Smiling in Anaheim

Chances are, if you are a follower of this blog, I imagine you have at the very least a passing interest in things that go on in Anaheim.   And if, like me, you also enjoy history and really great beer, then I have an announcement that will make you smile:  

Historic downtown Anaheim has really, REALLY, INCREDIBLE BEER.  

The original Anaheim Brewery which operated in the 1800s until it went dry during the Prohibition era, is back!  This weekend the new Anaheim Brewery will have a 'soft opening' with four types of delicious craft beer on tap - Anaheim 1888, Anaheim Gold, Anaheim Red and Anaheim Hefeweizen.  Drop in Friday, Saturday or Sunday for a cold glass in the tasting room, or take home a "growler" bottle for your Fourth of July party.  

The new Anaheim Brewery is the start of many exciting things in the works to revitalize the historic downtown district, just one mile northeast of Disneyland.  In the coming months, the Brewery will be joined by Los Angeles burger sensation Umami Burger (On July 16th Umami will actually be grilling and selling its burgers as part of the Brewery's official grand opening.) By next year, the site will also include an eclectic food hall inside an historic citrus packing house, organic produce markets, gourmet food truck gatherings, and a public park for festivals and outdoor concerts.  Lots to smile about!

Anaheim Brewery Official Website

Anaheim Brewery Blog

Trader Sam's Tiki Bar

"The Wicked Wench" in the Bottle. 

Last month, in between late night parade rehearsals at the park, Jody and I helped out on a pretty nifty project over at the Disneyland Hotel.  If you're a Tiki fan or Disney nut, you may have heard about Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar which opened in May.  You might even have already visited!

For the new bar, Jody and I scratch-built a one-of-a-kind scale model replica of the "Wicked Wench" - the ship that fires cannon balls over your head in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.  Our miniature version is rigged up to do a little trick.  I won't give away the surprise, but if you order a 'Shipwreck cocktail' ( a nice lemony Bourbon thing ), the boat in the bottle, um...well, it does something!

While the Imagineering team worked late into the night programming lighting effects and Krakatoa explosions, Jody and I rolled up our sleeves and painted the totems over the bar.  These are, of course, cast from the original molds created for the Enchanted Tiki Room attraction, and we picked colors to match, as near as we could, the original 1963 paint scheme of the show. 

If you find yourself anywhere near the Disneyland Hotel this summer, I recommend you drop in to Trader Sam's for a refreshing grog and any food item on the menu that is panko-crusted.  Sam's is easily the best bar in the resort and has become one of our favorite local hangouts.

Hukilau Art Show, 2011

We're goin' to a hukilau!  Or to be more specific, this week we're once again attending The Hukilau, the incredible tiki event that takes place every year in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.  This year marks the 10th anniversary of the epic three-day party which culminates with dinner, drinks and a fiery stage show at America's most spectacular Polynesian restaurant, the Mai Kai.  

This year Jody and I are participating in the Hukilau group art show, and here's a sneak peek at what we've pulled together:

"The Founder of the Feast"

 Artist: Jody Daily

Jody's salute to Hukilau mastermind, Miss Tiki Kiliki!

Acrylic paint on natural bamboo plank

Custom matted and framed:  9" x 8.25"

Hukilau Tiki Mug Master Sculpture 

Artist:  Kevin Kidney

The one-of-a-kind, hand-sculpted master from which the original 

(and now super-rare) Hukilau mugs were cast in 2007.

Wood and sculpting compound:  8" tall x 6" wide

Trader Vic's Los Angeles Mural Concept

Artist:  Jody Daily

Jody's original 2009 proposal for a mural that would have covered a wall in the restaurant's main dining room. 

Acrylic paint on wood:  5.25" x 5.50"

Garden of the Gods: Rongo

Artist: Jody Daily

Mixed media, custom framed:  14" x 6.75"

Garden of the Gods: Pele

Artist: Jody Daily

Acrylic on wood, custom framed:  13" x 5.75"

"The Tropical Temptations of Tiki" 

Artist:  Kevin Kidney

Original paper sculpture created for the cover photo of Sven A. Kirsten's upcoming audio CD.

Paper and wood in custom shadow box:  approximately 26" x 20" x 3" deep.

"Hukilau"

Artist:  Kevin Kidney

Sculpted paper vignette made from original elements of the 2007 Hukilau poster 

(and Kevin's own blog header!)

Paper on woven grass matting, in a custom shadow box:  15.75 x 12.75

"Sippin' Safari Endpapers Map"

Artist:  Kevin Kidney

Artwork created for Beachbum Berry's drink guide published in 2007.

Digital print, hand-numbered #11, and custom framed:  21" x 15"

In addition to the above, there will be limited art prints, a commemorative set of Tiki mugs, and special glassware, which can be viewed and pre-purchased here.

(Prices for the original art will be announced at the show.)  

The 2011 Hukilau is sure to be unforgettable, with great live music, seminars and symposiums, vendors, cocktails in the famous Molokai Bar, and a performance by Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid.  We wouldn't dream of missing this!