Jason Santos

Jason "Jay" Santos (born March 1, 1976) is a Boston-based restaurateur, cookbook and author. He was runner-up on Hell's Kitchen season 7 and has appeared on Bar Rescue seasons 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 as a kitchen expert. He returned for season 19 of Hell's Kitchen as Gordon Ramsay's sous-chef when the season debuted in January 2021, He went by Jay in his earlier appearances on Hell's Kitchen but goes by Jason now.

Santos and his Buttermilk & Bourbon restaurants are known for their New Orleans-inspired food.

Career Early in his career, he worked for Andy Husbands at Tremont 647 for six years, before becoming executive chef at Gargoyles on the Square in 2005. His "innovative cuisine transformed the restaurant from neighborhood stalwart to out-of-town dining destination." His food has been described as "Julia Child meets Willy Wonka".

Santos has been executive chef and owner of three Boston restaurants: Abby Lane (in the Boston Theater District), Citrus & Salt (Back Bay, Boston) and Buttermilk & Bourbon. (now closed).

In 2021, Santos and his partners announced they would open a location in July at Arsenal Yards in Watertown, Massachusetts. The Buttermilk & Bourbon location actually opened on August 5, 2021.

Santos has also taught culinary courses at both Boston University and Cambridge Rindge and Latin School.

Personal life Santos and his wife Thuy In 2021, it was reported Santos and his wife lived in Woburn, Massachusetts.

A notable part of his physical appearance is his blue-dyed hair, which he has dyed for up to 20 years, leading to the nicknames 'Blue Jay' and 'Smurf'.