The term “Tiki”, is fascinating. The word “Tiki” is fascinating. It dates back to New Zealand, the Southwestern Pacific Ocean and the ancient mythology that the Maori tribe of the island created. They carved different forms of the god they called, the first man.
Mister Webster defines Tiki simply as “A wooden or stone image representing a Polynesian superstitious power.” Yes…and no.
Tiki is a culture that has evolved over the past 100 years in America. It’s evolved from a simple theme to an immersive lifestyle.
Mickey Tiki
Disneyland is the best place to experience Tiki’s appeal. Walt’s Magic Kingdom is immediately accessible once you enter the gates. The outside world is forgotten… and you’re soon wearing Mickey Mouse earring, wearing a Disney character T shirt, and singing along with “It’s a Small World”, which Time magazine and Library of Congress report has been played over 50 million times in history.
Consider that Disney World sells over 3 million pairs of Mickey Mouse earbuds every year. And (proving that Disney isn’t just for children) an additional $3 billion in licensed Mickey Mouse products are sold to adults outside of Disney property each year. Remember that the next time you spot a 65-year-old wearing a Mickey Mouse tee at Walmart.
So it is with the new and surprising world of Tiki Culture. This is also a completely immersive, entertaining and addictive experience.
Anatomy Tiki Lifestyle
Most people start with a visit to a Tiki themed bar or restaurant. Every city, big or small, has at least one Tiki-themed bar or restaurant. We have famous tourist attractions like The Golden Tiki, Frankie’s Tiki Room and Tiki Di Amore in Las Vegas as well as local favorites like The Red Dwarf and Tiki Di Amore.
Each has a distinct personality: The Golden Tiki offers a fun-filled, booze-filled adventure with live music and tropical drinks in a Pop-Polynesian-inspired setting… while Frankie’s Tiki Room provides a more authentic vintage Tiki feel that is darker and quieter. Both are equally popular, and open 24 hours a day. Local spots are also gaining popularity and notoriety.
While these famous Las Vegas locations may be quite different from hundreds of other Tiki themed bars and restaurants in the U.S. they share a common trait: they all have a unique, eclectic Tiki décor and mysterious tropical ambience that dates back to a visionary of nearly 100 years ago named Ernest Raymond Gantt.
The Beachcomber & the Trader
Ernest Gantt, the “founding father” of Tiki culture opened the first quintessential Tiki Bar – Don the beachcomber – when prohibition ended in 1934.
Gantt’s 1722 North McFadden Place, Hollywood, became a success, and Gantt became known as Don the Beachcomber. He later changed his legal name to Donn Beach.
In the following years, the two pioneers created and refined wonderful island ambiences, developed classic tropical drinks, and opened nationwide chains of Tiki restaurants and bars that ruled for decades. You say it’s vast? You’re right… Read on.
Tiki Subculture
Nearly a century later, the immersive aspects and entertainment of all things Tiki come into play… and underline the word “addictive.”
After the first (or several) visits to a cool Tiki restaurant and bar, the fun and escapism of the atmosphere, fueled by awesome tropical drinks and Polynesian-style fare, usually triggers the desire for more… And the “more” often leads to returning visits, with friends and wearing Hawaiian shirts, muu-muus, and (not too long afterwards) adding leis, flowers and other accessories to the mix. It goes on.
The tropical drinks created and served by the talented individuals behind the bar are a key part of introducing oneself to everything-Tiki. Adam Rains is a Chief Mixologist at The Golden Tiki, Las Vegas.
“Since 2015 The Golden Tiki is a whimsical gathering spot for all types people,” says Adam Rains. “And I strive to enhance the visit with beautiful blended Tiki drinks that are deliciously complex, served with a touch of showmanship… and often flaming.”
“Today there is definitely Tiki Renaissance,” says he, “and we are right there.”
At Home and on the Go
Adam Rains’ “Tiki Renaissance”, as he calls it, is larger than you might imagine. There are many popular websites that chronicle the Tiki lifestyle and provide news. Ray Wyland hosts “Tiki With Ray”, a well-known blog.
I was pleasantly surprised to find there was so much more.” He states, “So far, I’ve featured over 100 amazing home Tiki bar and that number is still climbing!” I was surprised to discover there was much more.” He says, “I’ve featured 100 amazing home Tiki bar so far and that number is growing! I find people living the Tiki life everywhere… in local Tiki restaurants and bars, in Tiki club gatherings and clubs… collecting Tiki mugs and art… and dressing in their best Aloha attire .”
Ray Wyland says, “There are three important things that I’ve observed in the last few years… first, more and more Tiki restaurants and bars are opening up all over, coast to coast… second, the drinks are now more complex, from Mai-Tais to a wide variety of tropical cocktails made with custom-blended liquors… third, home Tiki bar proliferation is amazing.”
“The Tiki Culture in America is Growing,” he says, “and I am proud to be a part of it!”
Ray has recently highlighted three of the most common types of home Tiki bars in Las Vegas.
It is usually tucked away in a corner, or a popular spot to entertain. You can create a DIY Tiki bar with some stools and island decor, or you can hire a professional to design a beautiful, expansive Tiki area that spills over into adjacent rooms.
The second is an “outdoor Tiki” environment, which can be found on a deck or patio and/or as a free-standing Tiki hut like the “Smoking Monkey Tiki Lounge”, located behind the home Lola and Jimmy Nielsen. The patio has a Tiki bar and a lavish Tiki room, which was originally a pre-fab Tuff Shed.
The third is an “indoor/outdoor”, pervasive Tiki atmosphere that extends from floor-to ceiling and wall-to walls in every room. This dominates every nook and corner in one’s house – such as the fully-themed home of Angela Klingenmeir, complete with the cozy “Enchanted Klinki Room”, a tribute to Disney Enchanted Tiki Room and a custom-built, pro-designed outdoor Tiki bar overlooking the pool.
To read about these three Las Vegas Tiki bars in detail, go to www.tikiwithray.com, and click on: Home Tiki Bar Highlights #100 Perry’s Aristocrat Lounge, #99 Smoking Monkey Lounge, and #85 The Enchanted Klinki Room.
But Wait… There’s more!
Today’s Tiki culture is much more than just commercial Tiki bars and restaurants with a Polynesian theme. It also includes lavish home Tiki bar designs. You’ll also find a wide range of Tiki-themed products and supplies available online and at specialty shops. There are also many professionals who can design, build, and create your dream Tiki bar.
There are a few professional Tiki carvers who specialize in recreating Tiki designs and images in various forms. Billy Crud, a talented woodcarver from Las Vegas is well-known for his beautiful work of art. You can see it in Frankie’s Tiki Room and The Golden Tiki as well as in home Tiki bars throughout Las Vegas.
Billy Crud’s nickname was inspired by a Beetlejuice TV cartoon from the 1980s featuring a surly, outspoken bovine called “Bully the Crud.” Today, his work is admired by many who say “This Maori-inspired masterpiece was carved with great skill and precision by Billy Crud… Yes Crud.”
Take It From Me
Donn Beach was born on this day in 1933. Many Tiki bars are serving his “Zombie”, a drink he created. The Zombie cocktail is a tropical challenge that mixes four premium rums with a proprietary mix of fresh juices and cinnamon syrup. It’s a stealthy drink that Beach cleverly served to his patrons.
I can attest to the fact that Tiki culture is immersive, entertaining, and addictive… as I live proof.
I’m going to wear my favorite Tommy Bahama Hawaiian t-shirt and go to The Golden Tiki to have a Zombie or two in honor of Don The Beachcomber’s Birthday. Also, I have enclosed a picture of my home outdoor Tiki bar… yes, I do too.
As you can see the Tiki life is… you know. Be careful – only try it if you are up for some adventure and fun.
Don Logay, a journalist who has won numerous awards and was the former editor-in-chief of three magazines in Canada, is a well-known name. He writes articles on luxury lifestyle for many publications. You can reach him at (949) 244 4444 or [email protected].
Tiki Life was the first to appear on Vegas Legal Magazine.