I have been lacking (understatement of the year) in getting anything posted to my blog in years. Not promising I will be fixing that anytime soon, but wanted to add in a quick post about some of my favorite things. I have always loved all things Tiki ever since I went to Hawaii when I was 10. Also there was hints of it going to my grandma's beach cabin rental. I started going to Trader Sam's at the Disneyland Resort about 10 years ago and that was a real "A-Ha" moment where it all just came together. I just wanted to sip on amazing tropical drinks, listen to soothing tiki lounge music and doodle everything in sight. If you have not been to a tiki bar, look some up and go check one out!
During the lock down when I could not go out for any yummy drinks or atmosphere, I realized that it meant more to me than I thought. I took the refunded money from the conventions and trips I could no longer attend and purchased the ingredients to make my own tiki drinks (no small feat). You cannot just make the drinks, you have to fully commit. I searched my garden for fresh mint and flowers and began collecting mugs and glassware. After the concoctions were mixed and the citrus sacrificed, I ended up with little slices of paradise served up to cheer me up. Then of course I had to sketch them all! My Instagram became full of tiki drink sketches and photos. Here are a bunch of those sketches:
After a while, the bars began to open or offer take out so I was able to get out and explore some of the area's finest. High Roller Tiki Lounge in Solvang is the closest. They may not serve Rum, but their drinks are so good and refreshing. I wish I had a schedule that allowed more trips there. Ventiki in Ventura is one of the next best things to Trader Sam's, but it is kinda a long haul to get there (1hr 15min one way). I have not tried the Test Pilot in the Funk Zone in Santa Barbara yet, that would be closer but I would still need a designated driver ;)
I have a fantasy of drawing/painting Tiki drinks and selling them and might try my hand at that soon. I also have named my home bar and want to work on a sign and a fun little menu or something. It is called "Zul'Tiki" in the Zandalarian Troll style.
I'll end this post with some old paintings I did back before my last trip to Hawaii. These hang in my house and are a nice reminder of the paradise feelings that destination can give.
