{"id":5500,"date":"2012-11-30T16:47:41","date_gmt":"2012-11-30T21:47:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/?p=5500"},"modified":"2013-02-15T01:06:38","modified_gmt":"2013-02-15T06:06:38","slug":"the-mai-kai-hosts-classic-dining-author-dec-13-with-special-event-extended-happy-hour","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2012\/11\/30\/the-mai-kai-hosts-classic-dining-author-dec-13-with-special-event-extended-happy-hour\/","title":{"rendered":"The Mai-Kai hosts ‘Classic Dining’ author Dec. 13 with special event, extended happy hour"},"content":{"rendered":"

Classic dining establishments that date back to the middle of the 20th century and are still thriving today are a rare find. South Florida is lucky to have one of the most grand and well-preserved in our midst: The Mai-Kai<\/a> in Fort Lauderdale, est. 1956. A new book, which features the Polynesian palace on its cover, takes an in-depth look at these survivors of another era with vintage and new photos, inside information and authoritative stories.<\/p>\n

\"Classic<\/a><\/p>\n

Classic Dining: Discovering America’s Finest Mid-Century Restaurants<\/I> by author and historian Peter Moruzzi<\/A> is a lavishly illustrated hardcover book published on Nov. 1 by Gibbs Smith. It features many photos and additional stories from Sven A. Kirsten<\/A>, author of The Book of Tiki<\/I> and Tiki Modern.<\/I><\/p>\n

Mouruzzi will be at The Mai-Kai on Thursday, Dec. 13, for a special event featuring an illustrated talk about his new book. The event, presented by Tropic<\/I> magazine<\/A>, will be held in The Mai-Kai’s elaborately themed Tahiti dining room from 7 to 9 p.m. and will include an extended happy hour with half-priced drinks and appetizers.
\n* Click here or on the book cover for the Facebook event<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Journey back in time with Moruzzi, author of several books on mid-century history, as he narrates a slide show, talks about the book and signs copies. To attend, you must RSVP since seating is limited. E-mail tropicmagazine@gmail.com<\/A> to confirm your seat. <\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Mai-Kai’s outdoor Lanai dining area still looks much the same as it does on the cover of ‘Classic Dining.’ (Mai-Kai press photo by Go11Media.com)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The cover of Classic Dining<\/I> is a vintage illustration by Al Kocab, who did much artwork for The Mai-Kai in its formative years, such as this recently uncovered 1961 ad<\/A> for The Molokai bar. Inside, 18 pages are dedicated to the historic restaurant, featuring new photos and text by Kirsten along with classic images and artwork. Kirsten’s additional 10-page essay on Tiki style features more new and rare photos along with his expert historical perspective. Here’s an excerpt:<\/p>\n