Veya

Veya Review

On the suavely minimalist, draped, four-sided verandah, the stylishly appointed tables glow with flickering candlelight (in white-matte, sea urchin-shape votive holders made of porcelain). A lively lounge where chic patrons mingle and sip mojitos to the purr of soft jazz anchors the room. Inventive, sophisticated, and downright delicious, Carrie Bogar's "Cuisine of the Sun" features thoughtful but ingenious preparations of first-rate provisions. Ample portions are sharable works of art—sample Moroccan-spiced shrimp "cigars" with roast tomato-apricot chutney or Vietnamese-spiced calamari. Jerk-spiced tuna is served with a rum-coffee glaze on a juicy slab of grilled pineapple with curls of plantain crisps, and crayfish in beurre blanc is divine. Dessert is a must—the sublime warm chocolate cake with chili-roasted banana ice cream and caramelized bananas steals the show. Great music in the lounge invites after-dinner lingering. Downstairs is a café that serves breakfast and light lunches such as salads and panini, as well as delicious bakery goods. It opens at 6:30 am for early risers.