Over the years The Setai’s highly professional service and well attired staff have never faltered. And we know that maintaining consistent service in Miami is anything but easy. The design of their spacious, comfortable restaurant Jaya, with large well spaced tables and handsome open kitchen is still as appealing as ever. And then there’s the cuisine under the talented Executive Chef Mathias Gervais, showcasing all matter of Asian dishes – from Indian, overseen by their Indian Executive Sous Chef, Vijay Veena, to Thai, Japanese, Chinese and Vietnamese dishes. If you haven’t been there, or have been wanting to return, Miami Spice is the time.
Dinner starts out with edamame and Naan bread cooked in front of you. For starters there’s a pork belly bao, Chinese barbecue in a soft bun which is always a good bet, and another recommended choice, the Hamachi, the fish swimmingly fresh, with yuzu juice, heart of palm and mango. For the mains, I opted for the tandoor chicken masala, a classic Indian dish which was beautifully prepared. Like fish? You can’t go wrong with the crispy grouper in sweet and sour tamarind sauce with fried chiles.
Dessert brought other tough choices – tempura chocolate; a mousse like chocolate caramel with peanut brittle and salted caramel ice cream; tofu cheesecake with crispy rice, strawberries and coconut green tea sorbet; or key lime pie with white chocolate cream, roasted blueberries and mango coulis. They also offer a wine pairing for $28.
Jaya, 2001 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach (T.855-923-7899).
Karen’s Miami Spice Jaya Picks:
Pork Belly Buns
Tandoor Chicken Masala
Tempura Chocolate
Looking for other Miami Spice top picks? Click for Bourbon Steak and Corsair, Sushi Garage, and a roundup with menus.