Setá Restaurant: A Touch of West LA in Whittier
What a simple and novel idea. Residents in Whittier and surrounding cities do not have to drive all the way to West LA in order to eat at a trendy and chic restaurant, receive excellent service and gourmet food. Instead of leaving the establishment immediately upon finishing their food, clients stick around a while to savor the atmosphere and the wonderful food they just enjoyed. Such is the general consensus of Setá’s patrons who keep coming back for more.
Setá’s History
A few years ago two brothers, Javier and Jeen Jimenez, got the idea of opening a restaurant. The City of Whittier was chosen for their new venture because the brothers felt that Whittier and the and surrounding areas of Santa Fe Springs, Brea and Downey needed an upscale venue and
believed in catering to a market niche that was severely under-served and under-appreciated. It was also a really fun and cool idea. One day, they were at Las Portales (the restaurant previously located at Seta’s address) and struck up a conversation about opening a restaurant. Within one month they bought the property, and inside of six months the plan went into effect. One month after closing escrow, they were introduced to Chef Hugo Molina and Aricia Alvarado and the rest is history. “Food is in our genes,” stated Javier Jimenez, who was inspired to get in the restaurant business because they come from a family of executive chefs and restaurant owners.
Chef Hugo Molina, a critically acclaimed 5 Star Chef, is very meticulous and proud of his preparation and presentation of a very eclectic menu selection. Presentation is very important and once you see and taste his food, you will be pleased aesthetically on all levels.
The Jimenez brothers teamed up with Chef Hugo Molina and General Manager Aricia Alvarado because they believed Chef Hugo Molina and Aricia created a team that was second to none in the restaurant industry. Javier says, "I believe the team we assembled with Chef Hugo Molina and Aricia Alvarado is second to none in the restaurant business." Combined, they have over 30 years in the business; they know how to succeed even in difficult times. The brothers are proud and happy to have Chef Hugo Molina and Aricia at Setá.
Some of the many highlights on their menu include a delectable Crab Cake, a Lobster Crepe with sun-dried tomato sauce, and a Lemon Crème Fraiche. Mexican Corvina Sea Bass, Alaskan King Salmon, and Muscovy Duck Breast, and many other varied beef and poultry selections are among the selections, as well. The menu, which will satisfy any palate, was created by Chef Hugo Molina and by General Manager and pastry chef Aricia Alvarado. Specialty drinks were also created by Aricia as well.
Setá Restaurant Philosophy
When talking with Javier Jimenez, one is quickly struck by his enthusiasm, his convictions, and his definite philosophy about how to run a restaurant. He loves to develop relationships with his customers and feels that people should feel relaxed when coming to Setá. He is very exacting when it comes to showcasing food not only as a visual experience, but tantalizing all of our senses. He attributes much of the restaurant philosophy to General Manager Aricia Alvarado. She has the experience and persona to execute the Setá philosophy. Aricia was first o incorporate buying only the best fresh and organic produce, as well as being very particular about the selections on the menu. Jimenez loves to educate people about presentation and taste. He really wants his patron to have a wonderful experience from the moment they walk in the door to the moment they leave. This contributes to his close relationship with his customers, while at the same time enjoys serving and being part of the community as well.
Javier and Jeen like to think outside the box, and their philosophy has been incorporated from the unique architectural design of the restaurant and throughout the interior, which is very “West LA.” Although somewhat spartan with its décor, one quickly feels comfortably enveloped with its arm and many brown hues, leather chairs, and modernist atmosphere. The uncluttered design puts your focus on the taste and visual appeal of the food as well as the social atmosphere.
The brothers are very proud of the fact that there is no other restaurant in Whittier quite like Setá. Even its unique name has a definite meaning. The name Seta is pronounced like “set-AH”. The “Se” part of the name implies their Spanish side, and “ta” involves their Asian side.
Restaurant Amenities
Javier and Jeen also cater to many fundraisers and banquets. Seta is a very cool and practical place to enjoy fine dining, as well as private areas for parties, banquets, meetings, and fundraisers. If you need to impress an important client, then Seta is the place to go in Uptown. In addition to the main dining room with a bar and chic lounge area, Seta has a patio which opens up to Philadelphia Street and a view of the historic Bank of America building. Adjacent to the patio, there is an additional private bar and lounge area. These rooms have a sense of privacy and intimacy for groups and events. You can even bring your own music to put in the iPod doc in the Aubergine Room.
Seta is A Rare Gem in Uptown Whittier
Even though Seta’s exterior is prominently located on the corner of Philadelphia and Bright, it’s understated architecture makes it rather a rare, almost hidden gem in Whittier. Once you step inside, however, you immediately feel that you have found a very different and unique place to relax and indulge. Many customers are in casual business dress, but you would not be out of place dressed for a special occasion. Prices, especially during lunch time, are very affordable and reasonable. Dinner prices are competitive and you receive quality food and customer service any time of day. Lunch is from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and dinner from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Judging by the number of customers and their positive comments, there is definitely a need and desire for a fine dining restaurant in Whittier. Seta meets these demands and exceeds all expectations. The Jimenez brothers should be commended for creating a place where dining has
become a fine art.
Profile written by Mariam Samoniantz
Photography by Rick Elias
Setá
13033 Philadelphia St.
Whittier, CA 90601
P 562.698.3355
F 562.698.3356
www.dineseta.com
Directory Listing with Google Map
Hours of Operation:
Lunch:
Monday thru Friday - 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM
Dinner:
Sunday - 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Monday thru Thursday - 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Friday thru Saturday - 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Cocktail Hour:
Monday thru Thursday - 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Late Night Lounge:
Friday thru Saturday up until 11:00 PM
