Photo Credit: Rusty Pelican

Rusty Pelican

Key Biscayne’s landmark dining and special event destination, The Rusty Pelican, is celebrating the arrival of fall and winter as well as access to fresh, seasonal ingredients with a number of delicious and new dishes launching November 11, 2021. In tandem with delicious menu offerings, the waterfront magnet offers up breathtaking views from the al fresco patio as well as the comfortable dining room as the backdrop for casual yet sophisticated dining and special occasions of every stripe.

“Part of the success of The Rusty Pelican is our dedication to keeping things new and exciting,” says Jim Pastor, Executive Chef for Rusty Pelican and Eastern Regional Chef for Specialty Restaurants Corporation (SRC), which owns and operates the Rusty Pelican and Whiskey Joe’s brands, among others. “Our diners know they can always expect perfectly-executed classics, modern favorites and seasonal creations.”

The menu changes encompass all meal periods with the majority of new options found on the expansive dinner menu. A top tier temptation is the Pink Brick, a signature item from SRC’s popular California restaurant, Castaway. Priced at $35, the upscale appetizer is Wagyu carpaccio served with black truffle butter and smoky chimichurri; prepared tableside to order on a brick of pink Himalayan salt. As tasty as it is visually captivating, the Pink Brick is perfectly rendered and dramatically prepared. Other new starters include the reimagined Crab Cake with roasted garlic and mustard aioli, Brussels sprouts and sweet potato slaw and warm bacon vinaigrette; and Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Thai chili. Heartier plates include the Roasted Chicken served with honey roasted root vegetables and sweet potato puree; and The Progressive featuring four standout cuts of beef grilled to perfection (Filet Mignon, Ribeye, Prime Skirt Steak and Mishima Wagyu Hanger Steak) served with roasted cippolini onions and red wine shallots ($125). The Progressive is the meat-centric companion to the Pelican’s famed Board for Two, featuring a Whole Fried Snapper, Lobster and Shrimp Risotto, Certified Angus Beef NY Strip and smoked sweet plantain mash. For those looking for a vegan entree, the Honey Roasted Root Vegetables with sweet potato puree, almondine and preserved lemon, can be a vegetarian main plate or the perfect accompaniment to fresh fish or steak entrées. Also debuting on the “sides” list, a flavor-packed Loaded Twice-Baked Potato with truffle mashed potato, Bowfin caviar, vodka crème fraiche – add freshly shaved truffle for additional $12.

Rusty Pelican has been long-known as Mecca for raw bar aficionados; new on the restaurant’s already-impressive raw bar menu – Nikkei Salmon Tartare. Brunch is also benefitting from some menu upgrades including two new raw bar options – Medium Florida Stone Crabs with mustard celery salt and aji amarillo and freshly-shucked Pink Moon Oysters. The Brunch Board for Two features shareable portions of Lobster Benedict, New York Strip Reserve, Fried Chicken and Waffles, and Fingerling Smash ($125). And what is brunch without delicious libations? Creative new mimosa flavors including Apple Cider Pumpkin Spice; Passion Fruit & Tarragon; and Dragon Fruit & Watermelon will no doubt further cement the Rusty Pelican’s reputation as one of Miami’s most iconic brunches.

Speaking of drinks, Oscar Amaya, Rusty Pelican’s Beverage Director has concocted new tableside cocktails that are sure to wow. The three delicious and Instagram-worthy options include:

Belle: Ketel One Grapefruit & Rose Botanical, St. Germain Elderflower, clarified lemon juice, essence of rose and plumeria
Maracuya: Passion Fruit Vodka, passion fruit, purple basil, tarragon, Szechuan flower
Up In Smoke: Ilegal Joven Mezcal, Pedro Ximenez, Gonzalez Byass, Old Fashioned syrup, dehydrated blood orange, caramelized fig, smoked eucalyptus oak

Rusty Pelican is located at 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway in Key Biscayne. Lunch and Dinner are served daily; Brunch available on Saturday and Sunday. Hours: Monday through Thursday – 12PM to 10PM; Friday – 12PM to 11PM; Saturday – 11AM to 11PM; and Sunday – 10AM to 10PM. Happy Hour takes place Monday to Thursday, 4PM to 6:30PM. Telephone: (305) 361-3818 www.therustypelican.com. The Rusty Pelican is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Those seeking information regarding the restaurant’s special event capabilities should inquire online at www.therustyleican.com/events.

About Specialty Restaurants Corporation (SRC)

SRC, founded in 1958 by World War II Army Aircorp veteran, David C. Tallichet Jr., has been an industry leader for more than 50 years with a portfolio of 18 award-winning restaurants throughout the United States, including distinguished restaurants such as Orange Hill in Orange County, Castaway in Burbank, Proud Bird in Los Angeles, Rusty Pelican in Miami, Florida, Whiskey Joes in Tampa, Florida and countless others. All of SRC’s restaurants are in beautifully appointed locations that offer breathtaking panoramic views of city skylines, waterfronts or airports. Renowned for their extensive special events capabilities, the SRC portfolio also includes Specialty Events and SRC Event Group featuring on and off-site event production, coordination and design services. Specialty Events is a full-service event planning service for the SRC restaurants providing flawless, unforgettable celebrations from an intimate casual dinner for two to a corporate retreat or an elegant dream wedding. For more information visit, www.specialtyrestaurants.com or www.specialtyevents.com.