Praise Tiki Bring back the foods of the Tiki gods and much else from that culture!

(“Foods of the Tiki Gods,” Jan. 17) We in urban, concrete and high-stress L.A. need a retreat. The Pacific lifestyle is beautifully simplistic, natural and fun-filled. I still remember my father bringing home a miniature tropical umbrella as a gift to me when I was a child--it was fun. Given that my parents are natives of Hawaii, I know a lot of people from the Pacific Islands. In general, they are considerably happier, friendlier and more carefree than most Angelenos. More Polynesian hangouts would be good for the soul. The Tiki lifestyle is a recipe for a more wholesome, joyful life, which is difficult to cook up in materialistic L.A.

CALVIN NAITO

Los Angeles

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In your accompanying article “I’ll Be Your Tiki Server,” you lament the loss of Kelbos and mentioned Trader Vic’s and Bahookas as the only Polynesian restaurants left in L.A. County. Sam’s Seafood in Surfside Beach proudly carries on the tradition in Orange County. The restaurant itself is in the shape of a South Pacific long house with wooden posts connected by rope. Inside is decorated in the classic tiki motif including puffer-fish lamps and rattan furniture. The best of all is the weekly “Polynesian Spectacular,” which features a Polynesian dance troupe and a band with accompanying vocalist. If you have the time, check it out; it will bring tears to your eyes and make you long for the smell of plumeria and a drink with an umbrella in it. Be sure to wear a Hawaiian shirt.

STAN ASATO

Huntington Beach