Horace 'Tex' Taylor, Horse Breeder And Founder Of Landmark Steakhouse, 89
DGH
Horace B. "Tex" Taylor, who founded Los Angeles' [California] venerable
Taylor's Steakhouse more than 50 years ago, died, April 4, 2005, in
Solana Beach, California, of natural causes, according to his son
Bruce, who now runs the restaurant, at the age of 89.
The Texan was well-established in horse racing circles as an owner,
trainer and breeder by 1953 when he created Taylor's Tavern. The
original menu cover depicted a field of racehorses rounding into the
stretch.
The steakhouse, soon renamed Taylor's Prime Steaks, featured red vinyl
horseshoe-shaped booths, dark wood paneling and oil paintings. Emphasis
at the 8th Street eatery was on comfort and good, affordable
steak-and-potatoes fare.
In 1972, Lois Dwan, the late Times restaurant critic, described
Taylor's philosophy as "buy the best and cook it simply." In 2003, as
the restaurant celebrated its 50th anniversary, Times restaurant critic
S. Irene Virbila wrote that it was a place she would enjoy taking her
father. "Taylor's," she wrote, "is as comfortable as an old pair of
jeans."
Like her predecessors, Virbila noted that Taylor's specialty was the
culotte steak, but added that "the consensus easily seems to be that
the porterhouse T-bone is the best cut ... and it's always expertly
cooked, like all the steaks here."
In addition to the original steakhouse in the Wilshire district, Bruce
Taylor added a second restaurant in La Cañada Flintridge.
Born in Gonzalez, Texas, and brought up in Luling, Texas, Taylor was an
outstanding athlete in high school and college. He held the Texas state
high school record for the 440-yard dash for 19 years.
He moved to Los Angeles to attend USC on a track scholarship and under
legendary coach Dean Cromwell, ran the 440-yard dash and the mile
relay, helping USC win national championships in track all four years
of his college career.
In thoroughbred racing, Taylor in 1968 became the first individual
breeder to produce two horses competing in the same Kentucky Derby.
In addition to his son Bruce, the restaurateur is survived by his
second wife, Barbara; sons John and Joe; a daughter, Nancy Hover; and
nine grandchildren.
LA Times