Post #178666 by neon.martini64 on Wed, Aug 10, 2005 5:42 PM

Hello,

My name is NeonMartini and I live in Seattle as I have all my life.

I'm new to the forum but not to TIKI! I have been a fan of Tiki and PolyPop since I was 5 or 6 years old. It is only recently that I have become active again in pursuing this passion again after 35 or so years.

I can tell you it makes me very happy to see the Tiki Torch passed to a whole new and enthusiastic generation that truly appreciates what it really means. Mahalo!!

I am old enough to remember The Islander Restaurant here in Seattle, right next to the Ferry Terminal. I can also remember Trader Vic's in the Westin Hotel. The Trader's in Vancouver B.C. is where I had my honeymoon happy hour & Dinner 20+ years ago!

One Tiki Bar that you don't hear about on any book or website (that I have found) is the old Trade Winds. It was in what is now the Pampas Room of El Gaucho. We used to go there for Flaming Zombies (No Limit!) on Friday Happy Hour. The bar was a happening place and I could not get over the smooth painted concrete floors in Aqua..complete with sandy beaches, palm trees and Tikis. Add in the fish nets and floats hanging from the ceiling, with mood lighting and you had a great hideaway. Hard to believe it survived up to the mid 80's.

The good news is..we are getting another Trader Vic's very soon. I will be there on opening night you can bet.

Quick Stats:
Occupation: Software Test Engineer
Age: You got a clue already..
Married: Same as above..
Music: Lounge, Exotica/Hawaiian (40s - 70s), Jazz.
Axe: Baritone Uke, Uke.
Drink: Dry Martini, Shaken or stirred, up, olive.
Smoke: Yes, Cigars..
Car: '03 'Yota Corolla LE that is screaming for Tiki-fication!
Boating: Yes.
Traveling: Yes.