In this episode of Chats and Tatts, host Aaron Della Vedova welcomes two legendary characters of San Diego, Tommy Baumann and Dave Warshaw. They discuss the changing landscape of San Diego over the years, the contributions of long-standing community members and small businesses, and the influence of Tiki culture. Join them for this relaxed conversation as they delve into the history and impact of San Diego's fishing industry, the famous Mai Tai of Bali Hai Restaurant, and the vibrant world of Tiki.

Chat breakdown:

[00:01:29] Tiki culture and local legends.

[00:03:22] Legendary restaurant Bali Hai.

[00:07:25] A visionary ahead of time.

[00:10:03] Tiki culture in America.

[00:13:39] Tiki culture and its vibe.

[00:16:01] Tiki bars and their fantasy.

[00:19:00] Meeting at Tom Hams.

[00:22:01] Community giving and supporting.

[00:26:41] Humane fish harvesting methods.

[00:27:36] The corporate model.

[00:31:03] Building relationships in the service industry.

[00:34:38] Enormous kitchen space.

[00:37:43] To-go Mai Tais and Pocky.

[00:41:41] Small business struggles during lockdown.

[00:44:19] The infamous Mai Tai.

[00:45:28] Drinking Mai Tais and mishaps.

[00:51:47] Unique restaurant business strategies.

[00:58:49] Playing at the same venue.

[01:02:10] Bluefin migration and breeding.

[01:04:47] Changing ocean currents and fish.

[01:07:13] Tattoo stories and experiences.

[01:11:35] Tattooing and fishing techniques.

[01:13:39] Luck and methodical fishing.

[01:16:38] Celebrating an epic perfect family.

Quotes:

"The vibe that it puts out is kick back, relax, sunshine, water, strong drinks, music."

"You have a bad day at work, you go to your tiki bar in your backyard and you take a vacation."

"And we're going to see some cool shit come from the ashes, you know."

"That single drink literally bridges generations and is part of the reason the Bali Hai is so successful."

"I mean, I traveled distant places in the world to catch that great a fish."

"San Diego wouldn't be, uh, I mean, it wouldn't be near what it was without that tuna industry."

Connect with Dave & Tommy:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/DaveWarshaw/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/WarshawProvisions

Bali Hai: https://www.balihairestaurant.com/

Tom Hams Lighthouse: https://www.tomhamslighthouse.com/

Connect with Aaron:⁠

Website: http://www.chatsandtatts.com⁠

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chatsandtatts

IG: http://www.instagram.com/chatsandtatts

Chats & Tatts YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/chatsandtatts

Aaron IG:⁠ http://www.instagram.com/aarondellavedova⁠

Guru Tattoo: http://www.Gurutattoo.com