“Mele Kalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas day.” On an unusually cold, rainy winter day in LA, the Chattel team embraced the theme of this 1949 Robert Alex Anderson tune by celebrating the season at Bahooka Family Restaurant in Rosemead, California.
Opened in 1967 as Bahooka Ribs and Grog, the restaurant features a blend of nautical and Tiki décor, with over 100 aquariums contributing to the tropical ambiance. Our exotic Tiki experience was enhanced as we enjoyed Polynesian-inspired food and tropical drinks like the Blue Hawaii and Gung Ho (a flaming drink served in a bowl).
Tiki architecture gained popularity during the 1930s with the opening of such Polynesian-themed restaurants as Don the Beachcomber in Hollywood and Trader Vic’s in Oakland. Defining elements of this style include the use of carved beams, lava rock, and steep peaked roofs. Passage of the Hawaii Admission Act, which established the State of Hawaii in 1959, and increased affordability of Hawaii as a vacation destination after World War II further contributed to popularity of Polynesian design.
As many Polynesian-themed restaurants have closed or been significantly altered, we’re excited that such a prominent example of Tiki architecture still exists, and we would like to say ‘mahalo’ to Bahooka for turning a rainy afternoon into a bright Hawaiian December day.
Opened in 1967 as Bahooka Ribs and Grog, the restaurant features a blend of nautical and Tiki décor, with over 100 aquariums contributing to the tropical ambiance. Our exotic Tiki experience was enhanced as we enjoyed Polynesian-inspired food and tropical drinks like the Blue Hawaii and Gung Ho (a flaming drink served in a bowl).
Tiki architecture gained popularity during the 1930s with the opening of such Polynesian-themed restaurants as Don the Beachcomber in Hollywood and Trader Vic’s in Oakland. Defining elements of this style include the use of carved beams, lava rock, and steep peaked roofs. Passage of the Hawaii Admission Act, which established the State of Hawaii in 1959, and increased affordability of Hawaii as a vacation destination after World War II further contributed to popularity of Polynesian design.
As many Polynesian-themed restaurants have closed or been significantly altered, we’re excited that such a prominent example of Tiki architecture still exists, and we would like to say ‘mahalo’ to Bahooka for turning a rainy afternoon into a bright Hawaiian December day.
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| Bahooka entrance |
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| Sylvia opens the door to a Polynesian experience |
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| Jen, Kathryn, and Jenna have a tough time deciding which drink to order |
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| Flaming drinks like the Gung Ho are perfect to share |
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| More of the Gung Ho |
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| Robert's Ko Ko Nut offers a delicious blend of pineapple, coconut, and almond flavors |
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| Shane enjoys a classic Blue Hawaii |
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| Interior view |