RUSTY PELICAN OFFERS SUMMER OF 1972 MENU; FOURTH OF JULY FESTIVITIES

The Rusty Pelican, a landmark dining destination on Key Biscayne since 1972, is celebrating its final days before closing temporarily for a major renovation and reopening mid-November, with the “Summer of 1972 ” a prix fixe menu including a choice of soup or salad and main course for $19.72, exclusive of tax and gratuity. Comprised of some favorite dishes from nearly forty years ago, when the iconic waterfront restaurant first opened, the retro menu will be offered for dinner, beginning Monday, June 20 and available through Sunday, July 3, 2011.

The menu definitely evokes another era; to start, guests can choose from Nixon’s “Perfectly Clear” Consomme – chicken consommé, chives and vegetables or Waldorf Salad, comprised of apples, raisins, walnuts and grapes served over Romaine lettuce. For the main course, diners can feast on Chicken Kona Kai – grilled chicken breast served with grilled pineapple and sweet & sour sauce, accompanied by rice and plantains.  For those with a sweet tooth, the Rusty Pelican will present a 1970s classic dessert, Cherries Jubilee – rum flambéed cherries with vanilla ice cream and Chantilly – for an additional $4.72 per person. In addition to revisiting some of the era’s top selling dishes, some favorite 1970s libations – Zombies and Gremlins – will be specially priced at $5 each.

Then, on Monday, July 4, diners can say a nostalgic farewell to the old Rusty Pelican, as the restaurant pulls out the stops for a holiday party that will feature a toast from City of Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado and other VIPs.  Guests can choose from reserved seating in the main dining room, lounge, and patio, and the restaurant’s continental, seafood friendly menu, or enjoy a special barbecue buffet in the upstairs grand ballroom featuring ribs, chicken and fish, sushi stations, oysters and much more, along with unlimited wine, champagne and draft beer for $40 per person inclusive. There will be live music in the ballroom and on the patio.  Either setting affords a spectacular view of the downtown Miami fireworks.

When the Rusty Pelican re-opens in November 2011, guests will experience nothing less than a total transformation.  After a complete physical overhaul, the restaurant will be re-introduced as a trendy new gathering spot for drinks and dining, as well as one of Miami’s premiere event destinations – with the most sought after views in South Florida.  Additionally, the culinary program will focus on innovative menus showcasing seafood and embracing clean, contemporary flavors, with selections perfect for sharing. But for just a few more short weeks, diners can step back in time and enjoy a sunset cocktail at the spot that has been charming South Florida diners for close to four decades. The Rusty Pelican is located at 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway in Key Biscayne, Florida.  Reservations suggested at: (305) 361-3818.