Tiki Mug – Aku Aku – Moai – OMC Japan

The Aku Aku was a Polynesian restaurant inside the Stardust Casino, at the North end of the Las Vegas strip. The restaurant opened in 1960 and closed in 1980. Some of the interior carvings were done by famed carver Edward Brownlee. The iconic moai statues that stood guard over the Aku Aku were carved by Eli Hedley (grandfather of Bamboo Ben). These statues became famous symbols not just for the restaurant or the Stardust Casino it resided in, but Las Vegas itself. One of these statues can be viewed today at Sunset Park in Las Vegas.

Otagiri Mercantile Company (OMC). The company was an importer of porcelain, stoneware and giftware in the San Francisco area for more than 46 years. The products were made in Japan and were imported for distribution and sold to high end Restaurants, Bars, Department Stores and Gift Shops worldwide. Otagiri products were handcrafted, hand painted and highly sought after.

Hawaiian Sunset – A lost gem from the Aku Aku Polynesian Restaurant, once part of the now-also-lost Stardust Casino in beautiful Las Vegas, featuring a little vodka and a lot of lady luck!

Vodka – 1 1/2 ounces
Fresh Lime Juice – 1/2 ounce
Fresh Lemon Juice – 1/2 ounce
Grenadine Syrup – 1 teaspoon
Orgeat Syrup – 1/2 ounce

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake with cracked or cubed ice. Double-strain into the Moai Mug. Garnish with a lime peel.