Trader Sam’s

Tiki VIP #44 Cristian Salazar Diaz- Adventures With Alchemy

Posted by Ray on in Tiki Video, Tiki VIP 2 Comments

You may know Cristian from Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar, and I’m guessing he has poured you many HippopotoMai-Tais, some Krakatoa Punches and maybe an Uh Oa! or two. But did you know that Cristian has his own YouTube show? It’s called Adventures With Alchemy and in each episode, he reveals some of his secrets on how to make truly great cocktails. If you’re into tiki drinks or even craft cocktails, Adventures In Alchemy is a must watch!

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Tiki VIP #26 Brandon Kleyla (The Man Behind Trader Sam’s)

Posted by Ray on in Tiki VIP 1 Comment

Brandon Kleyla

The man behind the curtain.

I know it’s a Wizard Of Oz reference, but it’s fitting with Brandon Kleyla. He literally was the man behind making both Trader Sam’s locations what they are. Everything you see was hand picked by Brandon. You’d like to think that Walt Disney himself is somehow still pulling the strings making Disney the magical place that it is. Well, sadly old Walt is no longer with us, but his spirit is alive and well with people like Brandon Kleyla. Here is his story… Continue reading “Tiki VIP #26 Brandon Kleyla (The Man Behind Trader Sam’s)” →

Tiki VIP #8 Brian Rechenmacher

Posted by Ray on in Tiki VIP
Brian Rechenmacher and his art
Brian Rechenmacher and his art

Most artists use brushes and paint to create their art, but Brian Rechenmacher does it differently. He uses his computer! Taking full advantage of the technology that we have today, Brian creates Tiki and Disney themed “paintings” that are truly stunning and very cool. On top of being a digital Tiki artist, Brian has spent time behind the bar mixing Tiki cocktails at Trader Sam’s at Disneyland and Forbidden Island in Alameda, CA. Sometimes, Brian takes off the Aloha shirt and slips on a shirt and tie to make craft cocktails at Five Points in San Jose.

I had a chance to ask Brian a couple questions…

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Tiki Bar Review #14 Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar Anaheim, CA

Posted by Ray on in Tiki Bars 1 Comment
Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar
Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar

One of my favorite things to ask people is, “What got you into Tiki?” For some people, their first step was going to a Tiki bar for the first time. Another thing people tell me is a trip to Hawaii or someplace tropical got them interested in living the Tiki lifestyle. There is one last reason that is quite common, especially out on the West Coast, and that is Disneyland!

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