The First Annual (hopefully) Jungle Fever Weekend was held in Florida by the West Coast chapter of the Mira Mar League of Extraordinary Gentlemen. A small but select group showed up to celebrate what Tiki has to offer on Florida's West Coast. The weekend mixed Tiki & Jungle themes, starting with swag bags that included shrunken heads, Tiki Farm zombie shot glasses and voodoo necklaces. Friday night was dinner at Mr. Bones, a voodoo themed restaurant followed by drinks at the Mira Mar League HQ-a secret enclave in a historically designated cigar factory. Saturday brought a hunt for tiki, and everybody scored something, from mugs to Hawaiian statues. A trip to a Santeria shop netted a couple items of real voodoo to add to the decor of the MMLEG building. From there it was to Sarasota Jungle Gardens, listed in Tiki Road Trip, to the tiki garden section. Alas, the vintage tiki had been taken off display but there were a myriad of Wayne Coombs tikis there, as well as other palm log carvings. Flamingos and Parrots abound along the Jungle walk. By then, the Bahi Hut was open and we enjoyed the building as it is totally intact and unchanged from the late 50's. Their Mai Tai's are legendary in strength, having the reputation of the original Zombies... to the point they will only serve you two, ....but one may be enough.
After some pool time, it was back to the Mira Mar League HQ where the Resident Mixologist at Large, Trader Dick, mixed Zombies (the original ones--from Sippin' Safari) with flaming swizzles, as well as other authentic and tasty drinks. As the League has a projection room, the evening's entertainment was a series of Jungle Girl movies from the 1930's to the late 50's.
A good time was certainly had by all. The event was a dry run for a larger version we hope to hold next year. By then we hope to have a mug design produced by Holden & crew, with the artist whose dad originally created the Bahi Hut logo involved in the concept drawings. The event is very convenient to Sarasota airport, everything less than 5 miles. Stay tuned as plans and dates firm up but it appears it will be held in early August to avoid the start up of the active hurricane season. Those that may wish to attend PM me so I can put you on the mailing list. A website may follow early 2010 with details.
The famous peeing skeleton at Mr. Bones
The Bahi Hut today, as it was in the beginning..... and still is
Trader Dick whips up a special concoction at the El Tigre bar at the Mira Mar HQ
A motley bunch from the Mira Mar League
Robotiki
Mira Mar League of Extraordinary Gentlemen
[ Edited by: robotiki 2009-08-04 19:48 ]
