The Rusty Pelican circa 1972 Rusty Pelican photo

Not many restaurants can stay alive for more than 10 years, so what an accomplishment that The Rusty Pelican is celebrating its 51^st anniversary. The Ritz Carlton South Beach may be giving Lincoln Road a much-needed facelift. This Sunday, you can get $4 movie tickets at over twenty Miami theaters. If you love music and want to chill out, then be sure to go to the monthly laser evenings at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science.

Happy 51st Anniversary to The Rusty Pelican

Not many restaurants can stay alive for more than 10 years. What do you say about a restaurant that has actually been in business 51 years? I think you say something like “You must be doing something right.” In the case of the Rusty Pelican on Key Biscayne it’s very obvious why patrons keep coming back over and over since 1972.

The restaurant not only has a diversified menu of delicious selections, but the views of the water and Miami skyline are one-of-a-kind. Whoever picked that location knew exactly what he or she was doing. You see water and sky for miles.  If I was going to have a huge event and wanted to impress folks from all over the world, I would pick this restaurant in a second. It features a dining room for 200-plus, a lounge/bar for 100-plus, and a convertible ballroom with a capacity for up to 500 guests. It has an allure like no other.

I remember reading about a teriyaki-glazed sirloin accompanied by Polynesian rice and grilled broccolini in the Miami Times. They also noted conch fritters doused in a grilled pineapple relish and the “Chicken Kona Kai” platter of grilled pineapple loaded with chicken, rice, and plantains and doused in a sweet and sour glaze. I’m salivating just typing these words.

On the cocktail side, check out the following: a mojito, mai tai, and the “Rum Away With Me” (Flor de Caña 12-year rum, Thai iced tea, and hints of cinnamon and Disaronno).

The Rusty Pelican is so excited about its anniversary that the restaurant is showing its appreciation to the Miami community by offering a throwback menu that reflects prices from the 1972 era. The restaurant will also make a generous donation to the  Overtown Youth Center, a local non-profit, to benefit its youth development program.

I hope I see you at the Rusty Pelican, 3201 Rickenbacker Cswy., Key Biscayne; 305-361-3818.

The Ritz Carlton South Beach to Expand

I tried to deny it for a while because I couldn’t stand the truth, Lincoln Road has lost its mojo. There are still some hot spots along the world famous outdoor mall (Juvia rooftop restaurant, Mila rooftop restaurant, Regal South Beach movie theaters, Taschen Books, Nike) but the one-time major gathering space is no longer. The stretch of the mall from Alton to Washington looks faded. There is just no pizzazz.

That’s why I was thrilled to hear that the owners of the Ritz Carlton South Beach have submitted plans to build a new residential tower while rebuilding a portion of Lincoln Road.

If the Ritz Carlton wants to expand its presence on Lincoln Road, then I hope others follow their vision. Lincoln Road still has the potential to be vibrant again. All it needs is the addition of some leading brands to bring in the crowds.

Meanwhile, the new project includes the rebuilding of Lincoln Road in front of the Ritz Carlton and a new 15-story, 182-foot tower with 30 residential units.

The hotel is going to spruce up some existing parts of its property. Exciting improvements include a single-story rooftop addition to its cabana building, a redesigned pool deck, rear yard and restaurant area, and a new entry canopy on Lincoln Road.

Most people don’t even realize that the Sagamore building is part of the Ritz Carlton property. That area will get a new look too. There will be a  restoration of the façade, modifications to the lobby, and a new outdoor seating area and corridor.

The adjacent Lincoln Road area will include will feature:

• Pedestrian and vehicular access changes to both sides of Lincoln Road to maximize the pedestrian experience and safety while retaining full vehicular access
• The installation of a new gateway element at the street end
• Improvements to the beach access walk, including the widening of the walkway to improve visibility
• The introduction of new open space and landscaping on the Beach Walk.

We will know more on September 12th when the Historic Preservation Board is set to review the proposal.

Miami Movie Theaters Celebrate National Cinema Day with $4 Tickets  

This is just what is needed to get movie lovers back into the theaters. Hooray, over twenty Miami movie theaters are participating. The Cinema Foundation, a non-profit arm of the National Association of Theater Owners, announced that more than 3,000 theaters will be participating in the promotion, including major chains such as Regal Cinemas and AMC, showing movies on over 30,000 screens at this discounted price.

Eduardo Acuna, CEO at Cineworld Group, parent company of Regal, said, “The first edition of National Cinema Day recorded over 8.1 million visitors to movie theatres across the country, setting the single day attendance record for 2022. This year with $4 movies and a $4 concession combo, Regal hopes to welcome even more guests on National Cinema Day to see why we are ‘The Best Place to Watch a Movie!”

Some of the blockbuster hits this Sunday will include Barbie, Oppenheimer, Gran Turismo: Based on a True Story, The Super Mario Bros. Movie and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.

To see if your local theater is among those participating, you can enter your ZIP code at National Cinema Day’s website, where you’ll also be able to see showtimes and purchase your tickets.

About The Cinema Foundation

The Cinema Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit that uses data and collaboration to promote and expand the cinema industry. Its mission is to “advance the moviegoing experience, by developing future diverse workforces and moviegoing communities through research, education, and philanthropy.”

This Is No Ordinary Evening

If you love music and want to chill out, then be sure to go to the monthly laser evenings at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science. I promise you this, it will be no ordinary evening. Make sure you jot down the dates in your calendar, so you don’t miss the artist that is being featured each month. From Led Zeppelin to Lady Gaga, the show is fusing music with old-school laser light visuals—all under the Planetarium’s 67-foot dome.

Snacks and beverages are available for purchase in the main atrium from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Note: Laser shows rotate throughout the year, as each event has a different lineup. Check the schedule below for upcoming dates.

Cost: $10 per adult; $8 per child (ages 4-11).

Members receive a 20% discount on all Laser Evening shows.

Onsite parking is available in the museum garage for $8 flat rate starting at 6:00 p.m. on all Laser Evenings. All cars must exit garage by 1:00 a.m. Member parking discount does not apply.

Each Laser Evening show must be purchased separately.