Welcome back to another episode of The Tiki Talk Show. This week, Ellie and Ryley sit down with Martin and Rebecca Cate, proprietors of several award winning tiki bars and authors of the James Beard award winning cocktail book, Smuggler’s Cove.
Martin first got into tiki in Washington DC when a coworker invited him out to drinks at Trader Vic’s. After moving back to the Bay Area, Martin and Rebecca’s interest in tiki grew through the late 90s and early 00s spurred on by themed home parties, Tiki Central, and local tiki establishments like Trader Vic’s in Emeryville. Eventually, at a crossroads in his life, Martin decided to enter the bar business in Alameda by opening Forbidden Island with successful business partners. Martin and Rebecca went on to open their first bar independently in San Francisco, Smuggler’s Cove. This bar not only focuses on well made tiki cocktails but appreciating Rum as a complex spirit. Smuggler’s Cove boasts the largest public collection of Rum in America. Martin and Rebecca went on to write their award winning cocktail book, Smuggler’s Cove, which not only lists cocktail recipes but also a narrative history of rum, tiki, and the tiki revival. The duo are also advisors and collaborators on several other award winning tiki bars across the country: Hale Pele in Portland, False Idol in San Diego, and Max’s South Seas in Grand Rapids. Each of these locations brings their own unique twist carefully tailored to the community they serve. From elaborately themed restaurants and bars to fantastic twists on tiki cocktails and elevating the reputation and appreciation of Rum, Martin and Rebecca have contributed a lot to the tiki revival.
You can find Martin and Rebecca on Instagram @smugglerscovesf to check up on their new rum and cocktail offerings, guest appearances, and celebrations for the 10th anniversary of their cocktail book. You can find Smuggler’s Cove at smugglerscovesf.com to buy their book, view their drink menu and plan your trip to view their flagship bar. If you’re not in the San Francisco Bay Area, check out the bars they’re involved with in San Diego, Portland, and Grand Rapids.
Thank you for joining us on this episode. We are excited to see you all in San Diego in a few weeks at Tiki Oasis. Ryley will be giving a seminar at Tiki Oasis all about the history of the tiki revival. Tickets are still available at tikioasis.com/friday-seminars-26 for his Friday seminar from 1:30-2:30. Check out our Instagram to see our new shirts and send us a DM to order one of your own! $20/shirt and $7 for shipping. They will be available after Ryley’s seminar at Tiki Oasis if you want to save on shipping! If you’re interested in being interviewed, send us an email at thetikitalkshow@gmail.com. Click the link below to see our link tree and find us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.
It’s been good talking to you, and until next time…
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-Ryley and Ellie
