Seduced by the Sultry Setai: Miami Beach, FL

The Assignment:
Write up my most memorable upscale meal of 2006.

My Answer:
This one was simple—The Restaurant at the Setai Hotel, Miami Beach. The only thing NOT memorable about this place is its name!

The Ambiance:
Dramatic glass and austere grey stone walls, accented with lavish touches of mother-of-pearl, rich teak flooring and huge bronze panels make up the almost 15,000 square feet of Asian-inspired restaurant and bar dining options.

If you’re a frustrated chef-wanna-be, then choose a seat by the expansive exhibition kitchen, where you can watch and learn from the cadre of international cooks working the silver rotisseries, giant woks, tandoori and pizza ovens.

Prefer a more romantic setting? The Restaurant offers al fresco dining in the elegant courtyard, where you’ll be seated in luxurious sunken pods, where you’ll be able to gaze at the sunset, the Zen-like reflection pond, or into each others eyes.

The Cuisine:
The uber-talented Aussie chef, Shawn Hergatt, describes it as “trans-ethnic.”

Stand-outs:
• Salt –pressed Tasmanian Trout with asian pear and daikon sprouts, and a citrusy Kalamansi Dressing.
• Green Curry Chicken redolent with basil and lemon grass.
• Stone-oven Bianca Pizza laden with black truffles.
• Kurobuta Pork (Japan’s prized pig) lavished with five-spice barbeque sauce.
• Tropical-flavored Ice Creams and Sorbets

If you have an extra $68.00 burning a hole in your pocket, the piece de resistance is:
• Grilled Sirloin of Wagyu Beef, as deliciously classy as Nicky Arnstein’s monogrammed shirts.

The Wine:
Wine guru, Alejandro Ortiz, has assembled an eclectic award-winning list featuring unique selections from Turkey and India as well as many local organic family wineries.

The Price:
Plan on about $200+ per person with wine. (Though mine probably cost about $500!)

The Details:
W: The Restaurant at the Setai Hotel.
A: 2001 Collins Avenue/ 20th Street, Miami Beach, FL.
T: (305) 520-6400.