The first couple to arrive from our party of six, Michael immediately walks inside the welcoming doors of the Laurel Tree. I choose to linger outside and absorb all of the love and work that went into the magical holiday touches surrounding me; some, only in Texas and only at the Laurel Tree.
Celebrating their 17th anniversary, I count myself lucky for discovering this corner of Utopian heaven a decade ago. Since then, I have shared this special place with countless friends; some have followed my footsteps, making several pilgrimages a year to this area of the Texas Hills.
Christmastime at the Laurel Tree
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and today, for the Laurel Tree European-Styled Guest Table Restaurant in Utopia, this couldn’t be more true. Laurel Waters, the French-trained Chef-Owner, has created magic in the Sabinal River Valley no matter the month or the year. However, in December, there isn’t a corner that is not touched by enchanting whimsy to celebrate the holidays.
I try very hard to walk through the restaurant without stopping as I make my way to the Treehouse. But I just can’t seem to do it: every corner, every wall, beckons. Stopping is getting to be a habit.
Finally, I step outside, and my smile widens. The magic continues; there, in the ancient arms of the giant old oak tree, sits the image of a fairy-tale. A relatively recent addition in the life of the Laurel Tree Restaurant, dining in the Treehouse is the bee’s knees. The cat’s meow. The bomb.
The entire setting is nothing less than perfection.
Lunch in the Treehouse
Walking up the long ramp toward the Treehouse, I find Michael on the deck sipping a glass of wine. Our friends sent texts saying holiday traffic has delayed their arrival. Unfortunately for them, but fortunate for us, we have this magic world to ourselves, if only for a while. Normally reserved for the ladies, Michael is happy he can finally sit in one of the rockers gracing the deck. He pours me a glass of wine, and I inhale the day.
It is a perfect day in Utopia.
Suddenly there are six of us on the deck, telling our various tales of holiday travel. It is hard to believe that there can be traffic jams on a Saturday, “in the middle of nowhere.” We listen to stories of small-town holiday parades and inevitable construction. Somehow, Michael and I skirted through without a blip.
Our server summons us inside the Treehouse, and lunch begins. There are four delicious courses, appetizer, soup, entree, and dessert. The excellent food provided by Laurel Waters is punctuated by conversation, joking, and so much laughter it brings tears to our eyes.
Every Saturday should be a Saturday like today.
The Laurel Tree Restaurant
The Dining Room
The Laurel Tree is such a special place; it is more than worthy of many visits each year. However, the opportunity to dine here is limited to only 52 days out of 365 —Saturdays only, for lunch or dinner. Seating is limited, and there is only one seating for lunch and one for dinner. No guest is ever rushed out because they need to turn tables. The table is yours for the duration of the lunch or dinner hour(s). BYOB, a wine selection is not part of the new menu each week.
Reservations are a MUST and must be made by phone; call 830-966-5444. If you leave a message, Laurel Waters will return your call ASAP.
The Treehouse
Dining in the Treehouse requires a rental fee of $200 in addition to the cost of the meal. Treehouse rentals for July – December open on May 1. Rentals for January – June open on November 1. The Treehouse is intimate enough for a couple and large enough to seat six. Children under the age of 16 are discouraged from dining in the Treehouse. The same rules for dining in the main restaurant also apply to the Treehouse — 52 days, lunch, or dinner.
To learn more, click on the following link: http://www.utopiagourmet.com/
To read further adventures at the Laurel Tree during various times of the year, click on any link below.
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