Photo by Michael Pisarri
We can’t say it enough: we live in paradise. For those wanting to rejoice in our splendid weather (especially now!), extraordinary vistas and delightful cuisine — a visit to Rusty Pelican, Key Biscayne’s iconic, waterfront restaurant is not to be missed.
Originally opened in 1972, the landmark destination underwent a $7 million renovation in 2019 that replaced the dated, ocean-themed kitsch decor with a chic, modern space, replete with floor-to-ceiling windows to best enjoy the stunning views of Biscayne Bay and Downtown Miami.
Once known as a spot to take out-of-town relatives for sugary cocktails and uninspired coconut shrimp, Beverage Director Oscar Amaya together with Executive Chef Jimmy Pastor have spearheaded the eatery’s culinary transformation into a dynamic, flavorful experience featuring contemporary cuisine with a subtle Latin twist.
Begin with the venue’s new tableside cocktail preparations, sure to dazzle diners (and their social media followers as well!)
Options include the Belle, Ketel One Grapefruit & Rose Botanical, St. Germain Elderflower, clarified lemon juice, essence of rose and plumeria (also known as frangipani) or the Maracuya — Passion Fruit Vodka, passion fruit, purple basil, tarragon and Szechuan flower (and edible flower bud). For a full-on show, order the Up In Smoke and get your camera ready to record as a mixture of Ilegal Joven Mezcal, Pedro Ximenez, Gonzalez Byass, Old Fashioned syrup, dehydrated blood orange, caramelized fig and smoked eucalyptus oak blend in delightful harmony.
Salmon Tartare
Rusty Pelican has always been synonymous with seafood and offers an impressive array of favorites when it comes to its raw bar, including the latest addition — Nikkei Salmon Tartare (Citrus Avocado and Edamame Smash, Pickled Fresno Peppers). Lobster fans will swoon over the Chilled Lobster Tail with Whole Grain White Wine Mustard Aioli and shrimp lovers will want to sample the Shrimp Cocktail with Ancho Chile Cocktail Sauce. A refreshing Snapper Ceviche with Sweet Potatoes, Choclo, Lime Juice, Aji Amarillo, Onions and Cilantro rounds the options out.
Be sure to save room for the Pink Brick appetizer which is as enticing as its name. Wagyu carpaccio served with black truffle butter and smoky chimichurri prepared tableside to order on a brick of pink Himalayan salt will become the buzz of the table. Other worthy starters include Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Thai Chili, Fried Calamari with Citrus “Buffalo” Sauce, Tempura Peppers and Onions and Short Rib Empanadas (2-hour Braised Short Rib, Roasted Jalapeño and Sweet Corn Emulsion and Tomato-Vanilla Jam) for those favoring beef.
Up In Smoke
Speaking of meat, there’s a 46 oz. Tomahawk Ribeye Steak promising to change the mind of the skeptic carnivore who was sure there’d be nothing here for them to eat. Cooked to perfection and paired with sides like Loaded Twice-Baked Potato (truffle mash, caviar and vodka crème fraiche) or Honey-Roasted Root Vegetables, this will quickly become a favorite go-to meal. For those wanting a sampling, The Progressive, which features four cuts of prime beef (filet mignon, ribeye, Prime skirt steak and Wagyu Hanger steak) serves as a meat aficionado’s greatest hits.
Seafood lovers may struggle in choosing among the tempting options. Sunflower Seed Crusted Halibut served with Goat Cheese Peruvian Potatoes, Wild Mushrooms, Sea Beans and Red Pepper Coulis and Crispy Whole Local Snapper with Creamy Coconut Orzo, Arugula and Grilled Corn Salad with Roasted Jalapeño Lime Dressing showcase local flavors. Board for Two is one of the restaurant’s most popular dishes. It features a Whole Fried Snapper, Lobster and Shrimp Risotto, Certified Angus Beef NY Strip and smoked sweet plantain mash.
It’s easy to get caught up in the exceptional flavors and end up too full for dessert, but you’d be best served to save space for the Key Biscayne Pie (Chef’s take on the classic Key lime dessert) or Chocolate Sabotage (a whirlwind of sweets showcasing chocolate). Both are worthy ends to a night filled with flavor, ambiance and an overall happy Florida state of mind.
Rusty Pelican is located at 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne. For more information, call 305-361-3818 or visit therustypelican.com.