As the Tiki resurgence continues, Blue Kahunas, a new Tiki bar is bringing all things r(h)um to Newcastle in NSW.
Blue Kahunas – Photo: Supplied
Located in the Hunter Street Mall in the centre Newcastle, a short stroll from the beach, Blue Kahunas is the new Tiki Bar by partners in r(h)um Byron Marzinotto and Prudence Farquhar. The two met while working at Mojito Joe’s (now closed), a Tiki bar/restaurant on the Central Coast where their passion for all things r(h)um and Tiki was born.
The 100 pax venue was designed and fitted by the duo with the help from friends and family with the concept of escapism and fun in mind. The 10 metre by 2 metre Tiki mural with tropical plants, sunset and the ocean that graces one wall is given an Australiana touch with koalas, kookaburras and cockatoos. In the little lounge room, the astro turf covered ceiling is decked out in hibiscus flowers and colourful lights. “It’s more Tiki Tacky then full blown Tiki with bamboo and cultural Tiki heads,” says Prudence.
Naturally, Blue Kahunas’ cocktail list is heavily focused on r(h)um but without excluding other spirits. Showcasing Tiki classics along with Tiki Twists, they’re set to prove that there’s more to Tiki cocktails then just juice and r(h)um. The cocktails are designed to bring a fun and interactive element with flaming garnishes and clever twists.
The classic Piña Colada is served in pineapples and plays around with different colours and flavours. Rhum’s the Word, a variation on The Last Word by Byron Marzinotto makes use of a high proof Agricole Rhum to bring earthy and herbaceous notes to the classic. The Pineapple Rhum Negroni used pineapple-infused Agricole Rhum and the Rhum Rhapsody makes use of honey dew melon juice when in season.
For Lucia’s Curse, Prudence Farquhar took inspiration from Black Magic, a Tiki classic cocktail. The cocktail is built over ice with Chairman’s Reserve Spiced, espresso nitro, Kahunas mix then topped with cola and coconut cream. The drink is garnished with half a lime husk filled with a dash of rum then set on fire with cinnamon shaken on top to enhance the flame.
The couple are looking to make their mark on Newcastle by bringing the flamboyant elements of Tiki and having fun along the way. “Blue Kahunas is about escapism, stepping into a fun and warm space with delicious Tiki cocktails.”
Click through the following pages to view photographs of Blue Kahunas.
