Yelp Miami’s View To A Thrill

One of the fantastic things about the Magic City is that no matter how long you've lived here and no matter how much you've seen, there's always a surprise waiting around the bend. Key Biscayne mainstay, the Rusty Pelican, has been much beloved for years but has recently undergone a transformation that would surprise even the most knowledgeable of Miamian. It was for this reason that it made perfect sense to host Yelp's Sunset Surprise at one of Miami's newest surprises.

Walking in, guests were greeted by a beautiful pool and smiling faces of the host venue. The opened doors led to filled hands, as guests began their enjoyment of the signature beverages of the evening: Atlantico Rum's signature mojito and Georgia Peach-infused sparkling wine. Drinks in hand, ecstatic Elites gathered 'round the newly-created, deep, rich wood and floor-to-ceiling glass windows bar area and began to enjoy a feast of phenomenal food. And, we mean 'incredible.' To wit: Smoked Salmon Roulade with Buffalo Mozzarella, Roasted Pepper, and Spring Onion Dressing; Steamed Spicy Chicken Wontons with Soy-Ginger Sauce; Ahi Tuna Tacos with Guacamole, Shredded Lettuce, Espelette, and Fennel Pollen; Mini Baked Crab Cakes with Grilled Corn, Chives, Peppers, and Chipotle Aioli; Duck Confit Empanadas with Foie Gras, Goat Cheese and Sherry Vinegar Paint; Pork Belly Skewer with Caramelized Apples and Blood Orange Balsamic Reduction; Miami ‘Caprese’ Skewers with Buffalo Mozzarella, Local Heirloom Tomatoes & Mangoes and Cilantro Dressing; and Sea Bass & Salmon Croquetas with Roasted Garlic Aioli delighted and astonished guests. In fact, one might say, they were 'surprised.' But the surprises kept coming.

After a warm greeting from the venue management, the patio doors opened up and guests were greeted with hand-rolled cigars courtesy of Sabor Havana and treated to the luscious Latin melodies of Bikini Jazz, appearing courtesy of WDNA Fusion Latina host JacQueline Mestre. As the smoke on the water and music in the air faded into a gorgeous sunset and view of the city that's unmatched in the 305, the ace Rusty Pelican staff had one final surprise for Elites: dessert. Key lime pie, chocolate mousse, macarons, and Belgian chocolates were just some of the sweet bites that capped off this sweet evening. The gorgeous event was captured by Yelp's very own Alex H. See his handiwork here. If pictures aren't enough, read the impressions of gleeful Elites here. There's nothing quite like a pretty autumn evening in Miami, spent with a cigar in one hand, cocktail in the other, food in the belly, music in the air, and friends all around. No surprises, there.

Livin' la vida buena,

Johnny T