South Pacific Ports Chinese & Polynesian Restaurant - at the Hotel Taft - New York City

New York, New York, United States

This restaurant appears to have been open in the early 1970s on 7th Avenue near 51st Street at the Hotel Taft.

The floral patterns on the booths and the carpet have a very 70s vibe. Other than this, and some groovy 70s advertising, much of the decor and concept seems to have been "borrowed" whole-heartedly from the Trader Vic's and Steve Crane franchises.

The 1968 demolition of Madison Square Garden, the increasing presence of unsavory businesses in the area, and the desire for newer, more elegant hotels contributed to the gradual decay of the Taft Hotel. In 1974, Urban Renewal Housing and Development Corporation, headed by Gilbert M. Federbush, acquired the hotel from Lawrence A. Wien. At the time, the hotel was struggling with a 51% occupancy rate and losing $80,000 a month. A year later, the hotel fell into receivership and was foreclosed on by its lender, the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company.

Soon after, the hotel was converted to mixed use and sections were re-named.

It would appear this was a brief flash-in-the pan restaurant during the early 70s before closing.