There’s so much going on in this postcard, I don’t know where to begin.
First of all, this restaurant–called Saigon–was in the Sheraton Chicago on North Michigan Avenue sometime in the early to mid-1960s. (The Sheraton is long gone; an elegant and refined InterContinental has taken over that building.)
Saigon was part of the Kon-Tiki Ports, themed dining rooms which also included the Tempura Bar (huh?), Singapore, Papeete, Tama, Macao, Lanai, and the Ship’s Deck.
The attention to detail in the Saigon room is quite thorough: lotus flowers in the fountain, potted palms, Buddhist statues and paintings, a waitress dressed in a chic ao dai (or is it a cheongsam?), the mystical chair motifs, and those funky blue water goblets.
I’m not sure what kind of uniform the waiter is wearing. It doesn’t seem very Vietnamese to me.
Check out the write-up of the same restaurant at the Sheraton Dallas:
SAIGON…a haven of pleasure…dedicated to delights in dining and decor. Rich silks and sacred carvings surround its fortunate inhabitants, heightening their enjoyment in the Oriental offerings. Surrender to the lure of this fascinating city of mystery. It’s inevitable!
More inevitable than anyone imagined in the early 60s, I’d say.
this was MY GO TO Spot and loved the RUM drinks and Bar area for foods and special date.
My future husband ‘to be’ actually proposed to me on the SHIP Seating area inside the restaurant part of this restaurant. Amazing memories and fun
Kon Tiki Ports was the go-to spot for an exotic night out in downtown Chicago. My husband of 52 years took me here after our first date, the Glenbrook South High School Prom of 1966. I shall always remember that wonderful night!
That is such a fabulous memory!!
I was just reflecting on the Mother, Daughter time I had at your restaurant. I was 15 at the time and
now I am 68 and truly believe it could and still can not be surpassed!!! Thank you for this fine
and refined establishment.