Chow Time: The Tam O'Shanter Inn

It is time that I come to terms with my suppressed, yet abiding, love of themed restaurants.  For many years I have convinced myself that much like lactose (and now gluten) I had a severe theme intolerance.  After visiting the Tam O'Shanter Inn in the Atwater Village neighborhood of Los Angeles, I realized that mine was not an aversion to themes, mine was an aversion to themes done poorly.  The themed restaurants of the 1980's and 90's always seemed too contrived, too plastic, too precious, and too loud.  The Tam O'Shanter Inn (est. 1922) is a beautiful example of a themed restaurant done right and the fairy tale, half-timber, Tudor-revival styling of the exterior gives patrons a delicious hint of what lies inside.

The Tam O'Shanter Inn

While it has endured some cosmetic and structural changes, the integrity of the original concept and design theme is very much intact - praiseworthy in a region where themes come and go (mostly the latter) and where vernacular architecture is quickly torn down or repurposed beyond recognition.  While we secretly think it is kind of awesome, we live in a town where tamales turn into beauty parlors.  Is there no respect for history?!  Well, there is at The Tam O'Shanter; the original family of owner/operators has been serving high tone Hollywood types for over 90 years in the same helpful, hospitable Scottish style.

Given my druthers, I, of course, would prefer the Tam O'Shanter of the 20's
(Source)

Speaking of old-Hollywood, the roster of diners at Tam O'Shanter reads like a "Who's Who" of Hollywood royalty including one of our very favorites, Walt Disney.  The original Disney Studios were located a very short distance from The Tam O'Shanter and became a regular spot for Disney and his team of hungry animators.

Walt Disney, Tam O'Shanter owner Lawrence Frank, and
  Papa Hemingway architect  Harry Oliver.
(Source)

Fortunately, the Tam O'Shanter need not only be a place where the elite meet; plebeians and untalented riffraff of every ilk are welcomed.  Knowing this, we made our way there on a recent adventure day.

No, Mr. Tiny, telephone reservations are not
 necessary for an early lunch.

The hearth situated in the restaurant's entry recalls historic, roadside
taverns and inns that dot the countryside of the British Isles.

Wood-paneled nooks with gracious wingback chairs invite
 hungry guests to stay and chat awhile.

For lunch, the Ale & Sandwich Bar provides fresh, carvery sandwiches and pub food including homemade potato chips and macaroni and cheese.

I was a little too shy to ask for a photo of our server, but she
was clad in an outfit not too dissimilar from the one seen on
a Tam O'Shanter hostess circa 1970.
(Source)

The Tam O'Shanter is a Lawry's restaurant, famous
 for their prime rib and roasted meats of every kind.
Mary ordered her sandwich from one of the master carvers.

Mr. Tiny got the cobb salad - more Hollywood than Edinburgh - but
really quite tasty.

Because it was our first time at the Tam O'Shanter Inn,
 our kilt-clad hostess brought us free dessert!  Knowing I
wouldn't be able to eat any of it, Mary polished it off before I
even had a chance to say, "None for me, thanks."  From what
 I understand, it was delicious...

Sometimes the picture of the food getting its picture
taken is better than the picture of the food itself.

The Scottish theme is evident in every nook and cranny of the Tam O'Shanter's many dining rooms.  Having never been to the British Isles, I can only hope and imagine that, should I get the chance to go, I would be treated to a very similar experience - including the glaring omission of haggis from then menu offferings.  Again, "None for me , thanks."

Given its Scottish - empahasis on the "ish" - provenance and its show business ties, I couldn't help but think of the Scottish number from an under-appreciated Astaire and Rogers musical picture, The Barkleys of Broadway.

"My One and Only Highland Fling" - Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers

Feeling fine after a bra bricht  lunch, Mr. Tiny took
part in that oldest of Scottish traditions, lion surfing.

Sadly, we missed last year's 90th anniversary as wonderfully documented by our pal, Patricia Lynn, over at "Lady by Choice."  But if you're ever in the neighborhood and have time to stop and smell the heather, I highly recommend The Tam O'Shanter Inn.  If its Hollywood history (John Wayne ate here) isn't enough to lure you, then come for the theme; I have truly been converted.



The Tam O'Shanter Inn
2980 Los Feliz Blvd
Los Angeles, CA
(714)664-0228

www.lawrysonline.com


Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

Waking The Dead: Tea With The Duke

Southern California is a land of many wonders.  But, being a mere adolescent in terms of relative development with the rest of the world, we are bereft of the trappings our elders, namely the beautifully-manicured public parks so often found in big cities and European capitals.  Playgrounds (really awesome ones like La Laguna de San Gabriel Playground) abound in our suburban sprawl, but nothing in our neck of the woods provides the order and tranquility of traditional parks except, of course, a good old-fashioned graveyard.

Every once in awhile we like to explore a local cemetery in search of peace, pretty mausoleums, elaborate headstones, funny epitaphs, and even a celebrity or two.  Nestled above the beach in Corona del Mar, CA is Pacific View Memorial Park.  Sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean promise a peaceful rest for all of the residents there.  My grandparents claimed their little stake of Pacific View nearly 30 years ago and I would be lying if I said that I didn't think the chief reason for the their pick of plots had nothing to do with their propinquity to that of one Mr. Marion Robert Morrison - better known to you and me as John Wayne! 

A humble arrangement of silk flowers honors his memory.

Growing up in the area, I always knew that John Wayne was interred at Pacific View, but I had never really looked for his gravesite.  Knowing that both of my grandfathers were/are huge John Wayne fans (my paternal grandfather had a crudely-executed portrait of The Duke that know takes pride of place in the living room of my brother and his wife), I felt it only proper that we go and pay our respects to The Duke. I looked at the time when we entered the cemetery and realized that it was just about tea time; this was our first time having tea with nobility!

I thought, "Find a penny (or quarter), pick it up, and then all day you'll have good luck," but Mary told me it was bad form to remove the quarter form the headstone.  I am familiar with the Jewish tradition of placing small stones on the grave, but I had never seen the same done with small change.  You learn something new everyday.

We had a vague idea of where his plot was but instead of disrespecting the deceased by tramping all over, I looked up "directions to John Wayne's grave."  I followed the first link that came up and expected a plot number but was surprised to find what read like a treasure map.  For instructions on how to find the grave go here.  After taking thirteen paces past hangman's tree, we found the grave site and said "Howdy" to The Duke. Naturally, my grandfathers were fans of the westerns, but my favorite entries into the Wayne filmography are The Quiet Man and his unforgettable story arc on "I Love Lucy," and "The Lucy Show."

I was actually very surprised that Wayne's grave marker is so unassuming.  There are plenty of marble mausoleums and ostentatious gravestones, but his subtle stone marks a plot on a sunny slope facing the ocean among all the regular folks.  We only had a short time to visit Pacific View, but we managed to see a few things that day that made us smile.

"Got coffee Lord - then beam me up"
Nearly 102 years old when she moved on to that giant percolator in the sky and Lucille's sense of humor thrived.

Just like the Haunted Mansion at Disneyland -
a grim reminder that "There's always room for one more..."

The Quiet Man (1952)

If you've never seen this film, do yourself a favor and watch it.  

John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara at the height of their powers!!!

Pacific View Memorial Park
3500 Pacific View Dr
Corona del Mar, CA 92625

www.pacificviewmemorial.com


Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

Jimmy's House: It's a Jungle in There!

Quietly lurking behind this unassuming doorway in Eagle Rock, CA lies a menagerie of animals so wild that they are practically tearing down the walls!  Our friend Jimmy keeps a collection* of wildlife so varied and so large that his home is really a jungle of sorts and you'll find nods to the strange and exotic in every nook and around each corner.  It is wacky tacky on safari!

Can't you just picture this guy in his former life?

I wish I could have been there to see him driving his mini car in the 4th of July parade.

HATARI!!!

I call this one Motel 6 - he'll keep the light on for you.

I so wanted to add a Dali moustache this guy.
Too surreal?

With this kind of zoo, one never has to worry about feeding time...

...or does one?

The very-rare, highly-desirable two-nicorn.

My own history is so colored by Disneyland that I kept expecting these guys to start singing.

Surprisingly, one doesn't suffer from sensory overload.
Simplicity is the key in achieving harmony and balance in this design.

The thing that really sets our wacky tacky hearts afire is the 

combination of disparate themes and cultural references.

This photo was actually taken in the darkest part of the home.
I believe the glow is from the spirits of those dearly-departed
 shriners who were tragically killed in a hippopotamus stampede.

I'm not entirely sure what Jimmy does for a living but I'm pretty sure he is a dentist.

I love to find curated vignettes in homes.
They tell a story about the owner - this one is a scary story.

Who do you think would win this staring contest?
My money's on Johnny Four-Eyes.

A black panther TV lamp creates moody dimension in a bookcase.

The zoo keeper at work in front of his vintage barkcloth curtains.
Undoubtedly he is looking for his next capture.

Thanks Jimmy for letting us into the enclosure!  As directed, we did not feed the animals.

Hatari! (1962)

wacky tacky would love to feature your home, garden or business!  If you have a wacky tacky interior, exterior, garden or workspace (or know someone who does), please contact us and you could be a wacky tacky design star!

Cheers!

Mr. Tiny

*If you are offended by taxidermy, please note that Jimmy is an avid collector of vintage pieces.  He is a lover not a hunter.  Also, you might be asking yourself, "Does Jimmy even speak rhinoceros?"  He'd say, "Of 'course-eros,' can't you?"