Post #11280 by stentiki on Thu, Oct 17, 2002 8:54 PM

Hey Cat,

I think you nailed it in your summary. I thought "Otto's" was super cool and it had a modern flair with a gritty New York edge. Steve was a great host -- great Aloha spirit to let us sample and critic his drinks. He also even ran out to get us some Kennedy Fried Chicken!

Personally, I am not caught up in this "retro thing" or ultra snobby about authenticity, or even the music played in these bars. To me it's about meeting cool people that are interesting and who have some common interests. I don't have to explain my love of Tiki, Exotica Music, or obsession with vintage mug collecting to this group because you know how it is! I love the West Coast Vintage Bars and there are a few great ones left in the East (I'll post when I get home).

I also dig these new "Here and Now" Tiki Bars (with the exception of the Tiki Room on 22nd) in New York. It's a shame that Trader Vic's and the Hawaii Kai are gone but they're not comin' back!

To me, it's more about the people I meet than the bars. Hell, I would rather live in the now and meet people while I can. Life is too short to dwell in the past. It's a real drag to sit in a cool tiki bar and drink alone. I do that enough as it is with my travel schedule!

So many Mahalos to you, Steve, Manic Cat, and Inkylouise for keeping an open mind and keeping the Aloha Spirit alive. Meeting you is what it's all about (to me). The rest is all ambiance.

Aloha,

Uncle Arty