Pick Your Tiki

Are Polynesian drinks really meant to be this strong?  I read somewhere that it is a rule that no man should drink anything with a tropical umbrella in the glass, but since when is a man not allowed to drink something much stronger than your standard well drink with soda?  I tell you, I had a couple of the most powerful concoctions I've ever had this weekend at a couple most tropical locations.  They may be a bit on the small side, bar-wise, but they packed a punch, nay, a wallop.

A very storied establishment, Bahooka is deemed a family restaurant on the sign outside, and it does play the part quite well.  The tropical decor inside, punctuated by the wall-to-wall aquariums, surround a small bar behind which I could imagine a bubbling cauldron surrounded by cackling bartenders.  There are two famous drinks there apparently, one being the Hand Grenade - a punch-flavored mixture highlighted with a very, very special secret ingredient - and the intense highlight of the Honey Bowl.  The first of these is tasty indeed, but no man should leave the restaurant without sampling the flaming centerpiece of the Honey Bowl.  It would be wise, however, to note that this Bowl should be shared by a few of your closest friends. Either that, or they'll be trucking you out of the restaurant in a wheelbarrow.

The second, and perhaps more famous, is the Los Angeles landmark, the Tiki Ti.  Having been wanting to take in the two-drink maximum for some time, it was high time I made it for some spirits.  What they have there is more than just drinks, this is almost industrial in its level of enjoyment. Very much on the small side, they serve up a few specialty tastes for everyone there.  Having already taken in enough beforehand, the one item from the menu I managed to order was a sharp smack across the face.  It wasn't just the drink talking, but the vibe there was so relaxing that I enjoyed it immensely.

Bottom line, if you're going to go tiki hunting anytime soon for some tropical liquids, these are the two best I've ever been experienced.  Are there more in the fair city of Angels?  Hard to say, but I can stick by these two with a hearty recommendation.