Profile

Phoenix, Arizona

John S. james’s website

I got the Tiki bug as a kid. It was a mini vacation to Trader Vic's in Scottsdale. It was where I learned to drink well and like a gentleman, and learned how educated adults behaved at pleasure and business. When my Birthday came around - and my parents asked where I wanted to go to celebrate - it was Trader Vic's and the Cosmo Tidbits (2 of them). Later I learned to love Gun Club punches. I have studied Trader Vic's the man and the Restaurant for many years. I collect many T V items and always love to visit a city and a Trader Vic's where one has survived. Atlanta has a good one. Visited New York before it closed. Los Angeles before the remodel. The new Trader Vic's in Scottsdale at the Valley Ho! is a nice modern one. Andrea and I hang out there often.

Now I make my living in television as a producer and video colorist - but my heart is still in Tiki land. Now I combine Sailing and Tiki - a great escape! Bali Hi in San Diego has a boat dock. Perfect!