Post #380933 by tikiyaki on Sat, May 17, 2008 6:37 PM

On 2008-05-17 15:04, tobunga wrote:
I had dinner at KONA (née Sam's Seafood) this week. I had never been to the restaurant before it closed, so I can't compare the before and after of it all, but we had a great meal! The food was incredible, and for two vegetarians in a fish joint, that's saying something! We even picked up two Sam's Seafood Tiki Mugs (which our server charmingly referred to as "cups").
The prices were reasonable, and the service was very good. I picked up a little paper advertising events and specials, with a note from the new owners on the front. They sound pretty serious about keeping the spirit of Sam's alive, while revamping the image.

Here's the note:

Tobunga...you beat me to the punch ! I just got back from Sam's / KONA . I was going to post that same brochure, thanx for saving me the trouble.

First of all, I didn't know what time they opened, so luckily I got there at 3:30 and they open at 4:00. We were the first ones in, and and as soon as we sat down and the music started playing I heard a very familiar tune..."Black Sand Blue Sea" by the Tikiyaki Orchestra !!! So, now I'm sitting in Sam's listening to my CD on the sound system...they played the entire CD, interspersed with some other Hawaiian music...No Rap, NO bad pop, no classic rock....So, needless to say, I was immediately stoked, both because they were playing my CD, AND the other music they played was appropriate Tiki music...a good sign, to say the least.

We had the Kona Un-Burger, which is a grilled Portobello sandwich....It was great...came with skinny fries which were alo great, and a cup of corn chowder, Also great.
We also had the blackened Mahi Tacos (part of the $10.0 sunset menu) and they were delicious as well. The place looks great inside, and the Hidden Village looked awesome too.

I spoke with the bartender, and manager who were really cool, and the bartender, tho' not a tikiphile, totally understands that the place needs to keep it's tikiness, because alot of people who come in there really are passionate about Tiki. According to him, the owner understand this as well, so the tiki-ness is intact, and they plan on really keeping it really tiki.

I also spoke to the bartender about the music there, and he said some of the bands they get are pretty horrible, and actually make people leave the bar....

So, I discussed with him having the Tikiyaki Orchestra in there, and am working on getting a gig there.

Now, for the SIGN :

They are keeping the Swordfish sign intact, and just changing the letters to read KONA, as soon as the city permits get approved. Some people will call it blasphemy, but if you read the above pamphlet, they have reasons for the name change, and honestly, as long as it remains a Tiki restaurant, I don't care what it's called. The good thing s the new owner really is really intent on keeping the Sam's legacy alive, and the keeping the decor and Aloha ambiance are paramount to the the restaurant.

Anyway, my experience was positive, and if you guys want to have this classic (tho' updated) Tiki Temple alive...GO THERE and Eat and drink. The previous "bad mana" ownership is gone, so support this place folks, it's the only Tiki Temple we got, and it's a damn good one.

[ Edited by: tikiyaki 2008-05-17 18:43 ]

[ Edited by: tikiyaki 2008-05-17 18:45 ]