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Mai-Kai becomes Fort Lauderdale's iconic tiki landmark.
Nominations for Your Choice Awards are open. Be sure to nominate today!
Like this newsletter? We’re now offering newsletter management and email marketing services to our advertisers and business community. Email Jason@outsfl.com for more information.
- Kim Swan, Editor
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Mai-Kai Rises Again: Fort Lauderdale’s Iconic Tiki Landmark Restored to Retro Glory
By Rick Karlin
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Mai-Kai, the legendary Fort Lauderdale Polynesian dinner theater, restaurant, and Tiki lounge, is an official landmark.
Seriously, it was opened in 1956 by Bob and Jack Thornton for a cost of $350,000 ($4 million+ in today’s dollars) at the height of America’s interest in “Polynesia,” just as Hawaii was being granted statehood. In 2014, it was officially listed in The National Register of Historic Places as a “heritage establishment associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history.” It was run by the Thorton family for 67 years and was beginning to show its age. After a double hit of a burst water main in the kitchen, followed by two ferocious storms, it was closed in 2020 as the family struggled to save their family legacy.
Investor Bill Fuller, who came in to partner with the family, because he shared their vision to restore Mai-Kai’s retro feel and original vision, said in an interview at that time, “I remember visiting Mai-Kai as a child, teen and adult, each time more memorable than the last. Partnering with the Thornton family on the restoration of Mai-Kai isn’t just business for me, it's a passion. I’m here to honor the family’s hard work preparing Mai-Kai for the next generation of guests … never losing sight of what they have created back in 1956. Each guest that walks through the door will feel the energy that Bob and Jack Thornton originally created.”
It was an arduous process that took more than four years to complete, partly because of its landmark status. A separate outbuilding that had been condemned had to be torn down, and that required a lot of jumping through bureaucratic hoops. What took its place is a larger parking entrance and an outside lanai bar where folks can relax while waiting for their tables, and it all feels as if it’s been there since 1956. That’s due to the expertise of Tom Allsmiller and a talented team of artisans. In addition to the lanai, tiki devotees will find eight themed rooms in the 26,000-square-foot space accommodating nearly 500 people, with dining areas named for South Seas islands, a gift shop, meeting/banquet facilities, and a tropical garden. All but the Samoa and Tahiti room offer a view of the stage where Entertainment Director Teuruhei Buchin has created a 45-minute review reflecting the music and culture of the islands, interpreting ancient stories through the use of authentic music, dance, original costumes, and artifacts.
The Samoa and Tahiti rooms overlook the waterfalls and gardens for a leisurely non-show experience. That is where we chose to dine. With all the show and décor, the food at Mai-Kai doesn’t need to be very good. Most folks are coming for the exotic cocktails and the kitschy décor, the food is secondary. To Mai-Kai’s credit, most of the dishes are quite good, if you stay away from the touristy items. For example, the Pupu Platter, a tourist favorite, offers an assortment of appetizers including Shanghai Chicken, Pork and Snow Crab Egg Roll, Cheese Tangs, and Crab Rangoon. The chicken was a piece of unseasoned chicken breast wrapped in bacon. It was flavorless unless dipped in one of the three accompanying sauces, Thai sweet chili, mustard, or hoisin. The egg roll was mushy, and I detected no crab. Cheese Tangs are cassava dough fried with a bit of warm cheese inside, also tasteless without a dipping sauce. The Crab Rangoon were hot and crispy but skimpy on filling and had no crab flavor at all. However, the tuna wontons we ordered as a separate appetizer, provided three large squares of fried pasta topped with fresh diced raw tuna and pickled veggies, were delicious.
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Nominations Open for Your Choice Awards
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Out South Florida is launching its Your Choice Awards – where our readers get to nominate favorite local people, places, and things.
The contest is divided up by county, Broward, Palm Beach, Miami-Dade and Monroe.
We’ll then reveal the top choices in each category from our readers and staff, and you’ll have the chance to vote for your favorites.
Nominations close July 30. Nominate here.
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A Stylish Evening of Upscale Dining at Timpano Las Olas
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As my friend Marian and I strolled down the buzzing, energetic strip that is Las Olas Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale, we both felt a little extra fancy, and it’s no surprise that we felt that way.
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Salvo’s Osteria Romana: Authentic Italian Flavor & Coastal Hospitality in Wilton Manors | Opinion
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Wilton Manors has always been known for its vibrant spirit, inclusive community, and electric nightlife — and now, there’s a delicious new reason to gather in this welcoming neighborhood.
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TODAY: Plant Pot Pottery Customize and decorate your own plant pot at a fun Plant Pot Pottery Painting Workshop.
WEDS: Acrylic Pour Class Get ready to unleash your creativity, have some fun, and relax as you learn the art of acrylic pouring in this class suitable for all levels.
THURS: Comedy Show Enjoy some of the most hilarious stand-up acts that will keep you laughing all night long.
FRI: LikeMinded Arts
Where LikeMinded Creatives & Artistic Professionals come together under one roof to uplift the arts and build meaningful communities.
SAT: Throwback Drag Brunch Get ready to travel back in time and experience a fabulous Drag Brunch filled with nostalgia, glitz, and glamour.
SUN: iRest Yoga
iRest is a variation of Yoga Nidra, a deep relaxation meditation, that teaches self-care for healing and resolving symptoms of trauma/PTSD.
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Executive Assistant -- Fort Lauderdale
Broward County Board of County Commissioners are hiring an Executive Assistant to provide comprehensive administrative and operational support. $56,594.10 - $90,324.62 a year.
Procurement Agent -- Fort Lauderdale
City of Plantation is seeking a Procurement Agent to prepare technical specifications, contracts and solicitation documents, including all related research and value analysis, and more. $55,440.24 - $97,796.59 a year.
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Normstorm's anniversary sale is here and runs through Aug. 3. Sign up at normstorm.com for more information.
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Our mailing address is: The Islander |
PO Box 23817 • Oakland Park, FL 33307
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