L.A. cultural history, smothered in chili
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Every so often a society must step back to evaluate truly significant moments in history -- even (and maybe especially) if those moments are smothered in chili. On Monday, Angelenos will celebrate a culinary landmark. Tommy Koulax opened his Original Tommy’s World Famous Hamburgers stand on the corner of Beverly and Rampart boulevards on May 15, 1946. Sixty years ago, the Original Tommy’s offered hot dogs, tamales and, of course, burgers topped with cheese, tomatoes, onions, pickles and mustard -- and smothered with chili. Extra napkins and chili were available at no additional charge.
Tommy’s has gone on to become a Southern California institution, expanding to 29 locations. In honor of the occasion, Tommy’s at Beverly and Rampart will offer a chili-topped cheeseburger and soda for its 1946 price -- 60 cents (including tax) -- from noon to midnight Monday.
Original Tommy’s World Famous Hamburgers, 2575 W. Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. Open 24 hours a day. (213) 389-9060
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