An amazing Friday night dinner at “Lightkeepers Costal Cuisine & Crafted Cocktails,” a new Key Biscayne eatery sure to transport you to seafood heaven (especially when you try the LIGHTHOUSE TOWER!)
I first met Chef Raul Del Pozo a few years ago at a popular South Beach eatery where he was diligently breathing new life into an already creative, over-the-top menu.
No easy task, but he did it without breaking a sweat and I knew then his talents were undeniable, but that’s not all…
With his warm personality, extensive knowledge of food and passion for South Florida fishing, we hit it off.
I mean, not that I fish or anything, but someone has to EAT what Chef is catching. With that being said, I had a hunch it wouldn’t be long before he was on to something else…
That something is called: “Lightkeepers Coastal Cuisine & Crafted Cocktails” (located inside The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne).
The new restaurant, which is modern, clean and sophisticated, is the perfect place for the progressive Del Pozo to stretch his culinary muscle and of course, I couldn’t wait to Spotlight it.
On a busy Friday night, I was greeted with a warm hello, shown to my table and swiftly handed a glass of bubbly. They sure know how to make a girl feel special (sip, sip, sip). BTW…
“Crafted Cocktails” is in the actual title of the restaurant and for good reason: their drinks are these incredible blends of top shelf liqueurs mixed with fresh herbs, fruits and syrups — all presented with great pride and yes, they’re extremely pretty.
The “El Farito” (made with gin, Elderflower liqueur, lime juice, mint, cranberry + cucumber syrup and tonic) was fresh, fizzy and fashionable. The drink matched my outfit, said the fashion blogger and honestly, I couldn’t have planned it better myself #Drink&DressOnFleek 😎
The “Loggerhead Lavender,” which is a tribute to the endangered Loggerhead Sea Turtle, is swimmingly special (made with gin, raspberry liqueur, Lavender + Lime syrup, pineapple and ginger beer.)
Just in case you’re wondering, you can find the sea turtles putzing around Biscayne Bay. It’s always magical when you spot one and the drink has the same effect, too.
If you like strong and sexaaay, “The Tequesta” is sure to grow hair on your chest and then some. With a meaty mix of Mezcal, Three Chili Syrup and hand-pressed grapefruit juice, you’ll be buzzing with way more than excitement.
I almost called it a night after one bite of the fluffy and fabulous “Sleeper’s Wife’s Biscuits” (served with Keez Beez honey butter & bacon essence.) If you like carbs, save your calories for this dish — as the kids say these days: “This is giving me life!”
The “YellowFin Tuna” (with pickled himeji, cucumber, radish and soy cure) was perfectly plated, not to mention fresh and delicious. The beauty prize of the night, though, goes to the “Beets + Burrata” salad (made with roasted raw beets, rocco’s burrata, heirloom cherry tomatoes, foraged mushrooms, pumpkin oil.) Not only was it gorgeous, I gobbled it up like nobody’s business and I’m not even a beet lover.
From the Crudo part of the menu, I tried the “Hamachi” (made with passion fruit, yuzu kosju and sweet melon.) If you like raw fish, it’s excellent.
The savory “Pork Belly Chicharon” (with salsa picante, and garlic aioli) are lollipop bites of salty goodness and if you’re up on the latest food trends, “Grilled Spanish Octopus” (served with wakame, poached cherry tomatoes and charcoal potatoes) is calling your name.
I died and went to steak heaven when I had a bite of the “Jackman Ranch NY Strip,” which is a 30 day dry-aged masterpiece. A lot goes into perfecting its quality and taste — it’s absolutely one of the best steaks you’ll ever bite into.
If you prefer fish, the “Local Snapper” (served with baby zucchini, sun choke, kohlrabi and key lime preserve,) is a good option and last but not least, there’s the …
Drumroll please….
“LIGHTHOUSE TOWER”, a decadent three tiered serving of east + west coast oysters, Key West Shrimp, Alaskan King Crab, Cedar Key Clams and Yellowfin Tuna. This is great for a special occasion or a shareable treat for the entire table. Its presentation and taste is fit for royalty and come on, who wouldn’t wanna snap a social media pic of this gigantic and gorgeous seafood extravaganza?!
Believe it or not, I saved room for dessert, proving to myself that I’ve officially become a professional eater. 😎
The “Key Lime Cheesecake” with strawberries and meringue is a nice twist on a South Florida favorite. If you prefer something richer, try the “Chocolate Plantain Cake;” the sea salt and caramel ice cream really takes it to the next level and if you’re a fried dough lover (because who isn’t?) A “Bucket of Beignets” (with Passion Fruit + Valrhona Chocolate Sauces) will leave you starring in your own version of “When Harry Met Sally”
Because everyone will want what you’re having.
If you want a true foodie experience, “Lightkeepers Coastal Cuisine & Crafted Cocktails” should be on your list of places to check out in the Magic City. It’s truly a diverse “Surf & Turf” experience, helmed by one of the best young chefs in Miami and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things. Cheers!
Lightkeepers
inside “Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne”
455 Grand Bay Drive, Key Biscayne, Florida 33149
Reservations: 305-365-4156
Sunday-Thursday 7am-10pm / Bar: Midnight
Friday & Saturday 7am-11pm / Bar: 1am
Ladies night is every Thursday and features a live D-J coupled with champagne and oysters (both are priced at $1) yes, you read that right!
Be Social:
FB: @LightkeepersMiami
IG: @lightkeepersmiami
Twitter: @LightkeepersMIA
www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/miami/key-biscayne/dining/lightkeeprs
Styling: Jackie Kay
outfit by www.bcbg.com
Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Sexaaay” Auerbach