Sunday, October 7, 2012

Tam O’Shanter celebrates its 90th anniversary in Los Angeles, CA

It all started back on June 26, 1922, when Lawrence L. Frank and Walter Van de Kamp opened Tam O’Shanter. It became one of the first restaurants in the country to offer drive-in service. Distinctive Storybook-style architecture designed by Hollywood set designer Harry Oliver. The Tam was named after the famous poem, “Tam O’Shanter”, by Scottish poet Robert Burns. The Scottish motif is evident on the interior from Scottish medieval weapons, crests, kilts, tartans, and Coats of Arms. Hamburger steaks were their specialty for almost 40 years until the introduction of their current specialty, Prime Rib, in the late 1950s. If you have never been to a Lawry’s restaurant and not had their Prime Rib, you are missing out. It is the best in the country - always tender, juicy and consistent no matter which location you go to. It tastes exactly the same and I’m not kidding when I say, “You can cut it with a butter knife.” The Tam has a casual atmosphere with Scottish charm.

There is a lot of history at this location. Walt Disney was one of their most loyal patrons from 1925 to 1939. He even had his own table, #31. Disney’s Hyperion Studios were right down the street at the time and Tam O’Shanter became the unofficial commissary for the studio employees. Animators would sketch their ideas on napkins at the bar and the server would deliver Walt’s drink with these napkin sketches. Talk about getting your ideas in front of your boss!


To read more and see photo slideshow, please visit: http://www.examiner.com/review/tam-o-shanter-celebrates-its-90th-anniversary-los-angeles-ca

Mahalo,

OC Food Diva

The Tam O'Shanter on Urbanspoon

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