The Outrigger, Monterey 1960s

This gorgeous 1960s menu cover for the Tiki restaurant Outrigger in Monterey, on California’s rugged central coast, was by the prolific and free-spirited artist Bruce Ariss (1911–1994). It was one of hundreds of works created by this multi-talented American painter, muralist, writer, illustrator, editor, theater and set designer, amateur playwright and actor, and iconic local figure. Born in Washington state, Ariss arrived on Monterey Peninsula in 1934 with his writer wife Jean, and the couple became central figures in the area’s artistic community. Bruce was fascinated by Cannery Row, the historic waterfront district that was then the sardine canning industry, and made hundreds of sketches of street and harbor scenes, cannery workers and fishermen. He also painted murals for many public buildings, including his bold and evocative ‘ ‘Monterey Scene’ for Monterey High School. Painted between 1935 and 1937, this giant mural located in the school library was funded by the WPA Federal Arts Project (FAP). Ariss and his wife became close friends of two other significant figures in Monterey - the celebrated novelist John Steinbeck (1902-1968) and the pioneering marine biologist, Ed Ricketts (1897- 1948). The couple, who initially rented in Pacific Grove, later bought several lots on Huckleberry Hill in Monterey and built their own property that evolved over the years into a 25-room dwelling for themselves, their five children and their huge circle of friends. The ramshackle property was wittily described by Steinbeck as a ‘triumph over architecture.’ Later in life, Ariss designed and helped build the city’s Wharf Theater and in the 1950s worked as a set designer in Hollywood and specifically on the I Love Lucy show. The Outrigger was established in 1959 on Cannery Row by restaurateur Robert Wind and we assume Ariss was friends with the owner. The menu featured an extensive range of tiki cocktails and so-called Polynesian food (Chinese food in reality) and the potent house cocktail, named the Outrigger, was described as ‘fuel for the gods ... or for devils who do not fear the outcome.’ The restaurant was popular with locals and visitors and was featured in a spoof film by Mike Nesbitt of the Monkees. Fire damaged the establishment in 1978, and the restaurant changed hands and was rebuilt as Mark Thomas’s Outrigger. It changed hands again and closed in 1994. Fire also destroyed the Ariss's house in 1990, along with many of the artist’s works. However, he remains a revered figure and there is a Bruce Ariss Way, a pedestrian-only alley and historic walkway in Monterey, located between Wave Street and Cannery Row, in his honor. Gallery quality Giclée print on natural white, matte, 100% cotton rag, acid and lignin free archival paper using Epson Ultrachrome HD archival inks. Custom printed with border for matting and framing. Each order includes a print of the interior menu. All printed in USA.