La Copine

The west has always beckoned pioneers.

I often get wistful when I stumble upon rebels who heeded the call 

and  took an abrupt left turn. 

In 2015, a couple living in LA, a chef and a musician, spent a weekend

in the high desert.  

After having their cells rejuvenated at The Integratron 

they heard about a shuttered restaurant for sale

for an astounding 30K.

It was more affordable for them to give up their lives in the big city, 

trade in their one bedroom apartment for a rented house, 

and buy the property.

Their restaurant, La Copine, on a dusty stretch of Old Woman Springs Road

(She was probably in her 40s)

 has created quite a disruption in the sleepy town

of Flamingo Heights.

Food critics from Vogue, The New York Times and Bon Appetit have made the pilgrimage 

and rhapsodized about the farm fresh inventive menu.  

Opened  from 2 to 7, we arrived at 2:11 to a crowded parking lot

and a lively group on the front patio drinking wine.  

Word has spread amongst locals, Los Angelinos, residents from the desert towns and guests staying

at nearby vacation rentals.

No one seemed deterred by the long, 2 1/2 hour wait.

We put our name on the list and drove to the nearby Purifoy Foundation 

Claire, the musician half of the couple, was our server.

A NJ native, she had the grace of someone who was witnessing their dream come to fruition. 

Roasted haricot vert with a tahini aoli, rock shrimp ceviche, 

buttermilk battered chicken on a bed of corn and leek hash

and coconut rice pudding with raspberry coulis, juicy orange slices and a dusting of salt.

Without a doubt the food was worth the wait.

I'm inspired by the changes happening in this area of the desert. 

Whispers in the wind are enticing a new group adventurers to root and build community.

Go west, young man!  Go west, young women! Go west and seize the day!  

Go west, young man!  Go west, young woman! Your dreams will guide your way!

Horace Greeley