San Francisco: Tonga Room update (Faina)

Old Jun 18th, 2005, 10:22 AM
  #1  
Original Poster
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Posts: 19,419
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
San Francisco: Tonga Room update (Faina)

6 of us were there yesterday with reservations for 8 pm, Friday night. Nobody was waiting, nobody dancing yet. I forgot already how nice it is inside, hut roofs, nets, lots of wood carving, colored lights on a string, rather dark, but each table has a candle. Our table for 6 had 2 additional side chairs, which was a nice touch to put purses and coats.

They were in no hurry at all to take our drink, and then food orders. Slow in bringing everything to the table. At 8 pm (I don’t know if earlier) the thunderstorm with lightning and real rain, and the boat with a live orchestra and the singer sails in. The music and singing were loud, we could hardly hear ourselves, but in between a distant recording - so we could talk, too. More then not, everybody enjoyed the decor and music.

I tried the “Blue Hawaiian” cocktail, light blue liquid with some foam on top. “This is not a detergent” I explained to my ever picking children so they won’t lose their appetites. Later I’ve decided there must’ve been a typo in there menu: this drink can’t be Elvis’s favorite nor would he ever endorse a drink with so little alcohol in it. Next time I’ll try something different. Children ordered one of the “cocktails for 2” served in a bowl with 2 really long straws, like 3 times the regular size. It was fun.

The menu, both wine and food, have more expensive items listed first, so keep going Cocktails around $10. Appetizers... probably the same. Entrees... $20? For appetizers children ordered assortment for 2, we, oldies, opted for vegetarian spring rolls with mushrooms, ohhhh, how good they are!! For an entree I had a vegetarian eggplant dish - the best eggplant I’d ever tried in my entire life! The food is delicious! My husband had chili marinated chicken, he loves hot dishes, other orders were steak, salmon, a pasta dish like chow main. The children made their parents proud Seriously, the food was really good.

The service was slow to bring the dishes in, but fast to whisk the plates. I still had a piece of the appetizer in my hand when the server asked if he can take the plate. My husband stopped eating for a minute listening to the conversation, and was asked if they can take his unfinished plate. The older kids left the table for few minutes, the bathrooms were kinda far away, when the entrees were brought in. The server covered their plates with lids and uncovered the moment they’ve come back. They were watching us all the time!! Adding water to the 3/4 full glasses. But somehow it didn’t seem annoying - they’ve asked if everything’s fine only twice.

The dessert was the only thing I didn’t care for. Not saying it’s not good, the kids loved it. It’s called something like “Mount Tonga” and made of long narrow slices of brownies standing up like a mountain with vanilla ice-cream and whipped cream inside, probably resembling lava. It may’ve been meant for 2, kids shared for 4 and I tried too. Not a fan of brownies nor vanilla ice-cream, besides, I was full of that laundry detergent drink

What I didn’t like is that their dessert menu is in the same binder with all other dishes, not a separate menu. So if you want to order something later, you have to either ask or take a guess. The kids spotted that funny looking dessert on another table, and ordered “ can we have the same as they have”.

So, an appetizer, an entree, a shared dessert, 2 cocktails, all came to about $50-60 per person. Oh, yes, and from 8 pm there is a cover charge of $5 per person. They bring fortune cookies with the check. When we were leaving at 10 pm there was a rather long waiting line. We were on the right side when you walk in, so to leave we had to go through the dance floor zig-zagging our way, warning the dancers: “behind you“.

People were dressed... well, how should I put it... all over the board? Probably a wedding group next to us, so formal, tuxedos and gowns. A man in a polo short-sleeve shirt. A large group all dressed like pirates. I mean a costumed group, men in black, women in striped stockings. When they all got up to dance we wondered what will be next. “Walk the plank, walk the plank” from our group didn’t work as we didn’t make much noise But it would be fun to see them walking the plank over the pool, don’t you think?

Now I need recommendations for other fun places like this. And no Rainforest Cafe please
FainaAgain is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 11:09 AM
  #2  
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi Faina, what a fun report. I haven't been to the Tonga Room for ages.

BTW, our HS Senior Dinner was at the Tonga Room. Boy did we think we were sophisticated and hot stuff! My friend and I got invited out on the raft and were seranaded. Big time for HS Senior girls, let me tell you, LOL.

Anyway, I must get back there. It sounds exactly the same. Think it has been about 10 years since I took some houseguests there. May have a friend here in August from Italy - that would be a fun thing to do. Again, really enjoyed your post. Have a lovely weekend.
LoveItaly is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 11:49 AM
  #3  
 
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,287
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I remember school nights at the Tonga Room too--fun place. Have you been to the new Trader Vic's? We used to love the old one on Cosmo Place--going there was always a special occasion. I still crave the Maui Fizz.
Underhill is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 12:04 PM
  #4  
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi Underhill, I haven't been to the new Trader's Vic. Have you? Haven't really read any reports on it. I miss the old Trader's Vic also. Too many places that no longer exsist. What is the name of the restaurant that took over the old Trader's Vic on Cosmo Place? Can't think of the name. Enjoy a cocktail there, out on the upper deck but don't really care for their food. It is French/Vietnamese. Food is alright but nothing I was crazy about, or maybe I just haven't ordered the right items.
LoveItaly is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 12:13 PM
  #5  
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,120
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Our party of nine dined at Trader Vic's last night. After reading Faina's excellent review, I was tempted to author something of equal caliber... but I have a bit of a hangover for another hour or two.

Excellent Food at Trader Vic's! There were some duplicate orders of the Sea Bass and the Salmon, so we were a bit shallow on exploring the depths of their menu. Very tender, smoky, juicy fish served with small potatoes, asparagus, small shitake-type mushrooms.

The spinach oyster soup was exquisite! The little peanut butter spreads for the various table breads they serve were quite well received by everyone.

We decided that we would each order a different cocktail and would share it among us. After doing this, we also decided we need to visit 1 or 2 more times so that we can sample each of the 46 different drinks on their menu.

- - - More later
TripleSecDelay is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 01:17 PM
  #6  
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
TripleSecDelay - thanks for the beginning of a great restaurant review. Had a great time did you, LOL!
But seriously, the food sounds great.

When you are feeling better please tell us more. Thanks for sharing.
LoveItaly is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 01:31 PM
  #7  
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 37,415
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Ah the memories. Last time I was in the Tonga Room was the night before I took off to college in 19-- Never mind. It was only actually a couple of years ago that I was cleaning out stuff and came across a couple of drink glasses I had saved from that night. Good grief!!!!! What's up with the Venetian Room? Used to go there a lot with my parents, and friends. They had a great Baked Alaska..you never see that much on the menu anymore. Ernie Heckscher was orchestra leader in those days. I saw Wayne Newton there when he was still in his teens and didn't put shoe polish on his hair.
crefloors is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 01:47 PM
  #8  
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi Crefloors - yes - the Ventian Room! Is it still open? Haven't been there in ages either. Hey, want to know how old I am. One time when I was in SF on our insurance agency business I took my 19 year old secretary with me. She was a jewel and really never got to SF as her parents were from Europe and stayed home most of the time. They were also very overprotective of her.

Remember the dining room that served the most fantastic Prime Rib & Steaks etc. Downstairs at the Fairmont. Anyway I made reservations for us at the end of the business day and when we arrived we were told that they did not accept "unescourted ladies". Well, let me tell you, they accepted us!

Call me the first of the women libbers, LOL. And when they tried to give us a table by the kitchen door I had another conversation with them and we got a wonderful booth. Great dinner and evening too. My dear secretary was wide eyed. We really had a wonderful time.

And thank goodness, because the next week she was killed in an auto accident on BlueSprings Rd. in Vallejo. I always remember our dinner because she had told me she would never forget it. I sure haven't.

And how times have changed.
LoveItaly is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 02:21 PM
  #9  
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 37,415
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I feel like a "Dino-sauer". I'll bet there are people reading this and their eyes are crossing and it's like "what the heck are they talking about?" I did the Black and White Ball one year also. I was 19 I think. I looked older so never had any problems getting in places..now that I REALLY look older I wish I looked YOUNGER!!!! LOL Dressed to the "nines", dinner at Trader Vicks..speaking of....and dancing the night away. I made my mom's life a living hell trying to find that dress!!! LOL Bless her soul.
crefloors is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 04:44 PM
  #10  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 13,817
Received 4 Likes on 1 Post
We took our kids to the Tonga room on recommendations from the board here. We were staying across the street at the Stanford court. We stopped in for the happy hour buffet and some exotic drinks and shirley temples. The kids ate the mount tonga dessert and we didn't care for it either.
There was no live band while we were there, but the rain storm came through every 15 minutes!! fun place
girlonthego is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 05:07 PM
  #11  
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
girlonthego, thanks to your trip report I am going to take my 14 year old grandson to the Tonga Room the next time I take him to SF.

And Crefloors "dino-sauer" is how I am feeling. LOL. Didn't SF change overnight? From everyone in suits, hat and gloves (and remember the violet coursages that you could buy at the flower street stands) to the Summer of Love to now jeans seem to be the standard dress.

See what you started dear Faina!! But memories are fun to share.
LoveItaly is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 06:03 PM
  #12  
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 37,415
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm heading down to Cotati the second week in July..have to see my darling niece before she heads off to Copenhagen in August..and also help build up her bank account ...she's going to school and is not allowed to get a job...but anyway, I've been enjoying the San Francisco trip reports and I haven't been to the City for awhile, except Pier 39 for Menopause the Musical, so I'm thinking we might take a run over there. Like to hit the Ferry Building and maybe do Dim Sum: my brother knows a good place. I think I'll be down there long enough this trip to do that. I'ts sounding better and better. "San Francisco, open your golden gate" ..."California, here I come, right back where I started from."
crefloors is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 06:12 PM
  #13  
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Crefloors, San Francisco here I come - my Dad use to sing that to me when I was little as we went over the Bay Bridge to SF, waaaay back when when 6 stories was considered a high rise!

One of these days when you come to SF how about getting together?
LoveItaly is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 06:33 PM
  #14  
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 37,415
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
That would be ever so much fun...I could wear my red hat so you'd know who I was...I've been thinking of adding sun glasses with white wing tip frames..I actually HAD a pair of glasses like that years ago..I thought they were so cool..gawd..I see pictures of me in them and I just cringe!!!! What the he-- was I thinking!!!!!! LOL
crefloors is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 06:36 PM
  #15  
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Oh Crefloors, I had the most fantastic pair of Italian black frame sunglasses with white tips - now don't you make fun of them, LOL.

And I will be the one in black! Lets work something out. I would love to get together with you.
LoveItaly is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 06:54 PM
  #16  
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 37,415
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Well, now won't WE be the pair!!!!! Gee, will we ever do lunch in that town again?
crefloors is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 06:59 PM
  #17  
 
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 37,415
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
I'm going to the Cal. State Fair in SAC on aug 18, 19,20..head home on Sunday,21st, but make a stop in Roseville at Denios for fruit and veggies and wander around a bit if it's not too hot and I'm not too tired.
crefloors is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 07:21 PM
  #18  
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,215
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Oh LoveItaly, how sad about your secretary but how nice you have such a lovely memory of a fun time with her.

The Tonga Room brings back a few memories...I'll have to bring my family there sometime as I think they'd enjoy it. I would never have thought of it if FainaAgain hadn't mentioned it -- thanks!
KathrynT is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 07:29 PM
  #19  
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,738
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
What fun! Thank you Faina!
I remember Trader Vics too!
It was the first place that I ever got tipsy on a Singapore Sling? LOL..I was a young girl from NC, what did I know?
I hope we can go to the Tonga room when we get to visit SF, once we are living on the West Coast...so many things to look forward to!!
Scarlett is offline  
Old Jun 18th, 2005, 08:26 PM
  #20  
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 45,322
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Hi Katherine, Faina giving a report on the Tonga Room was wonderful. Sometimes we forget the places that are in our own backyard so to speak. Thanks again Faina! And yes Katherine, although I have never forgotten my darling secretary, Faina's thread brought back all the memories. She was a love and we lost her way to young. Her brother told me about a month later that her day and evening in SF was the highlight of her life. It still chokes me up to think about her.

Scarlett, Trader Vic's is not where you remember it. It is now over by or off of the Civic Center. I just remembered the name of the restaurant that took over the old Trader Vic's on Cosmo Place. It is Le Colonial. Not the same as Trader Vic's. But there are lots of wonderful places in SF and you must come down once you get settled in beautiful Portland. And the Tonga Room is still there. A miracle with all the changes in SF.
LoveItaly is offline  

Thread Tools
Search this Thread

Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information -