roundshort said:
You thinkin' of coming down from Napa, roundie? Great!
InexorableTash said:
Among the tiki set (e.g.
Tiki Central) the
Tonga Room is one of the few remaining "high holy places" of tikidom.
Also in SF is the new high-class rum joint
Smuggler's Cove in the city itself, and
Forbidden Island across the bay in Alameda (
where they keep the nu-cle-ar wessels) - those are the high "tikis per square yard" (TiPSY) rated places. There's
Trad'r Sam's (no relation to the Disney joint), slinging drinks in SF since the 30's and some dive bars with the right name but the wrong music.
I'm open to anything but bear in mind that I won't have a car and will be at the mercy of public transport (BART) & taxis. Getting into Alameda or Emeryville will take some figuring out but shouldn't be too much of a problem. (Check this out: I'll be staying near the SF end of Oakland Bay Bridge on
HARRISON STREET! How freaky is that?
)
After searching the 'net for photos, all of the recommendations look appealing for their own reasons. I'm really easy, though. Like the old saying goes; It's not where you are that matters, it's who you're with.
Here are my choices from last to first:
5) Trad'r Sam falls at the bottom, sorry to say. I'm sure there's a lot of nostalgia associated with this place but, from the (few) photos that I could find of the interior, it seems kind of dreary. However, I wouldn't be against going there.
4) Trader Vic's appears to be rich with atmosphere. Really nice but if seats will be a problem, it might not be the ideal joint.
3) Tonga Room is much more formal and spacious than I was imagining but the rainstorms, pool & boat band make it rather special.
2) You guys seem to be leaning towards Forbidden Island and that looks & sounds fine. It has some wicker chairs and I want to sit in one.
Le Saboteur said:
The first person that suggests Smuggler's Cove gets slapped.
1) SMUGGLER'S COVE! SMUGGLER'S COVE! While I did say that "authentic" was the aim, Smuggler's Cove would be a hoot! Rock walls, plants, a waterfall, wild decor, etc. The place looks like a theme park! Heck, I'm going there one night whether you guys join me or not!
If we go to Smuggler's, the 4 of us can do a Scorpion Bowl!
InexorableTash said:
We can definitely arrange some outings, tiki or otherwise. Need to get you to the Presidio to see some Indy-related sights, too. (What size helmet do you wear?)
Heh, my helmet (hat) size is Medium 7 1/8 (57 cm, 22 1/4"). Is the Presidio giving out free Mickey Mouse ears or something?
Send me an e-mail, Tash, because I lost your address (long story) and we can square away details about non-Tiki stuff.