124 Don the Beachcomber vs. Trader Vic's

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.

123 Twitter me a cocktail please!

Twitter! Twitter! Twitter!  We tried our best not to give in but now we are twittering with all the other wannabes out there.  At least we use this not so marvel of the modern age for good rather than mediocrity.  Sometimes we twitter for cocktail suggestions, sometimes we just want to let you know about a cool new tiki bar.  Thats not so bad.  But lets not forget the rest of the show.  Monique joins us this week, three hosts are better than two.  Sunshine is obsessed with flax seed and cocoa powder, its all about the antioxidants.  Pumpkin shares her thoughts on Furverts, a fun and strange fetish sweeping the nation.  Monique is here to help our female listeners get more in touch with themselves.....if you know what we mean.  Lastly, Pumpkins dog Charlie visits and gives the gift of flatulence.  Stinky.  So mix up a tiki drink, sit back and pretend you are in the lounge with us.