Iconic Chez Jay In Santa Monica Celebrates 60 Years with 1950’s Throwback Extravaganza

Santa Monica’s most iconic restaurant, Chez Jay, cordially invites guests to don their dapper 1950s finery and join the festivities as Chez Jay Celebrates 60 Years on Saturday, November 16^th, 2019 from 4:00 pm until Closing!

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. Chris Anderson joined his father at Chez Jay approximately two years ago as the General Manager where he had the honor of observing his father in his element. “There was definitely a steep learning curve when I first came on board,” says C. Anderson, “but my dad is an excellent mentor and I learned about the importance of engaging with our guests.”

Jay in front of Chez Jays in 1959. Photo: Courtesy of the Fiondella Family Archives

The transition of C. 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, C. Anderson considers it his mission to act as the bridge between the legion of Chez Jay regulars and the current generation of newcomers. States C. Anderson, “Chez Jay is not just a restaurant, it is an experience: 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.” Along with his father M. Anderson, C. Anderson is proud to welcome guests back to 1959 to celebrate Chez Jay’s incredible 60-year milestone, with a 1950s Specially Priced 60^th Anniversary Throwback Menu, Live Jazz, Featured Cocktails, Photo Booth, and more!

Photo courtesy of Chez Jay

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 prepare classic favorites for the Chez Jay’s big 6-0! For one special night only, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy Chez Jay’s 1950s Specially Priced 60^th Anniversary Throwback Menu, which features select Entrees at their original 1959 pricing! Guests can sink your teeth into a juicy steak like the New York Cut Steak ($5.95), Filet Mignon Béarnaise ($5.95), and Grenadine of Beef with Mushroom Sauce ($4.50), or savor some swimmingly delicious seafood like the Shrimp Curry A L’indienne Rice Pilaf ($3.95), and Broiled Catalina Swordfish Béarnaise ($3.75), or have the best of both worlds with the Surf ‘N’ Turf, featuring top sirloin and lobster tail ($6.95). Signature Sides will also be available to accompany the throwback Entree, and don’t forget to smile and say Cheesecake! This retro dessert never goes out of style, so be sure to leave plenty of room for a slice.

Photo courtesy of Chez Jay

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. The space features picnic tables, couches, Adirondack chairs, fire pit, wine barrels, hanging vintage lanterns and string lights, large off-white canopy, and bright blue fence that backs up to Santa Monica’s Tongva Park. Mingle and swap stories from an era when cell phones were not around to capture every sizzling moment while enjoying one of the evening’s Featured Cocktails: 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.

Photo courtesy of Chez Jay

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.” M. Anderson further expresses his gratitude for the integral relationship between Chez Jay and their guests in one succinct quote from the late, great Bob Hope: “Thanks for the memories!”