“You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me” C.S. Lewis
Every once in a while I like to have a “Ladies Day.” You know the kind: You gather up a bunch of your wittiest gal-pals, put on that fabulous blouse or amazing pair of shoes you’ve been saving for a special occasion, and head on out to do something incredibly chi-chi and girly. Sometimes it’s a mani-pedi extravaganza; sometimes it’s a Sex and the City marathon with cosmos; sometimes it just a leisurely lunch with wonderful friends.
Tea anyone? Welcome to Lovejoy’s , a charming little tea house nestled in the Noe Valley area of San Francisco. Inspired by a series of novels about an antique dealer named Lovejoy, the shop originally dealt in antique curios and collectibles. Patrons of the tiny shop were treated to a “good cup of tea” and the occasional scone. As time went on, people “became more interested in the tea and scones than in the antiques” and Lovejoy’s Tea Room was born!
What makes this place such a treat? Perhaps it’s the eclectic whimsy of mismatched furniture, the doilies, tea cozies, cups, saucers, and various antiquarian bric-à-brac. Perhaps it’s the American’s occasional need to feign Britishness (don’t ask me why—that’s material enough for another post altogether). Perhaps it’s the delicious food (the scones!) and the bottomless pots of English and specialty teas. But mostly, it’s just fun and frilly and the perfect excuse to indulge ourselves in true Lady of Leisure fashion.
High Tea included a bottomless pot of tea (I opted for a tasty Vanilla black tea), your choice of two sandwiches (from an extensive list –I had the asparagus and chicken and the ham and English mustard. Both were quite delicious!), served with coleslaw, organic spring greens, a scone with preserves and Double Devon Cream (which I thought was grand, though my friend Rachelle lamented the lack of clotted cream), and a shortbread tea biscuit for $17.95 I also couldn’t resist a side of lemon curd for a small additional fee.
If you’re going to be in San Francisco in the near future, I highly recommend a stop by Lovejoy’s. You can visit their web page and peek at the menu and retail items at: http://www.lovejoystearoom.com/index.html or read their rave reviews here.
You're sure to be delighted - by the chi-chi and the tea!
I LOVE the opening quote- truer words were never spoken! And this place looks adorable and yummy! Just wish I had the gal pals to share it with but I bookmarked it in case we're in SF anytime soon.
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