“Dessert is not a meal;
it’s a moment.” 
Anh Luu 

During my high school years in San Francisco, there were a number of venue options for gathering with friends after a school dance, a game, a performing arts presentation, or just to get together for the sake of getting together. One of my favorite places to hang out was the world-famous Ghirardelli Square. Groups of us went there on a number of occasions to indulge in our favorite chocolate factory desserts and enjoy the ambiance of the historic site with our friends. The Front Room on Clement Street was another favorite spot. The pizza there never disappointed. More often than anyplace else, however, we drove out to Westlake for dessert at Lyon’s Restaurant on John Daly Boulevard near Highway 280. There was nothing like topping off an evening with friends by indulging in one of their delectable hot fudge sundaes.

Whether I was with my date for the evening or with a larger group of friends, Lyon’s offered a safe, convenient, and affordable place for a late-night dessert and conversation. The service was always excellent. I am grateful that my father taught me, early-on in life, the importance of leaving a generous tip. The servers got to know us, and they knew I would leave an appropriate gratuity to express our appreciation.

It’s been more than fifty years since those post-event visits to Lyon’s in the early ‘70s. The restaurant closed quite a few years ago and the retail space reopened as Boulevard Café, which rivals Lyon’s in terms of the quality of both their food and service. 

I don’t know where high school students in The City gather after dances, games, and other school-related events today. Times have changed considerably since my high school days. What I do know is that I am grateful for the wonderful memories I have of the high school events I attended, the hot fudge sundaes I enjoyed at Lyon’s, and the time spent with my friends through those formative years.