Dinners with a view always get us. Miami’s skyline is gorgeous, and if we can pair that with good food, we’re in heaven. That’s exactly what we experienced at Rusty Pelican, where guests can now enjoy an array of new seasonal selections by Executive Chef Jimmy Pastor.
What we like about Rusty Pelican is that the food is approachable yet elevated. The new menu continues that trend; items look familiar at first glance — the Seared Tuna and Salmon Roll, for instance — but their descriptions have a little something something to keep patrons on their toes. Case in point: The seared tuna comes with a smoked pineapple relish that’s divine.
Chef Pastor’s mission to open up guests’ palates is most evident in the Caviar and Champagne special. Through Labor Day, for $95, diners can enjoy a half bottle of Billecart-Salmon, Brut Reserve paired with 10 grams of Sasanian Imperial; Sasanian Royal Osetra; and Sasanian Osetra Supreme served with crème fraiche, capers, scallions, parsley, egg, brioche toast and blinis. Say that three times fast. In all seriousness, if you’ve never tried caviar, it’s a great deal and a fun way to be adventurous.
New entrees include the Lamb Ribs and Pistachio Scallops. While the proteins are the stars of the show, all the other elements on these dishes are just as notable. The chorizo crumbs on the lamb ribs add a new dimension of subtle flavor to the sizeable entree, as does the mint pea puree. Similarly, the pistachio scallops’s sunchoke cream was so good that we started putting it on everything.
Cocktail lovers also have new libations to enjoy, including the super-refreshing Mr. 305, which uses Pitbull’s vodka Voli (along with St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lime, mint, basil, cucumber and prosecco, and the Pelican Cooler (Flor de Caña 7-Year Rum, pineapple juice, blackberries, lime, sparkling wine and mint). Whether you pop into Rusty Pelican for dinner, drinks or both, one thing’s for sure: These latest additions are worth a look — and taste.