Tara Thomas

Executive Chef


Traxx


Tara Thomas - Salmon

Chef Tara Thomas began her career at the University of Colorado, where she discovered that cooking was “a great way to get dates.” After completing her undergraduate work, she was part of a pilot internship program for two years at the then-five-star, five-diamond Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Resort. Chef Thomas worked in every department of the hotel and learned the ins and outs of food preparation.

After graduating from the California Culinary Academy with honors, Chef Thomas received an invitation to work at the Trattoria Blaust in Lavoriano, Italy. She then returned to the United States and managed the hospitality and in-house entertaining divisions at Domain Carneros (the American outpost of Taittinger Champagne) and Calera, two of the most prominent California wineries.

However, it was Chef Thomas’s time at The Ritz-Carlton Hotel in San Francisco that allowed her to perfect her own restaurant management style and prepared her to strike out on her own.

In 1992, she co-founded the restaurant 410 Boyd, which became the darling of the downtown LA crowd. Los Angeles Downtown News named Chef Thomas “Best Caterer” three years in a row.

In 1997, Chef Thomas founded Traxx. She has since received many accolades from such publications as Gourmet, Food and Wine, and the Los Angeles Times, and was also featured on NBC’s “Travel café.”

Her favorite items to cook with are: “anything that swims,” fennel, salt, and yuzu, a lemony-limey Japanese citrus fruit that has a sweet and pungent flavor. And, oh yeah, according to Chef Thomas, “Bacon makes everything taste better.” I couldn’t agree more.

Chef Thomas’s favorite entrees that I reviewed are the Louisiana Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, the Miso Steak, the Virginia Striped Bass, and the White Alaskan King Salmon (which is the newest addition to the Traxx menu). There is also the House Cured Pork Loin Chop marinated in brine, which I did not get to taste; the Gorgonzola Steak; and the Double Chocolate Bread Pudding. (Hmm, perhaps I’ll make another trip downtown today.)

Whatever your pleasure, you’ll find something that delights at Traxx. Chef Thomas has done a nice job. She can also cater your special event at Union Station. Chef Thomas has served many happy wedding parties.

Make Traxx your next dining destination. 

This is Matt, The Food Dude™...All aboard!


Restaurant Info

  • 800 North Alameda Street
    Los Angeles CA 90012
  • Restaurant: Traxx
  • Address: 800 North Alameda Street, Los Angeles CA 90012
  • Cross Street: Cesar Chavez
  • Location: Central / Downtown LA | Downtown LA
  • Cuisine: American | Seafood |
  • Cost: $$ | Inexpensive | $25 - $50
  • Category: Fine Dining
  • Reservations: Recommended
  • Dress Code: Casual Elegant
  • Meals Served: Lunch | Dinner |
  • Parking: Valet Parking |
  • Payment Options: VISA | Amex | MasterCard |
  • Corkage Fee: N/A