In 2015, Nikki Hill and Claire Wadsworth set out to achieve a goal they had chased for years: opening a restaurant in Los Angeles. But soaring rents had other ideas. After visiting a friend in Pioneertown, near Joshua Tree, they decided to build their own queer cooking oasis in the Mojave. They signed a lease in Yucca Valley and, soon after, opened the eclectic La Copine. (The previous owner advised them to buy a shotgun.)
The couple met in Philadelphia in 2009, when Wadsworth hired Hill to cook a dinner party at her home. Their professional partnership began with catering, then a food truck, and eventually La Copine, whose signature “high desert” cuisine has attracted both locals and pilgrims willing to make the trek from L.A., including Patti Smith, Kate Moss, and Robert Plant.
Here, Hill and Wadsworth, whose new cookbook is rooted in a longstanding commitment to inclusivity, share their favorite spots around their home near Joshua Tree National Park.
Mojave Sands
A serene Joshua Tree motel, Mojave Sands is centrally located but still has all the roadside charm. (mojavesandsatjoshuatree.com)
Pioneertown Motel
A historic and beautifully restored motel in the heart of Pioneertown. It’s walking distance to Pappy & Harriet’s, an amazing live music venue, which makes it a must. (pioneertown-motel.com)
Kitchen In The Desert
A staple on the other end of the high desert, with thoughtfully prepared dishes and a gorgeous patio. (kitd29.com)
Nice Dream
The new restaurant we are obsessed with! They serve a to-die-for espresso, vegan ice cream, and seasonal Japanese dishes. (nice-dream.com)
The Tiny Pony tavern
A local favorite with rotating cocktails and espresso martinis on tap. They also do drag shows on the back patio. (thetinypony.com)
The Red Dog Saloon
The perfect spot for a Margarita before a show at Pappy’s, or a taco for a midnight snack. The Margaritas are available on tap or in to-go cans, and the tortillas are homemade. (reddogpioneertown.com)
The Copper Room
Sit at the bar and watch the sun set with a mezcal Negroni overlooking the Yucca Valley runway. (thecopperroom1957.com)
Noah Purifoy Outdoor Desert Art Museum
The Black visual artist and sculptor Noah Purifoy built a playland in Joshua Tree, and every part of it is art! This museum will change the way you look at trash. (noahpurifoy.com/joshua-tree-outdoor-museum)
World Famous Crochet Museum
A magical wonderland by the art queen of Joshua Tree, Shari Elf! Upcycled clothing items with Shari’s famous sayings are for sale, Our favorite is “Naked lesbian day!” (sharielf.com)
Highway Sanctuary
Down the road from La Copine is a five-acre sculpture garden, founded by the legendary mural artist Shrine. The main house is a gallery you can visit on weekends, while the garden is free to visit any time. (highwaysanctuary.org)
La Matadora Gallery
A vibrant art gallery run by our dear friend Colleena Hake in downtown Joshua Tree. It’s known for its edgy, postmodern, alternative vibe. (lamatadoragallery.org)
The End
The wonderful stylist Kime Buzzelli and her friends hand-picked every piece in this colorful desert boutique—one-of-a-kind vintage, with a menswear section called “Rear End” in the back. (theendyuccavalley.com)
Things & Things
Go here now! Flowers and taxidermy meet a thrift store and an art gallery. Our best friends own and operate it, and it is our new favorite store in town. (thingsandthingsco.com)
All Roads Desert Market
They carry the La Copine cookbook here and have everything from our favorite socks to snacks for the house. (all-roads.co)
Very Very
Rich Good, the guitar player from the Psychedelic Furs, opened the coolest shop in 29 Palms, and with a group of other shops, has transformed a part of downtown 29. From guitar pedals to Other Desert City tees, it has everything you want and more. Plus, it’s next to our number one favorite magazine shop, Hi Desert Times! (thisisveryvery.com)
