Restaurateur Extraordinaire: Remembering Dan Tana, the Heart of Hollywood Dining

THE LEGEND OF DAN TANA: A LIFE WELL-LIVED, AND DINED

The Hollywood scene is mourning the loss of a true icon, Dan Tana, the legendary Los Angeles restaurateur who left an indelible mark on the city's culinary landscape. At 90 years young, Tana passed away in his hometown of Belgrade, Serbia, surrounded by loved ones and memories that spanned a lifetime.

For decades, Dan Tana's was the go-to spot for Hollywood's A-listers, from classic stars like Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra to contemporary icons like George Clooney and Cameron Diaz. This beloved eatery on Santa Monica Boulevard has been a staple of West Hollywood since 1964, attracting visitors with its warm, old-world charm and discreet service.

But Dan Tana's story began long before he became a restaurateur extraordinaire. Born in Yugoslavia, Tana was a professional soccer player in Canada before pursuing acting in the United States. He landed his first role in the 1957 World War II drama, "The Enemy Below," but it was working as a maître d' at La Scala and The Villa Capri that ignited his passion for fine dining.

Tana's big break came when he opened Dan Tana's in West Hollywood, aiming to create a welcoming spot where stars could dine, drink, and unwind late into the night. Initially, the restaurant wasn't an instant celebrity magnet, but that changed with the arrival of acclaimed actor Richard Burton, who became a regular fixture.

In the 1970s, the Troubadour music venue began using Dan Tana's as a meeting spot to book major acts, including Elton John. The restaurant's star power soared, and it soon became a cherished West Hollywood staple. Celebrities like Harry Dean Stanton, who called the eatery "part of my whole lifestyle," and Cameron Diaz, who developed a lasting attachment after her first meal there at 16, flocked to Dan Tana's night after night.

But what made this restaurant truly special was its old-world charm and discreet service. Legends like George Clooney, Jerry Buss, and Nicky Hilton were regulars, and even had menu items named in their honor. Coleman's 18-ounce New York steak, Jerry Weintraub's veal parmigiana, Clooney's veal cutlet, and Buss's favorite shrimp scampi are just a few of the iconic dishes that bear the name of these famous patrons.

However, it was Tana's ability to balance the demands of his high-profile clients with the needs of his loyal regulars that truly made Dan Tana's stand out. He fondly remembered Drew Barrymore's parents bringing her to the restaurant as a baby – so young, in fact, that they changed her diaper right at the bar!

As the years went by, many iconic LA spots have closed their doors, but Dan Tana's has stood the test of time, thanks to its timeless charm and classic cuisine. From creamy fettuccine Alfredo to hearty chicken Parmesan, the menu remains unchanged, just like Cameron Diaz's affection for the eatery.

Tana sold the restaurant and retired to Belgrade, but his legacy lives on through the countless memories made within those iconic red booths. Sonja Perencevic, Tana's longtime friend and owner of the restaurant, lovingly maintains it as a tribute to her dear friend's memory.

As LA historian Alison Martino so eloquently put it, "This man is a legend, and a legend never dies." Dan Tana may be gone, but his spirit will continue to captivate diners for generations to come. As we bid farewell to this Hollywood icon, let us remember the timeless charm of Dan Tana's and the countless memories made within its walls.

Sources:

• LA Times, as reported by The Scholarly Note (thescholarlynote.com)
• Hollywood Reporter, as reported by The Scholarly Note (thescholarlynote.com)