In 1934 Victor ‘Trader’ Bergeron opened a small bar/restaurant in Oakland California. Over time it evolved into a Tiki Lounge and its name was changed from Hinky Dink’s to Trader Vic’s featuring Polynesian style décor and artefacts. This influence also extended to the food that drew its inspiration from the Pacific rim and the island.

I must admit I’ve always had a bit of a long distance crush on Shelina Permalloo. Winner of BBC MasterChef 2012, now the brains behind Mauritian Street Kitchen and restaurant Lakaz Maman. When I heard that she was planning a new pop-up menu inspired by the shores and taste experiences of Mauritius in  collaboration with legendary Mayfair tiki bar Trader Vic’s Executive Chef Shiran Fonseka (available until the 31st October) I was excited; when an invite came to try out the food it seemed too good an opportunity to miss.Trader Vic’s sits below the Park Lane Hilton-apparently it has been there since 1963 and alongside the old Playboy Club it must have made quite a swinging scene. After descending downstairs into the basement tropical paradise I sank a couple of delicious Mai Tais-a classic and a mango- a cocktail that I hadn’t drunk since the 80s when I had hair like Priscilla Presley…Sitting in a cosy nook we were presented with a wooden platter full of Shelina’s goodies. The Island Fusion Platter is a snip at £19 as it serves two but all the dishes are available in individual servings. Trader Vic’s BBQ Spare Ribs (£14.00) are cooked in wood-fired barbeque ovens and the tender meat had a wonderfully deep smoky flavour. Crisp Prawn and Octopus Croustillant (£12.00) were deep-fried but not to the point of extinction! The accompanying coriander and coconut satini (chutney) added a real zing to the dish. Island Style Papaya Salad (£11.00) with cashews and citronelle was crunchy and fresh with only a hint of heat and with the nuts giving that classic Mauritian flavour. Gateaux Piment (£9.00) is a crunchy split pea (dholl) and chilli cake with a bit of sweetness from some coriander leaves. It comes with a tomato and chilli chutney. But my favourite dish in this festival of heat and flavour was the Anana Confit (£8.50)-a Mauritian street food classic of grilled pineapple with chilli and the wonderful sour flavour of tamarind.Once we finished eating a troupe of traditional sega dancers backed by drummers and a singer entertained us with a wonderfully vibrant high-energy performance. It was really exciting to see a band propelled by three wonderful percussionists. The popup is well worth a visit not only for a taste of Mauritius but also for a great evening out. The only problem is that it has also given me a real taste for visiting the island so now I will have to go!