Mai Kai, Fort Lauderdale, FL (restaurant)

This month's Flashback Friday special is a rare off-menu cocktail from the early days ...

Also, here's a nice recap of The Hukilau from The Hula Girls, with a rare video of the back service bar ...
http://thehulagirls.blogspot.com/2017/07/the-hukilau-and-tour-of-mai-kais-dining.html

Visited the Mai Kai last Wednesday and before that, back in early May. Both times the comfort-giving window waterfall was out of commission. However, staff, service, drinks, and appetizers were all well above average, though I do lament the fact that my favorite Mai Kai Maiden has been M.I.A. for some time. Met up with a fellow Tiki Room poster and his Mrs. Lovely company and a long-overdue meet up since I've known him via online forums for at least ten years.

I understand they closed for July 4th for repairs; it is a shame that they couldn't get around to fixing the waterfall, though.

The gardens were delightful as always, and that extra covered "tunnel"/pathway close to the non-show seating area was once again opened, adding yet another welcome layer of mystery to the hallowed place.

From an early Florida Travel Magazine I had.

The Mai-Kai was named Best Tiki Bar of the Summer by votes cast on CoastalLiving.com ... Mahalo to everyone who voted!

http://www.coastalliving.com/travel/top-10/best-of-summer-winner-tiki-bar

The James Beard Award-winning online magazine Punch features The Mai-Kai's iconic Black Magic in a new article ...

http://punchdrink.com/articles/recreating-mai-kai-tiki-bar-bizarre-black-magic-coffee-cocktail-recipe/

In addition, a brand new tribute recipe has been posted on The Atomic Grog that comes very close to the current version that you'll taste today ...

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2012/04/04/mai-kai-cocktail-review-the-black-magic-emerges-from-the-shadows-as-a-true-classic/

Okole maluna!

Be safe down there everyone! Hope this beauty makes it through as it has for many many many years.

Am considering adding a trip to the Mai Kai for next year's spring break. Some of the recent Yelp reviews paint a poor picture of the service there lately. Anyone have a tiki perspective on the service in the last few months?

I presume a reservation is required to be able to see the dinner show on a Saturday night.

Here's a tiki perspective on the service: the Mai Kai is probably the most amazing tiki bar on the planet, and their cocktails are legendary and unparalleled.

On 2017-10-07 21:00, kevincrossman wrote:
Am considering adding a trip to the Mai Kai for next year's spring break. Some of the recent Yelp reviews paint a poor picture of the service there lately. Anyone have a tiki perspective on the service in the last few months?

I presume a reservation is required to be able to see the dinner show on a Saturday night.

Yelp can be a cess pool. The Mai-Kai often server 1200 people a night. One ego-centric jerk posts on Yelp and makes a mess... The service is generally excellent. The staff are generally long time employees with high standards.

Yes, on Friday and Saturday you should get a reservation. And also tip the Maitre D' when you come in to get better seats.

On 2017-10-07 21:00, kevincrossman wrote:
Some of the recent Yelp reviews paint a poor picture of the service there lately.

Ignore any bad stuff about Mai-Kai you may see on Yelp. This is the TOP tiki place to see, you'll need to spend a full evening there to absorb and comprehend it all. The staff is phenomenal, and they really care about what they have to offer.

Service? Don't worry about it - it's just like any other place which gets slammed. They do a fantastic job with both food and drinks. Just like any other place, they can get unexpectedly large crowds and sometimes are a bit short on staff as a result, but that's not generally the case. If it does happen when you go, focus instead on the richness and depth of the experience, do the best you can under the circumstances, and cut 'em some slack. You will see what a class act they are when you see them under pressure and handling large groups of guests.

Swanky is right - treat the maitre'd well and you will also be treated well. This is one of those hard to find places where some of the old school stuff goes a long way. Have fun!!!

Yes, on Friday and Saturday you should get a reservation. And also tip the Maitre D' when you come in to get better seats.

That is very helpful, thank you.

61st Anniversary Customer "Mahalo" Appreciation Party on Thursday, Dec. 28

The historic Polyneisan restaurant marks another birthday with a special event in The Molokai bar. There will be an extended happy hour from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring 50 percent off most drinks and all appetizers.

In addition to the regular drink menu, there will be three "lost cocktails" from The Mai-Kai's early drink menus plus two "lost appetizers" ... Maki Maki and Tahitian Cheese Bread!

At 6 p.m., guitarist-vocalist Rosemarie will perform island and other classic music.

The event is free and seats are first-come, first-served. Get there early to celebrate another milestone year for The Mai-Kai!

Here's the Facebook event ...
https://www.facebook.com/events/1668334449923402/

Take a look back at October's Hulaween party:
http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2017/11/19/photos-monstrous-mayhem-at-the-ninth-annual-hulaween-party-at-the-mai-kai/

Was at the Mai Kai tonight and service was tremendously good! Attentive and spot on. I had three Zula #1s and a Special Planter's Punch. Foodwise, it was the fried calamari, Javanesian beef, and shrimp remoulade.

Best of all, the window waterfall is working once again!

Review updates by Tikiphile Mai Kai patrons here @ TC would get my attention over any YELP comments. There is an open line of communication between the Mai Kai staff and the Tiki community which is one reason for the 61 years. (-:

Apparently Coco Joes made a Mai Kai version of their #242 ashtray. Dad found it in a thrift store here in CA. It did some traveling I guess. Nobody really has too much info on it so I assume it was sold in the gift shop.

A new cocktail menu featuring a "lost classic" made its debut last night in The Molokai ...

The rum and wine lists are updated. And there's one major addition on the list of 47 tropical classics: An old-school standard based on a secret Mariano Licudine recipe that was never on the standard menu before ...

The Suffering Bastard has been featured on several "lost cocktail" menus, most recently during the 61st anniversary party in December. It replaces the Tiki Swizzle, a more recent creation that was added during the last menu update in 2014.

Also, note that all of the cocktails that feature signature mugs (Mara Amu, Shrunken Skull, Kona Coffee Grog, Tahitian Coffee, Hot Buttered Rum and Mystery Drink) can be purchased with or without the mug. You can still buy the mugs separately in The Mai-Kai Trading Post, both in person and online:
https://www.maikaitradingpost.com/collections/all/mai-kai-signature-mugs

Okole maluna!

On a recent trip to the Mai Kai, I inquired about the Zula #2, but the otherwise superb Mai Kai Maiden did not seem to know what that was. Has anyone else experienced this with "off menu" drinks at the Mai Kai?

I'm an enthusiastic supporter of the Zula #1; it's among my favorites, but I would like to give the milder rendition a try as well.

Aloha! While many of the servers are familiar with old and off-menu drinks, there are just so many employees and turnover that sometimes you'll come across someone without the same knowledge. I would just kindly ask them to ask someone else behind the bar if they know about whatever you're requesting. Some drinks (like the Grandfather Barrel) are definitely gone, but others like Zula #2 should be available if you ask the right person.

On 2018-05-30 04:37, His Majesty O'Keefe wrote:
On a recent trip to the Mai Kai, I inquired about the Zula #2, but the otherwise superb Mai Kai Maiden did not seem to know what that was. Has anyone else experienced this with "off menu" drinks at the Mai Kai?

I'm an enthusiastic supporter of the Zula #1; it's among my favorites, but I would like to give the milder rendition a try as well.

[ Edited by: Hurricane Hayward 2018-06-01 12:50 ]

The Atomic Grog has an in-depth look at the new cocktail menu ...

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2018/06/01/photos-the-mai-kai-updates-bar-menu-adds-classic-lost-cocktail/

Mahalo to chef Mark Rivera, The Molokai bar now has a brand new appetizer menu with greatly expanded options (sushi, salads, desserts, etc.). The retro design harkens back to the bar menus of old ...

Here's the online version:
http://maikai.com/menus/menus/appetizers

The new Rum Barrel mug from Tiki Diablo is in pre-order, shipping on Aug. 1. Don't miss out!

https://tikidiablo.bigcartel.com/product/mai-kai-barrel-2018-pre-order-ships-august-1st

And don't forget to check out The Mai-Kai Trading Post for all the official merch ...
https://www.maikaitradingpost.com/

Dave Levy, managing owner of The Mai-Kai, welcomes senior blender David Morrison of Appleton Estate for an exclusive rum tasting on Aug. 1 ...

Four Appleton rums were sampled: Signautre Blend, Reserve Blend, Rare Blend and 21-Year. And the Shark Bite (featuring Appleton Estate Rare Blend) was the perfect cocktail paring.

Episode 16 of Marooned: A Texas Tiki Podcast is now available for download or streaming:
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/maroonedpodcast/episodes/2018-08-10T00_00_00-07_00

Listen as David and I discuss (what else) Mai-Kai cocktails, Kohala Bay rum, secret syrups, The Hukilau, the genesis of The Atomic Grog, O.F.T.D. rum, Zombies and Mai Tais, plus many more topics!

If you enjoy the show, please subscribe via iTunes or your Android device.

We've been able to confirm the opening of The Molokai bar as Thursday, March 6, 1958. We've seen another ad from that date that refers to the bar "opening tonight."

Check out many great old images on Swanky's site ...
http://www.maikaihistory.com/2018/05/07/2018-molokai-bar-60th-anniversary/
(The fall 1958 opening he refers to was likely the official grand opening for the tourist season.)

RIP, Leonce Picot ... creator of many of the icons of The Mai-Kai including the calendars, Happy Talk and Okole Maluna Society. He also came up with the idea of the Mystery Drink.

Here's a tribute from Swanky ...
http://www.maikaihistory.com/2018/08/27/leonce-picot-1932-2018/

Sadly, we recently lost another Mai-Kai legend:

Jack Lewis was a retired Mai-Kai bartender and disciple of Mariano Licudine. Jack's legacy and influence on The Mai-Kai's cocktails still loom large, and will be felt for a long time to come. A memorial was held Oct. 7 in his honor at Stevens Field in Oakland Park, where Jack used to play with the teams from The Mai-Kai and shared many good times.

As Swanky points out, Jack was Mariano's hand-picked successor and the second head mixologist at The Mai-Kai. He was still making Mariano's secret syrups for The Mai-Kai until shortly before he died.

Okole maluna to Jack!

[ Edited by: Hurricane Hayward 2018-10-25 12:41 ]

Another recent VIP visitor from Appleton Rum: The legendary master blender Joy Spence ...

She found some rare Jamaican rums in the back bar!

[ Edited by: Hurricane Hayward 2018-12-11 11:11 ]

62st Anniversary Customer "Mahalo" Appreciation Party
Friday, Dec. 28

Celebrate The Mai-Kai's 62nd birthday with a special event in The Molokai bar, which is also celebrating its 60th anniversary. The historic restaurant opened on Dec. 28, 1956, and the original Molokai was added on March 6, 1958.

There will be an extended happy hour from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., featuring 50 percent off most drinks and all appetizers.

At 6 p.m., guitarist-vocalist Rosemarie will perform island and other classic music.

The event is free and seats are first-come, first-served. Get there early to celebrate another milestone year for The Mai-Kai!

Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/1637641769870532/

The Atomic Grog was pleased to present a special happy-hour talk about "Demerara Rum: The Mai-Kai's Secret Weapon" during The Mai-Kai Takeover event on Jan. 19, presented by the Magical Tiki Meet-Up and Retro Rekindled.

Check out our full event recap, including photos and highlights of our discussion ... https://bit.ly/2TsGT2l

You won't want to miss this special event at The Huikilau 2019 in June, presented by Swanky ...

SAT, JUN 8 AT 12:30 PM
"Women of the Mai-Kai"
Pier Sixty-Six, Hotel & Marina, Fort Lauderdale

https://www.facebook.com/events/372102716921666/

Explore the lives of great women who worked at the Mai-Kai. Pualani Mossman Avon lived aloha. Her family was instrumental in defining Hawaiian culture and tourism, and she was not just a heralded performer, but a dynamic and successful business woman. Mireille Thornton was born on a dot of an island in the Pacific, and came to dance in, then choreograph the Mai-Kai show, and eventually own the Mai-Kai itself. Hear their words and see new images that tell the remarkable story of these beautiful women who left their mark on the world.

Pualani's son Randy Avon will share stories of her life on stage as Swanky's co-presenter.

Get your tickets and hotel rooms for The Hukilau now. You can also make dinner reservations online for the Saturday night main event at The Mai-Kai, which always sells out in advance:
https://www.thehukilau.com/

And check out The Atomic Grog's event preview:
http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2019/02/01/hukilau-2019-tickets-on-sale-book-your-room-now-for-june-5-9-bash-in-fort-lauderdale/

Rum author and importer Ed Hamilton of Hamilton Rum stopped on his way to Miami Rum Congress on Feb. 7 to host his first-ever rum and cocktail tasting at The Mai-Kai ...

We sampled four rums and two cocktails ...

Ed presents Mai-Kai owner Dave Levy with a rare copy of his first book ...

1966 Gulfstream park Derby Daiquiri billboard.

I'd guess this was made by Dave Stevens who did a ton of custom creations for the Mai-Kai, including their big hut sign. He did the Mai-Kai 3D billboard with the Mystery Girl,

and I think he did the animated Kahiki billboard.

These views are all well-documented by others, but here are some pics from a recent visit by this west coaster. Somehow visiting on a rainy night fits right in with the feeling of escapism at the Mai Kai!

Gotta get back more often!

-Randy

beautiful! :D

My first visit (earlier this year...January 22nd to be precise) was also on a rainy night. And the rain did add a certain "Je ne sais quoi".

My point? Ummm...Hey guys! I finally made it to the Mai Kai!

Great photos Randy!

Beautiful pics. I miss that place so much. What time were you there that the patio and poop deck were so empty?

Thanks, yeah, we were there on Tue night til about 11p. Plenty of people there at the dinner show, but nobody in the gardens because of the rain. A few tables were full in the Molokai Bar too.

First time back since 2006, so it was great! Actually my work meeting in town was at the Pier Sixty Six hotel, which I think is Hukilau home base. Kinda tracing the footsteps for June since we won't be there for the event!

-Randy

I am going in June, don't forget to get you Mai Kai Club discount card before you go! Well worth it.

DC

The Mai-Kai's original mixologist, Mariano Licudine (right), with his rum collection in 1962. Many of those rare and original bottles can still be found in the secluded back service bar (photo from 2017 at right), unseen by guests. At The Hukilau 2019, we’ll take a peek behind the scenes.

Join us The Hukilau for an Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy class at Pier Sixty-Six on June 8 and a symposium at The Mai-Kai on June 9. Sunday will also include live music from Skinny Jimmy Stingray in The Molokai and rare "lost cocktails" from The Mai-Kai's 1956 menu. Full preview of both events on the blog ...
http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2019/05/13/the-rums-of-the-mai-kai-the-atomic-grog-presents-new-class-and-symposium-at-the-hukilau-2019/

It was an honor to participate in a Mai-Kai history tour with carver Will Anders and manager Kern Mattei. It’s a real Tiki museum audio walking tour. Download and listen at your leisure, or put on the headphones and go for a walk around the grounds.

Will, Kern and David

An old Barney West carving in the Tiki garden, now preserved in cement.

https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/maroonedpodcast/episodes/2019-05-31T00_00_00-07_00
The podcast is also available on all major podcasting platforms: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher.

It's Hukilau time again! Festivities kick off Wednesday with the Pre-Party at The Mai-Kai and conclude next Sunday with the Grand Finale at The Mai-Kai.

Get all the latest news on tickets, passes and the new app, plus check the schedule on The Atomic Grog ...

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2019/06/02/the-hukilau-2019-latest-news-and-updates-tickets-and-passes-charity-auction-a-new-app-plus-more/

You won't want to miss Swanky's latest symposium ...

And pick up a pendant with proceeds going to charity ...

Tickets and more info on the official site ... https://www.thehukilau.com

LIVE AUDIO: The Rums of The Mai-Kai, presented by The Atomic Grog at The Hukilau 2019

Mahalo to Adrian Eustaquio and Inside the Desert Oasis Room for documenting the June 9 presentation where I was joined by Matt Pietrek of Cocktail Wonk live on stage at The Mai-Kai during the closing festivities of The Hukilau 2019.

Click here to listen now or subscribe on iTunes and other podcast platforms:
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/polynesianpop/episodes/2019-07-05T11_43_57-07_00

Didn’t make the Hukilau.. so a business trip gave me the opportunity to get righteously buzzed at the Molokai. Now I’m looking at the garden awaiting my chinese oven ribeye and drinking by my Black Magic. Life is good.

Didn’t make the Hukilau.. so a business trip gave me the opportunity to get righteously buzzed at the Molokai. Now I’m looking at the garden awaiting my chinese oven ribeye and drinking by my Black Magic. Life is good.

What could possibly be better than an Appleton Estate rum tasting at The Mai-Kai? How about the first-ever such event hosted by Joy Spence, the longtime master blender for the venerable Jamaican brand synonymous with pure premium rum. Check out The Atomic Grog's full recap and photos ...

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2019/08/14/appleton-master-blender-joy-spence-to-host-rare-rum-tasting-at-the-mai-kai/

The Mai-Kai and The Hukilau are once again headed across the pond, and this year they're taking over Trader Vic's in London! Guests will sample classic Tiki cocktails and take master classes from six of the world's best bars and rum experts, including The Mai-Kai, Laki Kane, Trailer Happiness and Dirty Dick, plus Ian Burrell and Jeff "Beachbum" Berry.

The Mai-Kai crew at The Hukilau London 2018

Full info at https://www.thehukilau.com and https://tradervicslondon.com

It's Hulaween time again!

The 11th annual bash is titled "Luau of the Living Dead," a theme befitting a historic Polynesian restaurant that will celebrate its 63rd anniversary at year's end. Full event preview, plus a recap of 2018 including photos of all the frightening fun on The Atomic Grog:
http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2019/10/18/tiki-zombies-will-feast-at-the-mai-kais-hulaween-2019-luau-of-the-living-dead-on-oct-25/

The Mai-Kai has an all-new website!

Besides looking spectacular, it has lots of updated and new features:

• Make a reservation for dinner and the show, or dinner only.

• View all the menus, including catering and promotional menus and holiday specials.

• Meet the owners and management (new).

• Learn more about The Mai-Kai's history.

• Shop the online gift shop, constantly updated with new merchandise.

• Buy gift certificates on-line (start planning your holiday shopping)

• View all the upcoming events.

• Explore past awards and news articles about The Mai-Kai.

• View never-before-seen vintage photos, videos and more.

• Join The Mai-Kai Club online (new).

• Sign up for the mailing list to get the latest news.

• Take a virtual 360-degree tour of The Mai-Kai.

• Get up-to-date show times and happy hour specials.

Go now to https://www.maikai.com