The Atomic Grog

10/09/2024

The new book, "Fassionola: The Torrid Story of Cocktails’ Most Mysterious Ingredient" (by Gregorio Pantoja and Martin S. Lindsay) clears up the mystery of one of the Tiki world’s most confusing and frequently misunderstood ingredients.

A new book has uncovered decades of history surrounding fassionola, the passion fruit-based syrup used in iconic tiki cocktails.

09/09/2024

A deep dive into an iconic tropical drink at New York City's Paradise Lost ...

We dive deep into the tropical drink with our friends at Paradise Lost

09/09/2024

Matt Pietrek gives us an update on the Stephen Remsberg rum collection on his Rum Wonk site ... https://www.rumwonk.com/

08/09/2024

Spike gives us an exclusive look at the past, present and future of the historic Kowloon Restaurant ...

In this episode of Spike's Breezeway Cocktail Hour, we visit the iconic Kowloon Restaurant in Massachusetts, a legendary tiki destination that's been serving...

08/09/2024

Tropic Thunder will be designed by Wesley James, who worked on another dual bar concept in Tempe, Devil’s Hideaway and Idle Hands, along with other Valley bars Century Grand and UnderTow.

Julian Wright is known for Pedal Haus, Sake Haus, Luckys Indoor Outdoor and more. Now, he has two new concepts in the works.

02/09/2024

NEW: Mai-Kai landscaping transformed as hiring begins for fall reopening (August 2024 update)

Clearly visible signs of a looming reopening have emerged at the beloved South Florida Polynesian restaurant as dozens of workers and heavy equipment toil daily on the massive project to reimagine the entryway and parking lot. Meanwhile, "now hiring" ads appeared on social media for the first time.

Check out our comprehensive recap of last month's progress at Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show, including new photos and exclusive inside info at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2024/09/02/mai-kai-landscaping-transformed-as-hiring-begins-for-fall-reopening-august-2024-update/

02/09/2024

Tiki Fever draws tiki enthusiasts from as far away as Seattle for live music, shopping, rum tastings, limited-edition tiki mugs and a plethora of chill vibes.

The party draws tiki enthusiasts from as far away as Seattle for live music, shopping, rum tastings, limited-edition tiki mugs and a plethora of chill vibes.

31/08/2024

I'm breaking in my new bottle of Planteray Rum Mister Fogg Navy Rum with a Black Orchid, one of my favorite cocktails from Minimalist Tiki - A Modern Take on Tiki/Tropical. The 55.7% ABV rum - sourced from Barbados, Trinidad, Guyana and Jamaica - closely follows the traditional production methods unearthed by author Matt Pietrek and implemented by master blender Alexandre Gabriel. If you catch them on tour, you can pick up their book, "Exploring 300 Years of Royal Navy Rum and Its Techniques." Get lots more info at Rum Wonk and www.rumwonk.com. I'm making due with Pietrek's first book (with Carrie Smith) and its array of recipes, including this one by Seattle's Justin Wojslaw. Glass by Witco Decor. Okole maluna!

31/08/2024

Reserve your spot at the second Tiki a Go-Go in Orlando. It sold out last year, so don't wait until the last minute!

Ready to party? The wait is almost over! 🎉 Tiki-a-Go-Go 2025 passes go live TOMORROW at 10 AM EST! Set your alarms and mark your calendars—don’t miss out!

Tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tiki-a-go-go-2025-tickets-928594038767?aff=oddtdtcreator



📸Sveinn Photography

29/08/2024

Sometimes you need to dive deep to find a real gem. Case in point: Scarlet Fog from Tropical Standard by Garret Richard and Ben Schaffer, the 2024 Spirited Award-nominated book that pushes the boundaries of modern mixology while also digging up some long-forgotten classics. This is one of those.

The cocktail is quite complex and more original than anything I've tasted lately. It manages to hit all the right notes: Clean, crisp, tart, sweet, and very tightly composed. It features Demerara rum, gin, cognac, Peychaud's bitters, lime juice, orange juice, fassionola, and limoncello. I was surprised to find this combination of ingredients work together so seamlessly. It's superior to most of the fassionola cocktails I've had lately. Credit goes to master mixologist Richard and his deft hand.

While it appears similar to Trader Vic's Fogcutter, the recipe is actually a reinvention of the version revealed by former Don the Beachcomber bartender Tony Ramos and published in Ted Haigh's Vintage Spirits and Forgotten Cocktails (2009). According to Ramos, the cocktail originated at Edna Earle's Fogcutters steakhouse in Hollywood, not at Trader Vic's. A similar version is served at the legendary Tiki-Ti.

That's all debatable, but there's no debate that this reinvented version shines brightly and advances the drink into the 21st century. If you have the book, don't overlook this one. Okole maluna!

29/08/2024

Uh oh, here we go again. How wrong is this list?

Anyone can serve strong cocktails in outrageous mugs. These tropical outposts nail the drinks, the decor and the all-important vibe.

28/08/2024

“There’s a common name, but it’s definitely not the same drink.”

Don the Beachcomber’s version of the drink, made with grapefruit and absinthe, takes a turn in the spotlight at Satan’s Whiskers in London.

27/08/2024

The fourth-floor Pacific Seas tiki bar is the first room to come back online after a plumbing disaster caused the ceilings on three floors to collapse and destroyed a kitchen.

A new iteration of the nearly century-old institution will debut over the next month

26/08/2024

Pick up the new Rum Barrel mugs now!

25/08/2024

Looking for some cool new surf tunes? Here's where to go ...

A Day at the Beach
Playlist for Podcast #229
August 21, 2024
New surf music releases.
Podcasts can be streamed or downloaded from:
https://www.clintbeachwood.com/adayatthebeach
https://soundcloud.com/clintbeachwood
All Clint Beachwood info: https://linktr.ee/clintbeachwood
-------------------------------------------------------------
The Balboas
Agent from W.R.O.N.S.K.I. (ft. Dave Wronski)
The Pandemic Singles
https://thebalboas.bandcamp.com
The Sea-Jays
Goldfinger
A Touch of Terror
https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/theseajays/a-touch-of-terror
Humanga Danga
Otorongo
Otorongo
https://humangadanga.bandcamp.com
Lunatones
The Edge
The Hultsfred Sessions
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1rXc7Bbqdfj1XMgZ8lLuLm
The Volcanics
Hall Pass
Single
https://hitiderecordings.bandcamp.com
The Riptide Rats
Reef Rumblin’
The Shed Sessions - Part 3
https://theriptiderats.bandcamp.com
The Surf Hermits
Desert Beneath the Waves
Single
https://www.surfhermits.com
Golems of the Red Planet
Re’cha
Single
https://golemsoftheredplanet.bandcamp.com
The Fathoms
Hard to Fathom
Split 7” with Draculina
https://thefathomsofficial.bandcamp.com
Chillingsworth Surfingham
Emergency Bear
Mavericks
https://poppoprecords.myshopify.com/collections/chillingsworth-surfingham
Secret Agent
Disguise
Going (Instro) Mental
https://secretagent.bandcamp.com
The Boss Martians
Gone Wild
Venus & The Western Sky
https://thebossmartians.bandcamp.com
theSupertones
Noe Bushi
Big Man in Tokyo
https://thesupertones1.bandcamp.com
Kris Bone
Brazil
Single
https://krisbone.bandcamp.com
The Surf Junkies
Clarissa Ward: Queen of Danger
Single
https://thesurfjunkies.bandcamp.com
White Sands
Revenge of the Tikibots
White Sands
https://whitesands.bandcamp.com
Dirty Fuse
Wonderland
Back to Brazil
http://www.dirtyfuse.com
The Greasy Gills
Meat Swamp
b/w Corn Cob Racer
https://thegreasygills.bandcamp.com
The Vicissitones
Where is the Interceptor
The Continental Magazine – Issue #37 Comp
https://www.vicissitones.com
https://www.doublecrownrecords.com
Satan's Pilgrims
32 Miles to Avalon
Peregrinaje Instromundial
https://satans-pilgrims.com
-------------------------------------------------
Sponsor: Austin DIY Ribbon Microphones: DIY reverb tanks, pedals, etc.
http://www.austinmics.com
“A Day at the Beach” Theme Song: Satan's Pilgrims: “Let’s Go to the Beach”
https://satans-pilgrims.com
Background Music: Sant Anna Bay Coconuts: “The Pineapple Parade”
https://www.santannabaycoconuts.com

24/08/2024

"Tiki Man Dan" is turning the old Bandits’ barbecue restaurant in Ventura into a family destination that’s part pizza parlor, part Tiki bar. The latter por­tion of the project is being handled by Bamboo Ben, an in-de­mand builder of commercial and home Tiki bars. https://www.thecamarilloacorn.com/articles/tiki-man-dan-comes-to-old-town/

24/08/2024

Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show refurbishments, August 2024 update No. 3 - Completed Tiki garden fence, parking lot landscaping and wall art in the works ...

With the reimagination of the vast outdoor spaces proceeding rapidly at the historic restaurant, we hope to bring you more timely photo updates, including some helpful background and explanation. For full, in-depth details on the project, please check out the stories posted on the AtomicGrog.com blog.

On Aug. 23, we got a close look at the new 10-foot high, 200-foot-long fence around the Tiki garden on the southeast end near the street sign on Federal Highway. It features 11 poles hand-carved by South Florida artist Tom Fowner that rise up another 4 feet all along the front and side facing the furniture store. Replacing an old fence that was in disrepair, the poles are sunk around 4 feet deep every 8 feet. Look for special finishing touches soon.

In rear parking area, work continues on reimagining the 2.7-acre property with more themed curbing and framing. Palm trees are being planted in new medians and other spots that will be newly landscaped. We also spotted new artwork by creative director Typhoon Tommy that had been stenciled on the south end of the new 8-foot-high privacy wall. The Polynesian design will extend along the entire 500-foot-long wall fronting Northeast 20th Avenue.

Gas company crews were busy installing dozens of lines that will power 50 new torches to be installed throughout the new entryway. This is the final step before the massive new water features are installed. We hope to have updates on that work next week. Get more info on current and past projects at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/mai-kai-restoration-guide/

24/08/2024

Where to find Tiki and tropical in Greece ...

The summer might end in a few weeks, but fortunately, Athens has food and drink options that not only relax us and make us escape but also take us to distant exotic and tropical places: Hawaii, the Caribbean, Panama, Mexico, and Cuba. Wherever you want to go, you don't need to get a ticket; just…

24/08/2024

Foundation Bar is both a neighborhood bar as well as a travel destination. In the past decade, Tiki-themed vacations have become more popular, with people traveling from the coasts to check out Midwest Tiki bars. Often they rent cars and go on a self-guided “Tiki Tour.” Thus, there’s a “stumbling distance” Tiki-themed rental flat above the bar called “The Captain's Quarters.”

For decades, a Polynesian paradise located on a residential street in Riverwest has served up nationally-recognized Tiki drinks. Huli pau, Milwaukee!

23/08/2024

ICYMI: A new take from Matt Pietrek on the ever-evolving debate ...

Do rum categories make sense to use in cocktail recipes? Even the new "technical" categorizations like Gargano and Smuggler's Cove? The insights in this article may surprise you.

22/08/2024

A cool new cocktail menu to try ... if you're headed to Leeds in the UK.

Leeds is about to get a taste of paradise as Tiki Hideaway, tucked above Call Lane Social, launches a brand-new Polynesian-inspired drinks menu on 30 August.

22/08/2024

Ximena Lopez and Carlos Valdez from Trader Vic's - Emeryville chat about the events they are hosting as Trader Vic’s celebrates 90 years of serving up great tropical ambiance and amazing food. Carlos also makes a Mai Tai.

Ximena Lopez and Carlos Valdez from Trader Vic’s Emeryville joined host Jessica Wills and Rachael Maurer to chat about the events they are hosting as Trader ...

21/08/2024

As we swelter in the summer heat, it's good to dream of cooler things. Here are the announced Florida locations for Beachbum Berry Presents: Sippin' Santa and Miracle Pop-Up. Mele kalikimaka!

SIPPIN' SANTA (4)
Clearwater Beach – Sippin’ Santa at Ocean Hai
Daytona Beach – To Be Announced
Jacksonville– Sippin’ Santa at The Red Gill Bistro
Miami – Sippin’ Santa at Better Days

MIRACLE (12)
Brandon – Miracle at Strandhill Brandon (at Strandhill Public)
Gainesville – Miracle at Cry Baby’s
Jacksonville - Miracle on the Square (at Grape & Grain Exchange)
Lantana – Miracle at Ravish
Miami – Miracle on Calle Ocho (at Casa Tiki)
Orlando – Miracle on Orange (at The Courtesy)
Sarasota – Miracle at Tamiami Tap
Seaside – Miracle at The Daytrader Tiki Bar and Restaurant
St. Augustine – Miracle at Forgotten Tonic
St. Petersburg – Miracle at Bar Mezzo
Tampa – Miracle at Strandhill Tampa (at Strandhill Public)
Tavares – Miracle on Main (at BTW’s Crafted Concoctions)

Cheers to 10 years of Miracle and Sippin' Santa

20/08/2024

Great news: The Mai-Kai is now accepting resumes for bartenders, cooks, Molokai Girls, and dancers/musicians/emcee for the Polynesian Islander R***e. Full details on the official page: https://www.facebook.com/maikairestaurant

In case you're wondering, it's typical for new restaurants to begin the hiring process around 6-8 weeks before opening, which lines up with the projected October reopening timeframe.

19/08/2024

Catch these fine folks on tour with an exciting new rum!

19/08/2024

Mai-Kai refurbishments, August 2024 update No. 2 - Framing for giant faux volcanic caldera awaits installation ...

With the reimagination of the vast outdoor spaces proceeding rapidly at the historic restaurant, we hope to bring you more timely photo updates, including some helpful background and explanation. For full, in-depth details on the project, please check out the stories posted on the AtomicGrog.com blog.

Sitting in the back corner of the parking lot on Aug. 16 is the framing for a new light and water feature, waiting to be installed in the center of the new roundabout that will not only control traffic flow in and out of The Mai-Kai, but also provide a new "wow factor" for arriving guests. The concept art is by Perry-Becker Design, the Orlando-based landscape architecture firm that created the new arrival experience. The water features are the work of COST Inc., another company known for its work on theme parks, zoos, resorts, and other thematic projects.

The frame is made of rebar with a special plastic gridwork that will be covered in cement and molded into the shape and look of a caldera. These large cauldron-like hollows form shortly after the emptying of a magma chamber in a volcano eruption. The volcano effect will be accomplished with lighting features and water jets to simulate the bubble of lava.

After The Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show reopens, the 20-foot-tall caldera will be visible only from deep inside the parking lot. A long row of massive trees was just planted behind the 8-foot-high privacy wall along Northeast 20th Avenue. When the 40-foot-tall bamboo trees are untied an open up across the 500-foot-long wall, the view from the outside will be totally blocked. This and other strategically placed landscaping will also keep guests completely immersed in a tropical paradise once they enter the property.

Get more info on these projects, plus all the past updates at AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/mai-kai-restoration-guide/

19/08/2024

The famed Clifton’s location (now Clifton’s Republic) is slated to reopen gradually over the next month, starting with a sneak peek of the famed Tiki bar, aka Pacific Seas.

At least for a lucky few for a preview

17/08/2024

Mai-Kai refurbishments, August 2024 update No. 1 - Carved poles by Tom Fowner adorn new Tiki garden perimeter fence ...

With the reimagination of the vast outdoor spaces proceeding rapidly at the historic restaurant, we hope to bring you more timely photo updates, including some helpful background and explanation. For full, in-depth details on the project, please check out the stories posted on the AtomicGrog.com blog.

On Aug. 16, a crew of three plus a supervisor were hard at work replacing the fencing around the outdoor Tiki garden that stretches around the south and southeast borders of the 2.7-acre property. The old portions were taken down bit-by-bit and swapped out with massive 10-foot-tall logs all along Federal Highway. Much to our surprise, we spotted several additional custom-carved poles sprouting up another 4 feet.

Artist Tom Fowner carved 10 of these poles, which will be strategically placed amid the logs. The sturdy new barrier is an upgrade in both its look and durability. Keep an eye out for additional surprises to be added to the poles before the reopening.

The next update will take a look at enhancements and new features in the works in the parking lot. Get more info on these projects, plus all the past updates on The Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show AtomicGrog.com or https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/mai-kai-restoration-guide/

16/08/2024

A strong review of Strong Water Anaheim ...

Discover Strong Water, Anaheim's celebrated tiki bar offering an immersive shipwrecked experience with award-winning cocktails