Post #229616 by midnite on Sun, Apr 30, 2006 3:57 PM

A brief, exciting, and delicious trip to Isle de Alameda.

Never one to shy away from a long trek to distant and foreign shores I packed up the necessary provisions, enough American Dollars to pay off unsavory government officials, and made sure my shots and will were up to date. Then, with the air of adventure surrounding our departure, we headed off to points unknown, a faraway land of rumored tropical delights. Our destinaton:

After several modes of transportation including, but not limited to, motor coaches, trains, and bus, through land and (under) sea we alighted our public carrier and set off on foot. Due to a small miscalculation on my part, perhaps my navigational aids did not work in this mysterious Isle de Alameda, we prematurely disembarked the #51. More likely, I saw the street sign for "Lincoln", got overly excited and bolted from the bus. Following several arduous blocks travelled on foot the target of our journey was in sight. There in the distance, it was hard to make out, but I could see it just a bit...Forbidden Island. Finally, we were there!

Pulling open the door to this tropical oasis I was immediately hit by...darkness! It was still pretty sunny out in Alameda, took me a few moments to adjust. As my eyes became more accustomed to the dim lighting I could immediately see the fantastic Tiki Lounge that surrounded us. I saw a couple of familiar faces and was welcomed by the staff in a way befitting my position in the Traveling Tiki fraternity:.

This was, foremost, a drinking establishment. However, we did have the coconut shrimp, they are recommended for someone desiring a snack during their cocktail experience at Forbidden Island. Perusing the extensive drink menu I found it hard to decide. The goal: try as much as possible. So, with the help of some fellow Tiki-philes, I would imbibe until I fell down, had to go, or got kicked out. Not bad for one night's efforts, and some cocktails I sampled are not pictured:

Clockwise from top left: Classic Mai Tai, Hawaii Kai Treasure, Painkiller & Forbdidden Island, Chamborlada, Island Mai Tai, Headhunter, and Leilani Volcano.

The drinks were well-made by Forbidden Island's mixologist non-pariel, Sonya. Some are very good, a few are very very....more please, "Oh Momma!" good. I especially enjoyed the Hawaii Kai Treasure and the Forbidden Island. The signature drink by Martin is worthy of any fine Polynesian Drink menu. It is intense, but can be enjoyed by all, in my opinion. If you have just one cocktail (a bad idea) I'd would suggest the Forbidden Island. Still, one cannot go wrong with a Sidewinder's Fang or Painkiller. Mai Tai-wise: I would have to say the Island Mai Tai is a better choice by far. The Chamborlada is a unique concoction, probably best suited for sharing. It is sweet and may not be for all palates, but it is an interesting take on the Pina Colada. Michelle appreciated the Leilani Volcano quite a bit. The Krakatoa and Banana Mamacow are not for me, but seem to be very popular. I could go on, but it's just going to make me thirsty...and Alameda is far!

It was a long and fun-filled night. The best part of Forbidden Island, after the drinks, is the fine group of people one can meet there. Here's a few shots of the new friends I made. I don't recall all the names but I think that one of them is Mrs. Miley? It was a blast, seeing the sights of the best small Tiki Bar I have ever visited, helping customers select a fine libation, and seeing old (and new) friends. It was good to meet Weird Uncle Tiki, who is by no means weird, but may be an uncle. Conversing with the infamous, but less mysterious, "HL"...always a treat.

Forbidden Island is exactly what it attempts to be, a well-done Tiki Lounge established for the appreciation of fine tropical cocktails and good company. The decor is quite good, the mood right. Most of the jukebox is first-rate. It can be, good for them, crowded at times. There are enough top-notch drinks to satisfy even the most discriminatng tastes. One can search high and low, visiting much larger and more well-known establishemnts and still not be served a better cocktail than some of the Forbidden Island offerings. Drink prices are in-line with the costs of tropical cocktails at this level. Given the potency and quality of the product, a person will easily get their money's worth.

One will see a good assortment of clientele (a nice asset), and be able to easily hold a conversation. Music is loud enough to enjoy, but not distract. The setting is right, a nice mix of decor that does not overwhelm the senses. They could use some standing tables between the booths and bar, if practicable. The customers are, from what I could tell, there to truly enjoy the attributes Forbidden Island's operators have put together. People seemed happy to be there, and pleased such an environment exists. The vibe, the mood, the mix...whatever you call it, is what is bringing in the people.

I like it, and I will be back...in like eight or nine days.

midnite

EDIT: Trying to restore lost snappies.

[ Edited by: midnite_tiki 2008-06-05 23:07 ]