Jay Silva Has Plans for JW’s Winthrop, Including Seasonal Offerings and Seafood

Just one month after leaving his role as executive chef of Bambara in East Cambridge, Jay Silva kicked off his new role as owner and chef of JW’s Winthrop. He purchased the restaurant — a turnkey operation — in the town where he lives, and he's working to put his own touches in place.

Silva had reached a point where he was prepared for something new when the chance to take over JW’s came up, and he decided to go for it, he told Eater.

"I thought it was a really good opportunity," he said. "I live in Winthrop as well, and I can see it’s going to be well-received; it already is well-received. I can be happy and be an entrepreneur and still be a chef and be more part of the community, which is important to me."

Silva started cooking at JW’s at 10 Putnam St. on July 1, and over the next few months, he plans to roll out some changes to the space. For starters, a section of the restaurant will serve as a casual pizzeria for takeout, with traditional Italian fare, including everything from pizza to red sauce dishes, chicken broccoli ziti, and more.

On the other side of the restaurant, Silva plans to enhance the menu with local seafood offerings and plenty of seasonal menu items, which will start taking effect in the fall. "I’m gonna have two restaurants for the price of one," Silva said, and he will be able to cater to all crowds, including the large number of families in Winthrop.

The restaurant has a bar with 20 seats, a sizable dining room, and a small lounge that seats 15. Silva also has plans to do catering and bring in live entertainment. He is working with Marc Orfaly (The Beehive, Pigalle), who is consulting on some of the restaurant’s operations.

• Bambara Executive Chef Jay Silva Will Depart to Open a Restaurant in Winthrop [EBOS]