bad news this morning

I received word this morning that one of my classmates, Shyla, died last night in what was surely a terrible manner. Also killed in the accident were her husband and oldest daughter. Their 4 year old daughter is in ICU. The middle daughter was visiting Shyla's parents in Missouri. I have lots to say, but no time to do it right now.

Here is the local news report of the accident, which occurred in Louisiana.

http://www.2theadvocate.com/news/26085929.html?index=1&c=y


Hug a loved one today. Hell, hug a stranger...

hmmmm

Chicago is on my mind....

My schedule is all effed up this week

One of the other bartenders is still away so my schedule is much different this week.

Visit my calendar at http://tikitender.com/calendar.html to check it out.

What ever will I do to pass the time on a Friday night?!?!?

Today's Drink Recipe: Berry Switzer

So we got a bottle of Stolichnaya® Blueberry vodka in the bar recently. This is something I tried out last night for a sexy customer. She liked it, so I figured I would put it out there for you to try.

Bonus Tiki points for anyone who gets the name reference!


Berry Switzer
1 1/2 oz Stoli® Blueberi
splash of cranberry
club soda to balance

In a double old-fashioned glass, combine all ingredients over ice. Stir. Enjoy!



Visit my recipes page at tikitender.com/recipes.html for more recipes!

All kinds of Tiki Goodness!

Pango Rhum now available at Mort's Beachside Liquors

Pango Rhum is the key ingredient to my famous Tiki Kooler & Voodoo Koolaid. It is now available, along with recipe cards, from Mort's Beachside Liquors, just a couple blocks down A1A from The Golden Lion.



Vote For Me!

It is time again for Backstage Pass Magazine's Annual Florida Favorite awards! Help me win favorite bartender 3 years in a row!!! Click the link above for voting instructions.





Have you had your Tiki today?
Follow me at these sites:

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Join Me on Meet The Phlockers
Listen to Tikitender's Radio Station on Last.fm

Meet The Phlockers In Flager Beach!!!

Some members of www.meetthephlockers.com are meeting up at 1:30 at the Golden Lion in Flagler Beach. If you are on myspace, click the above link for details. Otherwise, drop me a message at mark@tikitender.com for more info!



Visit Meet the Phlockers


Finally....Do You Yahoo?

Or use AIM, etc? My contact info below. Please let me know that you know me somehow if you request to be on my "buddy" lists.

yahoo: tikitender2007
yahoo (mobile): mwoods27
AIM: tikitender
AIM (mobile): funkbnch
MSN: bvoltaire2002@hotmail.com




One more thing! Have you visited www.tikitender.com lately? All new stuff to be found, especially in the links and recipes section. Take a moment to visit my friends! While you are there subscribe to my blog.

Now I think you have been thoroughly updated on the world according to Tiki!

Mahalo nui loa!!!!

A little piece of advice for mojito drinkers

If you stand at a bar and ask for a mojito, then watch the bartender mix your cocktail precisely by hand, taking time to make it just right, then tip him $0.50, you should probably expect to see his back the next time you come to the bar. Just saying, he might get real interested in polishing bottles or cutting limes....

Another thing, mojitos aren't trendy anymore so if you are ordering them to impress me with your drink knowledge give it up!



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Now playing on Windows Media Player: Avril Lavigne - Together
via FoxyTunes

Bourbon Kings

Bourbon Kings - Esquire: "Bourbon Kings


From 20-year-old to $20, take your pick of these four spirits."


Like most southerners, I've come to have strong opinions about bourbon. Despite the mint-julep tradition, I prefer it without baggage, particularly the added sugar, since the whiskey itself is sweet enough. It's made from corn, and it's aged in charred oak casks.....

Bonus Drink Recipe: Tracy's Sweet Peach

My friend Traceface from meetthephlockers.com has been gently nagging me for weeks to name a drink after her. After a yahoo IM conversation the other night, I finally found some inspiration. Without further ado, Tracy's Sweet Peach.


Tracy's Sweet Peach
1 1/2 oz Southern Comfort® peach liqueur
1 oz triple sec
Mountain Dew® citrus soda

Pour all ingredients over ice in your favorite glass. Stir gently and garnish with a piece of lemon or lime. Enjoy.

Traceface, My sweet Georgia friend.

**find this recipe and more at www.tikitender.com

Today's Drink Recipe: A Sexy Melody

A Sexy Melody

2 oz Razzmatazz® raspberry schnapps
3 oz cranberry juice
ginger-ale to balance

Fill a tall glass with ice. Add schnapps and cranberry juice. Top with ginger-ale. Hear Melody say "Thank you Tiki". Realize again that you have a great job.

Good News Locals!

Kathy from Mort's Beachside Liquors called me yesterday and told me they are now carrying Pango Rum. Pango is the main ingredients in my most famous drinks, the Tiki Kooler and the Voodoo Koolaid. I will be dropping off recipe cards this weekend. Mort's is located a couple blocks south of the Golden Lion, near Finnegan's. Kathy and I have late night discussions about liquors at Poor Walt's. A few weeks ago she stopped in and tried both a Tiki Kooler and a Voodoo Koolaid, so thank her for getting it into the store. Stop by and grab a bottle. Tell 'em Tiki sent ya!!!

Find Your New Beer

Men's Health Weekend
Find Your New Beer

Like this? Try this new brew
By: Tara Dubbs




Experts and bar snobs can tell you that you should be trying new beers and new styles, but cracking a cold one is about enjoying yourself—and the beers you already love. That doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the same old forever: “Once you figure out the styles you enjoy, dig further into that style,” says Austin Harvey, beer specialist for Chicago-based Sam’s Wine and Spirits. Here, Harvey’s recommendations in brew styles you already like.


Men's Health Weekend - Men's Health

Vote For Me!!!!!

It is time again for Backstage Pass Magazine's (www.backpassmag.com) Annual Florida's Favorite contest.

I have been blessed to have been voted Florida's Favorite Bartender in 2006 & 2007.

Will you help me win again? Votes can be entered until July 31, 2008 and the results will be announced on Sept 1.

Votes can be cast via email or on their website!

If you will take a few moments to help me out I would greatly appreciate it!!!

to vote:

visit www.backpassmag.com

OR

send an email to favorites@backpassmag.com. In the body, cast your vote for me
Favorite Bartender
Mark Woods
Golden Lion Cafe


Thanks again!!!!!!

Tiki

Notes on our anniversary day....

On 6/29/2008 Mrs. Tiki and I celebrated our 6th wedding anniversary. I decided ahead of time that it would be a day full of "new stuff" in the "oldest city". We are both big fans of St. Augustine, located about 30 minutes from us. Every time we go there, Sara begs BEGS to go on the Old Town Trolley tour. She finally got her wish!!!!

Look how excited she is!!!!!




They gave her a Happy Anniversary badge!!

We toured Flagler College, went to the Fountain of Youth, walked around like total tourists.

I even discvovered the world's dirtiest mirror!!!!

As if she needs any help looking young!!!




Our awesome tour guide, Cylinda

We finished the day at Columbia Restaurant. It was Sara's first time there!

It was nice to have someone make ME a mojito for a change!!



On the way out of town...acting silly.


I love you baby!!!!!

It was a terrific day!!!!!!!


For more pictures go to my flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/tikitender/sets/72157605958725959/

Today's Drink Recipe: Brooke's Mandrin Delight

Brooke’s Mandrin Delight

1 ¼ oz Absolut Mandrin

Splash of Sprite

Orange Wedge

Build over ice in a large rocks glass. Stir gently and serve.