snackspot: vidor’s hump with giraffes

Here’s another inside look at the inner-workings of the pr machine. A perplexing email from a west coast publicist accompanied by photo and word docs in unintelligible Japanesesque symbols. Read the first two paragraphs and see if you can figure what tha…this is promoting? Perhaps your friends are in the habit of shopping for rhinos. Answer and the rest after the jump.

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"In the admittedly unlikely prospect that a friend of yours seeking a matched pair of white rhinos is told to contact Brian Vidor, tell them not to bother. Vidor doesn't do that anymore, though he might be able to give you a name to call for a couple of nice giraffes. And don't ask him to play rock 'n roll guitar or fly anyone anywhere by helicopter.

But if you're looking for a breathtaking, unobstructed view of the sun setting over the Pacific, just call Vidor. And if you're flying your personal Cessna 182 into Santa Monica Airport, you can tie-down right in front of his place of business (and pleasure), Typhoon."

Ah... they're restaurants in LA. Read on...

"Typhoon, a world class restaurant serving traditional Pan-Asian cuisine, is perched right over the field's main runway, commanding a soaring panoramic view of ocean, mountains, sunset and city lights. Featuring an exotic combination of dishes from China, Japan, Thailand, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Burma and the Philippines and a selection of beers from those countries, guests may dine and imbibe in the glass-enclosed main dining room.

Typhoon offers one of the west coast's foremost collections of single malt scotch whiskies beginning with a 30-year-old beauty at $55 a glass. And for the truly adventuresome, Vidor offers exotic elixirs said to do interesting (even amazing) things for your romantic life -- have a pinch of powdered seahorse or Chinese dragon in your vodka, if you've got the nerve.

Vidor's other culinary endeavor, intriguingly named The Hump, is Los Angeles' most unusual sushi bar/Japanese restaurant.  Located just one floor above Typhoon itself, The Hump features soaring panoramic views as well as the finest in California and Tokyo-style sushi."

Has anyone ever been to these places? Report from the airport will be most appreciated.

Comments

[steven]

Used to live 3 minutes away from SM airport. Typhoon is hardly world-class. The view of the runway is nice, but the food is mediocre pan-Asian food. Last time I ate there (in April), service was spotty as well. A few exotic items on the menu (such as crickets) aren't worth bothering to order. The bar is splendid, however, and always fun for a drink. Upstairs The Hump is indeed one of the best places for sushi in L.A. Don't order the specials without finding out the prices, as we once did, or your bill will exceed anything you could have imagined. We used to enjoy eating outside at The Hump, its tables perfectly poised high above mid-runway, and watching the Cessnas and executive jets take off at sunset is an experience without match in L.A. They aren't too eager about serving outdoors these days, which is a pity.

[mme snack]

Merci Steven for the review.

[Felix Salmon]

Was in Santa Monica last week, & heard great things about the Hump, but didn't manage to go. Probably just as well, given the reported prices. But by all accounts fabulous. Have never heard of Typhoon.