Executive Chef Gio Solfia.
(Harvey Burstein is the publisher of miamiartzine.com)
On a Saturday night, we dined at Pelican Restaurant on Ocean Drive for a special summer prix-fixe ($65 for dinner, $45 for lunch).
The sidewalk was lively so my dining companion and I opted to eat outside. Lourdes waited on us with an easy, friendly manner. Giovanni, the manager, checked in a couple of times, and the executive chef, Gio Sofia (originally from Sicily), came by our table twice to say hello and discuss the dishes.
The multi-course meal, which included an appetizer, main dish, dessert, and a glass of white or red wine, started with a bright spinach salad: baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and toasted walnuts dressed in a lemony, zesty balsamic that woke up every bite.
Branzino
Shrimp in garlic and white wine sauce arrived sizzling with fragrant garlic and olive oil; the sauce was silky and it was perfect to dip with bread.
For the main dish, I had the branzino crispy filet: the sea bass was pan-seared with the skin nicely crisp, finished with lemon butter, capers, and a bright seasonal tomato accompaniment.
My dining companion had the gnocchi Sorrentina, a pillowy potato gnocchi baked in a vibrant tomato sauce with melted mozzarella.
Both plates were generous, beautifully plated, and balanced in flavor.
We tried all three desserts since we couldn’t decide on a favorite. The panna cotta was silky and vanilla-forward, topped with fresh berries and a tangy raspberry coulis. The key lime pie hit the right notes of tart and creamy on a crisp graham crust, and the tiramisu offered a classic, coffee-soaked finish with light mascarpone and a dusting of cocoa.
Saute Garlic Shrimp, Gnocchi Sorrentina.
Service was prompt without feeling rushed — dishes came quickly and at a comfortable pace. The staff was warm and attentive.
The special summer menu was a good introduction to this restaurant.
The Pelican Restaurant is located at 826 Ocean Drive, Miami Beach.
