A Love Song, a Restaurant, and a Cookbook: The Story of La Copine’s Musical and Culinary Journey

An intimate blend of love, music, and food at La Copine, where every note and recipe tells a heartfelt story.

When a Song Becomes a Lifelong Memory

There’s something magical about hearing a song for the very first time and realizing it changes everything. Nikki Hill vividly recalls that moment when Claire Wadsworth, also known by her stage name C’est Claire, sang “Vows” at their wedding. It wasn’t just a song; it was a raw, emotional vow delivered in melody.

“It was at our wedding,” Hill recalls with a warm laugh, the two chatting over Zoom from their kitchen in the Southern California high-desert town of Landers.

The date was March 18, 2015, near a waterfall outside Solvang, just north of Santa Barbara. Nikki’s sister officiated the ceremony, secretly planning a surprise for Nikki. When it came to Claire’s turn to speak, instead of reciting traditional vows, she was handed a blue acoustic guitar by a friend and began to play.

“When you die, I will die,
Let me be there right next to you.
I do I do I do I do.
I do take you, this day.”

Claire’s voice, tender and soulful, stirred tears not only in Nikki and her sister but throughout their wedding party. The moment was raw, sincere, and unforgettable—a love song that continues to echo eleven years later.

Songs, Stories, and Recipes: La Copine’s Unique Tale

This deeply personal song “Vows” is just one piece of a broader tapestry. It features prominently on C’est Claire’s new EP, part of a series titled Songs of La Copine. Four sets of songs, one released each season, accompany a newly published cookbook filled with recipes, photos, and stories from La Copine, the restaurant Nikki and Claire opened just six months after their wedding.

Together, the music and the book tell their story: a love blossoming amid the desert landscape, woven through food and melodies.

“It’s not chronological,” Claire explains. “But it starts with the first song I wrote about Nikki and ends with the most recent song about where we are now, in our second decade out here. Everything in between is inspired by customers and moments that moved me.”

Finding La Copine: A Hidden Gem in the Desert

La Copine isn’t just somewhere off the beaten path—it’s tucked away in a truly unexpected place. From Los Angeles, you drive a couple of hours east to Yucca Valley, then turn north on Old Woman Springs Road, traveling nine more miles past quirky landmarks like the Giant Rock Meeting Room pizza parlor and a Dollar General.

Finally, you arrive at a modest building that, unless you’re looking for it, you might just drive past.

Despite its remote location—far from the glitz of Palm Springs or the global fame of Coachella—the restaurant’s reputation spread quickly. Within just a few years, it was so popular that on one Memorial Day, there was a four-hour wait less than an hour after opening.

“That was definitely a ‘good problem,’” Claire laughs, “though it felt like a problem at the time.”

Nikki chimes in: “People get mad now because of the wait. They drove all that way!”

They’ve since found ways to manage the crowds, but the steady flow of diners includes some remarkable visitors.

A Star-Studded Desert Hideaway

The celebrity guests who have graced La Copine’s tables read like a who’s who of rock royalty. Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin came twice in a row, charming diners with his down-to-earth manner and a self-deprecating introduction.

“Hello, I’m Robert Plant, I was in a little band called Led Zeppelin. You may have heard of it. I do have a blog.”

La Copine has become a cultural hub alongside Pappy and Harriet’s in Pioneertown—a famed music venue hosting intimate concerts by legends like Paul McCartney and Patti Smith—and the mystical Integratron, a sound-bath dome drawing visitors seeking healing and meditation.

The story of the piano at La Copine is almost mythical in itself. After a session at the Integratron, a local unexpectedly delivered a piano to the restaurant, fulfilling a wish Nikki and Claire had quietly held. That piano even hosted Patti Smith for a private dinner performance, singing “Because the Night” to friends and staff.

The Food That Keeps People Coming Back

Of course, it’s not just the music and famous faces that make La Copine special. The food itself tells stories, inviting diners to savor unique, vibrant flavors inspired by the desert and diverse culinary influences.

Flipping through their cookbook reveals irresistible dishes like:

• Smoke & Hash: Roasted Yukon Gold and sweet potatoes with poblano peppers, tomato chutney, fried eggs, and avocado topped with cactus hot sauce.
• Whiskey Brisket: A smoked brisket sandwich drenched in red-eye barbecue sauce, Copine mayo, and a spicy peperonata.
• Socarrat: Crispy saffron rice with charred romano beans, oyster mushrooms, piquillo peppers, basil, and lemon.

These offerings are more than meals—they’re experiences, echoing the restaurant’s sense of community and love.

A Sanctuary for Friends and Fans

Courtney Barnett, a devoted regular and friend, sums up La Copine’s charm perfectly:

“It kind of feels like the center of the desert out there. The people you meet, the atmosphere—it all feels so organic and natural. There’s no weird networking vibes or anything like that.”

Other admirers include Kim Gordon, Tegan and Sara, Jenny Lewis, Warpaint’s Emily Kokal and Stella Mozgawa, Sharon Van Etten, Foo Fighters’ Nate Mendel, Josh Homme, and the Queens of the Stone Age crew.

Big Thief even famously ordered “one of everything on the menu, times two,” a gesture that perfectly captures the restaurant’s eclectic, welcoming spirit.

“It’s the kind of place where you notice the scenery more than the famous person sitting a few tables away,” Nikki says. “They go unnoticed,” Claire confirms.

Not Every Celebrity Visit Is Smooth Sailing

Of course, not all high-profile visits have been seamless. Elon Musk’s arrival with bodyguards and security wasn’t exactly welcomed, and the couple has had to deal with crypto enthusiasts who try to game the reservation system.

“We turn away TikTokkers and influencers looking for free meals. It’s just not needed here,” Nikki asserts.

The celebrities who do come respect the space and blend in quietly. Claire is even mindful about the music playlist, often removing artists’ own songs to keep things comfortable. One exception was Kurt Vile, who happily let his track play while dining with friends.

The Music and Community Behind the Album

The Songs of La Copine EPs are deeply rooted in the community and musical talent around them. David Catching (Queens of the Stone Age, Eagles of Death Metal) and Christopher Thorn (Blind Melon, Afghan Whigs) lent their skills during recording sessions at Rancho De La Luna and Fireside Sound studios.

The core band includes Josh Sonntag (guitar), Jon Ossman (bass), and Denny Weston Jr. (drums) — the trio Los Poncho Tones — bringing a rich and seamless sound to the album.

The first EP starts with “Loving You,” includes a shimmering cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Going to California,” and closes with the heart-wrenching “Vows” and “Bon Voyage,” chronicling Claire and Nikki’s journey from Philly to the desert.

From Philly to the Desert: A Journey of Passion

Their story began in Philadelphia, where Nikki was hired to cook for a house party hosted by Claire, who was then still finding her footing as a musician after attending Berklee College of Music.

Moving to L.A., Nikki worked in various kitchens while Claire chased music dreams, working at the iconic Village recording studio. But it wasn’t until the desert called them that their lives truly took shape.

Finding Freedom and Artistic Voice in the Desert

In the desert community, Claire found a supportive environment to blossom musically and personally. Collaborating with producer Charlie Stavish helped her craft two C’est Claire albums, though she was initially hesitant to share her music openly.

Emily Kokal of Warpaint recalls being floored when Claire finally sent her songs—a blend of emotional honesty and raw power reminiscent of Sarah McLachlan and Alanis Morissette.

Christopher Thorn similarly praises her songwriting talent: “She’s such a secret weapon. I kept hearing her songs and was blown away. Hopefully now it’s not such a secret.”

Courtney Barnett witnessed a transformative live performance last year, where Claire’s ethereal voice filled the Joshua Tree Retreat Center amphitheater with a magical energy.

The Emotional Depth of Fall’s EP

The third EP, releasing in fall, dives into darker emotional terrain with somber piano ballads and waltzes. Themes of family trauma, addiction, and personal struggle come to the fore.

“I was raised to tolerate things,
Don’t judge me. I don’t take it lightly.”

Claire shares how this EP allowed her to express feelings she’d long bottled up, touching on her father’s lifelong struggles and her own complex emotions.

A Life Fully Manifested

Reflecting on their journey, Claire acknowledges the doubts she once held, shaped by a family history of stifled musical dreams. But she has since fully embraced her path.

“Cut to the desert,” she says with a smile. “We’ve completely manifested this life that we didn’t think was possible.”

Their story culminates perfectly in Songs of La Copine’s finale, “Who Knew,” a soaring anthem that celebrates their adventurous leap into the unknown:

“Who knew we’d end up out here
Who knew they’d call us pioneers
We let our imagination run wild
And threw our inhibitions to the wind.”

FAQ

• What inspired C’est Claire’s song “Vows”?
  It was written for Nikki Hill and first performed at their wedding in 2015, capturing the deep love shared between them.
• Where is La Copine located?
  La Copine is situated in Flamingo Heights, California, about two hours east of Los Angeles, along Old Woman Springs Road near Yucca Valley.
• Which famous musicians have visited La Copine?
  Visitors have included Robert Plant, Patti Smith, Courtney Barnett, Kim Gordon, Tegan and Sara, Josh Homme, and many others.
• What type of cuisine does La Copine serve?
  The menu features creative dishes blending bold flavors like smoked brisket, saffron rice, and unique hash with local desert influences.
• How does the music connect to the restaurant?
  Claire Wadsworth’s Songs of La Copine series reflects the couple’s life, their community, and the inspirations found through their restaurant and friendships.

If you’ve been moved by La Copine’s story, why not bring a piece of that magic home? Shop your favorite album cover poster at our store for a beautiful reminder of love, music, and food intertwined. Explore the collection here.