Episode 210: Episode 210 - JP Hunter

Episode 210: Episode 210 - JP Hunter

JP Hunter remembered visiting tiki spots when he was a kid growing up in LA, and so when he retired from the construction biz in Texas, he figured the time had come for him to open one up there. His bar, 4 Kahunas in Arlington, TX, has become the third space he always dreamed of hosting people in. It's also a place where he can indulge in his deep love of exotica and oldies as it creates the perfect mood for those drinking his tropical libations.

Episode 209: Episode 209 - Hayze Webster

Hayze Webster is both the bar manager and rum manager of the legendary old school tiki palace, Hala Kahiki Lounge, in River Grove, Illinois. From his start in sports bars by Wrigley Field to crafting in speakeasies like Untitled Supper Club Chicago, he always had a deep love of tiki drinks and enjoyed the art that surrounded the scene. As he taught himself the tropical stuff via Beachbum Berry's books, he landed his spot in tiki history by getting his dream gig and learning more about rums than he ever expected to. He stopped teaching himself the keyboards but may still pull out his mixer to get some synth grooves going and indulge in his love of pop divas, or some chopped & screwed jams (which he would love to play in the bar some time). Check out Hayze's Groovy Daze here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/27kqOAdnw3ZxQpzGC0vaqX?si=yErkpnv-SV-ua1HPrrYB-Q

Episode 208: Episode 208 - Nick Pikounis

Baltimore native Nick Pikounis is the bar manager and beverage director of the tropical rum bar Pink Flamingo. It's surprising that someone who learned craft cocktails at a spot that wouldn't allow the use of citrus would now commandeer a place that revels in them - and he steered them right into a James Beard nomination. He also loves DJ culture, making some attempts in the electronic world after a brief childhood stint in clarinet and piano. Listen to his Baltimore B-sides mix here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2A6ZkL5zjVQYst1rg5jfjo?si=nPbOkBnpRI2sC70_Dg5o0A

Episode 207: Episode 207 - Michael Cobb

After years of working in hospitality within the Disneyland environment (hello Club 33!), Michael Cobb found himself opening up a little tiki bar smack in the middle of Santa Barbara's wine country. High Roller Tiki Lounge, located in Solvang, CA, is a tropical oasis in a small Danish village where you can catch rockabilly and surf bands booked by Michael, who also throws shows in Vegas and crafts his own spirit - Bettie Page Rum - made in Ventura, CA. Check out his playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1A1vgERlWlUj1Npgy6F6K4?si=A8Xq-Q-2RS2_1UbCMS44PA

Episode 206: Episode 206 - Osman Cortave

Osman Cortave opened up Loma Bar in Providence, Rhode Island, with his bartender wife and twin brother. It was a dream they all shared and worked hard to make a reality, creating a inclusive space that serves up great cocktails and Latin vibes in an intimate setting. Their earnestness has earned them Tales of the Cocktail and James Beard notice, and the first cocktail Osman ever served was to bar legend, Dale Degroff. Osman also helms the music in the space, creating a mood of Latin crooners and jazz which has proven appealing to all who sit inside to imbibe. Check out an example of the tunes you can hear at Loma here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3DBXTpTOMHGpbhDFmwcf6A?si=ZxB6x9FST1C3hXW0QQuJFg