Show 658, December 20, 2025: Nick Brink, General Manager, The Golden Tiki, Las Vegas

Posted on December 22, 2025 by Adam Bell

Andy Harris of the SoCal Restaurant Show and Nick Brink of the Golden Tiki

“Located in Chinatown, Las Vegas, The Golden Tiki (celebrating its 10^th Anniversary this year) takes you on a trip to exotic Skull Island. The Golden Tiki has spared no expense in recreating the classic mid-century tiki bar, reminiscent of the legendary Don the Beachcomber’s and Trader Vic’s while mixing in Las Vegas legend and lore. The hand-crafted cocktail menu features nostalgic classics and new mixological creations by world-renowned barman, Adam Rains.”

“Alongside an eclectic spirits list, curated local craft beer, and a massive rum selection, The Golden Tiki’s hospitality is legendary. Featuring the work of renowned artists Tiki Bosko, Billy the Crud, Bill Collins, and Oceanic Arts, the one-of-a-kind decor also boasts a unique collection of celebrity ‘shrunken heads,’ an astounding array of artifacts, and Bud ‘n Al’s Oasis, the world’s only adult animatronic bird show.”

“Accolades include Top 5 Tiki Bars In The Country (Food Network), Ten Best Nightlife Destinations In Las Vegas (USA Today), Best Tropical Drinks In Las Vegas (Trip Savvy), Top Drinking Destinations In Las Vegas (Virgin Holidays), Best Bar, Readers’ Choice 2018, Best Chinatown Bar, Readers’ Choice 2025 (Las Vegas Weekly) & Best of The City nods from Desert Companion & Vegas Seven. Culinary Excellence Award for Drink Specialist – 2019 (Nevada Restaurant Association) for Beverage Director Adam Rains.”

The General Manager of The Golden Tiki, Nick Brink, takes a respite from behind the bar to join us.

Show 641, August 23, 2025: Galley Master & Chef Steve Kling, Strong Water Anaheim

Posted on August 25, 2025 by Adam Bell

“Tiki bar fans, rejoice — and grab a place at Strong Water Anaheim. This reimagined classic of the genre, with its curio-shop-in-a-shipwreck atmosphere, its supercharged, elevated bar-food menu, its encyclopedic list of classic and creative tropical libations (zero proof options included), and its treasure chest of rare artisanal rums worth drinking straight.” Strong Water shares the distinction of having been twice nominated for the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverage Programs.

“Welcome Aboard Strong Water Anaheim tucked away in Downtown Anaheim. When you enter Strong Water Anaheim, you will find yourself walking into the wreckage of the Clementine lost at sea in 1884.”

Strong Water enjoys an executive chef, Steve Kling, with serious culinary credentials including overseeing the kitchens at the historic Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. He has created the seasonal changing menus for both Dinner and Weekend Brunch at Strong Water. Dinner highlights include Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, Spinach Rangoons, Sweet Chili Salmon and Rice Noodle Salad with Ribeye. Worth mentioning is the Loco Moco Burger with an 8 oz. American Wagyu patty, Spam, Fried Egg, Tempura Battered Onion Ring, Mixed Greens and Bone Marrow Gravy & Polynesian Spread and served on a Hawaiian Bun. Items to contemplate for Weekend Brunch are Bananas Foster Buttermilk Pancakes, Sisig Breakfast Burrito and Loco Moco Bowl.

Reservations respectfully required for all seatings.

Chef Steve Kling takes a break from his busy Brunch service to be our guest.

Show 633, June 28, 2025: Strong Water Anaheim with Prime Minister Robert Adamson

Posted on June 30, 2025 by Adam Bell

“Tiki bar fans, rejoice — and grab a place at Strong Water Anaheim. It’s a creatively reimagined classic of the genre, with its curio-shop-in-a-shipwreck atmosphere, its supercharged bar-food menu, its encyclopedic list of classic and creative tropical libations (zero proof options included), and its treasure chest of rare artisanal rums worth drinking straight.” Strong Water’s latest national recognition is a 2^nd nomination for the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine & Other Beverage Program. Strong Water is only one of two Orange County nominees in any category for a James Beard Award in 2025.

The food menu is an important calling card for Strong Water, too. Their Galley Master (Executive Chef) is Steve Kling previously the highly regarded culinary force in the kitchen at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar.

Expected are some new libations. Look for The Lost Pearl Diver, Singapore Sling and the Blue Hawaii with coconut fat-washed overproof white rum, vodka, blue curacao, falernum, pineapple, lemon, lime and cane.

New is Weekend Brunch with delights including Bananas Foster Buttermilk Pancakes, Sisig Breakfast Burrito, Japanese Egg Sando and Loco Moco Bowl.

New to the evening fare are Eggplant Katsu and Pho Beef Dip with braised USDA Prime brisket, cilantro, onion, jalapenos and Dijonnaise and served on a baguette with fries and pho ai jus.

The in-the-works sister establishment, Double Luck, is set to open later this year. It’s conveniently located within walking distance of Strong Water.

Proprietors Ying Chang (Fleet Commander) and Robert Adamson (Prime Minister) join us just back from Chicago and The James Beard Awards.

Show 613, January 25, 2025: Strong Water Anaheim’s Robert Adamson. Creations for “Dry January”

Posted on January 27, 2025 by Adam Bell

“Tiki bar fans, rejoice — and grab a place at Strong Water Anaheim. It’s a creatively reimagined classic of the genre, with its curio-shop-in-a-shipwreck atmosphere, its supercharged bar-food menu, its encyclopedic list of classic and creative tropical libations (zero proof options included), and its treasure chest of rare artisanal rums worth drinking straight.” Strong Water’s latest national recognition is a nomination as a semi-finalist for the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine & Other Beverage Program. Strong Water was previously the only Orange County nominee in any category for a James Beard Award in 2024.

Strong Water’s Spirit Lifter, Robert Adamson is our guide to their Dry January creations. They also have a pair of low-alcohol creations.

Show 605, November 30, 2024: Pete’s Christmas Vacation at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

Posted on December 2, 2024 by Adam Bell

Manfred Lassahn of Watertable at the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach

“The Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach has transformed their restaurant – Pete’s Sunset Grille – into an over-the-top holiday bar, dubbed Pete’s Christmas Vacation (Nov. 27 – Dec. 31). Inspired by the Christmas movie classic with the Griswold family (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,) the pop-up includes an exclusive holiday menu with festive cocktails and Executive Chef Manfred Lassahn’s bites (think: cranberry baked brie, turkey sliders, jumbo prawns, colorful calamari and piled high s’mores), private igloo lounges, and every square inch of the restaurant covered with vibrant, tiki holiday decor (the hotel team worked all year long to source decor near and far to ensure the restaurant is completely decked out!).”

“Step into a whimsical winter wonderland where the spirit of Christmas meets the laid-back vibes of a tropical paradise! At Pete’s Christmas Vacation, guests are invited to embark on a culinary journey that merges festive flavors with exotic tiki flair. Picture a warm, snow-dusted surf garage adorned with twinkling lights and vibrant tiki decor. Think presents hanging from the ceiling, flamingo ornaments peeking out from under fluffy snowflakes, and surfboards decked with holiday cheer. The lively soundtrack features a blend of classic holiday tunes and festive tracks, setting the perfect backdrop for a night of indulgence and holiday fun.”

“There is also the super exclusive Pete’s Snow Globe Experience. Guests take refuge from the chilly winter night inside a cozy holiday hideaway. These private dining domes are the perfect place for you and your loved ones to cuddle up and enjoy the spirit of Christmas while you sip and eat away the evening.”

Our guides to all the spirited Holiday Festivities at Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach are General Manager Jon Benson and Executive Chef Manfred Lassahn.

Show 567, March 2, 2024: Strong Water, Anaheim with Proprietors Ying Chang & Robert Adamson Part One

Posted on March 3, 2024 by Adam Bell

Robert Adamson and Ying Chang of Jace Hospitality

“Tiki bar fans, rejoice — and grab a seat at Strong Water Anaheim. It’s a creatively reimagined classic of the genre, with its curio-shop-in-a-shipwreck atmosphere, its supercharged bar-food menu, its encyclopedic list of classic and creative tropical libations (zero proof options included), and its pirates’ treasure chest of rare artisanal rums worth drinking straight.”

Strong Water’s latest national recognition is as a semi-finalist for a nomination for the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Bar Program. Strong Water is the only Orange County semi-finalist in any category for a James Beard Award in 2024!

The food menu is an important calling card for Strong Water, too. Their Galley Master (Executive Chef) is Steve Kling, previously the highly regarded culinary force in the kitchen at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. The menu changes regularly. Contemplate an Appetizer of Japanese Egg Salad Crostini with Shiso Oil and Chives, and a layered Loco Moco Burger with an 8oz. Wagu Patty, Spam, Fried Egg, Tempura Battered Onion Ring, Mixed Greens, Bone Marrow Gravy and Polynesian Spread served on a Brioche Hawaiian Bun!

“Welcome Aboard Strong Water Anaheim tucked away in Downtown Anaheim. When you enter Strong Water Anaheim, you will find yourself walking into the wreckage of the Clementine lost at sea in 1884.” First-time guests are given a tour of all the various ship-themed areas (including the lore associated with each) before being seated in their reserved spot.

It’s not a large space and Strong Water is very popular with both their loyal regulars and first-time guests. It’s a two-hour experience and the time flies. Advance reservations via Resy are truly a must.

Proprietors Ying Chang (Fleet Commander) and Robert Adamson join us in-studio.

Show 567, March 2, 2024: Strong Water, Anaheim with Proprietors Ying Chang & Robert Adamson Part Two

Posted on March 3, 2024 by Adam Bell

The food menu is an important calling card for Strong Water, too. Their Galley Master (Executive Chef) is Steve Kling, previously the highly regarded culinary force in the kitchen at Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. The enticing menu changes regularly. Contemplate an Appetizer of Japanese Egg Salad Crostini with Shiso Oil and Chives, and a layered Loco Moco Burger with an 8oz. Wagu Patty, Spam, Fried Egg, Tempura Battered Onion Ring, Mixed Greens, Bone Marrow Gravy and Polynesian Spread served on a Brioche Hawaiian Bun!

“Welcome Aboard Strong Water Anaheim tucked away in Downtown Anaheim. When you enter Strong Water Anaheim, you will find yourself walking into the wreckage of the Clementine lost at sea in 1884.” Guests are greeted “with a warm ahoy and an invitation to escape to paradise and forget your worries.”

Proprietors Ying Chang (Fleet Commander) and Robert Adamson continue with us in-studio.

Show 530, June 17, 2023: Anne Marie Panoringan , Award-Winning Food Journalist Part Two

Posted on June 18, 2023 by Adam Bell

Anne Marie Panoringan is now Culture OC’s well-informed food columnist. She reports industry news, current events and trends. Anne Marie also contributes regularly to Eater Los Angeles, LAist and other well-respected publications.

Anne Marie continues with us in-studio for her regular bi-monthly visit to now discuss Orange County restaurant news of note. South Orange County restaurants are in the news including the revived Royal Hawaiian (Tiki Bar extraordinaire) in Laguna Beach and the launch of the long-anticipated Truly Pizza in Dana Point helmed by acclaimed pizzaiolos with international credentials.