Saturday morning Brunch at one of Miami’s most famous eateries: The Rusty Pelican.
Everyone knows about “The Rusty Pelican”…
It’s one of Miami’s most spectacular jewels, with sweeping water views highlighting the decadence of the Magic City skyline.
I’ll never forget the first time I dined there; I was absolutely mesmerized by the place. That was over ten years ago and a lot has changed since then.
Over the past year, the restaurant has undergone a major overhaul, recreating itself by updating its bar, dining room and menu.
Spotlighting dinner or brunch was a tough decision, but those exquisite water views and new brunch menu items helped make up my mind (don’t worry, I’ll go back for dinner.)
“The Rusty Pelican” has a really diverse bar menu, with Classic & Specialty Cocktails, but it was the “Gin & Tonic” section that really caught my eye.
Gin seems strong and tough to drink in the morning; in this case, it’s anything but. They use sophisticated Gins that will leave you satisfied and refreshed…
The “Thyme & Apricot” is the perfect example (made with Ford’s Gin, Thyme, Simple Syrup, Apricot, Green Peppercorn’s and Elderflower Tonic.) This drink not only looks like a summer day, it tastes like one, too.
My favorite, “RP Gin and Tonic (2017 Miami)” named after the Rusty Pelican, is made with Hendricks Gin, Fever Tree Tonic, Grapefruit, Black Pepper and Fennel. Fresh, light and easy on the eyes, it’s a MUST-TRY if you like something strong and delicious.
If you’re looking to stay cool while enjoying the sizzling summer view, go with the hydrating “Agua De Coco” (made with Bacardi Coconut, Coconut Water, Coconut Syrup Lime and Mint.) This drink is vacation in a glass and you can barely taste the rum. Gulpers beware.
Being a New Mexico girl and all, I’m a sucker for a good Huevos Rancheros breakfast and RP’s Executive Chef, Jim Pastor, really takes it up a notch by adding CRAB!
The “Crab Huevos Rancheros” is plated with three towers of deliciousness. Those towers include…
Pinto bean and Jalapeño puree, Organic Tomato Salsa, Blue Corn Tortilla, Cheese and one Egg Sunny Side up.
My mouth is watering just writing about it. It’s actually one of their most popular menu items, and for good reason, too. Instead of a slop of beans and what-have-you, the flavors are well-balanced and meticulously presented.
If you prefer sweet instead of salty, the “Hazelnut Chocolate Ricotta Pancakes” are moist and decadent. The Gold Dusted Cakes are topped with Mint Whip Cream and decorated with Blackberry Molasses Syrup and Strawberry Sand.
But WHY choose? If you like sweet and salty, go for the “Fried Chicken and Waffle”. Mmmmm…. this was mind-blowing and can easily be shared.
Made with an Organic Half Chicken, Orange Cinnamon Waffle and Blackened Grilled watermelon, you won’t be disappointed. The Sriracha Maple Syrup is the icing on the cake, so to speak.
“The Rusty Pelican” is one of those special places in Miami that you just have to experience.
If you want to see our city in all its glory (water, buildings, sunshine and blue skies,) while sipping on gin and eating a fantastic brunch, head to Key Biscayne and make an afternoon of it. “The Rusty Pelican” is definitely worth it and that’s why it’s one of my Favorite Things.
The Rusty Pelican
3201 Rickenbacker Causeway,
Key Biscayne, Florida 33149
Reservations: 305-361-3818
Sunday-Thursday: 11am-11pm / Bar 11am-12am
Friday & Saturday 11am-12am / Bar 11am – 12am
$6 Valet Service
Be Social:
IG: @rustypelicanmiami
FB: @rustypelicanMiami
Twitter: @RustyPelicanMI
James Woodley Photography
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Hair & Make-up: Odett Hernandez
Digital Editor: Jessie Neft-Swinger
Editor: Matthew “Mmmmm” Auerbach