Mount Kilimanjaro OK Led to Everest of Honey-Do’s for Dave Wyatt

As the former director of construction for the Catalina Restaurant Group, co-owner Dave Wyatt did most of the remodeling of in The Village. But he didn’t do it all without asking for something in return from Lorna Wyatt—his wife and business partner. 

“I told her, ‘If you let me go and climb Mount Kilimanjaro, then I’ll help you,’ ” he said, smiling. “She held me to it. Now I’m her bond servant.”

From the doilies to the antique teaware, the Tea Room is chockful of period pieces to enhance its authenticity—something Lorna Wyatt literally traveled the country to do.

“I couldn’t get into my garage for two years,” said Dave Wyatt, who can be found holding down the fort when his wife is away. “It was great when we finally opened.”

A dream come true for Lorna Wyatt, the place is named in honor of the Aubrey family from her native Jamaica. It also pays some homage to her favorite flower. In fact, she has 300 rose plants on her property in Alpine.

A TWENTY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS: Former La Mesan business owner Susan Duva has a lot to be happy about. Not only is she celebrating 20 years in business, but she’s also decided to put aside an official party for something much more fun—a trip to Hawaii for the first time.

“I’m going on vacation to celebrate all my hard work,” said Duva, a Point Loma resident. “But I’m not inviting anyone but my husband.”

Plaza Personnel Service—a job placement company that specializes in serving medical professionals—was originally based in La Mesa, moving its offices to Mission Valley just three years ago. For that reason, Duva says she feels very connected to the community and can remember attending the opening for the Junior Seau Sports Complex at in the 1990s.

“I had the opportunity to share some office space,” she said. “And 17 years later I was still there.”

And though her company serves the entire county, Duva estimates she’s helped around 100 people find work who have either hailed from La Mesa or started to work here.

“I find that the most outstanding people get jobs really quickly,” she said. “My best advice would be to stick with it. And have a good resume—good attention to detail on that resume.”

LONG LIVE THE QUEEN—AND MOM, TOO! In the spirit of all things royal, Fusionglass Co. is hosting a tea party extraordinaire in honor of Mother’s Day in La Mesa. Owners Paul Fernandes and Debbie Solan say Tea with the Queen will be an event of “fun and frivolity, fashion and food,” and include dress-up for anyone who’s game.

On the guest list is Jennafer Grace, a designer from San Diego who will showcase her new summer fashions. Members of The San Diego Silk Guild also plan to attend, bringing many of their handpainted silks, wearable art and wall hangings. 

The event runs from noon until 6 p.m. Saturday, May 7, and food and tea will be served. For more information, call 619-461-4440.