# scorpion (blogs) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 2 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover scorpion. Page: Feed: --- ## [Phygital Fusion: SOCi and Placer.ai Connect the Dots](https://www.localogy.com/2026/08/phygital-fusion-soci-and-placer-ai-connect-the-dots/) _2026-08-21 · Mike Boland · Localogy_ One of the biggest longstanding holy grails of local commerce is better visibility into the increasingly convoluted and fragmented path to purchase. It weaves in and out of digital and physical channels, making it hard to figure out where influence and intent lie. SOCi and Placer have lifted some of that fog. The post Phygital Fusion: SOCi and Placer.ai Connect the Dots appeared first on Localogy… ## [Scorpion Amplifies SMB Awareness with Google Demand Gen](https://www.localogy.com/2026/08/scorpion-amplifies-smb-awareness-with-google-demand-gen/) _2026-08-20 · Mike Boland · Localogy_ Scorpion is out this week with the latest addition to its sprawling suite of marketing tools for SMBs. It now offers Demand Gen ads from Google. This extends SMBs' reach in promoting themselves from consumers who are explicitly "in-market" for their products to those who aren't yet. The post Scorpion Amplifies SMB Awareness with Google Demand Gen appeared first on Localogy . ## [Synup Rebuilds Its Local Marketing Platform Around AI](https://www.localogy.com/2026/08/synup-rebuilds-its-local-marketing-platform-around-ai/) _2026-08-19 · George Thalos · Localogy_ AI agents are already becoming commonplace across local marketing software. Synup’s Sydekick launch takes the transition further, rebuilding the platform around agentic execution and shifting its business model. AI agents are rapidly becoming standard features across marketing and SMB software. Synup’s latest move is less about joining that trend than about how far the company \[…\] The post Synup… ## [Can Wrinkles Resuscitate the Real-World Metaverse?](https://www.localogy.com/2026/08/can-wrinkles-resuscitate-the-real-world-metaverse/) _2026-08-18 · Mike Boland · Localogy_ A few years after the metaverse bubble deflated, we still see some vestiges of its principles. A subset of that movement involved a real-world metaverse that promised a layer of data that annotates the world, unlocked through local discovery apps. That vision stands behind a new startup called Wrinkles. The post Can Wrinkles Resuscitate the Real-World Metaverse? appeared first on Localogy . ## [Gemini Joins the 3-Comma Club](https://www.localogy.com/2026/08/gemini-joins-the-3-comma-club/) _2026-08-17 · Mike Boland · Localogy_ Google Gemini has surpassed a billion monthly actives - making it one of Google's fastest-growing products of all time The post Gemini Joins the 3-Comma Club appeared first on Localogy . ## [Yelp Brings Reservations and Waitlists to ChatGPT](https://www.localogy.com/2026/08/yelp-brings-reservations-and-waitlists-to-chatgpt/) _2026-08-14 · Mike Boland · Localogy_ Yelp this week announced that it's coming to ChatGPT. Specifically, its popular reservations and waitlist features will be integrated directly in ChatGPT. This means that ChatGPT users can access Yelp features without leaving the app – a "meet users where they are" trend that continues to ratchet up. The post Yelp Brings Reservations and Waitlists to ChatGPT appeared first on Localogy . ## [Automattic’s Mesh Takes a Lighter Approach to CRM](https://www.localogy.com/2026/08/automattics-mesh-takes-a-lighter-approach-to-crm/) _2026-08-13 · Mike Boland · Localogy_ WordPress.com owner Automattic offers a little-known CRM tool. Known as Mesh, it manages relationships through a "personal CRM," built to be more lightweight than industry standards like Salesforce. This makes it a potential sleeping giant in the massive segment that represents the S in SMB. The post Automattic’s Mesh Takes a Lighter Approach to CRM appeared first on Localogy . ## [Google Maps Ratchets Up the Agentic Action](https://www.localogy.com/2026/08/google-maps-ratchets-up-the-agentic-action/) _2026-08-12 · Mike Boland · Localogy_ Google has made the latest round of feature updates to Maps and, you guessed it, they're AI-centric integrations. These include food ordering, hotel booking, and other local commerce actions. Altogether, it advances Google's effort to use AI features as a strategic lever in the ongoing mapping wars. The post Google Maps Ratchets Up the Agentic Action appeared first on Localogy . ## [Vendasta’s Latest AI Employee Writes Blog Posts For You](https://www.localogy.com/2026/08/vendastas-latest-ai-employee-writes-blog-posts-for-you/) _2026-08-11 · Mike Boland · Localogy_ Vendasta is out with its latest set of AI employees for SMBs. Covering the roles of social media manager and blogger, these agentic tools automate tasks such as generating, scheduling, and publishing content. They work within most social platforms as well as WordPress websites and blogs. The post Vendasta’s Latest AI Employee Writes Blog Posts For You appeared first on Localogy . ## [How Can SMBs Compete in Generative Engine Optimization (GEO)?](https://www.localogy.com/2026/08/how-can-smbs-compete-in-generative-engine-optimization-geo/) _2026-08-10 · David Hunter · Localogy_ AI search may be creating a rare opening for SMBs to compete with brands that have far larger marketing budgets. Generative engine optimization (GEO) increasingly rewards local relevance, credibility, and specificity, changing what it takes to win in local discovery. Large brands have bigger budgets and bigger teams, but AI search doesn’t reward size the \[…\] The post How Can SMBs Compete in… ## [Snapshot Showdown on Google Play (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/cjsh3cuAJ9wa) _2026-08-10 · **Sponsored**_ Available on Google Play for Android devices. ## [Cahoots 1940s Themed Bars in London](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/08/09/cahoots-1940s-themed-bars-in-london/) _2026-08-09 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ We had such a fun time at the Mr. Fogg’s bars last trip we sought out something similar and discovered Cahoots‘ three locations of 1940s-themed bars. These are actually from the same Inception Group that are behind Mr. Fogg’s, so now all of it makes sense. All locations feature late 1940s post-war decor and period … Continue reading "Cahoots 1940s Themed Bars in London" ## [Yelp Challenges Assumptions About Gen Z](https://www.localogy.com/2026/08/yelp-challenges-assumptions-about-gen-z/) _2026-08-07 · Mike Boland · Localogy_ Yelp has released new data that challenges assumptions and stereotypes around the increasingly purchase-empowered Gen Z. The report, coproduced with Angus Reid Group, identifies the generation as more independently-minded and less swayed by influencer marketing than commonly thought. The post Yelp Challenges Assumptions About Gen Z appeared first on Localogy . ## [Rhum Tavern: London’s Best Rum Selection](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/08/06/rhum-tavern-londons-best-rum-selection/) _2026-08-07 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ Staying in Soho, we got to try a bunch of new cocktail bars that we hadn’t visited before in London. One of these was Rhum Tavern, located just off Oxford and Regent Streets. Rum/Rhum/Ron is a focus with many rare and interesting bottles on display throughout the venue (do not steal!) and the decor decidedly … Continue reading "Rhum Tavern: London’s Best Rum Selection" ## [New Menu at Dr. Funk Features Fan-Favorite Cloud Over Kona](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/08/03/new-menu-at-dr-funk-features-fan-favorite-cloud-over-kona/) _2026-08-03 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ You’d expect a World Cup hangover at San Pedro Square, but the crew at Dr. Funk aren’t waiting to launch an updated cocktail menu for the first time in a just over a year. The new menu contains a number of new original cocktails that build on the foundation of exotic classics and are embracing … Continue reading "New Menu at Dr. Funk Features Fan-Favorite Cloud Over Kona" ## [Best York Cocktails at Life on Mars](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/08/01/best-york-cocktails-at-life-on-mars/) _2026-08-01 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ While walking the city of York we stumbled upon the charming Life on Mars, a bar that serves dumplings, coffee, and cocktails. The interesting part is that this business is located in one of the bridge lodges on the Lendal Bridge. The venue has a main seating area, plus a semi-private room adjacent to the … Continue reading "Best York Cocktails at Life on Mars" ## [Black Tot Day](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/07/31/black-tot-day/) _2026-08-01 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ We would be remiss without wishing everyone a wonderful Black Tot Day, celebrating the date in 1970 when the Royal Navy ended the daily rum ration. The lore of Black Tot Day is really a great way to celebrate great rum still made today in the style of the British Navy, thanks to great brands … Continue reading "Black Tot Day" ## [Whitebox Mai Tai: Amazing Canned Cocktail in the U.K.](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/07/26/whitebox-mai-tai-amazing-canned-cocktail-in-the-u-k/) _2026-07-27 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ We ran across this Whitebox canned Mai Tai in York, England – and it interestingly bills itself as a “1944 Mai Tai” with rum, lime, orange curacao, and orgeat. The 100 ml can comes in at 23% ABV, putting it right where you want it to be for a nice single-serving Mai Tai. And how’s … Continue reading "Whitebox Mai Tai: Amazing Canned Cocktail in the U.K." ## [Frankenstein Bar Edinburgh](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/07/26/frankenstein-bar-edinburgh/) _2026-07-26 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ As fans of gimmick bars, we gave the Frankenstein Bar and Bier Keller a shot during our recent trip to Edinburgh, arriving at around 9 pm on a Friday. The venue is located on George IV Bridge in a former Elim Pentecostal church, so there are plenty of authentic gothic vibes. The main bar features … Continue reading "Frankenstein Bar Edinburgh" ## [The Tiki Bar Glasgow](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/07/20/the-tiki-bar-glasgow/) _2026-07-20 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ Upon arriving in town we made a beeline for The Tiki Bar Glasgow for some drinks and treats. The space occupies the basement level including a well-appointed beer garden featuring numerous Moai (and TVs for sports). Inside there are a variety of tikis and artwork, tons of bamboo and matting, plus a nice set of … Continue reading "The Tiki Bar Glasgow" ## [Cab-a-Rette Tour in Edinburgh](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/07/19/cab-a-rette-tour-in-edinburgh/) _2026-07-19 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ Cab-a-Rette is a taxi tour of Edinburgh that’s like no other, featuring driver and performer Sylvia who dons several personalities including Geraldine the Nun to show us the sights and puts on a show herself along the way. We’d seen this tour out in the wild when we were here three years ago and made … Continue reading "Cab-a-Rette Tour in Edinburgh" ## [Ship software peacefully (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/yAfm8egY5z9Q) _2026-07-19 · **Sponsored**_ Deploy apps from your repo with auto-config, instant previews, scaling, and monitoring. ## [Vintage Cocktail Club: Dublin’s Best Cocktails](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/07/18/vintage-cocktail-club-dublins-best-cocktails/) _2026-07-18 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ We’d heard that Vintage Cocktail Club had great cocktails including a tiki section, so we planned to visit during our trip to Dublin Ireland. We made time during our first day in Dublin to check it out, having some difficulty finding the location thanks to a true speakeasy entrance and sleep deprivation from our red-eye. … Continue reading "Vintage Cocktail Club: Dublin’s Best Cocktails" ## [Hole in the Wall Pub: Europe’s Longest Pub](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/07/15/hole-in-the-wall-pub-europes-longest-pub/) _2026-07-16 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ We ventured out of the downtown area of Dublin to check out Hole in the Wall, the ironically named pub that’s the longest in Europe. Tightly nestled between a suburban road and Phoenix Park, the pub owners acquired a series of buildings which now seemingly go on and on and on. The venue dates from … Continue reading "Hole in the Wall Pub: Europe’s Longest Pub" ## [The Temple Bar Dublin: Far from a Tourist Trap](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/07/15/the-temple-bar-dublin-far-from-a-tourist-trap/) _2026-07-16 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ The brightly colored Temple Bar is named after the Dublin neighborhood where it resides. The place has something of a reputation as a tourist trap, in fact our taxi driver warned us that it wasn’t worth it. We arrived at around 10:00 am with an opening time listed as 10:30. We did see that some … Continue reading "The Temple Bar Dublin: Far from a Tourist Trap" ## [1944 Mai Tai at Bar of America](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/07/10/1944-mai-tai-at-bar-of-america/) _2026-07-10 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ The Bar of America is a Truckee restaurant that’s part of the Gar Woods chain of restaurants that are officially licensed to serve Trader Vic’s Mai Tais, including Vic’s glassware and made with Trader Vic’s syrups and rums. I chose the 1944 Mai Tai made with orgeat and orange curacao over the Trader Vic’s Mai … Continue reading "1944 Mai Tai at Bar of America" ## [Last Spring Cocktails at Alter Ego](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/07/09/last-spring-cocktails-at-alter-ego/) _2026-07-09 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ We returned to Alter Ego Cocktail Club to give their Spring 2026 seasonal menu one last try, with Mrs. Mai Tai trying the High Heels and Cigarettes that features Scotch as a trainer for our upcoming trip to British Isles and Scotland. Meanwhile, I absolutely loved the zesty flavors of First Bloom that features basic, … Continue reading "Last Spring Cocktails at Alter Ego" ## [Crowd-Pleasing Tiki Recipe: Blue Hawai-Tai Cocktail](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/07/08/crowd-pleasing-tiki-recipe-blue-hawai-tai-cocktail/) _2026-07-08 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ I had a lemon to kill and I’d been thinking about revisiting this hybrid Mai Tai / Blue Hawaii cocktail that I developed a few years back. It leans sweet, so feel free to pull back on the simple syrup, but I do still think this works and can be a crowd-pleaser for cocktail newbies. … Continue reading "Crowd-Pleasing Tiki Recipe: Blue Hawai-Tai Cocktail" ## [Fireworks at Trader Vic’s Emeryville](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/07/05/fireworks-at-trader-vics-emeryville/) _2026-07-05 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ The Golden Gate Bridge fireworks were of interest to Mrs Mai Tai, but the high threat of fog made elaborate plans seem risky, so we took a sort of safe route by heading to Emeryville to have some drinks at Trader Vic’s before heading to the end of the peninsula to see if we could … Continue reading "Fireworks at Trader Vic’s Emeryville" ## [Shortcut to Cocktails at Pagan Idol](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/07/04/shortcut-to-cocktails-at-pagan-idol/) _2026-07-04 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ We spent time in the city last Saturday looking at the various Pride light displays and also getting our steps in ahead of our vacation to the British Isles starting next week. We did walk quite a ways, ending at the Ferry Building, but we did stop for a breather on the way back to … Continue reading "Shortcut to Cocktails at Pagan Idol" ## [Dr Funk Rum Asylum with Worthy Park Rum](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/07/04/dr-funk-rum-asylum-with-worthy-park-rum/) _2026-07-04 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ The sea of World Cup revelers parted for the afternoon on Sunday, offering the opportunity for Dr Funk to hold their quarterly Rum Asylum rum club meeting. The featured rum this time was Worthy Park from Jamaica, one of our favorites. The session included tasting seven of Worthy Park’s expressions, including the recent 12 year … Continue reading "Dr Funk Rum Asylum with Worthy Park Rum" ## [The 1953 Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai Didn’t have Pineapple Juice](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/07/03/the-1953-royal-hawaiian-mai-tai-didnt-have-pineapple-juice/) _2026-07-03 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ Yes, we would break several laws to climb to the top of the Empire State Building to help everyone learn that the Mai Tai that Trader Vic brought to the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in 1953 did not contain any pineapple juice. It is easy to see how this myth developed, as there weren’t a lot … Continue reading "The 1953 Royal Hawaiian Mai Tai Didn’t have Pineapple Juice" ## [Marketplace for AI-Powered Professionals (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/iX4tCVxfcZyW) _2026-07-03 · **Sponsored**_ Find professionals who use ChatGPT, Copilot, and Claude to deliver work faster. ## [Modified Hawaiian Sunset](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/07/01/modified-hawaiian-sunset/) _2026-07-01 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ The Hawaiian Sunset was a cocktail from the Aku-Aku restaurant at the Stardust Hotel in Las Vegas, circa 1960s. Famously used by Jeff “Beachbum” Berry in his books, the cocktail features vodka as a base spirit and grenadine for color and flavor. As described by Beachbum Berry, the recipe is as follows. Hawaiian Sunset – … Continue reading "Modified Hawaiian Sunset" ## [Top 10 Mai Tais of 2026 So Far](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/30/top-10-mai-tais-of-2026-so-far/) _2026-07-01 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ We’re halfway through 2026 and it has been a great Mai Tai year so far, including a variety of on/off-menu Mai Tais at Trader Vic’s locations. There’s an obvious emphasis on various places serving Ultimate Mai Tais, my own favorite recipe. Hey, it’s my list! The criteria is any commercial or home bar I’ve visited … Continue reading "Top 10 Mai Tais of 2026 So Far" ## [Pele Utu: Reno’s Amazing Traditional Tiki Bar](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/29/pele-utu-renos-amazing-traditional-tiki-bar/) _2026-06-30 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ Pele Utu is a newish traditional tiki bar located near downtown Reno just north of I-80, sandwiched between the Gateway Inn and Taste of India restaurant. The venue previously served as the bar for the restaurant and had two entrances when the hotel had a medieval theme, but today has a single entrance that includes … Continue reading "Pele Utu: Reno’s Amazing Traditional Tiki Bar" ## [Later Night Excursion to Jungle Bird](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/29/later-night-excursion-to-jungle-bird/) _2026-06-29 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ Mrs. Mai Tai hadn’t been to Jungle Bird in a while so we made sure to visit during our night in Sacramento, arriving for a reservation at 9 pm. The tiki bar was busy at a time when we’re usually not in attendance but everyone was understanding the mellow mood vibes, so this was a … Continue reading "Later Night Excursion to Jungle Bird" ## [Mermaid Shows at Dive Bar Sacramento](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/28/mermaid-shows-at-dive-bar-sacramento/) _2026-06-28 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ Our evening in Sacramento continued with a visit to downtown to check out the mermaid show at Dive Bar. We had a little bit of time to kill and so had some turnovers and Dubai cheesecake at nearby Sana’a Cafe followed by a stroll over to check out the Capitol. Dive Bar has a nighclub … Continue reading "Mermaid Shows at Dive Bar Sacramento" ## [Daytripper: Tropical Cocktail bar in Sacramento](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/28/daytripper-tropical-cocktail-bar-in-sacramento/) _2026-06-28 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ Daytripper is a new Richmond Grove Sacramento craft cocktail bar that focuses on agave and cane spirits in a Latin America themed setting. We’d heard great things and despite being open only a few weeks it seems like they’re already in prime form. The menu includes an array of classics from the Caipirinha, Pisco Sour, … Continue reading "Daytripper: Tropical Cocktail bar in Sacramento" ## [El Dorado High Ester PM/DHE Rum](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/24/el-dorado-high-ester-pm-dhe-rum/) _2026-06-25 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ This new Demerara rum expression from El Dorado follows a previous “high ester” release a couple years ago that paired Diamond Distillery’s intense Diamond High Ester (DHE) marque with a rare LBI marque. This time they’re pairing DHE with what is probably Diamond’s most famous still, the legendary Port Mourant wooden pot still initially put … Continue reading "El Dorado High Ester PM/DHE Rum" ## [Legit Great Drinks at Shipwrecked Paradise Island](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/22/legit-great-drinks-at-shipwrecked-paradise-island/) _2026-06-22 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ Shipwrecked Paradise Island Tiki Bar is the Sacramento location and sister property of the original Shipwrecked in nearby Davis. Located in Midtown near Capitol Park, the bar is basically an adult version of Rainforest Cafe thanks to elaborate set pieces, animatronic snakes, and a jungle theme. They call themselves a tiki bar and while there … Continue reading "Legit Great Drinks at Shipwrecked… ## [Probitas Green Label Rum](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/20/probitas-green-label-rum/) _2026-06-20 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ Probitas is a blended rum collaboration between Barbados’ Foursquare distillery and Hampden Estate from Jamaica, known as Veritas outside the United States. The expression launched a few years ago as a 47% “white” rum with bolder flavors than your typical light rum. The blend of Coffey still rum from Barbados and a bit of Hampden’s … Continue reading "Probitas Green Label Rum" ## [World Cup Mai Tai in San Pedro Square](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/19/world-cup-mai-tai-in-san-pedro-square/) _2026-06-20 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ I had the day off and decided to check out the World Cup madness in San Pedro Square, arriving late in the USA vs. Australia match. The street has been pedestrian only for several years but during the World Cup drinks can be brought out onto the street as well so that you could watch … Continue reading "World Cup Mai Tai in San Pedro Square" ## [Crafthouse Cocktails Offers a Range of Quality Ready to Drink Options](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/17/crafthouse-cocktails-offers-a-range-of-quality-ready-to-drink-options/) _2026-06-18 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ We previously wrote about loving Crafthouse Cocktails‘ excellent canned Mai Tai, and the kind folks at Crafthouse sent us some others from their lineup to try out. As with any product ranges there are some that work better than others, so here are our thoughts. Moonlighter Vodka Spritz includes some blanco vermouth and very light … Continue reading "Crafthouse Cocktails Offers a Range of Quality… ## [Yuzu Fuzz and Improved Mai Tai at the Tikeasy in Livermore](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/16/yuzu-fuzz-and-improved-mai-tai-at-the-tikeasy-in-livermore/) _2026-06-17 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ Mrs. Mai Tai wanted to go to Livermore for a night out and we eventually found ourselves at Tikeasy at Rosetta Roasting. Julie expressed interest in trying the Yuzu Fuzz, Rosetta’s award winning original cocktail that features Japanese Gin, yuzu reduction, and lemon – garnished with a buzz button blossom. It’s really great and very … Continue reading "Yuzu Fuzz and Improved Mai Tai at the Tikeasy… ## [Happy 20th Anniversary to Forbidden Island](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/14/happy-20th-anniversary-to-forbidden-island/) _2026-06-15 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ If we’re making a list of the most important tiki bars of the 21st century, Alameda’s Forbidden Island is a sure bet for the top 5. Opening in 2006, the bar set a new standard for the genre by combining the friendly confines of a neighborhood bar along with deep and traditional decor and a … Continue reading "Happy 20th Anniversary to Forbidden Island" ## [Tiki Brunch at Hula Hoops](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/14/tiki-brunch-at-hula-hoops/) _2026-06-14 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ Our San Francisco weekend finished with Sunday brunch at Hula Hoops in South San Francisco. We didn’t partake in any cocktails but enjoyed the Ube Waffles and Avacado Toast, both a good value given the portion size and quality. We also ordered the cornbread – Julie liked this more than I did but warm cornbread … Continue reading "Tiki Brunch at Hula Hoops" ## [Amazing New Flotsam Fizz Cocktail is a Cocktail / Mug Bargain](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/11/amazing-new-flotsam-fizz-cocktail-is-a-cocktail-mug-bargain/) _2026-06-12 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ One of the new offerings we tried during our recently visits to Smuggler’s Cove is a new cocktail and mug pairing featuring one of the Cove’s signature crate mugs paired with a new cocktail from Dane Barca (of Dr. Barca’s Fluffy Banana fame). The Flotsam Fizz and mug combo is only $25 and you can … Continue reading "Amazing New Flotsam Fizz Cocktail is a Cocktail / Mug Bargain" ## [Fluffy Banana More Popular Than Mai Tai](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/10/fluffy-banana-more-popular-than-mai-tai/) _2026-06-11 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ During our staycation weekend we had two late visits to Smuggler’s Cove, finding it full but not overly packed to enjoy the myriad cocktails the venue is famous for. We tried some old favorites including the Hibiscus Punch and a Mai Tai of course. I don’t exactly take precise attendance but we do take mental … Continue reading "Fluffy Banana More Popular Than Mai Tai" ## [Checking in at Bamboo Hut](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/08/checking-in-at-bamboo-hut/) _2026-06-08 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ Every once in a while we find ourselves in North Beach with maybe some time to kill or looking for a cocktail escape. Such was the case on Saturday after an amazing dumpling and noodle focused dinner at nearby China Live but where I was underwhelmed by the cocktails. So we walked over to Bamboo … Continue reading "Checking in at Bamboo Hut" ## [Tweaks at The Tonga Room](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/07/tweaks-at-the-tonga-room/) _2026-06-08 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ Mrs. Mai Tai and I had a couple weekend events in San Francisco so made it a staycation weekend. We started with dinner at The Tonga Room on Friday, arriving for our reservation right at opening and seated along the water with our friends Kristi and Jessie. There are still a lot of things going … Continue reading "Tweaks at The Tonga Room" ## [Tiki Tom’s Ultimate Mai Tai is Still Great](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/05/tiki-toms-ultimate-mai-tai-is-still-great/) _2026-06-05 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ We had another wonderful visit to Walnut Creek to have a family dinner and drinks at Tiki Tom’s. They don’t do reservations on the weekends but we only had to wait around 10-15 mins for a table. We did very well with the food including a fantastic smash burger with kalua pork. Even better were … Continue reading "Tiki Tom’s Ultimate Mai Tai is Still Great" ## [New Format for Mai Tai Day 2026 at Trader Vic’s Emeryville](https://ultimatemaitai.com/2026/06/02/new-format-for-mai-tai-day-2026-at-trader-vics-emeryville/) _2026-06-02 · Kevin Crossman · The Search for the Ultimate Mai Tai_ Mai Tai Day is the day each year where we celebrate the birth of the world’s greatest cocktail and the man who invented it, Trader Vic Bergeron. The date is based on Oakland’s 2009 Mai Tai Day proclamation, the city where the Mai Tai was invented. Trader Vic’s Emeryville has been hosting ticketed Mai Tai … Continue reading "New Format for Mai Tai Day 2026 at Trader Vic’s Emeryville"