Food Stuff

Fast food became an art form in Los Angeles with the explosion of car culture that ensued in the post-WWII boom. One of L.A.’s oldest and most-revered fast food institutions is Tommy’s Burgers, established in a red-roofed shack at the corner of Beverly and Rampart in 1946. Fortunately, you don’t have to drive 400 miles to get a taste of Tommy’s, because our own Willie’s Hamburgers and Chiliburgers features a faithful replica of Tommy’s signature chiliburger. Willie’s gives you your choice of from one to three beef patties, which come with chopped onions, pickle slices, mustard, fresh tomato and a smear of thick chili. The Tommy’s touch also is evident in the spicy yellow peppers offered as a condiment and the industrial paper towel dispensers that line the walls. Willie’s is good enough to even get a diehard Kings fan to love L.A. 2415 16th St., Sacramento, 444-2006; 823 Wales Dr., Folsom, 983-6755.