Post #519777 by GentleHangman on Thu, Mar 25, 2010 6:12 AM

From what I've read and experienced (I enjoyed the 60's, thank you) the "Exotic" drinks as created by Don The Beachcomber and his peers were almost 'scientific' in nature; carefully crafted and formulated to strict specifications which were treated as 'Trade Secrets' and strictly adhered to at their establishments. The food served at these establishments was good . . . but the drinks were masterpieces that kept patrons coming back again and again.
The Mai Kai is from this period and unlike many, has managed to survive. Again, in my opinion to be true to the heritage the drink 'formulas' need to be maintained and consistent. The Mai Kai operates with the back bar drink assembly rooms of yore, and in my opinion, should have no difficulty maintaining perfection and consistency in their classic drinks.
The only reason I can think of as to why this is not so today is . . . laziness. They have the formulas . . . they have additional supplies and drink materials we can only dream of . . . and their rums and liquor - we can't get much of it in our local stores. So, again I wonder, what's the excuse? Why would my "Black Magic" be different depending on which room I was in when I ordered it. It's true that most people who are not TC aficionados probably won't notice the slight imperfections but as one who remembers the early years - the 50-'s seeing the magnificant libations my parents were enjoying while I drank my "Shirley Temple" or some other non-alcoholic creation - which was also served in the same style as the 'adult' drinks - and then later when I was of 'legal age' (I celebrated my 21st. birthday in '67 at the Kowloon . . . and I still have the mug!)I remember how it was . . . and I miss that.