The Mai Kai Restaurant
by Mark Andrew Thomas
Title
The Mai Kai Restaurant
Artist
Mark Andrew Thomas
Medium
Photograph - Digital
Description
THE MAI KAI RESTAURANT
A beautiful crescent moon sets over the historic Mai Kai Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The tiki torches out in front and the sound of distant drums from the Polynesian Islander Revue suddenly transports you to the islands...
The Mai Kai first opened it’s doors in 1956 and has been a familiar and popular landmark ever since. Adding to it’s charm is it’s retro Polynesian style which hasn't changed much since the 1960’s.
The Mai Kai Restaurant features a menu with Polynesian and Asian themes and is on the expensive side. A drink menu featuring cocktails inspired by the Pacific Rim and Polynesian Islands adds to the dining experience. Only the head mixologist knows the recipes and must sign a contract stating they will not give away that information. The food and drink menu has changed very little since 1956 although some items have been added.
The owner, Mireille Thornton, started as one of the original Polynesian dancers in the dinner shows in 1961. Eventually she went on to marry then owner Bob Thornton. Starting in the 70’s she became the choreographer and costume designer for the dinner shows as well as auditioning and casting the dancers.
One of the most popular attractions of the Mai Kai since 1962 is the nightly Polynesian Islander Revue which consists of dances, the Tahitian drum dance competition, and colorful hand made costumes. The show changes every year and Ms. Thornton, a native Polynesian, regularly visits the islands of Polynesia to get inspiration and come up with new ideas for the show.
The Mai Kai was one of the top grossing restaurants in the United States for many years and sold more rum during that time than any other establishment in Florida. The entire place transports you to another place and time with it’s tropical gardens, waterfalls, and tiki torches. The Mai Kai is one of the most unique dining experiences in the world and has been added to the National Registry of Historic Places.
Uploaded
July 29th, 2017
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