Tea Travels has been on an adventure as late. We’ve been in the famed San Fernando Valley. Home of Studio City, Sherman Oaks and the illustrious Encino. Home to hopeful artists, actors, producers, directors and stylists. Life is fast in the Valley. It must be on the Grid for ambitious energy, because people drive like maniacs and dress like they just stepped off the pages of the latest fashion journal.
Amidst all this ambition and high energy found in Studio City, Tea Travels has sought out the perfect cup of tea and the loveliest cafe’s. Camped out in Studio City, we are thinking we will find a lot of themed cafes and funky downlow types of hangouts. It was hard to imagine a relaxing and simple tea room here. It doesn’t quite fit what’s cool. And by the way, can we still say cool and be cool?
Finally found a great escape. The Lakeside Cafe situated on a small lake adjacent to Los Encinos State Park right smack dab in the middle of a bustling civilization. It’s not Studio City, but just next door. What used to be the headquarters of a vast sheep ranch that made early settlers wealthy beyond their dreams.
The Lakeside Cafe is on the very busy Ventura Boulevard. As I headed West on Ventura Blvd from Studio City, I started to see scores of cafes; each with a unique theme. I started to think it might make a good series, but reminded myself to stay present enjoying this moment and not lose sight of the task at hand .
I reached the cafe and saws signs that directed cars to parking behind the gas station next door. I circled around the block and pulled into an almost full parking lot where it’s mandatory you valet for 3.00. That was fine. I love valeting and I think it’s worth every penny. Especially in Los Angeles. It’s nice to know someone is keeping an eye on your car, that you won’t get towed, the car won’t disappear or you get a whopping ticket. Parking is challenging in big cities and especially tricky here, I really think it’s worth the three bucks.
The valet guy was really nice, beautiful smile and I felt like things were getting off to a good start. There were a couple of entrances and I found the one to the hostess and asked for a table for one by the lake. We made our way out and there were about 50 ducks causing a ruckus over something. She laughed led me to some shade and explained that someone probably through some food over the railing that separated the lake from the restaurant deck. The ducks loved to rush over and quack like maniacs, all for a good time and a little attention.
It was a brilliant sunny day. No clouds, the sky blue as can be and it was cool Spring day in May. The trees were a brilliant green. The lake itself originates from a warm water spring and the water is much like pond water, a greenish brown, home to many ducks, but no odor and the surface glitters like glass. Across the lake the picturesque adobes of the ranch lay situated against vast green lawns.
Above my table branches of gorgeous green foliage swayed in the light breeze. I ordered a tea with lemon, since I felt like I was catching a cold. It came out with a mug of hot water a slice of fresh lemon a small portion of honey and a tea bag of Earl Grey. It was the same brand I usually buy in the grocery store, but it was really refreshing and the whole setting made it very relaxing and unforgettable. I instantly felt better after a few sips. The restaurant was super busy and the menu was similar to a high end restaurant where you could have breakfast lunch or dinner. I ordered a Turkey Club sandwich and the portions were generous and the food fresh and really good.
Overall, this is a beautiful restaurant with cafe items on the menu. The natural setting creates a backdrop to relax, socialize and enjoy the good things in life. I loved enjoying a simple cup of tea surrounded by ducks, water, trees and a beautiful view of historic adobes. It’s funny how many of the buildings are old in Los Angeles, but well-utilized. Everything is imperfectly perfect while at the same time offering up eats in a class of their own. I thought how wonderful life is, that places like this exist and how fortunate I was, to be in Encino and tea traveling my way across Southern California.
