Doc Aikane wrote:
Come back - the Mai Kai misses you! So what were you studying down here in Gumbo Limbo land? It sounds like you've already earned honorary degrees in mixology and cocktail history 101. And I'd love to hear more about the Big Bamboo. I think I've made it through the drink list a few times over but never got a special invite to anything more than another round!
Hey Doc!
I was attending the University of Miami to get a Doctor of Musical Arts degree with a focus in Wind Band Conducting, but I considered my time at the Mai Kai a double degree!
As far as getting to drink the Big Bamboo, I was shameless. I emailed Kern (the bar manager there) and told him about my “achievement.” I also kept a log of each drink with a rating and description (a la Atomic Grog Log). I asked if he’d be willing to bring the Big Bamboo out of the vault for a special occasion.
We planned a little party for the night we finished up our last cocktail, reserved an area of the Molokai Bar, invited a bunch of friends, and combined it with our going away party (as we knew we were moving back to CA).
Kern was the BEST. He made a big fuss of us that evening. Made sure to come to the table and celebrate us a little. It was great!
As for the Big Bamboo, it was the drink that the old cocktail club members of the Mai Kai got when they finished all the drinks on the menu: the “Okole Maluna Society.” Unfortunately, this club hasn’t existed for years.
The drink itself is a lot like the flavor profile you get from the Mara Amu, but stronger. Lime, orange, grapefruit, passionfruit, with a rum blend that only the Mai Kai can give you!
I suggest you ask for it. A lot of times, if the bartenders working know the “vault” drinks, they’ll make them for you. If that fails, email Kern and ask if it’ll be served at any upcoming special events. It’s so worth a try!