And now for something completely different!
I just happened across this gem of an article about Columbus's fabled lost landmark, The Kahiki. If you're into food or history, it's definitely worth a look. Just curious if anyone else here has the same fond memories that I did of that wonderful Polynesian Supper Club.
I moved to Columbus in '96, and only ate there a few times before they closed up shop; but man, was that place amazing. It was so over-the-top, it was basically a Mad Men set: aquarium walls, an Easter-Island-style fireplace, palm tress, and a freakin' rainforest inside with storm effects...the list goes on. I know it sounds over the top, but just look at the place!
Good memories. Went there in '66 after the senior prom. After that, always used to go there with my wife for our anniversary.
"It's just another case of there you are". ~ Doc (1918-2012)
What part of town was it in?
"I'm One Bad Buckeye, and I approve this message."
East Side. Near Whitehall, I believe. There's now a Wallgreens where it once stood (I weep for humanity).
Yeah, I was involved in the construction of that Walgreens. There have been few times in my carreer where I wished a real estate deal would fall through. I sadly never got to go there. At the time, the natives were held at bay by the promise that a new and improved Kahiki would be opening up in the Arena District, but it was not to be. I can't judge the owner of Kahiki's as I don't know all the facts but Walgreens paid top dollar for that location and he had the money to move to AD if he had the desire.
"Because the rules won't let you go for three." - Woody Hayes
THE Ohio State University
Haha, oh man I forgot about the "New Kahiki" movement; probably because it never happened. It's a shame you never went there, if you've ever been to Disney World, O'Hana is a similar--albeit more restrained--place.
Broad street about a block or two east of James Road.
A truly unique place. Back in the 90's, there was a push to save it by having it placed on the National Registry. It says a lot about it, that such a relatively young structure, was even briefly considered for such.
I think it actually was, per the article. Granted, it didn't matter much after they demolished it and replaced it with a Walgreens.
But what nobody wants to discuss is that the Walgreens is actually haunted now because it was built on sacred ground.
I know it isn't the same location but isn't there still a Kahiki just off 270 south of Gahanna?
That's their frozen-food processing plant. The restaurant was so much more than their frozen Chinese food. Their menu was much more diverse, and Polynesian-inspired.
I swear somebody once told me there was an attached restuarant but it doesn't look that way. What a shame.
Did you really have to describe it as a 'frozen food processing plant'? It makes it seem so impersonal...
Also, we still have a couple of the glasses from when it was shutting down. Little ceramic Tiki's. I gonna pay for my kids college with those babies! That and my Playboy collection!
It's frozen food. I've never thought of it in any way but impersonal haha.
By the way, if I had the money I'd but those glasses off you right now.
shoulda had Gordon Ramsey pay a visit there. He hates frozen food.
i grew up going to the kahiki, i was incredibly sad when it got torn down. i know its not even close to the same, but they do have some frozen foods. The kahiki still makes frozen dinners and such. as far as frozen dinners are concerned, they are pretty great (For a college student haha)
@OSUSTU - Thats the frozen food plant i believe
Oh man, do I miss the Kahiki.
That place was awesome...well into the 90's it was the spot to take a date in college if you were trying to impress (and score)
D. Anthony
My percussion instructor my freshman year in HS was the steel drum player for the house band, Island Breeze. We used to go there every week just to heckle him. The food was amazing too. Someone needs to get in Cameron Mitchell's ear and get him to put some money up to get that beast opened again.
-The Aristocrats!
I still have a pair of chopsticks I got from there when I was a kid - laquered black & red (before that, I thought all chopsticks were disposable). Good times...
"The revolution will be televised."
Hodge would buy them from you, if he had the money...
No way, dude...
"The revolution will be televised."
Another great place back then was Tommy Henrich's Steakhouse. It was actually a supperclub with great food and quality entertainment. I saw Dean Martin and a very young George Carlin there.
Henrich was a former longtime player for the Yankees and was from Massilon. The place was full of baseball memoribilia.
Sadly it was torn down for what would become the first Wendy's. It was at E. Broad and Fifth St.
"It's just another case of there you are". ~ Doc (1918-2012)
I've been to The Top Steakhouse once, was it a similar place?
Gotta say I loved the abiance there, but the steak wasn't as good as Ruth's Chris or others in town.
Naw, the Top always was a piano bar/restaurant. Always had good food but also always had the worst service on the planet.
"It's just another case of there you are". ~ Doc (1918-2012)
The Natoma in Nerk. They had the best parmesean bread ever.
holy mother of god did they ever. I could eat that by the loaf. The decor was classic as well, with all the NFL helmets in the bar and sketched warplanes on the walls at each table.
“The teams that don’t respect their coaches and don’t trust their coaches are the teams that go .500"
~Zach Boren
It's closed now. Once Angie died the kids kept it open for a while. Baby beef on a sizzler, mmmmm.
I remember going to the Kahiki once while we were in Dental school in the early to mid '90's. i thought the place was really cool, but wasn't sold on the food. Still, good memories.
Kahiki was a very cool joint. I only ate there a couple times but still really liked it. I remember we went there for my sister's birthday one time. Good memories. Wish it was still around.
Kahiki was Coach Hayes favorite place to eat and he was know to eat there a few times a week. My Grandfather said he used to frequent the bar farely often during his tenure and Kahiki was kinda the unofficial OSU coaches place to eat and bring recruits. The actaul bar from Kahiki is now located in Alana's on High St north of campus.
I'm pretty sure that was the Jai Lai
Holy crap, dude! Just seeing that photo unlocked some crazy childhood memories. I feel like the characters in Stephen King's It who left town and forgot everything from their childhood, minus the killer clown, I think...
Try the Grass Skirt Tiki Room on Grant and Long downtown. Its not as much of a spectacle as the Kahiki but a lot of the menu/drinks were taken from the Kahiki or based on staples at the old Kahiki. They have the ceramic totem pole mugs as well.
Isn't that a Liz Lessner joint? I absolutely love Betty's and Dirty Frank's Hot Dog Palace.
Yep, Liz and a few business partners own the place. She has certainly carved a niche for herself in the city.
Class of 2008
just ate at tiptop this weekend. Not to be confused with the top steakhouse. Good place, the tiptop. right up your alley hodge, they specialize in bourbon drinks.
theDuke
Loved the Kahiki. I worked at DSCC, lived on the east side, and went there often.
Yes Hodge it is. Everything Ive had has been good. Its kind of small but good atmosphere. Supposedly there is a patio coming in the spring. Its kind of hard to find but there is a new Worthington market next to it.
Also its affordable like all her other places.