Author: Hurricane Hayward

A journalist and Florida resident for more than 40 years, Jim "Hurricane" Hayward shares his obsession with Polynesian Pop and other retro styles on his blog, The Atomic Grog. Jim's roots in mid-century and retro culture go back to his childhood in the 1960s, when he tagged along with his parents to Tiki restaurants and his father's custom car shows. His experience in newspaper journalism and more than 20 years as an independent concert promoter have given him a front-row seat in the South Florida scene since the 1970s. He promoted hundreds of rock, punk, and indie concerts under the Slammie Productions banner since the early 1990s. A graduate of the University of Florida's College of Journalism and Communications in 1983, Jim was a longtime editor and web producer for The Palm Beach Post before his retirement in 2022. He earned his nickname by virtue of both his dangerous exotic drinks and his longtime position overseeing tropical weather coverage in his stormy home state. Jim now spends his time mixing cocktails, attending events and writing stories for this blog, which launched in 2011. The Atomic Grog extensively covers events, music, art, cocktails, and culture with a retro slant.
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UPDATES: Latest news and full coverage of The Mai-Kai reopening in 2024

The Mai-Kai announces grand reopening, offers dinner show reservations starting Nov. 21

Updated Nov. 20, 2024
NOTE: This blog post will feature continually updated information from official sources at the historic Mai-Kai restaurant in South Florida. It will also include in-depth coverage and photos from journalist Jim “Hurricane” Hayward, along with information gathered from other reliable sources. Bookmark and return for the most accurate and complete guide to the opening of the Tiki landmark, est. 1956.

More Atomic Grog coverage
• Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening: Full story and photo archive
See also: Okole Maluna Society – The Mai-Kai Cocktail Guide

Official sites and social media
• MaiKai.com | Facebook page | Instagram
Facebook group: Join more than 19,000 Friends of The Mai-Kai
The Atomic Grog: AtomicGrog.com | Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter)

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UPDATED: The Mai-Kai announces grand reopening, offers dinner show reservations starting Nov. 22

Posted Nov. 20

If you thought the excitement over the special preview events underway at South Florida’s historic Mai-Kai this week were thrilling, you ain’t seen nothing yet. After opening the new Bora Bora Bar and vintage Molokai Lounge starting Nov. 15, the newly refurbished and reimagined restaurant will begin offering dinner seating for its acclaimed Polynesian Islander Revue starting Friday (Nov. 22) after a reopening ceremony on Thursday.

GO TO MAIKAI.COM NOW TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS!

The Moorea Room is one of many restored dining areas at the Mai-Kai. (Official photo)
The Moorea Room is one of many restored dining areas at the Mai-Kai. (Official photo)

Existing bar reservations that have been made through Sunday (Nov. 24) will be honored, but guests who want to see the dinner show will need to make a separate reservation via the link above. For the first time, the new online system enables you to select a specific table for the shows, offered multiple times every night. There is a per-person charge for the show, typically around $25.

The Mai-Kai sent an invitation to its email list subscribers that promotes three shows on Friday (5, 8 and 11 p.m.) and Saturday (4, 7 and 10 p.m.), with two on Sunday (4 and 7 p.m.). The restaurant will be closed Monday (Nov. 25). Normal operations will resume on Tuesday, Nov. 26, including walk-ups for happy hour. Check the booking link for available dates and times.
• Click here to see the announcement

The 45-minute performances offer “a glimpse into traditional Polynesian heritage through the use of authentic music, dance, original costumes and artifacts,” according to the official Mai-Kai announcement. “The team incorporated state-of-the-art tech, with DMX-controlled lighting, allowing customized spotlights for each individual table. Members of the troupe represent many islands in the South Pacific, including Hawaii, Tahiti, Samoa, New Zealand and the Philippines.”

The Polynesian Islander Revue is considered to be the oldest continually-running authentic South Seas stage show in the United States (including Hawaii), est. in 1962. The revue reflects the music and culture of each island by interpreting ancient stories through song and dance.

Members of the Mai-Kai's Polynesian Islander Revue band perform in the Molokai Bar during the reopening preview on Nov. 15. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
Members of the Mai-Kai’s Polynesian Islander Revue band perform in the Molokai Bar during the reopening preview on Nov. 15. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

The new cultural arts & entertainment director is Teuruhei Buchin, who has performed in Polynesian dance troupes since turning professional at age 11. She has assembled a team of 24 performers, including many with deep connections to the Mai-Kai and its history. The performers and show band, which includes longtime musician Conrad Teheiura Itchener, have been rehearsing since September and are primed for the opening.

The preview parties this week have included many of the performers, including fire-knife dancers, hula dancers, and band members. In addition to the hundreds of seats for the dinner shows, extensive bar seating will continue to be available. A daily happy hour in the bars includes 50 percent off most of the Mai-Kai’s famous cocktails from opening until 7 p.m. The current opening times are 4 p.m. weekdays and 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

The press release touts the bar’s “57 specialty drinks, a full-service bar and wine list.” Chief mixologist Cory Starr has reinvigorated the restaurant’s classic Tiki drinks while adding his own modern interpretations. Both classic and new custom-designed mugs will be available for purchase.

The new Bora Bora Bar outside the main entrance under the Mai-Kai's porte-cochère. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 17, 2024)
The new Bora Bora Bar outside the main entrance under the Mai-Kai’s porte-cochère. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 17, 2024)

The food menu has also been transformed by a new culinary team. It “draws inspiration from the bold flavors of Polynesia, showcasing tropical fruits and aromatic spices,” according the the release. “While showcasing vibrant new flavors, the menu pays homage to the original menu, with several signature dishes that have been beloved for over 50 years. Timeless signature items include the Pupu Platter, which offers an assortment of Mai-Kai favorites including Shanghai Chicken; Crispy Pork & Snow Crab Egg Roll; Classic Cheese Tangs & Mai-Kai Crab Rangoon. The BBQ Ribs; Peking Duck and Shanghai Chicken are also familiar favorites that have returned to the Polynesian-inspired menu. For dessert, guests can indulge in tropical fruit creations such as the Asian Pear Upside Down Cake, made with Vietnamese coffee ice cream and rum caramel sauce; the Mauna Loa Macadamia, made with nut pie; sweet cinnamon-vanilla filling and crushed macadamia nuts; as well as the Angry Tiki Tower, featuring an assortment of mochi, macadamia ice cream sandwiches, lychees and grapes.”

After dining, be sure to peruse the extensive gift shop, aka The Mai-Kai Trading Post. Here you will find not only Mai-Kai branded clothing and merchandise, but colorful new items by some of the Tiki scene’s top artists and craftspeople. Featuring an elaborate Asian theme that matches the award-winning women’s restroom, the trading post is located just behind the main showroom and now offers unique views of building’s vast A-frame and dining areas as well as a peek into the formerly secret back service bar.

A faux volcanic caldera is the centerpiece of the new entryway guests encounter as they arrive at the Mai-Kai. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 15, 2024)
A faux volcanic caldera is the centerpiece of the new entryway guests encounter as they arrive at the Mai-Kai. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 15, 2024)

Regarding the ambitious restoration, the press release states:

At the time of its original construction in the early 1950’s, the Mai-Kai cost $350,000, and it was considered to be the most expensive restaurant construction project ever in the United States. The current $20+ million improvement of the 2.7-acre property designed by Kravit Architectural Associates protects the original old charm of the Mai-Kai while modernizing the experience. In the updated Mai-Kai, as guests exit their cars, they will feel as if they are stepping onto an island shore, a sandy beach and then a lava-rock slab, thanks to the stamped and etched concrete design elements used by Perry-Becker Design. The restaurant’s interior design was brought to life with the expertise of “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller and a talented team of artisans.

PAST COVERAGE: The Atomic Grog exclusive news, photos of the refurbishment

This was all made possible by the founding Thornton family’s September 2021 sale of a controlling interest in the Mai-Kai to a new ownership team led by historic preservationist Bill Fuller of the Miami-based Barlington Group. Another company co-owned by Fuller, Mad Room Hospitality, is handling the operations.

The new owner talked about the significance of the historic property in the press release:

“The Mai-Kai’s legacy is iconic. I remember visiting the Mai-Kai as a child, teen and adult, each time more memorable than the last. Partnering with the Thornton family on the restoration of the Mai-Kai isn’t just business for me, it’s a passion. I’m here to honor the family’s hard work preparing the Mai-Kai for the next generation of guests. The brand they’ve built will have a bright future and continue to develop, 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,” says Bill Fuller, managing partner of the Mai-Kai.

MORE NEWS AND INFO TO COME!

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The Mai-Kai is hosting preview of bars in advance of grand reopening

Updated Nov. 19

The Mai-Kai is presenting a series of special invitation-only preview events in the historic Molokai Bar and new Bora Bora Bar beginning Friday, Nov. 15. An invitation went out via email with the subject “Exclusive Invitation for Our Friends and Family: Reopening Week at The MAI-KAI!” If offers reservations to the special events though Nov. 24.

The Mai-Kai’s director of operations, Darius Green, posted an official announcement on the popular Friends of The Mai-Kai group on Facebook. As the opening approaches, new members have joined the group at a frantic pace. As of this writing, membership is 16,640 and growing by the hour.

The Mai-Kai's exclusive preview events will allow guests access to the new Bora Bora Bar. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 13, 2024)
The Mai-Kai’s exclusive preview events will allow guests access to the new Bora Bora Bar. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 13, 2024)

Following is the complete statement from Green, who joined The Mai-Kai team from Mad Room Hospitality, the restaurant operations group co-owned by new Mai-Kai managing partner Bill Fuller, a Miami-based historic preservationist.

Aloha, Friends of the MAI-KAI!

We’re excited to announce the PREVIEW OPENING of our newly reimagined Bora Bora and Molokai bars today! This exclusive event is invite-only and reservations are required.

Please do not arrive without a reservation.

Invitations will be sent to select groups within the hour. Seating is limited, and we appreciate your understanding as we ensure a memorable experience for all.

If you’re on our mailing list but don’t receive an invite today, don’t worry! Additional invitations will be released over the next day or two, and reservations for the general public will follow soon after.

Mahalo for your patience and excitement – we can’t wait to welcome you!

The new Bora Bora Bar under The Mai-Kai porte-cochère features bar and table seating. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 13, 2024)
The new Bora Bora Bar under The Mai-Kai porte-cochère features bar and table seating. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 13, 2024)

It’s not yet known if the full public opening will come immediately after the preview events. Reservations are not yet available for dinner seating and the Polynesian Islander Revue, the oldest continually-running authentic South Seas stage show in the United States, including Hawaii.

Guests at the preview events may notice work ongoing on some of the outdoor areas of the restaurant, such as the water and rock features that span the vast frontage along Federal Highway. The back Tiki garden is also still under renovation and won’t be accessible during the private parties along with the dining rooms. The gift shop is also not operating yet..

Multiple permits still need to be approved before a full-scale opening can be announced. But, as Green noted in his announcement, that is expected to happen soon. Sign up at MaiKai.com to be alerted when reservations are available.

The Mai-Kai's new cocktail menu features classics including the Samoan Grog as well as new offerings such as the Tahitian Drum (mug by artist Joe Vitale and Tiki Farm). (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 13, 2024)
The Mai-Kai’s new cocktail menu features classics including the Samoan Grog as well as new offerings such as the Tahitian Drum (mug by artist Joe Vitale and Tiki Farm). (Photos by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 13, 2024)

In the meantime, these private openings will give the staff of 200+ servers, bartenders, cooks and others an opportunity to get real-time practice in anticipation of the many loyal guests who have been without The Mai-Kai since the October 2020 closing.

Those attending the preview openings will be able to enjoy the full cocktail menu, which includes most the classic drinks – many dating back to the 1956 opening. There’s also a section of 12 new tropical drinks created by beverage director Cory Starr. While all of the classics feature rum, many of the new cocktails are designed for fans of other spirits – namely tequila, bourbon, and vodka.

Also expect a menu of dishes that have been under development by The Mai-Kai’s chef and culinary team for more than two months. Many of these new items take traditional faux Polyesian and Asian cuisine in new, modern directions. As always, the new food pairs perfectly with the cocktails and immersive atmosphere.

Live entertainment is also being provided by musicans and performers from the Polynesian Islander Revue. Happy hour runs from opening (4 p.m. weekdays, 3 p.m Saturday-Sunday) until 7 p.m.
• If you receive an invitation, click here here for some answers to common questions.

Continue reading “UPDATES: Latest news and full coverage of The Mai-Kai reopening in 2024”

Minimalist Tiki
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The Mai-Kai welcomes Cory Starr as new chief mixologist in advance of grand reopening

The Mai-Kai welcomes Cory Starr as new chief mixologist in advance of grand reopening

Updated Nov. 4, 2024

The revered cocktail program at The Mai-Kai is in experienced and enthusiastic hands as the historic restaurant prepares for its grand reopening in November. The new beverage director and head bartender is Cory Starr, most recently general manager and beverage director at the acclaimed Tiki Tatsu-Ya in Austin, and before that a key member of the team at Three Dots and a Dash in Chicago.

Cory Starr, The Mai-Kai's new beverage director and head bartender, in the restored Molokai Bar in October 2024. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
Cory Starr, The Mai-Kai’s new beverage director and head bartender, in the restored Molokai Bar in October 2024. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

UPDATE: Catch Starr at Miami Rum Festival seminar
Jump to more below
• Take 5: Q&A with Cory Starr
• Bonus cocktail recipe: One Way Ticket

While Starr is used to creating unique offerings at his previous gigs, he’s equally excited about the challenge that lies ahead. “I feel a great responsibility for maintaining the standards of the past,” he said in an interview with The Atomic Grog just after his arrival.

Starr worked at Tiki Tatsu-Ya from 2019 until September 2023, creating the cocktail program from the ground-up before the spectacularly immersive restaurant opened in September 2021. Prior to that, he bartended at the Spirited Award-winning Three Dots and a Dash from 2015 to 2019, often joining beverage director Kevin Beary at events across the country.

The Arizona native cut his teeth as a tropical bartender at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai on Hawaii’s Kona Coast from 2011 to 2015. Starr was also invited to compete twice (2018 and 2019) in the prestigious Don the Beachcomber Mai Tai Festival at the Royal Kona Resort (finishing second and third). His time in Hawaii cemented is love for Tiki culture and launched him on a trajectory that has taken him to one of the most legendary Polynesian restaurants of the mid-20th century.

Cory Starr behind the bar at Tiki Tatsu-Ya in Austin, September 2023. (Photo: RaeAnn Serra / Starchefs.com)
Cory Starr behind the bar at Tiki Tatsu-Ya in Austin, September 2023. (Photo: RaeAnn Serra / Starchefs.com)

More Atomic Grog coverage
UPDATES: Latest news and exclusive coverage of The Mai-Kai reopening in 2024
Mai-Kai Restoration & Reopening: Full story and photo archive

At 40, Starr brings to The Mai-Kai a youthful energy, but also vast experience with high-level and high-volume cocktail programs. This will all serve him well in re-establishing the storied bar program begun by Don the Beachcomber alum Mariano Licudine in 1956. Most of the restaurant’s historic cocktails remain the same as they were when the “Houdini of the Liquids” retired in 1979.

“Stepping into this role is unlike anything I have done before,” Starr said. “While Tiki cocktails have so much history tied to them already, The Mai Kai drinks are legendary and my job here is more preserving history and bridging the gap from The Mai Kai that we all adore to the new era of The Mai Kai.”

Continue reading “The Mai-Kai welcomes Cory Starr as new chief mixologist in advance of grand reopening”

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UPDATE: 15th Miami Rum Renaissance Festival features tastings of elite brands, Mai-Kai seminar, plus more

15th Miami Rum Renaissance Festival features tastings of elite brands, Mai-Kai seminar, plus more

Updated Nov. 18, 2024

As November approaches and most of the country starts to buckle down for the winter, South Florida’s thoughts turn to … RUM, of course. More specifically, the Miami Rum Festival in Coral Gables, which celebrates the world’s most diverse spirit with three days of seminars and tasting events that target everyone from newbies to high-end enthusiasts, to industry professionals.

Miami Rum Renaissance Festival

Nov. 9-11 – Miami Rum Renaissance Festival at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club and Marriott Courtyard Coral Gables. Educational seminars on Saturday, grand tasting on Sunday, trade day on Monday.
See below: Seminars | Grand tastings | Tickets, venue info
• After party at Tiki speakeasy
NEW: Social media recaps
2023 recap: Photos and highlights of last year’s event
Upcoming: Rum events calendar

It’s not surprising that with its year-round tropical weather and proximity to the Caribbean, the Sunshine State is the fastest growing premium rum market in the United States. The Florida Rum Society is one of the largest and most active social groups dedicated to cane spirits. In 2024, we have been blessed with a plethora of events, from Miami Beach to Key West to Tampa.

But the Miami Rum Renaissance Festival is the grand daddy of them all in the hottest of the rum hotbeds, launched in 2009 by longtime rum collectors and enthusiasts Robin and Robert Burr, author of Rob’s Rum Guide. This year’s gathering will be fifth at the historic Coral Gables Woman’s Club and the 15th overall.

Rum giant Bacardi, which has its American headquarters in Miami, regularly sends representatives to the Miami Rum Festival. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 12, 2023)
Rum giant Bacardi, which has its American headquarters in Miami, regularly sends representatives to the Miami Rum Festival. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Nov. 12, 2023)

“South Florida is the number one rum market in the world and its only fitting that we present Miami Rum Fest as the best rum tasting program in the United States once a year in this location,” Robert Burr is quoted as saying. “Its also a chance for the international rum community to come together, from the islands of the Caribbean and the Americas to Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and beyond.”

The participating brands are carefully curated by the Burrs, reflecting both their interests in the global variety but also boutique and local producers who may not yet be major players. The website lists 68 different brands, and you can expect most to bring multiple expressions of their rum to the grand tasting, set for 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 10. If you buy a VIP ticket, you get early entry at 12:30.

If you want to dive deeper into the history and techniques used to create today’s finest rums, be sure to check out the seminars on Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Marriott. One ticket allows you access to all three, including Tiki Evolution: The Historic Rums and Iconic Cocktails of The Mai-Kai, which I’ll have the pleasure of presenting along with Kern Mattei and Cory Starr, the longtime manager and new beverage director at the Fort Lauderdale restaurant (est. 1956).

While I’ve attended and covered the festival for the blog nearly every year (see links below), this will be The Atomic Grog’s first seminar and our first time participating since the memorable Zombie Jamboree cocktail competition hosted by Jeff “Beachbum” Berry in 2011. We hope to see you there!

Robert and Robin Burr (center) with their staff at the 2019 Rum Renaissance Festival. (Photo by Miles Maximillian Vrahimis)
Robert and Robin Burr (center) with their staff at the 2019 Rum Renaissance Festival. (Photo by Miles Maximillian Vrahimis)

Following is a rundown on what you can expect at the 2024 festival.

Saturday’s seminars

The Miami Rum Festival has always offered a wide array of seminars and expert master classes for its participants. In recent years, these educational opportunities have been held on the event’s first day at the Marriott Courtyard Coral Gables, less than a mile from the tasting venue at the Coral Gables Woman’s Club.

That’s not to say the seminars don’t involve tasting rums. To the contrary, many of the intimate events have featured numerous samples of rare and exclusive spirits. The all-inclusive ticket ($79) also includes food and refreshments served during the breaks between seminars. Seating is limited, so advance reservations are encouraged. Get your seminar ticket now.

Continue reading “UPDATE: 15th Miami Rum Renaissance Festival features tastings of elite brands, Mai-Kai seminar, plus more”

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Mai-Kai reopening announcement imminent as $15M restoration project speeds toward conclusion (September 2024 update)

The epic and arduous adventure to restore and reopen South Florida’s historic Mai-Kai restaurant is nearing its thrilling conclusion. And like many great adventure stories, it has fans on the edge of their seats and chomping at the bit to fast-forward to the finale.

Happily, the end of this South Seas tale is just the beginning. When the beloved Polynesian palace reopens this fall after more than $15 million was poured into a highly detailed and spectacularly imagined renovation project, a new adventure will begin. One that the new owners of the 67-year-old property just outside Fort Lauderdale believe will transport guests for generations to come.

RELATED: Past coverage of The Mai-Kai refurbishment

A view of The Mai-Kai from Federal Highway on Sept. 24. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
A view of The Mai-Kai from Federal Highway on Sept. 24. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

IMPORTANT NOTE: The Atomic Grog has agreed with Mai-Kai ownership and management to keep our reporting of details and photos to a minimum as excitement builds toward the grand reopening this fall. Be assured, there is a lot of amazing work being done during this homestretch. For our patience, we will all be rewarded by a spectacular sight when all is revealed in the coming weeks.

With the four-year anniversary of the October 2020 closing looming, all hands are on deck to meet the mandate of the fall reopening touted on the official website, MaiKai.com. We urge you to monitor the site for updates and sign up for the email list to be notified when reservations are available. You can also look for news on the official social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.

In a sign that the finish line is near, the architects leading the project said in a social media post that the firm is “eagerly awaiting the grand reopening.” According to Kravit Architectural Associates of Boca Raton: “The perfect blend of Polynesian charm and modern sophistication is almost here. From the iconic entrance to the revamped Molokai Bar, every detail has been meticulously restored to honor its rich history while introducing a fresh, welcoming atmosphere.”

An immense amount of work was completed in September, including the hiring of staff and beginning of training inside the newly built kitchen and back-of-house bars. The old kitchen, which dates back to the early 1970s when that structure was added to the rear of the vintage 1956 A-frame and guest areas, was lost when a massive storm and malfunctioning sprinkler system led to an extensive collapse of the flat roof.

Continue reading “Mai-Kai reopening announcement imminent as $15M restoration project speeds toward conclusion (September 2024 update)”

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PHOTOS, REVIEW: Trader Vic’s blends pre-Tiki vibe with contemporary cocktails at new Bamboo Room in South Beach

Trader Vic's blends pre-Tiki vibe with contemporary cocktails at new Bamboo Room in South Beach

It took 90 years for Trader Vic’s to make it to trendy South Beach, but the new Bamboo Room concept could be the right bar in the right place at the right time.

See more below
• The space | The cocktails | Updated menu, more
Exclusive: Q&A with Trader Vic’s CEO Rhett Rosen
Bonus cocktail recipe: Suffering Bastard

With a capacity of 50, Bamboo Room by Trader Vic's is a small and elegant space that blends in perfectly with the Esmé Hotel and glamorous South Beach. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Sept. 15, 2024)
With a capacity of 50, Bamboo Room by Trader Vic’s is a small and elegant space that blends in perfectly with the Esmé Hotel and glamorous South Beach. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Sept. 15, 2024)

Tucked into the newly renovated 1920s era Esmé Hotel Miami Beach, the speakeasy-style craft cocktail bar is stylistically a throwback to the pre-Tiki, post-Prohibition early days of founder Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron.

In fact, the Bamboo Room by Trader Vic’s, as it’s officially known, is a callback to a tropical space inside Bergeron’s original Hinky Dinks restaurant in Oakland, Calif., circa 1934. Soon after, the Trader Vic’s brand took the world by storm as a dynamic Polynesian restaurant and bar concept, expanding globally as interest in South Seas exoticism dominated the pop culture consciousness in the mid 20th century.

Trader Vic’s Hospitality Group remains a venerable force worldwide with 25 locations in 11 countries. To augment the flagship brand, new concepts are positioned to expand the Trader Vic’s name into previously untapped markets and remain relevant in the 21st century.

PREVIEW: Trader Vic’s launches new Bamboo Room concept in South Beach

A bartender pours an inventive new cocktail (The Park Lane) while a Latin jazz band performs in the intimate Bamboo Room by Trader Vic's on Sept. 15. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)
A bartender pours an inventive new cocktail (The Park Lane) while a Latin jazz band performs in the intimate Bamboo Room by Trader Vic’s on Sept. 15. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)

In making upscale South Beach the first location of the new Bamboo Room concept, the hospitality group is returning to its roots as a luxury brand. This is a far cry from the previous branded bar and restaurant in Florida, the middle-of-the-road Trader Vic’s Island Bar & Grille in Sarasota (2010-2013).

Opening with a menu of just seven cocktails priced at $20-$25 would be risky just about anywhere else. But in one of the world’s top hospitality markets, it’s more like a Bam Adebayo slam dunk. One of the Miami Heat star’s predecessors, Chris Bosh, owned a lavish mansion just up the road that sold for a cool $38.5 million in 2022.

Let’s just hope potential guests have the willingness to seek it out, then appreciate the craft and care that went into both the space and its inventive cocktails. I will recommend it to anyone who lives in the area or visits for any reason, such as a show or event at the nearby Miami Beach Convention Center and Fillmore Miami Beach Theater.

Look for the small sign next to the entrance to Bamboo Room by Trader Vic's inside the Esmé Hotel Miami Beach. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Sept. 15, 2024)
Look for the small sign next to the entrance to Bamboo Room by Trader Vic’s inside the Esmé Hotel Miami Beach. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Sept. 15, 2024)

Following is a full recap of my visit at the end of the opening weekend on Sunday, Sept. 15. As I sampled my way through the menu, I was privileged to meet and talk with two Trader Vic’s Hospitality Group executives who were in town for the opening. This story includes insights from both CEO Rhett Rosen and vice president of operations Raquel Rodriguez.

Beyond the Bamboo Room, I gained a new understanding of the Trader Vic’s brand, including exclusive details on an upcoming location planned for Hawaii, the first ever 100% company-approved outpost in the South Pacific. Also featured below is a Q&A with Rosen just before the opening.

Bamboo Room by Trader Vic’s – 1438 Washington Ave. in the Esmé Hotel Miami Beach, (305) 809-8050. Open seven days from 5:30 p.m.
• BambooRoomMia.com | Instagram | Esméhotel.com
• TraderVics.com | Instagram | Facebook

The space: From 1920s gambling den to exotic cocktail lair

The entrance to the Esmé Hotel Miami Beach on Washington Avenue. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Sept. 15, 2024)
The entrance to the Esmé Hotel Miami Beach on Washington Avenue. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Sept. 15, 2024)

Esmé is a luxury boutique hotel in the heart of South Beach at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Espanola Way (see map), a historic former artist colony that dates back to 1925. The cluster of buildings was transformed into a hotel in 2021 after a $40 million renovation by Infinity Hospitality Group. It quickly became a stylish destination listed in the Michelin Guide.

The hotel offers valet parking, or you can find multiple public garages within a short walking distance. I found a reasonable rate at a garage on 16th Street, a 5-minute walk away. Your GPS or rideshare may drop you off at the hotel’s valet stand and understated entry facade, where there is no mention of bars or restaurants within, but don’t fret.

Simply enter the lobby area and take in the neo-Spanish-Mediterranean vibe as you proceed along the red carpet through this small building and the double doors at the end of the hall. This will lead you into a quaint outdoor courtyard and building painted with striking green and white stripes. That’s your destination, as the small green sign near the door will confirm.

Continue reading “PHOTOS, REVIEW: Trader Vic’s blends pre-Tiki vibe with contemporary cocktails at new Bamboo Room in South Beach”

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PREVIEW: Trader Vic’s launches new Bamboo Room concept in South Beach

Trader Vic's launches new Bamboo Room concept in South Beach

The venerable Trader Vic’s brand is returning to Florida for the first time in more than a decade with a new concept that promises an intimate and sophisticated cocktail experience. Bamboo Room by Trader Vic’s opens Friday (Sept. 13) in a luxury boutique hotel in South Beach.

PHOTOS, REVIEW: Trader Vic’s blends pre-Tiki vibe with contemporary cocktails at new Bamboo Room in South Beach

Bamboo Room by Trader Vic's

Billed as a “lush, tranquil oasis” that “embraces the essence of escapism and indulgence,” the 1,000-square-foot, 50-seat bar in the Esmé Miami Beach Hotel will be a far different animal than the last Trader Vic’s concept in Florida. Trader Vic’s Island Bar & Grille, located in an old R.J. Gator’s restaurant space in Sarasota, closed in 2013 after 3 1/2 years in business.

“We’ve long dreamed of bringing the Bamboo Room to life, and when the opportunity arose to partner with the Esmé Miami Beach Hotel, we knew it was the perfect match,” Rhett Rosen, CEO of Trader Vic’s Hospitality Group, was quoted as saying. “With the rich history of both our brands, this collaboration offers a unique experience that we’re thrilled to share with the Miami community.”

Rosen is no stranger to the Sunshine State. He’s a Florida native who earned a degree in marketing and business administration from the University of Central Florida. He received a doctorate from the Shepard Broad Law Center at Nova Southeastern University in Davie, not far from the new Bamboo Room.

Bamboo Room by Trader Vic's is an intimate space in the Esmé Miami Beach Hotel. (Official photo)
Bamboo Room by Trader Vic’s is an intimate space in the Esmé Miami Beach Hotel. (Official photo)

The Bamboo Room is one of several new concepts listed on the Trader Vic’s Hospitality Group website. The pioneering Polynesian restaurant chain, founded by Victor “Trader Vic” Bergeron in California in 1934, recently celebrated its 90th anniversary with a weekend of events at its flagship location in Emeryville, Calif., (open since 1972).

The hospitality group, formerly known as Trader Vic’s Worldwide, has for decades sought to expand the scope of its offerings beyond the traditional Tiki-centric restaurants by touting its “fusion flavors, tropical vibes, and Mai Tais.”

Bergeron famously created the iconic cocktail in 1944, and the “Trader Vic’s Original Mai Tai” remains a signature at most of the locations around the world. Successful expansion has recently been limited mainly to the Middle East.

With the Bamboo Room concept, Trader Vic’s appears to be embracing a more streamlined approach, similar to how Don the Beachcomber plans to roll out smaller Gantt Reserve Collection bars. Seeking an insider’s view, we sought out one of the Tiki scene’s foremost experts on Trader Vic’s (and the Mai Tai).

Bamboo Room promo photos featured on the Trader Vic's Hospitality Group website.
Bamboo Room promo photos featured on the Trader Vic’s Hospitality Group website.

Continue reading “PREVIEW: Trader Vic’s launches new Bamboo Room concept in South Beach”

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Mai-Kai landscaping transformed as hiring begins for fall reopening (August 2024 update)

Mai-Kai landscaping transformed as hiring begins for fall reopening (August 2024 update)

Clearly visible signs of a looming reopening of The Mai-Kai have emerged as the beloved South Florida Polynesian restaurant nears the four-year mark of its closing due to severe roof damage. Dozens of workers and heavy equipment can be seen toiling daily on the massive project to reimagine the entryway and parking lot. Meanwhile, “now hiring” ads appeared on social media for the first time during August.

A new fence featuring carved poles by artist Tom Fowner (left) wraps around the east and south sides of The Mai-Kai's outdoor garden. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Aug. 23, 2024)
A new fence featuring carved poles by artist Tom Fowner (left) wraps around the east and south sides of The Mai-Kai’s outdoor garden. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward / Aug. 23, 2024)

Recent Mai-Kai coverage
• Parking lot reimagination accelerates as owner targets fall reopening (June-July 2024)
Story archive: Full coverage of The Mai-Kai refurbishment

The outdoor work across the 2.7-acre property was the highlight of the month. It’s the final major project to be completed as part of a $15 million restoration led by preservationist Bill Fuller and his new ownership group. Miami-based Barlington Group also owns Little Havana’s equally historic Ball & Chain, which first opened in 1935.

Opened in 1956 by brothers Bob and Jack Thornton, The Mai-Kai was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2014. The family and key employees remain involved in the operation, which will be run by another company co-founded by Fuller, Mad Room Hospitality.

Another visible confirmation of the expected fall reopening can be seen on the updated official MaiKai.com website, which touts the “grand reopening” in the fall and includes a link to sign up to be notified when reservations are available.

The Mai-Kai website

This story will cover the highlights of August, including photos of the progress both in front and behind the property. The outdoor areas were redesigned by landscape architecture and thematic design firm Perry-Becker Design. The Orlando-based architects are responsible for many high-profile projects at resorts, theme parks and zoos, including Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Jump to more below
• Hiring begins for kitchen and bar staff
• Landscaping, reimagined exterior taking shape
• Building permits now extend into November

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Hiring begins for kitchen and bar staff

There was much excitement when “now hiring” ads appeared on The Mai-Kai’s social media accounts on Aug. 20 after months of inactivity. The posts were hailed as the light at the end of the tunnel. Or, more appropriately, the flaming fire-knife dancer at the end of the tsunami.

Legendary mixologist Mariano Licudine was featured in an online ad seeking bartenders.
Legendary mixologist Mariano Licudine was featured in an online ad seeking bartenders.

The four separate images, posted on the official Instagram and Facebook pages, include an email address to send resumes for potential bartenders, line cooks, performers and Molokai Girls. The requirements for performers in the Polynesian Islander Revue (dancers, musicians and master of ceremonies) are very specific, so be sure to check that ad before applying.

The start of the hiring process is no doubt a good sign. Typically, new restaurants begin staffing around six to eight weeks before opening. That would put a potential Mai-Kai reopening date squarely in the mid- to late October timeframe, which lines up with previous estimates.

Continue reading “Mai-Kai landscaping transformed as hiring begins for fall reopening (August 2024 update)”

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Mai-Kai restoration update: Parking lot reimagination accelerates as owner targets fall reopening (June-July 2024)

Mai-Kai restoration update: Parking lot reimagination begins as owner targets fall reopening (June-July 2024)

In the wake of a headline-grabbing sneak preview of the immaculately restored interior in June, South Florida’s historic Mai-Kai restaurant finally kicked off an ambitious reimagination of its sprawling 2.7-acre property in July.

“There’s a lot of digging out there,” manager Kern Mattei said in July as work moved along at a rapid pace just outside the doors.

Work is progressing in the front and rear of The Mai-Kai. On July 22, a new wooden "bridge" was being installed in the front entrance along Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. By Aug. 3, the back areas of the 220-space parking lot received a first coast of asphalt. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, Kern Mattei)
Work is progressing in the front and rear of The Mai-Kai. On July 22, a new wooden “bridge” was being installed in the front entrance along Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. By Aug. 3, the back areas of the 220-space parking lot received a first coast of asphalt. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward, Kern Mattei)

The continuing efforts restoring the guest areas and rebuilding the back-of-house remain free from prying eyes. But the spectacular transformation of the entryway, porte-cochère, and parking lot is on full display to passersby on Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. The busy thoroughfare borders the small city of Oakland Park, which recently gave the green light to the final design projects that will turn the somewhat utilitarian driveway into an elaborately themed environment worthy of any theme park.

Jump to more below
• Latest news on work inside, outside The Mai-Kai
• Anticipation builds with exclusive tours, media coverage
• Permits point to work concluding in October

A satellite view of The Mai-Kai, before work began in the parking lot. (Google Maps)
A satellite view of The Mai-Kai, before work began in the parking lot. (Google Maps)
An artist's rendering of the new driveway and arrival experience at The Mai-Kai provided by Orlando's Perry-Becker Design, August 2024. (Click for larger image)
An artist’s rendering of the new driveway and arrival experience at The Mai-Kai provided by Orlando’s Perry-Becker Design, August 2024. (Click for larger image)

The project is under the direction of Perry-Becker Design, an Orlando-based landscape architecture and thematic design firm. Perry-Becker’s credits include the recent and ongoing renovations of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, as well as other immersive projects at major theme parks, zoos, and resorts across the country. On the ground, specialists from BrightView Landscape Development and COST of Wisconsin bring decades of expertise. The site plan was developed by architectural designers Kravit Architectural Associates of Boca Raton.

It will be a fitting conclusion to the revival of the 67-year-old historic landmark, which became necessary after a roof collapse following an October 2020 storm destroyed the kitchen and shut down the restaurant indefinitely. In September 2021, the founding Thornton family sold a majority interest to Miami’s Barlington Group, led by historic preservationist Bill Fuller. Now, nearly three years and more than $15 million later, Fuller is pushing for a much-anticipated reopening this fall.

In this story, we’ll share insights and catch up with Mattei – as well as creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller – on both the exterior and interior projects over the past two months. Next, we’ll recap the excitement in June, when exclusive tours during The Hukilau fueled the reopening buzz. Finally, we’ll check the latest updates of city building permits to get an idea on when projects should be wrapping up.

The Mai-Kai as seen from Federal Highway on July 31. The rock work and water feature in front of the main A-frame will soon be refurbished. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
The Mai-Kai as seen from Federal Highway on July 31. The rock work and water feature in front of the main A-frame will soon be refurbished. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

Recent Mai-Kai coverage
• Inside the Molokai Bar and tour of The Mai-Kai restoration
Story archive: Full coverage of The Mai-Kai refurbishment

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Latest news on work inside, outside The Mai-Kai

Here’s a recap of where everything stands as of early August, including work done throughout June and July.

JUNE: Kitchen and back-of-house become top priority

As guests saw firsthand during the special tours held in early June, the Molokai Bar, showroom and dining rooms surrounding the massive 40-foot main A-frame are now in great shape, thanks to the intricate work by creative director “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller and his crew over the past 18 months. Some of the rear dining areas still need some touching up to get them back to 100%, but the main focus over the past two months has been the new 25-foot-long back service bar, staff locker rooms, and a new special needs restroom.

Continue reading “Mai-Kai restoration update: Parking lot reimagination accelerates as owner targets fall reopening (June-July 2024)”

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Preview and recipes: Book reveals long-lost secrets and stories of P/Fassionola

Preview and recipes: Book reveals long-lost secrets and stories of P/Fassionola

A much-anticipated book dedicated to unraveling the enigmatic history of “the taste thrill of the century” has been welcomed with open arms by the Tiki community and beyond, quenching our insatiable thirst for esoteric topics. Not to mention tasty tropical cocktails.

The softcover and hardback editions of "Fassionola: The Torrid Story of Cocktails' Most Mysterious Ingredient" during the special April pre-release at Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)
The softcover and hardback editions of “Fassionola: The Torrid Story of Cocktails’ Most Mysterious Ingredient” during the special April pre-release at Tiki-a-Go-Go in Orlando. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)

So what is this taste thrill that caused so much intrigue? Rum? Bitters? Pineapple or some other exotic tropical fruit? Not quite, but close. Of course, we’re talking about Fassionola: The Torrid Story of Cocktails’ Most Mysterious Ingredient, researched and written by Gregorio Pantoja and Martin S. Lindsay.

More below: Read Hurricane Hayward’s foreword to the book
• New Passionola syrup follows historic recipe

The authors not only dug up the complete story of a unique product that was in danger of becoming a footnote in 20th century mixology, they also uncovered the original “P/Fassionola” formula from the 1930s and have begun releasing it to the public with the help of noted mixologist Daniel “Doc” Parks.

Fassionola: The Torrid Story of Cocktails' Most Mysterious Ingredient

The 288-page book, self-published by the authors, is loaded with historic photos and images plus more than 100 recipes. Among these are many unpublished classics as well as new drinks by some of today’s top cocktail creators. This includes an exclusive new tribute to a Mai-Kai cocktail that had previously not been posted on The Atomic Grog blog.

After a late 2023 digital release, hard copies became available in late spring and can be purchased at Shop.ClassicSanDiego.com in both softcover and limited-edition hardback signed by the authors and Parks.

Bonus cocktail recipes below
• Mona Punch (Don the Beachcomber)
• 151 Tribute Swizzle No. 5 (Vatos Who Tiki)
• Mission Valley Daiquiri (The Atomic Grog) NEW
See also: Sidewinder’s Fang (Mai-Kai tribute) | Once A Villager (Doc Parks)

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We’ll get into more details below, but first let’s set the stage with the foreword I contributed to the book.

Continue reading “Preview and recipes: Book reveals long-lost secrets and stories of P/Fassionola”

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PHOTOS & VIDEO: Don the Beachcomber launches Morgan’s Cove speakeasy in Tampa

PHOTOS & VIDEO: Don the Beachcomber launches Morgan's Cove speakeasy in Tampa

The revival of the iconic Don the Beachcomber brand has entered a new chapter with the opening of the first Gantt Reserve Collection bar in downtown Tampa. A sneak preview of the Morgan’s Cove speakeasy was held July 13, with the official public opening announced July 18. The hidden door swings open daily at 4 p.m.

Don the Beachcomber presents Morgan's Cove

More below: Speakeasy celebrates Tampa’s pirate past
LIVE REVIEW: The experience | The cocktails | The menu

Tampa-based 23 Restaurant Services launched its first Don the Beachcomber venue in February in nearby Madeira Beach, a full-service 250-seat restaurant with South Seas decor and many traditional Tiki flourishes. It’s tucked into the Cambria Hotel, just a few blocks from picturesque Gulf of Mexico beaches in tourist-friendly southwest Florida.
* Previous coverage: Don the Beachcomber grand opening in Florida is a smashing success

Another large restaurant – considered to be the brand’s flagship – is in the works for Hamlin, near Disney World in Central Florida. This ambitious, ground-up buildout is not expected to be finished until next summer. Other restaurant locations are planned, but in an effort to expand the brand in a quicker (and less costly) manner, 23 Restaurant Services announced a creative new “brand within a brand” concept in April.
* Previous coverage: Don the Beachcomber announces new bar concept, three upcoming locations in Florida

The revival of the Don the Beachcomber restaurant concept was kicked off in Madeira Beach in February 2024 by 23 Restaurant Services. (Official photos)
The revival of the Don the Beachcomber restaurant concept was kicked off in Madeira Beach in February 2024 by 23 Restaurant Services. (Official photos)

Gantt Reserve Collection bars will be much smaller, concentrating on elevated cocktails and immersive decor. The themes will vary based on location, but all will try to maintain the high standards established by Donn Beach (born Ernest Raymond Gantt), when he created the world’s first Tiki bar as a speakeasy in 1932.

Indeed, it didn’t take long to get Morgan’s Cove up and running in just three months after the announcement. There are many reasons for this, which we’ll detail below. The next Gantt Reserve Collection bar won’t be open until early 2025.

Marc Brown, president of 23 Restaurant Services, says he hopes to open the yet-to-be-named speakeasy-style bar in February in a space adjacent to the company’s Ford’s Garage restaurant in Plantation, west of Fort Lauderdale. There will also be a speakeasy located inside the Hamlin restaurant, a tribute to Donn Beach’s original Dagger Bar.
* Previous coverage: Upcoming South Florida location uncovered

Marc Brown (left), the 23 Restaurant Services president, welcomes designer Daniel "Tiki Diablo" Gallardo to the sneak preview party on July 13. Gallardo and his team created a spectacularly immersive space. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)
Marc Brown (left), the 23 Restaurant Services president, welcomes designer Daniel “Tiki Diablo” Gallardo to the sneak preview party on July 13. Gallardo and his team created a spectacularly immersive space. (Photos by Hurricane Hayward)

We were privileged to attend a sneak preview of the Tampa bar on July 13. Mahalo to Brown and his team for the exquisite hospitality. Following is a comprehensive recap.

Continue reading “PHOTOS & VIDEO: Don the Beachcomber launches Morgan’s Cove speakeasy in Tampa”