32 Mike Buhen Jr & Sr of Tiki-Ti

On this episode we speak with Mike & Mike, Jr & Sr, owners of the legendary Tiki-Ti in Los Angeles, California. I first started going to Tiki-Ti somewhere around 1995 or so. It was a great place to grab a strong and tasty tropical drink on my way out to a night of "clubbing" in Hollywood. Back then Ray Buhen was still bartending, the mixology legend who opened it back in 1961. Ray was one of the original bartenders at Don the Beachcomber, documented as the very first tiki bar opening in 1934 just after prohibition was lifted in the US, which was largely credited for creating many popular tropical cocktails. After getting his start there, he found his way to such notable locations as the 7 Seas, the Luau, Christian's Hut, the Palms, the Dresden and many more eventually settling at his own bar, the Tiki-Ti. Today the Tiki-Ti is run by his son and grandson, Mike Buhen Jr & Sr, who we talk to in this episode. This episode is sponsored by Tanduay Rum, the world's largest rum producer and winner of over 170 international medals in the past 4 decades. Check out their webpage at tanduayUSA.com or follow them on Facebook or Instagram @TanduayUSA.