Tom & Jerrys Done Right
People in Buffalo take their Tom & Jerrys pretty seriously. Available only at the holidays, this festive cocktail evokes fond memories for those that associate it with The Place, Schwabl's and the original Jimmy Mac's. Made of warm brandy and rum, coffee or milk, and topped with sweet, whipped egg whites and a dash of cinnamon, its flavors echo those of the season. For a closer look at the drink and its history, check out this post from last year.
The Place is closed, and so is Jimmy Mac's. Schwabl's is just too far away. There's also the complication of there being some truly awful tasting Tom & Jerrys out there. I know I've had one or two. So what's a chilly Buffalonian to do?
I'd head to Torches. That's what contributor Courtney Bajdas and I did last night. Torches' Tom & Jerrys are warm, creamy and delicious and served with a sprinkle of chai spice and a pirouline cookie. For $7.50 (the price of a fancy martini), you not only get to enjoy an authentic Tom & Jerry, you also get to keep the mug that says “Torches” on one side and “the warmth of the holidays” on the other.
I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be on a snowy night than snuggled up inside this cozy bar with a frothy, warm holiday drink. And we weren't the only ones. During our lengthy visit we watched numerous people come and go from the bar, having enjoyed one (or more) of these fine cocktails.
If you've been the unfortunate victim of the bad version of this beverage, I beg you to give it another shot. Tom & Jerrys will be available nightly at Torches through the holiday season.
Torches
1141 Kenmore Avenue, Buffalo, 14217
716. 447.7915
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Comment Options
Courtney
Mmm delicious! I wish I had one right now.
Don't tell my boss I said that.
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Perry
No holiday season is complete without sucking a few of these down.
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Jas
Coles also has these. I believe there is even a holiday party tonight.
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Drew
And they have been working on re-opening The Place. I hear its almost ready.
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Talkin_Proud
Scwabl's is not too far away.
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icecreamsub
the rumor about the Place opening up again has been going on for the last 23 months......Boomerangs (which is essentially the Place II) over on Niagara has the real deal with the T&J's.....Spaten on tap as well to wash them down.
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Frankenberry
Coles has Tom and Jerry's although I cannot vouch for the taste seeing that I didn't drink them when I was there.
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Irishprgrl3
This does sound delish! I've been to Torches for dinner and hands down is one of the best spots in Buffalo. The staff and owners are incredibly friendly and knowledgable.... Can't wait to try a Tom & Jerry!
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JamesEverlawn
I think Scwabels are great but its 10 miles away. Cole's aren't anything like theirs, their really gross. I heard boomerangs are good.
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dpbflo
Ive been hearing the place is reopening for over a year now. Anyone have any solid news on this or all just rumors?
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zen
These drinks sound & look much better than they actually taste. They are fairly vile (think of rubbing alcohol mixed with hot water & nutmeg). Be careful at Cole's, the egg whites "break" all the time & devolve into a sloppy mess.
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ChristaSeychew
zen,
I couldn't agree with you more, hence the title of the piece. The first few times I tasted a Tom & Jerry I thought the drink was foul and that Buffalo had fallen for the biggest hoax ever. I assure you that Torches is using a good recipe and their Tom & Jerry is more than worth the trip to Kenmore Avenue all on its own- though the food is equally fantastic.
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Talkin_Proud
I live/own in the City and according to various routes on Google maps, Torches is 10-12 miles from my house. You underestimate the city limits. I understand Schwabl's is in W. Seneca but you can't call one place "just too far" and then encourage travel to another place just as far. Either rename this site Elmwood Rising or tag these posts "read only if you're within walking distance."
Anyways, I love how you get to keep the mug -- I'd stop in just for that.
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AdamFIx
that sounds delicious. i've been meaning to get to Torches anyway. have they been doing some renovations in front?
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ella
I'm not sure if a "Tom & Jerry" is my thing- but 5 stars to Torches chefs and staff! I've been there for dinner twice and on both occasions it has exceeded my expectations!
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