The Longest Running Polynesian Show in the Nation

by Jeffrey Wien/ Centre Court Managzine

Mai KaiThe Longest Running Polynesian show is right here in Lauderdale...

The Mai- Kai Restaurant has been a landmark here in Fort Lauderdale for decades now. If you haven't had the chance to check it out, you have got see this! From the moment you step through the front door, you are transported to another place all together. The Mai- Kai authentically recreates a Polynesian Village with tiki torches, tropical gardens, flowers, huge tiki sculptures, lagoons, and waterfalls. It is hard to believe just how amazing the decor of this restaurant is until you actually see it for yourself, and the overall size of The Mai- Kai is also fascinating- the place can sit almost 1000! What started out as 4 dining rooms in the mid 1950s, has multiplied to 8 dining rooms. The attention to detail throughout this restaurant is meticulous- with original works of art from all over the world throughout. I was astonished by how clean the entire place was- inside and out. Not a speck of dust in sight, and all of the gardens are manicured to perfection.

We started off in the Molokai Bar. The light sound of Polynesian music fills the air. The bar is filled with intraquite works of art, and the entire lounge is created as if you were in the interior of a giant ship. The windows are streaming with water to give you the feel as if you are underwater, which makes for a very relaxing atmosphere. Their tropical drink menu has over 50 selections, and each one is almost like an exotic work of art- they just don't make such elaborate tropical concoctions like this anymore. The bartenders are mostly female, they are all attractive and outfitted in traditional dress- their bright smiles illuminate the room. Their liquor of choice at Mai -Kai is of course rum, and they are known for their Barrel-O-Rum, which comes in an exact replica of a wooden barrel; and The Mystery Drink which serves three. The Mai-Kai is home to the largest selection of Rum that I will ever see-over 100. After finishing our cocktails at the Molokai Bar (a place where I will now frequent regularly), we sat down for dinner and the floor show in the main dining room known as "The Garden," which is the ideal spot to see the Polynesian floor show. The servers are dressed in Hawaiian shirts, and the Captains are dressed in white jackets- everyone looked crisp and clean.

The menu at the Mai-Kai is extensive, and it includes cuisines from all over Asia. One of their signature dishes is The Roast Duck Mai Kai, which is cooked to perfection in a wood-fired oven. My brother and I chose the Filet Mignon Madagascar, which is a 20 oz. filet, and serves two. This was without a doubt the best steak I have had in years. It was served with mushrooms and broccoli - the vegetables of the day. We finished the meal with some coconut ice cream, and relaxed to watch the main event- the Polynesian floor show.

The drums filled the room, the lights went dim, and beautiful Polynesian women, and strong Polynesian men took the stage. The dance routines were complex, and the hand-sewn outfits were detailed and authentic. The entire show is brand new- from choreography to the costumes. With warriors, flaming torches, and beautiful Polynesian women dancing about the stage, you can't help but be entertained. The numerous acts take you through various cultures from around the world, and the calming New Zealand accent of the female narrator was calming and flawless.

Mai KaiOverall, we couldn't be more pleased with The Mai-Kai. The food was phenomenal, and the service was impeccable. It has been a while since servers were on their game as they were at The Mai-Kai. Whether you are on vacation, or if you are a local; this is a great place to eat, drink, and relax. Be sure to check out the gift shop, where you can buy many cool Mai-Kai souvenirs such as their tropical drink glasses. They have a great Happy Hour from 5-7 Tuesday-Sunday, where you can enjoy half priced drinks and appetizers. The Mai-Kai can host just about any size occasion. We would like to send a very special thank you to Pia Dahlquist, the Sales & Marketing Director for The Mai-Kai- her warmth and hospitality was greatly appreciated. The Mai-Kai is located at 3599 N. Federal Hwy in Fort Lauderdale (954)563-3272.

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If you have any questions for Jeffrey Wien, feel free to email him directly at jeffrey.wien@centrecourtmagazine.com.

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