Mai-Kai Restaurant

After Friday night's fiasco we figured we'd tempt fate and eat out again (plus, we were out of food at home and a Saturday night spent grocery shopping wasn't in the cards for us). Again, we were heading to La Bamba and detoured at Mai-Kai. I'm not sure how to describe this place, so forgive me if I can't give it an accurate picture.

From the outside it looks like a giant restaurant in the woods (it is on Federal Highway, a busy road in Fort Lauderdale). When we pulled up, the first thing I noticed was that this place was busy. For example, there were like 10 valet people (many places in south Florida valet, it must be because of all the older people, but we love it too!). Once we were freed of our car, we went inside. It was so dark in this restaurant. Picture a nightclub, that's how dark it was. But it was also kind of cool. The older host announced to the person who assigns the tables (remember, this place is big - I'd imagine they can seat 300 or 400 people) that there are "two for dinner", then announces "two GENTLEMEN for dinner". Umm, does that matter? We're in the gayest city east of San Francisco. But, I'm not offended. I just thought it was funny.

Once seated, we strain to see what is on the menu, but its as dark outside as it is inside. Our waiter brings us a flashlight. I kid you not. After we order (pu pu platter for 2 and some noodles), we realize that there is an expansive garden near our table. We took our flashlight and walked through the woods. The restaurant has paved a sidewalk through this area and it is popular to walk through the jungle after dinner. Now I understand why we have the flashlight. Remember, this restaurant is in the middle of a busy area, so the forest is equally strange and exciting.

Anyway, that was our night. I had a lot of fun. It is kind of expensive for what is basically Chinese food, but if you include the whole experience, I think the price was fair. Plus, they have yummy rum drinks. How can you beat that?

http://www.maikai.com/