Interview with Kern Mattei of the Mai Kai - General Tiki

P pablus Tiki Socialite www.thecrazedmugs.com Joined: Jul 23, 2003 Posts: 2163	P pablus Posted posted on Tue, Sep 4, 2007 11:10 AM Well here's what was actually written: "It's almost a good thing that the surrounding area is kind-of "lower scale" adult clubs and cheap motels, etc. " I personally drove by more than one "gentleman's" club - and no matter how wonderful they may be... inside there are naked ladies and this generally goes on in the lower scale places in whatever city allows that sort of thing. Las Olas is not going to have one. Oakland Park has them within a short distance of the Mai Kai. I had to pretend I wasn't checking them out while my wife was in the car. And the hotels I've stayed anywhere within a 3 mile radius of the place, including the Best Western and another one further south on Fed. Hwy. are in very questionable locales and in ratty shape and cost me next to nothing for a night. I'm not trying to bust on your 'hood. I'm looking at it as a plus for the Mai Kai. In Ft. Lauderdale, Oakland Park is a 'once-was' and maybe a 'gonna-be' but it's not peaking right now for sure. That allows for some leverage for the ownership of the Mai Kai, IMO. As far as the historical designation - anybody ever hear of this place: El Jobean Charming El Jobean has its own old-Florida flair. A former winter home for circus and carnival performers, it features a historic post office museum and cafe that hosts weekly Bluegrass jam sessions. I've been to those bluegrass jams. The place is owned and operated by individuals. It's a registered historic landmark - I think nationally. I don't know what their restrictions are but there certainly don't appear to be any. If you know what I mean, and I think you do. Anyway, certainly this place in the middle of nowhere isn't much of an indicator, but perhaps the guidelines are state or national and not regulated by whatever local governing body would interfere with the Mai Kai's thing. I believe the bristling attitude is in the very clear fact that the code restrictions can get seriously uptight when left unchecked. I'd personally hate to see someone come in and start snapping fingers and telling them to get rid of the thatch just because they can. Anyway. Surfer, next time I'm down there please stop on in and let me buy you a drink or three. It's always good to know someone within staggering distance of the Mai Kai, even if they live in a little 650,000 dollar hovel. :wink:

Well here's what was actually written:
"It's almost a good thing that the surrounding area is kind-of "lower scale" adult clubs and cheap motels, etc. "

I personally drove by more than one "gentleman's" club - and no matter how wonderful they may be... inside there are naked ladies and this generally goes on in the lower scale places in whatever city allows that sort of thing. Las Olas is not going to have one. Oakland Park has them within a short distance of the Mai Kai. I had to pretend I wasn't checking them out while my wife was in the car.

And the hotels I've stayed anywhere within a 3 mile radius of the place, including the Best Western and another one further south on Fed. Hwy. are in very questionable locales and in ratty shape and cost me next to nothing for a night.

I'm not trying to bust on your 'hood. I'm looking at it as a plus for the Mai Kai. In Ft. Lauderdale, Oakland Park is a 'once-was' and maybe a 'gonna-be' but it's not peaking right now for sure. That allows for some leverage for the ownership of the Mai Kai, IMO.

As far as the historical designation - anybody ever hear of this place:

El Jobean
Charming El Jobean has its own old-Florida flair. A former winter home for circus and carnival performers, it features a historic post office museum and cafe that hosts weekly Bluegrass jam sessions.

I've been to those bluegrass jams. The place is owned and operated by individuals. It's a registered historic landmark - I think nationally. I don't know what their restrictions are but there certainly don't appear to be any. If you know what I mean, and I think you do.

Anyway, certainly this place in the middle of nowhere isn't much of an indicator, but perhaps the guidelines are state or national and not regulated by whatever local governing body would interfere with the Mai Kai's thing.
I believe the bristling attitude is in the very clear fact that the code restrictions can get seriously uptight when left unchecked. I'd personally hate to see someone come in and start snapping fingers and telling them to get rid of the thatch just because they can.

Anyway. Surfer, next time I'm down there please stop on in and let me buy you a drink or three. It's always good to know someone within staggering distance of the Mai Kai, even if they live in a little 650,000 dollar hovel. :wink:

Post #330116 by pablus on Tue, Sep 4, 2007 11:10 AM