Artillery is sad to report that Los Angeles Chef Tara Thomas passed away on August 11, 2022.

Tara was an enthusiastic supporter and early adopter of the Los Angeles art magazine. “I consider Tara a friend,” said Editor-in-Chief Tulsa Kinney, “She was generous with her Traxx Restaurant. My husband and I held our wedding reception on that beautiful Union Station patio. She always supported the arts.”

Tara was raised with an appreciation for the finer things, be it a floral arrangement, fine fabric, a well-set table or a personal beau geste. She was schooled at Miss Porter’s, the Connecticut bastion of ladylike good taste since 1843. Her mother and role model Tamara Thomas was a highly successful art advisor, a pioneer in the new medium of public art. Tara grew up in the company of art-world legends, at cocktail parties, museum receptions and elegant dinners.

The vivacious Tara

 

Graduating with honors from the prestigious California Culinary Academy, she received her most formidable education as a restaurant manager at the exacting Ritz Carlton in San Francisco. In 1992, Tara opened 410 Boyd Street, a boîte with a long bar and a smart menu at the corner of Traction in Downtown Los Angeles. For the next four years, Tara fed and libated a lively clientele of local artists and business owners.

Her greatest achievement was Traxx. Located in the architectural majesty of L.A.’s Union Station, Traxx presented white table cloths and gourmet fine dining at the bustling location. Diners were given a choice of experiences, along the station’s tiled thoroughfare, inside an intimate open kitchen dining room or under the stars on the station’s patio. For 22 years, Traxx was a favorite to the traveler, the artist and the big city politician.

Artillery invite hosted by Traxx; one of many soirées held at the famous Union Station patio, circa 2007

 

Tara in her chef outfit that she wore religiously

“When we started Artillery, Tara was immensely supportive as an advertiser and ally when we needed help the most,” says Kinney. Gordy Grundy adds, “There were a number of parties at Traxx over the magazine’s long 16-year-old history. ”Tara was the consummate host, a true hospitality professional,” says Kinney, “And a champion of the arts. We will miss her.”

Tara Thomas is survived by brother Kirk Thomas, father Hardy Thomas and many loved ones and friends.