Author: Ray

Tiki Blogging #10 – The Search for The Ultimate Mai Tai (Kevin Crossman)

Posted by Ray on in Tiki Blogging

Where can I get a good Mai Tai?

This is actually a harder question to answer than you think. For many bars, a Mai Tai is their token tropical drink that has rum, pineapple juice and grenadine. Then there are tiki bars that know how to make a true 1944 Trader Vic’s Mai Tai, but the results range from great, to good, to passable, to “is this even a Mai Tai?”.  I’ve been into tiki for a long time and had my share of Mai Tais which all taste drastically different. It’s only been more recently that I can pin down exactly what a Mai Tai should taste like and I’ve got to thank Kevin Crossman for that! Kevin’s website, The Search for The Ultimate Mai Tai, is a one stop resource that ranks and rates all the places that Kevin has had a Mai Tai. Check out The Search for The Ultimate Mai Tai and you will learn where you can find …

The Good, The Bad, and The Ultimate Mai Tai!

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Home Tiki Bar Spotlight #63 Fred and Ginger’s Exotic Cocktail Bar and Lounge – San Jose CA

Posted by Ray on in Home Tiki Bars

A lot can happen in a year …

Terra and Alex Fritch went from discovering what tiki is, to becoming members of the Rumbustion Society at Smuggler’s Cove, to building their own tiki bar on the patio behind their home. The name of their bar is Fred and Ginger’s Exotic Cocktail Bar and Lounge. Who are Fred and Ginger? Continue reading to find out!

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It Isn’t Tiki But Damn! #3 The Formosa Café – West Hollywood CA

Posted by Ray on in It Isn't Tiki But Damn, Uncategorized

I’ve been to my share of Chinese restaurants but nothing compares to The Formosa Café!

There has always been a fascination for the exotic, the three biggest exotic locations being the South Pacific (Polynesia), Egypt and The Orient. When it comes to places that provide a full environment and experience, Chinese restaurants are right up there with Tiki bars. Looking back to my childhood, I believe my first exotic, full immersive experience was going to a Chinese restaurant with my aunt in Philadelphia. Continue reading “It Isn’t Tiki But Damn! #3 The Formosa Café – West Hollywood CA” →

Ukexotic – A One Man Exotica Band From Nova Scotia Canada!

Posted by Ray on in Tiki Music

Mike Diabo has been playing surf music for a long time with his band Urban Surf Kings. (25 Years!) They are the longest running surf band is Canada. Not only can Mike play guitar, he can also play the ukulele. Mike decided to branch out on his own and do some ukulele driven exotica. Playing all the instruments, Mike released his album Ukexotic and it’s incredible! Here is Mike Diabo’s story …

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Le Tiki Lounge – Get your Tiki on in Paris, France by Tom Hemmen

Posted by Ray on in Guest Tiki Bar Review 1 Comment

Le Tiki Lounge, when we visited it, was a hopping bar with a local, lively crowd and friendly, helpful bartenders. There is a front area with the actual bar and some tables, a comfortable back room to lounge around in over drinks, and a basement they apparently open for group reservations – we did not see it during our visit, just the stairs down.

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