I will be back to try different items on the menu. You order at the counter and pay. This is a small place with only 8 tables (or so). After a report on the Mai-Kais progress surfaced this week, longtime fans of the Polynesian time capsule took to social media on Friday to share the restaurants rumored opening month June but thats far too soon, Fuller says. 12 reviews . While we take steps to minimize risk and safely handle the foods that contain potential allergens, please be advised that cross contamination may occur, as factors beyond our reasonable control may alter the formulations of the food we serve, or manufacturers may change their formulations without our knowledge. Kai Restaurant is a Forbes Travel Guide 5-star restaurant in Chandler, Arizona. (NO DATE GIVEN) Interior of the Mai-Kai Restaurant and lounge. Rhonda Vanover/South Florida Sun Sentinel. Plan your escape now! Mai-Kai Restaurant - Fort Lauderdale, Florida - Gastro Obscura If you are not a garlic fan then this did is not for you. I also loved the Thai green milk tea. With this package at the Mai Kai, you will enjoy an excellent 3-course meal prepared by expert chefs. Enjoy a world famous Polynesian revue, and a delicious 3-course meal. The food is to die for. (front) Six-year-old Kalua Te'o dances with other children who have learned different forms of Polynesian dances at the Mai-Kai Restaurant in Oakland Park Sunday night, June 6, 1999. Dancers perform at the Mai-Kai restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Enjoy our award winning menu without the show in our secluded dining rooms of Tahiti, Samoa and Lanai overlooking lagoons and waterfalls. Building contractors say the Mai-Kais entire roof must now be replaced, along with fixing support walls, demolishing and rebuilding its kitchen and replacing aging, flood-damaged equipment. We have done take out from here many times. Arizona. Its unclear how the Mai-Kais historical status the restaurant was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014 could affect the demolition of the restaurant. Other commenters painted an aging landmark in gradual decline, and expressed little surprise the Mai-Kai needed repairs. When you enter the Molokai Bar you will instantly be transported to a historical nautical vessel in the eye of a hurricane. No reservations. We ordered fried bulgogi, garlic noodles with shrimp, Jin-Ja Shrimp and Shimmy-Shimmy Beef and they were all cooked to order and delicious. Note: your question will be posted publicly on the Questions & Answers page. Best Happy Hour in South Florida with a delicious menu and all Umbrella drinks at 50% off cannot be beaten. Stroll by giant hand carved tiki sculptures standing guard over a dwindling walkway amidst flaming tiki torches, lush foliage, orchids, waterfalls and lagoons. They discovered that, when you work on renovations in one part of the 60-year-old building, you have to bring the entire building up to code, Berg says. My belly was so full and I regret that I didnt save room for dessert. The Mai . Phillip Valys is an entertainment reporter for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. Even worse, money from a flood insurance claim, filed in early November, will come woefully short of repair costs, Mattei said. Many of the items are cooked in authentic Chinese wood burning ovens. Rest assured, we are doing all we can to restore this beloved local institution our familys three-generation legacy to its former splendor and beyond. The Mai Kai Dinner Show package includes the cover charge (Regularly $10), a 3-course meal with an appetizer, entree, dessert, and tax (gratuity not included) The retail price is $50 and our online price is only $39.95. Staff if great and they prepared a takeout order for 12 people in lessthan 40 min.More. He was hand-picked by the Thornton family, which has owned the restaurant since brothers Bob and Jack Thornton founded the rummy, tropical hub on Federal Highway on Dec. 28, 1956. A burst water pipe destroyed the kitchen of Oakland Parks iconic Mai-Kai Restaurant in October, and costly repairs will force the 64-year-old Polynesian time capsule to stay closed up to a year if they can come up with the money. Since the Mai-Kai opened in 1956 the restaurant has received considerable acclaim including Best Dining Entertainment, Best Unique Dining Experience and recognized by Restaurants and Institutions as one of Americas Top 100 Independent Restaurants. Yes, Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show offers delivery. Were excited to bring back the Mai-Kai better than ever before and for you to be a special part of it! South Florida's Most Unique Dining Experience With Award-Winning Cuisine, email Other employees have gone on to other jobs.. . Brothers and tikiholics Bob and Jack Thornton opened the Mai-Kai on Dec. 26, 1956, on a then-desolate stretch of Federal Highway for $300,000, said to be the most expensive restaurant built that year. The 1987 Islanders Revue at Fort Lauderdale's Mai-Kai Polynesian restaurant on December 24, 1986. Love the garlic noodles with shrimp, chicken wings and dumplings. Since its opening it has almost doubled in size. Dancers perform at the Mai-Kai restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Since the Mai-Kai opened in 1956 the restaurant has received considerable acclaim including Best Dining Entertainment, Best Unique Dining Experience and recognized by Restaurants and Institutions as one of Americas Top 100 Independent Restaurants. . The Mai Kai dancers will be on hand to give out leis and dance. The wish is for the Mai-Kai to go back to what it was.. The restaurant has been surviving on private donations and sales from its online gift shop, the Mai-Kai Trading Post, which sells tiki mugs and other nostalgic swag. 2023 Kai Asian Street Fare. ''Bob'' Thornton and his brother, Jack, opened the Fort Lauderdale landmark in 1956 on what was a cow pasture bordering Federal Highway. Hulaween goers are pictured in their vehicles during the 12th annual Hulaween event and drive in movie at Mai Kai in Fort Lauderdale on Friday, October 30, 2020. | Site map Websites for Restaurants by Flavor Plate. Mai-Kai Restaurant, battling debt and damage, to stay closed Mai-Kai Restaurant: fabulous Polynesian show is the only good thing - See 1,556 traveler reviews, 779 candid photos, and great deals for Fort Lauderdale, FL, at Tripadvisor. ''Bob'' Thornton and his brother, Jack, opened the Fort Lauderdale landmark in 1956 on what was a cow pasture bordering Federal Highway. ''Bob'' Thornton and his brother, Jack, opened the Fort Lauderdale landmark in 1956 on what was a cow pasture bordering Federal Highway. A descendant of the Mai-Kais founders has always been involved, Bugarin says. Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show - Yelp Show at 11:30pm. (Back, from left) Pasefika, Toti, Lundy, Heitapu, Taafili; (Front row) Andree, Ruita, Tuai, Mireille. The Mai-Kai was created by Bob and Jack Thornton. When it closed Oct. 27 without explanation, Mai-Kai acolytes (and their detractors) sounded off with speculations on social media. Mai-Kai performers onstage during the traditional dinner show. Mai-Kai manager Kern Mattei gives a sneak peek of the renovations being done at Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show. Throughout the years the Mai-Kai has received considerable acclaim: Plan your escape now! Sunday 12:00 PM to 7:30 PM. The restaurant is mostly self-service: you place your order at the cashier and youget all the utensils and drinks for your meal at a service bar. KI in Plano, TX. The establishment inside is very cute and modern. Our diverse menu offers something for everyone. 7 Unique Restaurants In Florida - Only In Your State Delivery & Pickup Options - 154 reviews of Kai Japanese Cuisine "This spot used to be Tea Talk 2, which was pretty dead (that could be an understatement). Its aesthetic is muchlike it was at the height of tiki culture in the late 60s, so a visit to the Mai-Kai is like stepping into a fantasy of the past. Happy hour Tuesday Sunday from opening 7 pm. Is this a place where you buy ingredients to cook your own food? One of the performers during a fire dance routine at the Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show. A vegetarian menu and childrens menu is also available. Mai Tais and Navy Grog served up in one of the original tiki bars. Opening by June is definitely not true, Fuller says. Its not something you can just bulldoze away and put up some apartments, Berg says. The decor and magnitude of the place really sold it. Website. )More, Great hidden gem. The Naval ship USS Americas arrives at Port Everglades with 3,000 sailors. As such, people were surprised when, in 1956, brothers Bob and Jack Thornton took out a hefty loan to bring South Seas flair to South Florida in the form of the Mai-Kai Restaurant. and only flourished for a short time, possibly into the early 70s. The Mai-Kai restaurant on stage entertainment on December 21, 2006. In November of 2014 Mai-Kai was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Panama City Beach, Florida, United States. The Mai-Kai now has 60 days to file electrical and mechanical permits, the employee says. The event will resemble a tailgating party, with cars parked in every other space. Excellent and great tasting food. (I am not sure why people complain about the poor service since they don't claim to have any. I am definitely going to come back and try other items off the menu.More, This little mall restaurant has excellent Asian fusion food. South Florida's historic Polynesian-themed Mai-Kai restaurant will be making a comeback after flood damage forced its closure last year. Saturday: (3 shows)Dinner Reservations at 5:00pm. Tiare Thornton Bugarin, granddaughter of Mai-Kai co-founder Jack Thornton, said in a statement that any new buyer should revive the historic building with help from the Mai-Kais family. Specialties: South Floridas most unique dining experience with award winning cuisine. The brothers visited Don the Beachcombers in Chicago, as children, and even at that young age said they wanted to open a similar place. The Dinner Show offers great food with great service, and an excellent show, and a once in a lifetime experience! (NO DATE GIVEN)-- Probably late 1950s, of The Mai-Kai Restaurant, which opened on Dec. 28, 1956, by Bob and Jack Thornton at 3599 N. Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. He said the family-run restaurant is now seeking an angel investor who can give the Mai-Kai an infusion of capital for renovations. The Mai-Kai restaurant sign on February 7, 2003 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The only silver lining was it happened when we were closed and no one was hurt.. Well be announcing a reopening date once the renovation is complete. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for our latest specials! I will definitely be coming back to get my Asian fix!More, We had dinner here tonight. Get quick answers from Kai Asian Street Fare staff and past visitors. The Mai-Kai was established in 1956 and is known for it's Polynesian entertainment during dinner. Show at 7:30pm.Dinner Reservations at 8:30pm. Add visit. Drop in to hang out for a casual meal or take it to go. This is a developing story. Were pushing through a lot of the enhancements right now to create the right experience. Very quick and courteous service. The establishment inside is very cute and modern. Set sail for a Polynesian Paradise and leave your worries behind. A group of tourists enjoy the food and entertainment at Mai-Kai restaurant in Ft. Lauderdale on November 21, 2000. But its main attraction had been the nightly Polynesian shows in the dining room, where saronged women served pupu platters while a symphony of fire-breathing dancers performed onstage. We lean on our Vietnamese, Thai and other Asian influences to come up with flavorful dishes to satisfy all your cravings. The Mai Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Dinner Show is one of the most popular attractions in Fort Lauderdale, FL.For over 50 years, the Mai Kai has been well known for its excellent Polynesian Shows featuring beautiful maidens and agile warriors who perform native dances from the islands of the South Pacific including Hawaii, Samoa, and Tahiti. What food is included in the dinner and show? Winter Park Hotels with Laundry Facilities, Hotels near Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, Hotels near Albin Polasek Museum & Sculpture Gardens, Hotels near Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum, Hotels near Winter Park Historical Museum, Hotels near Hannibal Square Heritage Center, Hotels near (DAB) Daytona Beach Regional Airport, Hotels near (SFB) Orlando Sanford International Airport, Chinese Restaurants for Lunch in Winter Park, Italian Restaurants for Lunch in Winter Park, Restaurants for Group Dining in Winter Park, Restaurants for Special Occasions in Winter Park, Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in Winter Park. Mai Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Dinner Show in Fort Lauderdale Kitchen closes 15 minutes prior to posted closing time (but we'll happily take your order before then). No visit to Mai-Kai is complete without a tour of the gardens. The Excellent Mai Tai Restaurant. - Mai-Kai Restaurant - Tripadvisor No reservations. That intoxicating bubble of Polynesian culture, the Mai-Kai Restaurant, is closer to reopening after clearing its final permitting hurdles with the city of Oakland Park. Food was very fresh, delicious and portion large. Dancers perform the famous fire and knife dance at the Mai-Kai restaurant in Fort Lauderdale. Mireille Thornton, owner of Mai-Kai, teaches Polynesian dances preserving her native culture and heritage through generations of American-born children and grandchildren. I was impressed at the quality of food given the range of options that they offer. Mai-Kai Restaurant, 3599 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Eating ''Bob'' Thornton and his brother, Jack, opened the Fort Lauderdale landmark in 1956 on what was a cow pasture bordering Federal Highway. The city rejected it on Dec. 14 because the Mai-Kai first needed to file separate electrical and mechanical permits, an Oakland Park employee told the Sun Sentinel. The Mai-Kai Restaurant opened on Dec. 28, 1956, by Bob and Jack Thornton. The Mai-Kai Restaurant is on the National Register of Historic Places. I've been anticipating their opening for almost 2 months now, and Kai was well worth the wait. For a limited time, JetBlue is hosting a sweepstakes to reward three winners with a year of jet-setting. Only a few people know the actual recipes. The Mai-Kai restaurant sign on February 7, 2003 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. We had pork and shrimp wontons, chicken tacos, fish tacos and fantastic wings. Since its opening it has almost doubled in size. Improve this listing. This place is small, not unexpected though for the location. We also recommend that you take a walk around the Mai Kai gardens which features tikis, tropical foliage, and a scenic waterfall which is a fantastic picture opportunity. Dine-In/Takeout - Kai Asian Street Fare, Winter Park, FL lock loaded fries and on-fleek wontons are two of my favorites. (NO DATE GIVEN) Heitapu, one of the performers at the Mai-Kai Restaurant in Fort Lauderdale, FL. His team is also adding a new bar underneath the Mai-Kais historic porte-cochere. Mai-Kai Restaurant: The Excellent Mai Tai Restaurant. Found in a Winter Park shop Asian, Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean, Fusion, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. We're an indie restaurant with heart. TheMai Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Dinner Showis one of the most popular attractions in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Since the Mai-Kai opened in 1956 the restaurant has received considerable acclaim including Best Dining Entertainment, Best Unique Dining Experience and recognized by Restaurants and Institutions as one of Americas Top 100 Independent Restaurants. A tiki-enthusiast group calling itself the Fraternal Order of Moai, which used to host a monthly tiki-themed bingo at the Mai-Kai, has been fundraising for the restaurant. "The Ultimate Arizona-Inspired Fine Dining Tasting Menu in Metro Phoenix", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kai_Restaurant&oldid=1128863635, Buildings and structures in Phoenix, Arizona, Short description is different from Wikidata, Infobox mapframe without OSM relation ID on Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 4.0, This page was last edited on 22 December 2022, at 10:20. you can go just for the show as well. Oakland Park records show the Mai-Kai filed a permit to demolish its kitchen on Dec. 9, a job it estimates would cost nearly $28,000. Hampton Inn & Suites Ft. Lauderdale West-Sawgrass/Tamarac, FL. The show features native dancers from the Polynesian islands and it is an authentic Polynesian experience which includes dances and demonstrations from Tahiti, Samoa, Hawaii, and more. (NO DATE GIVEN) Drummer Toti Terorotua performing at the Mai-Kai Restaurant. Finally, theyre adding a new beverage station near the dining rooms new gift shop so the Mai-Kais staff have a dedicated space to mix the restaurants signature Mai Tais and other elixirs, recipes closely guarded by the Thornton family since 1956, he says. Mai-Kai employee Kern Mattei told the Sun Sentinel in December that the entire roof must be replaced, along with fixing support walls, demolishing and rebuilding the kitchen, and replacing aging, flood-damaged equipment. Official Kai's Thai Street Food and Bar | Seattle, WA | View and Order The word institution can get thrown around freely, but the Mai-Kai definitely is one. I could eat only half of mine. So treasured is the Mai-Kai that, in 2014, the restaurant was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which noted, The Mai-Kai reflects national broad patterns of entertainment that began in the 1920s and thrived in the mid-20th century.
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