Post #534648 by KreepyTiki on Mon, Jun 7, 2010 2:16 AM

I spent several delightful days and nights at the Tropics at the end of May, but was unfortunately unable to attend Tiki Caliente II due to a nasty virus I caught from my Mom while visiting her at her Palm Springs home. So I spent that time back in My West L.A. digs recuperating and coughing my lungs out! (Fun!)

However, now that I'm mostly recovered (as is my Mom, thank goodness), I decided to upload a bunch of pics I took during my stay at the still classic Caliente Tropics Resort.

And I have to say I had SUCH a blast getting to know John (the talented architect/owner of the bar/restaurant) and Tony (co-owner with John)-- both stand-up guys when they aren't falling down drunk (only kiddin')!

And i wish I had pics to show of THEM, but though they are both warm and generous hosts, they are elusive camera subjects! Every time I tried to snap a pic of John he -- being an accomplished photographer -- seized the opportunity to turn the bar-tables on me and say "Here -- lemme take YOUR picture!"

And so he did...

And now a whole slew o pics without me in 'em...

And now as a prime entry in the "Hiding your tiki under a bushel" dept., take a look at this...

And a number of months earlier...

Ahh... what do we see peeking through the undergrowth? Could it be...?

Yes, by the Gods! It's a prime classic vintage Leroy Schmaltz tiki hidden away from admiring eyes and left all by its lonesome! Well, when I pointed this out to John he seemed quite determined to have some judicious pruning done so that this long time denizen of the Tropics Resort can once again join its brethren!

And now for more evidence of John's industry, talent, and handiwork...

Love that nifty combo of Witco and lime green!

And check out the Bosko over the booth...

I saw on another Caliente-related post, that Crazy Al was wondering what had become of his tiki which used to reside in the Reef Bar...

Well, here it is in its new and more prominent place as the official greeter of the Tropics Restaurant!

And here's the coolamundo bar hidden away in the secret lava-rock room way in the back of the restaurant behind a sliding door...

And ya just gotta love those swingin' (literally) Moai bar doors, dontcha?

John pointed out to me that the angles of this interior A-frame exactly mirror those of the classic "Reef Bar" A-frame entrance just outside (which John blessedly and wisely decided to retain for his new establishment.)

And see all them nifty niches chock full o tiki mugs?...

Well, they actually light up individually, which I caught a lovely glimpse of one night when I didn't have my camera handy. But they should be glowing every night the bar is open for business from now on! So go take a look for yourselves! And have a drink or two (or three) while you're at it!

And here's Yours Truly after a night of John and Tony's hospitality...

Man, those dudes know how to PARTY! (I suspect they may be Menehunes in human form!)

Well, John implored me to stay just a wee bit longer to await (and document) the arrival of a 300 pound pig! But the night was waning -- as was what little was left of my stamina -- and so I took a pass on the imminent arrival of the mighty porker and made my weary way to Room 209...

...waving a fond "Aloha" to the beloved Reef A-frame as I went!

And 'til next time...

Cheers & Mahalo! :drink: :tiki:

[ Edited by: KreepyTiki 2010-06-07 02:19 ]