Oakland-Invented Mai Tai Gets its Day

August 30 will be declared Mai Tai Day in Oakland.

By Ethan Fletcher

Courtesy of Trader Vic's

Good news for the group of Tiki-enthusiasts trying to make the Mai Tai the official drink of Oakland. According to team Mai Tai publicist Will "The Thrill" Viharo, Sunday, August 30 will be declared Mai Tai Day in Oakland—the tropical drink was actually invented at the original Trader Vic's on San Pablo Avenue by owner Victor Bergeron.

The official proclamation will be read by its sponsor, Oakland councilmember Rebecca Kaplan, in-person at The Conga Lounge. The Rockridge Tiki bar is owned by brothers Mano and Michael Thanos, who started the Mai Tai the effort—based on a similar campaign in New Orleans—two years ago. The Oakland effort is still on track, according to Viharo, who said Oakland's city council will consider a meaure to officially name the city's drink the Mai Tai following their summer recess.

The party runs from 5–10 p.m. at The Conga Lounge, 5422 College Ave (above Cafe Rustica), Oakland, (510) 463-2681, congalounge.com.

Posted at 02:36 PM in Diablo Dish | Permalink

Reader Comments:

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Aug 11, 2009 08:00 pm

Posted by Anonymous

woo hoo! way to go Mai Tai! and Oakland, too!

Aug 15, 2009 04:23 pm

Posted by manny

Finally good news about Oakland. This is a world class city and it deserves an official cocktail. Good job mai tai campaign.
Now its up to the Oakland city council and the Mayor of Oakland.
Come on y'all step up to the plate.This is a good idea and passing the resolution will help to make Oakland a major tourist destination.
Let's make this happen Oakland!

Aug 27, 2009 08:29 am

Posted by Anonymous

I'll park in Berkeley though!!!