Translation: Funday Monday at Le Chene Restaurant!
Established in 1917, Le Chene’s location started as a roadside gas station just North of Sleepy Valley near Agua Dulce Ca. on Mint Canyon Hwy., originally a pack-animal trail widened into a dirt road in 1910 becoming Route 6 and today it is locally known as Sierra Hwy. Built right next to a majestic oak tree and named the Oaks Garage, a refreshment stand was added on the other side of the tree in 1918.
The Oaks Garage, owned by William Dodrill, a trained mechanic, became a popular stop for day trippers on the their way from Los Angeles to Palmdale or Lancaster and those making side trips to attractions like Vasquez Rocks or the Red Rover Mine. It was also very popular with the employees at the Sterling Borax Mine and for movie stars filming in the area.
In 1924 they extended the cafe and garage using river rock hauled in by horse and wagon, a two day trip in one direction from Littlerock in the Antelope Valley. Gus Swanson, a brick layer and Dodrill’s father in law, was brought in and constructed the castle like appearance with the river rock and the name was changed to the Castle Rock Garage and Cafe.
They had five pumps lined in the front with gas at .17 cents a gallon, a public telephone with the number “Oaks No. 1” and even offered AAA towing service. The majestic oak was fatally damaged by a truck in 1960 with the final stump removed in 1980. The Oaks Garage had several different owners during the 40s, 50s, and 60s and was purchased in 1975 and named Margie’s Truck Stop. In 1980 it was purchased by French Chef Juan Alonzo and in September, 1980 he established the renowned Le Chene French Cuisine restaurant. Translation for Le Chene is The Oak.
In 1987 he renovated the garage area into a banquet room, expanded the kitchen and in 1990 added a new dining hall, expanded bar and landscaped gardens for weddings and outdoor events.
Now celebrating over 40 years as Le Chene, did I mention the vineyard he added, just awarded its appellation Sierra Pelona Ridge and the converted mechanic’s pit and additional underground cellar, housing one of the finest wine lists in all of California.
It was so much fun stepping back over 100 years and finding so much history so close to home, right there along the roadside. Happy October to all. Stay safe.
