Jess H.
08-14-2007, 04:51 PM
There are very few opportunities I’ve found to stumble upon a truly rare hidden gem. And to be fair, this find was not even my own, but when I came upon Jason’s Restaurant in San Rafael, I felt it was.
It was my 20th birthday and my parents had promised to take me some place special to celebrate. But as the car pulled up into the parking space and the key clicked out of the ignition, I found my self perplexed and disappointed. I was facing an unimpressive façade sandwiched between an automotive shop and a tired store front. Nevertheless, you’d be hard pressed to find a college student willing to turn down the promise of good food, and I am no different.
We opened the door onto a truly different world. Though Jason’s location was questionable, the little restaurant was warmly decorated with candle light and wall paintings that transported you to Europe. The food was exceptional, a term I do not use lightly. Every dish was beautifully presented and thoughtfully prepared. The waiters were personable, down to earth and attentive.
For hors d’oeuvres, try the seared scallops in balsamic vinegar reduction… it is absolutely delicious. The seared ahi tuna was perhaps the best seared ahi tuna I have ever had (and I order it as often as I can get it). The arrays of sauces, along with the mango salsa were delicately prepared so as not to overwhelm the flavor of the meat. Being from an Italian family, I generally chose to avoid restaurant offerings of gnocchi, but my mother’s order of wild mushroom gnocchi was well made and delicious. Not too much flour, just perfectly constructed, light, airy pillows. My father’s dish of Cajun pasta was also a hit, and disappeared swiftly. All in all, Jason’s Restaurant in San Rafael was quite a treat and not to be missed, as it has now become my favorite restaurant in Marin.
As I concluded my meal, it dawned on me. This unpretentious oasis lay in such an unseemly place because the purpose was food, not location. Jason’s is a small restaurant, so you are really getting good quality service. I hope you give it a try. (But make sure you have reservations since it is developing quite a following!). Has anyone else found a true hole in the wall gem like Jason’s? I’d love to hear about it.
Jason's Restaurant
783 Andersen Dr
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 453-3390
It was my 20th birthday and my parents had promised to take me some place special to celebrate. But as the car pulled up into the parking space and the key clicked out of the ignition, I found my self perplexed and disappointed. I was facing an unimpressive façade sandwiched between an automotive shop and a tired store front. Nevertheless, you’d be hard pressed to find a college student willing to turn down the promise of good food, and I am no different.
We opened the door onto a truly different world. Though Jason’s location was questionable, the little restaurant was warmly decorated with candle light and wall paintings that transported you to Europe. The food was exceptional, a term I do not use lightly. Every dish was beautifully presented and thoughtfully prepared. The waiters were personable, down to earth and attentive.
For hors d’oeuvres, try the seared scallops in balsamic vinegar reduction… it is absolutely delicious. The seared ahi tuna was perhaps the best seared ahi tuna I have ever had (and I order it as often as I can get it). The arrays of sauces, along with the mango salsa were delicately prepared so as not to overwhelm the flavor of the meat. Being from an Italian family, I generally chose to avoid restaurant offerings of gnocchi, but my mother’s order of wild mushroom gnocchi was well made and delicious. Not too much flour, just perfectly constructed, light, airy pillows. My father’s dish of Cajun pasta was also a hit, and disappeared swiftly. All in all, Jason’s Restaurant in San Rafael was quite a treat and not to be missed, as it has now become my favorite restaurant in Marin.
As I concluded my meal, it dawned on me. This unpretentious oasis lay in such an unseemly place because the purpose was food, not location. Jason’s is a small restaurant, so you are really getting good quality service. I hope you give it a try. (But make sure you have reservations since it is developing quite a following!). Has anyone else found a true hole in the wall gem like Jason’s? I’d love to hear about it.
Jason's Restaurant
783 Andersen Dr
San Rafael, CA 94901
(415) 453-3390