There’s something really special about Tom’s Town from the moment you walk inside. The atmosphere is of a glamorous and intimate speakeasy. The staff is personable and downright fun.
The place not only distills vodka, gin and bourbon but offers a fun bar area downstairs and restaurant and tasting room upstairs.
Two gentlemen, who have been friends since childhood, founded Tom’s Town in 2015. They named the place after the infamous Kansas City political boss of the 1920s and 1930s – Tom Pendergast who famously ignored every federal Prohibition law. When confronted about his disregard of federal laws, he responded that the people were thirsty. One of the founders, Steve, is actually related to the U.S. Attorney who prosecuted Pendergast. The other founder, David, is the grandson of a rival Prohibition-era bootlegger. Once could say that it was destiny that brought them to start Tom’s Town.
The building is a three-story building that dates back to the early 1900s and has been used as an automobile carriage, a candy factory and even a weekly newspaper. The current owners have done a beautiful job updating the building yet keeping the nostalgia feeling alive. Tom Pendergast led the “Goats” faction in Kansas City (as opposed to the “Rabbits”) so the decor includes a Goat head over the fireplace as well as goat-motif tee-shirts for sale.
It strikes me that it’s a very popular destination. We were there on a Tuesday night and the place was pleasantly full. I can only imagine how packed it is on a Friday or Saturday night. We booked our tour reservations online in advance – I highly recommend this. None of their spirits are sold outside of Missouri. So, you either buy there or order online and have items shipped. Plus, some limited edition items, such as the Garden Party gin are only available at either Town or local retailers or online pickup orders. We live in California so, naturally, we had to buy a bottle of the Garden Party Gin while there. It is great on its own, with a splash of soda or with a bit of lemonade.
Exterior Wall & Mural Downstairs Bar & Lounge Windows Peering Into the Distillery Soaking Up the Atmosphere Bar MenuTom’s Town Embraces HalloweenEnjoying the Halloween Decorations The Distillery On Our Distillery Tour The Distillery Tour Spirits Flight Tasting Spirits Flight Impressive Setup Enjoying Our Spirits Tasting In Front of the Famous GOAT
Recently, my husband and I spent five days exploring Missouri. The historic sights were a lot of fun but so was the regional food.
A friend of ours, who previously lived in Kansas City, strongly recommended Winstead’s – a diner that goes back to 1940. Besides recommending the burgers, he told us that we had to try the cherry limeade drinks. Wow – what a fantastic beverage…especially on a very hot day. It is probably the best limeade I have enjoyed in a long time. The dollop of lime sherbet on top is a nice touch.
We had heard so much about Tom’s Town Distillery and our visit did not disappoint. We took the tour which includes the distillery flight tasting – vodka, gin and several bourbons. The place is located in the Crossroads section of Kansas City. It is the first legal distillery in the city since Prohibition. The downstairs area includes a beautiful lounge and bar where you can order an assortment of cocktails and fun food. The place has an exciting speakeasy feel. It is named after the infamous Tom Pendergast who ran Kansas City politics between 1925 and 1939. When asked about bypassing prohibition laws, he famously responded that the people are thirsty.
There are many terrific options for Kansas City BBQ. We chose Jack Stack’s at the Freight House. The restaurant dates back to 1957 and has 6 locations in the Kansas City area. The food was fantastic and plentiful. A local Uber driver insisted that we order the burnt beef tips, cheesy corn and beans with brisket. His recommendations were spot on. My brother-in-law ordered the lamb ribs and said that they were delicious. My husband loved his pork ribs, too.
The next day we spent the morning in the Market Place section of Kansas City. My brother-in-law recommended Pigwich for lunch. It was a great recommendation. My husband and I both ordered the BBQ Pork Brisket sandwiches. They were delicious and so different from any BBQ that I have had in the past. I couldn’t get over how reasonably priced the food was versus at the equivalent in our home state of California.
We spent two nights in Independence Missouri and discovered the Courthouse Exchange while walking around. What a great find! It is an old underground pub that has been in existence since 1899. The food was delicious and the cocktails, made using Polly’s Pop, were amazing. We even tried a local favorite item in Missouri – the fried mushrooms and they were really good.
Speaking of Polly’s Pop, what a delightful find. It was a family-owned business that started in Independence Missouri back in 1923. The brand was a favorite of Harry Truman. Unfortunately, the company went out of business in 1967. In 2016, a local company brought the soda back. It comes in a variety of flavors including strawberry – which my husband and I both loved. Don’t make the mistake we did and assume that you can buy Polly’s Pop at their store location in town. An employee quickly directed us to several options for purchasing Polly’s Pop. We chose Gilbert Whitney & Company – a fun kitchen equipment and gourmet food store located across the street from the County Courthouse.
The soda comes in classic glass bottles using 1940-era equipment that the owners restored. The soda is made with 100% cane sugar as well as locally-sourced flavors. In addition, Polly’s Pop makes a fantastic BBQ sauces called Polly-Q – including a Root Beer soda version. The store let us sample the BBQ sauce and I was hooked. I can’t wait to try it on some ribs.
While visiting Hannibal, we quickly learned that it’s all about huckleberries. We tried huckleberry ice cream at the local ice cream parlor called Becky’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor. It was delicious. I also bought a huckleberry chocolate bar at the Mark Twain house gift shop. It was very good – extra sweet from the huckleberries.
Our final food adventure was at the Kansas City International Airport where we tried the pulled brisket nachos at Meat Rushmore’s. The nachos were really tasty. The restaurant has multiple Meat Rushmore BBQ sauce bottles on its tables so that you can find the right one for you.
Finally, be sure to allow a few extra minutes at the airport for some shopping. The airport has an impressive store that sells a large variety of local BBQ sauces to take home – including the famous Gates sauces.
Cherry Limeade from Winstead’sA Single Winstead – the Dinner Serves Double and Triple Ones, TooWinstead’s Tater TotsDistiller’s Flight At Tom’s TownRibs & Burnt Beef Tips At Jack Stack’sPulled Pork & Burnt Beef Tips At Jack Stack’sBrisket Sandwich At PigwichCourthouse Exchange Boozy Root Beer FloatCourthouse Exchange’s Cherry Cream Soda CocktailCourthouse Exchange Fried Mushrooms Courthouse Exchange Mac ‘N’ Cheese with Pulled Pork & Green Onions Courthouse Exchange Chicken-Fried-Chicken Huckleberry Ice Cream in Hannibal MOFamous Polly’s Pop of Independence MOPulled Beef Brisket Nachos At the Kansas City International Airport – Meat Rushmore BBQLocal Chocolate from Hannibal The Pigwich At the City Market Section of Kansas City
For decades now, Convoy Street has been the destination for amazing restaurants and markets within San Diego.
Originally, the area was known as Camp Kearny – named after Brigadier General Stephen Kearny of Mexican-American War fame. In 1946, post WWII, the area was decommissioned. By the 1970s, the first wave of Asian businesses started popping up. By the 1980s, a plethora of really good restaurants was established along a 1.5 mile area of Convoy Street.
One of my very favorite spots is Tasty Noodle House which serves delicious Shanghai-style Chinese food at reasonable prices. The place opened its first location in Hacienda Heights California back in 2010. The owners slowly expanded and opened up a location on Convoy Street in 2015. I only recently discovered it and I am hooked. Convoy Street offers so many choices but I keep returning to Tasty Noodle House. The restaurant is famous for its spicy cucumber salad which looks spicier than it really is. As my husband said to me – “who knew cucumbers could taste this good?”The dumplings are so fresh and remind me of the ones I enjoyed years ago at a dumpling place in Xian China – really fantastic. When we placed our dumpling order, our waitress apologetically told us that it would take 15 minutes. The dumplings were so worth the wait. Every dish is so flavorful that I have yet to feel the urge to use any soy sauce. On our most recent visit we tried the beef with black pepper sauce and it did not disappoint. I have yet to find another Chinese restaurant closer to my home that delivers such flavor and variety. We shall return in the near future.
Outside Tasty Noodle House 4646 Convoy Street Interior of Tasty Noodle House Beef with Black Pepper Sauce Spicy Cucumber Salad Steamed Beef Dumplings with Ginger Tasty Noodle House MenuShanghai Grilled Pork BunsParking Lot Entrance for 4646 Convoy Street Tasty Noodle House Menu Tasty Noodle House MenuTasty Noodle House Menu
Whether you are looking for a place for a fun day trip, a weekend getaway or a new place to hang your hat, Oceanside offers so much.
Mission San Luis Rey
The state of California has 21 Spanish missions along a 600-mile path that the Spanish built, with forced labor from Native Americans, between 1769 and 1823. Oceanside is lucky to have the largest of the missions. Mission San Luis Rey dates back to 1798 and is known as the “King of the Missions.” The grounds are spectacular and the small museum is worth checking out. My favorite aspect is the church. The Spaniards painted the walls to mimic the beautiful tiles of Spain.
Oceanside Pier
The original pier dates back to 1888 and was located where Wisconsin meets the ocean. Heavy storms destroyed it and ever since all subsequent piers have been located where the current one is situated. Severe storms have resulted in the pier being rebuilt and repaired multiple times. Back in the late 1980s, there was a wonderful seafood restaurant at the end of the pier called Fisherman’s Restaurant and Lounge. In 1996, the seafood restaurant closed and a branch of Ruby’s Diner replaced it – staying open until 2021.
In 2024, the end of the pier caught on fire. Two years later, we are still waiting for restoration of the scorched far end of the pier. While there is no longer a restaurant on the pier, Tin Fish has a branch of its casual outdoor restaurant below the pier. I am a big fan of the fish and chips as well as the fish tacos. The pier is a popular place for walking and fishing.
Robert’s Cottages
One of my favorite things to show friends from out-of-town are the historic Robert’s Cottages. The historic cottage conclave consists of twenty-four 300-square-foot bungalows. Built in 1928, they are located along the beach just south of the harbor. The cottages are individually owned and seldom go on the market for sale. When they do, they usually sell for between $750,000 and $1,000,000.
Fortunately, it is possible to rent one. You can usually rent one of the cottages for between $2,500 and $3,300 per week…depending upon the time of year.
The Oceanside Harbor
Surprisingly, the harbor only dates back to 1963. The harbor has just shy of a 1,000 boat slips with approximately 150 people living on their boats full time. It is the only boat harbor between Newport Beach and downtown San Diego. The harbor includes a number of shops, restaurants, bars, whale-watching opportunities and some fun special events. One of my favorite events is the annual Christmas boat parade which takes place in early December. The local boat owners go all out with lights and decorations.
My family is a big fan of Stratford’s at the harbor for both breakfast and lunch. The restaurant serves wonderful fish tacos. The nearby Harbor Fish and Chips has been serving fish at the harbor since 1969 and is another family favorite.
Fine Dining
Valle is Oceanside’s only Michelin-star restaurant. The gourmet Mexican restaurant is located across the street from the ocean near the pier and is well-known for its 8-course dinners. The restaurant is owned by Chef Roberto Alcocer who is heavily influenced by the Valle de Guadalupe – Mexico’s big wine-producing area. It has a very fun atmosphere with some really creative food. Warning – it is definitely on the pricey side.
333 Pacific is a fun steak and seafood restaurant that has been around for almost 20 years. It is located across the street from the pier and offers great service, food and views.
Top Gun House
The Top Gun house is a cute beach bungalow that was used as Charlie’s home in the 1988 film Top Gun. It has been moved a few blocks from its original coastal location. Recently, it was the site of a pie shop and it is soon to be the latest branch of the popular An’s Gelato business.
The Beach
The beach in Oceanside is actually nicer than those of the adjacent towns with broader stretches of sand and better parking. I especially enjoy the stretch of beach adjacent to the harbor with its expansive areas of sand.
Restaurant Scene
The restaurant scene has dramatically improved over the past few years. One of my favorites is a casual restaurant called Tanner’s Prime that serves terrific smash burgers made with high-quality beef. The founding chef previously helped Benu in San Francisco earn 3 Michelin stars. Tanner’s does not have any Michelin stars but it is recognized in the Michelin Guide California.
My favorite Mexican restaurant is Anita’s in Oceanside. There are two Anita’s in Oceanside but the one to visit is located in the original press room for the old Blade Tribune newspaper on Coast Highway 101. Its seafood options, in particular, are extraordinary. I love both the Mariscada (a seafood stew that includes crab and octopus and is topped with wine and cheese) and the Camarones à la Tequila.
Finally, I am a big fan of Cafe 101 for their great breakfast options. The restaurant’s chili is a local favorite, too. Cafe 101 is located on the corner of Wisconsin – just a few blocks away from beach.
I hope my words give you inspiration for a future visit to Oceanside.
The Mission San Luis ReyOceanside Harbor Oceanside Harbor A Commercial Fishing Vessel Beach at the Harbor Famous Robert’s CottagesShops at the Harbor Bar at the Harbor Fish Tacos at Stratford’s at the Harbor Beach at the Pier Oceanside Beach Adjacent to the Pier Distant View of the Oceanside Pier With My Husband John – Enjoying the Beach Stairs at Oceanside Beach The Beach Near Wisconsin The Beach Is Great for Bicycling Typical Summer Day at the BeachPark Area at Oceanside Beach Tourists Enjoying the Beach Vintage Beach Cottage Adjacent to Oceanside Beach Beach Rental Near the PierOceanside Beach Rental Cute Vintage Beach Cottage Another Vintage Beach Bungalow Local Breakfast Restaurant On Coast Highway 101Michelin- Star Restaurant ValleOutdoor Seating Adjacent to Valle Restaurant Exterior of Mission San Luis ReyAppetizer at ValleInterior of ValleTop Gun House Exterior of Mission San Luis ReyInterior of Mission San Luis ReyInterior of Mission San Luis ReyMission San Luis ReyMission San Luis ReyMission San Luis ReyMission San Luis ReyTanner’s Prime BurgersTanner’s Prime Dirty Double Exterior of 333 Pacific Interior of 333 PacificAmazing Bread and Compound Butter at 333 Pacific
While I have spent most of my life in Southern California, I was born in NYC and spent my twenties there. The cliches about deli food, pizza and Chinese food in Southern California are true – most of it is disappointing.
Deli food, in particular, is a challenge. The ultimate test is a pastrami sandwich. New York is the birthplace of the American pastrami sandwich. Back in 1887, a kosher butcher named Sussman Volk served the first pastrami sandwich. In my opinion, Katz’s Delicatessen in lower Manhattan makes the best version. You are even given a taste of the meat as it is sliced for your sandwich.
In California, my favorite place is a 2-hour drive away from where I live. Tucked inside a small strip mall in Northridge is my favorite deli Brent’s. The exterior is very unassuming. The restaurant opened in 1967 and serves all the classic deli items. Not only is the food terrific but the staff is extremely friendly and makes you feel like family. Call me crazy for making the drive but the pastrami is worth it. So many places serve either dried out or really fatty and bland pastrami. Plus, pastrami needs to be served on fresh rye bread that has a slight chewiness to it. Brent’s rye is so amazing that I usually buy a loaf for home. In addition, the plate of pickles is a nice touch and reminds me of the assortment served at Katz’s in New York.
Recently. I discovered a second option that is a little closer to home. Located in adorable downtown Fullerton is Roscoe’s Famous Deli; this restaurant has only been around for about 14 years. Like Brent’s, the sandwiches are enormous. The bread at Roscoe’s is sliced a little thicker than normal but is delicious. I asked our server about the bread and was told that it is made at a nearby specialty bakery. The olive on top of each sandwich half is a pleasant addition. Roscoe’s definitely has a fun pub atmosphere with both spacious indoor and outdoor dining.
In summary, I really like Roscoe’s but I love Brent’s. I will continue to make sporadic two-hour excursions to Northridge for the ultimate pastrami adventure!
