Sunday Brunch at the Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne

Sipping Mimosas near the water, while gentle tropical breezes caress your face takes any dining experience to a whole new level. The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne, nestled between swaying palm trees and lush tropical foliage, has recently jazzed up their Sunday Brunch, by adding Southern-inspired dishes and live entertainment every second Sunday of the month. It's no secret that I love Sunday Brunches and the unparalleled food and service of the Ritz, so this was my cue to get on the Rickenbacker Causeway and head south to 455 Grand Bay Drive.

 

With a touch of signature Miami flair, Southern belles dressed in their Sunday finest greeted us at the entrance to Cioppino, the resort’s main restaurant, while a captivating saxophonist played soulful jazz favorites. For us, the anticipation kicked in almost immediately, as we perused the lavish selection of brunch stations. After taking a sip of our refreshing Mimosas, with an unspoken promise to return for a Bloody Mary, we started by sampling the caviar; an array of American, Keta and Trout Roe, displayed with the classical garnitures. Once we awakened our palates with these delicacies from the sea, we continued on the seafood route, enjoying a variety of tangy ceviches, crab claws, succulent shrimp and oysters. A sizable sushi boat also called out to us, accompanied by a variety of Asian dishes including Curry Beef wonton, soy marinated udon noodles and a selection of dim sums. This was just the beginning...

 

The beautifully displayed stations also included a feast of salads and a charcuterie offering fine meats, imported cheeses, and crispy breads and crostini, along with a Carving Station featuring tender cuts of Salt Crusted Sirloin with Beef Jus and Roasted Herb Crusted Salmon with Lemon Beurre Blanc. The Italian roots of the Chef were ever present with an array of tantalizing dishes such as Lobster Risotto and Penne a la Bolognese luring us to the Pasta Station. No brunch would be complete without the traditional breakfast items, and at the Ritz, they include an omelet station, unforgettable crepes, chicken sausages and crispy bacon. While the Southern staples may vary from one brunch to another, our taste buds were taken on a journey through the Big Easy with classics like Chicken and Waffles, Crawfish and mouthwatering Jambalaya.
 

There's no question you will bounce from station to station like a kid at Toys R Us, but you must save room for dessert. There is an impressive separate area dedicated exclusively to the decadent sensations. The fine line between art and sweet indulgence blurs at this point of the meal, and the selection of pastries reach unimaginable heights. From chocolate-laden creations to international treats, the choices are endless.

 

Who says you can’t have champagne wishes and caviar dreams? At The Ritz-Carlton, you can have both with a side of jazz.  For more information, visit their website at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne.