MORE 2024 NEWS & REVIEWS
The Mai-Kai restoration work expands, sneak previews offered at The Hukilau (May 2024 update)
![The Mai-Kai restoration work expands, sneak previews offered at The Hukilau (May 2024 update)](https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Mai-Kai_May2024-update_hero940.jpg)
The $15 million project continues to engulf the 2.7-acre historic property as event passholders are treated to special tours of fully restored indoor guest areas.
>>> EVENT PREVIEW, EXTENSIVE UPDATES AND PHOTOS
Story archive: Full coverage of The Mai-Kai refurbishment
The Hukilau 2024 preview & flashback: Inside (and outside) The Mai-Kai with Tiki carver Will Anders
![The Hukilau 2024 preview & flashback: Inside (and outside) The Mai-Kai with Tiki carver Will Anders](https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Hukilau2024_Will-Anders-Mai-Kai-preview_hero940.jpg)
The South Florida artist shares his experiences creating authentic Polynesian art - both large and small - during a presentation at the annual Tiki weekender on Pompano Beach.
>>> EVENT PREVIEW, BACK STORY AND PHOTOS OF WILL ANDERS' WORK
AUDIO & PHOTOS: Walking tour with Will Anders, Kern Mattei, Hurricane Hayward in 2018
The Hukilau 2024 preview: Symposiums, vendors and more announced for 22nd Tiki weekender June 6-9
![The Hukilau 2024 preview: Symposiums, vendors and more announced for 22nd Tiki weekender](https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Hukilau2024-May-hero-940.jpg)
The East Coast's longest-running Polynesian Pop weekender features an all-star lineup of musical, mixological and scholarly talent for its annual gathering in South Florida.
EXCLUSIVE: The Mai-Kai reveals new images, plans for restoration at Orlando event, continues $15M project (April 2024 update)
![The Mai-Kai reveals new images, plans for restoration at Orlando event, continues $15M project (April 2024 update)](https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tiki-a-Go-Go-2024_Mai-Kai-panel-discussion-story_hero940.jpg)
Full coverage of the panel discussion at Tiki-a-Go-Go, including new photos and renderings of plans for the reimagination of the entry experience at the historic restaurant.
>>> INSIDE PEEK PLUS ALL THE LATEST NEWS
Tiki-a-Go-Go: Panel discussion overview | New kitchen, bar details | Artists showcase their work
Landscape architect's plans | Pop-up cocktails
Latest news: April refurbishment updates
Story archive: Full coverage of The Mai-Kai refurbishment
Don the Beachcomber announces new bar concept, three upcoming locations in Florida
![Don the Beachcomber announces new bar concept, three upcoming locations in Florida](https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/TAGG-DTB-hero-940.jpg)
Everything you need to know about the expansion of the iconic restaurant brand, including a full recap and photos from Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando, plus new renderings and info on the new sites.
>>> LATEST INFORMATION, PHOTOS, MORE
In-depth coverage
* Full coverage of Tiki-a-Go-Go presentation
* Renderings, plans for Orlando restaurant revealed
* Gantt Reserve Collection bars introduced
* Upcoming South Florida location uncovered
* The Donn of Tiki makes a splash at Florida Film Festival
* Donn Beach biography expected next spring
Previous coverage: Don the Beachcomber grand opening in Florida is a smashing success
The first Tiki-a-Go-Go is a retro roadtrip through mid-century culture, appreciation
![Photos, video: The first Tiki-a-Go-Go is a retro roadtrip through mid-century culture, appreciation](https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Tiki-a-Go-Go-2024-recap-hero-940.jpg)
The April 5-7 event was a trip back in time, taking guests on a rollicking ride through mid-century Florida theme parks, Tiki bars, and other retro touchstones.
>>> PHOTOS, VIDEO FROM SOCIAL MEDIA
Event preview: Tiki-a-Go-Go looks to the past for a fresh take on the modern weekender
Mai-Kai kitchen and bar take shape as team heads to Tiki-a-Go-Go (March 2024 update)
![Mai-Kai kitchen and bar take shape as team heads to Tiki-a-Go-Go event (March 2024 update)](https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Mai-Kai_March2024-hero-940.jpg)
New equipment is now being installed in the rebuilt back-of-house at the historic South Florida restaurant. More info, cocktails to be shared at Orlando event April 5-6.
The Hukilau 2024 attracts bands, bars and VIPs from around the globe, returns to The Mai-Kai
![The Hukilau 2024 attracts bands, bars and VIPs from around the globe, returns to The Mai-Kai](https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Hukilau2024_March-preview_hero-940.jpg)
Check out the lineup of headlining bands, special guest presenters and 18 guest bars attending the 22nd Tiki weekender in South Florida.
Beyond Esotico Miami: Kaona Room and Daniele Dalla Pola's cocktail and rum adventures
![Beyond Esotico Miami: Kaona Room and Daniele Dalla Pola's cocktail and rum adventures](https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Esotico-closing-hero-940.jpg)
After closing his flagship Miami bar, the Italian master mixologist is hitting the road while the Kaona Room keeps his cocktails flowing. He reveals his plans to return, along with several other new projects in the works.
>>> FULL COVERAGE, PHOTOS AND VIDEO
* The Kaona Room keeps torch burning
* Photos, video: Esotico Miami memories
Cocktail recipe: Esotico Rum Cup
Mai-Kai update (February 2024): Exterior reimagination up next as $15 million Mai-Kai project plows ahead
![Mai-Kai update (February 2024): Exterior reimagination up next as $15 million Mai-Kai project plows ahead](https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/February2024_Mai-Kai_hero940.jpg)
The historic South Florida restaurant prepares for an ambitious transformation of its sprawling 2.7-acre grounds.
REVIEW: El Dorado's new High Ester Blend could be a mixologist's secret weapon
![El Dorado's new High Ester Blend could be a mixologist's secret weapon](https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/El-Dorado_High-Ester_hero-940.jpg)
The first in a series of cask-strength releases is a fine premium sipper, but its true strength may be behind the bar.
>>> SEE OUR TAKE ON THE NEW RUM
Don the Beachcomber grand opening in Florida is a smashing success
![Don the Beachcomber grand opening in Florida is a smashing success](https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/DTB-Madeira-Beach_opening-story-hero-940.jpg)
If there were any doubts that the inaugural "next gen" restaurant and tropical bar would not live up to the high standards of its namesake, they were quickly put to rest during the launch in Madeira Beach.
>>> OPENING DAY PHOTOS, RECAP, MORE
In-depth coverage
>>> Menus and overview: Cocktails | Food
>>> Decor, music & more | Tips and guidance
>>> Bonus cocktail recipe: Doctor Funk
In year 5, Miami Rum Congress matures into more complex and accessible spirits event
![In year 5, Miami Rum Congress matures into more complex and accessible spirits event](https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Miami-Rum-Congress-2024_940.jpg)
By moving to a major convention center on South Beach and expanding its scope, the event shows potential for an expanded audience.
Social media recap: Photos, coverage of Miami Rum Congress events
>>> Q&A with organizer Federico Hernandez
First new Don the Beachcomber location on track to open in early 2024
![EXCLUSIVE: First new Don the Beachcomber location on track to open in early 2024](https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/Don-the-Beachcomber_Dec2023-940.jpg)
The restaurant in Madeira Beach on Florida's southwest Gulf Coast is in the final stages of construction and staff is being hired. Photos and video provide a peek inside the first of many new Don the Beachcomber locations.
>>> FULL COVERAGE OF THE REVIVAL OF THE ICONIC BRAND
* Renderings, mission statement revealed at Tiki Oasis
* Merchandise: Mugs, glassware, apparel, ephemera
* Bonus cocktail recipe: Sunakora
PAST COVERAGE
The Atomic Grog Archive
![The Atomic Grog Archive](https://www.slammie.com/atomicgrog/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Hukilau2019-Feb-promo-collage-940x200-1.jpg)
Check out the top stories and special features from the blog dating back to our 2011 launch.
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