Bon Appetit Names the Tam an “L.A. Classic”

The Tam O’Shanter received recognition for being a classic L.A. restaurant by Bon Appétit magazine, who stopped by for a photoshoot to document its legacy.

Bon Appétit captures a classic at the Tam O'Shanter

IN ITS MAY 2015 ISSUE, renowned food and culture magazine Bon Appétit will feature Lawry’s own Tam O’Shanter as one of “10 Classic L.A. Restaurants.” Their special article places our 93-year-old Atwater Village neighborhood landmark in a select group of “old school” dining and drinking establishments that have stood the test of time and thrive today.

The Tam finds itself in the company of such well-known Los Angeles institutions as Musso and Franks, Dan Tana’s, The Apple Pan and Langer’s Deli. Among them all, the Tam is the oldest restaurant in the city under the same ownership in its original location.

Around cocktail hour on a late February afternoon, guests at the Tam’s Ale and Sandwich Bar and early diners saw the arrival of the magazine’s camera crew. Their assignment: to capture the essence of the Tam as revealed in its food and longtime co-workers.

a fresh spirit without sacrificing what has made it great

Corporate Executive Chef Ryan Wilson, the Tam’s Executive Chef Mark Kalenderian and Director of Design Susie Frank all lent a hand in preparing and staging mouthwatering shots of three favorite Tam dishes, Prime Rib, Beef Brisket and Scotch Rarebit. Bartender Ricardo “Ricky” Rosa posed for a portrait as he recalled the changes he has seen and the friends he has made in his 37 years (and counting) at the Tam O’Shanter.

The Tam O’Shanter is proud to be recognized by such a prestigious publication as Bon Appétit and thanks its guests for the part they play in sustaining us for going on four generations. But, while the restaurant’s reputation as an L.A. Classic is certainly well deserved, that doesn’t mean that it’s standing still. Today’s Tam contributes to and reflects the vibrancy of the surrounding neighborhood.

the Tam is the oldest restaurant in the city under the same ownership in its original location

A new approach to the menu in both the Ale and Sandwich Bar and the restaurant brings a fresh spirit without sacrificing what has made it great. As General Manager John Lindquist put it, “I’m excited by the opportunity the Bon Appétit article gives us to showcase both our history and where we’re headed with our food.” We’re sure you’ll join us in that excitement as we carry on our classic traditions and continue to create new ones.