PlanJam!From your screen to the scene

When you step from Hillhurst Avenue up the garden path to the Alcove, you are entering a small Los Angeles dining adventure. But don't worry - it's a good one. Located in the colorful respite of Los Feliz in an old brick bungalow, the Alcove is true to its name, but with L.A.'s youthful energy, too.

First you walk through a well-seated grassy courtyard filled with shady umbrellas, café tables and chairs. Then, get in line, because this place is popular, and often packed. However the wait doesn't feel long, for you're too busy perusing the extensive menu of gourmet egg dishes (from the old-fashioned country breakfast to the shrimp and lobster omelette), monster salads (such as classic Cobb, Asian, or grilled vegetable), and a variety of panini sandwiches, burgers and wraps. From the colorfully illustrated giant chalkboard you pick your potion - whether it be an exotic hot coffee, ice blended, or stronger libation. As you bump along the curve of the counter towards the congested ordering area, glass windows display tantalizing tarts and pastries, fluffy iced cupcakes with sprinkles, and enormous marshmallow treats. While the Alcove prices are a bit higher than average, you'll find generous portions here.

Ah, you've made it to the front of the line. You order, you pay, you get your drink, and a number to put on your table. Now to find a place to sit: a few tables can be found inside, oddly surrounded by strange religious wall murals, artifacts, and antique photos (you get the vague feeling this was once the site of turn-of-the-century religious cult) - which might explain why the most popular seating is outside. I tend to go for more privacy, settling in the quaint side patio with its creative, antique lawn furniture (a chair made from a country door is one of my favorites). Greek statues surrounded by trees invite small birds to join you, and add to the overall calming effect in this section. But the busy front courtyard has much to offer as well. My friend and I once became so thoroughly engrossed in the Hollywood dating dramas of two women talking at the courtyard table beside us, we barely said a word to each other the entire meal. When we left, we shared commentary as though we had just been to a movie!

Once you sit, you can sip your drink, chat, and relax. You feel a little like a frat initiate who just made it through the Haze (okay, that's an exaggeration - maybe that's just the lingering cult vibe from inside); actually it's more like coming home after a hectic drive in traffic. Whatever. When the food arrives the "traffic" is quickly forgotten. You find the offerings deserving of inclusion in the local mag "best ofs," such as Angeleno's "Hot List," or Sunset's "Best Coffeehouses in LA." You eat, and you feel good that you have discovered this crazy little retreat – more accurately, that you survived a little "crazy" to get to the "retreat."

In LA I think we enjoy going through a little drama to get to something good. The Alcove dining experience is no different, for not only do you get a good meal, but a sense of accomplishment, too. Which I suppose is why, despite my complaints about the crowds, I keep going back.