Tiki in Orange County
I don't often get time off during the week. But a rare half-day made it possible for me to see the "Tiki in Orange County" exhibit, curated by Chris Jepsen.…Read more
All Things Tiki
Palm Springs: Why I Love The Tonga Hut
Los Angeles' oldest surviving tiki establishment, the Tonga Hut in North Hollywood, was established in 1958. I haven't been there. I'm not sure if that makes me a bad tikiphile,…Read more
Oceanside Tiki Tour
Outsiders might never discover this on their own, but Oceanside - the beach city just south of Camp Pendleton - has some serious tiki spirit.* If you're in town, try this self-guided Oceanside…Read more
Bali Ha’i: Going Strong since 1954
Once upon a time in 1935, a little film called "Mutiny on the Bounty" was made on Catalina Island, and a bar for the cast and crew was improvised. After…Read more
Pupu Platter for Thanksgiving Dinner
I made a pupu platter for Thanksgiving dinner this year. I pretty much make my own rules when it comes to food. Especially around holidays. Every single year, I make…Read more
Shelter Island Tiki Tour
Much of the tiki-themed architecture of the 1950s and 1960s is gone. Some great tiki buildings, such as the Kahiki and the Trade Winds, were torn down. Many have been remodeled…Read more
Making Miniature Tiki Lights, Part 4
This is my favorite miniature tiki lamp. I know I took more than one picture...but I can't seem to find the rest. I'm guessing it has something to do with…Read more
Retro Reads: Mai-Kai
In spite of having family in South Florida, I've yet to visit the fabled Mai-Kai in Fort Lauderdale. Established in 1959, the Mai-Kai is easily the last great tiki palace…Read more
Making Miniature Tiki Lights, Part 3
I'm not going to mince words: This hut-style tiki lamp was a hassle. I happen to own a rather large industrial hole punch, so I used it to punch out…Read more
How to Upholster Tiny Rattan Furniture
Recently, I received a salesman's sample set of Paul Frankl rattan furniture. It didn't come with cushions of any sort, and I don't know if it ever had any. Even if it…Read more