This is the very first solo podcast for the Zen Tiki Lounge. Don' worry, Pumpkin is still around, but in order to keep our promise to bring you two podcasts each and every week Sunshine is flying solo on this one. I was able to visit both the new Don the Beachcomber location in Huntington Beach and the new (yet to open) Trader Vic's in Los Angeles. The two tiki franchise locations are very different in feel and atmosphere. Don's is a partnership between the Kona restaurant and the Don the Beachcomber name. The former Kona is a classic example of a mom and pop Polynesian palace on the coast of Orange County here in Southern California. The food is outstanding. Try the Kahlua pork, the house salad with ginger sesame dressing and the pineapple upside down a la mode. And naturally the drinks are great and a little stiff. On the other hand we have the more posh Trader Vic's that is about to open in downtown Los Angeles. This location is operated by an LA restaurant group that prides itself on their ability to sense what the public wants and delivers it well. In the next few days Pumpkin, Sunshine and Starshine will venture to this mecca and get as sloshed as possible. The decor is modern tiki, but not underdone in any sense. This could be a great hot spot near the Staples and Nokia center in LA. There are plenty of other reasons to listen including a giveaway, flocks of flamingos, the usual cocktail and much more.
