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| Back in the early 1960s shortly after we moved to Hawaii, we were invited to dine at Canlis, Honolulu’s leading
restaurant at the time. In an internationally acclaimed, award winning lava rock building in Waikiki, we found
a lush tropical garden-like setting with a wall of many-colored orchids, ceramic and wooden sculptures by well
known artists, a dramatic copper broiler where the finest of steaks and seafood sizzled in full view, and where
formal kimono-clad Japanese waitresses moved with mincing steps and humble bows to take orders. |
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B&W Photo by Honolulu Advertiser
Canlis during its hey day
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The lovely orchid entrance
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The private dining room for special occasions
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The wonderment we felt at all this was over-shadowed by the sound that emanated from the Steinway grand played
by one of the very best cocktail pianists I have ever heard. Though both food and setting were superb, the music
made the evening live on vividly in my memory.
Sadly, I must report that Canlis in Honolulu no longer exists, having been torn down by developers for other uses.
But I keep Canlis in the list of great piano rooms to show you what this most perfect venue was like in its heyday.
And as the old song says, "The song is ended, but the melody lingers on". |
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Think about a special person and your favorite tune coming from that Steinway grand
Color Photos by Augie Salbosa
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