Post #32350 by tikibars on Thu, May 1, 2003 11:53 AM

On 2003-04-29 15:39, tikivixen wrote:
It was marvelous to see so many Bay Area TCers turn out for the book-signing! And such fun to watch the evening evolve into a delightfully inebriated, happy party--a true evocation of tiki spirit. I am of the opinion that there is no buzz more perfectly mellow than that provided by a Trader Vic's Mai Tai. Or three.

And (oh, my head, ow) the fun continued seamlessly into the next night at Mr Smiley's intimate and entertaining soiree in the fabulous Ugh House Tiki Bar, which featured, among other things, gypsy fortune-telling by no less a personage than legendary performer Ethel Merman (lovingly embodied by Tikihag)--with a chorus of enthusiastic backup Ethels to boot!

Anyone who skips an evening at the Ugh House, misses out Big Time.

...the book is a terrifically readable, comprehensive version. Funny, lively, informative, and very well-organized, it's a must for anyone into Tiki--or just in dire need of an excuse for a road trip. And what's more, I love to think that this book may help some of these establishments--both new and old--to survive and prosper.

James, it was a great pleasure to finally meet you! I have but one small suggestion: your next edition WILL include a chapter on landscaping and shrubbery issues, I hope?

Lisa, I am currently talking my publisher into letting me do a companion volume, "Tiki Shrubbery Road Trip", with commentary by Roger the Shrubber, and cover art by Terry Gilliam.

(uh...)

And indeed: a night a Bruce and Enid's is not to be missed.

Did any of us ever successfully manage to bang out a chorus of 'Brazil' on that piano, or did we give up?

As for your commentts on the book... I'll send you that $50 soon.

Wanna publish the recipe for "James' Mistake" or did we agree to let that one die?