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An open letter to Tiki Central from Martin/Martiki |
Tiki-Kate
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Sep 21, 2003
Posts: 1700
From: Yucaipa, CA
|  Posted: 2009-02-18 8:19 pm Permalink
Martin,
Although I'm an out-of-towner who has only visited Forbidden Island twice, this seems like such a loss to me because I feel like I went through this long and amazing process with you, albeit from a great distance. Back in 2005 when it was announced that you had become a bartender at Trader Vic's, everyone watched in fascination as you honed your craft and learned how to operate a first class establishment. You did this the right way. If more bar owners were to put in that sort of effort and research, Forbidden Island may not be the rare gem that it is and would find itself in far better company.
Thank you for reminding us all that what truly matters in life is to follow your passion and to do what you love.
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martiki
Official Mixologist
Joined: Mar 29, 2002
Posts: 3056
From: http://www.smugglerscovesf.com
| Posted: 2009-02-18 8:35 pm Permalink
I just want to pop in here for a second to say how touched I am by all the responses and kind words. Thank you all so much. I will of course keep everyone here posted about the future, and respond to everyone when I get a little more time.
MAHALO!!!!!
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Trad'r Bill
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Oct 14, 2008
Posts: 450
From: Hercules, CA
| Posted: 2009-02-18 8:37 pm Permalink
Martin - thanks for the great times - missed our chance to share slug stories... what about SC as a landing spot?
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Otto
Grand Member (3 years) 
Joined: Mar 29, 2002
Posts: 770
From: NorCal
| Posted: 2009-02-18 10:05 pm Permalink
Martin, thanks for creating the wonderful destination that Forbidden Island has been. I am sure that we have not seen the last of you at Tiki events (Tiki Oasis 9, hint, hint) and at your future project.
You have brought much happiness to the Tiki community and we will all continue to support whatever you do in the future.
Cheers!
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Lake Surfer
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Oct 21, 2002
Posts: 3308
From: Milwaukee, WI
| Posted: 2009-02-18 11:09 pm Permalink
Martin, thanks for your huge contributions to the tiki community.
Your love for tiki culture shines through in everything you do, with a unique passion.
I wish you all the best in your new journey.
Rebecca, thanks for sharing your husband with us and supporting his dreams.
Hope to see you both in San Diego this summer and to raise a toast in your honor for all you have done for us!
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VampiressRN
Grand Member (5 years) 
Joined: Nov 23, 2006
Posts: 5086
From: Sin City Lincoln Hills (NorCal)
| Posted: 2009-02-19 06:10 am Permalink
You will truly be missed. Wishing you the best for the next Tiki endeavour.
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The Gnomon
Grand Member (5 years)
Joined: May 01, 2007
Posts: 1276
From: MD-DC-VA
| Posted: 2009-02-19 09:42 am Permalink
I couldn't believe it when I heard the great news!
Does that mean you're now available to come to Washington and lead the Tiki revival?
It was a great luxury having a master mixologist of your calibre in our midst. I hope we don't lose contact when you embark on your next adventure. I'll be raising one tonight in your honor...just before I down it. Drink up me hardies!Yo ho!
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pablus
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 23, 2003
Posts: 2146
From: www.crazedmugs.com
| Posted: 2009-02-19 10:00 am Permalink
sigh
http://www.crazedmugs.com/FI%20raw.mp3
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TofuJoe
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Nov 23, 2005
Posts: 148
From: Oakland, CA.
| Posted: 2009-02-19 11:11 am Permalink
Pablus. That is simply beautiful.
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tiki leki
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Jul 02, 2006
Posts: 86
From: Point Loma
| Posted: 2009-02-19 11:27 am Permalink
Martin , I only met you once at last years Tiki Oasis , and your knowledge of Rum's and combinations of just the right ones to use in cocktails is simply amazing. I'm sure you'll be missed at Forbidden Island. Consider a change of venue; you did wonders for No.Cal. Come down south where it's warm. San Diego needs you and your vision of what a serious cocktail is. All the best!!
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retrodiva
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Apr 15, 2006
Posts: 50
From: The Isle of Alameda
| Posted: 2009-02-19 1:50 pm Permalink
Oh man I had remained on an even emotional keel through all the posts until I listened to this. Wonderful and so poignant.
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dangergirl299
Grand Member (first year) 
Joined: Feb 18, 2003
Posts: 893
From: Bay Area
| Posted: 2009-02-19 3:12 pm Permalink
I am stunned by the news and don't know what to say that hasn't been said already.
It was a wonderful experience seing the love child of the Novato Grotto and the Conga Lounge grow into the tiki bar of our dreams. I for one was greatly inspired by the ambiance and took notes on what to do for when I decorated my Hidden Tiki Lounge.
I will continue to enjoy the wonder that is FI and also look forward to Martin's next project.
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Buster
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Jul 02, 2006
Posts: 54
From: Alameda
| Posted: 2009-02-19 4:09 pm Permalink
I'm with you on that one Retrodiva.
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Trad'r Bill
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Oct 14, 2008
Posts: 450
From: Hercules, CA
| Posted: 2009-02-19 5:31 pm Permalink
...talk about lump in the throat
Trad'r Bill
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Formikahini
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Aug 22, 2002
Posts: 1491
From: Houston, Texotica
| Posted: 2009-02-19 7:54 pm Permalink
Ohhhhhh.....
I feel like Martin's view of what a tiki bar should be was MY view - that he'd looked through my eyeballs and built what I was envisioning.
I'm so happy to know FI will continue, but it will not be the same for me. And Martin, you weren't even there the one night I got to go! But you made sure I was treated so amazingly well that I felt your presence the whole time.
I will tell myself that he is going on to create something that wonderful elsewhere - like 10 minutes from MY house....
That would ease my hurt.
Painkiller style.
Ooh, yeah.
F
_________________
"Zazz captivates felt."
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