Nepenthe

I lived in Simi Valley, with my two daughters. Every other weekend, their dad would take them and I would go off somewhere, to recover my sense of self and adulthood.

The mix that was marriage, parenthood, working full time, and attempting to become the published writer I so sorely wanted to be proved beyond my capacity. My life crashed and smoldered.

I sought respite, and chose Nepenthe as my healing ground.

Once a month, I would reserve a room at Deetjen’s Bug Sur Inn, and spend the late day on the terrace at Nepenthe. To gaze down the coast line, watch the light change on the water, the fog roll up and down the cliffs, brought my soul sense into focus.

The needs I thought I had to express myself and be identified with a role in life faded. I realized that my real needs had a lot to do with joining my life with someone else, someone who shared my sensibility.

The last time I went alone to Nepenthe, I had connected with that person, and my life rotated in the most meaningful and profound way it ever has, before or since.

… which is good, because the food does not live up to its price.

But that’s not why you’re there. So it doesn’t really matter all that much.

Fog on the ocean, sun on the mountains, good food and chat and so much relaxation. What a place.

There is no reason NOT to eat here if you’re in the vicinity. The food is excellent, the views stunning. It’s a bit of a familiar tradition to go down here every time I return to Carmel, and for good reason. Even if the day is foggy, it’s a beauty.