Summer recipes at Costa Brava in St. Augustine

Costa Brava is located inside the Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine. They are known for their Mediterranean flavors, wine list, appetizers and more. When sharing a meal there, you’re guaranteed to discover something new. Rance trekked down to learn about their Pimento Cheese Cheeseburger Patty Melt and their “Magic Word” cocktail. www.kesslercollection.com/casa-monica/

Pimento Cheese Hamburger Patty Melt with Arugula and Roasted Red Peppers

Pimento Cheese Recipe

  • 6 oz Cream cheese, softened
  • ½ c mayonnaise
  • 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz pimento peppers, drained, diced
  • 1 tsp Smoked paprika
  • 2 oz sweet pickles, chopped
  • TT Salt/Pepper

Place the cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, pimento peppers, smoked paprika, and sweet pickles into a large bowl of a mixer. Beat at medium speed using a paddle attachment until thoroughly combined. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Patty Melt

  • Burger patty
  • Pimento cheese
  • Arugula
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Brioche burger bun
  • butter

Grill the burger to your desired temperature. Spread 2oz of pimento cheese on the bottom bun. Top with the arugula and the roasted red peppers. Next place down the burger, then top that with 2 more oz of pimento cheese and then the top bun. Melt enough butter to coat the bottom of a skillet over medium heat. Add the patty melt with the top bun down. Press down on the patty melt as it cooks, turn over when the top is golden brown. Continue to press down on the patty melt and cook until the 2nd side is golden.

The Magic Word

1 oz Hendrick Gin

1 oz Green Chartreuse

1 oz DiSaronno Amaretto

1 oz Lime Juice

Shake & Strain into a martini glass. Top with smoke bubble what guests “pop” with their magic wand as they say the “magic word”