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virtually every location. Wide
windows replace walls allowing the patron to
view sunlight, sunset, or starlight. Within
walking distance of the shops on Prospect Street
or the beautiful nighttime walks by La Jolla
Cove, Jay’s is readily accessible to the
day patron, or the nighttime diner.
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With a stylish bar, chic
cuisine, and an setting second to none,
Jay’s is a trendy yet relaxing addition
to the typically stylized La Jolla fare.
Jay’s menu emphasizes
Seafood with colorful Italian flavor,
with a plethora of viands, pasta, and
fish to choose from. Not neglected are
the hallmarks of middle Italy; Lasagna,
Mannicotti, Parmigiana, and Ravioli…hearty
and somewhat reassuring in a La Jolla
restaurant.
Bread, as in Italy, is a
staple and served with the meal, providing
the controlled base (as with Japanese
gari) for patrons to truly embrace the
powerful Italian flavors used by the chef.
Yet despite the wide variety
of poultry and viands manifested in a
variety of styles, it is in seafood that
Jay’s truly shines.
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Jay’s style of sea cuisine
is eclectic, and bespeaks the myriad breadth
of La Jolla clientele. Attractive and stylish
but also heartily and simplistically Italian,
Jay’s does not proffer insipid yuppie fare.
Indeed, far from it. The rural Italian “sautéed
mushrooms with fresh olives”, is a most
a simple but elegant dish, a partner to fra
diavolo baby squid.
Yet in the same breath, Jay’s
also offers the more English basket of fried
fish, and of course the quintessential Clam
Chowder…a commonplace yet comfortable aperitif.
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Pescatore, a delicious sautée
of Halibut, Shrimp, Calimari, Crab Mussels
and Clams, is the centerpiece of the Seafood
menu. However, Cioppino a coastal Italian
blend of Salmon, Halibut and other sea
fare is also a remarkable.
Both are reminiscent of coastal
Italy, the sort of Pescara-esque dish
of coastal mid-Italy, unsullied by Mediterranean
influence. Of course Jay’s offers
fresh Salmon, Halibut, and myriad pasta
seafood dishes, yet among it’s more
simple and delectable dishes is the Salmon
alla Pesto, grilled Salmon nestled in
a bed of angel hair, and drizzled in creamy
alla pesto sauce.
Also notable is the Fettuccine
Superiore, which features diced shrimp
in garlic wine sauce. Lobster over a white
wine sauce, Filet Mignon, Shrimp and Chicken,
and the Californian Surf and Turf are
all specialties of Jay’s.
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Perhaps more interesting
is the rather unique Seafood Pizza,
a dish which would seem natural
in and around San Diego, yet one
which Jay’s seems to have perfected
with Shrimp, Scallops, Baby Clams
Salmon, and again the Italian hints
of Garlic and Basil.
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As a seaside Italian restaurant,
Jay’s is a jewel of La Jolla,
and certainly a welcome stop for
any patron desiring a comforting
and relaxing encounter with elegant
Italian seafood.
Jay’s offers
a beautiful setting, delectable
meals, and delicious and wide-ranging
fare. A tribute to seafood and the
coastal La Jolla.
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Photos
by John Leonffu
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