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Mai Kai, Fort Lauderdale, FL (restaurant)

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The living dead came to party at The Mai-Kai's Hulaween 2019 luau ...

After 10 years, we know what to expect from The Mai-Kai's infamous Hulaween party: A night of kooky costumes, rockin' tunes and many cocktails consumed in the legendary Polynesian restaurant's Molokai bar. The 2019 bash, held Oct. 25, lived up to those standards. Check out the full recap and gallery of all the best photos on The Atomic Grog ...
http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2019/11/08/the-living-dead-came-to-party-at-the-mai-kais-hulaween-2019-luau/

63nd anniversary Customer "Mahalo" Appreciation Party set for Dec. 28 ...

The celebration begins at 2:30 p.m. with a History of the Mystery Drink multimedia presentation by Tim “Swanky” Glazner in the showroom, followed by live music with Slip and the Spinouts during happy hour in The Molokai lounge. Space is limited. Call (954) 563-3272 to reserve your seat for the presentation.

More info at https://www.facebook.com/events/739956516521205/

And check out all of the upcoming special events on the new website:
https://www.maikai.com/upcoming-events/

I finally made a trip vlog of my amazing first visit to the Mai Kai last year in January 2019. Have a look if you like:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXyZpmWELA8

(If you want to see other tiki related vids which I'll be posting soon, then please subscribe to my channel...mahalo!)

The Mai Kai is unforgettable and amazing! Viva La Mai Kai!

I finally made a trip vlog of my amazing first visit to the Mai Kai last year in January 2019. Have a look if you like:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXyZpmWELA8

(If you want to see other tiki related vids which I'll be posting soon, then please subscribe to my channel...mahalo!)

The Mai Kai is unforgettable and amazing! Viva La Mai Kai!

On 2020-02-01 15:18, Slacks Ferret wrote:
I finally made a trip vlog of my amazing first visit to the Mai Kai last year in January 2019. Have a look if you like:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OXyZpmWELA8

(If you want to see other tiki related vids which I'll be posting soon, then please subscribe to my channel...mahalo!)

The Mai Kai is unforgettable and amazing! Viva La Mai Kai!

Great video .... Mahalo!

New symposium announced for The Hukilau 2020: 'How The Mai-Kai Perfected the Modern Tiki Cocktail'

Hurricane Hayward of The Atomic Grog blog and some very special guests explore the passing of the torch from Don the Beachcomber to The Mai-Kai’s Bob and Jack Thornton in 1956, and the key role of master mixologist Mariano Licudine in keeping Don’s historic Tiki cocktails alive and thriving for 63 years.

Go to the blog for more information on this symposium coming to The Hukilau 2020 in June. Tickets on sale Monday at 7 p.m. Eastern time.

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2020/02/02/new-symposium-at-the-hukilau-2020-how-the-mai-kai-perfected-the-modern-tiki-cocktail/


Events, music, art, cocktails, culture

The Tiki Times | The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide

[ Edited by: Hurricane Hayward 2020-02-02 15:06 ]

Upcoming special events ...

https://www.maikai.com/upcoming-events/

“RUM RUNNERS OF THE PROHIBITION ERA” – April 16 at 6 pm

Bailey Pryor is a seven-time Emmy Award winning documentary filmmaker and founder of The Real McCoy Rum, who has spent 10 years researching and writing this presentation, which is based on his documentary film “The Real McCoy,” now playing on PBS.

Based on his documentary film entitled “The Real McCoy,” filmmaker and founder of The Real McCoy Rum, Bailey Pryor, takes us on a journey through the history of prohibition in America, and how an unlikely combination of political forces managed to proclaim alcohol illegal in the USA. Famed “Rum Runner,” Bill McCoy, used legal loopholes to defy this unpopular law and confound the US government, becoming a folk hero. He is the reason why we all know the phrase, “The Real McCoy.”

Cost per person: $40 paid in advance

Includes: Seminar, welcome drink, tasting of 4 different rums including the newly released The Real McCoy 12-Year “Distillers Proof” Mai-Kai Blend (92 proof) tax and gratuity.

There will be an opportunity to purchase a signed bottle of the Mai-Kai blend during the event.

Please RSVP before April 10 to 954 563 3272 ext 1 – Limited seating

https://www.maikai.com/events/join-us-for-an-educational-evening-and-rum-tasting-as-bailey-pryor-presents-rum-runners-of-the-prohibition-era-april-16-at-6-pm/


DJ HI-TIDE “All-Vinyl Surf, Lounge & Exotic Sounds” – Friday, April 10 in the Molokai Bar from 7 to 10 p.m.
https://www.maikai.com/events/dj-hi-tide-all-vinyl-surf-lounge-exotic-sounds-friday-april-10-in-the-molokai-bar-from-7-to-10-p-m/

On Thursday, March 19, The Mai-Kai announced that they are temporarily closing to promote the health and safety of their staff, guests and community. We wish them the best during these trying times.

Until we meet again ...

Great old photo of the three cannibals on the sign with the Tiki torches!

DC

Mai Kai Canibals Sign

[ Edited by Dustycajun on 2022-03-17 11:29:27 ]

Any updates on the Mai Kai reopening?

S

Work is well underway, and the new owners are very into making the Mai-Kai as "1956" as is possible while also making lots of improvements. It's a ton of work and there is no timetable for an opening at this point. Last I heard they were trying to get Molokai opened first as a stand alone, but that could change. Hukilau is coming in June and they don't see Molokai being open then.

I am doing all I can to help. I have offered photos for various projects and other things I am not sure I can discuss.

Thank you! Hopefully it will be open soon. Looking forward to returning.

Rather than leave a gaping hole in the history documented here, I thought I'd post a list of links to all of The Atomic Grog coverage during the Tiki Central downtime. Bear with me here, you will be rewarded with a bombshell story in the next day or two ...

2022

Mai-Kai-gallons_April2022_640 The Mai-Kai's takeout cocktails returning in May and June 2022

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2022/04/14/craving-a-mai-kai-cocktail-gallons-to-go-are-back/

Mai-Kai-updates_combo-940_011922 Latest news on The Mai-Kai renovations and reopening in 2022

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2022/01/19/updates-latest-news-on-the-mai-kai-renovations-and-reopening-in-2022/

2021

Hulaween_12-years-combo_640 Hulaween on hiatus: Relive 12 years of madness at The Mai-Kai

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2021/10/30/hulaween-on-hiatus-relive-12-years-of-madness-at-the-mai-kai/

Mai-Kai_sale-announcement_640 The Mai-Kai fans rejoice as new partnership paves way for reopening

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2021/10/11/the-mai-kai-fans-rejoice-as-new-partnership-paves-way-for-reopening/

Mai-Kai_Hukilau-photos_640 Exclusive photos: The Mai-Kai through the eyes of The Hukilau villagers

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2021/10/10/exclusive-photos-the-mai-kai-through-the-eyes-of-the-hukilau-villagers/

Mai-Kai-Marketplace_July18-2021_combo-640 Photos: The Mai-Kai Tiki Marketplace in Fort Lauderdale, July 2021

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2021/08/22/photos-the-mai-kai-tiki-marketplace-in-fort-lauderdale-july-2021/

The Mai-Kai hosts 20 vendors, serves up tasty food and drinks at second Tiki Marketplace

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2021/07/15/the-mai-kai-hosts-20-vendors-serves-up-tasty-food-and-drinks-at-second-tiki-marketplace/

The Mai-Kai offers Fourth of July cocktails, plans next Tiki marketplace

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2021/06/26/the-mai-kai-offers-fourth-of-july-cocktails-plans-next-tiki-marketplace/

The Mai-Kai hosts first Tiki Marketplace featuring vendors, entertainers, cocktails, rum tasting and more

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2021/04/13/the-mai-kai-hosts-first-tiki-marketplace-featuring-vendors-entertainers-cocktails-rum-tasting-and-more/

Mai-Kai updates: Cocktails and car show, Tiki marketplace announced

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2021/03/26/mai-kai-updates-cocktails-and-car-show-tiki-marketplace-announced/

Mai-Kai-closing_feb2021-combo-640 Thousands of fans unite to show support for The Mai-Kai during closing

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2021/02/16/thousands-of-fans-unite-to-show-support-for-the-mai-kai-during-closing/

2020

The Mai-Kai celebrates 64th anniversary under the moon as challenges loom

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2020/12/25/the-mai-kai-celebrates-64th-anniversary-under-the-moon-as-challenges-loom/

Fundraisers, online sales aid The Mai-Kai during closure for refurbishment

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2020/12/11/fundraisers-online-sales-aid-the-mai-kai-during-closure-for-refurbishment/

Hulaween2020-recap-combo1-640 The Mai-Kai celebrates Hulaween 2020 with drive-in movie party after closing for renovations

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2020/11/14/the-mai-kai-celebrates-hulaween-2020-with-drive-in-movie-party-after-closing-for-renovations/

Safe and scary fun: Hulaween Drive-In Movie at The Mai-Kai on Oct. 30

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2020/10/07/safe-and-scary-fun-hulaween-drive-in-movie-at-the-mai-kai-on-oct-30/

The Mai-Kai re-releases signature rum from The Real McCoy, plus new glassware and spirits menu

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2020/08/08/the-mai-kai-re-releases-signature-rum-from-the-real-mccoy-plus-new-glassware-and-spirits-menu/

Cocktail quarts join gallons as The Mai-Kai expands takeout menu

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2020/05/16/new-expanded-hot-food-menu-joins-cocktail-gallons-to-go-as-the-mai-kai-plans-reopening/

Okole maluna!

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2022-05-29 20:31:27 ]

Mai-Kai_Oakland-Park-presentation_042622_parking-lot-1_640

Here's the news we've been waiting for!

Mai-Kai_Oakland-Park-presentation_042622_parking-lot-3_640

Guests will see several major enhancements when The Mai-Kai full reopens after a multimillion-dollar renovation.

Mai-Kai_Oakland-Park-presentation_042622_parking-lot-6_640

SEE THE FULL STORY, PLUS PLANS AND RENDERINGS at TheAtomicGrog.com (link below) ...

Mai-Kai_Oakland-Park-presentation_042622_interior-1_640

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2022/05/30/exclusive-the-mai-kais-renovation-plans-include-reimagined-entryway-new-event-space/

Mai-Kai_Oakland-Park-presentation_042622_interior-3_zoom1-640

Wow, Jim, your post is really incredible. Thank you. I look forward to being able to visit this marvelous Polynesian palace again in 2023.

Among the many special Mai-Kai moments at The Hukilau 2022: The presentation by the family and new ownership team on the future of the historic restaurant was informative and reassuring. Meeting new owner Bill Fuller was a joy and an honor. Seeing the Polynesian Islander Revue dancers perform oceanside at the Beachcomber was mesmerizing. But the highlight for me, of course, was the rare chance to taste two classic cocktails that have not been available since the October 2020 closing: The spicy Mai-Kai Swizzle, and the mighty Mutiny. Okole maluna!

Hukilau2002_Saturday-symposium-Mai-Kai3

Hukilau2022_Mai-Kai_Friday-dancers2

Hukilau2022_Mai-Kai_Thursday_pool-party2

Hukilau2022_Mai-Kai_Friday-Mutiny1

Hukilau2022_Mai-Kai_Friday-Mutiny2

Event recap, photos, video and more at http://atomicgrog.com and https://wp.me/p1xHjT-6OX

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2022-06-15 15:53:36 ]

UPDATE: Blast into summer with takeout cocktails from The Mai-Kai

July-Fourth_Barrel_800

After re-igniting in May and continuing through June, the takeout cocktail program blasts off again on the Fourth of July weekend with a menu of four classic Tiki drinks available for pick-up June 30 and July 1.

How to order quarts and gallons to go: http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2022/04/14/craving-a-mai-kai-cocktail-gallons-to-go-are-back/

The Mai-Kai's new owner reveals renovation plans during The Hukilau

Hukilau2022_symposium_800

More than 100 Tiki enthusiasts got an exclusive preview of the refurbishment of the 65-year-old landmark during a discussion at the annual event on June 11.

Check out the full coverage of the presentation at AtomicGrog.com and https://wp.me/p1xHjT-6S2

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2022-06-29 17:56:17 ]

Mahalo for all the updates! I see I have some reading to catch up on here.

Thanks to "Typhoon Tommy" Allsmiller, we recently took a tour of his work restoring the interior of The Mai-Kai. Check out our exclusive sneak peek as part of our ongoing coverage of the refurbishment ... http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2022/01/19/updates-latest-news-on-the-mai-kai-renovations-and-reopening-in-2022/

Typhoon-Tommy_July2022

How cool is this? During his restoration work, Tommy uncovered wood panels from the original 1958 incarnation of The Molokai. They had been covered when the lounge received its current nautical theme during a expansive refurbishment in 1971.

Molokai-salvaged-wood_Aug2022

Mai-Kai_four-drinks-to-go_800

Beat the heat during the dog days of summer with classic tropical drinks to go from The Mai-Kai. The next opportunity is Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-3.

Find out how to order quarts and gallons to go: http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2022/04/14/craving-a-mai-kai-cocktail-gallons-to-go-are-back/

Mai-Kai_090222_port-cochere1_wide

UPDATE: Roof work advances, new thatching added to porte-cochère

Guests stopping by The Mai-Kai before Labor Day to pick up their quarts and gallons of takeout cocktails might have noticed some work going on around the entrance to the historic building as repairs and refurbishments pick up steam.

While grabbing my holiday fortifications last Friday (Sept. 2), I got a chance to chat with public relations director Pia Dahlquist and manager Kern Mattei. While no new dates have been announced, Dahlquist promised more opportunities to order signature tropical drinks in the coming weeks.

Mai-Kai_090222_port-cochere2

Mattei was gracious enough to give me a tour of some of the latest updates to the property.

With the structural portion of the roof work complete, plans have moved on to the finishing touches on some of The Mai-Kai’s most iconic features.

Most noticeable is the re-thatching of the covering over the driveway that leads to the main entrance, aka the porte-cochère.

CHECK OUT THE FULL REPORT ON THE ATOMIC GROG ... http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2022/01/19/updates-latest-news-on-the-mai-kai-renovations-and-reopening-in-2022/

Mai-Kai_090222_Tahiti-roof_garden-view_combo

Hooray! Thanks for the latest updates!

UPDATE: Latest news on The Mai-Kai renovations and reopening

Mai-Kai_091422_promo-combo_940

A special guest dropped by to see the renovations as roofs were readied for new thatching and work continued on restoring the vintage interior. Also: Is there new merch in the works?

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2022/01/19/updates-latest-news-on-the-mai-kai-renovations-and-reopening-in-2022/

The Mai-Kai continues takeout cocktails through end of 2022

Mai-Kai_Gallons_to_go_may2021_940

While we await the completion of renovations and the grand reopening, The Mai-Kai’s famous tropical cocktails are available for pick-up on multiple dates through the end of 2022. You can also pick up bottles of the restaurant’s signature rum.

The drink menu includes the Barrel O’ Rum (gallon $95, quart $30), Mai Tai (gallon $142, quart $40), Jet Pilot (gallon $156, quart $44) and Black Magic (gallon $95, quart $30). The Real McCoy 12-year-old Distillers Proof Mai-Kai Blend is $85.60 for a 750 ML bottle. Prices include tax. Call 954-646-8975 to place your order.

Fall and winter cocktail pickup dates

  • Friday, Sept. 30 (4-6 p.m.) and Saturday, Oct. 1 (10 a.m.-noon).
  • Friday, Oct. 28 and Saturday, Oct. 29.
  • Tuesday, Nov. 22 and Wednesday, Nov. 23.
  • Friday, Dec. 9 and Saturday, Dec. 10.
  • Friday, Dec. 22 and Saturday, Dec. 23.

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2022-09-21 18:33:13 ]

BREAKING NEWS: The Mai-Kai's Zombie is back from the dead for Halloween!

Mai-Kai-gallons_Oct2022_IG

The iconic cocktail will be available for the first time in takeout quarts and gallons on Oct. 28 and 29. It hasn't been served since the historic restaurant closed after an October 2020 storm.

The deadly tropical drink joins the Barrel O' Rum, Black Magic and Mai Tai on the special menu. Go to AtomicGrog.com or https://wp.me/P1xHjT-6I for more info on how to order, plus all the other upcoming dates for cocktails to go in 2022.

T

Maybe a small point to some however their blurb pisses me off right from the start. "Most unique"??? If something is "unique" then it is THE only one! No others, ....AT ALL! You cannot qualify an absolute.

Wonder how they avoid natural fermentation in those plastic bottles of "cocktail"???

[ Edited by TIKIGIKI on 2022-10-08 21:22:01 ]

T

It hopefully won't happen here but the packaging of some item the store that made a name for itself is now selling in stores and other well most times that kills the main store that the item came from.

The Kahiki had its eggrolls, Trader Vics tried to do it with their trademark name on everything they could think of. The Burghoff in Chicago and many others.

They hope to make a quick buck without having to deal so closely with the public and having to hire so many employees to fill jobs that are kinda getting unfillable.

Firstly, they've been doing this since they had to close because of the big leak, so it's not just for a "quick buck" but as a way to bring in some much needed income. And the drinks are made in house and sold directly to customers who pick them up at the restaurant, so there is no need to worry about spoilage and fermentation. I, and many others in Florida, have been really enjoying having a Mai Kai cocktail to tide us over, and support the Mai Kai, until it opens up again for good. And as far as I have heard, there are no plans to continue with the drinks-to-go program once they do open back up.

Huh? I never wrote "most unique" anywhere in the blurb or the story. Or even "unique." Regardless, that's a very unique complaint. :>0

As for "fermentation," the cocktails are made fresh to order and don't sit on shelves so they don't go bad. Guests have been known to keep them in their fridge for a week or more and report no ill effects. :>)

As TikiHardBop explains, the "Gallons To Go" program has been going on during the closing, but until recently they offered it very rarely to help keep some cash flowing in. No comparison to Kahiki or Trader Vic's. These are small batches made by a skeleton crew in-house. It actually started back during the pandemic when business came to a screeching halt. You can read more about the origins here ...

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2020/05/16/new-expanded-hot-food-menu-joins-cocktail-gallons-to-go-as-the-mai-kai-plans-reopening/#gallons 041520_Gallons-To-Go-prep8

The Mai-Kai always had a robust catering business, so batching cocktails for large groups was a normal occurrence. If they're as busy as I think they're going to be when they reopen, they'll probably end the takeout cocktail program, but I would expect the catering business to resume.

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2022-10-13 18:08:38 ]

Déjà vu: Roof refurbishments harken back to original 1970 addition

Mai-Kai-update_combo-101122_IG

While several of the A-frame roofs on the historic property receive new thatching, The Mai-Kai staged a photo op that harkened back more than 50 years. See exclusive new photos of the renovations at AtomicGrog.com or http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2022/01/19/updates-latest-news-on-the-mai-kai-renovations-and-reopening-in-2022/

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2022-10-13 18:13:16 ]

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2022-10-13 19:51:30 ]

Mai-Kai_Zombie_Halloween_Oct2022_640

The Mai-Kai served up quarts and gallons of the infamous Zombie for Halloween weekend. Check out the new blog post for manager Kern Mattei's video on how to mix the deadly drink up at home. Also, see our top five greatest moments in Zombie cocktail history.

http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2022/10/27/the-mai-kais-deadly-halloween-quarts-and-gallons-plus-more-great-moments-in-zombie-cocktail-history/

Thank you for your updates

NEW: Interior renovations shed light on The Mai-Kai's historic lamp designs

Mai-Kai-lamps_Nov2022_combo_940

The Mai-Kai's distinctive lighting fixtures are getting a detailed overhaul as part of the historic Fort Lauderdale restaurant's multimillion-dollar renovation.

Get the inside scoop on the refurbishments at The Mai-Kai ... http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2022/01/19/updates-latest-news-on-the-mai-kai-renovations-and-reopening-in-2022/

The Mai-Kai spices up the holidays with special takeout cocktails

Holiday-gallons_to-go_940_new

The Barrel Before Christmas joins the lineup of quarts and gallons to go, available on three upcoming weekends.

Info on all the dates and how to order on The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide: http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/mai-kai-cocktail-guide/

Mai-Kai-updates_combo-940_nov2022

UPDATE: Delays both expected and unexpected have pushed back the target reopening timeframe of The Mai-Kai to the spring of 2023, according to an official announcement. Get info on the latest round of tropical drinks to go, plus updates on the refurbishments at AtomicGrog.com or https://wp.me/p1xHjT-6Dg

A new tradition in South Florida! You know the holiday season has arrived with the appearance of the Christmas Barrel!

Christmas-Barrel_112422_h2

It was introduced on a special Mele Kalikimaka menu in 2019, but it hasn't been seen since the closing in 2020. As renovations and takeout cocktails continue, the 2022 season heralds its return. There are two more chances in December to pick up quarts and gallons of this seasonal rum barrel, plus four other classics. Complete info at TheAtomicGrog.com or https://wp.me/p1xHjT-6Kf

Another from the files...I'm sure a similar is or has been posted or perhaps lost...a older Mai Kai drink menu. bmai bmai3

That menu is probably from around 1966. It's unusual to find one in black and white.

I've been able to date this one with similar prices to that year ...

1966_cropped_sized

The Mai-Kai turns 66 as work progresses on multiple renovation projects

Mai-Kai_122122_update_IG

There are many reasons to be hopeful that the 67th anniversary in 2023 will be the first since 2019 when we'll once again be able to gather inside the historic Fort Lauderdale restaurant to appreciate its grandeur and beauty.

Get the inside scoop on the refurbishments at The Mai-Kai at AtomicGrog.com or http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2022/01/19/updates-latest-news-on-the-mai-kai-renovations-and-reopening-in-2022/

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2022-12-31 15:16:09 ]

Who's going to Inuhele in Atlanta?

Hurricane-Hayward_Molokai_788_2

Don't miss The Atomic Grog presentation on Friday, Jan. 20 - "Okole maluna! The Return of The Mai-Kai" - and get exclusive new info on the restoration and upcoming reopening.

Get complete info on the event, check the schedule and buy tickets at Inuhele.com

T

To be clear I was not saying selling the drinks to go are bad, only if it kills the Mai Kai restaurant would it be bad.

For the Mai Kai to make some kind of money while closed is great! If you sold the stuff in a commemorative ceramic one-gallon cool barrel with a cork in it they would sell for well over a hundred bucks for the barrel alone and you could not keep them in stock.

BUT working on the old lights would be the best thing ever whoever got to do that just wow jealous. Might have to fight off tears of joy while you worked on them though.

Think of the person who made those so many years ago and the many people over the years that fixed them and even changed the bulbs, plus the many people that looked at and ate dinner under them.

For me I can just feel the history of an item like that when I hold it, wish they could talk.

Good luck Mai Kai, I do hope you are here for MANY years, as you are truly the best tiki bar restaurant we have ever been to.

[ Edited by tikiskip on 2023-01-07 06:35:55 ]

T

You know one other thing that would be nice is to document the items you fix in the Mai Kai as you go.

Maybe have a book with photos and what was done and the date along with who did the work on that item, info on what or where you got the stuff needed to fix said item, dementions of item. You could also as best as you can try to go back and back date what info you have about its beginning if that info could be had.

The people who are still alive that could help you out with that info will be gone in the future and that info would be lost forever.

The Oceanic Arts guys were the go-to guys for that type of info, but Kern might have some info too.

There are some questions I wish I had asked Bill Sapp and Lee, Skip Davis when we talked with them you just don't think of it when you are in the moment.

Good luck.

[ Edited by tikiskip on 2023-01-07 06:34:09 ]

BREAKING NEWS: Historic preservation board approves The Mai-Kai's renovation plans, clearing way for project to move forward.

Landmark Polynesian restaurant allowed to remove old building, make other enhancements in sweeping plan to reimagine 66-year-old, 2.7-acre property. Final approval could come on Jan. 26.

Mai-Kai_front_010623_IG At The Mai-Kai on Jan. 6, a notice from the city of Oakland Park announces the upcoming development plan for the historic site.

Bora-Bora_010623_IG The damaged Bora Bora building, located to the north of the main entrance driveway, is seen on Jan. 6. Removal of the abandoned building was approved by the city of Oakland Park's Historic Preservation Board on Jan. 11.

011123_Mai-Kai-restoration-plans_bridge_IG Artistic renderings captured from the Jan. 11 meeting show details of the restoration of The Mai-Kai's wooden entry bridge by Perry-Becker Design.

011123_Mai-Kai-restoration-plans_east-elevation_IG A rendering by Kravit Architectural Associates shows the existing east side of The Mai-Kai (top) along with the planned version featuring the new event space (bottom).

011123_Mai-Kai-restoration-plans_event-space1_IG Renderings by "Typhoon Tommy" Allsmiller show The Mai-Kai's proposed new event space, which is to be built in the southeast corner of the property and utilize the building that now houses the Chinese ovens.

Full coverage and images from the public hearing on The Atomic Grog: http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2023/01/13/historic-preservation-board-approves-the-mai-kais-renovation-plans-clearing-way-for-project-to-move-forward/

H
Hamo posted on Fri, Jan 13, 2023 7:39 PM

Excellent news! I'd wondered if anything from the old building could have been salvaged and reused. Also very interesting to see a city board concerned about preserving historic tikis.... I'm looking forward to a return visit sometime once it's finally reopened.

Thanks for keeping us up to date! I love seeing all the details.

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EXCLUSIVE: New details on The Mai-Kai renovations, new merchandise revealed at Inuhele 2023 in Atlanta

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Tiki fans packed a conference room early on the first day of Inuhele: Atlanta's Tiki Weekend on Jan. 20, eager to hear and see details of the upcoming multimillion-dollar refurbishments planned for the historic Mai-Kai restaurant in South Florida. The Atomic Grog was happy to oblige, presenting exclusive photos, renderings and video of the project that is poised to shift into high gear in the coming months.

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Jim "Hurricane" Hayward sprinkled the presentation on the 225-seat room's large screen with new images and architectural plans. Appearing via pre-recorded video, creative director "Typhoon Tommy" Allsmiller took viewers on 10-minute walk-through of his work in The Molokai bar, one of the restaurant's oldest dining rooms, plus a stroll through the gardens. The video received a great response after the interior designer and craftsman urged attendees to enjoy their Mai-Kai cocktails after the presentation.

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Other upcoming projects were detailed for the first time, including new Mai-Kai mugs and other merchandise by contemporary Tiki artists, plus a signature rum blend from two historic Caribbean distilleries. After digesting all the news, the approximately 175 guests were invited to quench their thirst with authentic Mai-Kai cocktails in a poolside VIP lounge for a meet-and-greet event.

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Full coverage and exclusive images at http://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/2023/02/05/exclusive-new-details-on-the-mai-kai-renovations-new-merchandise-revealed-at-inuhele-2023-in-atlanta/

[ Edited by Hurricane Hayward on 2023-02-06 13:55:37 ]

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