Rusty Pelican’s Caesar is dressed for success
Q: We had a wonderful birthday dinner last night at the Rusty Pelican on Key Biscayne. I simply must get the recipe for the Caesar salad dressing. Everyone was raving about it, and we are all foodies. Is there any chance that you could get it for us? — Andy Steinberg, Hollywood
A: Yes, there is a chance thanks to Jim Pastor, Eastern regional chef for Specialty Restaurant Corporation. The familyowned corporation founded in 1958 has 21 locations throughout the United States in its portfolio. In addition to the Rusty Pelican (3201 Rickenbacker Causeway, Key Biscayne, 305-361-3818, therustypelican.com), the group owns Whiskey Joe’s in Key Biscayne (whiskeyjoesmiami.com).
Pastor credits his love of food and natural ingredients to his Costa Rican parents. This passion eventually led him to the culinary program at University of Johnson & Wales in Rhode Island and Miami. After graduation he wasted no time establishing a name in the industry. There were stints at the Ritz Carlton, Key Biscayne, the Conrad Miami, the Hyatt Regency, Newport Beach, Calif., and the W South Beach before moving up in rank to executive chef at the Rusty Pelican, leading to his recent promotion as Eastern regional chef.
In 2012, the Rusty Pelican went through a major renovation updating the space, décor, and food and beverage programs that put the iconic waterfront restaurant on the map in 1972. Their Caesar salad is a No. 1 seller, likely due to the unique recipe that puts a twist on a classic without straying too far.
To start with, the salad portion gets an extra boost of texture and flavor with tangy pickled shallots and salty Kalamata olives. For the dressing, Pastor uses lime juice instead of lemon and adds another acidic layer with balsamic vinegar.
If you’re searching for a New Year’s Eve venue with spectacular views, celebration plans are under way for the Rusty Pelican’s “A Royal Affair NYE 2019” event. There are two experiences offered, the “Feathered Fork” in the restaurant and the “Tilted Crown” in the grand ballroom. Choose from a 5-course dinner with wine pairings, or feast on an elaborate buffet with premium open bar and free-flowing Taittinger Champagne. An impressive entertainment line-up completes the fête with a threepiece band, DJ, dancing and fireworks to help ring in the New Year. For more details and reservations visit rustypelicannye2019.eventbrite.com.