Post #474701 by Kenike on Wed, Aug 5, 2009 7:46 AM

Wow.

Five years ago I was complaining that there was no tiki in Texas. Certainly no one can say that anymore.

We've all seen or read what's been happening at our beloved Trader Vic's in Dallas. Eye candy for sure, but the escapism one expects when walking through those doors is long gone with the opening notes of Kool & The Gang's "Celebration" blaring through the lounge. So, where can one go to have an experience that combines all of the things we love and admire about tiki culture? The answer undoubtedly was what a lucky few got to experience last Saturday night.

Koitiki's home is an amazing blend of backyard Polynesia, a near complete one-room escape to the land of mid-century tiki kitsch, and the residence of a loving family. To say we're all so fortunate that Julie and Dane choose to share it with us is the understatement of the century. Let's not forget the pool & hot tub...

Many people were involved in the preparation...supplying food, alcohol, raffle items, alcohol, music...did I mention booze? I'd like to thank everyone...I could start naming names but I'm sure I'd forget someone.

Now think about this...just in one town at one house about 75 guests show up and NOT just because it's a good party and they can swim in a pool. They mostly came because it was a gathering of like minded folks who really have no place else to get this kind of experience. Not in Texas, anyway. Koitiki didn't put this together because she likes all the work that goes into it. It's because there is no place else to go to celebrate our love of Polynesian Pop culture. It's because there are no true tiki-esque establishments in our state that embrace the whole idea. Just imagine if Trader Vic's or Don The Beachcomber opened a new location in Austin and REALLY did it right. I might move...

Thanks again, Julie and Dane, for giving us what we can't get anywhere else.