Post #540393 by KreepyTiki on Fri, Jul 2, 2010 7:27 AM

Yes, Ohana, the time has finally come!

Tikis meet fireworks as John and Tony cordially invite you to the legendary Caliente Tropics Resort for the big 4th of July Opening Celebration for their new Tropics Restaurant and Congo Room Bar!!!

And to help get the Tiki-lovin' festivities off to a rockin' start and keep the party rollin' all night long, your hosts have enlisted the musical aid of two groups -- The Growlers & The Entrance Band!

I was just there towards the end of June for a special private preview party and had my taste buds blown away by an apetizer of delicious wings followed by an amazing grilled pork loin chop with mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes, and zucchini that was out-of-this-world good!

But, as if that wasn't enough, I was further impressed by the resurrection of a drink recipe that was literally found deep in Caliente's cellar -- a delightful concoction called Tropics Punch which was the apparent favorite of none other than one of the original Rat-Packers -- Sammy Davis Jr. himself! (His name was actually attached to the recipe, I kid you not.) And Sammy's fave is an artful blend of triple sec, sweet & sour, pineapple, other juices, and, last but not least, properly garnished and topped by a generous float of light and dark rum (Yum!). But there's a couple secrets in there as well which I just couldn't pry out of John or Tony. But hey -- the result is habit forming and I had two to prove it!

Well, there's not much more I can say, so, pictures being worth more than most words, here's a photographic record of my fun preview and just a teeny taste of what awaits on the 4th:

What??? Could that be an actual PHOTO of the previously elusive John (architect/builder/co-owner)??? Well, just goes to show that practically ANYONE can be coerced to "smile at the birdy" providing they have enough :drink: in 'em!

And here's Big Tony lookin' big & mellow as his co-creation blossoms around him like a whole garden of hibiscus!

And here's Yours Truly with his first Tropics Punch...

And after his second...

(No jokes about "Big Stoned Heads" please!)

And just check out this ultra-cool UltraLounge tucked away in the "secret" back room!...

And I helped set up the furniture, so that'll be one complimentary Tropics Punch, John! (Oh yeah -- you already GAVE me that!)

But it was out in the Congo Room Bar's patio that the real action was...

Complete with pleasantly tipsy revelers from the Netherlands!

"Peace" right back atcha, my Nordic Brethren! And long live Kon Tiki!

And tending the poolside bar...

Juan says "Hey Kreepi! I got yo NUMBA -- TWO! As in Two Drink Limit!"

And speakin' of poolsides...

Ya can't get much more iconic than THIS one!

Yep -- Tikis plus Torches = one thing... PARTY TIME!!!

But before we drink and dance ourselves into a happy oblivion, here's a look at another iconic (and newly uncovered, thanks to John and me) LeRoy Schmaltz masterpiece...

No longer hiding in the bushes, this proud tiki here displays a lighting scheme with a distinct Doug Horne vibe...

Highly appropriate, too, as Doug designed the striking new menu...

...held here by Castaway Clemens himself as he bids a fond farewell 'til next time to that classically hip, Mid-Century Modern meld of retro 60's Futurama and old school Poly-Pop that is the new Tropics Restaurant and Congo Room Bar!

See ya on the 4th!!

Cheers & Mahalo :drink: :tiki: