Post #586529 by Queen Kamehameha on Mon, Apr 25, 2011 9:09 PM

I have to agree with Jim, we talk about Cantonese and the loss of it like a lost friend. We east coasters had Cantonese before Hawaiian and after Hawaiian came and went, fried egg rolls, vegetables with pork and almonds was called char shu ding, not almond ding,and it exists in NY the old way and I'm sure elsewhere. The west coast is really so different then everywere else. Out here we have enbraced healthy, and different where food is nolonger a defined dish with great tastes but asian fusion,texmex, new wave cusine, pan fried pizza, stuff crust, and no real deli's( I save this for another food discussion)etc...... Also, I think the rise and fall of anything seems to move faster here. California is a hub for many things and ideas so things become cool faster here, long after its cool here, its cool everywhere else. And the bad ecomony makes things seem old or tired, or even depressing.

But overall I think Tiki is alive and well, I feel like it is bigger than its been in years and more and more is being discovered and people continue to try and open establishments. It will last longer this time, I am sure of it. One thing for sure, if we want things to last forever, it won't, but it will last longer if we support them.

I once said to my husband Ray when we were in NY " I am so sad the drive-in in our neighborhood is closing, and with a kind but stern face, said" when was the last time you went there? spent money? and supported it? Ths is what happens when you sit back and expect others will do what you should do.....I now do my best to frequent as many favorite places as possible.....just my .02