Over the River and Through the Woods
Michael drives. I dream. Memories swirl. The early morning fog wraps us in a blanket of soft gray mist as we head west to a Shangri-La dream in a utopian valley at the western edge of the Texas Hills — a whisper of earth that cradles the magical world of the Laurel Tree. It has been too long, and I feel more than fortunate that today we are able to travel this path of yesteryears.
Following the curling, curving road toward Bandera — the cowboy capital of Texas — we pass through the quaint town of Boerne, a place that contains its own kaleidoscope of memories. We reach Pipe Creek on the way, and it is barely a half breath long. I notice the Backyard Bistro, which is on my list to visit. I feel strongly that I need to move it from my list to my calendar. But now I see other temptations have cropped up close by: The Tiny Schnitzel Haus, Monte Alteza a Tapas & Wine Garden, several Mexican-themed food trucks, and more. I guess I need to find a weekend. Time to explore. A place to stay.
The Laurel Tree A Guest Table Restaurant
Soon, we are past Bandera, and Tarpley is a recent memory. The fog lifts, and the world turns into a blinding blue as the winter sun touches every corner of the Sabinal River Valley, and the wide gate of the Laurel Tree Restaurant opens before us.
The first time I set foot on the grounds of the Laurel Tree and walked through its doors, I was enchanted by the warmth. The welcome. The décor. The joy. The atmosphere. Now, I almost take it for granted. I’m not sure that is a good thing, but today I am here for Chef Laurel Waters’ food; it has been a while since we indulged, and I can’t wait. Laurel Waters was trained in France and brings the farm to the table — she has been doing this for a long time — it must have been the French training. She chooses seasonal ingredients, and she has her own herb garden, among other treasures.
A very few Christmas decorations at the Laurel Tree. In the dining room where we sit Michael counts at least seven Christmas trees
Fourteen years ago, it was serendipity that brought us to the Laurel Tree, and being here seemed to be a habit we couldn’t break, and one we didn’t want to. Today, it is good fortune that brings us here; timing and flexibility were key. I feel fortunate we were even able to secure reservations; I waited too long before checking, but here we sit in their back dining room, at one of their most requested tables — a table for two by the window overlooking the private Treehouse dining room. The restaurant is full of festive individuals reveling in the season and the epicurean delights that await.
Today is a mini celebration of life and living — and Carpe Diem!
Our window view at the Laurel Tree
Laurel’s Lunch
We are handed a Prix Fixe Menu, showing us today’s selections. Lunch (and dinner), as always, is in courses and each course is served as it is printed on the menu. We have a choice of two intriguing entrees, both feature lean proteins. I read the descriptions, and within the blink of an eye, I know what I want.
The Amuse Bouche
Today, our amuse-bouche is individual portions of a dark, intense black olive tapenade, served with freshly made, light, and crisp crostini. There are also two large grape halves on each plate to give your palate a needed refresher from the earthy tapenade. I need champagne, but today we decided to try being alcohol free for lunch. I’m not sure we made the right decision.
Soup and a Surprise Indulgence
The table is cleared of our amuse bouche, and seconds later, the soup course arrives — lightly curried cauliflower soup accompanied by a tiny pumpkin muffin. There are lemon slices on the table, and Micheal urges me to try a few drops in my soup, even before tasting it (he believes a touch of lemon makes all soups better), then he adds, “Did you find the bacon?”
“Bacon?” I begin searching under the rim of the bowl of golden soup in front of me and find a strip of caramelized bacon. I wonder at my discovery. Lifting a spoonful of the savory cauliflower soup to my mouth, with undercurrents of Indian spices running through it, I add a small nibble of the bacon. Putting my spoon down, I tell Michael, “Laurel Waters is brilliant!”
The combination of the silky, savory soup and the sweet, crisp bacon is the yin and yang of flavors. I feel as if I have made an important discovery. The tiny muffin is an added bonus.
The soup, the bacon, and the muffin are history. A part of an unforgettable repast when our entrees are set before us.
The Entree
We had a choice between two proteins for our entrée. Michael ordered the chicken breast, and I ordered the sweet potato lasagna topped with shrimp. Michael doesn’t offer me a bite of his chicken, and after tasting the vegetarian lasagna selection, I intend to hoard what is mine. I am blown away. How can sweet potatoes, kale, spinach, and smoked mozzarella be this decadent? And the shrimp are grilled to perfection.
Laurel stops by to say hello, and the first words that spill from my lips are, “Laurel, you are brilliant. The flavor combinations that you use are inspired, and the sweet potato lasagna is a rich as Croesus! How can something with such humble ingredients be this decadently delicious!”
She smiles and says it is one of her favorite entrees. I think it is mine too. I could eat it weekly and be in heaven. I almost lick the dish clean.
Coffee and Dessert
We are both stuffed, but we know dessert is on its way. We order coffee to help keep us awake on the impending two-and-a-half-hour drive home. The menu states that dessert is a cookie. A cookie with almond, pistachio, toffee, and cranberries. When the “cookie” is set before us, I realize it is a poor man’s description of a rich man’s extravagant treat. It is a small, blonde-brownie-like tart crowned with a perfect swirl of orange-flavored whipped cream dusted with green pistachios. And — it is delicious.
I want to sit and linger over my sparkling water, but Michael looks at his watch, then he looks at me. Home is over hill and dale, through the woods, along the river, and one hundred and thirty miles away. It is time to say goodbye.
Where is Chris Bottie when you need his magical horn?
It seems he is only a click away on my phone. Ahh – the wonders of the 21st century. A perfect ending to a perfect Carpe Diem moment.
The Laurel Tree Restaurant
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. Dressy casual attire is recommended. 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.
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