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Tiki Central / Collecting Tiki / KAHIKI Columbus, ohio tiki bar restaurant. Lee Henry, The catalog

Post #563082 by tikiskip on Tue, Nov 2, 2010 2:17 PM

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T

Letter from blog site.

I just had to let you know my story: As a little girl my Uncle Jerry lived in Columbus, OH. We went to visit for a weekend and he took us to the most amazing place for dinner. It was called the Kahiki…………….I just have to tell you it is one of the most memorable events of my life. That may sound a bit exaggerated, but it truly is not. My family rarely went out for dinner so it was a treat just to go to a nice place, but as a young girl, I remember trying to take in every little detail of the restaurant and my experience there. I remember walking up to the restaurant and looking way up to the top and the Tahitian decorations and fire torches outside with all the beautiful foliage. Inside I recall it was a bit dark and I remember the fish aquariums and the cool decanters for the drinks. The girls were beautiful and dressed like I would imagine Hawaii with the wrapped skirts and orchid designs. It was extra special to me because my Aunt and Uncle lived in Hawaii as my Uncle was stationed there for the Navy then. I knew she loved it and I always dreamed of going there and I felt very close to it being at the Kahiki! I got the privilege of sitting in the queen wicker chair, which made me feel like a queen myself.
Tim, I have never forgotten this place and always wanted to go back. When we were in Florida a couple years ago I saw a tourist brochure for a restaurant called the “Mai Kai” – I thought this was related to the Kahiki and I wanted to go. Unfortunately we couldn’t get reservations until very late and the drive was too far for us at that time so we didn’t end up going. A girlfriend at work recently went to Columbus for a gold tournament and I instantly remembered the Kahiki was there. I decided to look it up on the internet and was so very disappointed to see it had been torn down. I am so sad – it was such a fantastic place and I’m sure there are many others who feel the same. I was actually considering taking a weekend trip just to go back to the restaurant. Unfortunately, I never made it. I was trying to find another Kahiki, but didn’t find one. So, I guess I’ll have my girlhood memories of this most wonderful experience.

Maybe you are part of the family that started this wonderful place – you must be blessed – I hope you are! So, this is the next best thing and the reason why I joined the online recipe group. Thank you for sending the information and all the best to you and your family -
Cheri from Missouri