Post #323321 by Trader Tom on Sun, Aug 5, 2007 2:29 AM

I just went to Sam's for the first time and I had a WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE!

We got there early at 5:30PM on Saturday for the Mug Release Party and stayed until 7:30 or 8:00PM.

The food I had was extremely good. My wife and I started with appetizers. We had crabcakes and ribs. The ribs are very tasty, especially, and I might just make a meal off of them next time. For an entree, I had the "Almost Lobster" which is a huge skewer of jumbo shrimp with a spicy rub. It came with mashed potatoes and steamed veggies. Everything was cooked perfectly. For dessert, my wife and I shared the pineapple upside down cake. The desert came a la mode with a rather impressive "fin" of carmelized sugar on top.

To drink, I had the Navy Grog. Strong but good. The bartenders were also taking drink requests...so if you've got particular drinks that you enjoy, feel free to let them know. SoccerTiki told me he had them make a "Sven-Tiki" (page 83 in Beachbum's Intoxica) and it turned out beautifully.

I don't know what their music selection is on other nights, but for this event, we had a LIVE band. The Smoking Menehunes sure cranked out some good tunes.

Sam Gambino was really a nice guy in person. He was busy most of the evening, diligently signing prints and mugs while people crowded around to say hi.

Other good company included Holden, Squid, Tiki Al and Liz, Hiphipahula, SoccerTiki, WooHooWahine, and many many more! A good TC turn-out.

I didn't realize how big this joint is. There are a couple of huge rooms in back (not open to the general public) that are impressively decked out in vintage bamboo and it's easy to see how they could have held wedding celebrations once upon a time. Lots of potential.

Hopefully, everyone will realize what a treasure this place is and we'll host even more events there. Somebody (probably SoccerTiki again) said they might be doing a regular Tuesday night Tiki night that would cater a bit more to the TC crowd. I only wish I wasn't booked to teach night classes on Tuesdays this Fall, but I'll definitely make the time to visit again sometime soon.

Mahalos to everyone!!!