I wrote a story about how I discovered Tiki

During Covid I bought a copy of Smuggler's Cove and discovered Tiki. Up until then, I thought it was just some tacky aesthetic mixed with fruity drinks, but Martin Cate completely changed my mind. I ultimately traveled to Munktiki and chatted with Paul Nielsen.

I wrote an essay about the experience: https://www.chrisbeaty.com/p/tiki-bars?r=23oqgc

Welcome to Tiki Central! Thanks for sharing your essay. I've long thought the heartland (especially during winter) makes the perfect place for tiki. Too bad there's not much of it there right now.

If you just discovered tiki in the past few years, I'm guessing you never made it to Mt. Fuji, correct? I'm originally from southwest Iowa, and never made it myself. Have you seen the thread here about it?

Mt. Fuji Inn / Mai Tai Lounge, Omaha, NE (restaurant)
https://tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic_id=26178

I never did make it to Mt. Fuji Inn, but I bought 4 of their mugs from eBay. I used to drive by it all the time, but I had no idea there was a tiki bar in the basement until I started researching tiki history in Omaha. Thankfully Laka Lono Rum Club has filled the void, and it’s truly great.

@geometry dash, It's amazing how one book and a journey to Munktiki can completely change your perspective.

[ Edited by ctivetrick on 2024-06-09 21:15:40 ]