Summer 2025 - Orange Speedos for Pride

 Friday, May 27, 2025

Warren and I went to the Eagle's patio party for Pride this afternoon. Afterward we headed back to my place and met up with Dale and Gary for pizza from Pizza Luce. 

                     

I made Orange Speedos for Warren and me. Didn't follow the recipe exactly (I usually don't) but they were still delicous. Used Aperol to top them off. 

Big Kahuna Bash 2024 Part 5

 Saturday, July 27, 2024

Dale and I had a fun time and talked to some really nice people. 

I picked up this really cool print from one of the vendors...

...and also this Red Owl sticker. So retro. 

Can't wait for next year. 

Big Kahuna Bash 2024 Part 3

 Saturday, July 27, 2024

For my third drink I got the Big Kahuna which the menu described as: "A tasty blend of dark rum, citrus, honey and passion fruit. Who's the Big Kahuna? You're the Big Kahuna!" Dale got another Coors Light. Please note: Dale and I were both drinking lots of water to combat the heat and humidity. We met a nice woman named Tea who was sitting next to us at the bar. It was fun chatting with her. 

We then headed out to listen to the Swongos. 

The Swongos are an instrumental surf, spy, and exotica band. We've seen them before and they never disappoint. 

I downloaded some of their music. 

Big Kahuna Bash 2024 Part 2

 Saturday, July 27, 2024

Dale and I found a nice spot to sit at the bar. Where we were getting a little breeze as were were close to some air conditioning vents. The bar was pretty hot and humid cuz they were keeping the back door open for access to the patio. 

For my second drink I had the Mai Tai which the menu described as: "A classic exotic cocktail that is quintessential in tiki culture. Fresh lime, orgeat, orange curacao, dark rum, and Hart & Son 1804!

Big Kahuna Bash 2024 Part 1

 Saturday, July 27, 2024

Dale and I headed out for Grumpy's Northeast for the Big Kahuna Bash #6. It was a hot AND humid day.

Dale and I got to Grumpy's around 3:30. It was hot and humid in the bar as well due to having the back door open allowing access to the patiio.

Dale ordered beer. For my first drink I ordered the Grumpy's Grog. This drink was desribed on the menu as: "A drink inspired by the founder of tiki - Donn Beach. A Demerara rum, lime juice, Donn's Mix and your transported to the islands." 

Spring Break 2024 - The Tilted Tiki

Thursday, April 4, 2024

Dale surprised me by wanting make a trip to the Tilted Tiki in Stillwater this Spring Break. We were there by 4:30 and it was still pretty quiet. They had opened at 4:00. 

I started out with the Painkiller. The menu description said, "Soothe yourself with a tropical vacation in a glass. British Navy rum, coconut, orange and nutmeg."

Dale had wine. 

A couple of large video screens showed undersea life. 

We started out with the coconut shrimp. It was very hot and very delicious. 

For my second drink I orderd the Mai Tai which the menu stated was "Trader Vic's drink of legend! Lime juice, almond, orange liqueur, and hearty Rum." It came in the cool gold metalic tiki mug shown above. 

Dale ordered more wine. 

For dinner I had the tiki burger and Dale had the grilled cheese. The Jorgensen's provided live music. I especially liked their version of Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby. 

Coolish out but a beautifully sunny day. Would be fun to come back when it's a bit warmer and the live music is outside. 

Downtown Stillwater.

We both had a great time. 

Hula's Modern Tiki - Phoenix

 Friday, February 2, 2024

Dale and I are in Phoenix to visit family so we took the opportunity to revisit Hula's Modern Tiki at the 7th Street location in Phoenix. 

Listened to Mondo Exotica from the Ultra Lounge on the drive in.

It took some effort to get there as we headed into town during rush hour. However, it turned out to be well worth the wait. I got a kick out of this picture hanging in the restaurant. It looks like the cover of a Pink Martini album cover. 

                     

Tiki drinks are only $8.00 each during happy hour. I started with the Blood Orange Martini which I've had before and is one of my favorites. According to the menu it contains vodka, blood orange liqueur, orange, lime, and cranberry juices. Not over sweet and the blood oranges provide a nice sharpness which gives it a great bite. Dale went with a house red wine during our time here. 

                    

Appetizers only 8 bucks as well. We had the Crispy Fish Bites. So delicious. We both loved 'em. 

                     

For my second drink I went with the Tiki Bastard. This one has gin, bourbon, pomegranate syrup, lime juice, and cock 'n bull ginger brew. Very unique. 

                      

For my third drink I had the Hula's Blue Hawaiian. This contains coconut rum, vodka, sweet & sour, blue curacao, coconut, and pineapple. A little sweeter than the other two but not overly so and the sweetness works well with the coconut flavors. 

                     

For dinner we each had Caesar salads. Dale got his with tuna but I had mine with shrimp. Again, delicious. 

                      

Our bartender took really good care of us. 

The place was lively and had great energy. 

Our drive back to Peoria was a bit quicker than our journey into town. 

Lit up a stogie once we got home. 

Fun outing today. Dale and I both had a great time. 

Big Kahuna Bash 5 - Part 7

Saturday July 29, 2023

We had a really great time! See you next year... 

Phoenix Sunday, July 16, 2023 - Cocktails, Dinner, and Cigars

Visiting family in Phoenix. This past Sunday it got to at least 112.

John and Dianne recommended a cigar store and I picked up a couple of Macanudos.

Made some Navy Grog. Was precise with the ingredients if not the proportions. Regardless it was awesome. 

I've been enjoying the pool. 

We picked up a rotisserie chicken at Safeway. Dale cut it up and made salad. 

Had King's Hawaiian rolls too. 

Delicious. Ate outside. 

After dinner cigar.