Tiki by definition refers to wood or stone humanoid carvings in Maori and other Polynesian cultures signifying deified ancestors or the first human.  In Western culture it defines an American-originated escapist art, music and bar movement inspired loosely by Pacific island aesthetics.

I’m not sure when my fascination with Tiki began but… I am in the process of converting my patio into a Tiki room!  And I’m thinking of naming it Charlie Chan’s Tiki Lounge which could change as this is a work in progress.  Meanwhile, I came across the idea of Pimento Rangoons when I saw it on an old Tiki restaurant menu.  It sounded great and, in fact, it was delicious.  This would be so perfect for the Tiki dinner party I am plotting.

The only Tiki bar and restaurant that I know of in the New Orleans area currently is Latitude 29 at 321 N. Peters Street.

 According to Wikipedia:

Tiki culture initially extended to decorate themed bars and restaurants, catering to Americans’ views of the South Pacific. Featuring Tiki carvings and complex, alluringly named alcoholic drinks, it eventually influenced residential recreation. It became one of the primary ways, although indirectly, that New Zealand culture influenced that of the United States. Beginning in California in the 1930s and then spreading around the world, Tiki culture was inspired by the sentimental appeal of an idealized South Pacific, particularly Polynesia, as viewed through the experiences of tourists and Hollywood movies, incorporating beautiful scenery, forbidden love, and the potential for danger. Over time, it selectively incorporated more cultural elements (and imagined aspects) of other regions such as Southeast Asia. While the decor and ambiance at these establishments largely draws from Polynesian influences, the cocktails are inspired by the tropical drinks and ingredients of the Caribbean.

Tiki culture changed over time, influenced by World War II and the firsthand exposure hundreds of thousands of American servicemen gained during that conflict. In time its appeal wore off, and both the culture and the hospitality industry theme saw a decline. The early decades of the 21st century have seen a renaissance of interest in Tiki culture, including a limited commercial revival. In addition, it has attracted people interested in cocktails, history, urban archaeology, and retroism. However, the appropriation of indigenous Pacific cultures has become increasingly challenged as culturally insensitive or racist.