Kids' teatime at Jin Patisserie

  Small girls love teatime just as much as Brits do, especially if it's outside in a sun-dappled patio next to a gurgling fountain -- further evidence, in their minds, of mermaid ecosystems.  Jin Patisserie is pretty good at indulging adults, with Kristy Choo's menu of sweets, cakes, sandwiches and chocolates.  But as I discovered on Friday, the Venice pastry shop also caters to children, with a child's tea, including egg salad finger sandwiches, a scone, a butter cake, fresh strawberries with powdered sugar and a glass of milk or juice.  Now while you pamper yourself with a pot of sencha ariake tea and a lavender gâteau, your kids can have a proper teatime.  And, if they're like my daughters, they'll want to follow their tea with a box of Choo's assorted macaroons.  (They adored the rose and the lavender, appreciated the green tea, and handed me the white sesame; I'll give them another five years on that one.)

Jin Patisserie, 1202 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice.  (310) 399-8801.  Child's tea, $10.00; box of 8 assorted macaroons, $12.00. 

-- Amy Scattergood

Photos by Amy Scattergood