Lunch at Jin Patisserie in Venice, CA
Have I ever shared with you that my best friend, the one I always refer to as my BFF on my blog, has been my friend since I was five years old? It was one of those acts of fate where we were destined to grow-up together, go to different colleges, go to different graduate schools, yet end up living in the same town, practically on the same block.
Our moms, both Japanese nationals, used to take my BFF (on the right) and I to the same park in the neighborhood. They got to talking and my BFF and I played together at the park. The rest, as they say, is history.
Recently, to celebrate a special occasion, my BFF and I enjoyed a nice tea luncheon with our moms and Bebe E at Jin Patisserie on Abbot Kinney in Venice, CA.
If you’re not familiar with the area, Abbot Kinney is a neighborhood that was revived, probably in the early 1990’s. It’s populated with artsy shops and great little restaurants that I used to visit in a different time in my life. Jin Patisserie is a restaurant that I’d never visited until now, but it appears the restaurant is possibly looking to move to a new location or close. I am hoping that the restaurant will continue on.
The sandwiches were fresh and hearty. My mom ordered the tuna sandwich and it was made with a tomato sauce instead of mayo. My BFF’s mom ordered the chicken salad sandwich.
We ordered a cup of tomato bisque but Bebe E claims that she likes Nordstrom’s tomato basil soup better. This tomato bisque was very fresh and light and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
My BFF and I ordered the tea set. We both chose the green tea with peaches, passion fruit, melon, and wild strawberries. It was light, fruity and delicious.
Here’s my childhood bestie with her tea set. We oooh and aaah over the sweets, but I was a bit disappointed that we weren’t offered more tea sandwiches. I was pretty hungry…
Here’s a close-up of our tea set which included egg salad sandwiches, a miniature quiche, scones with jam and a variety of sweets. Everything was so dainty and pretty. Unfortunately, I had to eat some of my mom’s sandwich since I needed more sustenance. I am clearly not a dainty eater.
Pictured below is a closeup of the miniature quiche, scones, lemon cheesecake, and the chocolate ganache truffle.
As soon as my little one caught sight of all of the little cakes on the tea platter, she quickly became very excited. When she asked what we would be doing at our tea party, I mentioned that we would eat cake, and that she could have her own little cake as well. The photo on the left was taken while she ate her little bento lunch that I made for her. The photo on the right is when my tea set arrived and she saw all the little cakes. As my husband would say, “Bebe E is her mother’s daughter.” :) Look at the pure joy and excitement on her face!
After Bebe E ate her lunch and cake, she walked to the little fountain behind us and took the following photo. I was very impressed that it turned out so well. She is a budding photographer.
Here is my mom (aka Bebe E’s obaachan) and I in the garden of Jin Patisserie. I am not sure, but I believe the restaurant only offers outdoor seating. It’s a lovely little garden.
It was a beautiful day to be outdoors enjoying a nice leisurely lunch with my special little girl and just a handful of some of the most important women in my life. Best wishes to my BFF for a fabulous year! xoxo
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