The mummies are just a few of the café's interesting pieces of décor, which include a player piano.

Owner Vicki Philipp has a passion for food and fun. “Food is fun; we have to eat,” she said. “Food should be entertaining and fun.”

Philipp, who is from Sonoma County, has worked with food for years. Her experience includes catering, concessions and vending. She hopes to feature crepes as a specialty.

Before opening the doors, Philipp asked around to find out what Lakeport was looking for in a café. Suggestions included a salad bar, which is in now offered every day.

Philipp strongly encourages suggestions and requests. She said she looks for a “majority vote”; if enough people ask, it will be granted.

“I am not set in my ways,” she said. “I am willing to bend. I’ve been on both sides of the counter; I still see it that way.”

She wants Café Victoria to be a “community café.” To achieve that, Philipp has plans for events that include “Lake County Has Talent,” a more relaxed spin to open mike night. The talent night will showcase a range of acts from standup to bubble blowing. The idea will be to see more fun, diverse entertainment.

Some entertainment featured recently included “Karaoke Sue,” who invited the community to come sing, eat dinner and have fun.

Part of the fun at Café Victoria includes being family friendly. Over the past few months, large cartoon balloons could be seen hanging out the upstairs windows. Philipp said it's important to be silly sometimes.

Philipp said she has a certain experience in mind for her customers. “All our lives, we have incredible stories we want to share. Café Victoria is a place to create scrapbook memories to include with those stories.”

She said she wants the café to “touch the emotion of memory,” and be is a place to leave your troubles at the door, have fun and relax.

Café Victoria is an experience, whether it involves, food, drink or good company. The building has been revamped, with new windows and lighting. She chose to use her favorite color, red, throughout, which gives a warm feel.

Philipp said she hopes that the café will become a household name and a place for the community to meet and greet each other. Her lighthearted approach offers a welcoming atmosphere.

Café Victoria is located at 103 N. Main St. at the four-way stop. For more information, stop by or call 263-1210.

E-mail Emily Silva at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

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