Bye Bye Bar ...

With the tribe here on the one uninhabited Secret Island there's a lot less time for drinking and blogging! The once serene bamboo hut is now so littered with children's toys that a late night return from the bar in the dark became more hazardous than it might have been!

The tribe Chief decided that the bar had to go to create a Jungle Rumpus room where the savages could play to their hearts content. So it was with much sadness that the bar was listed on eBay. It was eventually won by someone living two hours away who baulked at the courier costs and wanted me to get a trailer from somewhere, wrap and pack it and deliver it thirty minutes away to a depot!... not likely! Incidentally it would have never seen another Mai Tai as it was going to have a cash register sat on it in a Bikini Shop!

If further proof was needed that a good attitude goes a long way in this world I've since let it go to someone else at a reduced cost who will at least give it some love. Turns out the new owner is one of Sydney's Casino Rumblers. Hope he enjoys the bar as much as I enjoyed the music!

Kongs Jungle Lounge ...

Life here on the Secret Island can be a lonely one... I've had to perfect my Mai Tai Making because to be honest the nearest bar worthy of the Tiki name is a twenty hour drive away! For that reason time on Tiki Central leaves me feeling blue as I too would like the choice and the local bar to call home that US based Tiki aficionados enjoy.

So you can imagine my delight when I heard of a new bar/resturant through Tiki Talk opening up just a couple of hours away down at Bondi. The restaurant specializes in what head chef Adam Dundas Taylor calls “Poly-asian” food, which takes its inspiration from places like Nobu and Hugos. The cocktail menu has modern, but respectful versions of favorites like Kongs Mai Tai, Marama Rum Punch, Beachbum Berry’s Miehana, and more.

I'll certainly be making a visit soon...

Kongs Jungle Lounge 110 Spring Street Bondi Junction, Sydney, Australia 2022 | 0280218122

Visit the Tikiyaki Polynesian Village Resort ...

As I mentioned in my previous post the Secret Island is currently under the firm grip of an Icy Winter... 16 degree maximums inside a bamboo hut has me wishing for Summer and/or warmer climes!

I stumbled across the Tikiyaki Orchestra Village Resort and found a really good deal. Not only to you get the keys to room 151 for a week in the sunshine you also get a copy of the Tikiyaki Orchestra's new album Aloha Baby and a whole heap of booty that Tiki aficionados swipe from reputable Tiki establishments ... you know the mugs, ice bucket, matches, ash trays ... need I go on?

Here is a little more about the hotel itself...

"The Tikiyaki Polynesian Village was constructed at great cost on the golden sands of Waikiki Beach. The well known architectural firm of Dewy, Chetham & Howe was contracted to draw up the plans and build the tropical destination. All the interiors were contracted to be designed by I.M. Bland-one of Hawaii's greatest interior designers. I.M. Bland chose the decore of the Shanghai International Trading Company (ShITCO) as the outfitter for the well appointed room. ShITCO was chosen for its hand made Island look featuring carved furniture made of real Polynesian driftwood and other found artifacts."

Aloha Lanes just one of the substandard facilities available to guests!

Trader Sams ... open for business.

Back at the start of May I posted about the imminent opening of Trader Sams at Disneyland. Well the question is, is it any good?

Well what better place to find out than check Critiki . Well it would appear that its well worth the visit, scoring an average of 9.4. Whilst the decor is grabbing the headlines it is disappointing to see that its lowest scores come when reviewer score the drink quality, drink selection and food... all key elements of a quality Tiki Bar. The Critiki review states...

"Trader Sam's is named for the "head" salesman from the Jungle Cruise ride at Disneyland, and the decor is a mix of influence from that ride and the Enchanted Tiki Room, with a little of Walt Disney World's Adventurer's Club thrown in for good measure. Top-notch Disney designers Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily were able to work on some of the decor. There are reports of some interactive elements at the bar.

The early word is that the drink quality is higher than one might expect, with syrups from Portland's Trader Tiki in use. If you like the punny performance given by the Jungle Cruise skippers, you'll love the drink names: "HippopotoMaiTai", "Schweitzer Falls" and "Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Tiki Rum" are some of the cleverly-named cocktails."

To mark the opening Richard at the Designerland Blog has created and shared a rather nice unofficial Trader Sam's Soundtrack. Get over there and check it out...

Trader Sams - The Enchanted Tiki Bar ...

The Disney Parks Blog is reporting that its two new Disneyland restaurants will open later this month- Tangaroa Terrace and Trader Sam's.

"Trader Sam’s—Enchanted Tiki Bar is adjacent to Tangaroa Terrace – Casual Island Dining, with substantial “bar food” – sweet ‘n spicy Asian wings, chicken lettuce wraps, panko-crusted Chinese long beans with Sriracha mayo, tamarind-glazed pork shanks with green papaya slaw and ahi poke (sushi-grade tuna) with avocado, green onion and crispy wontons."

"But it’s the vintage island cocktails in kitschy glassware that we can’t wait to try. How about Krakatoa Punch with reserve aged rum, light rum, tropical juices, almond syrup and hibiscus grenadine? Or Uh Oa!, with light rum, spiced rum, guava, orange, passion fruit, grapefruit, fresh lime juice and cinnamon? Serious rum lovers will want to try the HippopotoMai Tai with two shots of light and dark rums, orange curacao, almond syrup, organic agave nectar and fresh lime juice. Now we’re dreaming of vacation time!"

While the drink names might have been over sweetened Disney style and leave a bitter taste I'm hoping that the drinks themselves hit the spot. Looking forward to hearing of some taste tests and seeing images of the actual interior.

LEGO Tiki Bar...

A few weeks ago I posted my first and hopefully last plastic Wahine of the Week! While she is plastic she does have a certain charm ;0) But where would you find such a woman? I think I've found the answer...

As featured on TikiTalk.com this model was built by LEGO enthusiast Bill Vollbrecht. This incredible reproduction of a tiki bar made from LEGO bricks was created in homage to the now long gone King Kwongs Polynesian restaurant in Salt Lake City.

There are a lot of great details in the piece, including glass float lights above the bar (that actually light up), a waitress serving a drink in a coconut cup, and a giant tiki in the corner!

What's wrong with this picture? ...

I came across this picture on PinUp Post (Well worth a look by the way!) At first glance it has everything ... the beautiful (... and former Wahine of the Week) Doris Mayday - check, a Tiki Bar - check, Tiki mugs - check, bottles of stuff - check and bamboo - check...

... now look closer! What is oh so wrong with this picture? Answers on a postcard to "You made a Mai Tai in what? Competition" The Secret Island, Pacific Ocean.
Closing date will be the day that the Tiki Gods wrath strikes the culprit down. ;0)

Stone Cold - Icy Icons ...

It's very much summer here on The Secret Island with temperatures hovering around the mid thirty degree Celsius mark most days. I guess for you guys in the Northern hemisphere Summer feels a world away!? ... Still Summer is on its way and soon you too can enjoy those balmy evenings with a cocktail or two! Why not make your ice even cooler this summer?

The Moai of Easter Island keep their watch over the Pacific with a cold, steely gaze. Now you can endow your tropical beverages with their mysterious aura and keep them icy cold at the same time. The Stone Cold silicone ice tray is food-safe, dishwasher-approved, and packaged in a clear peggable, recyclable PET display box. Available from Fred and Friends.

Tiki Tank ...

I've been toying with the idea of a fish tank for the bar... but I'm always put off by the little glass box with a lid look. I have considered giving it the bamboo treatment but unsure as to how it might turn out. Then I spotted this and it's ... well perfect!

With swaying palms and the echo of distant drums, let the Aloha Tiki model transport you into the romance of Polynesia. This cylindrical aquarium is incorporated within a delicately carved tiki statue, detailed with native images. With its hand-carved appearance and authentic finishes, this aquarium is sure to be a conversation piece. This is a complete set-up kit and it includes an advanced filtration system, and a power compact lighting unit with bulb, a package of synthetic sea salt, sand, and a 25 watt submersible aquarium heater. Just add filtered water and you are ready to go.

It's very tempting but at $341USD it ain't cheap and when I see $341 I see a whole lot of full rum bottles and tiki mugs! Check out MyFishTank for more detail.

The Beachcomber Bar, Minehead, UK ...

A recent postcard purchase set me thinking about a Tiki Bar that I visited every year for about eight years as a child. The post card above is an original from 1970 and depicts the Beachcomber Bar inside the Butlins Holiday Camp, Minehead, UK.

In the mid 60's most of the Butlin's camps in the UK had theme bars, the best remembered has to be the Beachcomber with its tropical storm, boats and Hawaiian bar maids. From the other postcards I’ve seen online the Minehead Beachcomber seemed to have the most ephemera and looks to have been the most decked out.

It was an amazing experience as a child, sitting eating and drinking soda in those surroundings - Running water abounded, fish swam, lightening flashed and the rain poured every half hour like clockwork!

This Pathe News clip recorded at another Beachcomber gives you a tropical flavour of what it was like. (I love the commentary on this … very much of the time)

THE BEACHCOMBER BAR

Minehead Butlins was built in 1962 and the Beachcomber with its impressive A frame (… even if it was just bolted to a square shed!) proved to be a tempting tropical escape within the camp!

It operated for over twenty years before the decline started …

In 1995 - 96 The Beachcomber was used for the Bingo (yes … Bingo!) and retained some original fittings including the Volcano which by this time had become sadly dormant! In 1996 the venue was split in half and one side remained semi-intact and was renamed Hurricane Harry’s and was fitted out with new fittings and furniture.

The Beachcomber closed its doors for the last time in 1998 and was used as a storage room. Tiki Bar? ... yes! Tiki storage room? ... it'll never catch on!

Sadly in 2006 the building was demolished ending hopes that one day it might be restored to its former glory. Still I hold on to some fond memories ... and a postcard! ;0)

Oh for a "proper" Tiki Bar ...

 I've mulled over this post for about a week, I should perhaps be more encouraging, appreciate it as a step in the right direction but I can't help but feel disappointed by the lack of what I would consider a genuine Tiki Bar within driving distance (... I'm talking about fifteen hours here!) I'd love to know your thoughts.

Right where do I start... firstly here's the disclaimer.. I have not visited Freaky Tiki myself nor do I have any issues at all with the clientele. However the fact that I have no desire to drive two and a half hours to what would have been be my closest Tiki Bar is disappointing.

I woke here on The Secret Island to a post on Tiki Talk Freaky Tiki, gay tiki bar temporarily open in Sydney, AU ... you can imagine my excitement. Its pretty much downhill from there.

Here's what they are saying...

Positives:

• Its a Tiki themed bar, that's proving popular!
• There is a fun vibe about the place.
• Doesn’t have any pokies. (gaming machines.. most Aussie joints have them row on row!!)
• This is a temporary renovation... worth remembering that.                                                              

Negatives:

• Predominantly plays reggae!
• Decor is … well, let’s be nice and call it kitsch.
• The old bar is still there but now has bamboo attached to it, the walls have fake flowers peeking out of them, there’s lurid green astroturf on the floor and paper lanterns and mini plastic skeletons dangle from the ceiling.
• A tiki bar can be so much more than this...  (...sums it all up for me!)                                              

Reviews:

Same Same

Inner West Live

Sydney Bar Zine

 

The Lava Rooms.

Sydney needs a genuine Tiki Bar run by people who genuinely understand Tiki Culture. The Lava Rooms a combination event space/art happening/party venue had it right, although events were invitation only. I'm hoping that when Freaky Tiki reaches the end of its six months, a few more Australians will know what a Tiki is and that the owners will see it as a worthwhile theme worth developing in the right way rather than a discount store fancy dress easy fix. Watch this space ...

Beachbum Berry's Tiki+ iPhone app ...

My expired mobile contract provided me with a late Christmas present today a fourth generation iPhone, something that I've been after for a while. This opens up a whole new world of online Tiki opportunities!

My first downloaded app was an obvious choice, Tiki Drinks aficionado Jeff Beachbum Berry's Tiki+. For a mere $3.99 you get all of his published recipes that in book form would cost you over $45! It serves as a searchable database of tropical drinks recipes drawn from years of Jeff's detective work identifying the weird and wonderful mixtures of old school tiki bartenders.

Not convinced yet ... then here's more to wet your appetite!

* Over 150 drink recipes.
* Mark your favorites for easy-finding.
* Photos and old menu illustrations.
* Add your own notes to the recipes.
* Thumbnail histories of the drinks.
* Email a recipe with the touch of a button.

I'll be serving visitors to the Secret Island (... and myself!) some of these really soon!

Kahiki Collectables - Update

You might remember my previous post on the fate of the iconic Kahiki Tiki and Fireplace. Well the bids are in and the eBay auction has ended.

The good news is that the Tiki has been sold for $890.22 or in the local currency here on the Secret Island  AU $923.66. I guess it was always going to be the more practical of the two buys. I can just imagine the Tiki standing proudly in its new spot, with loving owners, restored with the flaming red top knot back in position.

The Fireplace at twenty two feet in length has fewer applications and potential new homes and remained unsold  with a top bid of $16.50 (AU $17.12) after the reserve was not met. It is much harder to gift wrap, get under the tree and just imagine Santa's trip down that baby! It's future remains unclear ...

Kahiki Collectibles ...

In the words of Critiki ...

"Kahiki Supper Club is a legend in the tiki world - a massive polynesian palace in the frozen land of Columbus, Ohio. Kahiki founders Bill Sapp and Lee Henry started work on the Kahiki after their bar, the Grass Shack, burned down on this site in 1959."

 They built the Kahiki for more than $1 million (about $7.3 million today), however having fallen through the hands of several owners the Kahiki closed it's doors for the last time in 2000...

"The Kahiki's building was a classic example of midcentury polynesian pop architecture, and placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. Despite this, Walgreen's purchased the building and bulldozed it. Some of the interior decor had been stored in a warehouse, and there was talk of the restaurant reopening in a new location. The potential for that seems to have ended: some of the decor was installed in the frozen food factory; the Kahiki's last owner, Michael Tsao, has died; and many of the remaining artifacts appear to have been sold at auctions."

Perhaps the most striking features of the Kahiki other than its A Frame were the Moai heads guarding the entrance. Standing over sixteen foot tall each had a red "topknot" which sat atop the head and spewed fire from a gas burner...

While on the inside was a twenty two foot Tiki fireplace complete with glowing red eyes, as featured in this Shag painting ...

... and the essential book Tiki Modern!

Interestingly both of these Kahiki icons are up for grabs and could be yours at the right price!

Kahiki Moai Head - eBay Auction.
Kahiki Fireplace - eBay Auction.

Both show some signs of damage when they were removed but both deserve to fall into the hands of someone who will love and cherish them and return them to their former Tiki greatness... how much for postage to The Secret Island!?!

"No restaurant with a fire-breathing stone head has ever captured the hearts of Columbus quite like the Kahiki.The Polynesian eatery took Tiki kitsch to the max with an aviary, indoor thatch huts, umbrella-topped drinks, waterfalls and the deep thrum of drums." Elizabeth Gibson.

"At the point when the last great Tiki bar closes, someone will open a new one and everyone will say these are great. It's a shame we always seem to realize too late how much things mean to us." Frank Decaro.

The loss of cathedrals of Tiki like Kahiki make the fight for bars like the Tonga Room even more important. The fight continues...