Picture this. I'm happily tucking into a Saturday breakfast repast of savory Quiche Lorraine and French-press coffee at brand-new cafe, Il Sogno, overlooking Palm Desert's scenic boulevard El Paseo when I spy a familiar face approach the outside bistro tables. "Surely that can't be Connie Townsend," I wonder aloud to Kirk. When I see the curly-haired woman snapping close-up photos of a bandana-wearing pooch, I realize it has to be a favorite artist who specializes in canine portraits.
Connie spies me staring at her through the plate-glass window and mouths, "Mary?" Although we've met only once early last year at a gallery event on this same boulevard—when I was instantly smitten with her whimsical, colorful acrylics of endearing dogs and cats—we've gotten to be friends via email and animal snaps. After hugging, she said she recognized me right away from my photos. Even Kirk got a hug: "I feel like I know you, too."
Seems she slipped into town yesterday to hand deliver some new artwork to her Coachella Valley gallery and was departing later today. During the brief desert visit, she was savoring our bucolic autumn weather, sipping a foamy cappuccino alfresco and enjoying one of Il Sogno's delectable pastries.
Connie, an LA native, now resides in Flagstaff with partner, Gail, where she braves the cold—12° yesterday—and nourishes her passion for painting. Upon turning 50 a few years ago, she decided to explore the medium of paint, instantly found her new metier, and quickly established herself as a respected west-coast artist with a devoted national following. I know since I'm one of them. I bought my first piece from The Christopher Morgan Gallery, a few doors down from Il Sogno, where I'd first chatted her up as a visiting artist during an El Paseo Artwalk.
The canvas, entitled, "Deja Moo," depicts two happy dogs driving a fire engine-red Mini Cooper, a bovine watching enviously from afar. It was one of those times when you knew instantly that the spied object would soon be yours.
That led to a commissioned piece entitled, "Bloomin' Desert", starring my own beloved pooch, Angus MacDog, driving a British 1955 MG, with dogpark-pal Harry, a huge, wild-eyed Irish Wolfhound, and two of my cats, Kirby and Percy, clinging apprehensively to the dashboard.
She's even painted a small portrait of Tully, a gigantic, imperturbable feline who waltzed across the street last year as a broken-tailed, skinny 6-month-old and decided the digs were decidedly better chez MacGregor. Connie liked Tully's tale and visage and and bestowed the gift of a headshot perfectly capturing the cat's insouciant personality.
As you've surmized, Connie has a predilection for dogs and cars. Her canvases usually depict estatic canines ensconced in distinctive vehicles—she favors vintage trucks, VW bugs, and Nash Ramblers. This felicitous merging of metal and fur proved propitious with gallery-goers and her art career was off and running.
You can view more of her unique artwork at her ever-changing website, Connie Townsend. Her work can be found hanging in galleries in Palm Desert, CA; Kirkland, WA; Flagstaff, AZ; and Scottsdale, AZ.
Back to breakfast. Il Sogno—Italian for The Dream—opened its doors 1.5 months ago, taking over the premises of The Wine Cellar at 73375 El Paseo. Inheriting a richly detailed venue of brick-lined walls, granite counters and dark-wood floors, Il Sogno slips perfectly into the narrow, intimate space. Small bistro tables grace the cafe front, beckoning boulevard strollers. 
Owner Mirjana Ilic serves up breakfast, lunch and dinner with local, organic and seasonal offerings. The menu encompasses baked goods, waffles and wraps, homemade soups, paninis and salads. Espresso drinks, fresh-squeezed fruit drinks and smoothies complete the beverages.
Our breakfast quiche was presented beautifully on china with a side of fresh fruit, a full carafe of dark-roasted coffee awaiting the definitive plunge. The decision process was drawn out because of the rich array of truly appetizing breads and pastries. 
Serbian-born Mirjana moved to the U.S. 27 years ago after living in Italy. I couldn't resist asking her how many languages she speaks. Four, including Russian. I marvel aloud at such sophistication while she performs the typical European-countries-are-so-close-together dismissive wave of the hand. I resolve to up my French practice.
She and her husband perfected their culinary and restaurant skills with their first Il Sogno in Pacific Palisades where they raised their two children. The 14-year tenure included a Zagat award honoring the area's top restaurants.
Although she is perfectly capable of making every pastry herself, the majority of her wide-ranging baked goods arrive daily from her LA patisserie connections while the fresh bread comes from local bakery, Artisan. She includes catering among her services.
"I want this to become the local hang-out place," she declares passionately. Let's hope her wish is fulfilled.
Here a few more Connie Townsend pieces to enjoy:
_
Comments (1)Subscribe to CommentsComment