The Setai

“Wonderful hotel with great guest relations, creative tasty food and drinks. An Oasis in the midst of Miami Beach”

We had a little staycation at the Setai Hotel this past weekend. The hotel is located at 20th & Collins in Miami Beach. The first thing I noticed was how friendly and helpful all of the people at the hotel were. Employees seem to have come here from all parts of the world. The hotel has three r… more

We had a little staycation at the Setai Hotel this past weekend. The hotel is located at 20th & Collins in Miami Beach. The first thing I noticed was how friendly and helpful all of the people at the hotel were. Employees seem to have come here from all parts of the world. The hotel has three restaurants Jaya, Japon and the outside Ocean Grill, just yards from the beach. We ate at Jaya, which specializes in fare from South Asia, including Indian, Chinese, Thai & Bali. The Executive Chef, Vijayudu Veena is down to earth, creative and inventive while managing the craziness of a popular culinary establishment. My son loves fried whole Snapper and Vijay delivered. The presentation was beautiful The Snapper was crispy on the outside but tasty, tender and moist inside. The pictures speak for themselves. My wife had suishi which she enjoyed. She also helped me devour the perfectly cooked lamb chops, which came on top of potatoes with a spicy red sauce underneath. Even the Naan bread, plain & garlic served with a curry cream sauce were delectable. This morning we had breakfast at the hotel. The buffet reminded me of the breakfasts I ate in Israel. They served all different kinds of bread, bagels & pastries. There was house made lox, half dozen assorted cheeses, fruit & yogart., sliced turkey & ham and an omelet station. I really enjoyed the omelet, shakshuka, croissants and eggs Benedict. A little later, the Sunday Jazz brunch started. I went back where the food was and noticed that they changed over mostly to the brunch menu which includes a raw bar, paella, prime rib, pastrami made especially for them. The man working the meat station offered me pastrami but I didn’t feel right since I didn’t pay for the more expensive brunch. I then saw Chef Vijay we talked for a few minutes. We have talked before and he knows of my culinary science background. He suggested I try the pastrami. I did…Wow! Juicy and it was so tender. By the way, the band was tight and the singer perfect for the room. One of the bartenders, Eric, actually is Culinary Institute of America graduate who wanted a change from the back of the house so now, he applies his knowledge of flavors creating alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Funny, I don’t remember anyone reviewing the Setai. The food was great. The service was impeccable.I look forward to our next stay at the Setai. By the way, the place was really hopping later on Friday and Saturday night with a DJ and acrobatic dancers who performed. They should be on America’s Got Talent. The patrons seem to dress to impress.

less