There are some rumors and speculation that the Trader Vic’s in Chicago is going to close by the end of 2005. The Chicago Trader Vic’s is in the Palmer House Hilton, and opened in 1957. It’s been remodeled a bit, but the bar in particular remains an excellent example of Trader Vic’s in its heyday. The Palmer House Hilton was recently sold, and it appears that the new owners may want to replace Trader Vic’s. Tabu Tiki Nights, a popular monthly event organized by James Teitelbaum, was unceremoniously shut down by the hotel recently (stiffing James Teitelbaum on some rather large bills in the process).

• tabu tiki night – now it can be told! [Tiki Central]