Poppy, Poppies & Glen Ellen
- figgirl
- May 6
- 4 min read
Updated: May 7
Over the past four months my muse has been the simple, yet complex Poppy flower.
Why Poppy?
In December, we made the significant decision to close our Glen Ellen restaurant for a much-needed remodel and concept retooling. This closure was not just a routine update; it was a chance to breathe new life into our establishment and reimagine the dining experience we offer. As part of this transformation, I found myself deeply inspired by my recent explorations in the realm of artificial intelligence, specifically focusing on AI-generated flora images. My creative journey took an intriguing turn when we decided to name the new rendition POPPY, which ultimately led to my concentration of the POPPY, the California State flower. This name encapsulates the essence of our vision and the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere we aim to create.
I have always found immense joy in engaging with a "call to artist" concept, which serves as a powerful catalyst for my creativity. This project was no exception, as I dedicated countless hours to generating thousands of AI-created images centered around the theme of the Poppy. Each image was a unique interpretation, and as I delved deeper into this floral motif, I felt as though the Poppy had truly bloomed in my artistic landscape. The process was not merely about creating images; it was about exploring the beauty and symbolism of this flower, which resonates so strongly with the spirit of California.
During the creation of these images, I focused on several key elements that guided my prompts and artistic direction. I carefully considered various aspects such as art style, medium, whether to depict a single bloom or a sweeping landscape, and the color palette. Additionally, I incorporated my own photographs of poppies and other flowers to enhance the authenticity and richness of the visuals. The words I chose to use in my prompts—poppy, poppies, bloom, bouquet, and field—became integral to the creative process, allowing me to explore the many facets of this flower's representation. As is my practice, I employed a technique I refer to as layering, where I merged my new images with earlier ones to create a complex tapestry of visuals that tell a story about the Poppy.
After four months of dedicated work and experimentation, I was thrilled to publish a small book called '1000 Poppies' that showcases this artistic journey. The book serves not only as a collection of the images I created but also as a reflection of the vibrant themes and concepts that inspired the new direction of our restaurant. Alongside this publication, I produced the art that will adorn the walls of the restaurant, creating an immersive environment that celebrates the beauty of the Poppy and the essence of Glen Ellen. In just under two weeks, we will unveil the new restaurant, and I am filled with anticipation and excitement for our guests to experience the transformation we have worked so hard to achieve. The journey from concept to reality has been a labor of love, and I can’t wait to share it with the community.
MY business partner John wrote this statement about this new chapter:
The Origin of Poppy
After many wonderful years, we said goodbye to the fig café & wine bar—an important chapter in our story. But as one door closed, another opened with fresh energy, inspiration, and heart. That’s how Poppy came to life.
Poppy is more than just a name. It’s a symbol of beauty, resilience, and joy. Here in Sonoma, poppies bloom wild and bright, standing tall in the golden hills. They’re unpretentious, rooted in the land, and unmistakably Californian—just like us.
In many ways, Poppy is a return to our roots. It harkens back to our beginnings, when we first opened the girl & the fig at this very location. It’s a space filled with memories, milestones, and a deep connection to the community. That history is the foundation for something entirely new—and yet, comfortingly familiar.
The idea for Poppy was also inspired by countless visits to the South of France. There’s something about that part of the world—the golden light, the pace of life, the markets overflowing with seasonal produce—that feels so much like home here in Sonoma. That same effortless connection to the land, the food, and the people is at the heart of what we’re creating.
The menu at Poppy will feature French-inspired food, paired with wines from our friends and neighbors right here in Sonoma. We believe great meals start with great ingredients—and even better company.
As with everything we do, Poppy is a personal expression and Sondra has created the art for the space, bringing a layer of creativity and warmth that feels as welcoming as the food and wine.
Poppy is a love letter to this community—to the stories we’ve told, the meals we’ve shared, and the many more to come.
In the next post I will share images from the restaurant and the delicious menu!
Beautiful post, sorry to hear the fig is gone, looked forward to visiting again. Keep up the beautiful work, all the best from your distand cousin, Richard Cohen, son of Ester Bernstein, long gone but not forgotten.