No party tonight (Sun) - The Bahooka will NOT be open !!

I went and said my aloha to Bahooka this afternoon. I just wandered through, took photos and breathed in the smell of ribs and old restaurant. If you wanted to dine, there was a 2-3 hour wait, unless you had lined up early. They had a table up front, where they were selling off a stack of mucky, plastic parrots and I saw the last of their t-shirts (size 3x) get purchased by a much smaller person, who was delighted to get it.

It's always difficult and sad to say goodbye to something we love. But the restaurant business is tough, especially in a huge city like Los Angeles, where there are so many dining options. We have all seen Bahooka nearly empty on many nights, yet hopping on some weekends and during our Tiki events we've had there. Owning a restaurant will take up your whole life, unless you choose to relinquish some of your power to investors to help you run it. I wish Suzanne and her family well, and they are fortunate that, in their time of need, they got an offer they couldn't refuse. Whether we like it or not.

The good news? We once had a place called Bahooka. A fantastic dining escape that we enjoyed thoroughly for almost half a century, and we made a lot of memories there. More positive news: I have heard (rumors) that some of the decor will be seen at a new, L.A. Tiki bar later this year. Also, that the new owners of the Bahooka building are keeping the fishtanks -- which makes me hopeful (fingers crossed) that they might keep the seating and placement of the tanks intact, which would make a far better fate than befell many of of our beloved old Tiki places. One of the things that made Bahooka so wonderful were their booths. Because of the wandering design of the building, you could hide away in there with your date and feel (or BE) naughty, while surrounded by one hundred-plus bubbling tanks and colorful sea life. It was as if you were given your own private world for a little while. Wow oh wow oh wow. Word to anyone thinking of owning their own exotic restaurant or bar: You would do well to recreate this booth ambiance in your new place.

So, let this be a reminder to us to support and enjoy the Tiki places we still have. We're fortunate that, here in Los Angeles, we can actually do a roll call: Tiki Ti! Damon's! Tonga Hut! Purple Orchid! Don the Beachcomber's! Trader Vic's L.A., Tiki No! And, it appears, a few more to come. And if we do this, in fifty years, we can listen to our children wail and cry when those places get sold off... Ah, the circle of Tiki life.

[ Edited by: Tangaroa-Ru 2013-03-09 22:07 ]

[ Edited by: Tangaroa-Ru 2013-03-09 22:22 ]

That was freakin' beautiful. Very well said!

Many pages back I posted I was going and I'm still going.. I don't care if the place is packed, back room party or not, ribs or not, booze flowing or not.. I don't care if it's just a parking lot party.. I'm still looking forward to going tomorrow night.. In fact, I'm going to bed right now so I have enough energy for whatever takes place on the final night at the legendary Bahooka..

Mahalo, Onyx.

Anyone have an extra Ruffus, 40th Anniversary or Nautical Mug they'd be willing to trade/sell? Hell, going today? Let me know. I need the nautical for my own and a friend wants a Ruffus or 40th mug

I will be raising both of my Bahooka mugs in tribute at 7:30, tonight. Send her off in style, my friends!

Word around the campfire is that they will not be open tonight, but they will be in business until Wednesday. I'd check there Facebook page before driving anywhere.

This just in (on The Bahooka Facebook page):

Bahooka

26 minutes ago via mobile.

Last night was overwhelming. We were on a 4 hour wait! We just don't have the resources to do it again tonight. One of our family members ended up in the ER with chest pains, he is Ok, but unable to do it again. We are so sorry to all of you that we're planning on coming tonight, but the Bahooka is closed.

Very sad, but you can't blame them! Adios Bahooka and Rufus!

UGH!!!!

Dang.

Even though I've gone a half dozen times in the last two weeks, this makes me very sad. I had an itch to go last night and then thought, "No, let's just say a proper goodbye on the final night."

As per Big Kahuna's post, let's raise a glass tonight and toast our departed Bahooka and let's add a "good health!" to the Bahooka owners and staff.

http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=44976&forum=1&0

R.I.P Bahooka. I'm glad I went on Friday to get me a couple of grenades with the pins pulled.

Anyone know the recipe? I need a memory wipe every now and then in my own private residence.

For those in the Los Angeles area who were planning on going to Bahooka tonight, Tonga Hut just posted this on their Facebook page:

"Tribute to the legendary Bahooka tonight, beginning at 4.
Toast at 6, wherever you are.
Serving the 'Ruffus' created by our own Marie King, garnished with a carrot stick!"

Bumping this thread back to the top.

Here is a link to a Youtube Lost in Paradise video " Bon Voyage Bahooka" that Chris posted today in the general tiki for those who may not have seen it yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I2yHiA24UB4

yippie! i can stay home and work like i need to do.......