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An update on the sad passing of Beverly Hills tiki bar institution Trader Vic's via the ever vigilant Eater LA: Having previously reported that the entire operation would be relocating to the Aqua Star pool area next to the Hilton's Circa 55 restaurant, they report today that the all-new, downsized (in decor, we hope, and not in the portions of their incapacitating umbrella drinks) Trader Vic's Lounge is open and ready for business:

For today, folks, Trader Vic's that died so suddenly on Monday will live again, if only in memorabilia and cocktail menus, on the pool level of the hotel. Cocktail hour commences at 5pm and goes until 2am.

No, it won't be the same, and yes, the original 1955 location is a total and sad loss. We'll take what we can get for now.

Having fallen victim in recent years to the vagaries of trends, perhaps the locale's recent near-death experience was just what Vic's needed to reinject some hipness into the joint. And with the lunchtime table wars between rival neighborhood tenants CAA and ICM reaching all-time highs, the newly vital Polynesian watering hole and pupu palace is well positioned to become the next hot power spot, with agents dispatching their assistants in advance to stealthily position themselves behind potted plants, the better to blowdart the enemy should they get too close to securing the critical VIP chaise longue configuration by the deep end.