Melrose's Jason Santos Continuing To Make An Impact On Food Industry With New Cookbook

MELROSE, MA — A famous chef is celebrating the release of his newest cookbook.

Melrose native Jason Santos released “Citrus and Salt” in March based on the recipes of his Boston restaurant of the same name. This release marks the third recipe book Santos has published and the first in seven years.

“We're finally giving you the chance to bring the coastal-Mexican, high-energy world of Citrus and Salt to the comfort of your own kitchen,” the chef wrote on his website. “This book isn’t about playing it safe. It’s about bold moves, big flavors, and unforgettable dishes designed to impress. Every page is a celebration of crave-worthy fare, wrapped in Jason’s signature edge and vibrant energy.”

Santos’s passion began at a young age from watching cooking shows on PBS at his grandparents’ home in Medford. He spent a lot of time with his grandparents after his parents divorced when he was only seven years old. His favorite restaurant growing up was the El Torito, which at the time was located on Route One in Saugus.

“I remember getting those giant chimichanga burritos that would feed like 53 people," he said with a smile,” Santos said to WCVB NewsCenter 5. "That was my first sort of take on Mexican food when I was young."

Santos broke through in the industry in 2010 after being the runner-up on season seven of the popular Food Network reality series “Hell’s Kitchen.” Santos was one of many chefs who work throughout the season in high-pressure situations to earn the trust of and impress three-star Michelin Chef Gordon Ramsay. 11 years later, Santos returned to the program to serve as a Sous Chef on the Blue Team where he managed contestants during dinner services and assisted Ramsay. He has also been a recurring guest on the Paramount series "Bar Rescue," where he assists host Jon Taffer in improving businesses.

Abby Lane was the first eatery Santos opened on Tremont Street in Boston in 2012. He now splits time as the owner and executive chef of four distinct brands throughout the Boston area, some of which have more than one location. A second Citrus and Salt location is slated to open in Burlington before the end of the year, where Santos now lives with his wife, Thuy and their daughter, Teagan.

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