Donn Beach, born Ernest
Raymond Beaumont Gantt was the father of all Tiki restaurant, bars and clubs.
His first restaurant was called Don's Beachcomber Cafe and so his name evolved
from Don the Beach-Comber to Don the beachcomber and finally to Don Beach.
After he had left his home
in Texas he traveled the world, enjoying especially the islands of the Caribbean and
the South Pacific. Here he found the
inspiration to decorate his bar in tropical style and serve strong Rum
cocktails. Because it was so different, an escape from daily life, his restaurant became popular very
quickly,even in celebrity circles. Every
Tiki establishment, which opened afterwards was based on his initial tiki concept.
Don Beach's first restaurant in Los Angeles just off the
Hollywood Boulevard, decorated with bamboo, exotic plants and a few exotic items that he collected on his travels. I
quite like it, because sometimes I have the feeling the Tiki themed bars and
restaurants overdo the Polynesian style so it becomes overwhelming.
This is one of the first Cocktail menus from Don the Beachcomber's bar. It is very simply produced in black in white as was usual back
in those days, however illustrations of the different cocktails frame the menu, which makes it look interesting even
in its simplicity.
For comparison with this very old menu, I searched for a more recent
one, which is a lot more colourful and focuses on general tiki illustrations in
addition to those of every cocktail. I like the fact that you exactly know what
you will get before you order it. The playful illustrations of little figures
around some of the cocktails suggest the
relaxed atmosphere which tiki is all
about.
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