My Nepenthe
Me on the hill across from Nepenthe
Welcome to my blog about growing up at Nepenthe restaurant in Big Sur, CA. I have a book forthcoming titled My Nepenthe: Bohemian Tales of Food, Family, and Big Sur (Andrews McMeel, 2009) with beautiful color photography by Sara Remington. It’s part memoir, part storybook, and part cookbook. On this site, I will occasionally post new recipes, or recipes that didn’t make it into the book, photos of family and Nepenthe friends, stories about living on the coast, maybe list my favorite books or reflect on musings in the food and literary world, and note various events that have to do with the restaurant, the arts, and life in the Sur. Speaking of which–Nepenthe celebrates its 60th year on April 24, 2009. Come celebrate with us. In the meantime, I would love to hear your Nepenthe stories, so please send them my way.
Nani, this is so cool! What a great addition! And since I know it was hard to eliminate some of the stories, recipes photos etc. this will be a fantastic avenue to continue sharing. Well done! xo Leah
Hi Nani, wow – great good work – inviting a deluge of memories from the crowds whom we may or may not know – I’ll try my best to pass the word and include your web-site-url in emails I send to those who may be interested. Love from one of your fond admirers.
This is wonderful Nani! Looking forward to hearing more. I love how your family continues to create and build on to it’s inspiring and creative contribution to Big Sur.
Thank you Rachel. You too are an amazing creative person–do send me a link to your website, and if you like, I will post it on the creative arts page I’m planning on building. Appreciate your support.
Rita Gatti forwarded your blog to me. I have just begun to look it over and really enjoyed the Sara Remington photos. I lived in Big Sur around 1973-74 and remember you as a little girl. Congratualations on your new endeavor.
Barbara, hello–I remember you and your daughter Sadie–right?
Many wonderful connections to be made on this sight–there will be updates soon, as well as new photos and a link to the pdf of the book by next week, so stay posted. Best to you.
Thanks Nani,
I forwarded it on to my daughter Sequoyah.
Barbara
Nani- great to see you have a blog!
Here is my Nepenthe report-
Sunny and clear as a bell! Chilly and gorgeous. The lilacs started blooming yesterday- spring is in the air!
Love to you and the kids-
Go Nani! This is long overdue. I have always dreamed of compiling all my/our stories and writing about “Growing up Wild” in Big Sur (especially about Partington Ridge–for me). Someday! But, so glad that you are preserving our memories. If you need more photos, I know that Sterling, my parents, and I have some good ones. Visit http://www.tambadil.com and send us a note sometime! Chad Carvey
Good to see some comments coming in from some I’ve sent the site too!! Barbara’s daughter’s name is Sequoyah. Barbara went through her labor with Sequoyah at your house on 5th St. in PG. Last minute we took her in to the hospital. I have kept some of Chad’s writings that he shared with me from his notes some years back. They are hilarious. Sterling recently sent some great old photos of swimming hole fun in the early 60’s. I hope this will draw lots of wonderful memories out of many of us who shared the unique experience of living and working in Big Sur. I loved Heidi’s book and I can’t wait for yours.
Nice work! I’ll have to do a cross post on this one
It is the coolest site,keep so!
Romney-
Hello from the great Midwest. I am very happy that I stumbled upon your blog, I just wish I had done so sooner. I would have loved to be able to attend your 60th anniversary party and to meet you and your family, but with only 10 days notice I don’t think that will happen.
I guess I should back up a bit. I’m sending this message from Ohio, where I have lived my entire life. My parents met in California while my father was in the armed forces. My mother was from Manteca, but after they married my dad brought her back to his hometown here in Ohio, and we have been here ever since. Sometimes I wish my mother had been more persuasive about staying in Califonia.
I love visiting California, and have done so about a dozen times over the years. I have been to Nepenthe twice, the first time about 15 years ago, and most recently this past summer. It is truly one of the most magical places I have ever been to. The natural beauty of the setting is matched only by the friendliness of the people, the great food, and the architecture.
I also happen to be a very big student and fan of architecture, in particular that of Frank Lloyd Wright and his followers. The first time I visited Nepenthe, I had not yet discovered my affinity for great architecture, and had no idea that the restaurant had been designed by a student of Wright. But on my most recent visit, I took full advantage of the opportunity to study the design of the complex, while also enjoying the people, the food, the weather and the views, and it was magnificent. The place just has a vibe that is hard to describe to those who have not been fortunate enough to experience it for themselves, as I’m sure you know all to well.
Sorry to ramble on so long, but that place has left an indelible impression upon me, as I’m sure you can tell. I’m sure you will have an incredible time on the 24th with all of your family and friends, as well you should. Coming from someone who has only had the chance to be there twice in a lifetime (so far), tell those who are there regularly to never take the magic of the place for granted. Have fun at your gathering, and please raise a toast to all of those who have passed through your midst. Tell your family thank you for creating such a wonderful refuge, and please let me know as soon as your book is available, as I am so looking forward to it.