Category Archives: History

Rum’s best and brightest stars take center stage at annual Miami festival

South Florida is about to become the epicenter of the rum world, at least for a week, with experts from around the globe descending for the fifth annual Miami Rum Renaissance Festival next Monday through Sunday (April 15-21). 2013 Miami … Continue reading

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The Hukilau announces new art show, entertainers, more updates for Tiki fest in June

Organizers of The Hukilau have shifted plans for the 12th annual Polynesian Pop weekender into overdrive over the past several weeks, announcing a new cocktail contest, art show, additional entertainment plus the sellout of the host hotel on Fort Lauderdale … Continue reading

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Mai-Kai cocktail review: True origins of a lost classic, the Island Queen, are revealed

Updated April 2, 2013 See below: Our Island Queen review | Ancestor recipe | Tribute recipe Related: Mai-Kai cocktail guide | More “lost cocktails” Over the course of more than 50 years, the outstanding tropical drinks at The Mai-Kai restaurant … Continue reading

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Is Trader Sam’s Enchanted Tiki Bar in the mix for the re-imagined Downtown Disney?

Rumors were swirling even before the official announcement March 14 about the planned massive renovation of the Downtown Disney shopping and entertainment district at Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, near Orlando. The multi-year expansion, expected to begin in April, … Continue reading

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Mai-Kai history event joins the party as inaugural Mod Weekend kicks into gear

Mod Weekend, the March 15-17 celebration of Fort Lauderdale’s mid-century architecture and style, is shaping up to be a whirlwind of activity with several events selling out and additional activities added to the mix, including Saturday’s “Mai-Kai: History, Mystery and … Continue reading

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New event celebrates Fort Lauderdale’s mid-century modern architecture, style

Update: Mai-Kai history event joins the party as inaugural Mod Weekend kicks into gear Interest in classic mid-century design and style has been building for decades, coinciding with a general distaste among many for the throw-away culture of the late … Continue reading

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A Taste Of … Dada in Delray Beach

This is the first in a series of profiles of some of The Atomic Grog’s favorite spots in South Florida to enjoy events, music, art, cocktails and culture. Our first stop is an eclectic restaurant that for more than a … Continue reading

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Lost Cocktails of The Mai-Kai: The late Dr. Fong has a funky and famous history

The concept of a “Polynesian” cocktail is somewhat of a misnomer. While most tropical drinks have names and imagery that recall Polynesia, most are actually Caribbean rum concoctions reinvented by American restaurateurs. One notable exception is the distinctive Doctor Funk, … Continue reading

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Discover some Wayne Coombs treasures at estate sale this weekend

Wayne Coombs was not only a legendary Tiki carver for 45 years at his Cocoa Beach studio, but apparently also a prolific packrat. The influential artist, who passed away in September at age 62, compiled a vast assortment of tools, … Continue reading

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The Hukilau releases schedule, updated website for this June’s Tiki bash in Fort Lauderdale

In just six months, hundreds upon hundreds of Tiki and retro culture enthusiasts from around the world will descend upon Fort Lauderdale in search of the most authentic Polynesian Pop experience imaginable. If Christie “Tiki Kiliki” White has any say … Continue reading

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