The Fruits of Their Labor

Jo Ellen McDermott says her husband was tired of eating meatloaf all the time, so he gave her $5 (this was 1961) to take a weeklong cooking class. When the class was over, she started trying out her own creations on him and their friends. John McDermott declared that fiver the best investment he ever made.

This was just the beginning, though. Jo Ellen McDermott went on to earn an associate of arts degree in food services at El Camino College, and today she owns the 9-year-old Lemon Tree Cafe in Torrance.

It’s a cozy little place, with the feel of the dining room at a bed and breakfast (although it’s only open for lunch). Flowery cloths cover the tables, oak shelves display a teapot collection and the windows are covered by ruffled white curtains on a thick brass rail. With the arrival of spring, there’s also limited seating at a small patio filled with geraniums and impatiens.

The menu is really just an outline for the daily specials, which appear on a chalkboard. One of the most popular items is chicken sesame ($7), diced chicken breast in a sweet-and-sour sauce with sesame seeds, roasted almonds and green onions.

McDermott’s version of shepherd’s pie ($7) contains ground leg of lamb, sweet Italian sausage, celery, carrots, onions and parsley, topped with garlic mashed potatoes baked to a golden brown crust. All entrees include salad or soup of the day, which might be cream of carrot or vegetable bean. A soup and salad combination is $5.

Often there’s quiche, such as a mushroom quiche heady with fresh tarragon ($7). If quiche isn’t offered, crepes will be; for instance, crepes Florentine with spinach and eggs ($7).

The Lemon Tree Cafe is at 24416 Crenshaw Blvd. in Torrance. (310) 530-3194. Open Monday through Friday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.