Death Valley Visitors Guide - 11th Edition

By Robin Flinchum A surprising restaurant renais- sance is putting the tiny town of Tecopa on the epicurean map. Where once there was not a bite to be had if you didn’t bring it with you, four independent eating and drinking es- tablishments are now open for busi- ness in the cool weather season. The offerings include a lot of farm- to-table organic produce, traditional comfort foods, gluten free and vegan options, artisan beer, secret family recipes and a surprising wealth of knowledge and experience among the chefs, brewers and restaurateurs. In 2017 the Tecopa Brewing Company became the second microbrewery in town when it opened in an existing BBQ restaurant on the grounds of Delight’s Hot Springs Resort. Now it takes its place in Tecopa’s hospitality lineup beside the Death Valley Brewing Company (the town’s original microbrewery), a gourmet steakhouse called Steaks and Beer, and down- home Southern cooking at the Tecopa Bistro. Tecopa Bistro The Bistro is a joint venture, owned by Paul Barnes and Ryan Thomas of the Tecopa Hot Springs Campground and housed at the Tecopa Hot Springs Resort. The Bistro is run by Ed and Sharon Thomas, transplants from outside Baltimore, Maryland. The Thomases came to Tecopa in 2016 when Ed was experiencing health issues, he said, and to be near their son Ryan. They found a home at the newly renovated Bistro, cooking up an eclectic menu ranging from American comfort food to exotic Mediterranean fare. The Tecopa Bistro kitchen is where the “Old South meets the Wild West,” Thomas said. Selections include his specialty gumbo and smothered pork chops, as well as novelty items like rattlesnake pizza and a scorpion parfait. The Bistro’s wide range of vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options, including a lavish slice of rich gluten free carrot cake, makes it unique on the Tecopa scene. Thomas said he’s adding more vegan and vegetarian menu Death Valley Vistiors Guide • 11th Edition 11 A Las Vegas chef runs Steaks and Beer with attention to detail and quality. PHOTO BY ROBIN FLINCHUM The Tecopa Bistro, where “The Old South Meets the Wild West.” Gumbo and rattlesnake pizza? You bet. PHOTO BY ROBIN FLINCHUM A Big Restaurant Renaissance in Tiny Tecopa CONTINUED ON PAGE 12