Gulfstream memories

[jnunan4759]

I remember years ago going to Gulfstream every winter. I was always so upset Hialeah lost their dates and thought GP was a sad substitute, but I do miss it now. The way the track was positioned, there was always a breeze through the passageways.

I'd stay up in Ft. Lauderdale and if we hit at the track we'd go out to dinner. There were tons of good places, but I remember one that I think was called "Caves" or something. It was like going into a cave and all the wait-staff was dressed like cave people. Like the Flintstones. They'd bring a menu on a slate block and you'd order from it. They had highly alcoholic drinks and huge cuts of beef. It was bizarre. We also used to go to this place that had elaborate Hawaiian fire dancing shows. They had flaming highly alcoholic drinks. It was amazingly fun.

Then we used to go to this topless donut shop on the way to the track. It was kind of like going to a topless IHOP. The food was really good, but all the waitresses were topless at 8 AM. They were all really nice and it was a reputable place, but different.

Then we'd go to the track. Afterwards we go across the street to the dogs on some nights. It's memories.

[jnunan4759]

I also remember going to Dania Hai Alai. There was this one guy I got to know who didn't speak any english. I'd find him and he'd circle guys in my programs. I'd buy him some beers and I always went home a winner. He was a nice guy and my Spanish is not good, but I enjoyed it.

I love racing but could watch Hai Alia all night. If you've never seen it, you must.

[Indian Charlie]

Did they dispense the donuts from their boobs?

[robfla]

Originally Posted by jnunan4759

I remember years ago going to Gulfstream every winter. I was always so upset Hialeah lost their dates and thought GP was a sad substitute, but I do miss it now. The way the track was positioned, there was always a breeze through the passageways.

I'd stay up in Ft. Lauderdale and if we hit at the track we'd go out to dinner. There were tons of good places, but I remember one that I think was called "Caves" or something. It was like going into a cave and all the wait-staff was dressed like cave people. Like the Flintstones. They'd bring a menu on a slate block and you'd order from it. They had highly alcoholic drinks and huge cuts of beef. It was bizarre. We also used to go to this place that had elaborate Hawaiian fire dancing shows. They had flaming highly alcoholic drinks. It was amazingly fun.

Then we used to go to this topless donut shop on the way to the track. It was kind of like going to a topless IHOP. The food was really good, but all the waitresses were topless at 8 AM. They were all really nice and it was a reputable place, but different.

Then we'd go to the track. Afterwards we go across the street to the dogs on some nights. It's memories.

I miss those days as well.

The Caves? A tourist trap or good place to bring a first date.

The place that had elaborate Hawaiian fire dancing shows? Mai Tai Restaurant


I would do the same double-header often. Gulfstream in the day, then go to Lychee Gardens Chinese Restaurant, then go to Hollywood dogs for the Quinella Double and Superfectas. Last time I went to Hollywood Dogs ( now Mardi Gras Casino ) there was about 50 people playing the puppies. The place used to be packed back in the day as it was the ONLY form of gambling at night aside from Jai Alai.

[robfla]

Originally Posted by jnunan4759

I love racing but could watch Hai Alia all night. If you've never seen it, you must.

To make room for slots, the area to watch them play Jai Alai is now about 4 feet wide and 20 feet long. Back in the 80's-90's you couldn't even find a seat there it was so packed.

[jnunan4759]

I remember that. Glad some of you do too. The topless donut place was R Donuts. It was kind of on the way to the FTL airport. It actually was a nice place, not like a sleazy strip club or anything. It just so happened that all the waitresses were topless. It was a nice joint, great coffee and donuts.

I feel old because I Googled it up and it closed in 1990.

I do remember those Hawaiian fire dances. They were the best. You used to get big flaming drinks and all kinds of good food and a tremendous show. Those were good times and good memories.

Yes, "Caves" probably lasted only two years.

I truly loved those years hanging at the track. They were the best of times.

Thanks for sharing and remembering.

You know as I get older I remember the great races I've been to. Actually they are the best experiences of my life. My dad passed a few years ago and he had seen Seabiscuit race. How great was that ?

I look back at some of the stuff I've seen and feel very fortunate. You'll hear people say horse racing is in trouble or whatever, don't believe it. We love to race horses and the horses love to race.