Post #68968 by boutiki on Mon, Jan 12, 2004 11:46 AM

Though long neglected, a little known vintage Tiki oasis had been quietly chugging along until this November. The Tur Mai Kai was still alive in Kalamazoo Michigan though it had been called the Peking Palace for over a decade.

Few clues gave the Tiki explorer an indication of what had once been, in fact only the carved poles that flanked the red front doors remained. Inside, other remnants still were intact. They had largest bamboo swag lamp that we've ever seen. There were TONS of Oceanic Arts carved poles, a big faux lava waterfall that incorporated the face of a Moai as well as a giant Moai/stone fireplace. This, sadly, was mostly obscured by the drop ceiling that had been installed. There were many clues to the beauty that once was the Tur Mai Kai, very few masks and war clubs remained but the outline of many that were once attached to the wall were still visible.

When we discovered the restaurant we learned that it was family owned and it seems that they were responsible for the name change and were rather indifferent to the fantastic Tiki temple it once was. That said, they were very nice, and they still served delicious food and FANTASTIC tropical drinks– in Tiki mugs and Hula bowls no less!

We were there for diner to celebrate our birthdays at the end of last September and when we were in Kalamazoo again in November, it was gone! We had apparently missed a big sale, since according to the writing on the windows, they were "Closed! Everything must go!". After some detective work around town, we found out that they were apparently made an offer they could not refuse for the property and promptly sold the place. I guess they'll tear down the building and put some TGIMcAppleGarden chain restaurant or drug store in it's place. While not a pristine example of a vintage Tiki Palace, it's a sad loss just the same.

[ Edited by: boutiki on 2004-01-12 11:49 ]