{"id":22522,"date":"2020-12-25T13:11:14","date_gmt":"2020-12-25T18:11:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/?p=22522"},"modified":"2023-01-13T22:31:21","modified_gmt":"2023-01-14T03:31:21","slug":"the-mai-kai-celebrates-64th-anniversary-under-the-moon-as-challenges-loom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/12\/25\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-64th-anniversary-under-the-moon-as-challenges-loom\/","title":{"rendered":"The Mai-Kai celebrates 64th anniversary under the moon as challenges loom"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>In 64 years, <a href=\"https:\/\/maikai.com\" target=\"new\" rel=\"noopener\">The Mai-Kai<\/a> has never failed to celebrate the anniversary of its Dec. 28, 1956, opening with its own distinctive flair. This year will be no exception, despite a global pandemic and an unfortunate roof collapse in October that forced the restaurant&#8217;s temporary closing.<\/p>\n<div align=\"center\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/video.php?height=314&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fatomicgrog%2Fvideos%2F410479077043370%2F&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=560\" width=\"560\" height=\"429\" style=\"border:none;overflow:hidden\" scrolling=\"no\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" allow=\"autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<div class=\"fb-post\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/maikairestaurant\/posts\/10159045779662640\" data-width=\"500\" data-show-text=\"true\">\n<blockquote cite=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/maikairestaurant\/posts\/10159045779662640\" class=\"fb-xfbml-parse-ignore\"><p>It is finally the end of 2020 and we\u2019re here to help you finish strong.  We have made a fresh batch of Rum Barrels and&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>Posted by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/maikairestaurant\/\">Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show<\/a> on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/maikairestaurant\/posts\/10159045779662640\">Wednesday, December 30, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Jump to more features below<\/strong><br \/>\n<strong>Photos:<\/strong> <a href=\"#photos\">The Mai-Kai&#8217;s Polynesian Islander Revue<\/a><br \/>\n<strong>News:<\/strong> <a href=\"#damage-report\">Extent of flooding damage, closing detailed<\/a><\/p>\n<p>On Monday, the owners of the historic landmark in the Fort Lauderdale suburb of Oakland Park will open up their vast parking lot for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maikai.com\/events\/mai-kais-64th-anniversary-customer-mahalo-appreciation-party\/\" target=\"new\" rel=\"noopener\">Under The Mai-Kai Moon,<\/a> the 2020 version of the annual Customer &#8220;Mahalo&#8221; Appreciation Party. The socially distanced event sold out less than a week after going on sale.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_22519\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22519\" style=\"width: 640px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mark-OByrne-Mai-Kai-with-Moon.jpg?ssl=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"22519\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/12\/25\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-64th-anniversary-under-the-moon-as-challenges-loom\/mark-obyrne-mai-kai-with-moon-640\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mark-OByrne-Mai-Kai-with-Moon-640.jpg?fit=640%2C427&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"640,427\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;9&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS 6D&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1501195462&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;60&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;2000&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;1.3&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Mark-OByrne-Mai-Kai-with-Moon-640\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Under The Mai-Kai Moon &amp;#8211; photo by  Mark O&amp;#8217;Byrne&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;A view of the front of The Mai-Kai from Federal Highway. (Photo by  Mark O&amp;#8217;Byrne)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mark-OByrne-Mai-Kai-with-Moon-640.jpg?fit=525%2C350&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-22519 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mark-OByrne-Mai-Kai-with-Moon-640.jpg?resize=525%2C350&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Under The Mai-Kai Moon - photo by Mark O'Byrne\" width=\"525\" height=\"350\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mark-OByrne-Mai-Kai-with-Moon-640.jpg?w=640&amp;ssl=1 640w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mark-OByrne-Mai-Kai-with-Moon-640.jpg?resize=300%2C200&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-22519\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A view of the front of The Mai-Kai from Federal Highway. (Photo by Mark O&#8217;Byrne)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The event is not just a bittersweet celebration. Proceeds will benefit laid-off employees as well as keeping The Mai-Kai in business until repairs are finished. Unfortunately, it could be a long process <a href=\"#damage-report\">(see below).<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Since 1962, the centerpiece of any celebration at The Mai-Kai has been the <a href=\"https:\/\/maikai.com\/be-entertained\/polynesian-island-revue\" target=\"new\" rel=\"noopener\">Polynesian Islander Revue<\/a>, the longest-running authentic South Seas stage show in the United States, including Hawaii. Under The Mai-Kai Moon will feature three performances by the acclaimed group, which includes dancers and musicians from islands in every corner of Polynesia.<\/p>\n<p>Cars will be spread out across the 150-space lot behind the restaurant with gaps in between to allow a &#8220;tailgate party&#8221; atmosphere, except it won&#8217;t be BYOB. The Mai-Kai will be selling several signature cocktails as well as beer, wine and soft drinks. One or more food trucks will be on hand to provide ample options for noshing.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_22516\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22516\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"22516\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/12\/25\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-64th-anniversary-under-the-moon-as-challenges-loom\/mai-kai-moon_poster_600\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mai-Kai-Moon_poster_600.jpg?fit=600%2C927&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"600,927\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Mai-Kai-Moon_poster_600\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;Under The Mai-Kai Moon &amp;#8211; artwork by Pooch&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mai-Kai-Moon_poster_600.jpg?fit=525%2C811&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"wp-image-22516 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mai-Kai-Moon_poster_600.jpg?resize=525%2C811&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Under The Mai-Kai Moon - artwork by Pooch\" width=\"525\" height=\"811\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mai-Kai-Moon_poster_600.jpg?w=600&amp;ssl=1 600w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mai-Kai-Moon_poster_600.jpg?resize=194%2C300&amp;ssl=1 194w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 525px) 100vw, 525px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-22516\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Artwork by Mike Pucciarelli <a href=\"https:\/\/poochisland.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">(aka Pooch)<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>The event will run from 6 to 10 p.m., and vehicles can arrive as early as 5:30. Unlike the recent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/11\/14\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-hulaween-2020-with-drive-in-movie-party-after-closing-for-renovations\/\">Hulaween Drive-In Movie party,<\/a> there&#8217;s no cutoff time on arrivals. All parking spots will allow views of the performances, and guests can spread out their folding chairs in adjoining empty spaces.<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;ll want to be there by 8 p.m., however, to catch the first of three shows by the Polynesian Islander Revue. The performances will be staged on a flatbed truck, which will be moved around to different locations to allow all cars a good view, according to The Mai-Kai&#8217;s director of public relations, Pia Dahlquist. A DJ will also be spinning tunes to keep the atmosphere lively.<\/p>\n<p>Two of The Mai-Kai&#8217;s signature drinks &#8211; the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2011\/06\/27\/the-rum-barrel-the-rodney-dangerfield-of-tropical-drinks\/\">Barrel O&#8217; Rum<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2011\/08\/24\/mai-kai-cocktail-review-trade-in-vics-mai-tai-for-this-classic\/\">Mai Tai<\/a> &#8211; will be sold by the quart and glass. The Vodka Barrel will also be available by the glass along with beer, wine and sodas. There will also be a complimentary champagne toast for everyone at 9.30 p.m.<br \/>\n<!--more--><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_22524\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-22524\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mystery-Drink-promo.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"22524\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/12\/25\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-64th-anniversary-under-the-moon-as-challenges-loom\/mystery-drink-promo\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mystery-Drink-promo.jpg?fit=800%2C788&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"800,788\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"Mystery-Drink-promo\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;The Mystery Drink is an iconic experience at The Mai-Kai. A Mystery Bowl, the giant vessel that holds the drink, will be raffled on Dec. 28. (Mai-Kai promotional photo)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;The Mystery Drink is an iconic experience at The Mai-Kai. A Mystery Bowl, the giant vessel that holds the drink, will be raffled on Dec. 28. (Mai-Kai promotional photo)&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mystery-Drink-promo.jpg?fit=525%2C517&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-22524\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mystery-Drink-promo.jpg?resize=300%2C296&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The Mystery Drink is an iconic experience at The Mai-Kai. A Mystery Bowl, the giant vessel that holds the drink, will be raffled on Dec. 28. (Mai-Kai promotional photo)\" width=\"300\" height=\"296\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mystery-Drink-promo.jpg?resize=300%2C296&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mystery-Drink-promo.jpg?resize=768%2C756&amp;ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mystery-Drink-promo.jpg?resize=100%2C100&amp;ssl=1 100w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mystery-Drink-promo.jpg?w=800&amp;ssl=1 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-22524\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2012\/01\/01\/mai-kai-cocktail-review-the-timeless-appeal-of-this-classic-is-no-mystery\/\">The Mystery Drink<\/a> is an iconic experience at The Mai-Kai. A Mystery Bowl, the giant vessel that holds the drink, will be raffled on Dec. 28. (Mai-Kai promotional photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>Food will be provided by Iron Butt BBQ, which features authentic smoked meats and gluten-free sauces. Another gourmet food truck may join the party.<\/p>\n<p>The $50 per carload charge includes a goodie bag with the event poster (see above), face masks donated by the <a href=\"https:\/\/frla.org\/chapters\/broward\/\" target=\"new\" rel=\"noopener\">Florida Restaurant &amp; Lodging Association<\/a> and a raffle ticket that could earn the winner one of many prizes. Additional tickets can be purchased for $5 each, or five for $20 (cash only).<\/p>\n<p>Drawings will be held throughout the evening for prizes including a wide assortment of rums from sponsor <a href=\"https:\/\/www.appletonestate.com\" target=\"new\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Appleton Estate<\/a>, plus a Mai-Kai Mystery bowl, a BBQ\/smoker combo, and more.<\/p>\n<p>The Mai-Kai is a national treasure in the Tiki community and gained mainstream renown with its addition to the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nps.gov\/nr\/feature\/places\/14000951.htm\" target=\"new\" rel=\"noopener\">National Register of Historic Places<\/a> in 2014. Locals and tourists alike flock to the sprawling Polynesian paradise, which is filled with South Seas treasures collected by original owners Bob and Jack Thornton.<\/p>\n<p>Bob bought out his brother in the 1970s, and his family still owns and runs the restaurant in much the same way it has always been: With a never-ending emphasis on customer service and aloha spirit that leaves many customers and employees loyal for life.<\/p>\n<p>During the closure, you can continue to support The Mai-Kai by visiting its online Trading Post and new eBay store, where merchandise and treasures from the vault are posted regularly.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/12\/11\/fundraisers-online-sales-aid-the-mai-kai-during-closure-for-refurbishment\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mai-Kai-fundraisers-640.jpg?w=525&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Fundraisers, online sales aid The Mai-Kai during closure for refurbishment\"><\/a><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/12\/11\/fundraisers-online-sales-aid-the-mai-kai-during-closure-for-refurbishment\/\">Fundraisers, online sales aid The Mai-Kai during closure for refurbishment<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nThe historic restaurant is closed for refurbishment, but it&#8217;s still possible to support the staff and management via the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/12\/11\/fundraisers-online-sales-aid-the-mai-kai-during-closure-for-refurbishment\/#mai-kai-shopping-online\">Online Trading Post and a new eBay site.<\/a> <a name=\"photos\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>The Mai-Kai&#8217;s Polynesian Islander Revue<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Photos by Jim Neumayer, taken during The Hukilau in June 2019<\/em><\/p>\n<p>Of all the traditions that are most closely associated with (and distinctive to) The Mai-Kai, the Polynesian Islander Revue is easily at the top. It&#8217;s been running non-stop since the early 1960s under the watchful eye of owner Mireille Thornton, an original member who also serves as show choreographer and costume designer. It&#8217;s the backbone of The Mai-Kai experience and not to be missed.<\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Hukilau2019-Saturday_Mai-Kai_show1_JN.jpg?resize=525%2C394&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The Mai-Kai's Polynesian Islander Revue - June 2019\" width=\"525\" height=\"394\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Hukilau2019-Saturday_Mai-Kai_show2_JN.jpg?resize=525%2C394&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The Mai-Kai's Polynesian Islander Revue - June 2019\" width=\"525\" height=\"394\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Hukilau2019-Saturday_Mai-Kai_show6_JN.jpg?resize=525%2C394&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The Mai-Kai's Polynesian Islander Revue - June 2019\" width=\"525\" height=\"394\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Hukilau2019-Saturday_Mai-Kai_show3_JN.jpg?resize=525%2C394&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The Mai-Kai's Polynesian Islander Revue - June 2019\" width=\"525\" height=\"394\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Hukilau2019-Saturday_Mai-Kai_show8_JN.jpg?resize=525%2C394&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The Mai-Kai's Polynesian Islander Revue - June 2019\" width=\"525\" height=\"394\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Hukilau2019-Saturday_Mai-Kai_show12_JN.jpg?resize=500%2C528&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The Mai-Kai's Polynesian Islander Revue - June 2019\" width=\"500\" height=\"528\"><\/p>\n<p><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Hukilau2019-Saturday_Mai-Kai_show13_JN.jpg?resize=525%2C394&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The Mai-Kai's Polynesian Islander Revue - June 2019\" width=\"525\" height=\"394\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"fb-post\" data-href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/hurricanehayward\/posts\/3934380096596337\" data-width=\"500\" data-show-text=\"true\">\n<blockquote cite=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/hurricanehayward\/posts\/3934380096596337\" class=\"fb-xfbml-parse-ignore\"><p>In honor of The Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show\u2019s 64th anniversary we salute owner Mireille Thornton for keeping the flame alive all these years. As the wife Bob Thornton, who opened the restaurant in 1956 with his brother Jack, she has been the creative force behind the Polynesian Islander Revue since the early &#8217;60s.<\/p>\n<p>Posted by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/hurricanehayward\">Jim Hayward<\/a> on&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/hurricanehayward\/posts\/3934380096596337\">Monday, December 28, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Mai-Kai through the years<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Historic photos from the South Florida Sun Sentinel<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sun-sentinel.com\/local\/broward\/fort-lauderdale\/fl-et-mai-kai-through-the-years-20201223-xe5statwd5auvov3r6dsmtmnqm-photogallery.html\" target=\"new\" rel=\"noopener\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Polynesian-Islander-Revue_Sun-Sentinel.jpg?w=525&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The Mai-Kai's Polynesian Islander Revue\"><\/a>* <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sun-sentinel.com\/local\/broward\/fort-lauderdale\/fl-et-mai-kai-through-the-years-20201223-xe5statwd5auvov3r6dsmtmnqm-photogallery.html\" target=\"new\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here for the gallery<\/a> <a name=\"damage-report\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Extent of flooding damage, closing detailed<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>New information on the extensive flooding and the damage that caused The Mai-Kai to close in October was revealed in an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sun-sentinel.com\/entertainment\/restaurants-and-bars\/fl-et-mai-kai-restaurant-flooding-anniversary-party-20201223-sgak6cxnj5fixnwazt77rrpfmi-story.html\" target=\"new\" rel=\"noopener\">article posted Dec. 23 by the <em>South Florida Sun Sentinel.<\/em><\/a> The story quoted manager <a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2011\/11\/12\/take-5-mai-kai-general-manager-kern-mattei\/\">Kern Mattei<\/a> as saying it will take three to six months &#8220;once everything gets started,&#8221; but delays in getting permits have kept work from beginning.<\/p>\n<p>A huge hole opened in the roof over the kitchen on Oct. 25 when a sprinkler pipe broke, compounded by a weekend deluge of rain, Mattei told the Sun Sentinel. Damage was contained to the kitchen, but it appears to be extensive. Equipment such as grills and ovens were destroyed, but the the worst damage came when the roof cave-in bent steel support beams, the story says.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_4213\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4213\" style=\"width: 300px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/1956_exterior.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" data-attachment-id=\"4213\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/mai-kai-cocktail-guide\/1956_exterior\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/1956_exterior.jpg?fit=446%2C189&amp;ssl=1\" data-orig-size=\"446,189\" data-comments-opened=\"1\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;credit&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;caption&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;copyright&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0&quot;,&quot;title&quot;:&quot;&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"The Mai-Kai on a desolate stretch of Federal Highway shortly after its 1956 opening\" data-image-description=\"&lt;p&gt;The Mai-Kai on a desolate stretch of Federal Highway shortly after its 1956 opening&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-image-caption=\"&lt;p&gt;The Mai-Kai on a desolate stretch of Federal Highway shortly after its 1956 opening. It&amp;#8217;s now complete boxed in by development.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/1956_exterior.jpg?fit=446%2C189&amp;ssl=1\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4213\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/1956_exterior.jpg?resize=300%2C127&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The Mai-Kai on a desolate stretch of Federal Highway shortly after its 1956 opening\" width=\"300\" height=\"127\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/1956_exterior.jpg?resize=300%2C127&amp;ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2011\/06\/1956_exterior.jpg?w=446&amp;ssl=1 446w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-4213\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Mai-Kai on a desolate stretch of Federal Highway shortly after its 1956 opening.&nbsp;<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&#8220;It was this perfect storm of bad luck and too much flooding,&#8221; Mattei said. &#8220;I knew right away we couldn\u2019t open. The only silver lining was it happened when we were closed and no one was hurt.&#8221; The kitchen, which abuts the historic dining rooms, will need to be torn down and replaced.<\/p>\n<p>Luckily, there was no damage in the front of house &#8211; including the showroom and other dining rooms, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2015\/06\/09\/the-week-in-tiki-june-1-14-2015-the-hukilau-2015-latest-news-and-updates\/#bar\">The Molokai bar<\/a> and the Tiki gardens. None of those areas will need repairs, The Mai-Kai&#8217;s director of public relations, Pia Dahlquist, told the Sun Sentinel.<\/p>\n<p>While the restaurant remains closed, most of the 150 employees are out of work. Managers and a small staff are working from home, Dahlquist said.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, flood insurance will not cover the full cost of repairs, Mattei said, adding that the owners are looking into alternative ideas with their lawyers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Past coverage: Behind the magic<\/strong><br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2011\/12\/28\/behind-the-magic-a-backstage-tour-of-the-mai-kais-mysterious-bars-and-kitchen\/\">A backstage tour of The Mai-Kai\u2019s mysterious bars and kitchen<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/11\/14\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-hulaween-2020-with-drive-in-movie-party-after-closing-for-renovations\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Hulaween2020-recap-combo1-640.jpg?w=525&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Safe and scary fun: Hulaween Drive-In Movie at The Mai-Kai on Oct. 30\"><\/a><br \/>\n<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/11\/14\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-hulaween-2020-with-drive-in-movie-party-after-closing-for-renovations\/\">The Mai-Kai celebrates Hulaween 2020 with drive-in movie party after closing for renovations<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nThe historic Polynesian restaurant transported revelers to a socially-distanced celebration like no other, including an appearance by Appleton Rum&#8217;s Joy Spence. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/11\/14\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-hulaween-2020-with-drive-in-movie-party-after-closing-for-renovations\/\"><b>FULL EVENT RECAP<\/b><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Following the success of the sold-out Hulaween Drive-In Movie on Oct. 30 and Under The Mai-Kai Moon, we hope to see similar events as the restaurant deals with the logistics of the renovations. A small taste of The Mai-Kai is better than none at all.<\/p>\n<p><b>The Mai-Kai official sites and social media<\/b><br \/>\n* <a href=\"https:\/\/maikai.com\" target=\"new\" rel=\"noopener\">MaiKai.com<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.maikaitradingpost.com\" target=\"new\" rel=\"noopener\">MaiKaiTradingPost.com<\/a><br \/>\n* <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/TheMaiKai\" target=\"new\" rel=\"noopener\">Twitter<\/a> | Facebook: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/maikairestaurant\/\" target=\"new\" rel=\"noopener\">Official page<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/groups\/MaiKaiFriends\/\" target=\"new\" rel=\"noopener\">Friends of The Mai-Kai group<\/a><br \/>\n* Instagram: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/the_maikai_restaurant\/\" target=\"new\" rel=\"noopener\">Restaurant<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/the_MaiKai_MolokaiBar\/\" target=\"new\" rel=\"noopener\">The Molokai bar<\/a> | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/the_maikai_tradingpost\/\" target=\"new\" rel=\"noopener\">Trading Post<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>Recent coverage of The Mai-Kai<\/strong><br \/>\n* <a href=\"https:\/\/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\/\">The Mai-Kai re-releases signature rum, plus new glassware and spirits menu<\/a><br \/>\n* <a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/05\/16\/new-expanded-hot-food-menu-joins-cocktail-gallons-to-go-as-the-mai-kai-plans-reopening\/\">Cocktail quarts join gallons as The Mai-Kai expands takeout menu<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/mai-kai-cocktail-guide\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/Okole-Maluna-Society_Atomic-Grog_932.jpg?w=525&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Okole Maluna Society: The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide\"><br \/>\n<strong>Okole Maluna Society: The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nHurricane Hayward reviews and rates the historic restaurant&#8217;s current and past tropical drinks, plus reveals a treasure trove of ancestor and exclusive tribute recipes.<\/p>\n<p><strong>More on The Atomic Grog<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/the-week-in-tiki\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/Tiki-Times-logo2-640.jpg?w=525&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"The Tiki Times online events calendar\"><\/a><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #4e7d54;\"><b>UPDATES:<\/b><\/span> <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/the-week-in-tiki\/\">The Tiki Times: Exclusive 2020 events guide<\/a><\/strong><br \/>\nThe Tiki Times calendar features live online meet-ups, interviews and happy hours, plus benefits helping those in need.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/03\/20\/support-tiki-bars-now-visit-their-online-stores-contribute-to-fundraisers\/\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/Tiki-bar-mugs-combo-640-8.jpg?w=525&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"Support Tiki bars now by visiting their online stores, contributing to fundraisers\"><\/a><br \/>\n<span style=\"color: #4e7d54;\"><b>UPDATES:<\/b><\/span> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/03\/20\/support-tiki-bars-now-visit-their-online-stores-contribute-to-fundraisers\/\"><strong>Support Tiki bars now by visiting their online stores, contributing to fundraisers<\/strong><\/a><br \/>\nWe need to do our part to assist those in need: Buy merchandise, donate to crowd-sourced fundraisers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In 64 years, The Mai-Kai has never failed to celebrate the anniversary of its Dec. 28, 1956, opening with its own distinctive flair. This year will be no exception, despite a global pandemic and an unfortunate roof collapse in October that forced the restaurant&#8217;s temporary closing. It is finally the end of 2020 and we\u2019re &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/12\/25\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-64th-anniversary-under-the-moon-as-challenges-loom\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;The Mai-Kai celebrates 64th anniversary under the moon as challenges loom&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":22521,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[41,7,13,98,1126,43,44,12,27,1575,97,8,1125],"tags":[827,296,532,123],"class_list":["post-22522","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-culture","category-events-2","category-events-mai-kai","category-events-restaurants","category-events-calendar","category-history-culture","category-history-mai-kai","category-mai-kai","category-photo-galleries","category-renovations","category-restaurants","category-south-florida","category-the-tiki-times","tag-mai-kai","tag-mystery-drink","tag-polynesian-islander-revue","tag-pooch"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>The Mai-Kai celebrates 64th anniversary under the moon as challenges loom - The Atomic Grog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/12\/25\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-64th-anniversary-under-the-moon-as-challenges-loom\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"The Mai-Kai celebrates 64th anniversary under the moon as challenges loom - The Atomic Grog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"In 64 years, The Mai-Kai has never failed to celebrate the anniversary of its Dec. 28, 1956, opening with its own distinctive flair. This year will be no exception, despite a global pandemic and an unfortunate roof collapse in October that forced the restaurant&#8217;s temporary closing. It is finally the end of 2020 and we\u2019re &hellip; Continue reading &quot;The Mai-Kai celebrates 64th anniversary under the moon as challenges loom&quot;\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/12\/25\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-64th-anniversary-under-the-moon-as-challenges-loom\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Atomic Grog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/atomicgrog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:author\" content=\"http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/atomicgrog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2020-12-25T18:11:14+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-01-14T03:31:21+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/Mai-Kai-Moon_combo-940.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"940\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"270\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Hurricane Hayward\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@theatomicgrog\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@theatomicgrog\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Hurricane Hayward\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"7 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/12\\\/25\\\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-64th-anniversary-under-the-moon-as-challenges-loom\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/12\\\/25\\\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-64th-anniversary-under-the-moon-as-challenges-loom\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Hurricane Hayward\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/d148c3e6891224766841c162ce418ff1\"},\"headline\":\"The Mai-Kai celebrates 64th anniversary under the moon as challenges loom\",\"datePublished\":\"2020-12-25T18:11:14+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-01-14T03:31:21+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/12\\\/25\\\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-64th-anniversary-under-the-moon-as-challenges-loom\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1521,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/d148c3e6891224766841c162ce418ff1\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/12\\\/25\\\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-64th-anniversary-under-the-moon-as-challenges-loom\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/i0.wp.com\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2020\\\/12\\\/Mai-Kai-Moon_combo-940.jpg?fit=940%2C270&ssl=1\",\"keywords\":[\"Mai-Kai\",\"Mystery Drink\",\"Polynesian Islander Revue\",\"Pooch\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Culture\",\"Events\",\"Events\",\"Events\",\"Events calendar\",\"History\",\"History\",\"Mai-Kai\",\"Photo galleries\",\"Renovations\",\"Restaurants\",\"South Florida\",\"The Tiki Times\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/12\\\/25\\\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-64th-anniversary-under-the-moon-as-challenges-loom\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/12\\\/25\\\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-64th-anniversary-under-the-moon-as-challenges-loom\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.slammie.com\\\/atomicgrog\\\/blog\\\/2020\\\/12\\\/25\\\/the-mai-kai-celebrates-64th-anniversary-under-the-moon-as-challenges-loom\\\/\",\"name\":\"The Mai-Kai celebrates 64th anniversary under the moon as challenges loom - 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