Time to kill at the airport

A 22 oz Fat Tire should kill a couple minutes

I'm toasting you right now

I can't lie. I'm sitting here in a ski lodge pub in Michigan and toasting to the memories.

Mele Kalikimaka from Tiki!

Mele Kalikimaka to all of my customers, friends, & especially to the tiki torches! It has been a little different this year with my times behind the wood becoming special events rather than daily occurances. We shall see what 2011 brings and I hope to continue seeing your smiling faces over a delicious cocktail!

Turning heads in small town Indiana on Trouserless Thursday

Good morning from Middle America!

Whoops I got a little on my face

As promised, me eating a snowball!

Happy Birthday Joe!

Big moon over Flagler Beach

Monday Morning Errands

My Celebrity Look-Alikes

Always Fun!


Sean Bean? Really?


So funny! I always get Wayne Knight when I use a photo with glasses on!

My bio for the Mark E. Walker music project

At long last, I have finished my bio for the Mark E. Walker website. I am the social media specialist for the team. This bio seemed to take forever. Imagine that, me not knowing what to say about myself! Who knows, you might learn something about me at the same time!

Mark "Tiki" Woods
Media Specialist

Mark Woods, aka TikiTender, is the social media specialist of the Mark E. Walker team. In the words of musician David Lane, “Tiki keeps people relevant”. If you find a new and exciting social network, chances are Tiki is already there. Terminally connected, Mark keeps several restaurants, musicians, and even the city of Flagler Beach on the minds of people in Florida and beyond via Twitter, Foursquare, Facebook, website development, and more.

The story of Tiki's journey from Juvenile Corrections Officer to being named Florida's Favorite Bartender 3 times running could have been plucked out of a Jimmy Buffett song. While working at a juvenile detention center in his home state of Missouri, Mark decided a few weeks in the sun would do him some good. According to legend, he came to Flagler Beach, Florida on vacation and never went back. When asked about this story, Mark just grins and says “Something like that.” Truth or legend, Tiki found his home in the little town next to the Atlantic. Since landing here in February of 1996 Mark has worked at golf resorts, a golf vacation company, and bars. He claims to feel like he has been on vacation for 15 years. Anyone who has encountered his fun-loving personality and easy charm would agree. It was while working in a poolside tiki bar that Mark received his nickname. TikiTender has since become known nationwide . He has appeared in several local newspaper articles, regional entertainment magazines, and local radio shows. Most notably, he was featured in a Daytona News-Journal article about twitter alongside Oprah Winfrey and President Obama. In the past few years, Tiki's reach has been extended well outside of Flagler County. He has appeared in columns in the Omaha World Herald and is a regular guest on the Island Time Radio Show based out of Berea, OH. Island Time Radio is a trop-rock music program that streams worldwide via the internet. Tiki makes regular contributions via phone from the deck of the Golden Lion Cafe (his bartending home since 2005) in Flagler Beach. In his segments Tiki talks music, cocktails, and Flagler Beach news. If you meet Tiki in person you will likely have the time of your life. Besides that, you will probably be envious of his really cool tropical shirts. Of the many benefits of his online presence, by far one of his favorites is having a clothing sponsor. That's right, a bartender with a clothing deal. Tiki is the official bartender of Mad Gringo Clothing, based in Omaha, Nebraska. It all started with a stranger walking up to his bar and saying “Aren't you that TikiTender guy from Myspace?”

Tiki is part of the Mark E. Walker team because of his social media & promotions expertise, but he is no stranger to music. As a pup, he was a classically trained tenor. His first public performance was as a 4 year old in his grandmother's church. He went on to honors in music theater, vocals, and as a trombone player. His vocal chops earned him the opportunity to begin college on a vocal performance scholarship at Baker University in Kansas. But, as he puts it, “that was many late nights and cigarettes ago.” Stage presence is stage presence, though. You will still find Tiki spreading good times from the karaoke stage at local clubs. He is very involved with the local music scene, to the point of launching a now defunct music showcase website, UDiscoverMe.com. “Even though the site folded, I learned a lot about music promotions”, he said when asked about the site.

“I'm very excited to be part of the Mark E. Walker team,” says Tiki. “I am approached on a daily basis by people wanting me to help promote this or that. Mark E. Walker is the real deal. I can't wait to be part of his success.”

Find out more about the “Purveyor of Good Times” at www.tikitender.com

So glad to have it over! :-D Aloha nui loa, Tiki

The links:

www.markewalkermusic.com

www.goldenlioncafe.com

www.madgringo.com

www.tikitender.com

www.islandtime.freeservers.com

www.omaha.com/article/20090806/entertainment/7089069896

Celebrate Safely With These Alchohol Free Drink Recipes

If you are hosting a holiday party, it is important to have alcohol free drinks available for the non-drinkers, kids, and designated drivers. No reason for them to be stuck with a tonic water or coffee all night long. Celebrate Safely; Designate A Driver!

Cherry Cider
2 quarts apple cider
1 cinnamon stick
3 oz package of Cherry Jell-O®
Combine apple cider and cinnamon stick in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add Jell-O, stirring two minutes or until Jell-O dissolves. Serve Hot. Yields 2 quarts.

Nojito
1 lime, juiced
1 tsp sugar
6 mint leaves
Sprite®
In a tall glass, squeeze in lime juice. Add sugar and mint leaves. Crush with a muddler or a long spoon. Fill with ice and top with Sprite. Give it a nice stir and enjoy.

Summer Breeze
Orange Juice
Sour Mix
Sprite®
Mix equal parts orange juice and sour mix over ice. Add a splash of Sprite.

Canadian Pride
2/3 oz maple syrup
3 oz grapefruit juice
3 oz ginger-ale
Shake the maple syrup and grapefruit juice with ice and pour into a tumblr. Add ginger-ale to balance. If desired, garnish with a slice of grapefruit.

Cinnamon Cider
4 oz cranberry juice
4 oz apple juice
2 cinnamon sticks
2 mint leaves
Warm cranberry juice and apple juice over low heat. Add cinnamon sticks. Pour into Irish coffee mugs. Garnish with whipped cream and mint leaves. To make in bulk, combine equal parts of juices with 8 cinnamon sticks and allow to simmer. Pour out when needed. As a bonus, it will add a festive aroma to your party!

It Wouldn't Be HumpDay If I Didn't Plug Myself

Vote For Me!

Feel like giving me a great Christmas gift? Help me reclaim my title as Backstage Pass Magazine's "Florida's Favorite Bartender". Let's make it 2006, 2007, 2008, & 2010! Visit backpassmag.com to vote!

'Tis The Season To Be Numb

Just in time for Christmas and New Year's Eve, a list of holiday drink suggestions. I have saved you the hassle of looking around in my blog and recipes page by listing a mess of recipes right here!


Warm Drinks

Hot Chocolate Butternut
1 1/2 oz butterscotch schnapps
1/2 oz amaretto almond liqueur
Hot chocolate
Combine ingredients in a coffee mug. Top with whipped cream, if desired.

Mocha Mint
1 oz Irish cream
1 tbsp chocolate syrup
1 tsp creme de menthe
1 tsp creme de cacao
Hot coffee
Combine in your favorite mug. Top with whipped cream, if desired.

Jen's Creamy Thighs
1 oz amaretto almond liqueur
1 oz Irish cream
hot coffee
whipped cream
Grand Marnier® or Cointreau® orange liqueur, to float
Combine first three ingredients in a coffee mug. Top with whipped cream and float orange liqueur on top.

Hot Buttered Mocha
1 1/2 oz butterscotch schnapps
1 pkg instant hot cocoa
hot coffee
Combine all ingredients in a coffee mug. Top with whipped cream, if desired.

Christmas Cocoa
2 oz Godiva® chocolate liqueur
1 pkg instant hot cocoa
mini marshmallows
Combine Godiva® and mixed hot cocoa in a coffee mug. Top with some mini-marshmallows. Enjoy.


For Christmas

Peppermint Twist
1/2 ounce each:
Peppermint Schnapps
Dark Crème de Cacao
Coffee Liqueur
Combine all ingredients in a shaker half filled with ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass or over ice in an old-fashioned glass.

Snowball
1 1/2 oz Irish cream
3/4 oz Level® vodka
1/2 oz RumpleMinze® peppermint schnapps
Shake with ice and strain into a rocks or cocktail glass.

Rudolph
1 1/2 oz rum
Splash of sour mix
Dash of grenadine
Cranberry juice to balance
Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled highball glass. Stir gently. Enjoy!

Holidaze
1 oz gin
½ oz peach schnapps
OJ to balance
Combine all ingredients in an ice-filled highball glass. Stir briskly and serve.

Candy Cane
1 1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz peppermint schnapps
Mini Candy Cane to Garnish
Pour vodka and schnapps into a shaker with plenty of ice. Shake until the shaker frosts. Strain into a cocktail glass. Hang a mini-candy cane on the inner rim of the glass. It will add color and flavor. Enjoy!

Gingerbread Man Shooter
1/2 oz each:
Smirnoff® vodka
Goldschlager® cinnamon schnapps
butterscotch schnapps
Irish cream
Shake with ice to chill and strain into a large shot or rocks glass. This is one of my favorite holiday drinks!

Caribbean Christmas
1 oz rum
1/2 oz coconut-flavored rum
2 oz pineapple juice
2 oz cranberry juice
Shake well with ice and strain into an iced highball glass. Garnish with tropical fruits.

Red Nose Cocktail
1 1/2 oz light rum
1/2 oz grenadine
1/2 oz fresh lemon juice
cranberry juice
Shake rum, grenadine, and lemon juice with cracked ice and strain into an iced highball glass. Fill with cranberry juice, and a splash of club soda if desired. Garnish with a skewer of cranberries.

Mele Kalikimaka
2 oz gin
1/2 oz triple sec
1/2 oz pineapple juice
Stir with cracked ice ans strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a pineapple chunk, a little paper parasol, and ride the trade winds to happy hula-days!!

For New Year's Eve

Bad Habit
1 oz Level® vodka
1 oz peach schnapps
Cranberry juice to balance
Pour all ingredients into an ice-filled highball glass. Stir and serve.

Resolution
1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
splash of triple sec
1 oz sour mix
dash of grenadine
Pour ingredients into a shaker half filled with ice. Shake it like a polaroid picture. Strain into a cocktail glass and serve.

Out With A (L'Orange) Bang
1 1/2 oz Grey Goose® L'Orange
Splash of Cointreau®
Orange Juice to balance
Pour all ingredients into and ice filled highball glass. Stir and serve.

Happy Ending
1 1/2 oz Absolut® Mandrin
1 oz cranberry Juice
club soda to balance
Combine over ice, using equal parts juice and soda

Mark Woods “aka” TikiTender is the principal bartender at the Golden Lion in Flagler Beach, FL. For more information about him, drink recipes, and general good times visit www.tikitender.com.

Remember to always spread Aloha and enjoy yourself a little bit every day. Mahalo nui loa!!!

I love my job

Brrrrr!

Pummelvision, Or How To See 1500 Photos in 5 minutes

The coolest site ever, lifehacker.com, introduced me to Pummelvision. Pummelvision will smash all of your photos from facebook, flickr, or tumblr into a neat little slideshow with some trippy music. My only complaint is that is pulls EVERY photo. So here is my facebook pummelvision, complete with tagged photos from "My Island". I plan to make one with just photos of me in bartending action to use on tikitender.com.

Leave a comment if you spot yourself in the video!

My Main Website
My Facebook
My Flickr
My Tumblr
My YouTube

Some Schedule Changes

Aloha! I hope everyone is keeping their sanity during the holiday season. It has been chilly times in Florida the past few days.

With the slow season upon us, there have been some scheduling changes at The Golden Lion (my main gig). I will be doing double duty (floor manager and bartender) on Fridays and Saturdays for a few weeks.

This means you need to come visit be while I'm behind the bar! You know you miss me!

Keep up to date on my schedule and everything else that's happening with me at www.tikitender.com

Tiki

Happy Repeal Day!

Repeal Day Drink Suggestions

On December 5, 1933 Prohibition in the United States ended. Join the Golden Lion as we celebrate the passing of the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, giving citizens the right to once again consume beer, liquor, & wine. Even if you can’t join me at the Golden Lion’s Second Annual Repeal Day Celebration, you can still get into the spirit with these classic cocktails! Since these are classics, there exist many variations. These are the recipes I use.

Classic Martini
2 oz gin
1/4 oz dry vermouth
Fill a cocktail glass with shaved ice and water to chill. Pour ingredients into a shaker or mixing glass half filled with ice. Using a long handled bar spoon and a fast motion, stir 5o times. Dump ice out of glass and strain contents of shaker into prepared glass. Garnish with one or two olives.

Manhattan
2 oz bourbon whiskey
1/2 oz sweet vermouth
Fill a cocktail glass with shaved ice and water to chill. Pour ingredients into a shaker or mixing glass half filled with ice. Using a long handled bar spoon and a fast motion, stir 5o times. Dump ice out of glass and strain contents of shaker into prepared glass. Drop a cherry into the glass.

Sidecar
1 1/2 oz brandy
1/2 oz triple sec
1/2 oz lemon juice
Fill a cocktail glass with shaved ice and water to chill. Pour ingredients into a shaker or mixing glass half filled with ice. Shake vigorously. Dump ice out of glass and strain contents of shaker into prepared glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.

Ward Eight
2 oz blended whiskey
1 tsp grenadine
1 tsp powdered sugar
juice of 1/2 lemon
orange slice
maraschino cherry
Shake first four ingredients with ice. Strain into a highball glass filled with ice. Garnish with orange and cherry.

Presbyterian
1 1/2 oz bourbon whiskey
club soda
ginger-ale
lemon peel
Pour whiskey and equal parts of soda and ginger-ale over ice in a highball glass. Give a quick stir and drop in a lemon peel.

Chicago Cocktail
2 oz brandy
1 tsp triple sec
1 dash bitters
Rim an old-fashioned glass with lemon and dip into powdered sugar. Pour ingredients into a shaker or mixing glass half filled with ice. Stir well and strain contents of shaker into prepared glass.

Wherever you are, lift a glass to liberty!

Yay Christmas!

Wedding on the Golden Lion Beach!

Random Facts About Me High School Edition

I've been asked to write a bio for a venture I am involved in so I pulled out my senior yearbook to do some fact checking on my self. In the spirit of Facebook's "25 Things About Me", here are 25 Facts about TikiTender when he was in high school.

1. I dated not one, but two redheads in high school. One of them was a cheerleader.

2. I was a jock. 4 year letterman in football, All Conference Defensive Back, 1 year as Captain, 2 years as weightlifting Captain, 3 year letterman in track. 2 year letterman for the weightlifting team. As a running back, I scored 4 touchdowns in the Homecoming game my junior year. At 17, I bench pressed 340 pounds.

3. I was a music geek. 4 year member of choir, 3 year member of chamber choir, 3 year member of band. I played the trombone and sang high tenor. 4 years in All-Conference Choir, 1 year in All-District Choir. 3 years receiving a "1" rating at State Music Contest as a vocal soloist. 2 years in All-Conference Band. I started college on a Vocal Performance scholarship. I was in musicals all four years of high school.

4. I was a nerd. Student Council president for my junior and senior years. National Leadership Award my junior year. Class treasurer my junior year. Quiz Bowl team as a senior. State Accounting contest my senior year. I won awards in History and Geology and was a four year Honor Roll student.

5. I was a drama queen. I acted in plays outside of school and won awards for poetry reading and comedic interpretation.

6. I was a cheerleader. Sort of. Since I didn't play basketball, I was the Tiger mascot during the winter of my senior year. I know it's hard to imagine me dressed in a big tiger head and costume clowning around on the sidelines. :-) *added bonus, I had to hang out with the cheerleaders to learn the routines*

7. I was a king. Homecoming King my sophomore year and Sweetheart's King my junior year.

8. I was known for my thick curly hair. I was voted "Prettiest Hair" two years. I was also known for doing crazy things with it, especially during football season. I had a Boz, a mohawk, and a weird clipper designed stripe stretching from one temple down to the nape of my neck and back up to the other temple. I used to paint the opposing teams colors into the stripe to antagonize them. In the spring of my senior year I grew my hair out into a curly mullet and grew a guido stash. That is a fashion decision I regret to this day!

9. I was voted Best Dancer a couple times. I think it was because I was actually willing to dance.

10. I was voted Best Physique and actually sat as a model for art students. I was never a ripped kinda guy, but by the time I was 17 I had a 20 inch neck, 48 inch chest, 32 inch thighs, broader shoulders than most grown men, and a 31 inch waist. Did I mention I squatted nearly 700 pounds? I was a baby-faced brute.

11. I was voted most popular. I never really tried to be popular, I just talked to everyone and had a good time whatever I was doing. Kinda like now. :-)

12. Along with my best friend Steve, I threw the best party of the year for 4 years "Mark & Steve's B-Day Bash". We even renewed it for mt 21st birthday in college. Nearly 300 people attended.

13. My junior year, I was accused of being on an unofficial mission to make out with every member of the girls' track team. I came pretty close.

14. I was voted Most School Spirit my junior and senior years. See #13.

15. I have yet to attend a class reunion.

16. Oddest casting: Me as Rolf the German telegraph boy in Sound of Music. Even though I looked neither German or boyish, I sang the best "Sixteen Going On Seventeen" and wasn't shy about dancing and sucking face with Liesl (played by the girl voted Best Looking in school).

17. I was a "Student Secretary", which basically gave me a free period to wander the halls and hang out in the weight room.
Occasionally, I would use the "ditto" machine. If you don't know what that is, ask your parents.

18. I am mostly responsible for changing the way students were transported to off campus events due to some back of the bus shenanigans. I will spare you the details.

19. I had a temper on the football field. I once threw the ball at an official, knocking his cap off. In my junior and senior years I received unsportsmanlike conduct penalties for kicking the same opposing defender in the head in a dogpile. In my defense, he was biting my leg both times.

21. I dislocated my ankle in the 6th game of my senior year, ending my football days. It happened in the 2nd quarter after I had already scored 3 touchdowns on the ground. I came back for the last game of me senior year wearing a huge ankle brace. I didn't do well but I wasn't about to miss my last game. I was burned deep for a touchdown pass. On the offensive side I carried the ball 6 times for 13 yards. At least one of the carries was for a score.

22. As football captain, student council president, summertime school district employee (I got paid to mow the athletic fields), I had keys to the high school. If you ask me I will say I never used them for nefarious purposes, but you would see in my face I was lying.

23. I drove a junky pickup truck, yet was still popular and cool. Guess I've never been a car as status symbol guy. Good thing for that!

24. In track, I was a pretty decent sprinter, long jumper, and shot putter.

25. I never took academics too seriously. I was too busy with extracurriculars. But I was a sharp cookie. I was an accounting ace and could write circles around my classmates. To my knowledge, only our valedictorian scored higher on college entrance exams. I could be wrong, though.

Hello Island Time Radio Show!

Thanksgiving Dessert Recipes

To be featured on tonight's Island Time Radio call-in segment, live from the deck at the Golden Lion.  Tune in to wbwc.com at 11:00pm Eastern to listen!

Pumpkin Pie
1/2 oz Kahlua® coffee liqueur
1/2 oz irish cream
1/4 oz Goldschlager® cinnamon schnapps
Cinnamon
Shake all ingredients and strain into a large shot glass. Sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Apple Pie Margarita
1 oz white tequila
1 oz DeKuyper® Sour Apple Pucker schnapps
1 1/2 oz apple juice
1 1/2 oz sweet and sour mix
cinnamon sugar
Rim a margarita glass with the cinnamon sugar and fill halfway with ice. Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into glass. Yummy!

Coconut Cream Pie
1 oz Malibu® coconut rum
1 oz coffee liqueur
½ oz cream
Shake all ingredrients with ice & strain into a shot glass.

Jenny's Banana Pudding
1 oz Bailey's® Irish Cream
1 oz Kahlua® coffee liqueur
1/2 oz creme de banane

Shake with ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass. A great dessert drink!

Live On Island Time Radio Tonight

It's time again for me to be on Island Time Radio later tonight. I will
be sharing some dessert shots for your Thanksgiving gatherings. Some
recipes to be discussed will be Pumpkin Pie, Banana Pudding, & Coconut
Cream Pie. I will also throw in a TikiTender classic, the Apple Pie
Margarita. Tune in to wbwc.com between 11:00 and 11:30 EST to listen!

Island Time Radio is recorded at WBWC 88.3 The Sting FM in Berea, Ohio
and streamed live online from the station's website wbwc.com on Monday
nights from 10:00pm to 1:00am (Eastern). For more info about the show
and where you can hear it, visit www.islandtime.freeservers.com.

Special thanks to madgringo.com for all they do.

Sail On Bill Foye

Yesterday at about twenty past two, William Foye passed into his next life. He was 96 years old.

I first met Sara's grandfather in the fall of 1998, shortly after we started dating. Bill & Winnie moved to Palm Coast FL from Reading, MA about 30 years ago (before Palm Coast was really Palm Coast) and lived there until about 4 years ago when they moved to Indiana to be closer to Sara's parents. They were charter members of Palm Coast First Baptist Church. Without them, I would never have met TikiWife. She would never have known about Flagler County and would never have come here to take a teaching job. Funny sometimes, how the cosmos line up. Bill was a good man, even when he was cranky. He welcomed me into his home and, along with Winnie, gave me a thumbs up to Sara's parents. I will always remember camping out at their home in Palm Coast during Hurricane Floyd and sitting next to them at Jackie Robinson Ballpark when I caught my first ever professional foul ball. He got a great laugh out of me sitting in peanut shells holding up my ball like a triumphant 33 year old kid!

Bill was born in 1914. It is mind-boggling for me to think about the things that passed before his eyes. When a person lives to 96, most friends have already passed. Bill will be dearly missed by his loving wife, family, and me.

With Bill & Winnie; Christmas 2008

2nd Annual Gamble Rogers Memorial Music Celebration

The Gamble Rogers Memorial Music Celebration is December 4th right here in Flagler Beach. This should be a fun event at the Gamble Rogers State Recreation Area.

A little bit about Gamble Rogers:

Gamble Rogers, as he went by, gained national prominence playing lead acoustic and electric guitar with the Serendipity Singers. He also became a storyteller, being compared to Mark Twain and Will Rogers.
Gamble starred in, hosted and was a guest on numerous Public Broadcasting programs, the Tonight Show, Hootenanny, and the Ed Sullivan Show and in quite a number of American and Canadian programs. He wrote the theme song for the 13-part “Philadelphia Folk Festival,” the five show series “Fantasies of Florida” and narrated numerous films and audio/visual presentations, just to name a few. He also wrote several plays for radio and theater, as well as TV screenplays.
Gamble was quoted as saying that “each and every one of the characters in my stories started out representing a specific person. The characters may tend to be outlandish,” he admitted, “but their statements resonate with a certain amount of horse sense.”
Gamble and another up-and-coming songster by the name of Jimmy Buffett cruised the back roads of Florida. Gamble taught Jimmy his craft and was booked as the first act for Mr. Buffett at Margaritaville in Key West. Gamble’s stage acts always offered a seamless transition between stories, songs and virtuoso guitar.

October 10, 1991

Gamble and Nancy Rogers, along with Sid and Cindy Ansbacher were camping here at, the then, Flagler Beach State Recreation Area. They returned from cycling late in the afternoon. Gamble heard a cry from the water. Without hesitation, he stripped to his shorts and shirt, grabbed an air mattress and headed to the edge of the water. A youngster told Gamble his father had wandered too far out and was in trouble. Gamble was not a particularly strong swimmer, as he had suffered from spinal arthritis since childhood. However, he struck out into the ocean.
A ranger joined the rescue attempt. When he encountered Gamble, the would-be saver indicated he was ok. The ranger went farther out but could not find the fisherman. He did find Mrs. Ansbacher, who was struggling, and brought her back to shore. A few minutes later a rescue team brought in the fisherman. Gamble had disappeared. His body was later discovered beyond the breakers.
A plaque recalling the selfless action was erected over on the dune between the Day Use facilities and the campground. In 1992, the state park’s name was officially changed to Gamble Rogers Memorial State Recreation Area.
Gamble Roger’s style of music and storytelling lives on in his CDs, the annual Gamble Rogers Festival in St. Augustine, Florida, and in the state park’s annual Gamble Rogers Memorial Music Celebration.

Info above borrowed from www.gamblecelebration.com

Visit the event on facebook to RSVP and invite others. http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=170257639670464


Mahalo!

Latest Island Time Radio Show Appearance

My Island Time Radio Show appearance from October 25 is available on my media page. Click to tikitender.com and hit the media tab.

JJ & Mofro Release "Georgia Warhorse"

JJ & Mofro Release "Georgia Warhorse"

I've been a fan ever since the 2nd Blackwater Sol 2 in St. Augustine. Visit www.jjgrey.com to hear about this roots and blues act from North Florida.

JJ & Mofro Release "Georgia Warhorse"

JJ & Mofro Release "Georgia Warhorse"

I've been a fan ever since the 2nd Blackwater Sol 2 in St. Augustine. Visit www.jjgrey.com to hear about this roots and blues act from North Florida.

What The Heck Is Beaujolais Nouveau?

Beaujolais Nouveau Night 2010 is almost here! We have been talking about it for months, which may lead the uninitiated to pose the question "What The Heck Is Beaujolais Nouveau?" The short story? Beaujolais Nouveau Night is a Golden Lion tradition of over 15 years. We join the worldwide party on the third Thursday of November every year. For almost as long, the entertainment has been provided by the incomparable Will Pearsall. Join us next Thursday for a great party with great food!




The long story? At one past midnight on the third Thursday of each November, from little villages and towns like Romanèche-Thorins, over a million cases of Beaujolais Nouveau begin their journey through a sleeping France to Paris for immediate shipment to all parts of the world. Banners proclaim the good news: Le Beaujolais Nouveau est arrivé! "The New Beaujolais has arrived!" One of the most frivolous and animated rituals in the wine world has begun.

By the time it is over, over 65 million bottles, nearly half of the region's total annual production, will be distributed and drunk around the world. It has become a worldwide race to be the first to serve to this new wine of the harvest. In doing so, it has been carried by motorcycle, balloon, truck, helicopter, Concorde jet, elephant, runners and rickshaws to get it to its final destination. It is amazing to realize that just weeks before this wine was a cluster of grapes in a growers vineyard. But by an expeditious harvest, a rapid fermentation, and a speedy bottling, all is ready at the midnight hour. By French law, Beaujolais Nouveau is to be released no earlier than the third Thursday of November.

Beaujolais Nouveau began as a local phenomenon in the local bars, cafes, and bistros of Beaujolais and Lyons. Each fall the new Beaujolais would arrive with much fanfare. In pitchers filled from the growers barrels, wine was drunk by an eager population. It was wine made fast to drink while the better Beaujolais was taking a more leisurely course.

Beaujolais Nouveau is as about as close to white wine as a red wine can get. Due to the way it is made -the must is pressed early after only three days- the phenolic compounds, in particular the astringent tannins, normally found in red wines, isn't there, leaving an easy to drink, fruity wine. This, coupled with the fact that it tastes best when chilled, makes for a festive wine to be gulped rather than sipped, enjoyed in high spirits rather than critiqued. As a side note, it makes a great transitional wine for anyone wanting to move from white to red wines.

The race from grape to glass may be silly, but half the fun is knowing that on the same night, in homes, restaurants,cafes, pubs, bars and bistros around the world, the same celebration is taking place.

Vote For Me! Vote For Me!

Just when you thought election season was over! This election is much more fun though! Last year, Backstage Pass slipped the voting past me. Time for you to help me reclaim my crown as Florida's Favorite Bartender! Go to www.backpassmag.com now to cast your vote for me and your other favorites in the area. Let's flood their site with traffic! When voting, vote for Mark Woods - Golden Lion Cafe. Even though, I have moved into management you are still drinking some of my drinks if you drink at the Lion. Even if I've never made you a drink, vote for me if you enjoy my recipes online! Please share with your friends. Let's rock the vote!

Harvest Drinks: Pumpkin Pie Margarita

Perfect for these crisp fall days! This can be served up or on the rocks.


Pumpkin Pie Margarita
2 oz reposado tequila
1 tbsp pumpkin puree
sour mix
cinnamon-sugar

Rim a glass with the cinnamon-sugar. In a shaker half-filled with ice combine tequila, pumpkin puree, and about 2 oz sour mix. Shake, shake, shake. Pour into prepared glass. Delish!

Banana Pancakes!

A couple of devils!

Hooray Beer!

From The Photo Archives

A Tiki Sammy! With Julie and Bethany

New Enhancements To My Site

I've added a view bells & a couple whistles to www.tikitender.com

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Drink Recipe: El Diablo

El Diablo
1 1/2 oz tequila
cranberry juice
ginger-ale

Pour tequila over ice. Add equal parts ginger-ale and cranberry juice. Enjoy!

Drink Recipe: Candy Corn

Candy Corn
2 oz vanilla vodka
1 oz butterscotch schnapps
1 oz irish cream

Shake with ice and strain into a shot glass or chilled martini glass.

Island Time Radio Show: Links & Drinks

Getting ready to go live on Island Time Radio Show with DK & Amo. Here are some links & drinks to which I will be referring during the show:

Drinks
Redheaded Devil
1 1/2 oz Bacardi Limon
3/4 oz triple sec
splash of sour mix
dash of grenadine
cranberry juice

Mix with ice. Stir and serve

Vampire
2 oz vodka
1/2 oz raspberry liqueur
1 oz cranberry juice

Shake and strain into a cocktail glass. Hang a pair of fake vampire teeth on the rim of the glass.

Links



www.tikitender.com
www.madgringo.com
www.goldenlioncafe.com
www.beach927.com
www.phuncoastparrotheads.com
www.relayforlife.org/flaglerbeachfl
www.snoloha.com
www.facebook.com/gottiki
www.facebook.com/davidlaneproject
www.twitter.com/tikitender
www.myspace.com/tikitender2008

Bartending For A Cure Has Been Declared A Success

Bartending For A Cure Has Been Declared A Success, by me at least. :-D

It was fun, there was some money raised for the cause, and guests came to the Plantation Bar & Grill for the first time.

Thanks again!

Good times last night!

Had a fun night last night hanging with DJ Vern & Mark E. Walker at Finn's Beachside. Made a couple new friends, enjoyed the "sights" & watched the crowd react to Mark's new tune during the dance set.

Saturday October 23 is "Make A Difference Day". Help me give back!

What will you be doing to make a difference? I will be Bartending For A Cure at Plantation Bar & Grill in Ormond Beach.

It will be a fun event and hopefully busy. The event was listed in the Accent section of the Daytona Beach News-Journal, so word is out!

It will be fun, for a good cause, and I will be wearing those pants you like. LOL

Come Party with a Purpose. If you can't make it please spread the word!

Questions? Contact me mark@tikitender.com

Thanks!

Sailor Judy's Pirate Punch

In honor of Judy McNitt's upcoming birthday...


Sailor Judy's Pirate Punch
1 1/2 oz Sailor Jerry® spiced rum
1/2 oz creme de banana
orange juice
club soda

Pour rum, creme de banane, & OJ over ice. Shake, then top with club soda. Garnish with a Jolly Roger pick.

Life Is Short, Eat Dessert First

Or in this case let someone smear dessert all over your face...

Sail on Sisters Spriggs

Life is short, eat dessert first

Bartending For A Cure This Weekend!

Bartending For A Cure!

Join me for an evening of food, drink, & music to benefit the American Cancer Society through Relay For Life. I will be guest bartending at Plantation Bar & Grill, who have agreed to host this event! Plantation Bar & Grill is a new venue in the Halifax Plantation shopping center. Featuring an upscale dining opportunity with a casual atmosphere, PB&G will be a great spot for this event!

The restaurant is easy to find just off of I-95 at exit 278 (Old Dixie Highway).

The restaurant will be donating a portion of the evenings proceeds and my tips will be donated in their entirety, so tip big!

If you can't make it, please spread the word!

For more info about the restaurant visit http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ormond-Beach-FL/Dine-Plantation-Bar-and-Grill/106177636092970?v=info

For more information about me, visit www.tikitender.com

Click here to visit the event and RSVP on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/tikitendercom/11330117899#!/event.php?eid=116726731717102

Breast Cancer Awareness Drink Recipe: Mounds

Tastes like the candy bar, but with a bonus!

Mounds (Shooter)
1 oz coconut rum
3/4 oz creme de cacao
1 oz half & half

Shake all ingredients wit ice and strain into a large shot glass. Feel your boobies!

Cooking Cam!

Just getting around to posting this video blog from September 28. I have had a couple people ask for the recipe so first things first.

Super Easy Slow Cooker Barbecue Pork

2-3 lb boneless pork roast, cubed
2 onions, chopped
12 oz bottle barbecue sauce
1/4 cup honey
sandwich rolls

1. Place meat in slow cooker. Add onions, barbecue sauce, and honey.
2. Cover. Cook on Low 6-8 hours.
3. Use two forks to shred meat.
4. Serve on rolls with sauce.

If you missed it, you can watch me make this recipe along with witty commentary.

The weather is here, wish you were beautiful.

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month

I just asked a total stranger if I could feel her boobies. Not really, but I am wearing a sweet pink oxford!

Trick Or Treat For DSIL on October 5th!

Wanna Chat? Let's connect!

Let's talk!

Chat With Me:
Yahoo!: mwoods27
AIM: tikitender
GTalk: woods.mark
MSN: bvoltaire2002@hotmail.com
Skype: woods.mark
jabber: tikitender

Drink Recipe: Tootsie Roll 'Tini

Nothing highly original here, but it just came together last night while trying to make something new with kahlua. Technically not a martini, but TikiTender is about good times not technicalities.

Tootsie Roll 'Tini
1 oz Stoli® vodka
1 oz Kahlua® coffee liqueur
1/2 oz Pinnacle® whipped cream flavored vodka
1/2 oz triple sec

Pour over ice in a shaker and shake until chilled. Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Enjoy!

The Rules of Wedding Crashing

Rule #1: Never leave a fellow Crasher behind. Crashers take care of their own. Rule #2: Never use your real name. Rule #3: When crashing an Indian wedding, identify yourself as a well-known immigrant officer or a county lawyer. Rule #4: No one goes home alone. Rule #5: Never let a girl come between you and a fellow crasher. Rule #6: Do not sit in the corner and sulk. It draws attention in a negative way. Draw attention to yourself, but on your own terms. Rule #7: Blend in by standing out. Rule #8: Be the life of the party. Rule #9: Whatever it takes to get in, get in. Rule #10: Invitations are for pussies. Rule #11: Sensitive is good. Rule #12: When it stops being fun, break something. Rule #13: Bridesmaids are desperate: console them. Rule #14: You're a distant relative of a dead cousin. Rule #15: Fight the urge to tell the truth. Rule #16: Always have an up-to-date family tree. Rule #17: Every female wedding guest deserves a wedding night. Rule #18: You love animals and children. Rule #19: Toast in the native language if you know the native language and have practiced the toast. Do not wing it. Rule #20: The older the better, the younger the better (see Rule below) Rule #21: Definitely make sure she's 18. Rule #22: You have a wedding and a reception to seal the deal. Period. No overtime. Rule #23: There's nothing wrong with having seconds. Provided there's enough women to go around. Rule #24: If you get outed, leave calmly. Do not run. Rule #25: You understand she heard that, but that's not what you meant. Rule #26: Of course you love her. Rule #27: Don't over drink. The machinery must work in order to close. Rule #28: Make sure there's an open bar. Rule #29: Always be a team player. Everyone needs a little help now and again. Rule #30: Know the play-book so you can call an audible. Rule #31: If you call an audible, always make sure your fellow Crashers know. Rule #32: Don't commit to a relative unless you're absolutely sure that they have a pulse. Rule #33: Never go back to your place. Rule #34: Be gone by sunrise. Rule #35: Breakfast is for closers. Rule #36: Your favorite movie is "The English Patient". Rule #37: At the reception, one hard drink or two beers max. A drunk crasher is a sloppy crasher. Rule #38: Girls in hats tend to be proper and rarely give it up. Rule #39: The way to a woman's bed is through the dance floor. Rule #40: Dance with old folks and the kids. The girls will think you're "sweet." Rule #41: Never hit on the bride; it's a one way ticket to the pavement. Rule #42: Try not to break anything, unless you're not having fun. Rule #43: At the service, sit in the fifth row. It's close enough to wedding party to seem like you're an invited guest. Never sit in the back. The back row just smells like crashing. Rule #44: Create an air of mystery that involves some painful experience when interacting with the girl you're after, but don't talk about it. Rule #45: Always remember your fake name! Rehearse it in advance and make sure you know your fellow Crasher's code-name as well! Rule #46: The Rules of Wedding Crashing are sacred. Don't sully them by "improvising." Rule #47: You forgot your invitation in your rush to get to the church. Rule #48: Make sure all the single women at the wedding know you're there because you've just suffered either a terrible breakup or the death of your fiancée. Rule #49: Always work into the conversation: "Yeah, I have tons of money. But how does one buy happiness?" Rule #50: Be pensive! It draws out the "healer" in women. Rule #51: Always pull out in time. Rule #52: Tell any woman you're interested in that you'd love to stay put, but you promised to help out at the homeless shelter today. Rule #53: It's time to put your Drama Lessons in practice! Get choked up during the service. The girls will think you're "sensitive". Bring a slice of onion or artificial tears if necessary. Rule #54: Avoid virgins. They're too clingy. Rule #55: If pressed, tell people you're related to Uncle John. Everyone has an Uncle John. Rule #56: Don't fixate on one woman. ALWAYS have a back-up. Rule #57: When seeing a rival Crasher, do not interact. Merely acknowledge each other with a tug on the earlobe and gracefully move on. Rule #58: The Ferrari's in the shop. Rule #59: If two rival crashers pick the same girl, the crasher with the least seniority will respectfully yield. Rule #60: No "chicken dancing." No exceptions. Rule #61: When crashing out of state, request permission from the local Wedding Crasher chapter. Rule #62: No more than two weddings a weekend; more and your game gets sloppy. You'll also attract unwanted notice. Rule #63: Bring an extra umbrella when it rains. Courtesy opens more legs than charm. Rule #64: Always save room for cake. Rule #65: When your crash partner fails, you fail. No man is an island. Rule #66: Smile! You're having the time of your life. Rule #67: Mix it up a little. You can't always be the man with the haunted past. Rule #68: Dance with the Bride's grandmother. Rule #69: No sex on the altar. Confessionals, okay. Chair lofts, better. Rule #70: Two shutouts in a row? It's time to take a week off. Ask yourself: what is it that is getting in the way of my happiness? Rule #71: Research, research, research the wedding party. And when you are done researching, research some more. Rule #72: Studies have shown that women have a more developed sense of smell. Breath mints: small cost, big yield. Rule #73: Keep interactions with the parents of the bride and groom to a minimum. Rule #74: In case of emergency, refer to the rulebook. Rule #75: Do NOT sing at the reception. Rule #76: No excuses. Play like a champion. Rule #77: Carry extra protection at ALL times. Rule #78: The unmarried female rabbi: is she fair game? Of course she is. Rule #79: The tables furthest from the kitchen always get served first. Rule #80: Stop, look, listen. At weddings. In life. Rule #81: Occasionally bring a gift. You're getting sex without having to buy dinner, so you can afford a blender. Rule #82: Always think ahead, but always stay in the moment. Reconcile this paradox and you'll not only get the girl, you might also get peace of mind. Rule #83: Don't let the ring bearer bum your smokes. His parents may start to ask questions. Rule #84: Stay clear of the wedding planner. They may recognize you and start to wonder. Rule #85: Don't use the "I have two months to live" bit; not cool, not effective. Rule #86: Shoes say a lot about the man. Rule #87: Always choose large weddings. More choice. Easier to blend. Rule #88: You're from out of town. ALWAYS. Rule #89: Know something about the place you say you are from, whether it's another US state or another country. Texas is too played-out. For some reason, England, Germany, or even New Hampshire seem to work. Master the accents convincingly, and you've nailed them! Rule #90: Of course you dream of one day having children. Rule #91: Never dance to "What I Like About You." It's long past time to let that song go. Someone will request it at every wedding. Don't dance to it. No matter how hot the girl. Rule #92: Tell the bride's friends and family that you are family of the groom and visa-versa. Rule #93: Only take one car. You never know when you'll need to make a fast escape. Rule #94: Deep down, most people hate themselves. This knowledge is the key to most bedroom doors. Rule #95: Try not to show off on the dance floor. This means you Jeremy. Rule #96: Etiquette isn't old-fashioned, it's sexy. Rule #97: Catholic weddings - the classic dilemma: painfully long ceremony, horny girls. Rule #98: The newspaper Wedding Announcements are your racing form. Choose carefully. Rule #99: Be judicious with cologne. Citrus tones are best. Rule #100: Save the tuxes for "the big show" only. Rule #101: Avoid women who were psychology majors in college. There is no kind of woman more clingy and persistent than a psychologist investigating your story later on. Rule #102: No periwinkle colored ties, please. Rule #103: Always have an early "appointment" the next morning. Rule #104: Be well groomed and well-mannered. Rule #105: Never cockblock a fellow Crasher. Cockblocking an invited guest is okay. Rule #106: Eat plentiful, digest your food. You'll need the energy later. Rule #107: Know when to abandon ship if it ain't floating. Rule #108: Know your swing and salsa dancing. Girls love to get twisted around. Rule #109: Always carry an assortment of place cards to match any wedding design. Rule #110: Make sure your magic trick and balloon animal skills are not rusty. If the kids love it, the girls will too. Rule #111: Never have sex with bride or groom's mother, even if she is the hottest bombshell at the wedding. Just control yourself. Rule #112: Have FUN! It's why you're there! Rule #113: Don't look for opportunities; make them. Rule #114: 3-4 months to wedding crash - funerals are year round! Rule #115: Never walk away from a crasher in a funny jacket. (The rule that Jeremy makes up to insult John)

Drink Recipe: Jenny's Banana Pudding

For those who prefer to drink their dessert!

Jenny's Banana Pudding
1 oz Bailey's® Irish Cream
1 oz Kahlua® coffee liqueur
1/2 oz creme de banane

Shake with ice and strain into an old-fashioned glass. A great dessert drink!

Tuesday morning errands

Drink Recipe: Geek On The Rocks

In honor of my Cousin Jeff's (aka @jeffisageek) Birthday!

Geek On The Rocks
1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz Malibu® coconut rum
1/2 oz peach schnapps
1/2 oz blue curacao
1/2 oz Midori® melon liqueur
splash of pineapple
dash of grenadine

Shake all ingredients with ice and pour into a large rocks glass.

Office with a view

A walk home? Not so bad

Pink Flip Flops. A great name for a drink!

What I'm drinking right now

Came home and was wondering what to drink, so I looked around to see what I had. Spied some peaches and some Jeremiah Weed Sweet Tea vodka and this is what I came up with.

1 1/2 oz sweet tea vodka
Half of a peach, pureed
Water

Scooped the peach puree into my favorite Collins glass, topped it with ice, vodka, and water. Stirred and garnished with a fresh peach wedge.

Yummy, even though you have to eat the peach as you drink it.

Special Request: Pirate Punch

I am having bartender's block. I was asked for a punch recipe for October's "Treasure's In The Quarter" gala in St. Augustine. To get the creative juices flowing, I figured I would let everyone know about this event. My glass of The Lash Spiced Rum should help too!

“Treasures in the Quarter” is being hosted by City of St. Augustine, Flagler Health Care Foundation and United Way of St. Johns County. It will be held in the newly renovated Spanish Quarter on October 2. This will also be a kick-off of sorts for the brand new St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum.

Click www.treasuresinthequarter.com to find out more.

Everyone knows I have a piratical soul, I can barely control. So it is a perfect pairing! Now back to conjuring!

50 Photos Challenge #3; Love & Luck

I chose this photo of TikiWife and me for Jimmy Buffett's "Love And Luck".




Love And Luck by Jimmy Buffett
With a little love and luck
You will get by
With a little love and luck
We'll take the sky
In this mangled modern world
You've got to try
Try a little love and luck
And you'll get by

Drink Recipe: Amanda's Prickly Pear

Amanda's Prickly Pear©
"The first recipe I tried when Absolut Pears came out, it quickly became the favorite of one of my favorites, Amanda."

1 1/2 oz Absolut® Pears vodka
Splash of club soda
Sour mix to balance
Pour over ice and shake. Garnish with a cherry. Simple, yet delightful!

Drink Recipe: Banana Split Shot

Banana Split Shot

1oz creme de banane
1oz creme de almond
1/2oz Kahlua coffee liqueur
Whipped cream
Maradchino cherry

Shake liquors with ice and strain into a large shot glass. Top with whipped cream and the cherry. Enjoy!

Drink Recipe: Orange Blossoms

Named for the song by J.J. Grey & Mofro, I will be serving this up tonight behind the bar. See you there!

Orange Blossoms
2 oz Ketel One® Orange vodka
1 oz Cointreau® or triple sec
1 oz orange juice
1/2 tsp powdered sugar
1 orange twist

Served up in a wine glass or over ice in a double old-fashioned glass. Rim the glass with the orange peel and dip into powdered sugar. Shake vodka, triple sec, & orange juice with ice. Strain into the glass of your chice and ganish with the orange twist. Enjoy!

Drink Recipe: Tokyo Tea

Tokyo Tea

1/2 oz rum
1/2 oz vodka
1/2 oz gin
1/2 oz tequila
1/2 oz triple sec
1 oz Midori melon liqueur

Shake all ingredients with ice and pour into a collins or pint glass. Enjoy!

Island Time Radio Tonight!

I will be doing a live call in from the Golden Lion tonight for the Island Time Radio Show. Tune in to hear me between 11:00 and 11:30 at wbwc.com. Stay tuned in for the rest of the show from 10:00 to 1:00!

Any requests for drink discussion?

Mahalo!

Tiki
www.tikitender.com

A small shower over the Atlantic this morning

I'm wearing my coconut bra T-Shirt this morning. Always makes me smile.

Stalk me!

Just a random post with the many ways to communicate with me.

Browse Me:
www.tikitender.com

Follow Me:
twitter.com/tikitender
friendfeed.com/tikitender

Look At Me:
www.flickr.com/people/tikitender

See (And Hear) What I Like:
blip.fm/tikitender
youtube.com/user/bvoltaire
appetiteforlife.tumblr.com
www.last.fm/user/TikiTender
pandora.com/people/mwoods27

Read Me:
blog.tikitender.com (you're already here!)
twoguysinabar.wordpress.com

Get Social With Me:
meetthephlockers.com/profile/TikiTender
myspace.com/tikitender2008
linkedin.com/in/tikitender
www.facebook.com/tikitender

Chat With Me:
Yahoo!: mwoods27
AIM: tikitender
GTalk: woods.mark
MSN: bvoltaire2002@hotmail.com
Skype: woods.mark

Email Me:
mark@tikitender.com

Call Me (via Skype):
(386) 675-4852

Chicken Tacos with the works!

Fresh from Burrito Works in Flagler Beach!

His & Hers Singapore Slings

Life is good