The world is filled with magic places. The right nexus of site, scene, scale, and subject will leave deep and lasting impressions. Fifty years ago I discovered such a crossroad sitting hundreds of feet above the Pacific Ocean between Carmel and Big Sur. The place is Nepenthe. Its name derives from nepenthes pharmakon, a philter (potion) appearing in the Odyssey written by the Greek poet, Homer, around 800 BCE. The phrase means "medicine that chases away all sorrow." On the Sur coast it is a stunning oasis of hospitality and breathtaking landscape. Nepenthe is the story of what happens when a family escapes from everyday life only to discover that their home site is so beautiful it demands to be shared with others. And so on April 24, 1949, Nepenthe opened to the public as a restaurant. Today, the original restaurant and terraces - designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright - have been joined by a cafe and The Phoenix Shop, a unique world-themed store. Every turn at Nepenthe is a discovery of human and natural landscapes both real and imagined.
Over the decades I returned to this special place at every opportunity. Sadly, I haven't had nearly enough, but I think there could never be enough. The solace comes in knowing that once you visit, you never really leave the magic. So "Happy Birthday" to Nepenthe and the descendants of founders, Bill and Lolly Fassett, who run the place and ensure that the hospitality and magic keep flowing.
Readers can learn more about that magic here. Be sure to click on the "Stories & Folktales" link to start. When the opportunity arises I hope you'll visit to experience "no sorrow" for yourself. The food is moderately expensive, rich but healthy, generous, and quite good for what has become an iconic tourist stop on Highway 1. Try the Ambrosia Burger, a choice that has become the most popular dish. The Nepenthe experience itself is free. And priceless.
Over the decades I returned to this special place at every opportunity. Sadly, I haven't had nearly enough, but I think there could never be enough. The solace comes in knowing that once you visit, you never really leave the magic. So "Happy Birthday" to Nepenthe and the descendants of founders, Bill and Lolly Fassett, who run the place and ensure that the hospitality and magic keep flowing.
Readers can learn more about that magic here. Be sure to click on the "Stories & Folktales" link to start. When the opportunity arises I hope you'll visit to experience "no sorrow" for yourself. The food is moderately expensive, rich but healthy, generous, and quite good for what has become an iconic tourist stop on Highway 1. Try the Ambrosia Burger, a choice that has become the most popular dish. The Nepenthe experience itself is free. And priceless.
Take a trip there now by visiting their livecam. You can enjoy a Mannheim Steamroller composition inspired by the view as you enjoy it.
The cover photo is from a recent book about Nepenthe written by Romney Steele, granddaughter of the founders. It's filled with the Nepenthe story and recipes for those times when you can't be on the terrace. If you're interested but not likely to be traveling there anytime soon, I'm sure you can order copies from the Phoenix Shop website.
Sources
Text:
wikidoc.org
Photos and Illustrations:
photo of view north from Highway 1 near Nepenthe entrance is from
family archives
No comments:
Post a Comment