Almost six years after re-opening following an extensive $7 million renovation, The Rusty Pelican, Key Biscayne’s iconic waterfront dining destination is undergoing another transformation. On Tuesday, April 25, 2017, the restaurant — which is renowned for its breathtaking views of downtown Miami — will unveil a new world class wine program and menu.
To ensure that Rusty Pelican is as well known for its wine selection as it is for its view, internationally renowned Master Sommelier Michael Jordan was tapped to curate a new wine menu of over 300 bottles. All of which are on display in their striking glass cube cellar; a signature design element at the restaurant’s entrance. Jordan is one of the world’s most knowledgeable experts on wine, holding a Master Sommelier diploma from the Court of Master Sommeliers as well as a Certified Wine Educator diploma from the Society of Wine Educators. He is one of only 15 people in the world to hold both these diplomas.
Pallava Goenka, Regional Managing Director for Specialty Restaurants Corporation, which operates Rusty Pelican, states, “We have spent the last few years since our renovation re-establishing the restaurant as one of Miami’s most coveted destinations for dining and events. We wanted to continue to give our loyal clientele new reasons to visit, while enticing new audiences. Working with one of the world’s foremost authorities on wine to create a list that was both eclectic and accessible was an amazing experience. We chose wines that complemented our signature dishes and tasked Executive Chef Jimmy Pastor to create innovative menu items to pair with some of the incredible wines that will now be available. We look forward to taking diners on an exciting new journey through our wine list.”
Over 300 bottles, including a number of wines by the glass on “The Coravin Captain’s List” special wines in limited supply such as: Chardonnays (Chateau Montelena, Napa Valley 2014 and Kistler, Les Noisetière, Sonoma Coast 2014) and reds including a Pinot Noir (Gran Moraine, Yamhill-Carlton District, Willamette Valley 2013) as well as Cabernet Sauvignon (Caymus 2014 and Mt. Brave, Mt. Veeder 2013 both from Napa Valley). Other notable reds include a Shiraz (Molly Dooker “The Boxer” Australia 2015); Pinot Noir (Williams Selyem, Russian River Valley 2014); and an exceptional Carménère (Montes, Purple Angel, Colchagua Valley, Chile 2013). Outstanding Champagnes highlighted on the menu include Nicolas Feuillate Blanc de Blanc, Armand De Brignac Brut, and Louis Roederer, Cristal. Other sparkling options are Prosecco, Veneto, Italy; Saracco, Moscato di Asti, Piemonte, Italy; and Del Poggio, Brachetto, Piemonte, Italy (a sweet, sparkling rosé).
Chef Pastor’s menu is a perfect fit to the restaurant’s idyllic waterside perch, with a wide array of fresh seafood and raw bar selections, along with signature dishes like 16 oz. bone-in rib eye and Niman Ranch bone-in 20 oz. pork chop to unique garden-fresh salads and house-made pasta that guests have clamored for. New dishes include King Caesar Oyster Duo with passionfruit and Fresno peppers/crispy buttermilk and coriander; Braised Boar Shank accompanied by rosemary rainbow potatoes and a Port and cherry gastrique; Prime Beef Tartare layered with foie gras, quail egg and black garlic and Chilled Crab Salad with fennel, orange, cucumber and tarragon vinaigrette. Crusted Lamb Rack with boniato, minty pea puree, and exotic mushrooms; and Sea Bass Crudo topped with smoked coconut vinaigrette and bacon sand are now available exclusively at dinner, while a Lobster Po’Boy accompanied by malt vinegar slaw and tangy pickled green tomatoes, will delight diners at lunch and brunch.
To celebrate the new wine program, the restaurant recently held an exclusive wine tasting with Jordan himself featuring a selection of wines from the soon to be unveiled menu. The event followed a two-day Court of Master Sommelier Level 1 Course hosted by Rusty Pelican. The highly sought after certification class was attended by 80 people from across the country, including thirteen people from Rusty Pelican’s own staff who successfully passed the challenging exam.
“We’re thrilled to have so many Level 1 sommeliers on the team now,” says Goenka. “Our guests will benefit greatly from our staff’s knowledge when making a wine selection.”
Craft cocktails created by Head Mixologist Oscar Amaya can be enjoyed in the bar and lounge area overlooking the downtown Miami skyline. The restaurant, boasting spectacular views has a vibrant energy which draws diners in, making it a perfect hotspot for dinner, drinks and special events. Catering options are flexible so that guests may customize the menus to fit any event or budget – from a casual cocktail party to a formal wedding for 500. A new drink menu from Amaya will be launched this summer.
The Rusty Pelican is located at 3201 Rickenbacker Causeway in Key Biscayne. Lunch and Dinner are served daily and Brunch on Saturday and Sunday. Hours are Sunday to Thursday from 11AM to 11PM (bar closes at midnight); Friday and Saturday from 11AM to 12AM (bar closes at 1AM). Telephone: (305) 361-3818; therustypelican.com.
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 21 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, specialtyrestaurants.com or specialtyevents.com 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 and Whiskey Joes in Tampa, Florida.
Rusty Pelican
3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, FL 33149
(305) 361-3818
Information provided by Brustman Carrino Public Relations
