`It seems to me that our three basic needs, for food and security and love, are so entwined that we cannot think of one without the other.` -- M.F.K. Fisher, Gourmand AuthorChez Jay may have been very close to fulfilling all of our three basic needs as the late M.F.K. Fisher so eloquently wrote. As someone who's not a native Californian, it rather impressed me that Chez Jay's has been in business for more than two decades as I've seen turtles have a shorter life span in L.A.'s transient style!
Having found my way via of mouth to this Santa Monica establishment last night - I *did* feel as if my three `basic needs` for food: the special was Ahi Tuna w/ La Jolla potatoes [we'll come back to this] fulfilled my hunger needs superbly; I also felt secure in that the ambience and atmosphere of Chez Jay's is casual and yet cozy and not at all one of those eateries with unlisted numbers and a door man who's snobbier than any Brit butler; and even my need for some 'love' as how many restaurants have the owner, yes, Jay himself, greet and seat you? Last night, he truly endeared himself to me and many others as he was offering to 'buy' first time (virginal) diners an `Orgasmic Cheesecake`.
Now as I try to practice my vegan ways as much as possible, when in reality it's a nice way to hide the fact that you're STILL on a slight diet - this decadent cheesecake offer made me forego veganism. To my suprise, this dessert was actually very light, and decadent in a kinder and gentler way as it was actually a pie with a light cheesecake and blueberry filling topped with real whipped cream.
So, you can fulfill all three of your basic needs if you venture out into the world of dining.
The ahi was extremely good and grilled exquisitely to one's preferred perfection. (I had mine medium rare, sorry Aunt Constance!) It was seasoned just as delicately with some actual thought by the chef, or was it Jay??? I had mine with a different kind of potato known as the `La Jolla` - which I truly loved. (to be cont.)
