Ode To Elixir

On our way to the Bodhi Tree bookstore, we passed by Elixir and discovered they're closing at the end of this month. Apparently, they've lost their lease and are moving to Newport Beach to cater to spoiled OC housewives instead of spoiled Hollywood celebs.



It's been a good 15-year run at this location for Elixir, which pioneered the whole leaf tea bar and shop trend long before people knew the difference between oolong and lapsang souchong. With Urth Cafe and Le Pain Quotidien just across the street, it's no longer the überhip place it used to be, but its serenity garden remained a peaceful oasis where its devotees can relax and unwind.



With Herman Hesse's Siddhartha in tow, I was hoping to drop by one last time to lounge in the garden and drink an herbal tonic or tea as the scent of incense envelops me where I sit. For old time's sake. But my schedule is impossible; might as well, because this Craigslist ad tells me they're already selling the place piece by piece.

There's no word on what will take Elixir's place when they're gone, but I doubt the ambience will be preserved. There's still the naughty but discreet CoCo de Mer next door, but that's a whole different world in itself.



Label(s): Life, Photos

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