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An open letter to Tiki Central from Martin/Martiki |
martiki
Official Mixologist
Joined: Mar 29, 2002
Posts: 3056
From: http://www.smugglerscovesf.com
|  Posted: 2009-02-17 4:44 pm Permalink
To the entire tiki community,
It is with a heavy heart and great sadness that I must announce I have left Forbidden Island. It was an amazing and unforgettable part of my life and the decision has been a very emotional one. I was a minority partner in FI, and we just had different ideas about the future of the business, so I made the choice to leave.
It goes without saying, but I will anyway, that this project owes a tremendous amount of its success to the incredible people of Tiki Central and the whole tiki community. I am honored and humbled that you have shown us such kindness in your words and in your travels from points around the world to visit our little bar in Alameda. It was a singular pleasure to serve each and every one of you, and I will miss it greatly. I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our amazing employees over the years that have been the engine of the vision, and are the great ambassadors of Forbidden Island.
I also will miss the incredible community of Alameda, which is a fantastic town and well deserving of only the best. The people of Alameda have been warm and welcoming to us, and I have had the pleasure of making many great new friends.
I wish Michael, Mano, and Forbidden Island nothing but continued success, and long may it be a part of Alameda. I’m sorry to say that I won’t be back for another shift, as I really couldn’t face a “going away” type thing, and I hope you’ll understand.
Thank you all so very much for everything, and I will see you all soon.
Martin
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Monkeyman
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 04, 2003
Posts: 2301
From: Vista, CA
| Posted: 2009-02-17 4:47 pm Permalink
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hanford_lemoore
Grand Member (8 years) 
Joined: Mar 23, 2002
Posts: 1864
From: Tiki Central
| Posted: 2009-02-17 4:51 pm Permalink
Martin,
You're an incredible friend to Tiki Central, the Tiki community at large, and to me personally. What you've done for us with Forbidden Island is simply amazing. While I am saddened to see you leave a place that was so much of your vision, hard work, and dedication, I feel in my heart that it's for the right reasons, and that we haven't seen the last of you! I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors, and I wish Conga Mike, Mano, and the rest of the FI crew the best as well. I look forward to more amazing experiences with you, and the rest of the Tiki community. Okole maluna!
Your friend,
Hanford
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Tiki Kaimuki
Grand Member (4 years) 
Joined: Sep 25, 2006
Posts: 813
From: OAKLAND, baby
| Posted: 2009-02-17 4:55 pm Permalink
Wow. Damn. Sucks.
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Kālai Waʻa
Tiki Centralite
Joined: Sep 09, 2008
Posts: 64
From: Alameda Estuary
| Posted: 2009-02-17 5:05 pm Permalink
I will try to make it up tomorrow to raise a glass in memory and appreciation.
It's a great loss for us all.
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Jungle Trader
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jan 04, 2003
Posts: 3691
From: Trader's Jungle Outpost, Turlock, Ca.
| Posted: 2009-02-17 5:06 pm Permalink
SHOCK! Although I know you worked your butt off. Now, you can go as a customer and we can kick back and talk story again like the old daze.
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TikiMama
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 26, 2002
Posts: 122
From: Portland, Oregon
| Posted: 2009-02-17 5:09 pm Permalink
What Hanford said. And also, tell me where you'll be and I'll come drink there.
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Unga Bunga
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jun 06, 2003
Posts: 5734
From: CaliTikifornia
| Posted: 2009-02-17 5:19 pm Permalink
Martin,
Your'e a damn good man, and I wish you only the best.
Memories that will be carved in stone (Easter Island stone that is).
Thanks for a great run and I look forward to your next.
And long live Forbidden Island
ALOHA!
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Tai Won On
Grand Member (5 years) 
Joined: Aug 20, 2007
Posts: 244
From: San Jose Island
| Posted: 2009-02-17 5:29 pm Permalink
Wow,
I am in shock. What'll we do on Wednesday nights now?
Martin, you are a great person, a great friend and I wish you the best. I have no doubt you will find success in your new ventures, whatever they may be.
Man, this feels like a death in the family.
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Psycho Tiki D
Grand Member (5 years)
Joined: Oct 13, 2006
Posts: 1783
From: The river Styx, can you pay the toll?
| Posted: 2009-02-17 6:09 pm Permalink
Wow, what a blow to the dedicated followers of Forbidden Island. Although we have only spoke a couple of times, you are the real deal and the genuine article. I could tell you really cared about FI and did so many amazing things to keep the place moving along.
Is there any chance possible at all you might consider coming east a little and opening a bar in the Sacramento area...you would have the support of many local loyal fans.
Take care and Mahalo!
PTD
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thejab
Grand Member (first year) 
Joined: Mar 25, 2002
Posts: 2984
From: Forbidden Island, CA
| Posted: 2009-02-17 6:19 pm Permalink
Our hero has left the building! The only person to make a new tiki bar like a classic with absolute perfection was Martiki. It will never happen again.
I'm very shocked and saddened, but I wish you all the best in the future Martiki.
Mahalo for the many, many, many fun nights!
[ This Message was edited by: thejab 2009-02-17 18:26 ]
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AquaZombie
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Aug 01, 2003
Posts: 456
From: Thrillville
| Posted: 2009-02-17 6:36 pm Permalink
Martin
You're THE BEST. Nobody makes a Vesper like you. You helped make FI the Best Tiki Bar in the West. You will be missed. But you have a lot more to contribute to our tiki community. Wherever you'll be pourin', I'll be drinkin'. (I'll also probably be drinkin' wherever you're drinkin', too.) See ya around soon.
Aloha, your pal Will
[ This Message was edited by: AquaZombie 2009-02-17 18:37 ]
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princessP
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jul 17, 2004
Posts: 133
From: alameda, ca
| Posted: 2009-02-17 6:38 pm Permalink
Martin,
Thanks so much for building a bueatiful tiki bar on our island of Alameda . All the best to your next project. I am sure we will be drinking one of your cocktails soon.
Best to you.
P
[ This Message was edited by: princessp 2009-02-17 18:53 ]
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hiltiki
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Jun 10, 2004
Posts: 2775
From: Reseda, calif.
| Posted: 2009-02-17 6:38 pm Permalink
What a great loss. I was planning on coming to the Forbidden Island and I wanted to see you and have one of your special drinks. I am not sure I am as excited to go there now.
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Rum Runner
Official Man-About-Town
Joined: May 17, 2006
Posts: 211
From: Oakland, CA
| Posted: 2009-02-17 6:56 pm Permalink
Thanks for the memories...........looking forward to seeing your next project !!!
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