Post #86982 by pablus on Mon, Apr 19, 2004 10:06 AM

First: Empress Bar/Restaurant in Chinatown. Best view of the city from their top floor bar. Not really Tiki - but I did have a drinkable Mai Tai... or 3.

Now unfortunately for my cardio vascular system, walking is something foreign to me over the last 7 years. I moved to suburbia from the country and left all of my athleticism behind.

About a hundred-thirty pounds later, I find myself staggering toward our hotel after a long (4 mile or so) trek through Chintown and back .

Angela suddenly exclaims; "Look - a Tiki guy." My head was facing down, just trudging along and I had almost run into Tiki Bob. THE Tiki Bob... now painted a horrid reddish-brown and standing in front of a vacant building. I was both delighted and saddened that this Icon was smilingly waiting for his buddies to come in and have some drinks... but no one was coming.

(I'll post pics to this thread when I get back to town - my FTP isn't working on this comp.)

THEN - the real magic of SF - behind a simple white door near the sea - the magical Foggy Grotto. Arrrrrrrr, the rums. A better selection I've never seen. The mastery with which our own Martiki concocted and presented the precious fruity elixers resembled the slight of hand of a master illusionist.

These drinks were no illusion though, they were fabulous. Angela and I enjoyed hours of happy conversation with Rebecca and Martiki at The Foggy Grotto and we appreciate them inviting us there.

Wait - I think I may have invited myself - but regardless - it was such a wonderful evening that I even had mercy on their rum supply and left well before midnight.

Tonight - The Tonga Room.