California Tiki

 

This was a quick, fun book about the rise of Tiki culture in the U.S. after WW2. It was especially prevalent here in California. Having a bamboo bar at home with tiki mugs and tiki torches made you the coolest cat around. Mai Tais, Trader Vic's, Don the Beachcomber--all these things that came from this movement, which was about escaping to a mythical island paradise. Tiki culture spawned music and movies (Beach Blanket Bingo, anyone?). 

Tiki started to fall out of favor as the baby boomers started growing up and eschewing the things their parents' generation loved. The rise of the free love and hippie movement clashed with the laid back surf/island style of Tiki, but now everything old is new again and Tiki has returned as a fun, retro lifestyle. I have friends who collect tiki merchandise. I went to Trader Vic's and Don the Beachcomber before they closed, they were fun and kitschy. And hey, who doesn't love a great Mai Tai? 😀