Monday, June 27, 2011

Mai Tai's at Bali Hai



Just got back from a well needed vacation and my first day back at work was a drag. Not that that was a surprise, having to go to work is always a drag. As I was leaving the office a buddy tested me to see if I was going sailing this afternoon. I couldn't think of a reason not to so I told him to meet me on the boat and off we went.
Now despite what everyone seems to think, a Mai Tai like most named cocktails has a specific recipe that allows very little variation. Lime juice, orgeat, orange liqueur, and aged Jamaican rum. Try different rums, float some 151 for a nice color and booze kick, but please don't use any juice other lime and call it a Mai Tai!
Don't get me wrong, I love those concoctions with pineapple juice, orange juice, banana  liqueur, or cherry syrup. In fact I'll drink 'em all day long (and I have recently back in Hawaii).
When I want a real one, though, I have to make it myself. I make great ones, too, since it's tied with the mojito as my favorite cocktail.
Anyway, a few weeks ago I've discovered that Bali Hai does a pretty decent one, as well as a whole assortment of other tiki delights served in actual tiki mugs. Fucking love it.
Since they're right on the bay front and have a guest dock, pulling in for a sunset Mai Tai or two was a no-brainer once we got a whiff (possibly all in my head) of the rum coming from the bar. Oh yeah, this place probably has the best bay view in San Diego, too.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Hard Ticket to Hawaii


I haven't been home in over a year, so when my buddy told me he was flying there for a couple of weeks I decided to go to. Man, I love being back in Hawaii. With the warm weather, warm water, awesome surf, beautiful beaches... I can't wait to move back there. I'm looking forward to some island sailing. Since my buddy had never been before, we met up with a couple of friends and went island-hopping. Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii, and back. Surfer, bodysurfed, hiked, and drank rum drinks all over the place. The best part was since our mutual friend Kelly wouldn't let anyone else drive the rental car, I could have a Mai Tai (or four) whenever I wanted! Speaking of rum, one of the highlights was visiting the Koloa distillery on Kauai. They make some excellent rums there and do a pretty cool tour. I even brought some home, along with an oak barrel to age some myself.