Post #261562 by Lake Surfer on Thu, Oct 19, 2006 12:08 AM

Well, with a slow Hukilau this year I brought a lot back home. That and I just plain brought too much stuff. So I'm good for a few months on tikis. There's a few loads going to a couple different outlets for retail... but its time for some "me time."

After much thought and debate over a name and theme I'm going with a surf/tiki bar with a touch of nautical decor. Trader Vic's meets The Ventures.

In homage to a long departed tiki bar in my city I think I will go with the "Leilani Longboarder Lounge." I have to sit on it a while yet though.

Work began last night...

Hauled $575 worth of raw materials home from Fort Lauderdale, the rest will be created by me.

Had to rip off a lot of nasty lineoleum and padding and vinyl to get to the bare bones of the bar. It will be a good starting point and is a well built, sturdy bar. Saves me a step.

The fun part is going to be the bar top. I want to do something that I saw in the Wreck Bar at the Yankee Clipper. I brought a bunch of sand and shells back from Florida for materials to work with. I'll be putting an extra layer on the existing bar top to gouge out pockets and make it look rotted.

Bar prepping is next... not fun, but necessary to get it ready for the artsy touches. Sand, paint, add new boards, stain.

Stay tuned...