{"id":31126,"date":"2024-04-01T14:21:28","date_gmt":"2024-04-01T18:21:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/?p=31126"},"modified":"2024-04-03T00:38:56","modified_gmt":"2024-04-03T04:38:56","slug":"mai-kai-kitchen-and-bar-take-shape-as-team-heads-to-tiki-a-go-go-event-march-2024-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2024\/04\/01\/mai-kai-kitchen-and-bar-take-shape-as-team-heads-to-tiki-a-go-go-event-march-2024-update\/","title":{"rendered":"Mai-Kai kitchen and bar take shape as team heads to Tiki-a-Go-Go event (March 2024 update)"},"content":{"rendered":"

It’s always thrilling to see and hear about the artistic restoration projects at The Mai-Kai<\/a>, from the hundreds of vintage lamps<\/a> to the reimagination of the porte-coch\u00e8re<\/a>. But just as important are many behind-the-scenes infrastructure projects that are now coming to fruition at the historic South Florida restaurant.<\/p>\n

Jump below:<\/strong> The Mai-Kai at Tiki-a-Go-Go, The Hukilau<\/a>
\n* Latest refurbishment news<\/a> | Update on permits, timeline<\/a><\/p>\n

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A view of The Mai-Kai from Federal Highway in Oakland Park on March 28. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

At the top of this list are the new back-of-house kitchen and bar, which both needed to be rebuilt following the October 2020 roof collapse that led to the closing and eventual sale<\/a> of the 67-year-old landmark. While the design and decor are spectacular, The Mai-Kai is first and foremost a high-volume restaurant (and bar) that requires just as much TLC in areas guests may never see.<\/p>\n

That’s why it’s exciting to report that new equipment is now being installed in both the kitchen and bar that were rebuilt in the old back-of-house areas that did not need to be gutted after the roof collapse. The footprint of the old kitchen will remain empty until Phase 2 of the $15 million restoration project, when it will be transformed into a bigger kitchen and an adjacent event center.<\/a><\/p>\n

Manager Kern Mattei, who has overseen operations for the past three decades, was gracious enough to fill us in on the details when we spoke to him recently about progress on the site during the month of March. We also took some photos of the exterior spaces during a visit late in the month.<\/p>\n

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The wooden deck outside The Molokai lounge has been rebuilt for future guest use. More theming and enhancements are in the works. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, March 2024)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

We’ll get into all the details in the updates section below,<\/a> along with the contributions of creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller<\/a> and his team of artists. Unlike the old 1970s era back of house, the 2024 version will include not only state-of-the-art equipment, but also a lot of traditional Ma-Kai and Polynesian theming where appropriate.<\/p>\n

The state of the kitchen and bar gives us hope that the current timeline for a grand opening during the summer months will remain stable. The wildcard factor remains the ambitious transformation of the 2.7-acre grounds, which we detailed in our previous story.<\/a><\/p>\n

Progress was not easily visible across the vast expanse during March as the complex project’s many moving parts still have not coalesced. Permits are pending while various crews continue to work on their specific projects, Mattei said. We did spot some more cool detail work by Allsmiller’s crew, also discussed below.<\/p>\n

Mattei and the artists will get a much-deserved break in early April, but it won’t be all play and no work at Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando. Check out the preview below<\/a> for details on all their activities.<\/p>\n

Recent coverage<\/strong>
\n* Exterior reimagination up next as $15 million Mai-Kai project plows ahead<\/a> (February 2024)
\n* Renovations engulf entire property, reopening estimated for summer<\/a> (January 2024)
\nStory archive:<\/strong> Full coverage of The Mai-Kai refurbishment<\/a><\/a><\/a><\/p>\n

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A classic image of The Mai-Kai, captured by author Sven Kirsten in 2010. Also appearing at Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando in April is Mai-Kai history book author Tim “Swanky” Glazner.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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UPCOMING EVENTS: The Mai-Kai at Tiki-a-Go-Go and The Hukilau<\/h2>\n

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While most guests eagerly await the grand opening this summer, those lucky enough to be attending two of the state’s major Tiki events will get exclusive info and access in the coming months.<\/p>\n

First up is the sold-out Tiki-a-Go-Go<\/a>, scheduled for April 5-7 in Orlando. The inaugural event leans heavily into symposiums featuring old-school Tiki, Florida and Disney topics. There will also be two days of live music and entertainment, vendors, guest Tiki bars, and more.
\nPrevious coverage:<\/strong> Click here for our full preview<\/a>
\nFollow The Atomic Grog at Tiki-a-Go-Go:<\/font> Instagram<\/a> | Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n

We’re honored to be hosting two of the presentations featuring The Mai-Kai at the Caribe Royale Resort. Just announced: Mai-Kai manager Kern Mattei and public relations director Pia Dahlquist will both be attending and participating in events Friday and Saturday. Here’s the latest on how attendees can get a taste of The Mai-Kai, including some new details:<\/p>\n

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Members of The Mai-Kai crew attending Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando on April 5-7 include creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller (left) and artist Scott “Flounder” Scheidly, plus manager Kern Mattei and public relations director Pia Dahlquist. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Friday, April 5 – 11 a.m. (60 minutes)<\/em>
\nReturn to Paradise: The Mai-Kai Rises Again<\/em><\/strong>
\nDon’t miss this exclusive panel discussion that explores the history, the renovation, and the future of South Florida’s beloved Polynesian palace. Get insights from the team directly involved with the three-year, multimillion-dollar refurbishment. Moderated by Jim “Hurricane” Hayward<\/a> and featuring the following panelists:<\/p>\n