There is nothing ordinary about the Key Biscayne Ritz Carlton and throw in the opportunity to drive a brand new 2012 BMW into the mix and you’ve got the makings for one extraordinary Sunday afternoon.
Registered hotel guests at the The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne have complimentary access to one of nine 2012 BMW models for personal daytime and evening use in and around Key Biscayne and Miami. Car models offered include:
BMW 3 Series 335i Sedan Luxury Line
Complimentary tour drives are available daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. for up to three-hours. Registered hotel guests can reserve a car at the BMW desk, located in the resort lobby, upon check-in or in advance by phoning the BMW desk at 305.365.4214. For hotel guests not familiar with the Key Biscayne/Miami area the resort concierge will provide recommended sites and maps as well as assist guests with programming destinations into the GPS system, available with each car prior to the test drive. The Ritz-Carlton BMW Driving Tour takes place from January 22 to March 17, 2012. I had the opportunity to test drive the BMW Z4 sDrive35i.
I am not a car buff, I don’t write about cars and I’m certainly not going to try and do so today; but I can say that the drive in this snazzy little Z4 was quite thrilling. OK very thrilling! I’ve always been enamored with convertibles but never owned one. What I found interesting and surprising was how solid and heavy the car was to drive; must be that 50:50 weight distribution; meaning that the overall weight of the car is evenly distributed between the two axles. (I did learn a little something). This Z4 has a lot of substance to it; I actually felt rather safe in it.
I’ve always been a coupe/sedan kinda gal, shying away from the roadsters for the stigma that is wasn’t safe or practical. I’ve found safe and practical with the Z4, now I have to find the money to support my new fascination. Click here to view more photos of the BMW cars within the driving tour.
So now about that brunch…..
It’s no secret that I am a fan of the Ritz Carlton brand. I’ve written about and photographed many a dinner, happy hour and wine tasting at various Ritz Carltons. The signature dish, Cioppino at Cioppino, Key Biscayne Ritz Carlton is one of my all time favorite dishes; so much so that Executive Chef Ezio Gamba gave me the recipe for my book, Food Lovers’ Guide to Miami & Fort Lauderdale. I’ve never known a Ritz Carlton to do anything half way and staying true to its course of doing things in a first class manner, the lavish Sunday Brunch at the Key Biscayne property was one presented and carried out in grand style.
As always I recommend sitting on the patio with a view of the gardens and Atlantic Ocean, (amazing how much better everything will taste with with scenery like this)
The property’s Executive Chef, Clayton van Hooijdonk has seen to it that no detail has gone overlooked in preparing for this Sunday spread.
The traditional dessert stations which by the way take up an entire wall in one room; along with the classic hot breakfast items such as made to order omelets and crepes; eggs, bacon, sausage, and breakfast potatoes have their prominent place in the buffet line but it is the extra added food glamour of a caviar station complete with buckwheat blinis, crostinis and the amenable accoutrements; a charcuterie carving station, grilled and pickled vegetables, an assortment of fresh made ceviche, stone crab claws and jumbo shrimp along with the elaborate sushi display that make guests take a step back and take in the sumptuous selection of gastronomy before them.
The food doesn’t stop there but only acts as a segue to the hot entrees starting with seafood chowder, braised fennel, smoked bacon and English peas risotto, roasted leg of lamb, snapper escabeche and ever the traditional roast beef. Whether classic or nouveau the quality of the food is outstanding at this brunch as are the vast choices be it sweet or savory or hot or cold.
You certainly cannot have all this food both feline and fabulous without matching beverages. A Prosecco bar with your choice of eight different cocktails is available to whet your whistle or if mimosa sousing doesn’t strike your fancy twelve varieties of Bloody Mary’s should do the trick. Sunday Brunch is $82 for adults and $41 for children ages 5-12. Brunch is served on Sundays from 12, noon -3pm. Reservations are recommended 305-365-4552. Click hereto view more food photos from brunch.
Love the South Florida food scene? Check out our newly published book (Globe Pequot Press, $14.95), Food Lovers’ Guide to Miami & Fort Lauderdale
Ritz Carlton Key Biscayne 455 Grand Bay Drive Key Biscayne, FL 33149
