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Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown spotlights “One of the last of its kind” Trader Vic’s

October 19, 2015
1 min read

Season 6 of the popular CNN Show Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown brought the popular television personality to San Francisco. Bourdain makes a pit stop across the bay to sip Mai Tai’s with writer Sean Wilsey at Emeryville’s own Trader Vic’s. The two discuss the ongoing subject of gentrification and the impact it’s having on the area’s culture.

“One of the last of its kind. Started in Oakland. One of a wave of Tiki themed Polynesian fantasy bars and nightclubs that for a time spread across America” describes Bourdain as he orders a Mai Tai Wave (A trio of Mai Tai’s served on a mini wood surf board).

anthony-bourdain-parts-unknown-trader-vics-emeryville

Trader Vic’s originally opened in Oakland on San Pablo Avenue in 1937 and moved to its Emeryville location in 1972. They renovated in 2010 and have experienced a strong resurgence after a slow decline. A recent dispute with neighboring residents over a cabaret license to feature live music coupled with the highest in the nation minimum wage ordinance has threaten to derail this revival though.

We wrote extensively about the history of “America’s first fusion restaurant concept” and its founder Victor Bergeron back in 2013. Vic’s granddaughter Eve is still involved in the day-to-day operations of the restaurant.

Other East Bay stops along the way in the episode include Oakland’s Juhu Beach Club located in the Temescal area and Miss Ollie’s in Old Oakland. Bourdain is chef, bestselling author and the recipient of multiple Emmy’s for his unique combination of adventure and culinary exploits. Parts Unknown airs Sundays on CNN at 9 p.m. ET/PT.

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Rob Arias

is a third generation Californian and East Bay native who lived in Emeryville from 2003 to 2021. Rob founded The E'ville Eye in 2011 after being robbed at gunpoint and lamenting the lack of local news coverage. Rob's "day job" is as a creative professional.

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