Rumaki History
A Festive Party Appetizer
Rumaki is an hors d'oeuvre/appetiser of interesting origin. Its ingredients and method of preparation vary, however, its usually prepared with chicken a chicken liver and water chestnut, wrapped in bacon, with a zesty sauce. We can probably thank Vic Bergeron, founder of the Trader Vic's Restaurant chain, for bringing this tasty morsel to our mainstream dining tables. No matter how you prepare it, Rumaki is a great party treat for your guests.
The very first time I tasted Rumaki was the the old Trader Vic's Restaurant in Houston, Texas. The restaurant chain featured a variety of cusine, during the so-called "Tiki Cuture" of the 50's and 60's. Many of the restaurants still exist, although the one in Houston has long-since vanished.. Now, I'd never even THOUGHT of eating chicken livers, until I tried Rumaki, of course back then, I wasn't sure what it was. It was just "something on a stick." I have never found a recipe that equals this particular version of Rumaki, but you can bet, Rumaki is always a hint. Just don't tell 'em its chichen livers.
Trader Vic's Tiki Party!: Cocktails & Food to Share with Friends
For a bit of history, Trader Vic's offered a range of Polynesian, Hawaiian, and Asian-inspiried dishes, including exotic mixed drinkes and superb appetizers, and (of course) Rumaki Bereron, quite the trendsetter, is also credited with inventing the Mai Tai. So, light a up few Tiki Torches and serve up some Rumaki!
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