CHEZ JAY
ICON TURNS 60 AND CELEBRATES WITH ‘50S ERA PRICES

One of Santa Monica's most iconic restaurants, Chez Jay, cordially invites guests to don their dapper 1950s attire and help celebrates 60 years of business on Saturday, November 16 with a 1950s specially priced 60th anniversary throwback menu. The soirée will run from 4 pm until closing and will feature live jazz, featured cocktails, photo booth, and more.

Chez Jay, located in the heart of Santa Monica on Ocean Avenue, is owned by Michael Anderson and now operated by his son, owner Chris Anderson who took over two years ago.

“There was definitely a steep learning curve when I first came on board,” says the younger Anderson. “But my dad is an excellent mentor and I learned about the importance of engaging with our guests.”

The transition of Chris Anderson’s role was seamless because he works on maintaining the consistent quality of hospitality that Chez Jay is known for. As the latest custodian of Chez Jay’s legacy, he considers it his mission to act as the bridge between the legion of Chez Jay regulars and the current generation of newcomers.

 “Chez Jay is not just a restaurant, it is an experience,” explains Chris Anderson. “It is in the stories, in the walls, in the service, and the interaction between staff and guests. Chez Jay is not a place where people sit on their phone; it is a second home where everyone is present and engaged with the people around them.”

Having been in the kitchen at Chez Jay for over 27 years, Chef Juan “Tony” De Arcos Sr. is the special secret ingredient at Chez Jay, alongside his cousin Chef Guillermo “Memo” De Arcos and now son Tony De Arcos Jr. cooking by his side, making this a true family affair as father and son will prepare classic favorites for the Chez Jay’s monumental big 6-0 celebration. 

For one special night only, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy Chez Jay’s 1950s Specially Priced 60th Anniversary Throwback Menu, which features select entrees at their original 1959 pricing. Guests can sink their teeth into a juicy New York Cut Steak for $5.95; Filet Mignon Béarnaise for $5.95; and Grenadine of Beef with Mushroom Sauce for $4.50.

Or savor some swimmingly delicious seafood like the Shrimp Curry A L’indienne Rice Pilaf for $3.95; Broiled Catalina Swordfish Béarnaise for $3.75; or have the best of both worlds with the Surf ‘N’ Turf, featuring top sirloin and lobster tail for $6.95.

Live Jazz will be playing outside in The Backyard at Chez Jay, designed by Chris Anderson and Nataly Lopez with the thoughtful mission to create a comfortable and welcoming gathering space for family, friends and longtime guests of Chez Jay.  Featured Cocktails for the special night will include: Old Fashioned, Dirty Martini, Margarita, Gimlet, Cuba Libre, and the Manhattan, along with a variety of Wines, with special selections of Red, White, Rosé, Champagne and Sparkling.

Michael Anderson is only too happy to share the secret recipe of Chez Jay’s success.

“Chez Jay’s success is three-fold. One, consistency in food and hospitality; two, a lot of personality; and three, a lot of history.”

Chez Jay will be celebrating their Chez Jay 60th Anniversary on Saturday, November 16 from 4 pm to closing. Reservations will be limited to an hour and a half per table on this particular evening. To make a reservation, call Chez Jay directly at 310-395-1741.

Chez Jay is located at 1657 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, CA 90401. Call 310-395-1741.

Photography Courtesy Of: Chez Jay