Four Inane Questions with Blue Palm Tiki’s Dan Doty

Photo Courtesy of Dan Doty

Dan Doty is a fixture in Kansas City’s service industry—16 and a half years and counting, he tells us. The consummate foodie also likes to travel to bigger cities to check out the scene and report back. “I have a love of cities like New Orleans, Austin, LA, and Chicago for seeing what’s coming next in food,” he says. “I love developing pop-up concepts. And then, once I’ve figured one out, I move to the next idea.”

Just last month, Doty helped open the metro’s newest tiki bar, Blue Palm Tiki. The lounge—located in the kitschy-quirky Strawberry Hill Neighborhood—has gotten plenty of good buzz thanks to its colorful, potent libations, tropical vibes, and glorious views of downtown KC.

Along with his two business partners, Roxi (Raquel) Danner and Houston Defoe, Doty says his cozy indoor-outdoor bar is ramping up for an even busier autumn. So don’t forget those reservations, kids.

We sat down with Doty over a frothy, frou-frou mocktail to quiz him with our questionable questionnaire. We also learned the fine art of setting drinks on fire when warranted. Bless. 

The Pitch: What article of clothing do you refuse to give up and/or keep in your closet for posterity? 

I have a hoodie from the band Mad Caddies, which they gave me as a tour gift in 2003. I worked with them while working on the production team for their 2003 Vans Warped Tour.

They were all so awesome to deal with and they all came together to give 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’s the most insane dessert you’ve ever eaten? 

Ralph’s Italian Eatery in Philadelphia has this tiramisu with a whipped cream cheese filling. I took one bite and threw my fork down in shock. It’s packed with amazing flavor. It’s almost too much. Almost.

What rock band would you KILL to join?

Blue Palm Tiki // Photo Courtesy of Dan Doty

Prince and The Revolution! The reason? I would get to see Prince rip on the guitar all night and basically blow everyone’s mind. Purple Rain is one of my favorite songs of all time, but Prince’s ability to own a crowd is something I have always admired about him as a performer. 

What famous artist or photographer would you want to do your portrait? 

Rembrandt had an amazing ability to use light and shadows to create depth. He was able to capture emotion and movement like no other artist and no other artist since. 

Van Gogh considered him a magician. I would take that a step further by saying he was an illusionist. He could create amazing, life-changing art, and make it look effortless. 

Bonus 5th Question: Have you ever fallen asleep in a movie/concert/etc.? What, when, why? 

I have been really lucky here. I made a rule for myself when I was younger that I wouldn’t disrespect someone’s art by not giving it my full attention. When I go to shows, I will take a photo or two but will watch the show instead of trying to record it. 

Now, home on the couch, that’s a different story.