Post #414698 by Bora Boris on Tue, Oct 21, 2008 2:29 PM

SPOILER!! DO NOT LOOK IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO SEE.

This is from Eater LA today ~

Eater Preview: Luau

It doesn't open until later this week, but here's an inside look at Luau in Beverly Hills. As discussed earlier, isn't so much a replica of the original Luau, the once tikified favorite for celebs in the 60s, but more a contemporary ode to the original. The connections are subtle: There's a print of the original Luau salt-and-pepper shakers hanging on one wall; Makoto Tanaka's (Mako, Robata-Ya) menu has the requisite pupu platter, albeit one with Wagyu meatballs and firecracker shrimp; and designer Loree Rodkin worked with Ben "Bamboo Ben" Bassham, grandson of the original's designer and builder. But probably the most significant throw-back is tikiologist Jeff Berry's cocktail list: After talking with Luau's former bartenders, he "cracked the code" to the legendary rum-centric drinks like the Bo-Lo, Luau Coconut and Pearl Diver, some of which are served in fresh pineapple or coconut shells. There's a good chance this will be just as much a celeb magnet as the original because Andy Hewitt, owner of tabloid-favorite Il Sole, backs the operation (as do the Maloof brothers, but that's a whole other story.) Private tastings are taking place over the next few nights, and Luau opens to the public for dinner on Friday. (369 North Bedford Dr, 310.274.0090)

He looks like a cool little guy. Nice job Ray!