I went to Bosko's Tiki paradise this weekend...

...and was AMAZED! The Tikis and masks he is carving for that new restaurant in San Diego are gorgeous! Finally an entrepeneur seems to have had the right idea:
Not only are there going to be LOTS of Tikis, but the are going to be BIG! After the frustrating missmanagement and ignorant treatment of his fine work at the Taboo Cove, Bosko much deserves to find a fitting showcase for his work. This looks like it's gonna be a good one, knock on Tiki wood.

Great news Bigbro. Bosko works hard and it's nice to see his efforts pay off & be showcased in a venue for all to enjoy. I'm not sure if a date's been set yet for the grand opening, but I'm startin' my countdown NOW!

[i]O After the frustrating missmanagement and ignorant treatment of his fine work at the Taboo Cove, Bosko much deserves to find a fitting showcase for his work.

Sorry for my ignorance but, what happened at Taboo Cove?

I checked out the location of this new San Diego restaurant a couple of weeks ago. You couldn't really see much inside the place yet as they had the windows blocked. I can tell you that it is in a fantastic location. Right in the heart of downtown in the Gaslamp Quarter at the corner of 5th and F Street (across from Croce's).

I've heard good things rumored about this place and BigBro's comments give me even more optimism. Of course, any project is going to be made better by Bosko's incredible work. Here are some photos of the building and of the advertising posters:

Wouldn't have been my first choice of names.

Nice building but no exterior work done yet.

Yes, it is called "Mister Tiki". I'm not crazy about the name but I'll try to reserve judgement until I see the whole concept come together. As you can see on the poster, this restaurant is owned by the Cohn Group. Corporate, yes, but in my opinion they run some of the best restaurants in San Diego. I can only hope they have half the passion of other new tiki establishments like Hale Tiki.

I'm really looking forward to seeing this!

ModMana :drink:

[ Edited by: ModMana on 2004-03-16 00:59 ]

On 2004-03-15 21:09, Rattiki wrote:
Sorry for my ignorance but, what happened at Taboo Cove?

From what I understand, some of the customers stole everything that wasn't nailed down (and much that was)while the owners responded by playing very shite non-Tiki music.

More here:
https://tikicentral.com/viewtopic-new.php?topic=487&forum=1

Trader Woody

Sven,
Shelley and I want to extend an open invitation to please stop by and see us on your next trip to North County. The Fabulous Lagoon Room is located VERY close to the 5 and 78. See you next time.
Mahalo,
Al

From the website...

"MISTER TIKI's Mai Tai Lounge will finally, open in Spring of 2004.

The restaurant design is a collaboration between the Cohns and noted San Diego Designer JLorene Gage. JLorene worked with us on the design for Kemo Sabe, Indigo Grill and Blue Point. All of our designs have incorporated the work of local artists and MISTER TIKI will be no exception.

As it turns out, San Diego is a hot bed of Tiki culture and Tiki artisans. MISTER TIKI will feature more than a dozen custom Tiki Gods and masks carved by San Diego County's own Bosko Hrnjak
http://www.tikibosko.com/about_bosko.htm.

I'm very excited about our All-Star management Team at MISTER TIKI. Jonathan Hale, our Executive Chef at Blue Point will also serve as Executive Chef at MISTER TIKI. Jon lived in Hawaii for 8 years and was Executive Chef at A Pacific Cafe in Maui. Our Chef de Cuisine will be Hawaii native, Jesse
Cruz. Jesse was most recently the opening Chef for Jean-Marie Josselin at 808 at the Aventine. He also worked with Jean-Marie at 808 in Vegas as well as Valentino's and Roy's. Our General Manager, Christopher Cooke, has worked with our Group for the past 3 years at various locations. Prior to joining the Cohn Restaurant Group, Chris was formerly a Manager with Wolfgang Puck and Scott's Seafood.

A sampling of MISTER TIKI's menu includes BBQ "Polehu" Ribs, "Ka-lua" Pork Potstickers, Trio of "Bao-Bao" Buns, Peking Duck Eggroll, Poke Platter, Hot n' Sour Duck Soup, Crab Crusted Mahi-Mahi, Shrimp Chow Mein and Pineapple Pork "Pago Pago". The TIKI BAR will offer a variety of signature tropical rum drinks (with tacky umbrellas, of course) as well as Mai Tais, Stingers,
Zombies and Navy Grogs served in retro Tiki glassware."

[ Edited by: bamboo Bob on 2004-03-16 08:51 ]

I've spent some time in the Gaslamp district, drinking and carrying on, and I can only hope that they are very aware of the music that they play there. Most of the bars/ clubs down there play nothing but the hip hop and dance music. The crowds down there are a kin to marti gras. Ugh.

It kinda concerns me about new tiki bars going up now. The younger generation out there doesn't want to sit around listening to Hawaiian music or exotica all night long. Let's face it, that stuff can put you to sleepe real quickly. This may be blasphemous (?) but maybe lounge music with a dance beat to it? I think the Tiki Tones did a record like this.

Personally, I can't stand dance or hip hop but it is the reality today in clubs/ bars. Even rockabilly or swing may be able to keep people going. Remember the bar owners are only trying to get people in the door and are watching their bottom line. Just a thought...

Looking forward to seeing what happens with this place.

On 2004-03-16 08:54, Luckydesigns wrote:
This may be blasphemous (?) but maybe lounge music with a dance beat to it?.

Hey Lucky, Ive been trying to do something like that. This is the closest I myself have gotten. right click save target as.

Nice job, T$$! Got any more?

I'm very excited about our All-Star Management Team at MISTER TIKI. Jonathan Hale, our Executive Chef at Blue Point will also serve as Executive Chef at MISTER TIKI.

What a trip. The Exec Chefs last name is Hale. As in Hale Tiki. And, in Germany, they used the same tapa print we did in Augusta. Twilight Zone or what!?

Congrats Bosko! I'm sure it will be top line!

On 2004-03-16 08:54, Luckydesigns wrote:
This may be blasphemous (?) but maybe lounge music with a dance beat to it?

One of my favorite tracks of the past few years is a downtempo/electronic/exotica flavoured track called, "Ocean Beach" by Black Mighty Orchestra. I've mentioned it before, but you should check it out if you can find it. I guess if you look at current lounge music (downtempo electronica, basically) then the two styles together make sense. Perhaps this type of music would keep purists somewhat satisfied without driving away the unwashed masses.

Just my 2 Z's

-Z

I like the name - Mister Tiki. Maybe he will become an enduring mascot. Already I sense that he is pleasant and accomodating, possibly even interested in the well-being of others. Sure, he may drink a lot, but he also wants to share the Tiki Goodness® far and wide.

Tiki Goodness® is a registered trademark of Martiki International, all rights reserved

...kind of.

[ Edited by: floratina on 2004-03-16 10:37 ]

I don't want to be a grump, but the combination of this joint's location in a trendy neighborhood and the fact that it is being opened by a management company who already own a string of shi-shi restaurants make my gut feeling about this one no different from what I found at Bamboo Hut in Schaumburg, IL (see thread on locating Tiki).

To wit: trendy slick restaurant with expensive (probably very good) food, a few token Tikis and no clue about the music or making the drinks good.

I'm positive the Bosko's work will be outstanding, but I have a gut feeling it will be the only redeeming factor at this one.

Closed by 2007, at the latest.

Hope I'm wrong, but over almost ten years of watching neo-Tiki bars open, I have pretty good radar for these things.

"(with tacky umbrellas, of course)"

Since when are drink umbrellas tacky?

What's wrong with lounge and exotica music without a dance beat? It doesn't put me to sleep. At Trader Vic's, the Mai Kai, and others, soft, appropriate background music is perfect for setting a tropical mood and conducive for conversation without having to yell to hear each other.

I wish Bosko the best of luck and I'm hoping for the best, but I'm as skeptical as JT regarding the drinks and atmosphere, so I'm not holding my breath in anticipation.

*On 2004-03-16 08:54, Luckydesigns wrote:*It kinda concerns me about new tiki bars going up now. The younger generation out there doesn't want to sit around listening to Hawaiian music or exotica all night long. Let's face it, that stuff can put you to sleepe real quickly. This may be blasphemous (?) but maybe lounge music with a dance beat to it? I think the Tiki Tones did a record like this.

Personally, I can't stand dance or hip hop but it is the reality today in clubs/ bars. Even rockabilly or swing may be able to keep people going. Remember the bar owners are only trying to get people in the door and are watching their bottom line. Just a thought...

Looking forward to seeing what happens with this place.

Lucky, it just sounds like you aren't a fan of a true tiki bar. You would have liked Tabou Cove probably, but those of us who like classic tiki bars hated that place.

This is a tug of war that you must think about when you open a place like this. We had these discussions about Hale Tiki. Go to Hala Kahiki in Chicago and see how packed that place is and the music is a whisper. Same for the Mai Kai. The world does not need to cater to teeny-boppers to succeed.

The classic tiki bar is NOT for the younger set who get bored with quiet music. Do you go out to "hook up" or to hang out with friends and enjoy their company? (I ask figuratively Lucky, not bashing you.) The typical true tiki bar customer is not low 20's but mid thirties and up to mid 60's. Although, there are plenty of even younger people who will feel at home in a true tiki bar.

You can "sell out" and cater to the young people, but then their mood will change, and they won't be there and you will be out. Make it a class act and you will have a strong group of regulars who will be there forever and companies will entertain their guests there and so on.

I feel the tide changing. Slowly. We gotta get away from a world where a pre-teen fan is all important. It's their parents that have the money. Why not target them!?

Swanky, seriously, you don't know me. I knew what I wrote would send up some flags. I know you aren't trying to attack me but- 'I must not be a true fan of tiki bars?' I bet you haven't been to the Gas lamp district in San Diego before. It's not the kind of area that soft exotica will survive in. The rent in that area is probably super high, and the majority of people that go out drinking in that district is around 21-35. I'm being realistic. If the place is going to survive, there needs to be compromise. I'm very interested in seeing how Hale Tiki works out.

I've got no problem with exotica either- I was listening to Arthur Lyman last Friday night at home. Oh yeah, I also play in a traditional (for the most part) Hawaiian band. I must not be into classic tiki though.

Nice stuff Turbogod. That's kinda what I was thinking. You have to update stuff sometimes in order to make it work for the masses. I'm not saying totally homogenize the stuff, just make it more accessible.

Oh yeah, I like Taboo Cove, and I've been there plenty of times. The only problem is that they are waaay off the mark on the music. Maybe you ought to go back and read some of my past posts before generalizing my character from one thing that I said.

Well, to me it sounds like the people who are opening Mister Tiki have their Sh*t together when it comes to the restaurant business, and that's what is needed for a big scale Tiki place to survive these days.
I am a total old style Tiki believer, but let's be pragmatic, there are not enoguh of us around in one location to make a place of that format financially feasable.

Maybe Mr. Tiki will be a good place for Parents like Us to hang out and keep an eye on our kids carousing the other bars. Maybe the reason the kids have taken over the Gas Lamp is cause there is no place for the elders to go that is hip down there. And, then again, maybe it's all just a giant marketing scam. Who knows!? Nobody does, until it works. I'm just stoked that TIKI is everywhere!!! Even at bankrupt K-mart in another post!! Why not try a whack at the pole? If it works, it works! The Mo' betta for the world! Young and Old.

On 2004-03-16 23:50, bigbrotiki wrote:
Well, to me it sounds like the people who are opening Mister Tiki have their Sh*t together when it comes to the restaurant business, and that's what is needed for a big scale Tiki place to survive these days.
I am a total old style Tiki believer, but let's be pragmatic, there are not enoguh of us around in one location to make a place of that format financially feasable.

p.s. Kinda like a Dukes family. Who knows. Dukes worked!!

p.s.s.

Tommy Bahama(s) started out with 3 dudes hanging out, partying, in the carribean!! They sold recently and are gazzilionaires!! You just never know..................

Yeah, we'll just have to wait and see what happens. Even the folks at the Purple Orchid know that it can't be Hawaiian music and exotica all the time.

Swanky,

Anyone that knows anything about marketing knows that it IS the younger generation business and corporations market to.

If 'Billy' wants something, he'll nag mommie until she either buys it for him or sleeps with the mail man (I just made that part up, but you get the picture) As odd as it seems, that will not change.

Spike knows a thing or 2 about marketing. He is a graphic artist for O'Neil. The same O'Neil that basically invented the surf wetsuit and produces a full line clothing.

O'Neil markets the "Surfer" appeal in all land-locked states with great success.

After reading your posts for a while, I know you meant nothing disparaging by your posts. It's just that marketing is an odd world best left to those that know it.

On 2004-03-16 11:58, thejab wrote:

"(with tacky umbrellas, of course)"

Since when are drink umbrellas tacky?

They're tacky when you spill the simple syrup & grenadine on'em. I hate when that happens.

I was talking more generally, not really trying to bash Lucky.

But there is a large gulf between clothing and restaurants. Trader Vic's is generally an expensive restaurant. The people that eat there aren't as much interested in the music and just having it not intrude on their meal. Perhaps that is what Mr. Tiki is going for.

Chances are, the drinks will dissappoint at Mr. Tiki. Think sweet shooters with raunchy names.

Hale Tiki is the big experiment. Keep it classic from decor to music to perfect drinks and waitresses in skimpy outfits. We've seen it work in a sleepy Chicago suburb. We've seen the restaurant version go over the top for 50 years in Lauderdale. Will it work in Augusta?

But, to be fair, Brad does intend to play loung and other music there that is genre appropriate.

On 2004-03-17 12:46, Swanky wrote: We've seen it work in a sleepy Chicago suburb.

What sleepy Chicago suburb are we talking about...River Grove-Hala Kahiki or North Riverside-Chef Shangri-La?

The classic tiki bar is NOT for the younger set who get bored with quiet music. Do you go out to "hook up" or to hang out with friends and enjoy their company? (I ask figuratively Lucky, not bashing you.) The typical true tiki bar customer is not low 20's but mid thirties and up to mid 60's. Although, there are plenty of even younger people who will feel at home in a true tiki bar.

You can "sell out" and cater to the young people, but then their mood will change, and they won't be there and you will be out. Make it a class act and you will have a strong group of regulars who will be there forever and companies will entertain their guests there and so on.

I feel the tide changing. Slowly. We gotta get away from a world where a pre-teen fan is all important. It's their parents that have the money. Why not target them!?

Ok I agree with some of this, catering to the real money that is in the older pockets etc. BUT I am sorry Exotica SUCKS! I bought some and it reaks the big, boring stink. Some Hawaiian music is OK, and I accept it for what it is since it is from a true culture, but Exotica was always a faux musical form, sort of like musac for tropical bars. Now I know some of you guys will say well then you not REALLY a "tiki" bar fan blah blah blah, but I challenge this. Why? Well lets look at the Tiki bar and where it all REALLY came from......

The 20's prohibition started speakeasies and nightclubs, quite often big rowdy illegal clubs that you knocked on a door and said something like "Joe sent me" and they would let you in. The latter were sometime much, much nicer and this is where the glamourous age of nightclubs began.

In the 30's with the repeal of prohibition and the Great Depression, nightclubs started serving cheap eats and a floorshow. No one had much money and for dinner and a show (with a couple of free drinks included) all for one reasonable price it was an affordable night out. Much of the food was "Chinese", this is in quotes since it was faux Chinese food. Chop Suey (which was cheap to make) is one dish that is recognized as an American invention (along with Rumake', Crab Rangoon, General Chou's Chicken, etc., etc.) and were all probably conjured up in 30's nightclubs. This of course later became the mainstay of the fatty, syrupy “Polynesian” Tiki Bar cuisine.

As the nightclub industry moved into the war era folks started getting more money in their pockets, so the quality of the food and the floorshow became more important. Of course the food might have been “Chinese’, but the music in these clubs/bars had always been JAZZ! In the 20's it was Ragtime and Dixie, in the mid 30's big band started taking off, by the time the 40's started to really swing and ESPECIALLY right at the end and after the war, the Latin music craze was ALL the rage! Watch the film ‘Bugsy’ and see who opened the Flamingo in 1949, Xavier Cugat (with Jimmy Durante), no less! Was the Flamingo Casino/Hotel Tiki? Hell NO! But like so many nightclubs at the time it was headed towards tropo. MANY nightclubs of the mid to late forties became tropical in style as the returning G.I.s were longing for Bali Hai. Not that it ever existed! -an alcohol hazed memory of a transfer through Pearl and razing hell in the P.I. girlie bars (that they would NEVER tell their occidental sweethearts about) was probably what they were reminiscing about in the back of their minds. Of course this was before they were buried in the soul numbing suburban 'dream'.

In those heady postwar days Cuban big band jazz ruled, and rule it should. Exciting, loud, raucous, brassy, and a bit naughty, this is where Desi Arnaz, Prez Prado, Celia Cruz and many others made their name. But as is common, things started to get mellower and more boring as the 20 something nightclub crowd began to age, have kids, pay mortgages etc. Jazz also changed, as the ‘Cool’ Jazz sound became popular. With the war generation now in their late 30's early 40's (the year being the late 50's, early 60's) and living in the blurbs, the ‘nightclubs’ that followed these urban exit-ers became less nightclub and more bar and restaurant. There was little or no emphasis on a wild, brassy, bawdy, 'Jazz -n- liquor' music floor show for these new establishments, and more emphasis on soothing decor and ambiance for the cocktail hour or a comparatively quiet night out with the Misses and friends. This was when the defining of tropo as Polynesian or South Seas seems to have jelled, and with this was the beginning of the Tiki Bar as it is remembered here. Unfortunately with it came the smooth jazz/mood music to sip a quiet Mai Tai to. This Exotica IMHO was a sad, faded, white washed, gobbly goop, poor excuse for music compared to the rip roaring jazz of the former big city nightclub era. Even though one must REMEMBER that the mighty Mai Tai was invented the same year the Fabulous Flamingo was opened and Xaveir Cugat ruled the pop music world! So keep the exotica for the middle age minded foggies, I’ll take smokin Salsa, Samba, Rhumba and Mambo with my tropo atmosphere any day!

Now I know some are going to say, Poly-Poly-Poly, I hate Carib, foo-ee on Cuban music (or modern, shite pop music), I want pure Tiki and all that jazz. Well just like show business, it is the bar and restaurant BUSINESS. Having lived in Vegas for almost 5 years (and worked and managed in the bar and restaurant biz for 20+ years) I know how tough it is out there with SO many major ‘nightclubs’ (these are really loathsome discos) to compete with. They have to make a LOT of money to pay the insane rents the Ven. is charging them. Also, as much as I think Brad’s the Beachcombers place is awesome, I know he will have to reckon with the reality of a successful business plan in the long run. I only hope that he doesn’t have to compromise his dream too much in the end.

[ Edited by: Rattiki on 2004-03-19 06:00 ]

[ Edited by: Rattiki on 2004-03-19 06:02 ]

Being a resident of Encinitas, I am really looking forward to a new tiki bar to go along with Bali Hai!

As far as some of the comments I have read here... Yeah, I'm a bit concerned about the fact that it is in the Gaslamp. Hopefully it won't be overrun with a bunch of twenty-somethings wondering when the dancing starts and why a Scorpion doesn't have "Red Bull" in it.

I visted Taboo Cove back in February, and at the age of 37, I felt quite old to be there!? I hope this doesn't turn into a trend that will be run into the ground with overexposure.

Once Mr. Tiki opens, we should pick a night to all visit and make it a Tiki Central night! What do you all think?

[ Edited by: MachTiki on 2004-03-18 12:00 ]

Did someone say Taboo Cove Private Party?
https://tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?topic=8160&forum=6&2

On 2004-03-18 09:32, Rattiki wrote:

BUT I am sorry Exotica SUCKS!

I feel the same way. It's devoid of any character. It's nothing but a string of notes and beats really going no where. It's a musical soap opera that never comes to a conclusion.

(alright, bring it on)

---

"I'm ashamed to be here, but not too ashamed to leave..."

Celebrate 'International Tiki Day' the second Saturday in August - hau'oli la tiki!

[ Edited by: Tiki_Bong on 2004-03-18 13:26 ]

We're in for a TC gathering to check out the new Mr. Tiki in the gaslamp once it opens. Anybody else???
:drink:

On 2004-03-18 09:32, Rattiki wrote:

This Exotica IMHO was a sad, faded, white washed, gobbly goop, poor excuse for music compared to the rip roaring jazz of the former big city nightclub era.

Welllll...this could be said about American Tiki bars (compared to, for example, "Quinn's" in Tahiti) and Tiki style in general.
But it is exactly this "white washed, gobbly goop" (or in-authenticity) why we like Tiki. It's FUNNY.
....And nobody is comparing Exotica to "the rip roaring jazz of the former big city nightclub era", why would we? The Tiki vibe is not about rockin', jumpin, jivin, but about lounging.

Many people just don't "get" Exotica (not a value judgement here!), and we bemoan that, because it is, without a doubt, THE fitting sound environment for the classic Tiki bar of the 50s and 60s (not 20s/30s, and as we witness, neither 90s/2000s), and we like to experience the Tiki concept in it's completeness.

Exotica musik, with it's bird calls, volcano rumblings and wave crashing sound effects provides the ideal "glue" to unite all the faux elements of the Mainland Polynesian Pardise into a cohesive alternate reality...
If one let's it, that is.

[ Edited by: bigbrotiki on 2004-03-18 17:41 ]

Welllll...this could be said about American Tiki bars (compared to, for example, "Quinn's" in Tahiti) and Tiki style in general.
But it is exactly this "white washed, gobbly goop" (or in-authenticity) why we like Tiki. It's FUNNY.

Yes I understand that, but I wondered if others actually do (your company excluded of course). To be quite honest with our romatisizing of all things Tiki (bar) I am sure there is a mentality among many that all patrons of the 'golden Tiki era' were just enamoured and satisfied with the lush, faux tropo surroundings of the classic Tiki bars. I, on the other hand, believe that many were quite disappointed in it's somewhat comparitive banality to the great nightclubs of their previous city life. Just as many here turn their noses up at all things Jimmy Buffet. Don't get me wrong, Tiki is super cool IMO and I LIVE in a totally Tiki/jungle style hut (it's not in my basement to just drink with my friends), I just wanted to bring in a bit of perspective about the relationship between Tiki Bars and it's pre-Tiki parents, the 40's tropo style Nightclub.

....And nobody is comparing Exotica to "the rip roaring jazz of the former big city nightclub era", why would we? The Tiki vibe is not about rockin', jumpin, jivin, but about lounging.

Many people just don't "get" Exotica (not a value judgement here!), and we bemoan that, because it is, without a doubt, THE fitting sound environment for the classic Tiki bar of the 50s and 60s (not 20s/30s, and as we witness, neither 90s/2000s), and we like to experience the Tiki concept in it's completeness.

Exotica musik, with it's bird calls, volcano rumblings and wave crashing sound effects provides the ideal "glue" to unite all the faux elements of the Mainland Polynesian Pardise into a cohesive alternate reality...
If one let's it, that is.

Personally I think one would find it hard to sell the cell phone, internet, 15 tv montors blaring at all times, generation (and that includes us middle agers too) tropical rain and mood music for much longer than a 1 hour dinner. We are a changed society, hell classic films such as Casablanaca or 'To Have or have not' would now BOMB at the box office without a hundred explosions and computer grafic animation special effects. Big businesses carry large overheads and it is my experience that the over 35 crowd generally don't stay out too late, even in a place like here in Key West. It is the 20 something crowd that lights the midnight oils and spending gobs of cash on over priced high % profit drinks (food is generally a 30% costing, booze 15%-20% or less), so it is this market that one must woo to stay alive. Personally I would compromise by mixing Sixties surfer music, with 40's Latin Jazz, and contemporary hits that fit the genre after the dinnner hour in order to get and keep a 'broad spectrum market share', BUT these are biz buzz words that are considered sacreligous amongst many Tikiphiles who wish to refuse to accept that in the end (as cool as it is) this is just a style of postwar B&G decor in a business that must return the expectant investor a profit.

[ Edited by: Rattiki on 2004-03-19 06:37 ]

Rattiki:
You know I love that afro-cuban jazz like you do, but you need to chill on your sociology bro. Every now and then some fellow poster gets on a high horse about the economics of tiki -- but who really gives a flip? I think it's time to cruise on back home, find that shaker of salt and relax. Oh yeah, I just scored Cugie's Cocktails. I hope its better than Denny's Afro-desia, even though I think Exotica is one of the greatest lp's of all time.
KG

Aloha from the Sunshine State!

[ Edited by: Kailuageoff on 2004-03-19 07:28 ]

On 2004-03-18 14:45, OnaTiki wrote:
We're in for a TC gathering to check out the new Mr. Tiki in the gaslamp once it opens. Anybody else???
:drink:

OnaTiki,

I went to the Cohen Restaurants web site and all it says is that it is opening in Spring 2004. I'll help keep an eye on-line for when it actually opens. Once it does, we'll set up a night. Maybe when we have a date I'll post that as a whole new topic. Glad to hear you're in.

Yes and no, Geoff, actually Rattiki is just doing what I recommended when I said:

On 2004-03-16 23:50, bigbrotiki wrote:
I am a total old style Tiki believer, but let's be pragmatic,

And the whole "classic Exotica missing the today's target audience" is an important concern for today's Tiki Bar proprietor.

I have always said that what is missing in the Tiki revival is a "Sound", with a healthy base of bands that can perform it.

Combustible Edison were great in capturing the Martin Denny vibe in a few of their songs, and Fisherman can do fine Lyman, but there is no musical "movement", like in the Rockabilly or Swing revivals (well, these were based on music). Don Tiki is trying and doing well, but it's too old style pop for the youngsters.

The reason for this is for a large part what Rattiki is saying: Exotica is not danceable, and all kinds of bands and musicians are breaking their head trying to figure out how to bring a modern version to the table.

I actually like Rattiki's suggestion for mixing Latin and Surf to appeal to the newer generation, but that does not mean I disown classic Exotica as the true Tiki sound, like he does.

But we were talking here about Bosko's work, and the new Tiki restaurant in San Diego which, if they stick to the plans I saw, will be a stunner.

PS: By the way, did anyone notice the origin of the Mr. Tiki drawing...the Modesto Tropics matchbook on page 208 of the BOT perhaps? :)

[ Edited by: bigbrotiki on 2004-03-19 10:32 ]

Here's a notice about Mr. Tiki from the San Diego Metropolitan:

Tiki Come, Cajun Go
Mr. Tiki’s Mai Tai Lounge aims for a March opening
at old Fio’s while Bayou Bar and Grill is history

The quiet following the Cohn Group’s takeover of the old Fio’s space has been broken. The San Diego restaurant empire says in March it will open Mr. Tiki’s Mai Tai Lounge at the famed culinary corner of Fifth Avenue and G Street in the Gaslamp Quarter. Little known is that San Diego is a hotbed of tiki culture and tiki artisans. Mr. Tiki will feature more than a dozen custom tiki gods and masks carved by San Diego County artist Bosko Hrnjak.

Jonathan Hale, Blue Point’s executive chef, will serve as executive chef of Mr. Tiki’s. He’s a particularly good fit since he lived in Hawaii for eight years and was executive chef at A Pacific Café in Maui. Hawaii native Jesse Cruz, who will serve as chef de cuisine, has cooked at 808 in Las Vegas, Roy’s of Hawaii and, most recently, as opening chef at 808 at the Aventine. Christopher Cooke, whose experience comes from his work with Wolfgang Puck Restaurants and Scott’s Seafood Group, will serve as g.m. The restaurant will feature a lounge sushi bar headed by Shinji Okano, a master sushi chef.

The lounge will offer a variety of tropical drinks (umbrellas included) and the menu will include items like “Ka-lua Pork Pot Stickers,” “Bao-Bao Buns,” “Hot Sweet ‘n Sour Soup” and “Poke Platters.”

Pretty much taken straight out of the Press
Release on the Mr. Tiki website. Nothing new.

Maybe I'll email the Cohens & ask some pointed questions. Any sugestions for questions? I'd email'em by Monday morning.

On 2004-03-19 13:02, freddiefreelance wrote:
Pretty much taken straight out of the Press
Release on the Mr. Tiki website. Nothing new.

Au contraire, there is one major change for the better, they changed "tacky umbrellas included" to "umbrellas included"! :wink:

And the whole "classic Exotica missing the today's target audience" is an important concern for today's Tiki Bar proprietor.

The reason for this is for a large part what Rattiki is saying: Exotica is not danceable.........I actually like Rattiki's suggestion for mixing Latin and Surf to appeal to the newer generation, but that does not mean I disown classic Exotica as the true Tiki sound, like he does.

But we were talking here about Bosko's work, and the new Tiki restaurant in San Diego which, if they stick to the plans I saw, will be a stunner.

I hadn't thought about it for it's dancability (though that is a valid point) just that it isn't exciting enough to keep the Gen X & Yers interested enough to stick around to pay high drink prices. Tropo themed bars are alive and well, but the Tiki (although it is coming back) is still an endangered species. We need to nurture it's habitates even if there are not completely original. I hope the new and "stunning" Mr. Tiki's, for our's, Bosko's and the great endangered Tiki's sake, is a great success! :wink:

BTW I don't "disown classic Exotica as the true Tiki sound" I just don't think it was classically the only, or even the original tropical nighclub/bar sound, and I believe it has the appeal (personally and marketably) of musac. :P

[ Edited by: Rattiki on 2004-03-21 09:30 ]

OK -- to add to this debate...

Jungletrader, Big Al and I went to Bosko's today for a couple of hours. We saw the stuff he is carving for this new place Mr. Tiki and we even saw the architectural plans & elevations. From what I saw, this place is going to look incredible -- lots of old school style tikis, masks and several A-frames. The developer is spending some serious coin on this place.

I'm sure the music won't be exotica but based on what I saw, I'm betting this place is still going to knock your socks off...

Woohoo! If this place lives up to the hype we will finally have a reason to hang out in the Gaslamp Quarter again. I hope that we will be among their first "regular customers". (fingers crossed)

By the way, this place is within easy walking distance to the new Padres ballpark, which is also a pretty incredible facility. Lots to do downtown...

ModMana :drink:

(bump)

Does anybody have additional info on opening?

tbird

Tiki Bird, thanks for reminding me. I've just sent an email to Cohen Restaurant Group asking:

• If they have a planned opening date yet.
• Have they chosen music yet.
• Have they planned a drink menu yet.
• Are they planning to use Tiki mugs.
• Is there a possibility of a signature Tiki.

No new info posted on their website or in the local papers.

On 2004-03-16 23:50, bigbrotiki wrote:
Well, to me it sounds like the people who are opening Mister Tiki have their Sh*t together when it comes to the restaurant business, and that's what is needed for a big scale Tiki place to survive these days.

I, too, hope that the investment will mean the place will last, 2007 and beyond, because the investment group is experienced and because of the cash investment. However, this is not always the case, based on Tahiti or Rock-a-tiki.

I would love Mr. Tiki to play exotica during the dinner hour; however, I also acknowlege they need to play whatever will attack the 21-35 drinking crowd on a regular basis.

I hope they add some of the A-Frames and other tikis to the exterior to add the tropical flair.

Look forward to seeing the opening date posted.

[ Edited by: christiki295 on 2004-05-02 13:32 ]

Here's my email:

Hello! I was wondering if there's any more information available on Mr. Tiki? I'd like to know if there's an opening date yet? Do you have a choice of music planned? A drink menu planned? Plans to use "Tiki mugs" for drinks? The possibility of a signature Tiki?

& their answer:

Hi Freddie!

We don't have too much information just yet on Mr. Tiki. We are hoping
to
open at the end of May, but as of right now we aren't set on a date. We
are
currently finalizing the drink menu and definitely considering some in
"tiki
mugs." It is coming soon and we are all getting very excited putting
the
finishing touches on. We will be giving updates to all of our e-cuisine members via email as to the opening date and exciting events. If you would like to be added to our e-cuisine you may do so on our website http://www.cohnrestaurants.com by choosing the e-cuisine option. Thank you so much for your inquiry. We look forward to seeing you there!

Sigh I guess I'm signing up for another e-newsletter...

Wen this place opens, I gotta go da next time I'm visiting family like Al & Shelly. Chikki, I know you and Bosko get along good, I want to go by and meet him and check out his backyard A-frame. Jungle trader got da hook up to.

shoooots

Sounds like Mr. Tiki is not ready to open yet, since they dont have a opening date. Probably training staff & have construction still going on.

On 2004-05-03 09:15, Tiki Bird wrote:
Sounds like Mr. Tiki is not ready to open yet, since they dont have a opening date. Probably training staff & have construction still going on.

I hope syllabus for the staff training includes the Book of Tiki and lots of practice on how to make an appropriate Mai Tai.

Thanks for the update.