-----Original Message-----
From: hammondcapecod@comcast.net [mailto:hammondcapecod@comcast.net]
Sent: Tuesday, June 16, 2009 12:59 PM
To: Ariel, Lisa; Barry, Nancy; Titcomb, Paul; Titcomb, Ted
Subject: when in SF if possible ...

While I realize Payson et al may not be able to get there,

when in SF, one should really go to the Fairmont ---

and head down into the Tonga Room ...

especially now ... as it is slated to become extinct.

I cannot vouch for the food - only went there for drinks -

The floor ( er, thatched low boat ) show was a Don Ho kind of band

that was a fixture there for years ... they were spot-on !

Sounds like these new owners have changed the music  ...

I don't know if the live music appears every night ...

it was just certain nights of the week when I went there.

My brother lived a few steps away - right on California St. ...

this is the section of the city that is called Nob Hill

and it's highly tasteful there - it's upper crust ...

so, it's with great delight

that among all that classic good taste is

this campy-kitschy-tacky Tiki bar !

http://www.finecooking.com/item/9248/cocktails-under-an-indoor-monsoon

this site has a  *click*   to see lots of Tonga Room pictures -

inc. vintage post cards and menus from decades past...

http://www.critiki.com/cgi-bin/location.cgi?loc_id=162

Go Payson, Go !

I mean that in general ---

actually, I should say:

Go Velma Go !!

e

I am especially enjoying checking in

and seeing the speed/elevation info !