The Laurel Tree

Our motorcycle escort to The Laurel Tree in Utopia—a fast-moving train in front of us—weaves along the hills and valleys from Bandera through Tarpley and into Utopia, where we finally lose them to a roadside food truck selling Texas BBQ. Driving five minutes further down the highway we turn left into the parking lot of The Laurel Tree. Our lifelong friends from Fort Worth are already here, they are waiting for us in the Treehouse dining room.

The Treehouse

Pushing open the gate that leads to a long ramp up, we find Sharon and Roger on an organically shaped deck that sits cradled in the arms of a 450-year-old oak tree, spreading its massive verdant branches over the entire backyard. Roger gives me his chair so I can sit and chat with Sharon; he and Michael have other things to discuss. Kristen fills our glasses with sweet tea and cold water.

A gentle breeze ruffles the leaves. We are amazed at how pleasant the weather is here, at the edge of the Texas Hill Country, in what is almost mid-July. Is it Utopia? Is it sitting in the middle of a treetop being embraced by Mother Nature? Whatever the reason we are grateful. We delay lunch for an hour; this weather, the alfresco seating, is too perfect to leave.

The Treehouse Dining Room

Finally, we walk through the large glass sliding doors into the charming salle à manger, with its soaring rustic blue ceiling, charming chandelier, and a dining table set for four. Michael pours Becker Provencal Rose into the wine glasses; looking down, I immediately covet the woodland bling in front of me. It is hard not to. Everything coordinated, everything over the top, everything a work of art, designed by Michael Aram and discovered by Laurel Waters.

The table is covered with a deep, rich, poppy-colored cloth from Provence. The red is echoed in two antique, newly upholstered chairs as well as in the heart-shaped flowers in the stained-glass window above. The remainder of the enchanting space is filled with more antiques, art in all its forms, and love—everything with a story. The picture before me is an artistic rendering—originally living in the chef/owner’s home for many years—that tells me to LOVE OUT LOUD.

 Appetizer and Soup

Kristen arrives with the appetizer course, the delicate crispy triangle of fried wonton provides the perfect crunch factor for the accompanying layer of edamame.  Tiny cherry tomatoes with Pistou basil, fresh from the garden, and a small circle of thinly sliced salami finish the dish. The spinach artichoke soup arrives in a deep red cocotte and is accompanied by a basil pesto and cheese studded muffin. I’m a huge fan of soup, and this one, kissed with lemon, is perfectly seasoned and tastes sublime.

Our soup bowls empty, Kristen magically appears asking if we need anything. We need nothing. We are all quite content. She then begins to remove the beautiful silver chargers.  My look of dismay elicits a cheery comment. “Don’t worry,” she says, “they’ll be back.”

The Entree and Dessert

It is such a lovely adventure coming to the Laurel Tree. Each course is always well prepared, always enjoyable, and always unique.  Today, in our Treehouse aerie, I feel like a pampered guest. When Kristen returns with the chargers they hold plates that are laden with cumin-scented beef, studded with sweet onion and stuffed inside an Italian hybrid pepper—a jumbo sweet Marconi, another garden-fresh item. The cumin adds an unexpected note of the exotic to a comforting childhood memory. It is savory and delicious and makes me want to try it at home. The sour cream macaroni melts in my mouth. Our dessert, a flourless almond cake with fat blueberries and an airy lemon sauce is a delicate sweet wonder and a perfect ending.

As we devour the last crumb, two-and-a-half hours into our gourmet adventure, the Chef Laurel Waters arrives on our doorstep to greet us and thank us for being here. We pepper her with questions—we want to know about the Treehouse—and she fills in many details.

Laurel Waters, Chef-Owner

Raised in Houston, her parents bought the land that surrounds us when she was a child. Laurel climbed the tree that shelters the Treehouse when she was a youngster and had picnics with her family at a table beneath its leafy boughs. This small architectural jewel came about when Treehouse Master, Pete Nelson, and his crew walked through the doors of the Laurel Tree with dinner reservations; from that moment on it was a collaboration between two masters, chef and builder.

I’m beginning to think I want to have all my meals in the Treehouse when dining at The Laurel Tree—well maybe not all, but at least once a year.  It is pure magic.

The Laurel Tree

18956 N 187, Utopia, Texas 78884

Lunch and Dinner, Saturday’s Only

Lunch: 11:30 am –  1:00 pm

Dinner: 6:30 pm –  8 pm

Children under the age of 6 are discouraged at dinner.

Dressy Casual attire.

Cash, Checks or Credit Cards Accepted

Utopia is dry, so BYOB – no corkage fee

Reservations for the Restaurant Dining Room 

Due to limited seating, reservations are mandatory. Call 830-966-5444, and leave a voice message mentioning the date you would like to come, the number in your party, and time of your arrival. Laurel will confirm your reservation with a return call, so it is important to leave your telephone number.

The Laurel Tree does not take reservations by email.

Reservations for the Treehouse

Treehouse reservations are taken in 6 months windows.

Reservations for July-December 2017 will open up on May 1.

There is a $300 non-refundable booking fee for the treehouse, lunch or dinner.

This does not include the cost of the meal. Meal costs will be billed at the time of service.

Due to the inherent urge to climb, no children under the age of 16 will be allowed in the treehouse.

The person booking the treehouse reservation shall be responsible for their party guests.

Treehouse is fully air-conditioned and heated.

Entry to the treehouse is by ramp, with a small number of steps.

 Michael Aram Tableware Website