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Lovejoy's is a cozy tearoom hidden in the depths of Noe Valley that offers
a relaxing escape from the bustle and stress of city life. Located on a quiet
corner on Church Street, this local shop captures the eye in a simplistic yet
charming manner so unique in a city where new restaurants and clubs open each
week and compete to be the trendiest hot spot. Upon entering the tearoom, many
may experience a strong feeling of deja vu and wonder, "Have I been here
before?" I guarantee that after panning around the small shop, taking in
the hundreds of various teapots that sit patiently waiting their turn on old
wooden shelves, it will hit them. Many have been there before, while reading
the entire Harry Potter Series! Lovejoy's resembles a cafe straight out of
Hogsmeade (the small wizard village next to Hogwarts, for all non-Harry Potter
aficionados)! Filled with a dozen small tables accompanied by lumpy seat
cushions and mix-matched sets of teacups and saucers, the shop's comforting
atmosphere will convince anyone that San Francisco desperately needs more
tranquil oases such as Lovejoy's.
The quaint tearoom is the perfect venue for many occasions, such as a small
birthday gathering, a book group get-together, or a casual business meeting. I
personally love to spontaneously call a few friends and meet at Lovejoy's to
catch up over a pot of bottomless tea. Although the shop may not be huge, it is
very easy to quietly reflect or get lost in a good read while a group of giddy
bridesmaids throw a bridal shower two tables over. It seems as though the
ambiance of the tearoom envelops individuals and allows them to enjoy the
experience they desire without being bothered with the affairs of other
customers. At the same time, the friendliness of the staff and the overall
positive energy of the customers unite everyone by a common appreciation for
the extraordinary environment of the cafe and for the treasure they have found
hidden in their urban world.
The menu is refreshingly unique and delicious. Among the wide variety of
tempting snacks, ordering a single item can be somewhat difficult. Fortunately,
Lovejoy's offers Tea Service on the menu, many combinations great for customers
who want to try everything. Presentation is a major factor in the tearoom, and
almost every customer orders a combo of tasty treats just to have a waitress
deliver a triple-leveled tower of shining silver platters to their table,
filled to the brim with tiny smoked salmon sandwiches, buttery scones, and
fluffy crumpets that melt in the mouth. Since the menu can be a bit pricy,
especially for a teenager on an urban budget, combination platters are great
for sharing among friends and cut down the bill a great deal. I recommend the
Queen's Tea, a tea service that includes tea as well as plenty of munchies that
can satisfy up to a group of four for a reasonable price.
Ordering tea at Lovejoy's is an adventure all in its own. Each waitress is
helpful and happy to guide any customer through the endless list of teas, which
ranges from traditional Breakfast, to tropical passion fruit, to my personal
favorite, Vanilla Rooibos. Each tea is brewed to perfection, and can be ordered
as a bottomless pot, great for sharing among a party of multiple customers.
Even after filling up on delicious tea-time cuisine and multiple cups of
soothing tea, everyone always seems to save room for at least one of Lovejoy's
famous Petit Fours. These traditional tiny French cakes come in all colors and
flavors from lemon curd to dark chocolate mocha, and although the small dessert
only lasts a few bites, its rich sweetness is enough to satisfy the
palette.
The song may say, "When you're alone and life is making you lonely you
can always go, Downtown." I say; if you are ever down in the dumps or all
"citied-out," rally a few friends to step out of the urban bustle and
step into the Lovejoy's experience.
http://www.lovejoystearoom.com/index.html
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