Claire Wadsworth and Nikki Hill—the life and business partners behind La Copine, the cult-favorite High Desert restaurant near Joshua Tree—share their debut cookbook.

A recipe collection, love story, and blueprint for building a life on one's own terms, all set against the surreal beauty of the California desert. From late breakfasts with coffee and beignets, to sun-soaked salads, heartier mains, and simple sweets — this is cooking that is vegetable-forward but never virtue-signaling, comforting without being heavy, bold but balanced.

Abrams · April 28, 2026

Claire Wadsworth and Nikki Hill opened La Copine in 2015, shortly after getting married, to re-create the night they first met. What began as an eclectic, "IYKYK" restaurant has grown into a destination beloved by California locals, travelers and celebrities alike — and a pillar of the California queer scene.

The book is written in collaboration with Ben Mims, a James Beard Award–nominated cookbook author and food writer.