Fort Lauderdale's historic Polynesian restaurant turned 60 on Dec. 28 with special presentations by authors Sven Kirsten and Tim "Swanky" Glazner, its famous dinner shows, live music, plus food and drink specials all night. Photos by TheAtomicGrog.com ...
The line forms early with doors opening at 1:30 p.m.
Guests are greeted by holiday decorations ...
... and an uncluttered view of the beautiful dining rooms.
Tahiti features several paintings of owner Mireille Thornton, a native of that island. This black velvet ...
... plus this painting above a comfy corner table.
A famous portrait of original owner Bob Thornton with his silver 25th anniversary Rum Barrel greets arrivals in the garden dining area for the special presentations.
Also on display, Broward County's proclamation declaring Dec. 28 to be "Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show Day."
Founding owners Bob and Jack Thornton hold a prominent position on stage.
Christie "Tiki Kiliki" White, who produced the special Symposia Series for the 60th anniversary, introduces author Sven Kirsten ("The Book of Tiki," "Tiki Pop").
Sven Kirsten discusses the infamous "cannibal trio" of Tahitian carvings that can be found in many mid-century Tiki establishments, tracing The Mai-Kai's signature logos back to Tiki bar pioneer Don the Beachcomber.
Hurricane Hayward of The Atomic Grog introduces the next speaker, Tim "Swanky" Glazner.
Swanky, author of "Mai-Kai: History and Mystery of the Iconic Tiki Restaurant," takes a look back at the early years of the restaurant.
After the symposia, the line stretched out the door of the gift shop as the authors signed books and greeted guests.
The Molokai opens early for an extended happy hour ...
... featuring the music of Rose Marie ...
... along with lost cocktails from the 1956 menu.
Tiki Kiliki greets special guests ...
... while owner Mireille Thornton welcomes a former Mai-Kai dancer, Lehua Nani.
The symposia participants gather for the first dinner show.
Please welcome to the stage, The Mai-Kai's Polynesian Islander Revue ...
... the longest-running authentic South Seas stage show in the United States, including Hawaii.
This evening marked the official debut of the 2017 version of the Revue.
Diners in the front row have a perfect view of the show.
The Polynesian Islander Revue is based on the authentic dances of the Polynesian islands.
The new costumes are spectacular.
The performers do up to three shows a night during peak season.
One of the most spectacular parts of the show is the traditional Samoan fire knife dance.
You have to hand it to these performers. ...
... They know how to entertain the audience. ...
... And their skills at twirling the fire knife ...
... are always among the elite in their field ...
... and the routines are impeccably performed.
The torches are lit for the fire-dance finale ...
... which gives new meaning to the term "hot foot!"
While this impressive routine ...
... is truly a spectacular maneuver performed ...
... by the seat of their pants!
The wahines return for the finale ...
... to join the kanes in their colorful new costumes.
The show wraps up in a whirlwind of dance and colors from the South Seas islands.
In honor of the anniversary, the Islanders then welcome a former member of their ranks: Viriamu, a master drummer from Tahiti.
Viriamu, who performed on The Mai-Kai stage for years, dedicates a special tribute to The Mai-Kai. His son, Kasai, is the lead male dancer in the current Polynesian Islander Revue. Kasai's wife, Hokulani, also dances in the show.
As the evening winds down, surf guitarist Skinny Jimmy Stingray and Hurricane Hayward join the many guests admiring the newly installed Tiki.
Hiroa Nui, a traditional Tahitian carving by Fort Lauderdale artist Will Anders, joins the exotic outdoor garden as its newest icon and photo op.
More photos and the full story on Hiroa Nui on The Atomic Grog:
http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2016/12/28/new-giant-carved-tiki-added-to-the-mai-kais-outdoor-garden-in-time-for-60th-anniversary/
More photos and details on the lost cocktails on the Okole Maluna Society thread:
http://www.tikicentral.com/viewtopic.php?mode=viewtopic&topic=47293&forum=10&start=255
Gallery of 75 photos from Miami New Times:
http://www.miaminewtimes.com/slideshow/mai-kai-celebrates-60-years-with-a-polynesian-celebration-9025293
Story and video from WSVN, Channel 7:
http://wsvn.com/entertainment/mai-kai-restaurant-celebrates-60-years-of-business/
Facebook gallery from Weekend Broward:
https://www.facebook.com/pg/WeekendBroward/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1322692921085572
Be sure to join us on the Friends of The Mai-Kai group on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MaiKaiFriends/
