Tiki Central / General Tiki
The Bahooka is closing their doors March 10th
2CM
20th Century Man
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Thu, Feb 21, 2013 4:00 PM
As a minor follow-up point to my post of a few days ago, when we visited Bahooka on Monday night they were using photocopied menus that were difficult to read. We asked our waiter where the regular menus were and he said in the two days since the word went out the restaurant was closing virtually ALL OF THEIR MENUS WERE STOLEN. No doubt some of them are now in the hands of a few TCers and other selfish individuals only looking out for themselves. So for the next three weeks patrons have to use crappy paper menus to order from. When I asked Darlene at the front desk about them she told me the menus would have been included among the items auctioned off with the decor after the restaurant closes. So there's some money that won't be going to the Schneiders family to help pay the aforementioned medical bills. And the rest of us won't get a chance to bid on those pieces of Bahooka history. I'm sure it won't be long before they start showing up on craiglist or eBay for a ridiculous amount. Now everyone on TikiCentral will know that anyone who sells a Bahooka menu stole it!! >:( |
TM
tiki mick
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Thu, Feb 21, 2013 4:06 PM
I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand, you are absolutely right....but on the other hand, this place was sold out of the blue, with no warning. Bahooka knows how the tiki community has supported it. They could have held an auction already, especially for us, to bid on the stuff there. Frankly, we don't know for a fact that anyone here has taken those menus or anything else. |
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Luckydesigns
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Thu, Feb 21, 2013 5:34 PM
I've seen tons of menus from 'still in business' restaurants/ bars in private collections. I can't stand that. It's stealing. And it goes against Otto's rules of tiki or whatever he called it in "Tiki News"; Basically that we shall never steal anything from a current tiki bar/ restaurant in business. ...But it still infuriates me that all of the super cool Don the Beachcomber coctail menus are gone now to theives. Same reason why they don't serve drinks in tiki mugs or rum barrels any more. To many dishonest people just sneaking them out of the building without paying for them. Watch it happen to Trader Sams too... I bet there comes a time when they stop printing those great menus too. |
JB
Joe Banks
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Thu, Feb 21, 2013 8:56 PM
That time is here. As of last Saturday they only had the plastic "outside" menus available, as all of the others had been stolen. |
BK
Big Kahuna
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Thu, Feb 21, 2013 9:53 PM
That's a shame! At I least I took a couple of cool pics of them with my drinks. |
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tikijackskeleton
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Thu, Feb 21, 2013 10:44 PM
Didn't that happen to Tiki Ti looooooong ago. |
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Loki-Tiki
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Fri, Feb 22, 2013 9:12 AM
Totally agree with your outrage! There is a solution to this situation, and I'm particularly surprised Disney, who is excellent at extracting revenue from consumers doesn't do this: Sell them (note they do sell their souvenir mugs) Sure, there will be some shrinkage, but us honest folks would gladly pay a more reasonable price in store for it then the inflated black-market price. |
KBT3
King Bushwich the 33rd
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Fri, Feb 22, 2013 12:03 PM
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SandraDee
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Fri, Feb 22, 2013 12:12 PM
I cannot believe I am going to write this down but I agree with LucasVigor (!!!) on his stealing menu viewpoint. Since i will be in Hawaii I will miss the last gathering at Bahooka so I am coming down this weekend for my final cocktails there. If I could steal anything from that place it would be the COCKTAILS part of their outdoor sign sigh |
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bigbrotiki
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Fri, Feb 22, 2013 2:34 PM
That's pretty funny...WHY !? Those menus were really not such great examples of Tiki art. I think it was more the regulars there that took them, the families that have been coming there for years who wanted some memento from the place they loved, Tiki or not. And it's those regulars that kept the place afloat. The Tiki community had its events there, but very sporadically over the years. They certainly weren't the place's bread & butter. Bahooka always had a very pragmatic relationship with us Tikiphiles: Glad to take their events and parties, but beyond that, it was not their world. They were working class proprietors with a working class clientele, we were the artsy fartsy nerds. And that was fine with me. I also do not condone the taking of anything until it is up for sale by the owners. Those ladies have slaved behind a hot stove all their lives and they deserve every penny they have coming to them. Last Tuesday: Ribs and Yams with Scott and Josh (and Martin McIntosh behind the camera) :) |
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Hiphipahula
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Fri, Feb 22, 2013 8:01 PM
I was asked on Facebook today about my visit to Bahooka last night and two of my friends asked, what was your favorite cocktail when you visited Bahooka?. One friend said "I want to know because I never found a cocktail there I liked" before I knew it I had written a goodbye letter so I will share it for those interested. "I love Bahooka, it was always a package deal for me, an extraordinary venue and it will be missed by so many, it's neighborhood, tikiphiles, visitors and vacationers. I don't think I considered the cocktails as a reason to go there or be there in more resent years. The cocktails are very commercial and rounded out to sell in mass and volume and Bahooka is very good and successful at what they do and in part it's because they understand that fine line. Here is a successful, exotic venue, a Tiki Palace of sorts NOT losing money per se and closing, a great loss for all, people want Chili's and TGIF and Olive Garden! It has made it tough for tiki venues and mom and pop shops for years as we already know, damn corporate America. |
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Hiphipahula
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Fri, Feb 22, 2013 8:09 PM
As to the Menu crisis, last night management told us, we pulled the menus back as NOT to be stolen. You can BUY a colored cover menu for $10 or black & white for $5 also you can BUY a parrot for $20 . P.S. Yes, some of us did buy menus and/or parrots [ Edited by: Hiphipahula 2013-02-22 20:17 ] |
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tikijackskeleton
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Fri, Feb 22, 2013 9:59 PM
Heads up, tomorrow on KPCC 89.3FM at noon, Offramp will be doing at least a segment on it. |
2CM
20th Century Man
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Fri, Feb 22, 2013 11:53 PM
Kelly, thank you so much for getting the truth about the "The Great Bahooka Menu Robbery." It's a relief to know there are still menus available for sale even if I can't get out there again to buy one before they're gone. I only brought the topic to everyone's attention because three of the staff (apparently not informed by management) told us they had been stolen. Wish I'd known they were for sale when we were there. We're really looking forward to joining the ohana for the grand farewell on March 10! Thanks again! |
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JOHN-O
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Sat, Feb 23, 2013 6:29 PM
Well, they've started to sell off the flotsam and jetsam. :( |
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lunavideogames
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Sat, Feb 23, 2013 6:56 PM
Dibs on the flotsam, how much are they asking? :) That is very bad news... No hope for the place staying open then? :( :.( |
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MauiRose
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Sun, Feb 24, 2013 8:33 PM
I went last night (four hour wait for walk-ins at 7:30) and they had a table set up near the entrance selling some items: $1 stickers [ Edited by: MauiRose 2013-02-24 23:06 ] |
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bigbrotiki
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Sun, Feb 24, 2013 10:42 PM
MAN I hope those Watney's Red Barrel mirrored signs are not gone... :D [ Edited by: bigbrotiki 2013-02-25 11:28 ] |
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HelveTiki
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Mon, Feb 25, 2013 5:42 AM
this is sad news... sad, sad, sad... |
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JOHN-O
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Mon, Feb 25, 2013 3:32 PM
Case in point... So what happens when 2 artsy fartsy Tiki nerds (namely HB Tiki and myself), who poached a booth just to drink and kvetch, are asked by a patched member of the Mongols (outlaw) Motorcycle Club to move so he and his family can have dinner ??... They move !! So I guess that's fine with me too. :) |
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lava
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Mon, Feb 25, 2013 5:56 PM
Went to Bahooks last sat. at 6pm. tried to make res but the phones ring without answer. I tried several times, and I mean a lot. 100+ over the day. Now if a restaurant can book up for a 3 hr wait why can the thing be sold instead of closed? Its a shame to plow down a unique place like this only to build something that could be built anywhere. |
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tikiskip
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Mon, Feb 25, 2013 7:18 PM
"patched member of the Mongols" |
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JOHN-O
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Mon, Feb 25, 2013 7:31 PM
Tiki bars are a lawless place !! And if you really want to see anarchy, show up on March 10th. I'm already getting kind of scared. :( |
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chrisandsarahb
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Mon, Feb 25, 2013 7:41 PM
I'm with John-O! I'm nervous if I can even shoot/film it on March 10th and do it justice. Put yourself in their shoes, its gotta be crazy beyond crazy around there. Who wants to answer the phone? Forget about it... |
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tikiskip
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Mon, Feb 25, 2013 7:42 PM
"Tiki bars are a lawless place !!" Would like to see the place, but it's already gone. |
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tikilongbeach
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Wed, Feb 27, 2013 10:46 AM
This is from their website, I didn't steal a menu. I'm sure their website will be shut down soon after closing. It's got a lot of pictures and information on it that should be saved. http://bahooka.com/ |
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JOHN-O
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Wed, Feb 27, 2013 12:05 PM
I dunno, is there really any ephemera, flotsam & jetsam, or even Tikis that are considered good Tiki art (aside from its strictly sentimental value) at the Bahooka ? To me, the Bahooka was always about the sum of its parts rather than as a treasure chest of noteworthy Tiki booty (unlike the Hala Kahiki or Mai Kai). I don't think I need a plastic parrot. I know this sounds bad but probably the only thing of iconic or historic value might be to have Rufus mounted like a prize trophy (Sorry Rufus). |
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bigbrotiki
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Wed, Feb 27, 2013 12:26 PM
I obviously concur, Bahooka never had a well executed menu design, or any such ephemera:
It's pretty silly what people clamor to get their hands on just because the place is closing. I like your description of Bahooka being about the sum of its parts: One fish tank by itself would just be a couple of sheets of glass glued together, it is their sum, and the sum of nautical jetsam and flotsam that makes the place. The only thing rare and hard to come by for the Tikiphile are their resin fishnet float lamps, and they are only gonna sell those with the whole lot. That said, I sheepishly admit to buying a skanky, abused plastic Tridacna shell bowl for ten bucks after lunch yesterday. Purely for said "sentimental value", nothing to display in my museum. So I herewith forgive all you foolish fan boys and girls who bought one of those dreaded plastic parrots :D |
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Hakalugi
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Wed, Feb 27, 2013 1:00 PM
Agreed. But there are a few Tikis worth considering. I wouldn't mind owning these: Although not a style I'm fond of, if someone gifted me some of the ones at the bar, I'd probably keep them. |
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bigbrotiki
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Wed, Feb 27, 2013 1:30 PM
And that AQUARIUM bar, what a great concept! I agree, of all the nouveaux Tikis that have been but up at Bahooka's since the dawn of the Tiki Revival, those are really nice, they totally could be vintage. I don't even know who made them, kudos the the carver! I don't need much, I'd take this guy :) |
GG
Gunga Galunga
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Wed, Feb 27, 2013 4:02 PM
I finally checked this place out the other day. There was a 45 minute wait for food, so we skedaddled over to the bar. I agree, the aquarium bar is a fantastic idea. Sampled the Monkey Business, Grenade with the Pin Pulled, Zombie, and Blue Hawaiian. The exotic ribs were tasty, the cheese and crab stuffed fried shrimp were good, but my overall impression when it came to the drinks was: |
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JOHN-O
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Wed, Feb 27, 2013 4:24 PM
Well soon the place will be gone forever so you won't have to put up with drinks that don't meet your high standards. Edited for spelling. [ Edited by: JOHN-O 2013-02-27 16:30 ] |
OGR
Or Got Rum?
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Wed, Feb 27, 2013 4:58 PM
Oh, I wish I could be in California on 3/10...John O, despite your brave face I sense you are becoming a wee bit cantankerous...obviously for justified reasons. Okay, What is a Grenade w/ the pin pulled? I know, I'm in the Dairyland, don't ya know. OGR |
JC
Jareth Cutestory
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Wed, Feb 27, 2013 5:33 PM
Because you have never criticized any places drinks, right? Nice way to treat a new poster. |
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chrisandsarahb
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Wed, Feb 27, 2013 5:34 PM
A look back at some old footage of the Bahooka 2010 Mug Release Party. Apologies for the poor quality, we had no idea what we were doing in those days :wink: Bahooka 2010 Mug Release Party: |
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Dustycajun
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Wed, Feb 27, 2013 5:41 PM
Chris, You have come a long way since then, but I love the old school footage. That was a great Bahooka event, thanks for capturing it. DC |
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JOHN-O
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Wed, Feb 27, 2013 6:05 PM
Oh I've criticized plenty of place's drinks, just not when a Tiki bar was lying in its death bed. I thought the picture a bit much, like rubbing salt in the wounds. Anyway, drinks were always besides the point at the Bahooka. Gunga Galunga, come on out to the Bahooka on March 10th. We will drink straight bourbon. :) |
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tikiskip
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Wed, Feb 27, 2013 8:33 PM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99CTxJoFcIo |
ATP
Atomic Tiki Punk
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Wed, Feb 27, 2013 8:52 PM
I think we all know that we don't go to the Bahooka for the cocktails....right? :) |
GG
Gunga Galunga
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Wed, Feb 27, 2013 9:24 PM
Don't get me wrong, actually enjoyed the place immensely, and yes, I'm planning on being there the 10th, along with probably 200 others for what I'm sure will be a great time. Sure, a little extra bourbon never hurt! |
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bigbrotiki
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Thu, Feb 28, 2013 9:59 AM
What you as a new poster cannot know is that the fact that Bahooka's mixology is sadly lacking has been discussed and explained here on numerous occasions. Also mentioned has been the fact that nowadays folks that have come from the craft cocktail movement or are otherwise new to Tiki take it for granted that vintage bars should provide such sophisiticated fare (I am not saying that's you!). In this case I always like to quote from my foreword to Tiki Road Trip: ...and that's what Bahooka truly is now, "Paradise Lost" |
BK
Big Kahuna
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Thu, Feb 28, 2013 10:06 AM
Words of wisdom! I'm gonns miss that place. |
TM
tiki mick
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Thu, Feb 28, 2013 10:16 AM
100% agreed |
ATP
Atomic Tiki Punk
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Thu, Feb 28, 2013 10:31 AM
Just to be redundant, yes! The atmosphere, The sense of history that draws us to these well worn temples |
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tikilongbeach
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Thu, Feb 28, 2013 11:06 AM
Very well put. |
HT
Hale Tiki
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Thu, Feb 28, 2013 11:20 AM
I just wish I would have been able to go, and get a mug. |
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LoriLovesTiki
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Thu, Feb 28, 2013 4:55 PM
Me too, Hale! :'-( |
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bigtikidude
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Fri, Mar 1, 2013 9:18 PM
I will raise a toast with my Corona beer with a Lime in it hey the Lime makes it tiki, |