Tropics re-brands, reopens in Kakaako

Local entrepreneur Pat Kashani was flying high at this time last year as he operated three successful bars on two islands.

On Oahu, Tropics Tap House was closing in on four years at Puck’s Alley after moving from the Ward Farmers Market space that became Real a Gastropub. Real’s owners, Troy Terorotua and Lisa Kim, were Kashani’s partners in Palate Craft & Eatery in Chinatown. And on Hawaii island, Kashani and his wife, Dr. Pani Shoja, had grown the Tropics brand to include Tropics Ale House at the Hilton Waikoloa Resort.

But in March, Palate was suddenly put up for sale after just months in business. Tropics closed in April after landlord Kamehameha Schools decided against a long-term lease extension.

“That’s why it was so abrupt,” Kashani said of the Tropics shutdown. “We were negotiating back and forth for a while, then all of a sudden they decided to just offer us month-to-month. We were actually lucky to get the whole four years we had a lease there.

“It took five months to find something else, but that’s a lot better than shutting down and never coming back.”

If all goes according to plan, the new Tropics Ale House Kakaako will open Saturday at the corner of Queen and Cooke streets. The bar will feature 13 big-screen televisions and 24 beers on tap to go with a full kitchen. Kashani said he’s excited to be opening in Kakaako as thousands of new residents move into condo developments in the neighborhood.

“The evolution of the Tropics brand has become pretty distinct. We’re about craft beer, sports, entertainment and a fresh kitchen concept,” said Kashani, who will serve as operations manager at Tropics Kakaako, as he does at Tropics Waikoloa. “Queen Street is going to be the next come-up. Kakaako is the future of Honolulu nightlife.”

SKY’S NEW COCKTAILS TAKE ISLAND TOUR

Sky Waikiki has a reputation as one of Honolulu’s most popular nightclubs, but director of mixology Jen Ackrill is doing her part to also make the bar here a must-visit for the cocktail crowd.

Every six months or so since Ackrill arrived here two years ago from San Francisco, Sky’s drink menu has undergone a complete refresh with an entirely new theme. Last summer the drinks were inspired by surf breaks around Oahu. Last week she unveiled her “Liquid Itinerary,” eight cocktails inspired by tourist destinations selected by Ackrill.

“The first few menus we did here, I was super new to the island (and) needed help not looking like an idiot,” Ackrill said during an Oct. 3 preview. “This time I felt like I could go out on my own. I wanted to be able to shine the spotlight not just on our venue and our menu, but other places around the island that I enjoy and I found inspiration through.”

Take the 6:00 AM: Sunrise at Koko Head, made with fresh guava juice that’s front and center, backed by the gentle kick of Meletti 1870 Bitter aperitivo and fresh lime to remind you it’s a real cocktail. Just like an early morning jaunt up the Koko Head Stairs to start off your day, one of these is a great way to start a pau hana visit to Sky Waikiki.

Ackrill’s 2:30 PM: Last Tour at Manulele Distillers uses its namesake’s signature product, Kohana Kea agricole rum, to create a modern version of a banana daiquiri you won’t be ashamed to order in front of friends. She pays tribute to Bishop Museum with the 3:00 PM: Meander at Bishop Museum, Ackrill’s take on a classic negroni. Sky’s neighbors at the Magic of Polynesia get some shine, too, with the Instagram-worthy 6:00 PM: It’s the Magic of Polynesia, a revamped Bahama Mama that “magically” changes color when stirred.

“The idea behind this menu is a rising tide sails all ships. Maybe we have guests who have never heard of Manulele Distillers or Bishop Museum,” said Ackrill. “Also, we have lots of local folk who come in here who maybe don’t know that Encore Saloon is open and makes great mezcal drinks down in Chinatown.

“I wanted to make sure everyone had the opportunity to meet other people besides Jen Ackrill at Sky Waikiki.”

All the new cocktails are available at the Waikiki Shopping Plaza nightspot for $14 each.

FESTIVAL BRINGS 100 BEERS TO WAIKIKI

The third annual Great Waikiki Beer Festival returns to the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort on Oct. 21 with more than 100 beers to sample.

“Guests are always astonished at the sheer selection of beers we showcase,” Jeffrey Yedlin, Hilton Hawaiian Village’s director of food and beverage, said in a statement announcing the festival.

Henry Kapono and an all-star band featuring Blayne Asing, Alx Kawakami, Starr Kalahiki, Johnny Valentine and friends will be this year’s featured entertainment. Along with beer, a selection of 30 wines and 30 sakes will also be poured, and a number of beer-friendly foods will be served.

Tickets for the Great Waikiki Beer Festival are $75 for general access (6 to 9 p.m.) that includes 10 individual 4-ounce tastings. VIP admission is $105 and adds early access at 4 p.m., one food ticket and self-parking. Military receive a 15 percent discount; call 949-4321 or visit greatwaikikibeerfestival.com.

WHISKEY BAR BACK IN BUSINESS

After dealing with a licensing hiccup, craft beer and whiskey lounge Eight50 has reopened in Pearl City.

The explanation I got during a recent visit was that Leeward Bowl and Eight50, while sharing the same owner, still needed separate liquor licenses in order to legally service customers. Once the issue was rectified over the summer, the bar quietly reopened with its impressive beer and whiskey lists mostly intact.

Monday is now the day to visit, with a 50 percent discount on all whiskey. Beer more your speed? Eight50 offers four bottle and can options — currently Wolf Pup Session IPA, Kona Brewing Co. Lava­man Red Ale, Ballast Point Pineapple Sculpin and Golden Road Hefeweizen — for just $3 all day, every day.

Find Eight50 Craft Beer & Whiskey Bar in the Pearl City Shopping Center next to Leeward Bowl; call 454-1850 or visit eight50hi.com.

Jason Genegabus has written about the local bar and drink scenes since 2001. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram at @honolulupulse or email jason@staradvertiser.com.