Then there was the hot weather, and the need to find some sort of escape from it.
If you head east from Los Angeles and just about when you might be getting tired of the traffic and the heat, turn up the 330 towards Running Springs and escape.
Now, the mountains here in Southern California are worth the day trip on their own, At about 6000 feet, the temperature is about 20 degrees cooler than the valley floor, which all by itself is enticing, but on your way up to Big Bear feet turn left on the 18 and find Lullubelle's Coffee House and Bakery. We made it a destination and we were happy we did.
Lulubelle's is wonderful a bakery and cafe, with exceptional latte's, and honestly warm staff that make you feel like you have made friends on your journey.
They had faith enough to start the cafe/bakery last November, (you remember... during the Covid-19 lockdown of 2020). It has good food and a grace that warms you. It deserves to be rewarded with a good clientele.
All the staff and owners had a warmth that outshined their masks that had to cover their faces.
If you're lucky, you'll meet Avery there, who is fun and charming and very knowledgeable. She made the excellent latte and served up a craft Cream Soda for Megan and Kylie brought us our Artisan margarita pizza, inspired by an old family recipe. We told her about California Alfisti and she wanted to see the car. " I have to see the car it here? Now, I'm invested," she said.
That's Avery.by Sofia in the picture.
They are a bakery and do have wonderful-looking baked goods, but they also have Gelato, which we could not resist. Kylie served us our Sicilian Pistachio and Salted Carmel gelato (again from a family recipe) made by three brothers in Reseda. Boy was it good.
They brew good organic, fair trade specialty coffees. The pastries are hand-crafted from scratch in small batches, and they offer breakfasts and lunches. We think it's worth the stop on your way. They are open Sunday through Thursday from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We were lucky enough to meet Michelle, one of the owners. You can tell she is where the warmth and charm of the place emanate from. It is worth mentioning that the owners are descendants of pizza makers from generations gone by. That handsome guy in the picture tossing pizza dough, is Grandpa Nicholas.
We stayed for about an hour and then got back on the road to other journeys. It was a great experience and we'll definitely be back. If you are headed east into the California mountains, we highly recommend you stop in. If you are lucky enough to live in Running Springs and can make it your local hang out....well....we're jealous.
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