TommyRays, Studio City

TommyRays, Studio City’s newest restaurant, serving California Gourmet cuisine with a European flair, is now open for lunch and dinner, but you must make reservation in advance. Friday night, when we went, it was packed. It has a bustling Hollywood vibe, with people crowded at the door and tables constantly turning with rounds of tourists, locals and celebrities, such as CSI Miami's gorgeous Eva LaRue, the very talented Joey Lawrence, the Cast of ˜Scrubs, "Jericho's" Alicia Coppola,
Kevin Bacon, The Jay Leno Show staffers, funnyman Sean Hayes
& Academy-Award nominee Greg Kinnear.

The bases are loaded. Restaurants are lined up and down Ventura Boulevard when former San Diego Padre Tommy Le Vasseur and partners Ray Franco and Gary Blackwell step up to the plate and hit the ball out of the park with the opening of TommyRays!

“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 Kinear.

Front Entrance Chef Mariane Zdobysz

The long seat bar, backed with bottles of wine displayed on their sides is always filled with spur-of-the-moment diners and people waiting for their tables, The dining room has a handsome space with timeless appeal. The service is efficient and welcoming, two things that at other places are often compromised in a crunch.

Executive Chef Mariane Zdobysz was fantastic, her food is simply delicious.
Because I eat out every night, I love placing the evening in the hands of the
chef and letting him/her make the decisions. I've found that even things that
might not have universal appeal like the special of the night “ Potato Corn
Bisque with Crab” became magical elixir in the hands of talented
chefs like Mariane and her staff.

Calamari Fritti with Greek Garlic and Marinara Dipping Sauce

We started with a gigantic selection of their most requested appetizers, the Calamari Fritti, which is my guest favorite, was served with Greek garlic and marinara dipping sauce, this was super delicious, tasty and the sauce was also great, then we tasted the Scallops, coated in seasoned corn meal fried till tender with a potato jalapeno compote, because everything is served family style, the bowl generally holds enough for twice as many people, but these were good, we end up eating it all.

Scallops, fried till tender with a Potato Jalapeno Compote

Our next appetizer was the Tommy’s Tuna Carpaccio, with sashimi style crusted in peppercorns with a wasabi vinaigrette, a simple and great tuna, that was big
enough to be shared in four people.

Potato Corn Bisque with Crab Tommy’s Tuna Carpaccio

Unusual dishes are scattered throughout the regular menu as well, so I wanted to try the Tender Beef Skewer, served with Moroccan harissa sauce, this is what I call a delicious and creative dish, the offerings are varied enough that the
compact restaurant has attracted a diverse clientele.

Tender Beef Skewer, served with Moroccan Harissa Sauce

Cooked fish specials are defined by satisfying simplicity, so I choose the Seared
Wild Salmon, skillet smoked with fresh salsa, for hidden chunks of meaty
flesh makes this ubiquitous fish seem novel again.

Seared Wild Salmon, Skillet Smoked with Fresh Salsa

My guest’s choice was the Filet ala “TommyRay”, grilled filet with roasted shiitake mushrooms, pepper corn jus and camembert grilled cheese toast, also another spectacular dish which we both enjoyed very much.

Filet ala “TommyRay”, Grilled Filet with Roasted Shiitake Mushrooms

As far as desserts, we tried the Special Chocolate Mousse served with cream and fresh raspberry; this was a dessert made with love, lots of love, and we loved it.

This was my very first time at TommyRay, and we all thought it was absolutely WONDERFUL! The service was spectacular, food was superior. The type of food that was served there really coped with the theme of the restaurant. The full experience of the restaurant was there from the very first greeting once we stepped in, to the very last thank yous and goodbyes. Our waitress Sarah Emmer was extremely helpful and pleasant. She did not hesitate to help us decide what we would like or describe the dishes for us. She also had a very charming personality with a great sense of humor that we'd all found very pleasant.

Chocolate Mousse Our waitress Sarah Emmer

I definitely would make a return in the future and recommend this
place to everyone that loves great California cuisine.

TommyRays wants to offer a dining experience that attracts the local community
and creates a destination for Studio City’s many visitors. They also offer daily
Happy Hour (3 to 6 pm), featuring complimentary appetizers.

House specialties for lunch include the Waldorf Chicken Salad, a grilled sirloin ‘Boulevard Burger,” Dungeness Crab Cakes with roasted red pepper aioli, the Mediterranean-inspired Greek Tycoon Salad, TommyRays signature Skillet Smoked Wild Salmon Sandwich served with a side of spicy tomato basil salsa and, for dinner, three-cheese filled Peppers Madrid, Double Thick Pork Chops stuffed with fontina and artichoke, wrapped in prosciutto de Parma, a delectable Potato Onion Tart and the Filet ala ‘TommyRay’ grilled and served with roasted Shiitake mushrooms and peppercorn jus. “And, if you have a sweet tooth, try our homemade Apple Crisp, Chocolate Lava Cake and Butterscotch Pot Au Crème,” smiles Tommy.” But what about Brunch? TommyRays offers a new and exciting Sunday Brunch menu featuring Lemon Ricotta Hotcakes, a ‘kicked up’ ”Eggs Benny With a Twist” served atop potato onion tarts, Eggs Pacifico made with Dungeness crab and served with a red pepper hollandaise, mouthwatering omelets, fresh-baked goods and much more!

Add in a full bar, an impressive wine list and indoor/outdoor patio dining, TommyRays has made the Ventura Boulevard Playoffs and is heading for the World Series! www.tommyrayscafe.com

TommyRays is glad to offer a relaxing and pleasurable dining experience,
and proud to present exciting and sometimes unusual dishes. Our
experience was truly amazing.

Special thank to Tommy and family for having us as your guests.

For map and location click Here!

Today is: Friday, April 26, 2024