Bali Hai
Restaurant 2230 Shelter Island Dr San Diego, CA 92106 619.222.1181 www.balihairestaurant.com
If you’re looking for a certified tiki bar, look no further than Bali Hai. No, really—this place has a certificate of authentication for its amazing tiki-ness (only one of a few still standing in the U.S.). This chic Polynesian paradise first opened its doors in 1954 on the tip of Shelter Island and boasts impressive views of the harbor and San Diego’s skyline. And what’s better than a view? A cocktail and a view. With five decades of knowledge behind them, Bali Hai has some of the most creative and outstanding signature cocktails around. One of the newest additions to their drink menu is the Paralyzing Puffer Fish. According to Tommy Baumann, a third generation Bali Hai family member, the recipe went through multiple iterations over the course of a few months
before they achieved the perfect balance between paralysis and a fresh, zesty flavor. Local Ballast Point rum, Bacardi 151 and Fugu Horchata Vodka create the base for passion fruit syrup, pineapple and lime juice. Served over ice, the end product has a bright golden hue and distinct tropical rum flavor with notes of cinnamon and passion fruit. If you like to stick to the traditional tiki drinks, look no further than the Bali Hai Mai Tai. Found under the section of the menu titled, “Strong libations! You’ve been warned!” this is quite possibly the strongest drink you’ll ever consume. Crafted with dark rum, light rum, orange liqueur, a dash of Trader Vic’s Premium Orgeat Almond syrup and a splash of sweet and sour, this island classic is straight rum goodness.
PAR ALY Z I N G P UFFE R FISH: ¾ oz Fugu Horchata Vodka ¾ oz Ballast Point Three Sheets Barrel Aged Rum ¾ oz Bacardi 151 1 1/2 oz pineapple juice Splash passion fruit syrup Squeeze two limes Garnish with fresh pineapple
Found under the section of the menu titled, “Strong libations! You’ve been warned!” this is quite possibly the strongest drink you’ll ever consume.
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HISTORY L ESSON:
N AT IVE KN OW LE D GE :
Bali Hai is home to two tiki icons. The Goof On The Roof is the first—a rather mysterious figurehead with roots in The Bounty filmed on Catalina Island starring Clark Gable. The second is Mr. Bali Hai, a large wooden tiki sculpture that has stood guard just outside the front door of the restaurant for over 60 years.
This is one of the only restaurants in San Diego with a dock, so you can park your boat while you devour their delicious poke and tiki cocktails.
| SEPTEMBER 2015