Hot Lava (a.k.a "How Bowers") plays baritone ukulele and sings with America's best tiki music band, 
Chicago Trader Vic’s to close New Years Eve
According to Chicago Sun-Times columnist Bill Zwecker, the Chicago location of venerable Polynesian restauranteur Trader Vic’s will close after the ball drops this New Year’s Eve.
END OF AN ERA: For those who haven’t dined at Trader Vic’s in the Palmer House Hilton recently — you better hurry. The legendary Polynesian-themed eatery is serving its last Singapore Sling and closing its doors forever New Year’s Eve. In its heyday, the restaurant was a favorite Loop watering hole frequented by honeymooning newlyweds and Hollywood stars alike. The Chicago outpost of the worldwide chain of South Seas Island eateries — famed for inventing the mai-tai cocktail — opened in 1957.
Rumors of the closure of the restaurant began flying this summer after tiki-unfriendly management took over the location. No word yet as to what generic steakhouse will take its place.
UPDATE: Word is that the Palmer House location is closing, but the decor will be packed and stored until another Chicago location can be secured. They hope to reopen in 2007.
Link to article | Link to Trader Vic’s Chicago website | Discuss at Tiki Central |Thanks Otto!