Studio City has a new culinary jewel in the form of Tommy Rays restaurant. Owner Tommy LeVasseur, a former San Diego Padre, held a soiree for the restaurant?s official opening party and more than 175 fans turned out to ?Party With Bacardi?
Actor Ed Begley, Jr. and his wife, Rachelle Carson Begley, actors Peter Onorati, Matt Cedeno, Dominic Comperatore,?Justin Chon, Johnny Pacar and Kiko Ellsworth, Adrian Bellani of ?Passions?, actress Adrienne Janic, Charlene Tilton of? ?Dallas? fame, Rachel Melvin of ?Days of Our Lives?, Tasia Sherel of ?Everybody Hates Chris?, Lee Reherman of ?In Case of Emergency?, Patrika Darbo, Jack Krizmanich of ?Wicked, Wicked Games?,? Kate Linder of ?The Young and the Restless? and actress/comedienne Judy Tenuta were among the ?beautiful people? who attended the event, hosted by Carolina Bacardi of the Bacardi Rum Family.
Guests were treated to Bacardi Voodoo Doll Martinis, Bacardi Mojitos and the Grey Goose Tommy?s Crush as they enjoyed delectable fare prepared by TommyRays Executive Chef Maryanne ?Z? Zdobysz. Guest were able to taste miniatures of some of the restaurant?s best items,?including Asian Chicken Salad on Wonton Crisps,? Laura Chenel Chevre (goat cheese tossed in toasted almonds with whole roasted garlic & red peppers served on crostini), Prawn Cocktails, Teryiaki Beef Bok Choy, Grilled Scotch Smoked Salmon, Hoison Pork on Sesame Rice Cakes, Caprese Skewers, Dungeness Mini Crab Cakes and much more.???
Outside on the heated patio, guests were invited to roast homemade marshmallows over the outdoor fire pit. Chocolate and graham crackers were also provided to make the ultimate smores.
Tommy Rays is a new look for Studio City. Owners Tommy LeVasseur, Ray Franco, and Gary Blackwell had one thing in mind when they opened the restaurant; make it great for all kinds of people.
?We recruited a team of culinary experts, brought in an ace manager and created a ?local hangout? experience where guests enjoy delicious meals, served in a chic yet casual atmosphere,? says Tommy.? And, since it?s opening in October, 2006, brilliant playing has been the order of the day, with TommyRays serving up California favorites with a European flair.? There’s a bustling Hollywood vibe with people crowded at the door and tables constantly turning with rounds of tourists and locals including Joey Lawrence, the Cast of ?Scrubs,” Alicia Coppola, Kevin Bacon, The Jay Leno Show staffers, Sean Hayes, Eva LaRue, James Van Der Beek, Heather McComb & Greg Kinnear. ?
The patio is among the largest on Ventura Blvd., making it an ideal place to feel the California breeze. The small, intimate interior is elegant and unique with eclectic artwork lining the walls. The feeling is similar to a small, private gallery. In fact, the restaurant works with in collaboration with local artists and galleries to showcase upcoming talent.
The menu is reasonably priced with a flare towards the gourmet, but with a feeling of home cooking. Their wine list has over 25 choices available by the glass and more than 40 by the bottle, with selections already picked out to complement their entrees. And with a simplistic, yet delicious, children?s menu, it?s a great place for the whole family to dine out with pizzazz. It brings a dining experience that is unique in flavor and pizzazz.
Tommy Rays
12345 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City
818-506-2412
www.tommyrayscafe.com
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