Monday night was a big gay social convergence in the heart of WeHo. It was a gathering that brought out the likes of Lance Bass, Lisa Vanderpump, and two Toms in white suits to match their white motorcycle and sidecar.
Just a few doors down from Pump, Lisa and Ken Vanderpump have expanded the family business with Tom Schwartz and Tom Sandoval, opening their new upscale bar and restaurant, appropriately dubbed Tom Tom. An intimate ambiance is complemented by an industrial romantic motif, curated by Miami-based designer, Nick Alain. It beckons old Hollywood for a generation of social media influencers.
Above: The bar at Tom Tom. Below: The patio at Tom Tom. (Photos by Michael Harvey / Palm & Ocean)
Walking into the art deco-accented entrance, an eye for detail will notice a framed black and white photo to the left of the Toms sharing a kiss. It sets the tone for a warm space, welcoming of all people.
The mesmerizing decor offers a bevy of contrasting aesthetics; soft and rough, old and new, upscale and industrial. Velvet and leather seating lines one wall, across from a system of moving clock gears that hang behind a bar of crystal glassware. Unique chandeliers of wood and glass are strung through a more intimate walkway of circular booths with low lighting. Out the back is a partially covered patio with wooden accents and lush greenery, a perfect space for a gathering of friends with a lovely view of West Hollywood.
The cocktail list is full of unique concoctions that are both flavorful and indulgent. For a sweet treat, the Madame Butterfly infuses vodka, fresh lemon, and champagne with butterfly pea tea (no actual butterflies were harmed in the making of this cocktail). For something a little creamier, the Nutcase features coconut vodka with St Germain and pineapple nutmeg shrub, garnished with fresh coconut. If you want a little kick, the Clockwork Pink is sure to wake you up, a mezcal drink with prickly pear and jalapeno.
Above left: The Clockwork Pink at Tom Tom. Above right: The Artichoke Green Chili Dip at Tom Tom. Below: The Bubbapump Shrimp Jicama Tacos at Tom Tom. (Photos by Michael Harvey / Palm & Ocean)
The food menu is a trove of delicious treats for everyone from the vegan to the carnivore, including some items that could convert one to the other. Under "Foreplay" on the menu, the Artichoke Green Chili Dip is a no-brainer to start, a southwest flavor that rivals the classic nacho cheese dip (a family recipe, according to Pandora Todd). The Spicy Cauliflower "Wings" offer a vegan twist on a bar favorite, complete with a brown sugar citrus glaze that will dominate your taste buds. The Bubbapump Shrimp Jicama Tacos and the Brioche Kobe Beef Sliders offer a delicious and elevated twist on our favorite bar foods, perfect for dinner or tapas with friends.
Whether you're a Vanderpump devotee or just an enthusiast of quality drink and dining experience, saunter on down to West Hollywood for what's sure to be a new brunch/happy hour/late night favorite. For reservations and more info, visit Tom Tom.
