States
- 69 friends
- 170 reviews
- 125 photos
I found myself downtown for a screening so I wanted to stop somewhere for appetizers and a drink or two before the screening. All of the places nearby were completely packed as the Lakers had a game that evening. I decided to give Trader Vic's a try as there weren't very many people. I had heard that the food wasn't very good but that the drinks are great.
I ordered the Cosmo Tidbits appetizer plate and a Mai Tai. The spareribs had barely even a bite of meat on them. The char siu pork was just ok. I have had better. The crispy prawns are fried breaded prawns. The shrimp was rubbery and tasted like it had just been reheated rather than freshly made. My crab rangoon was the worst. No crab to find in any of my bites. Not fresh at all and had a feeling that it was frozen and reheated. I didn't see the fry bubbles on the wonton skin and it was lukewarm. Very, very sad.
I'm giving this place 3 stars though because the Mai Tai was great! The service was great! I just wish they had the food to go along with the great drinks! -
- Maria B.
- Chino Hills, United States
- 28 friends
- 448 reviews
- 74 photos
Went here last night for the first time and was pleasantly surprised. I would probably say this restaurant is between 3-4 stars, really. I can see why others give it 4, but I'm more likely to return to some of my other 4-star restaurants before this one, so I give it 3-1/2. You may totally find it to be a 4. Also, you have to be in the mood for the Tiki atmosphere. I think it's one of the better, more original choices in the LA Live area though.
My husband and I shared the Cosmo Tidbits appetizer, which had crab rangoon, crispy prawns, shortribs and barbecued pork - all of which were good. I had the miso sea bass as my entree, which I HIGHLY recommend if you like fish. It was extremely smooth and the orange/miso flavoring was fantastic. My husband had the 9-spice half chicken and he said it was okay, but it wasn't cooked the way he thought it would be and he said my sea bass was far better. We shared a strawberry rhubarb tart for dessert and that was pretty tasty, although it was a special dessert for the NBA All-Star Weekend menu and might not always be there.
The drink menu was also really fun to look at. Tons of tropical themed alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, which come out in tiki-type presentations. My drink looked very tall and tropical and my husband's came out in a huge skull mug. Kind of different and fun. The bar area was packed when we left, so it wold be a fun place to stop for drinks before or after catching an LA Live show, if you don't want a full dinner.
All in all, I think the service was great and you are best to order seafood or beef rather than chicken. I would definitely recommend the restaurant and return to it every once in awhile if in the area. Just keep in mind you need to be in the mood for the tropical theme when you go. I think it's definitely worth going to at least once to check it out. -
- Nikki R.
- Dallas, United States
- 34 friends
- 91 reviews
- 2 photos
Trader Vic's has become a favorite watering hole - we love the huge variety of drinks! I went to the original Trader Vic's in Beverly Hills probably about 5 or 6 years ago - not long after I first moved to LA. The new Trader Vic's at LA Live is not quite as kitschy as the original, but it strives to be - in decor that is. I think they've done a nice job and particularly like the bar area. We haven't been for a sit-down dinner yet - so there may be another review to come.
On a recent afternoon visit, we ordered a round of drinks and some snacks. I got the Singapore Symphony, which is a fruity concoction that comes in, basically, a bowl - it's huge! But it is meant for one person - it's not one of those barrel drinks you order that are for 4 or 5 people. I love that they put an edible flower in it as well, although I haven't eaten one yet. Our appetizers arrived and we all dug in. We ordered the Crispy Tidbits sampler platter, which comes with spareribs, crab rangoon, crispy prawns and Char Siu pork. It's meant to serve two people (and there were four of us), so we also got another order of the spareribs. The ribs were delicious - tender and flavorful. I'm not a huge rib person as I don't particularly care of ripping my meat off of a bone (messy!), but I make an exception every one in a while. The Char Siu pork was also tender. The crispy prawns were truly amazing - crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside - and they didn't feel heavy or greasy from the deep-frying. And then of course, the crab rangoon - which was also crispy and delicious. We also ordered the hummus and pita - great seasoning in the hummus and fresh, soft pita slices - I highly recommend it. We got another round of drinks, which included the Trader Vic's Passion Cocktail and the Chi Chi, which is quickly becoming a standard for me there. It is frothy, coconut-ty and oh so good. And they serve it in a coconut shaped cup - so kitschy cute!
I think the prices are reasonable (drinks are about $10-12 dollars and are large), especially for Downtown LA. I'd recommend Trader Vic's for a pre or post game (or movie) stop - great drinks, decent prices and good bar bites.
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