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Chez Jay is many things to many people. Some of the best seafood in
Santa Monica, a great place for a juicy steak, a fun place for a drink with friends. A relaxing spot, walking distance from the beach.
Co-owner Jay Fiondella and
Manager Michael Anderson will delight you, I promise. They work hard to make sure you’re having an amazing time and enjoying every sip and every bite. And it’s so easy to enjoy.
When you first walk in, the setting is comfortable. The people are happy and social. The staff has a relaxed feel, while still being busy. The immediate sense is this is a place you could spend an hour or two and really enjoy your time.
Enjoy Your Beverage
This evening we request a table for two.
David is our waiter. We start off with two waters, a vodka tonic and a glass of Chardonnay. David quickly returns with some bread, carrots and celery to nibble on.
Conversation begins and the overall ambience is perfect. Not too loud, certainly not too soft for the busy restaurant that it is. Just perfect.
Starting off
A few sips later, and David has found time to visit. We decide on the
Sauteed Mushroom Buttons as an appetizer. David smiles, “Oh you’re gonna like those.” Being that they weren’t my pick, his endorsement is encouraging.
David returns before the appetizer is delivered. He wants to check in for our entrée orders. I’m ready, but my guest is unsure. David answers several questions. He’s good. What’s the freshest? What does this mean? How does it come out—on the side, or?
He has answers for everything. More importantly, he answers honestly. He dissuades her from one choice and simply says, “If you want fish, tonight I’d recommend Swordfish.” She finishes her order and with that he disappears. Seemingly seconds later our mushrooms arrive.
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Sauteed Mushroom buttons
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There are a few words I’d commonly use to describe the taste of mushrooms. None of those words give our appetizer justice. They’re perfect. Just crisp enough, just tender enough. The sauce is potent, yet complimentary to the food. A few bites later, and I’m considering forgetting the entrée and just ordering more mushrooms.
Din-Din
David returns and is delighted that we’re happy with the mushrooms. We order
Swordfish Bernaise and I succumb to a guilty temptation by ordering the
Filet Mignon and Lobster Tail combo.
Both entrees arrive just as the mushrooms have disappeared. Perfect timing. David checks in and cautions us about the hot plates. He explains that he’ll be back very soon; he wants to see how his Swordfish suggestion turns out.
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Lobster tail and Filet Mignon combo
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The game plan for me was to have a bite of each piece of my combination, slowly, one at a time and experiment with the tastes. But one bite of the lobster, and the plan was forgotten. Tender, succulent, delicious. There’s not enough words out there. If you’re a lobster fan, you need to be here.
I was bad company for a few minutes. I nodded along, not saying a word, just indulging in the delicious crustacean. By then David rescued me, returning to inquire about the Swordfish. He gets a big smile and a nod. His hands go up and cheers. “I love it. Glad you’re enjoying. Please let me know if you need anything else.”
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Swordfish Bernaise
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She’s enjoying the Swordfish. There’s capers on top, and they add flavor that she wasn’t expecting. Needless to say, she’s happy and she’s glad she took David’s advice.
For me, there was a slight intermission between the lobster and steak. To be honest, I felt bad. I just devoured a lobster tail and passionately enjoyed every moment. But, I’m a steak guy. There’s no way this steak can live up to the lobster.
Then I sliced it and took my first bite. Warm, tender, buttery. As it laid in my mouth, its juices satisfied my cravings. The only thing better than the amazing lobster, is to follow it with their amazing steak. Combination indeed!
In retrospect, I should have tried the wine. A nice glass of Pinot would have complimented the filet. Next time! Be warned, though, the combination is a lot of food. Frankly, it’s two meals and I imagine it could be shared.
On the way out, after raving about dinner, David reminds us about the weekend brunches. Turns out, their breakfast food is famous. Gonna have to come back to try it.
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Chez Jay for breakfast
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We left with two to-go bags. Some of hers, some of mine. The food was too plentiful to finish all at once. And far, far too delicious to even contemplate wasting. No, no. This is food you take home. This is food you enjoy again.
Chez Jay has a friendly setting and while it’s certainly casual, the caliber of the food and staff escalate the situation. It may be too casual for a business dinner. Instead, bring a date or some buddies. It’s a fun night that will leave you very satisfied. Ask for Mike, tell him LA Splash sent you.
Chez Jay is located at
1657 Ocean Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90401
For reservations, please call:
(310) 395-1741
For more information, visit: www.ChezJays.com
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on Joe Wehinger . Former Freelancer
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