Photo courtesy of Dan Doty
Dan Doty is a fixture in Kansas City’s service industry – for 16.5 years, he tells us. The die-hard foodie also likes to travel to larger cities to check out the scene and report on it. “I have a love for Cities like New Orleans, Austin, LA and Chicago to see what’s next in the food industry,” he says. “I love developing pop-up concepts. And then once I’ve come up with one, I move on to the next idea.”
Only recently Last month, Doty helped open the city’s newest tiki bar, Blue Palm Tiki. The lounge – located in the kitschy, quirky Strawberry Hill neighborhood – has garnered a lot of positive feedback thanks to its colorful, strong drinks, tropical atmosphere and gorgeous views of downtown KC.
Along with his two business partners, Roxi (Raquel) Danner and Houston Defoe, Doty is preparing his cozy indoor/outdoor bar for an even busier fall, so don’t forget your reservations, kids.
We met Doty at a foamya fancy mocktail to test out with our questionable questionnaire. We also learned the fine art of lighting drinks on fire when appropriate. Blessings.
The pitch: Which item of clothing can you not do without? and/or keep in the closet for posterity?
I have a Mad Caddies hoodie that they gave me as a tour gift in 2003. I worked with them while working on the production team for their Vans Warped Tour 2003.
They were so great to work with and they all came together to gift me the hoodie and a card for my work with them. It doesn’t fit anymore but it’s still one of my most prized possessions.
What is the craziest dessert you have ever eaten?
Ralph’s Italian Eatery in Philadelphia offers this tiramisu with a cream cheese filling. I took one bite and threw down my fork in shock. It’s so incredibly flavorful. It’s almost too much. Almost.
Which rock band would you definitely want to join?
Blue Palm Tiki // Photo courtesy of Dan Doty
Prince and The Revolution! The reason? I would watch Prince play guitar all night long and basically blow everyone away. Purple Rain is one of my all-time favorite songs, but Prince’s ability to engage an audience is something I’ve always admired about him as an artist.
Which famous artist or photographer would you like to have your portrait taken by?
Rembrandt had an amazing ability to create depth with light and shadow. He could capture emotion and movement like no other artist and no other artist after him.
Van Gogh thought he was a magician. I would even go a step further and say he was a illusionistHe could create amazing, life-changing art and make it seem effortless.
Bonus question 5: Have you ever fallen asleep during a movie/concert/etc? What, when, why?
I was really lucky here. When I was younger, I made a rule for myself that I would not disrespect other people’s art by not giving it my full attention. When I go to exhibitions, I take one or two photos, but will Watch the show instead of trying to record it.
Now, at home on the couch, it’s a different story.
