The Tiki scene is growing in Ventura California thanks to people like Josh Papuzza. He bartended at Ventiki and went on to build his own home tiki bar called Tapu Tiki. Here is Josh’s story…
What’s the tiki scene like where you live?
Josh- The Tiki scene in Ventura is just starting to get bigger. Right now we only have Ventiki as far as Tiki bars, but there are several home Tiki bars and Tiki artists as well. Ventiki is bringing more and more Tiki enthusiasts to the area all the time, and has put Ventura on the map as a Tiki destination!
What brought you into the ‘Tiki lifestyle’ and how long has it been part of your life?
Josh- I got into Tiki five years ago when I got hired at Ventiki as a bartender. I’ve always loved Polynesian culture and traveling to exotic beaches, so the Tiki culture was easy for me to relate to. A friend gave me Beach Bum Berry Remixed and I was blown away by the history, stories, and recipes.
Can you give a little history of how it all came together?
Josh- I decided to build my own home Tiki Bar about two years ago when I moved to a place with a garage. My wife let me convert the garage into a Tiki Bar. I got a few of my closest friends to help build the whole thing from the ground up. It took a year and eight months from start to finish and countless hours hitting swap meets and antique stores.
Any story behind the name of your bar?
Josh- I’ve visited Tahiti a few times and I wanted a Tahitian name for the bar. So I named it Tapu Tiki. It is Tahitian for Forbidden and it can also mean sacred.
What is your favorite Tiki drink? Why?
Josh– My favorite Tiki drink is a Jet Pilot. I love allspice and cinnamon!
What is your favorite Tiki bar? Not including your own!
Josh- I would have to say my two favorites are Latitude 29, it has the best drinks, but Tiki Ti has my favorite vibe and décor.
Outside of great drinks, what do you think are essential elements in creating the perfect Tiki environment?
Josh- I believe lighting has a big effect on your Tiki environment, as well as music like exotica. It sets the mood and vibe of the golden days of Tiki.
What does the future hold for you and your home tiki bar?
Josh- Tapu Tiki is a constantly changing and evolving Tiki environment. I love adding and moving Tiki memorabilia and having Tiki parties!
Wow, great job on that home bar. Glad you guys could share this inspiring space with the rest of us tikiphiles.
That is EPIC! Well done!