So glad the interior water features are working again- back in December they were not.
Betty,
So glad you finally got a chance to visit the Mai-Kai. I am still discovering new things about it after over eight years of exploring and I still have not made it through the whole yummy drink menu. I regularly make the three hour drive from Sarasota to visit and I will be watching for C&A’s signal. Maybe we should create a batman like symbol in the shape of a Rum Barrel.
Looks like you are having a fun time, and you look great in your retro frock!
It’s a shame more of these places could not have hung in there through the lean times, because in today’s retro-craving atmosphere, they’d all be going strong.
I stopped at a 50s BBQ place last night to pick up some food for the road, and the place was hopping!
I use to valet park cars there back in 85/86. I could actually write a book of what all took place. The place is more of a tourist attraction than anything. Half the customers were tourists; the rest were regulars that would want a spot up front. Seen a couple of celebs there. Most people pretending to being something they were not, though. Saw many a face-plants on the asphalt of people walking out. Food was good, but overrated for what it co$t. The drinks are still world-class famous and their saving grace. The lot manager’s name was Jim, and he ran a pool cleaning business on the side. Some of the more interesting things I found in cars: sex toys, joints, roachclips, loaded 357 magnum. Crazy times, but that went with the 80s.
There are so many stories around the Mai-Kai! It is truly a time portal in a way no place else can ever be. If you ever wanted to go back in time to Don the Beachcomber’s, the Mai-Kai is your chance! If you make it to Tiki Oasis this year, come see my presentation on the Mai-Kai’s history!
Chip and andy
March 7, 2010 at 12:15 amNext time your in town let us know…. we’ll send up smoke signals and call out all the locals and join you at the Mai Kai. The place is fantastic by itself and even more so when full of local color.
Mod Betty / Retro Roadmap
March 7, 2010 at 7:10 amChip and Andy – thanks so much for the offer! I’m always up for a trip to FLA. If there are any additional Retro Roadmap worthy places in your neck of the woods, send ’em over, and thanks for swinging by!