Tiki Thirstday IV • April 10 • Martin Denny's Birthday • DC Metro Area (Bethesda, MD)

When: Thursday, April 10, 2014
Where: House of Foong Lin, 4613 Willow Lane, Bethesda, MD 20877
Time: From 6 pm to Close. Some group arrive early, with most people arriving between 7 and 8.

$5 Tiki Drink Specials & Full Food Menu available all night!
(This week, Mai Tai '44 plus two more TBA)

Drop by for just one, or stay the whole evening - that's up to you.

(In addition to the bar, there are several bistro tables behind me that can't be seen in this photo)

Sadly, the Washington, DC region gave up all of it's Tiki glory years ago.
Trader Vic's closed down almost 20 years ago, and the last true area Tiki bar, The Honolulu, closed 10 years ago next month. We are, however, fortunate that House of Foong Lin still keeps a torch burning with the area's widest selection of Tiki Drinks and even some classic Polynesian dishes to enjoy. (They still serve a Pu-Pu Platter with a wooden server and flaming hibachi in the center)

Tiki footnote: The Chef/Owner's brother and former partner was a bartender at the DC Trader Vic's in the 1970s. Several of their drinks are recipes carefully crafted from his brother's days behind the bar at Trader Vic's.

Aloha wear welcomed and encouraged!

EASY PARKING: There is a 200 space municipal parking lot directly across the street.

**If you are visiting or passing through DC on a Thursday night, PM me and I'll be glad to get you directions!

House of Foong Lin's charm is that they are an old school Chinese/Asian restaurant that kept the classic Tiki drinks going long after they all but disappeared from most menus. They have also been amazingly receptive to the local Ohana that have discovered this non-trendy oasis. They have brought in special rums to cater to their Tiki regulars, upped their game with several drink additions to the menu (a very respectable Black Magic, a Mai Tai '44 and Mai Tai 52, among them). Also, the food is absolutely first rate - some of the very best Chinese food in the Washington, DC area.

[ Edited by: Dr. Coruba 2014-04-08 06:25 ]

On April 3rd we had another very decent turnout with 19 people who decided to shake off their winter blues by enjoying a tropical vacation in a glass. Thanks to TikiGAP and Julie, who brought a boatload of Tiki themed music, we had a great soundtrack to the evening's festivities. This week our Tiki Thirstday gathering happens to fall on the birthday of Exotica great Martin Denny, so we will feature his music in the lounge all night long.

Mahalos to all who attended an especially to the many who have made it to all 3 of our Tiki Thirstdays so far.

Though all of us going to Tiki Thirstdays share a love of Tiki Drinks, some of us enjoy Rum as a solo act. Chef Fu has expressed interest in putting together a Rum selection to appeal to those who like to sip fine Rums. If you are local, come on down and join some of our Rum Collectors in discussing what Rums would make for a nice start. (So far the only sippers he has are Zacapa 23 and Diplomatico Reserva)

Fyi, one of our regulars, has a personal collection of over 100 rums. If you drop by, I'll be happy to give you an introduction.