Marin Magazine April 2014

Marin’s Gateway to the Luxury Market.

Engineering beauty.

There are no words to truly describe Gaggenau’s remarkable embodiment of form and function. Nothing extraneous. Nothing excessive. Nothing short of perfection. And Purcell Murray is proud to bring you these exceptional appliances through our remarkable network of dealers throughout California.

FRIEDMANS APPLIANCE

In

Marin

25 Currents Egg hunts, One Book One Marin, revitalizing The Redwoods, bike trails and more. 30 Q&A A kiteboarding champion. 32 Made by Marin Making o˜ -road bike parts a business. 34 Style Pastel clothes and accessories. 36 Conversation Bringing clean energy to the masses.

Destinations

81 Go Tru° es come to wine country. 86 Appellations The best from Napa and Sonoma counties. 90 Journey The Western Indian Himalayas.

Out & About

97 Calendar A roundup of what to do in Marin and beyond. 106 Dine An insider’s guide to restaurants and food in the Bay Area. 122 Flavor A delicious Japanese favorite. 124 On the Scene Snapshots from special events in Marin and San Francisco.

Marin Home

135 Backstory A Mill Valley home that gets all the details right.

PETER ROSS (TOP LEFT); TIM PORTER (TOP RIGHT); SUZANNE KLOTZ (BOTTOM)

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From

Bay Area events you’ll want to attend

INFORMATION NIGHT FOR INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE & STEM

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST FIND OUT MORE

April 3, 7 p.m.

St. Rita School Hall, 102 Marinda Drive, Fairfax

St. Rita School will be initiating three new programs for the 2014–2015 school year — the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program; the Gateway to Technology Middle School Engineering Program; and an afterschool Mandarin program. The information session will provide more details about these three programs and how they can benefit your children.

Free

415.456.1003, strita.edu

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WELCOME TO OUR 2014 home issue. We kick things off his month with a story about the quest for the perfect bachelor pad.

Laura Hilgers writes about a Tiburon architect who was hired to replace an aging ’40s- or ’50s-era home with something modern that capitalized on the views. As it happened, plans changed when the homeowner got married. The result is a house the former bachelor and his wife are proud to call a home — but with plenty of space reserved for poker night.

Next up, since we know you need to actually get off he freeways and in the front door before you can enjoy your home, Jim Wood takes a comprehensive look at SMART — the commuter train between Sonoma County Airport and the Larkspur Landing ferry terminal that is being built now. He fi nds the train is only two years from completion and details all you need to know about its route, capacity, speed and more.

In other home-related coverage, we look at the lack of vacant lots in Marin and the reasons the ones that do exist have been

sitting for some time. We follow that with 10 tips to consider before you remodel and a few easy things you can do to increase your home’s curb appeal.

Up front we reveal the hottest spots for Easter egg hunts, take a look at this year’s One Book One Marin selection, get into pastel clothes and accessories and introduce you to a champion kiteboarder, a bike parts guru and a clean-energy star.

In Destinations, we learn why tru ffles may be the next big thing in the wine country, and Appellations highlights refreshing warmweather wines, spa therapies and other Napa and Sonoma treats.

It’s spring, a time of renewal, so enjoy our April content and the focus on all things home. After reading you’ll be ready to grab the hammer and the drill (or perhaps call a local professional) and get to work.

Marin Magazine Staff Editors

He finds that the train is only two years from completion and details all you need to know about its route, capacity, speed and much more.

left: Mimi Towle, Nikki Wood, Dan Jewett

Will Hemp Help?

It’s a crop that uses no pesticides, requires little water and has numerous uses.

this bill, California farmers are poised to grow industrial hemp once the federal government gives states the green light,” said Leno last September. “It’s only a matter of time before a farmer’s right to grow hemp is restored.”

BY JIM WOOD

I’M HARDLY AN investment adviser, but here’s how I’d update the advice Mr. McGuire offered Benjamin in the 1967 movie The Graduate : “I just want to say one word to you. One word. Are you listening? Hemp.”

Hemp is the nondrug variety of the cannabis plant, and it has many uses, including the production of fiberboard, paper, rope, and comfortable and enduring fabric. In addition — and I’m not making this up — hemp is a natural source of protein, amino acids and omega-3 fatty acids, so you’ll find it in salad dressings, granola bars and cereals. It’s also an ingredient in soaps, shampoos and skin care products.

With this bill, California farmers are poised to grow industrial hemp once the federal government gives states the green light.

Historians say humans have been growing hemp for more than 10,000 years; the Gutenberg Bible was printed on hemp paper. George Washington and Thomas Jefferson were hemp farmers, Abraham Lincoln burned hemp oil in his lanterns, and in 1942, Henry Ford built an experimental car using hemp fiber and declared it “10 times stronger than steel.”

Hemp, much like bamboo, literally grows like a weed, reaching maturity in 90 days. It generally can be grown without pesticides or herbicides, and unlike cotton, hemp requires very little water. Once it’s harvested, the remaining roots create humus that enriches the soil. Northern California’s dry, moderate climate is ideal for hemp. West Marin farmers, are you listening?

Here’s the catch: For the past 50 years, because hemp and marijuana are both within the same species — cannabis sativa L. — federal law has prohibited its cultivation in the United States. Many blame it on the hysteria born of America’s hardly successful war on drugs. But, and this is what Mr. McGuire might’ve also told Benjamin, “That’s about to change.”

Just months ago, Marin’s erstwhile state Sen. Mark Leno authored, the state Legislature passed, and Governor Jerry Brown signed into law the California Industrial Hemp Farming Act (SB 566). “With

Though both are the same species, marijuana is mostly a sun-loving, carefully tended, bush like plant with branches that yield flowers where the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the plant’s psychoactive component, is concentrated. Hemp, untended, can grow to heights of 16 feet. And here’s a major difference: Marijuana contains 3 to 20 percent THC, while hemp has less than .3 percent THC.

Currently, Hemp is legally grown in Canada, Germany, France and Russia; also in China and Romania from which the U.S. imports most of its hemp to supply a $500 million hemp industry (it’s legally used for making auto panels and dashboards and the aforementioned clothing, food and toiletry products, as well as paper). Legislation to legalize the growing of hemp has been introduced in both houses of Congress and awaits Drug Enforcement Administration evaluation before what appears to be certain passage.

“I’m not an expert on hemp,” says Helge Hellberg, former executive director of Marin Organic, a nonprofit that champions organic farming in West Marin, “but I do know agriculture and how savvy organic farmers are. If hemp can become an economically viable crop, they’l l figure out how to do it. There’s no reason hemp could — or should — not be raised in West Marin.” Hellberg, who for the past four years has narrated An Organic Conversation, a national radio program concentrating on healthy lifestyle choices, adds, “I support the legalization of hemp production in California. It’s far more sustainable than, say, cotton, which uses an immense amount of not only water but pesticides; hemp requires little water and no pesticides. Outlawing hemp makes no sense at all.”

Hemp has an exciting future in Marin County, especially West Marin. Growing it could revitalize the family farm, provide hundreds of jobs and bolster Marin’s economy; agriculture, after all, is the county’s highest-grossing industry. That’s my point of view. What’s yours?

Email pov@marinmagazine.com.

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A TIMELY NOTION.

Complimentary 4th nights are extended to you for stays April 20 through September 30, 2014.

Accommodations from $550 per night with daily breakfast buffet for two at Mauna Kea’s signature Manta Restaurant.

POV

Your Letters

Great Gates

In the February issue we showed examples of attractive and elaborate gates (Details, “Golden Gates”) on Marin properties and asked you to send pictures of some of your own. This gate was built by San Rafael’s Beth Terra and her family, who plan to lay a mosaic path in the backyard next.

Talking Traffic

TimelessMaunaKea.com

Jim Wood, I was the author of the tra ffic section of the Marin Countywide Plan in 1972, and I have been involved in Marin County tra ffic planning for over 40 years (POV, “The Tra ffic Nightmare,” March 2014). It seems public attitudes have changed over this time period . Recently there has not been support for the kind of transportation projects that would really relieve the current problems. Your reference to the planning debacle on the Greenbrae interchange improvements is a classic example. O f the $40-some million available, over 90 percent wa s fi nally approved for pedestrian, bicycle and SMART projects. Virtually nothing was allocated for Highway 101. With regard to SMART, I hope you have a chance to read the EIR prepared by SMART where the transportation engineers found the train would have no signi ficant impact on congestion on Highway 101.  Furthermore, the project to widen the narrows will reduce the afternoon commute northbound queue in Novato; by providing added southbound capacity, it will also exacerbate the morning commute queue that now occurs from the Civic Center back toward Novato. In effect, the project moves the point of congestion, which will help some folks and inconvenience others. The one project that is a sure plus for Marin County is the added capacity eastbound on the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge. Because it will help get tra ffic out of Marin and will not add capacity for tra ffic

coming into Marin, it is a plus for Marin . So, my suggestion for readers is to reduce your travel needs, work at home, walk or bike to services and avoid commute hours, particularly on Highway 101. ROBERT

HARRISON, TIBURON

Jim, I would like to add another idea to your comments on tra ffic solutions for Marin County. L et’s change the way we build multifamily housing. L et’s build with the idea that residents would not own automobiles and use their ow n shuttle services for all activities. Steal a page from Whistlestop or several assisted living facilities. T he cost for the shuttle services would be included in the cost of the property and monthly association assessments. Routes and timing would be established by the owners. Imagine i f t he WinCup monster had been built this way. Resident services would be provided by two shuttles with a third on standby (in case of breakdown or accident). Trips could be scheduled on a regular basis to and from the ferry, t he various malls, food stores, special events in the evening and events in the city and other venues as worked out by the board of directors. T here would be a parking area for visitors on a limited basis. Would it be perfect? No. It would, however, be a start to the necessary job of redefi ning how we build for the future and allow future growth . I consider this just the germ of an idea and know there are many who could build on this much better than I, but it seems to me there is something very relevant here. ONE DOUG VIA EMAIL

Finding a Date

The photo shown in Marin Magazine (Looking Back, February 2014) had to have been taken after 1956 (when the new concrete structure of the Richardson Bridge was completed) and before 1961, when I personally drove on Highway 101. In my judgment it was taken in the late ’50s. HOWARD JOHNSON VIA EMAIL

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Your comments may be edited for clarity and brevity. Send letters to Marin Magazine , One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965, or email us at letters@marinmagazine com . Please include the town where you live and a daytime phone number.

Bay Area events you’ll want to attend

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[UPCOMING EVENTS]

SCHOLARSHIP NIGHT 2014

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO

May 1, 5:30–9:30 p.m.

Marin Civic Center Exhibition Hall, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael

Scholarship Night is an inspiring evening featuring fantastic food and wines, auctions, raffles and a chance to meet some of the amazing 10,000 Degrees students and alumni. Janet and George Pasha III will also receive the 2014 Pay-It-Forward award. The organization mentors more than 3,000 students a year, helps them research and apply to colleges, and provides them with the financial aid and emotional support needed to persevere and earn a college degree.

PLAYDATE 2014: JET SET TO RIO

COST

FIND OUT MORE

$150 415.451.4001, info@10000degrees.org, 10000degrees.org

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

May 2, 6:30 p.m.

Bay Area Discovery Museum, 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito

Attendees will embark upon a vintage aviation experience as they travel back to a ’60s-themed arrival lounge where they will be welcomed by a captain and flight attendants. After getting their passports stamped, they will enter a museum transformed into a Brazilian-themed Carnival. The festive night will continue with a live auction and raffle, delicious bites and drinks and dancing. Guests will include parents, society mavens, community leaders and local philanthropists. The Bay Area Discovery Museum is designed to inspire children.

$350; Host Committee (includes 10 tickets) $5,000 415.339.3958, baykidsmuseum.org/playdate

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Win a Wine Country Getaway to the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

The lucky winner will enjoy a two-night, midweek stay in the Fairmont room, a threecourse dinner for two at Santé (wine not included) and two 60-minute spa treatments at the award-winning Willow Stream Spa. Blessed with natural geothermal mineral springs and cradled in the world famous winegrowing region of Sonoma Valley, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is located just 45 minutes north of San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. Handsome recently remodeled suites and guest rooms, the award-winning Willow Stream Spa, neighboring championship Sonoma Golf Club Course and Santé, a Michelin-rated dining room, create the ultimate Wine Country backdrop. The iconic destination resort has recently unveiled a comprehensive multimillion-dollar renovation. The new design respects the property’s minimalist design while maximizing the historic nuances and mission-style architecture of the storied inn. marinmagazine/fairmontcontest

Bay Area events you’ll want to attend

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[UPCOMING EVENTS]

PASSPORT TO A CHILD’S FUTURE

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

April 26, 6 p.m.

Peacock Gap Golf Club, 33 Biscayne Drive, San Rafael

Guests at the event will enjoy wine and appetizers while bidding on the many tempting silent auction items during the cocktail hour. Dinner will be internationally themed, with enticing food from around the globe followed by a wonderful program and fabulous live auction items. Founded in 1983, Marin Advocates for Children (MAC) provides a safety net for Marin’s abused and neglected children by working to prevent child abuse and advocating for the best interests of kids who have been victims of abuse.

$200

415.507.9016, mollie@ marinadvocates.org, marinadvocates.org

MARIN OPEN STUDIOS PREVIEW GALA

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

April 26, 5–8 p.m.

Bon Air Center, 292 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae

The 21st Marin Open Studios kicks off with a preview gala destined to be the art party of the year. While sipping wine and noshing on small bites, pick up an Artist Guide to plan your custom open studios tour for the first two weekends of May. Mingle with artists, art lovers and supporters. Each of the 250 participating artists will have one work on display. The exhibition in the Bon Air Center will be open April 22 to May 11. Come by and enjoy.

Free

415.343.5667, info@ marinopenstudios.com, marinopenstudios.com

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White-Hot

Summer

Party: Tickets Now Available

Join Marin Magazine and Cavallo Point in Sausalito as we reinvent the Summer White Party. This event will herald not only the long, warm days of summer, but also the launch of our special publication Marin Summer: The Ultimate 2014 Guide to Activities and Events. Guests will enjoy music, entertainment, cocktails and appetizers at this event benefiting Conscious Kitchen. Tickets are just $75; order now for the June 1 party. cavallopoint.com/events

It’s Here

The new Marin Magazine website is live. It’s been redesigned, simplified and given a new, cleaner look. But that’s not all. The site has also been converted to HTML5, which means it is easily scalable to work better and look great on tablets and smartphones as well as your desktop or laptop computer — the site determines which device you are on and customizes your viewing experience accordingly. marinmagazine.com

Readers’ Choice

August’s editors’ choice issue is one of our most popular — the kind you keep on the coffee table throughout the year. And once again, we want your input. Visit the link below to cast your vote for your favorite places to eat, shop or be inspired in your favorite Marin towns. marinmagazine. com/readers2014

TEAMING UP TO GIVE MARIN’S KIDS THE BEST POSSIBLE CARE.

UCSF BENIOFF CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AT MARIN GENERAL HOSPITAL.

Children are special, and not just because we love them—their medical needs are specialized too. That’s why Marin General Hospital has teamed up with UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital to offer Marin families the finest pediatric care available. Now, you have access to the expertise of a renowned pediatric hospital closer to home. UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital at Marin General Hospital is a powerful collaboration that includes:

• UCSF neonatologists onsite at MGH

• A specialty clinic including experts in pediatric cardiology, gastroenterology, neurology, pulmonology, orthopedics and eating disorders • A prenatal diagnostic center staffed with specialists in high-risk obstetrics • Access to all the resources of a top-ranked children’s hospital

In Marin

CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND CAUSES OF THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

We’ve hidden 38 eggs in this drawing. How many can you find? Read on to discover locations for upcoming egg hunts in Marin.

SPRING IS HERE in all its sunny pastel glory — why not celebrate the season by taking the kids to a good old-fashioned Easter egg hunt? We put together a selection of hunts for all ages, from all corners of the county. CALIN VAN PARIS

Fairfax Annual Easter Egg Hunt , Saturday, April 19, 9 a.m. to noon at Bolinas Park. town-of-fairfax.org

Larkspur Easter Egg Hunt , Saturday, April 19, 10:30 a.m. at Marin Country Mart. marincountrymart.com

Marinwood Annual Egg Hunt , Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. at the Marinwood Community Center. marinwood.org

Mill Valley Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Mill Valley Community Center. cityofmillvalley.org

San Anselmo Spring Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 19, 11 a.m. at Memorial Park. sananselmo chamber.org

Sausalito Annual Spring Easter Egg Hunt , Saturday, April 19, 10 a.m. to noon at Dunphy Park. ci.sausalito.ca.us

Tiburon Easter Carnival and Egg Hunt , Saturday, April 12, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Belvedere Community Center. tiburonchamber.org

Cocktails and Brain Boosters

ONE BOOK ONE MARIN This year’s One Book One Marin selection, The Education of an Urban Farmer comes from author Novella Carpenter, who was inspired by the idea of backyard self-su˜ ciency in an urban environment — in this case, Oakland. Carpenter will join KQED’s Michael Krasny April 30 to discuss the book at Dominican University. onebookonemarin.org

tion, Farm City: an Urban Farmer, self-su chael Krasny April 30 to discuss the book at Dominican University. onebookonemarin.org C.V.P.

di

artist Ethan Estess. C.V.P.

Want some biology with your nightlife? The Marine Mammal Center’s Deep Dive evening program gives attendees their fi ll of brain food and cocktails. The newly created adults-only events take place the third Thursday of each month in Sausalito from 6 to 9:30 p.m., and each boasts a di° erent art- and science-centered theme along with hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, presentations, live music and a prime view of the sunset. This month’s theme, ArtSea, will feature interactive art activities and “Last Dive at the Farallones,” a 3-D sculpture of a whale tail made from found materials by marinemammalcenter.org

REVITALIZING

THE REDWOODS

The Redwoods, a retirement community in Mill Valley (you know, the one with the peaceloving seniors out front) is getting a major face-lift. “The Redwoods is a Mill Valley jewel, but this jewel is over 40 years old and in need of restoration and modernization,” says chief executive officer Barbara Solomon. Here are some numbers to help you get familiar with the project. theredwoods.org C.V.P.

On the Road Again

It’s that time of year — the weather is nice, the days are longer and the cyclists are back on the road en masse. While some, like Marin’s Frank Gerber, are training for specific events (Gerber will participate in Race Across America come June), many are simply looking for an activity to enjoy outside. We asked four local bike lovers and experts where they ride when they’re eager to break a sweat and take in a view. C.V.P.

1

Frank Gerber, a local cycling enthusiast, loves Marin for its endless array of rides. “There are so many to choose from,” he says. “But the Alpine Dam loop is a favorite.” franklygreen.com/raam_2014

ALPINE DAM LOOP: Mill Valley / Corte Madera / Larkspur / Kentfield / Ross / Fairfax / Alpine Dam / Ridgecrest / Mount Tam / Mill Valley

2“Needless to say, we live and ride in what is widely regarded as the cycling mecca of North America,” says Paul Kundrat , a managing partner, cycling instructor and bike fitter at Endurance Performance Training Centers and owner of Fits by Paul. fitsbypaul.com

MILL VALLEY/TOMALES COAST LOOP: Mill Valley / Corte Madera / Larkspur / Kentfield / Ross / Fairfax / Nicasio / Tomales / Marshall / Point Reyes Station / Olema / Stinson / Panoramic / Mill Valley

3Tim Fleming, managing partner, exercise physiologist and coach at Endurance PTC, heads to Point Reyes for his favorite ride, but he tries to get outside however and whenever he can. “I like to ride, surf and trail-run to have fun and stay fit,” he says, “which is why I love living in Marin.” enduranceptc.com

MILL VALLEY/POINT REYES STATION LOOP: Mill Valley / Corte Madera / Larkspur / Kentfield / Ross / Fairfax / Nicasio / Point Reyes Station / Olema / Stinson / Panoramic / Mill Valley

4Joao Correia is a cycling agent and founder of inGamba Tours, a bike touring company that focuses on trips in Chianti, Italy. In his view, the Mount Tam/ Stinson loop is the best in the world: “You finish up the climb from Muir Woods while thanking Mother Nature for all this amazing riding we have in Marin.” ingamba.pro

MOUNT TAM/STINSON LOOP: Mill Valley / Pantoll / Stinson / Muir Woods / Mill Valley

Everything becomes a bit easier with a little help from your friends. Such is the logic of Marin’s Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership, a local resource for and supporter of the nonprofit sector and the community at large. CVNL celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and with nearly 2,000 nonprofits in Marin alone, the charitable hub isn’t going anywhere. Along with its helpful services, which range from consulting and fiscal aid to volunteer management workshops, CVNL is home to Volunteer Marin. “As we mark this milestone, celebrating 50 years, we rededicate ourselves to creating a community engaged in positive change and transformed by service,” says CEO Linda Davis. “We look forward to continuing our work to strengthen the great impact of nonprofits and the leaders that support them.” In honor of its anniversary, CVNL will host a fundraising dinner April 5 at Terrapin Crossroads featuring silent and live auctions and music by Salvador Santana (pictured). cvnl.org C.V.P.

SEAN COPE (TOP); TIM PORTER (BOTTOM)

I Hate People:

Kick Loose from the Overbearing and Underhanded Jerks at Work and Get What You Want Out

of Your Job by Jonathan Littman and Marc Hershon, Little, Brown, 263 pages, $19.99. An amusing and perceptive tome about surviving office politics and infighting. Meet Minute Man, Stop Sign and Bulldozer — they’re all in here.

Leap Write In! Adventures in

Creative Writing by Karen Benke, Roost Books, 282 pages, $14.95. Designed to “stretch and surprise your one-of-a-kind mind,” this is an insightful and instructive workbook aimed at aspiring young writers — yet works for potential authors of all ages. Benke also leads local writing workshops.

If I’d Known You Were Coming by Kate Milliken, University of Iowa Press, 134 pages, $17. Twelve stories that, according to one reviewer, “burn straight to the darkest places in our hearts.” Writes another: “These elegant, edgy and deftly made stories are full of ravenous women.” The author lives in Mill Valley.

The Transhumanist Wager by Zoltan Istvan, Futurity Imagine Media, 298 pages, $11. Is Jethro Knights the new John Galt? Many say The Transhumanist Wager is the new Atlas Shrugged. The Mill Valley author explores the quest for immortality and how it could spell the end for humanity.

Across the Pacific with Paddle Steamship China

by Hillary Don, Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society, 174 pages, $24 Learn about a thin slice of history rarely covered: side-wheel paddle steamships that plied the Pacific for a few years in the 1800s. The author lives in Belvedere, where the China’s deckhouse also resides. JIM WOOD

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Erika Heineken

Heineken’s name, blond hair and status as Kiteboard Course Racing World Champion might seem familiar if you have been reading our magazine. We featured her brother Johnny back in October 2011, soon after he won his first world championship in Germany. He’s had another one since, and Erika has earned two more, her latest in China. There are plenty of other people competing to be the best kitesurfer on the planet — hundreds of überathletes from all over the world strive for the title — but the Heinekens, apparently, are just that good. The secret? Erika’s childhood seemed pretty typical. She went to St. Patrick’s, Hall Middle School and then Marin Academy, where she played volleyball and loved skiing and snowboarding. The tooth fairy found her in her home in Larkspur (though sometimes a month late), she liked ice cream and loved listening to music from her parents’ generation. What wasn’t typical was the amount of time the family spent on the water, both in the bay and on their boat at Tinsley Island. We caught up with her shortly after she moved into a home (near her parents) in Larkspur with her boyfriend John.

Kiteboarder LARKSPUR

MIMI TOWLE

1

If you weren’t born into the Heineken family, what would you be doing? I ’d probably spend more time in the mountains . B ackpacking, camping and snowboarding 2

How often do you train? During the windy season (April to October), four to six days a week 3

Do you ever worry about losing a finger? Not really. The sketchiest experiences I’ve had are kiteboarding in the waves at Ocean Beach, not while course racing. Surprisingly, I nearly lost my finger ice-skating in San Francisco a few weeks after the world championships in December.

Any traction with a Heineken beer sponsorship? They only sponsor events, not athletes . T hey don’t want to give off the impression that alcohol enhances performance 5

Is this your job? Nope, I work at the San Francisco Department of Public Works as a mechanical engineer. I do want to thank my sponsors, however: Silicon Valley Bank, St. Francis Sailing Foundation, Ozone Kites, MikesLab (board) and Tectonics Maui (fins). 6

Longevity of your kiting career? As long as I’m still having fun and my job allows me to balance both. 7

Compared to windsurfing, learning to kitesurf is … The learning curve for kiting is much steeper than windsurfing. I spent an entire summer swimming with a windsurfer while learning. After a week of kiting I was able to sail upwind and jump 10 feet into the air. L anding the jump was another story.

8

Compared to windsurfing is kitesurfing safer or more dangerous? Kitesurfing is more dangerous, but the safety mechanisms on the gear have developed significantly in recent years. It’s important to make conservative decisions sometimes so as to not put yourself in a dangerous situation. 9

Where would you suggest a beginner learn? Take a trip to a warm windy place for a week and take lessons. I learned in Playa Copal, Costa Rica, where I went for a few days and ended up staying for a month. 10

W hat do you do/use for sunscreen? W hatever is “madre approved” as we call it. At least 10 percent zinc and some titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection . M om has even ordered a gallon of Australian sunscreen and stuffed our family’s sailing bags with small bottles of it.

B est yacht club food? St. Francis Burger and Lagunitas IPA, best consumed after sailing.

Favorite pizza in Marin? Stefano’s chicken pesto pizza.

Favorite dinner spot with your boyfriend, and why? My parents’ house, because they do the cooking and clean up.

Will there ever be a Team Heineken racing school? I like teaching the juniors to race, but other than intermittent clinics, I don’t think there’s a school in our future. m

MADE BY MARIN

Wilderness Trail Bikes

WILDERNESS TRAIL BIKES (WTB) is a bicycle parts company. “The running joke has been ‘Where’s the Bike,’˜” says Mark Slate, who cofounded the Mill Valley–based enterprise in 1982. “WTB sold frames for a period of time, but has never produced a complete bike.” At the time of WTB’s inception, there was a clear hole in the market when it came to o° -road bicycle equipment, and Slate created the company to provide necessary parts to the small but enthusiastic riding community. Today, mountain biking is a popular pastime across the globe, and WTB continues to o° er the accoutrements that allow riders to hit the trails. PHILOSOPHY “Whether referring to bike parts or places to ride and the overall experience, the WTB philosophy is ‘make it better,’˜” says Slate. This applies not only to the brand’s o° erings, but also to its commitment to the wider community — WTB has played a large part in making Safe Routes to Schools, which supports walking and biking to school, a federally funded program. THE SCOOP WTB crafts tires, saddles, wheels, rims, grips, accessories and apparel that are a° ordable and made to enhance the ride. Most of the company’s products are sold to cycling companies as original equipment for new bicycles, but items can also be found online and in stores all over the world — from small specialty shops to stores like REI. BEYOND MARIN Aside from the actual goods, Wilderness Trail Bikes is also involved with bicycle racing in the form of Team WTB. “Team WTB is a small group of dedicated athletes who race locally and internationally, primarily in Enduro and XC racing formats,” says director of sales Gary Gleason. Team members have accomplished awesome things — captain Mark Weir is known for climbing one million vertical feet on a heavy mountain bike in one year. WHAT THEY SAY “We believe that bicycles hold key answers for personal health and a better environment,” says Slate. “To test that yourself, take a bike ride. Even if it’s only down to the end of your street and back, it will change your perspective.” Adds Gleason, “It’s all about the ride.” wtb.com CALIN VAN PARIS

Team WTB racers/employees Jason Moeschler and Kenny Burt riding bikes built from WTB parts.

Cofounder Mark Slate carving a prototype saddle out of a block of wood.

Dylan ankle skinny jeans by Vince, $210, at Carolina (Mill Valley) 415.381.2554.

Yulia sun hat by Betmar N.Y., $38, at Uko (Corte Madera), 415.927.1370.

Statement necklace in aqua chalcedony by Marcia Moran, $310, at Citrus (Tiburon), 415.435.1321.

Lilia heels, $328, at Kate Spade (SF), 415.216.0880.

Pretty

Pastels

Spring is officially here, which means it’s time to put away those dark winter colors and embrace the season’s pale hues. Mint, blush and lilac (reminiscent of decorated eggs), are popping up in stores everywhere. Wear them alone or mix with white or chambray for a fresh look. VERONICA SOOLEY

Mini Baker Minty watch, $225, at Marc by Marc Jacobs (SF), 415. 447.9322.

Mint Candy Apple nail polish by Essie, $8, at Target (Novato), 415. 892.3313.

Porcelain color block mug, $12, at C. Wonder (Corte Madera), 415. 927.1059.

Saffiano Lux Small Promenade, $2,100, at Prada (SF), 415.848.1900.

Retro round sunglasses, $6, at Forever 21 (San Rafael), 415.507.0536.

Strapless dress, $70, at H&M (San Rafael), 855.466.7467.

unique

unique

Anne Alderson, ASID

Eric Heitz

BY NATE SELTENRICH • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

MARIN RESIDENTS ARE faithful early adopters, says Eric Heitz, especially when it comes to electric cars, solar panels and other cleanenergy technologies. So it’s only fitting that he helped found the Energy Foundation, a partnership of philanthropic investors promoting cutting-edge clean energy, right here at home.

Now based in San Francisco with a satellite office in North Carolina, the 23-year-old foundation uses targeted grants to support clean-energy technologies and policies from coast to coast, as well as throughout China. Working with donors including the William and Flora Hewlett, David and Lucile Packard, McKnight, Pisces and Schmidt Family foundations, it provides roughly 300 grants per year in the United States and 200 in China. In 2012, the latest year for which figures are available, it issued more than $76 million to 346 grantees worldwide.

As president of the Energy Foundation, Heitz has overseen its operations in both China and the U.S. since 1991. The Mill Valley resident holds a bachelor’s degree in energy and environmental planning and a master’s in civil engineering, both from Stanford.

For starters, what are the largest cleanenergy technologies and markets the foundation is targeting today? We see promise in building big markets for both renewable energy and energy efficiency. There’s really a lot of promise in these new technologies, and the markets are growing. For example, wind is growing massively. Last year, more wind power was installed than any other single energy source in the United States. Solar power has been growing as well. The price of solar has gone dow n fivefold in the last few years, and it’s going to continue to drop. We’re working with many di fferent types of grantees across all walks of society to try to advance markets for these technologies.

How do you identify and select your grantees? We try to fi nd a pragmatic mix of technical experts, health experts, people who work across partisan lines and leading thinkers to

The Mill Valley resident is helping to bring clean-energy technologies and policies to the nation and China.

advance these policies. And we try to fi nd who is going to be the most effective at providing great information that decision-makers can use. This includes a broad array of groups like the American Lung Association, which works on health issues, or the Natural Resources Defense Council, a leading environmental group, or the Union of Concerned Scientists, which brings science to the field. Or groups who work from a labor perspective like the BlueGreen Alliance, or even conservative groups like the Christian Coalition. We work with a broad array of groups who want to have a clean and reliable energy future.

And you do this in both the U.S. and China. Do you try to make grants that could apply to both countries, or are they separate spheres? We work in both the U.S. and China because together they represent 40 percent of the total global warming pollution. So you can’t solve global warming unless you advance innovative technologies and big new markets in both of those places. Sometimes, ideas work in both places — like electric vehicles. China has a big air-quality problem, so it needs very clean vehicles. The U.S. is developing a clean-vehicle market. So there are some issues you can work on in both places. Sometimes you work on a completely different agenda. Ultimately what we try to do is find international thought leadership in particular areas, then bring the best ideas to the decision-makers in whatever country they’re in. We try to find the policies that build big markets and then bring the best messengers who can talk about those policies to the U.S. or China.

How have you seen attitudes among decisionmakers toward these energy technologies change, if at all? I think they’re changing a lot. There’s a lot more recognition of the promise of new energy technologies and how they can offer both economic gains and environmental gains. For example, a short time ago in California, even a decade ago, it was not really recognized how much renewable energy potential there was in the state. Now, the top leaders and the Legislature and the governor see great potential for California to be a western leader on renewable energy. And the thing they understand is that it’s policy that drives those markets. You need policy to allow homeowners in Marin to hook up their solar, you need policies to make sure the utilities want to buy renewable energy and connect it to the grid, you need policies to make sure that renewables are sited in the right place. So what we’re seeing is recognition on the part of states and many state leaders of how important it is to work on policy if they want to grow these big new markets and get the economic development benefis.

What are some specific policies you’ve supported? We’ve been working to get increasingly stronger fuel-economy standards in place, and that in turn spurs the kind of innovative products Marin residents are eager to adopt. The next-generation electric vehicles could eventually transform the way we drive. The pace of progress is getting a boost by eight governors, including Jerry Brown, who pledged to get 3.3 million zero-emission vehicles on

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the roads in their collective states by 2025. Our grantees continue to be involved as this work goes forward. Looking further down the road, the governors of California, Oregon and Washington and the premier of British Columbia are now working collaboratively to promote clean energy and avert climate change as part of the Pacific Coast Collaborative that was founded in 2008. They recently committed to instituting a carbon tax, adopting lowcarbon fuel standards, harmonizing their 2050 greenhouse gas targets and moving forward on building efficiency and grid integration. Our grantees helped develop the plan and are continuing to advise the states.

Obviously there’s still some resistance to these sorts of policies at various levels, often related to up-front costs. How do you deal with that? We believe that if you really look at the cost of truly secure and reliable and a ffordable energy and put all the costs in, then these technologies we’re advancing are the lowest-cost resource. Sometimes they’re the lowest-cost resource even without putting the environmental costs

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and health costs on them. But if you include the environmental, health and security costs — for example, keeping Middle East supply lines open — these are the cheapest technologies. And our grantees are constantly and in many ways making that case. I think one of the compelling cases that we’ve seen register, especially with local and state officials, is the economic benefits of these technologies.

Such as? Well, in Tehachapi, down near Palm Springs, you’ve now got a wind industry that’s employing people, it’s got people in community colleges studying to be wind technicians; it’s a new, thriving industry in that area that’s creating a new economic base. Or, in the high ridges of Minnesota, there’s now a thriving wind industry that’s supplying power in Minnesota and down to the population centers in Chicago. When you look at it closely, there are big economic opportunities for every region

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Why would you want to import power from outside when you could generate it yourself?

of the country. I think a great story is renewable energy in the Midwest. In the last 10 years, the Midwest has gone from having very little renewable energy to being a global leader. That’s put billions of dollars’ investment in the ground, it’s created thousands of jobs, it’s built a sense of renewal in many parts of the Midwest, and because a lot of it has been wind development, it’s making farmers happy as they continue to do their traditional farming work but get extra revenues from wind power. So it’s a win for the regional economy and it’s a win for the landowners in many areas.

That makes it harder to make an economic argument against it. Why would you want to import power from outside when you could generate it yourself? Why would you want a coal train from Wyoming when you could generate power in the Midwest yourself, and the revenues go to local folks?

What about technologies making an impact in the Bay Area, or that Marin residents should be keeping an eye out for? Marinites are the early adopters. They should be putting solar on their roofs, plugging it into their electric cars, making their houses full of efficient LEDs and putting in smart thermostats. E fficient appliances are another part of that. The other thing that Marinites should be doing is getting their voices out and heard and engaging in the political process.

What sort of opportunities will we have for that? The Energy Foundation doesn’t fund lobbying, but I recommend that people look for every opportunity when they have access at the local, state and national level to make their voices heard saying they want clean-energy technology, and they want innovation in energy markets. Whether we get these big new markets depends a lot on whether the policy makers are willing to advance new policies, and oftentimes that boils down to a discussion in the Legislature or at a public utility commission or city council. So people can engage. Certainly there’s some activity going on around Marin, but I’m just urging people to be politically active on this topic in whatever way they see fit. We’re really excited about the potential in this area, so it’s great to be able to talk to Marin folks about it. m

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Over 50 stores and restaurants, conveniently located off of Highway 101, Rowland Boulevard exit.

Over 50 stores and restaurants, conveniently located off of Highway 101, Rowland Boulevard exit.

EVOLVED Paradise

As life plans changed, the ultimate bachelor pad became a comfortable home with a great view and a very nice game room.

BY LAURA HILGERS • PHOTOS BY CEDRIC GLASIER

Tiburon architect Miles Berger designed the home to maximize its amazing views of Angel Island, Raccoon Straits and the Golden Gate Bridge.

IF THE BEST-LAID plans of mice and men often go awry — to echo Steinbeck — the same can be said of even the most well-conceived bachelor pads.

It was a confirmed bachelor who approached architect Miles Berger in 2006, asking for help replacing his hillside teardown in Tiburon’s Lyford Cove. Though the owner (who prefers anonymity) had a serious girlfriend, his list of must-haves leaned considerably more toward poker nights than Better Homes and Gardens. He wanted a workout room, a garage big enough for his car collection, and a game room for his pool table and card table, where he held a weekly poker game. Oh — and he wanted to maximize the view.

It’s impossible to talk about this site without mentioning the view. The elegantly modern home that now sits here is practically swallowed by it. Think of watching Ayala Cove, Angel Island and Raccoon Straits on an IMAX screen all day, and you start to get a feel for why the owner held on to this property for more than 20 years, even with the “dump” — Berger’s word — that stood here before. It was a clapboard triplex, built in the ’40s or ’50s when Tiburon was a funky railroad town, and it was literally falling down the hill.

So Berger was commissioned to create an entirely new home, and from the beginning he understood that every -

It was a clapboard triplex, built in the ’40s or ’50s when Tiburon was a funky railroad town, and it was literally falling down the hill.

thing needed to be about the view. At the owner’s request, he perched the top floor — a loftlike great room — where it could best encompass the view of the straits. Then he made sure that every water-facing wall was constructed of glass. In the living/dining area, sliding glass doors stretch the entire length and height of the room, opening onto a limestone deck. In the master bedroom below, windows are the main attraction. And in the game room beneath that, an assemblage of windows reaches 17 feet high.

Berger also solved a dilemma. “One of the problems with many sites in Tiburon and Belvedere is that they orient toward Angel Island,” he says. “But the most important view is the Golden Gate Bridge.” To rectify this, Berger designed west-facing corner windows that contain no mullions (the metal trim that usually holds the glass in place). Instead, there are seamless right angles of glass, opening to a bay and bridge view.

Opposite page: A few accoutrements for the owner’s wife, a former pastry chef. This page: The sleekly designed and highly functional kitchen.

STYLING:

SONJA KONEVICH HUNTER

One of the home’s most stunning features is a white-beamed skylight, akin to something in a modern art museum, that sits over the stairwell and tilts toward the water.

Berger also chose an optical illusion to extend the view. Because the home faces a busy street and has no front-facing windows, he set a five- by 10-foot trimless mirror into the living room’s back wall. When you look at it, you think you are looking out another window, watching ferries pass by, until you realize that the water is actually behind you.

Berger even considered the neighbors’ views. Because the home is downhill from a populated area, he created an understated and low-lying facade out front and took pains to protect others’ views from inside the house as well. One of the home’s most stunning features is a white-beamed skylight, akin to something in a modern art museum, that sits over the stairwell and tilts toward the water, away from the neighbors.

The skylight serves two purposes. It draws light into the back of the windowless rooms. And because it’s tilted, says Berger, “it makes it so that when the people up the hill want to enjoy the stars and view at night, it isn’t ruined when — boom — the people down the hill turn on their lights.” Tom Ganley, the home’s builder, also constructed a little wall surrounding the skylight to shield it even further.

Details like these are what helped the home design be approved on its fi rst pass, something of a rarity in the town’s challenging building environment. But when it comes to Tiburon design, the bow-tied, bespectacled Berger is as close to a sure thing as it gets. A longtime resident, he served on the design review board for four years, part of the time as its chairman. He was on the planning commission for six. And he’s spent six years on the town council, serving both as mayor and vice mayor. But this is not the architectural equivalent of insider trading. “I don’t have some magic wand,” Berger says. “It’s just that I guide my clients not to propose something that’s going to get turned down. You can design your way around a number of problems, and everybody comes out singing kumbaya.”

The one part of the plan that was not originally considered was that the owner’s long-term girlfriend became his wife. She had always had a fair amount of input in the design process, but once her status became legal, her needs moved more to the forefront. A professionally trained pastry chef, she had very speci fic ideas about the kitchen, so that room now has a large travertine island for prepping, as well as high-end appliances and fi xtures, such as a Dacor range, Sub-Zero refrigerators and Dorn Bracht faucets. The faucets are square, which is somewhat unusual but keeps with a theme that is echoed throughout the house. Most of the fi xtures, pulls or railings are pleasingly geometric, in square or rectangular shapes.

The kitchen cabinets are all constructed of anigre, an inexpensive African hardwood. Its use is one of the many

ways the owners cut costs to build the home on the luxury equivalent of a shoestring budget, about $450 per square foot. Anigre can be found on the kitchen island and most of the cabinetry throughout.

The light color palettes, African wood, and limestone and travertine are consistent in the home, as is the emphasis on horizontal shapes throughout. At one end of the great room,

In the living/dining area, sliding glass doors stretch the entire length and height of the room, opening onto a limestone deck.

the kitchen is laid out in a rectangle. At the other end, the sleek fi replace is oblong. Not only does the seven-foot glass fi replace cut a dramatic shape, it sits on an even more pronounced 12-foot travertine hearth.

It’s not an accident that the upper floor is dominated by horizontals. As Berger stands in the great room and points towards the straits, he asks, “What are the relevant forms you see outside? I wanted the water line to transition right through the house.” As a result, the home has a harmonious, almost zen-like feel.

Opposite page, top to bottom: The sofa and table echo the color of the travertine hearth; the skylight shines over the stairwell. This page: An elegant place to play chess.

Only when you reach the bottom floor do you remember this was supposed to be a bachelor pad (well, that and when you see the huge flat-screen TV in the garage). This is where the owner’s 15- by 34-foot game room resides. With 19-foot ceilings, it’s less man cave than man vault. It contains a pool table, a card table, and a wine cellar holding a collection of French wines. Next door is a fully outfitted workout room, which Berger designed so that should the house ever be sold, it could be converted to two kids’ rooms, creating a four-bedroom home.

As he stands in the man vault, Berger rues one of the features that was cut because of the owner’s changing life — a proposed Juliet balcony, which would have opened from the second-floor master bedroom, overlooking the cavernous game room below. When the now-wife got wind of that, she put the kibosh on it quickly, treasuring her sleep.

Which, says Berger, is both good and bad. “Things transitioned from being a fantasy bachelor pad,” he says, “into what has now become a loving couple’s home.” m

When it comes to Tiburon design, the bow-tied, bespectacled Berger is as close to a sure thing as it gets.

Opposite page, from left: Architect Miles Berger; the dining room and view of the deck. This page: The game room’s pool table, card table and stocked wine cellar.

Right on TRACK

BY JIM WOOD

IMAGINE IT’S 2016 and you’re in Sonoma County, a quarter mile east of the county airport, and you want to reach Marin County, 48 miles away, and ultimately the Larkspur Landing ferry terminal. Here’s how SMART, the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit — now under construction — will get you there.

Boarding at the Airport Boulevard station, settle in for a four-mile run straight to the Guerneville Road station. SMART, as trains do, will pass through industrial landscape, but nearby are famous wineries such as John Ash & Co.’s Vintners Inn. Next stop: Railroad Square in downtown Santa Rosa — and it won’t take long, as SMART trains stop for no more than 40 seconds at each station (don’t worry, everything meets rigid safety requirements).

Though Rohnert Park is six miles away, it will take only minutes to get there because SMART trains reach 70 mph inside of 30 seconds. After you pass through more industrial areas and under Highway 101, Robert’s Lake Park and Foxtail Golf Club are on your left, and on the right, that’s the new Graton Resort and Casino. Next stop: Cotati, where a quaint but new depot awaits.

On to Petaluma. SMART’s run takes only fi ve minutes and the stop is the decades-old train depot that’s been renovated and is now a visitor center. All aboard for Marin. But it isn’t the old Haystack Bridge that’s whisking you over the Petaluma River. This newer bridge was acquired from Galveston, Texas, was repurposed and has 85 years of useful life remaining. Now settle in for a 12-mile stretch through scenic backcountry to Novato’s San Marin–Atherton station, on the west side of Highway 101, walking distance to Fireman’s Fund and other employers.

Next stop: Hamilton. If you’re lunching at Hamilton Marketplace, you get offhere. If not, SMART takes a picturesque three-mile loop behind St. Vincent’s School for Boys, past McInnis Park, then pulls into Marin County’s Civic Center station, located directly under Highway 101 (you can also walk from here to Northgate mall). The hop into downtown San Rafael — which appropriately stops at Whistlestop in the Transit Center — takes only two minutes and passes through the 1,300-foot-long, 80-year-old Puerto Suello tunnel, recently rebuilt to Federal Railroad Administration standards at a cost of $15 million. So it’s quick and clean.

SMART — a commuter train between Sonoma County Airport and the Larkspur Landing ferry terminal — is two years from completion.

Completed track, with wooden ties that will support the new concrete panel to be installed at the roadway grade crossing.

David Schonbrunn, president, TRANSDEF, a transit advocacy organization

Ah, but you wanted to reach Larkspur Landing and catch a ferry to San Francisco. If all goes as now anticipated, that will indeed be possible. According to SMART officials, a short but expensive stretch of new track is needed before you enter the already completed $28 million Cal Park tunnel and exit across Sir Francis Drake Boulevard from the ferry terminal. Currently, indications are positive that a Larkspur extension will be part of phase one and completed sometime in 2016.

The Plan

First, realize SMART is a diesel-powered train ; it’s not an electric-powered light rail system like BART. In 2011, freight trains resumed running on the northern segment of SMART’s lines and they’ll continue running on them into the foreseeable future. Also realize that SMART was, in effect, given the land that comprises its right-of-way (see chronology), a benefit estimated to be worth a billion dollars. Currently, SMART train crews are laying all new track, ties and gravel ballast from northern Santa Rosa in Sonoma County, 43 miles south into downtown San Rafael and, as mentioned above, quite possibly on to the ferry

terminal at Larkspur Landing. To date, 17 miles of track has been laid, all of it in Sonoma County.

“This is a huge project, the largest public works project in the history of either Sonoma or Marin county,” says SMART general manager Farhad Mansourian. “By comparison, Caltran’s Marin-Sonoma Narrows widening of Highway 101 is 18 miles long, and BART’s extension to San Jose is 17 miles long; what we’re building now is 43 miles long, possibly longer.” In addition to laying 43 miles of track, by the time the first phase is finished, SMART crews will have also constructed 10 stations and 41 signaled grade crossings, rebuilt two tunnels and rebuilt or replaced 20 bridges. “And remember,” Mansourian adds, “we are also building an operational train system that includes seven two-car train sets and all the personnel and programs needed to operate them safely, e° ciently and effectively.” SMART plans call for the system to be operating by the end of 2016.

A 2005 Metropolitan Transportation Commission study indicated 17,000 residences and 40,000 jobs existed within half a mile of proposed stations. That survey did not include a SMART station near the Sonoma County

THE FACTS

• Steel rail, manufactured in Pueblo, Colo., arrives by train in 1,600-foot lengths and is contiguously welded together for a smooth ride — no more clickety-clack sound.

• Railroad ties are concrete and come from Spokane, Wash. A first shipment of 90,000 created 7.5 miles of rail line. Old ties were recovered, graded for quality and either sold to landscapers or mulched for compost.

• Much of the ballast, the gravel that anchors the rail and ties, comes from the Dutra Group quarry in San Rafael and looks almost art-like because of its size and color conformity.

• At Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport, SMART’s phase one northernmost terminus, Alaska Airlines is enlarging its terminal and offering flights to Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle and Phoenix.

• Regarding train whistles: SMART has allocated $12 million for “quiet zones,” areas where residents request the nostalgic sound not be heard — thereby requiring greater safety features at nearby crossings.

OPENER: JON COLLINS; TIM PORTER (LEFT); MAP (COURTESY OF SMART)

I’ve worked for 20 years to make it possible to move up and down the 101 corridor without a car, bypassing traffic. It’s gratifying that we’re finally getting there.

In the 73 years since Marin has had reliable commuter rail service, we’ve seen gridlock increase on our highways. I hope we’ll have feeder buses connecting seamlessly with SMART, making public transportation once again attractive to our residents.

THE TRAINS

Seven self-propelled two-car train sets are being manufactured for SMART by Sumitomo Corporation of America in Rochelle, Ill. They’ll be powered by environmentally friendly tier-4 diesel engines and will carry up to 158 seated passengers, 160 standing passengers and 24 bicycles and are ADA compliant. Each train set will have a lavatory and a refreshment booth. Train sets will have a top speed of 79 mph and — including stops of no more than 40 seconds to load and unload passengers — average 47 mph. The trip from north Santa Rosa to downtown San Rafael, a distance of 43 miles, will take less than an hour. SMART trains will operate under Positive Train Control, a system that combines both an onboard engineer and centralized computerization for maximum safety.

Fred Codoni, railroad historian, Northwestern Pacific Railroad

Clockwise from top left: Constructing track; treading rail and ties; a rendering showing actual train colors and the adjacent pathway; a look at the train’s comfortable interior. Opposite page: New track.

Airport, which according to rail officials adds another 5,000 jobs to the mix and ultimately an expected 17,000 jobs by 2020. In all, 1.4 million passengers a year are expected to be served by SMART by the end of its first year of operation. And as Mansourian likes to point out, “Every time you spend $100 in Marin or Sonoma county, you’re paying 25 cents to create a transportation infrastructure that will last for many years to come. For some people it will be the only means of transportation; for others it will provide a choice.”

At present, SMART’s big unknown is the nearly twomile segment from downtown San Rafael through Cal Park tunnel to a station a quarter of a mile from the Larkspur Landing ferry terminal. This extension has an estimated $40 million cost. Last year the Federal Transit Administration accepted this important link into its Small Starts program, indicating that federal funding could very well be provided for the segment’s completion.

Recently the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Transportation Authority of Marin recommended allocating $20 million toward the segment’s construction. “People have been calling lately,” reported Mansourian at the February board of directors meeting, “asking, ‘Now that you have the money, and the tracks are already there, when will SMART reach Larkspur?’ If only it were that simple.” Not only do all new rails and track beds have to be laid, he explains; the crossings of Francisco Boulevard West and Andersen Drive also present enormous and expensive engineering challenges. “But that’s our job,” he notes. “We’re engineers; we build things.”

The Challenges

Not that SMART’s progress to date has been without challenges. As approved by 69.6 percent of Sonoma and Marin county voters in 2008, the $540 million commuter rail line was to go from Larkspur 70 miles north to Cloverdale, in mid-Sonoma County, and be accompanied by a contiguous biking and hiking pathway. Basic funding was to be generated by a .25 percent increase in both counties’ sales tax. Then came the global fi nancial crisis and resulting slump in tax revenues that reduced the project’s scope to what it is now. “But we’re continuing to work on that original vision, Larkspur to Cloverdale,” Mansourian says.

I’ve seen the signs announcing SMART and I’m totally excited. I’ll board at Atherton station, drop my boy off for school at Hamilton station, then ride SMART to work near the Larkspur Landing ferry terminal. At night, I’ll reverse the process.

To date, $40 million in grants has come from such sources as Sonoma Open Space Conservancy, Sonoma County Transportation Authority, Transportation Authority of Marin, the Metropolitan Transportation Commission and the Federal Transit Administration. Another aspect of constructing a rail and pathway project is obtaining permits from regulatory agencies. According to documents, to date SMART has dealt with more than 15 governmental regulating and permitting agencies, among them the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; U.S. Coast Guard; Federal Railroad Administration; California Fish and Wildlife Department; California’s State Lands and Public Utilities commissions; and numerous state, regional, county and city agencies.

CHRONOLOGY

1860s–1920s Northwestern Pacific Railroad right-of-way established.

Early 1970s Northwestern Pacific Railroad operations considerably reduced.

1982 Right-of-way acquired by Golden Gate Transportation District.

1990s Early studies on Sonoma-Marin commuter rail conducted.

2001 Planning begins for a 70-mile passenger rail corridor from Cloverdale to Larkspur with 14 stations and an adjacent hike and pedestrian pathway.

2002 SMART District created by the California State Legislature.

2006 Measure R, creating SMART, doesn’t receive 66.6 percent voter approval in Marin County (the percentage was met in Sonoma County).

2008 Measure Q, creating SMART, passes with 69.6 percent voter approval.

2012 Construction started.

Alex Lane, retail sales, Bed Bath & Beyond, Marin Country Mart

It is the intricate approval process, Mansourian says, that has posed pitfalls for the biking and hiking pathway. “Unfortunately, we can’t go into sensitive marshlands as we’d hoped to, which creates some disconnects; and the pathway will not always parallel the rail line as some expected it to.” Early feedback from local bicycle groups revealed the right-of-way was too narrow or traversed habitat too sensitive to accommodate some portions of the pathway. The result: 54 miles of Class One trails and 17 miles of Class Two trails or surface street connectors within the full 70-mile system (Cloverdale to Larkspur).

Portions of the pathway have been completed around Santa Rosa and, in Marin, the Cal Park tunnel connects Larkspur with San Rafael. Both segments are proving popular with cyclists and pedestrians, and more stretches will be built this year. However, Mansourian says, several portions are tied up in environmental reviews. “We’re dealing with the National Environmental Protection Act,” he says. “And that takes a very long time; it’s a lengthy procedure.”

The good news: Completing the NEPA process quali fies these segments for potential federal funding.

The Operations

As for times of day SMART trains will run and expected fares, “we’ll have trains arriving and departing every 30 minutes during peak commute hours, and one, possibly two trains running midday,” Mansourian says, with four trains running on weekends and holidays. “It’s too early to be specific” about fares, he adds, “but they will be competitive with other public transit options.” Also, use of Clipper, the popular all-inclusive Bay Area transportation payment card, is definitely under consideration. As for parking, most SMART stations will have newly constructed lots or will rely on parking that exists nearby. SMART officials are working with local transit providers in both counties to coordinate routes that will shuttle passengers to their nearest station. And until phase two is completed, Express Connector buses will transport passengers to SMART’s future stations in Windsor, Healdsburg and Cloverdale.

Some might find it interesting that SMART stations have already been completed at both Windsor and Cloverdale, even though these are considerably north of SMART’s phase one terminus at the Sonoma County Airport. But not Mansourian. “My task is to build a train that goes from Larkspur to Cloverdale,” he says enthusiastically. “That’s what voters approved in 2008 and my staffand I are to doing everything we can to see that that happens. We’re looking for money whenever and wherever we can find it.” m

SMART main office: 5401 Old Redwood Highway, Suite 200, Petaluma, 707.794.3330. Construction information: 855.312.7444. sonomamarintrain.org, info@sonomamarin train.org. Facebook: facebook.com/sonomamarintrain, Twitter: @smarttrain.

As the primary property owner, we’re working with SMART to plan the downtown San Rafael station. We’ve submitted plans for a five-story building, with 50 affordable living units for seniors, to the city for feedback. It’s very exciting.

O’Hehir,

WHO’S ON BOARD

SMART BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Judy Arnold – Chair

Marin County Board of Supervisors

Barbara Pahre – Vice Chair

Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District

Jim Eddie Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District

Debora Fudge

Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association

Madeline Kellner

Transportation Authority of Marin

Jake Mackenzie

Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association

Stephanie Moulton-Peters

Marin County Council of Mayors and Councilmembers

Gary Phillips Transportation Authority of Marin

David Rabbitt

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors

Carol Russell

Sonoma County Mayors’ and Councilmembers’ Association

Kathrin Sears

Marin County Board of Supervisors

Shirlee Zane

Sonoma County Board of Supervisors

SMART CITIZENS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE

Steve Birdlebough

Peter Breen

Russ Columbo

Dennis Harter

Patricia Kendall

David Oster

Steve Rabinowitsh

Joe

executive director, Whistlestop, a nonprofit serving seniors

SMART general manager Farhad Mansourian

SMART will be a raging success. It’s not that too few will take it; I think it’ll be too crowded. However, completing the bike and pedestrian pathway between Second Street and Andersen Drive in San Rafael is critical for all Marin cyclists.

Work is currently being done in Sonoma County. Track, like this Marin County section, will also be replaced as part of phase one.

Andy Peri, director of advocacy, Marin County Bicycle Coalition

The Martha Property in Tiburon.

Those looking to build in Marin are finding the county has very little inventory.

Not a Lot of Lots

BY LAURA HILGERS • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

MARIN COUNTY HAS an abundance of many things: hiking trails, water views and great farm-totable food. But try buying a vacant lot here and you’ll discover what we lack most. Simply put: We have no lots.

There are few places with as little buildable “raw land” as Marin. This past December, for example, there were 641 homes for sale, but only 128 lots. And even that number is misleading because it assumes that all of the lots are viable, which they are not. “These lots tend to be very challenged,” says Ted Strodder, a realtor with Decker Bullock Sotheby’s. “Either they’re too steep or they lack the necessary utilities or there’s no road access, or all of the above.”

The offerings range from a $9,888,000 hillside lot in Belvedere (a town notoriously tough to build in) to a 2,000-square-foot lot in Bolinas, selling for $9,995. While the

latter may seem like a smoking deal, consider how attached you are to indoor plumbing. Bolinas currently has a water meter moratorium in effect, which means that even if you bought the lot and installed a 200-square-foot beach shack,

An empty lot at 218 Bayview Avenue in Belvedere has sat for more than seven years and is available for $1.1 million.

you’d have to run next door to use the neighbor’s toilet. Some of the lots on the market are so undesirable that they’ve been for sale for more than seven years — one of the many reasons the teardown market is so hot.

Why is buildable land so scarce? For an answer, look at a county map, which is swathed in green. According to Tom Lai, assistant director for the county’s Community Development Agency, 84 percent of the county is designated as open space or agricultural or has some kind of easement that precludes it from being subdivided. “Marin is quite rare in the Bay Area,” says Lai, “being so close to San Francisco and having so much open space.” Or put another way: Where else is almost everyone within walking distance of a trailhead?

Paul Smith, a real estate attorney and former mayor of Tiburon, says that we’re victims of our own success. He points to the population boom expected in Marin after the Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937 and World War II ended. “There were supposed to be a lot more people,” he says, “but we’ve been very successful in shutting down development. The unintended consequence is that our property values are very high and so much of our land is protected and preserved that there aren’t many buildable vacant lots left.”

It also explains why two magnificent properties — each brimming with lots — remain undeveloped to this day. The first is the 110-acre St. Vincent’s/Silveira property, which straddles the divide between San Rafael and Ignacio. After many years of

There are few places with as little buildable ‘raw land’ as Marin.

negotiations with the county, the land was zoned for 221 houses in 2007. But developers have not bitten, partly because the limited number of homes would make it hard to turn a profit.

The other property, the 110-acre Martha Property, lies on the Tiburon Peninsula off Paradise Drive. As we go to press, the county is still considering whether to zone the property for 43 or 32 homes, says Smith, who represents the owners, the Martha Company. Either way, 60 acres will remain as open space. But community opposition to the new housing is fierce, and at least one group, the Tiburon Open Space Committee, is trying to raise money to buy the land and designate it as open space.

This is not to say that there are no desirable vacant lots at all in Marin. There are, but they tend to go offmarket and even when you fi nd one, the road to a dream home is challenging. There is a zoning review, which can take a year, and then a design review, which can take six to 12 months — and that’s before you even break ground. “You’re not calling the moving company for at least two years,” Strodder says.

Lionel Achuck, a Tiburon developer, can attest to how long and complicated the process is. He owns a 10-acre parcel in Tiburon, also off Paradise Drive, which he bought off market in 2006. It then took five years to get approval from the town to turn the parcel into two lots. He sold the two-acre lot recently and is now deciding whether to build an approved

9,000-square-foot home, with a tennis court and pool, for his family on the eight acres that remain. Buyers have come courting, and the most promising one is from China, which is little surprise. The Chinese place great value on land. And our land, it turns out, is about as valuable and rare as gold. m

Either they’re too steep or they lack the necessary utilities or there’s no road access, or all of the above.

The St. Vincent’s/Silveira property.

HOME HAPPY THE

BY STEPHANIE MARTIN

Tipstohelpyousurvivetheremodelexperience.

Congratulations. You’ve decided to take the plunge and embark on a home remodel. You have stacks of dog-eared magazine pages, and your Pinterest boards are full of ideas, from outdoor sconces and eat-in kitchens to wallpaper and window coverings. But before the fi rst hammer is swung, get prepared for what is about to come. Here are ten tips that will not only help you through your remodel journey, but will also help you focus on what makes a house a home.

Hire Right

One of the fi rst and most important decisions you can make is choosing the right partner. Whether you are hiring a contractor, homebuilder or design consultant, select a person or firm that mirrors your aesthetic. If you love Shaker-style homes, don’t go with someone who specializes in Mediterranean architecture. Working with a partner who already understands your style will help ensure you are speaking the same language, and a well-written contract gets you on the same page from day one. “It is imperative you clearly defi ne everyone’s roles and who is responsible for what,” says Annie Lazarus of Annie Lazarus Design.

Share Your Vision

You have a vision of what you want, so share it with all your project partners so they can help you bring it to life. Don’t be afraid to show your pages or Pinterest boards to your plumber, interior designer or cabinetmaker. Seeing what you want to achieve, from use of space to a speci fic look, will help your expert collaborators make recommendations suitable for your remodel, such as the fi xtures that would complement your soon-to-be bead-boarded kitchen. “I fi rmly believe that your home should make you happy, so you should design it for the way you live,” Lazarus says.

Plan Ahead

Planning really does make perfect. After going through the design process, sit down with your contractor and map out a plan that includes not only schedule and timeline, but also everything you want to include in each remodeled room. The best part of planning? You will be able to define your budget and prevent the need for costly decisions down the road. Defining a scope of work is critical, according to Lazarus. “Homeowners should have clear, concise goals of what they want to achieve in a remodel; if you make changes or additions, it’s important to create a new scope of work to avoid surprise bills.”

Focus on Finishes

Keeping your project on track is easier than Hollywood would have you believe (think ’80s classic The Money Pit ). Though factors like weather are beyond your control, you can help yourself stick to a schedule by making decisions before work begins. A key area to focus on is fi nishes and fi xtures. If you select the materials for cabinets and countertops, flooring and faucets, backsplashes and lighting during the planning process, these items can be ordered and ready in time for installation.

Keep It Timeless

When deciding on the style elements of your home remodel, keep resale value in mind if it’s not a home you plan to stay in for the long term. What might be trendy can soon look outdated, so consider more timeless choices for items such as bathroom and kitchen fi xtures, cabinets and counters. If you choose on-trend easy-to-swap items such as throws, pillows, art and furniture, when it comes time to sell, you will have a clean, simple slate for potential homebuyers.

Save for the Unexpected

You are most likely starting with a budget in mind, but have you included a contingency fund? With the remodel process can come many unexpected things — such as discovering additional replacement or repair needs once you open up walls — so having a contingency fund ready will save you a lot of added stress. A good rule of thumb is to put aside 5 to 20 percent of your budget for the unexpected. “Older homes typically have more surprises, so the more inspection you do with your contractor on the front end, the better,” Lazarus says.

What Will It Cost?

Planning to revamp your abode? Take a peek at Remodeling ’s average costs for popular projects in the Bay Area last year. remodeling.hw.net

MIDRANGE:

Bathroom Remodel $20,980

Major Kitchen Remodel $66,810

Roofing Replacement $22,081

Home Office Remodel $34,947

Window Replacement (wood) $13,155

UPSCALE:

Bathroom Remodel $59,584

Major Kitchen Remodel $125,343

Roofing Replacement $45,883

Deck Addition (composite) $43,462

Window Replacement (wood) $18,612

Consider Resale

You’d love to have more closet space, but is turning that third bedroom into a shrine for your shoes really the best investment? Make decisions that add to rather than detract from your home’s value. Lazarus recommends having at least one bathtub in a household and an additional half-bath if you are planning to sell in the future.

Create Your Space

How can you live through your remodel when you are living in your remodel? Carve out a work-free space for your family. Keeping a floor or section of your home o° -limits to workers will allow you to keep some semblance of home throughout the process. Remember to move appliances like refrigerators to places you can easily access, and keep items you use regularly, like that co° eemaker, nearby.

Dust Buster

How do you deal with the inevitable dust and dirt that comes with a remodel? Focus on protection. Whether it’s your valuables, furniture or lungs, being prepared will make for a happier home. Seal o° rooms, roll up antique rugs and devise a waste removal plan that doesn’t send workers through the gardens. Lazarus recommends using zippered plastic sheets, which make it easier to access work areas without jeopardizing the seal. And most important, know your construction schedule well so you are prepared for when the water or gas must be turned o° or when strongsmelling glues or fi nishes are to be used.

Communication Is Key

Remember, you are driving this process, so be an active participant and communicate clearly with your contractor, particularly if you are living off-site during the remodel. Know there will be plenty of last-minute decisions throughout that will require quick answers to keep your project on track. Being available will not only keep the project moving, but will ensure that the work meets your expectations. And if you are living on site, establish expectations with your contractor in the beginning, including work hours, access to your home and areas such as restrooms and storage of tools and materials. m

Looks Are Everything

Want to add more value to your home without emptying your wallet? Focus on your home’s curb appeal — what can be seen from the street. According to the National Association of Realtors, curb appeal sells 49 percent of all homes, so if you are in the market to sell, think about the first impression your home will make on prospective buyers. Here are three ideas that will freshen up your home quickly.

FRONT DOOR Brighten up your entryway by upgrading your front door. From a fresh coat of paint and updated hardware to a complete replacement, there are options for all budgets. And if you want to try before you buy, Home Depot’s Kathryn Gallagher recommends the store’s Augmented Reality app. “Using your phone’s camera, you will be able to visually see how thousands of products look in your living space, including a new front door on your home,” she says.

FRONT PORCH A front porch should be both warm and welcoming, so this is where a few simple signature elements can add easy inexpensive flair. Try a lantern in an unusual shape or unique finish or bright-colored pots near the door to set your home apart. Update your planters frequently with seasonal flowers to keep your front porch always looking fresh.

FRONT LAWN Creating an inviting front lawn goes way beyond raking up the leaves; it needs to be neat and tidy to make your home beckon. Whether you go with drought-tolerant plants, hardscape or a lush green lawn, the overall look should be well-manicured and full, with no bare spots or weeds to disrupt the feeling that your home is well cared for.

Home Renovation Guide

ARCHITECTS

Alliance

CU

D

Bath

Praetzel’s

AvidGreen

LIGHTING

Artistic

BathSimple’s custom bathrooms are an entirely new way to create the bathroom that is just right for you.

Architect and renowned design expert John Crowley saw how challenging bathroom remodels were for his clients, so he set out to create a better process. He used his vast and varied experience designing and building countless homes to create the innovative remodeling solution that is now BathSimple.

We start with a complimentary in-home consultation with a visionary BathSimple designer, who will work with you to create your custom bathroom, based on the way you live and the space you want to create. Once we approve design plans, we will work together to select products and finishes from our curated variety of quality and luxury items. We’ll prepare a proposal that is completely transparent and includes a guaranteed price. Certified BathSimple contractors ensure a seamless installation, and we deliver everything for your custom bathroom remodel at one time to reduce downtime.

BathSimple takes care of every step of your bathroom design and installation process to ensure quality, manage costs and establish predictable timelines, so you can have complete peace of mind—and the bathroom of your dreams.

Learn about our full financing and start envisioning your dream bathroom with a complimentary design consultation.

Tardy & Associates

ARCHITECTS

Founded by local Marin residents, Tardy & Associates Architects specializes in designing custom homes and additions in Marin, Sonoma, and San Francisco. We have a solid background in planning, design, construction, and value engineering. We take great pride in letting our clients dreams shine through with a focus on an integrated approach to guide you through the process.

3020 Bridgeway, Suite 131 • Sausalito, CA 415.381.1183 • tardy-associates.com

Kasten Builders

MODERN HOME MASTER BUILDERS

Your home—a direct reflection of you. Your style, your personality, your statement. With exquisite lines, state-of-theart technology, and time tested practices, rest assured our dedication to building your home is unparalleled.

Contact Pete and Denny—and build tomorrow’s home, today.

Pete@KastenBuilders.com • 415.897.4500 • Est. 1972

Artistic Lighting & Electric

AUTOMATED LIGHTING CONTROL EXPERTS

Today’s complex lighting systems, and creative lighting designs, need up-to-date lighting controls that are both easy to use and reliable. Artistic Lighting & Electric can help you understand the current technologies available and are dedicated to the design and build of lighting control systems that are perfectly suited to your needs. Our team approach can work with your design team as well.

285 Bel Marin Keys Boulevard, Suite G • Novato, CA 415.382.9500 • artisticlightingcorp.com

California Closets

Nothing adds function and flexibility to a space like adding a wall bed. California Closets has stylish wall beds to fit any room.

You can transform any space into a guest room or simply maximize space in a bedroom with a stylish, sturdy and comfortable wall bed or authentic Murphy bed from California Closets.

Our wall beds are designed to integrate into your home office, media center, wardrobe, and closet systems, hiding a comfortable bed behind a face and finish that fits your style perfectly. There’s no need to sacrifice your room’s look and feel, our wall bed systems are as stylish as they are functional.

Forget about needing an engineering degree to operate your wall bed, you’ll be amazed at how easily and smoothly they open and close.

A California Closets design consultant can help add functionality to any room by creating a custom wall bed system that suits your needs. For more information on California Closets wall beds, schedule a complimentary design consultation today. ©2014 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Franchises independently owned and operated.

Miles Berger, AIA

ARCHITECTURE, PLANNING AND DESIGN

With 35 years of practice, and an unblemished record of approvals in Marin County, Miles Berger brings stunning client-focused design and careful project management to his residential projects. His work begins with attention to realizing the client’s vision and incorporates sensitivity to the site, ingenuity and artistry in design and an experienced overview of the approvals and building process.

14 Raccoon Lane • Tiburon, CA 415.435.4663 • MB-AIA.COM

Pine Street Natural Interiors

Since one of the largest contributors to indoor air pollution is home furnishings, all Pine Street Natural Interiors products are created without using harmful chemicals. Our standards of design are based on principles, which explore the effect of the built environment on human health. Knowledge of healthy products and our design experience ensures your home will nurture your mind, body and spirit.

323 Pine Street, Suite A • Sausalito, CA 415.331.9323 • pinestreetinteriors.com

Pedersen Associates

Pedersen Associates has provided comprehensive land planning and award-winning design services for estate, residential and commercial clients since 1983. Pedersen Associates’ projects range from the Napa Valley estate, to the contemporary coastal outpost; vastly different in scope, but unified by thoughtful design and an understanding of California-living. Our team brings experience, innovative ideas and elegant solutions to every project.

24 H Street • San Rafael, CA 415.456.2070 • pedersenassociates.com

CERAMIC TILE DESIGN

IT’S THE TILE…

846 W. Francisco Boulevard San Rafael, CA 415.485.5180 189 Thirteenth Street San Francisco, CA 415.575.3785 ceramictiledesign.net

Ceramic Tile Design has been a fixture in the Bay Area for over 30 years, perhaps because our gorgeous showrooms, extensive offerings of unique tiles, and helpful design staff have kept us ahead of the competition. We also supply our products to other tile showrooms throughout California and offer a full service commercial A&D department.

CTD works directly with more than 70 diverse factories in Italy, the US, and worldwide. Take a look at some of our extensive offerings: Our US tile collections include Trikeenan, Pratt & Larson, Sonoma Tilemakers, McIntyre, Encore, and the historic Rookwood, to name just a few. Our numerous glass lines include Oceanside Glasstile and the best in fine Italian glass tile, like Bisazza and Sicis. We also stock stone tile and slabs, including travertines, limestones, and slates.

As a member of both the USGBC and Build it Green, CTD leads the industry in bringing Green products to Northern California. We distribute all four of the leading Green countertop products: IceStone, PaperStone, Squak Mountain, and Trinity Glass.

If you haven’t visited one of our Bay Area showrooms recently, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Be prepared to enjoy a huge selection of beautiful, unique tile in stone, ceramic, glass, metal, wood, porcelain, and durable surfaces, plus the best in recycled and renewable products.

Sandra Bird Designs

ALWAYS YOU. ALWAYS UNIQUE.

Addressing the unique needs of our clients is at the very heart of Sandra Bird Designs. After all, no two clients are alike and, therefore, our design solutions are equally as different. This is especially evident in the kitchen, where a space that is custom-tailored to the personal needs and desires of the cook (experienced or not) is essential for creating a wonderful culinary experience. Storage plays an important role in the kitchen, ease of access and functionality are a top priority. Cabinet door spice racks and a custom designed island, as seen in the beautiful and efficient kitchen pictured here, save time and energy. Garbage, recycle and compost built-ins are essential for the eco-conscious family and roll out shelving with plugs for iPads or laptops are what make a kitchen uniquely yours. It is this attention to details that sets Sandra Bird Designs apart from the rest. Whether your project is a new kitchen, bath, office, master suite, an addition or a new home; Sandra Bird Designs is unique in being able to provide designers and craftsmen that work with you throughout your project from start to finish making your space “Always You. Always Unique”.

240 Magnolia Avenue • Larkspur, CA 415.927.1171 • sandrabird.com

Julia Robberts Interior Design

BRINGING STYLE TO YOUR HOME

Whether new construction, renovation or single room makeovers, we provide the design guidance, project management and support to turn your vision into a reality. We develop creative solutions that bring a unique style to your home. From materials selections, to custom furnishings, we focus on bringing you quality, value and style. Please call for a complimentary one-hour consultation.

1680 Tiburon Boulevard, Suite 9 • Tiburon, CA 415.533.6656 • julia@juliarobberts.com • juliarobberts.com

Purcell Murray

STAINLESS STEEL STYLE. INTRODUCING MGS FAUCETS.

Combining exquisite Italian design and exacting Swiss engineering, MGS faucets are a fusion of passion and precision. But in addition to their exquisite styling, they offer a tremendous functional benefit: they are made entirely from stainless steel. And that distinction comes with a long list of benefits.

For example, stainless steel:

• Doesn’t absorb dirt

• Doesn’t fade or become discolored over time

• Resists bacteria more effectively than brass or plastic

• Is 100% recyclable

Moreover, unlike many of its competitors, MGS has never invested in mass production as a means of manufacturing faster or cheaper. And those uncompromising standards are shared by distributor Purcell Murray. Which is why Purcell Murray is proud to bring you these flawless fixtures through an unparalleled network of dealers throughout California. Want to know more? Call 800.892.4040, or visit one of our showrooms.

Huntington Beach, CA • San Francisco, CA 800.892.4040 • purcellmurray.com

Chet Stromberg

SOLARCRAFT SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

Born and raised in Mill Valley, it has been my life’s passion to bring solar power to Marin. With over 500 projects installed, my clients are excited to reduce their electric bills while remaining true to Marin’s vision of sustainable development. I am dedicated to fostering a responsible environmental ethic while providing attractive investment opportunity. Kindly call me for a consultation.

SolarCraft – Helping Marin Go Solar Since 1984 cstromberg@solarcraft.com • 415.310.5436 • solarcraft.com

Alliance Custom Builders

DESIGN/BUILD REMODELING SPECIALISTS

Inspiring design solutions coupled with quality materials and expert craftsmanship are cornerstones of Alliance Custom Builders’ success. Whether your project is large or small, indoors or out, owners Steve Andre and Chris Chapek will help you realize your home’s potential using their proven design/build approach.

Their ability to understand a client’s wishes and needs, combined with extensive product and construction knowledge, produces creative and timeless designs that are as functional as they are beautiful. Because Alliance is your contractor as well as your designer there is only one point of contact for your entire project, with no excuses or duplication of efforts. You will receive accurate project costs with efficient scheduling and ultimately, peace of mind and years of enjoyment.

Visit their website for inspiration and to learn more about Alliance Custom Builders. Contact them today to schedule a free consultation.

Webber + Studio, Architects

REGIONAL, MINIMALISM

Specialize in direct solutions to direct architectural problems, using a guiding set of principles: Functionalism, Expressionism, Regionalism, and Minimalism. Setting a priority on the client’s and site’s needs, the Studio’s rigorous approach has yielded a diverse and innovative body of work.

1220 Lavaca Street • Austin, TX 512.236.1032 • webberstudio.com designforme@webberstudio.com

415.893.0408 • Novato, CA

alliancecustombuilders.com

Lamperti Contracting & Design

MARIN’S BEST DESIGN AND CABINET RESOURCE

Lamperti Contracting & Design supplies fine cabinetry and provides complete design/build services, specializing in kitchens and baths. As a factory authorized dealer for Bentwood, Columbia, Custom Cupboards and WoodMode cabinetry, we offer fine cabinetry for every taste and budget.

Our team of designers are experts in making the best use of your space and designing beautiful and functional environments. In addition to providing design/build services, we are also happy to work with your own building team to ensure that your cabinets are properly specified and drawn.

We understand that you face countless choices during a remodeling project, so let our designers guide you through the process and help you make those important selections.

Our designers and craftsmen take pride in our attention to detail for every phase of your project. We’d love to be part of your team. We welcome you to stop by our showroom.

1241 Andersen Drive • San Rafael, CA 415.454.1623 • lampertikitchens.com

North Coast Pools & Spas

WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO

North Coast Pools & Spas is proud to be Northern California’s Premiere Pool Builder. We design and build some of the most creative and unique pools, spas and water features imaginable. Hillside and highly engineered sites are our specialties. Our construction philosophy is to build with the highest quality on time and on budget.

Larkspur, CA 415.924.POOL • NorthCoastPool.com

California Sofa

CUSTOM SOFAS, SECTIONALS, CHAIRS AND HEADBOARDS

At California Sofa you can create your own sofa and it’s as easy as 1,2,3. Select your model by choosing from hundreds of styles and configurations. Then select from hundreds of fabrics to customize your look. Finally, you can select from different cushion options ranging from foam to down. Additionally, we can add sleepers to most of our models. Made in California.

993 E. Francisco Boulevard • San Rafael, CA 415.454.7632 • calsofa.com

AvidGreen Fine Landscaping

DESIGNS, BUILDS AND MAINTAINS SPECIAL GARDENS

Enhance your garden and life. Create a cherished refuge. Entertain. Relax. We passionately and expertly improve gardens to spark deep pleasure day and night. AvidGreen builds beautiful, sustainable gardens.

Interweave beautiful, fragrant ornamentals and natives, productive fruit trees, grapevines, seasonal vegetables, and culinary herbs. Add a water feature, attract wildlife, birds, bees, butterflies, hummingbirds. Harvest citrus, apples, blueberries, strawberries, tomatoes, lettuces. Enjoy statuesque oaks and pathways softly illuminated. We listen carefully to meet and exceed expectations.

2011 and 2012 First-Place Winner for Design-Build from California Landscape Contractors Association.

UCD M.S. in Horticulture and Viticulture, Bay-Friendly and Green-Building Certified, Winner of MMWD’s Waterwise Landscaping Contest, Certified Arborist

* Landscape Design *Construction *Tree Pruning and Preservation *Lighting *’Smart’ and Efficient Irrigation

*Regular Maintenance *Healthy gardens that evolve in color and spectacle year-round.

Organic, Sustainable, Eco-Friendly, Water-Wise, Low-Maintenance scott@avidgreen.com • 415.461.8477 • avidgreen.com

Sunrise Home

FURNISHINGS AND INTERIOR DESIGN

Sunrise Home has been a go-to destination for home furnishings and interior design assistance for 37 years. Known for their quality collections as well as their tasteful aesthetic, they are a resource during every step of the renovation process. By visiting their website you can select a designer to assist you with your decisions. Along with furnishings, they offer a complete design service with an excellent reputation for wonderful results. Their 30,000 sq. ft. showroom makes visualizing things easier. Because they guarantee their pieces and their recommendations, your entire project can feel more enjoyable.

Their specialties include custom furniture, area rugs, sleepers, recliners, dining furnishings as well as media consoles. They have been voted the best place to shop for home furnishings for the past 21 years. Every visit will inspire you as well as amaze you, as they constantly are evolving and changing by presenting new colors, new styles and new collections. With a huge selection, experienced and talented design staff as well as wonderfully comprehensive visual displays, they are definitely a must-visit showroom when beginning any interior design project.

831 B Street • San Rafael, CA 415.456.3939 • sunrisehome.com

Sarah Evers Hoffman

INTERIOR DESIGN AND REMODELING

For nearly twenty years I have collaborated with my clients to design beautiful, comfortable, and timeless homes that reflect their personal style. I offer creative, cost effective designs and expert product knowledge that will make your investment, whether it is home furnishings or a new kitchen, enjoyable for many years. The difference really is in the details.

SarahEversHoffman.com 415.457.8358 • Sarah@SarahEversHoffman.com

Praetzel’s Fine Furniture

AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE

The premier retail furniture store in the North Bay focused on providing quality American Made furniture. By incorporating a full service design studio within our store we employ a unique approach to helping you to create your ideal space. Whether you need a single piece or to furnish an entire home our ASID certified designers will guide you through the process of proper fit, scale and style for your project. Bring us in photos of the space you are working with so that we can capture the essence of the room and work with you to find the right combination of pieces to fit your personality. Our in-house design team specializes in residential and boutique commercial projects.

The award winning firm practices quality design with a diverse and vibrant approach to all design styles where projects involve drafting, space planning and interior architecture, working with architects, contractors and homeowners.

Corbet’s Ace Hardware

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Corbet’s Hardware has proudly served Larkspur and its surrounding cities since 1954. Our focus is providing customers with the best products at competitive prices. We anticipate seasonal needs and have knowledgeable staff to offer advice on how to tackle any home repair, or garden care. From housewares and paint to Weber grills, you’ll find endless ways to enhance the beauty and value of your home.

800 Magnolia Avenue • Larkspur, CA 415.924.7013 • corbethardware.com

3820 Bodega Avenue • Petaluma, CA 707.762.6233 • praetzelsfinefurniture.com

La Puerta Originals

EXPERTLY CRAFTED DOORS, CABINETRY AND MORE

As custom artisans, La Puerta Originals creates distinctive doors, gates, kitchen & bath cabinetry, furniture, bars and wine storage.

Our unique designs incorporate architectural antiques and reclaimed woods salvaged from around the world. We use environmentally sound practices, finishing our products using non-toxic, water-based finishes and sealants.

At La Puerta Originals, we work in collaboration with our clients, designing expressly for each project. Whether you are starting new construction, doing a remodel, or simply want to add a stunning new front entry to your home, we can work with you to produce the products of your dreams.

Please visit our website for inspiration and more information.

505.984.8164 • Santa Fe, NM lapuertaoriginals.com

Black’s Farmwood

RECLAIMED WOOD BEAMS, FLOORING & SIDING

Black’s Farmwood is a leading provider of the finest available reclaimed wide plank wood flooring, rustic paneling, weathered barn siding, antique wood beams and more. Perfect for your one-of-a-kind remodel, new construction, green building project or historic restoration. We also build custom furniture, as seen by this conference table built with beams reclaimed from a San Francisco cannery, circa 1880.

By appointment only • San Rafael, CA 415.454.8312 • blacksfarmwood.com

Marin Roto-Rooter

PLUMBING AND DRAIN SERVICE

Family owned and operated for over 57 years, Marin RotoRooter is known for our expertise and focus on customer satisfaction. Our licensed and insured plumbers deliver fast, dependable, guaranteed service 24 hours a day. Go to www. rotorooter.com for e-scheduling and a complete list of all our services. “Novato Chamber of Commerce 2013 Small Business of the Year Award“ 415.898.2700 · facebook.com/marinrotorooter

Shahin Rug Gallery

ALWAYS BEST PRICES,

Serving satisfied customers since 1995, our new San Rafael store is now 3 years old. With strong craftsman relationships, we offer beautiful custom rugs at reasonable prices. If you need a new beautiful rug or a trusted source for repair and cleaning service, call on us. The beauty of our rugs can be your timeless treasure. Free pickup and delivery. 831 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA • 1320 2nd Street, Napa, CA 415.457.7847, 707.255.0500 • shahinruggallery.com

Window Factory

WINDOW

From product selection to installation, Window Factory is dedicated to meeting your home improvement needs. Since 1995, our company has taken thousands of customers step by step through their window and door projects. Starting with a free in-home estimate and finishing with a detailed installation, we offer unsurpassed personal attention to our clients and deliver the highest quality products and services.

2100 Redwood Hwy • Greenbrae, CA 415.924.3300 • bayareawindowfactory.com

Cokas Diko Home

Cokas Diko Home Furnishings is a family owned business that began with a dream and turned into a passion. Our first store opened in 1998, in Santa Rosa.

Our Solana Beach store opened in 2000 and in 2013 we opened our newest location in Petaluma. Inspired by wine country’s relaxed, yet sophisticated design aesthetic, we have fallen in love with the idea of collecting the past and merging it with fresh and vibrant styles from the present. We take great care selecting each item, focusing on the quality, craftsmanship, and timelessness that makes each piece a personal discovery instead of just a purchase.

Please ask about our No-fee Design Service for your next commercial or residential project. Because of high demand, we offer an extensive online catalog. However, be sure to also visit our stores often to view our one-ofa-kind pieces and ever changing accessories.

21 Washington Street • Petaluma, CA 707.763.9200 • cokasdiko.com

Golden State Lumber

BUILDING MATERIALS RETAIL STORE

Since 1954, we have been providing Marin with quality building materials including lumber, plywood, windows, doors, moulding, decking, a variety of FSC Certified green products, and more. Our experienced staff can walk you through our product lines and showroom to help you find the right solution for any size home renovation project and have it delivered right to your home.

1100 Andersen Drive • San Rafael, CA 415.454.2532 • goldenstatelumber.com

WINE COUNTRY FURNITURE AND DESIGN

Destinations

THE LATEST LOCAL TRAVEL DEALS AND GETAWAYS PLUS JOURNEYS AROUND THE GLOBE

ON THE HUNT

Local farmers are learning how to cultivate truffles.

BY GRANT GRIFFITH

Bill Collins and his truffle dog Rico hunt in the Robert Sinskey Vineyard truffle orchard.

AS THE BLACK winter tru ffle harvesting season winds down this month, those of us who partake in the earthy gems have reason to celebrate. Soon — within the next two years — it seems we will have a viable local source for this famous fungus.

For this development, thanks go to the Bay Area–based American Truffle Company (ATC), whose chief scientist, Paul Thomas (also lead researcher and managing director of Mycorrhizal Systems Ltd., in London), has developed a way to cultivate the two most valuable black European varieties, Périgord (aka black diamonds) and

Burgundy, through a technique considered one of the most technologically advanced, thorough and scientific methods seen anywhere in the world.

Tru ffles are a kind of underground mushroom that grow on the roots of particular host trees — especially oaks and fi lberts. There are hundreds of species of tru ffles, but the fruiting body of some, most notably the European black Périgord tru ffles (Tuber melanosporum), harvested in the winter, and Burgundy tru ffles (Tuber aestivum/uncinatum), harvested in the summer, are highly prized by top chefs and connoisseurs around the world for their exquisit e fl avor.

The demand for these black truffles far exceeds supply, and they command remarkably high prices (the black Périgord, for example, can fetch $1,000-plus a pound). Unlike the white truffles of Italy, which have eluded cultivation efforts, European black truffles can and have been cultivated for decades — perhaps centuries. Their production has occurred almost exclusively in Europe, predominately France, followed by Spain and Italy, with small amounts originating in Slovenia, Croatia and Australia. But now ATC is cultivating black truffles in North America, where the wine growing regions of California offer particularly suitable climates and soils and experienced growers.

Opposite page: Shaving truffles over braised short rib of beef and veal sweetbreads at Nickel & Nickel. This page, clockwise from top left: Horse pasture at Nickel & Nickel; chef Carrie Nahabedian with fresh black Périgord truffles; the sheep at Robert Sinskey Vineyards “mow” the cover crops.

“Growing black truffles can be seven to 10 times more profitable than growing grapes,” says Robert Chang, partner and managing director of ATC, who bases his calculations on data per acre for chardonnay grapes and black truffles in full production. According to Chang, truffles yield a profit of roughly $30,000–$40,000 per acre, compared to about $3,600–$5,000 per acre for grapes. This impressive difference stems from the much higher revenue per acre from truffles and considerably lower labor and maintenance costs. “Furthermore,” says Chang, “truffle orchards continue to produce for 40 to 80 years, whereas grapevines often decline in productivity and must be replaced every few decades.”

These compelling economics explain why in France it is common for growers to replace low-producing vines with tru ffle-inoculated trees. And the timing couldn’t be better for

California wine growers as they seek ways to diversify their crops, which is why both Napa and Sonoma county farm bureaus have hosted several ATC tru ffle cultivation workshops. Additionally, ATC is working with Napa Flood Control to create incentives for growers to ecologically manage properties in the Napa River’s riparian zone by reforesting with tru ffle-inoculated native oaks. This practice would stabilize soils and dramatically reduce erosion and sediment runoff caused by years of agricultural activity), while providing a viable crop that complements both the wine and the food industries

ATC also produces the annual Napa Truffle Festival, showcasing the venerated black winter Périgord truffle while bringing together leading truffle cultivation experts, scientists and foragers and internationally renowned Michelin-starred chefs. The festival weekend offers a variety of activities,

including seminars on truffle cultivation and cuisine, cooking demos, winery truffle lunches (each year hosted by two different wineries), a wild mushroom forage, truffle dog training discussions and demos, a truffle orchard tour, a truffles-and-wine dinner at La Toque, and one big marketplace at Oxbow Public Market.

The truffle orchard tour takes place at Robert Sinskey Vineyards, where the area’s first truffle orchard was planted. The vineyard farms almost 200 acres of vines organically and biodynamically. Biodiversity is an important aspect of this model of farming, which entails planting hedgerows and cover crops, as well as initiating active restoration and maintenance of w ild areas. Instead of herbicide sprays, the vineyard employs sheep to “mow” the cover crops during the winter. Since the vineyard owners were planning to hold some land in reserve for the sheep, they decided to plant a “forest” where the sheep can graze while cultivating truffles below.

“It was just an extension of our ‘perfect circle’ concept of farming where everything contributes and feeds into other farm processes,’ proprietor/vintner Rob Sinskey says. “Also, it fits well with the stylistic philosophy of our wines. My wife, Maria Helm Sinskey, is a chef and cookbook author who uses ingredients from our culinary gardens, bees and animals. It’s a romantic notion that we may be able to produce our own truffles as well — and there is nothing better than pinot noir and truffles.”

Moving forward, ATC and its grower/partners have embraced a mission to bring the rare and prized fungi to the forefront of local farming, hence to the kitchens of passionate chefs and the tables of hungry diners. “No ingredient in the kitchen has mesmerized me like the tru ffle,” says chef Ken Frank of La Toque, who is also host chef for the Napa Tru ffle Festival. “Foremost, you must start with the very best fresh tru ffles in season and use them quickly.”

To learn more about tru ffle cultivation, visit americantru ffle.com. The fi fth annual Napa Tru ffle Festival takes place next year, January 17–19, napatru fflefestival.com. m

This page: Rico is a lagotto romagnolos, the official trufflehunting dog of Italy. Opposite page: Rico finds a truffle.

Truffle Hunters: Dogs vs. Pigs

The most significant advantage to truffle hunting with dogs over the once-traditional pigs is that dogs don’t eat them, as do the female pigs, who seek out the truffles for their irresistible pheromones, which are similar to those of the male pig. Also, a friendly canine makes for a great companion on the hunt and, unlike a pig, is generally eager to jump into the backseat of a car. Here in the burgeoning American truffle cultivation world, the foraging dogs are commonly German shepherds, Labradors, golden retrievers, Belgian Malinois and other hunting breeds. In Italy though, site of some of the most famed and prodigious truffle and wild mushroom growing areas, the official Italian hunting dogs are lagotto romagnolos, or “lake dog from Romagna.” These dogs hunt for “black diamonds” and are worth their weight in gold, fetching prices as high as $13,000. Canine scent detection training specifically for the domestic truffle industry is the specialty of master dog trainer Alana McGee, of Toil & Truffle and Truffle Dog Company, who presents truffle dog training sessions and demonstrations during the festival.

NEXT GENERATION CULT

NAPA Cult Napa wines like Harlan’s proprietary reds and those of Dana Estates aren’t just expensive; they’re also almost impossible to get. Try the next generation of greats with the new release of Mascot from Bill Harlan’s son Will. The grapes come from the younger vines on Harlan Estate and from Bond, another superstar label Bill Harlan created. The 2008 Harlan Proprietary Red Wine goes for about $750 and the Mascot is priced at $75. Dana Estates, which is known for achieving the rare 100-point score and for the care that goes into its wine-making (think classical music playing to soothe the wine), has bottles selling on the secondary market for $400. This month the winery is releasing the 2010 Onda. Like other wines in the Dana Estates portfolio, Onda is estatebottled, but with a retail price of $175 per bottle, it’s a bit easier to swallow. SOMER TEJWANI

from Bond, another

Wine Does a Body Good

1Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn Stay at the inn and indulge in a Chardonnay Olive Oil Sugar Polish treatment. The 60-minute experience includes an exfoliation of chardonnay grape-seed extract, sugar, lavender and olive oil and is said to stimulate the mind and body. fairmont.com/sonoma

2SenSpa The San Francisco spa is partnering with Spicy Vines Spiced Wine — a Mendocino blend of red wine, fruit, spice and brandy — for a decadent 75-minute Spicy Divine treatment, which includes a grape-seed powder body mask, walnut and orange peel scrub and a finishing bubbly spritzer. senspa.com

3

Bardessono Hotel The

Yountville hotel, which recently won Travel + Leisure magazine’s Best Hotel award, offers a 60-, 90- or 120-minute Vinotherapy Massage. The body treatment features chardonnay grape-seed oil, which is thought to have antiaging properties. bardessono.com

Sun Salutations and Sparkling Wine

Make your friends jealous with an Instagram-worthy photo op of your alfresco yoga class on the veranda of Napa’s iconic Domaine Carneros château, surrounded by vineyard vistas. The new yoga class includes vino advice, too. Don’t be surprised if while holding your tree pose you’ll get tips on picking the perfect bottle of bubbly for your next dinner party. Post-yoga you’ll be greeted with a flute of organic bubbles and a cool-down walk through the vineyards led by a wine educator, who will explain the basics of wine-making, organic farming and bud break before giving you the choice of heading back to the château for a relaxing brunch and more bubbly or receiving an extra hour of education and tasting with resident sommelier and yogi Christie Dufault. Classes require advance booking and are held on weekday mornings. For more information or to make a reservation, contact Stacey Meyer at smeyer@domainecarneros.com. S.T.

Everyone knows that wine should have a good sense of body, and now you can have one too. S.T.

inspired choices for wine country experiences

Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Estate Tour & Tasting. This new moveable feast of farm-fresh hors d’oeuvres and elegant wines traverses Jordan’s 1,200-acre estate and culminates on the winery’s highest hilltop, replete with panoramic views of three wine valleys. 707.431.5250, Healdsburg, jordanwinery.com/visit

Sonoma Country Antiques has been traveling to Europe for over three decades, hand selecting one of a kind antiques and accessories to enhance today’s interiors. Explore and be inspired by their elegantly designed showrooms. Bring the beauty and grace of classic style into your home. 707.938.8315, Sonoma, SonomaCountryAntiques.com

Redefining California Classic

Sonoma Wine Country’s iconic Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa has recently unveiled a comprehensive multi-million dollar renovation project. The stunning restoration leverages the hotel’s rich history and heritage. Rediscover The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. 707 938 9000 | fairmont.com/sonoma Call or click to book A Suite Stay Today

100 Boyes Boulevard, Sonoma, CA 95476

Sizzling Summer Wines

Local wine experts want you to enjoy the warmer temperatures in style. Here, five of them give their top picks. S.T.

1 Scott Turnbull, beverage director and sommelier at Solage Calistoga

WHAT Country Line Pinot Noir Rose, County Line, Anderson Valley, Mendocino

WHY Bright and crisp, too easy to drink, and perfect with oysters.

WHAT Heitz Grignolino, St. Helena, Napa WHY High in acid with bright cherry notes, it can also be served with a slight chill to it, refreshing in the heat of summer.

4 Susan Pey, winegrower and co-owner at Pey-Marin Vineyards

WHAT Pey-Marin Riesling, Marin County

WHY It is bone-dry, racy, crisp and delicious and the grapes are grown in West Marin . It is perfect with oysters and handmade cheeses from West Marin.

WHAT A to Z Pinot Gris, Oregon

WHY Bright, fresh, medium-bodied and a crowd pleaser — great with Dungeness crab, salads and fresh local fare.

NAPA TAKES ON BORDEAUX

Planning a trip to another famous wine region this season? Napa’s fi nest winemakers give their best tips for traveling through Bordeaux. S.T.

WHERE TO STAY Chateau de Viaud; we felt like royalty staying there. — Danielle Cyrot, winemaker at CADE

WHERE TO EAT In the village at Lynch-Bages, the Café Lavinal. — Cherie Melka, coproprietor of Melka Wines

WHAT TO DRINK On the Left Bank, Ducru Beaucaillou and Palmer; on the Right Bank, Vieux Chateau Certan and La Conseillante. — Austin Peterson, winemaker at Ovid

2 Chris Solle , owner of Solle Wines

WHAT Solle Wines “Sexy Rexy” Sauvignon Blanc, Russian River Valley

WHY A $25 gem — the previous vintage won gold in the more than $30 category of the Sonoma Coast Wine Challenge.

WHAT Lioco Chardonnay, Sonoma County

WHY This is my go-to chard every time I dine at El Paseo. Great pure fruit and neutral oak; think apples and stone fruits, nice tension, layered and elegant.

5

Richard Leland , owner at Vintage Wine & Spirits

WHAT 2012 Arbe Garbe White Win e

WHY This is a delightful blend of malvasia bianca an d pinot grigio with a just a dollop of gewürztraminer, whic h a dds a spicy note and makes it the perfect summer white.

WHAT 2011 Bouzero n   WHY From the owners of the Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, a crisp, dry and minerally white wine made from the “other” white grape of the Burgundy region: Aligote.

3 Scot Wagner, owner of Stash Wines in Sausalito

WHAT Blue Plate, Chenin Blanc, California 2012

WHY Incredibly refreshing and dry, this wine gives off mouthwatering aromas of passion fruit and cantaloupe. With low alcohol (12 percent), this is the perfect wine to sip all afternoon.

WHAT Mark Herold Wines, Acha white wine, California 2013

WHY This killer wine is 100 percent albariño. It’s not trying to trick you into thinking it’s anything else but lean, dry and delicious.

PARTY WHITE

A portion of the event proceeds benefit Conscious Kitchen, a local nonprofit transforming the school food system at MLK Jr. Academy in Marin City. Tickets may be purchased for $75/person at www.cavallopoint.com/events

WESTERN INDIAN HIMALAYAS

Hundreds of pilgrims (and one curious soul) in the land of the devatas. STORY AND PHOTOS BY SUZANNE KLOTZ

Shrine to a female nature spirit, a yogini, at Lambhari Top (11,800 feet) in the Seraj region. Right, top to bottom: Shringi Rishi’s pilgrimage to Sakiran Peak; a view of the Panchchuli massif, Darma Valley; metal face image (mohra) of Shringi Rishi.

IT WAS LATE June in Bagi village and I was grateful for the clear, windless sky. The summer monsoons that pound the western Indian Himalayas, turning its trails into treacherous trenches of mud and debris, had not yet arrived. Because the footpaths were dry, the pilgrimage I traveled so far to see would go forward. Shringi Rishi, the most venerated god in the region, could now return to his sacred seat on Sakiran Peak where he first miraculously appeared as a stone. This event occurs every June, weather permitting, and draws hundreds of villagers, spanning the generations, who walk with their god to the 11,500-foot peak.

My host Karan and I waited outside Shringi Rishi’s temple with villagers spilling down from their mountainside homes. They were buoyant when their god emerged at last — his serene golden face floating, bodiless, in a mantle

of silk and mountain roses. An elderly priest carried the god through the parting crowd as long-necked horns and beating drums heralded that the procession had fi nally begun.

By nightfall, in a single long day, we would trek more than 5,000 feet up the mountainside to Sakiran Peak.

Sakiran Peak is located in the Seraj, an obscure region in the northwestern state of Himachal Pradesh. It’s a stone’s throw from the Great Himalayan National Park, 468 square miles of pristine wilderness rich i n flora and fauna. The Seraj’s sublime natural beauty, especially the unsullied waters of the Tirthan River where the wild brown trout still spawn, is a testament to the villagers’ David-and-Goliath struggle to keep the river free of hydroelectric projects.

Sakiran Peak is worlds away from San Francisco, where I live, and the dirt trails of Marin County, where I’ve primed

my legs for 18 Himalayan expeditions. When I’m not practicing law, I investigate and document the religious traditions of the western Indian Himalayas. Unlike many Westerners who journey to the East, I’m not seeking a higher spiritual truth. My impetus is a keen desire to understand a culture that boggles my mind with its beauty and ferocity.

IRONICALLY, I WAS INDIFFERENT TO THE RELIGION WHEN I FIRST VISITED THE HIMALAYAS. I hurried through the villages to get to the untracked wilderness and high mountain passes that left civilization far behind. Gradually, my interest shifted from crossing mountain passes to exploring the secluded valleys into which they spilled. I grew intrigued by the religion practiced in these valleys, which is unconcerned with the metaphysical pursuits that most Westerners associate with Eastern religion. The mountain religion struggles to subdue the unforgiving forces of nature — the flash floods that wash entire villages away, droughts that cripple the local agricultural economy and diseases that a fflict loved ones. Such dangerous forces call for forceful gods, and the mountain gods are fierce and commanding and often exact blood sacrifice in return for their blessings. These domineering gods, the devatas, upended my understanding of Hinduism as a creed of spiritual salvation and devotional love of benevolent gods. They set me on an engrossing trajectory of research and study that landed me, 20 years later, on Sakiran Peak.

There are at least 300 devatas in the vicinity of the Seraj and thousands in Himachal Pradesh. They have a bewildering array of identities and make this Himalayan strain of Hinduism polytheistic to the max. Some devatas, like Shringi Rishi, are known by the names of mythical Hindu sages. Others are addressed as nag, a title that signi fies that they’re snake gods, and reveals the devatas’ deep animist roots. People believe that the devatas are alive and present and vest them with authority that extends far beyond religious life. Each devata is regarded as the chief of a speci fic geographic place, a vestige of pre-independence India, where the devatas were seen as landholders and the villagers as tenant farmers who tilled the land. The devatas weigh in on community a ffairs through a human medium, a gur, and their positions hold so much weight that locally elected governing officials must heed them.

Not all devatas are equal in in fluence and prestige. Nearly every cluster of villages has its own devata, but the real power players, including Shringi Rishi, exercise authority over the territories of lesser gods. These paramount gods battle for supremacy through rivaling factions of villagers, who claim to be carrying out the devatas’ inviolable commands as spoken by the gurs. Yet even the mainstream Indian media portrays these hostilities as deities at war, not con fl icts instigated by men. On October 15, 2013, The Times of India reported that Shringi Rishi and his rival, Balu

Nag, “have locked horns for the last many years,” and local authorities “put them under house arrest in their tents” at a festival to prevent simmering tensions from erupting.

BUT THIS INTERNECINE STRIFE WAS A DISTANT THOUGHT ON THE TREK TO SAKIRAN PEAK. Children scampered uphill, while adults adopted a steady rhythm of breath-tostep that kept pace with the god’s. Men plucked wild flowers from high mountain pastures and tucked them into the handwoven borders of thei r flat-topped Kullu caps. The procession swelled as villagers from mountainside hamlets kept pouring in. It was a sea of locals streaming up the mountainside, with the exception of my blonde Western head.

Shringi Rishi led the way and was represented by a small metal image of a face, a mohra. These faces, although less than 12 inches high, have immeasurable religious signi ficance. They not only symbolize the devatas but are also su ff used with the devatas’ divine essence. Normally stored in temples under lock and key to safeguard them from theft, the mohras are brought out and elaborately adorned when the devatas take to the road. Shringi Rishi’s mohra, burnished to a high sheen, was dressed in a long red cloak that made him nearly lifesize. He glided uphill in his priest’s embrace like a Japanese Bunraku puppet moves in the arms of its silent puppeteers.

Outside the hamlet of Chaini, the trail narrowed as we passed throug h fields of young green wheat. The long ribbon of people walked single fi le to avoid trampling the precious

Opposite page: Hundreds of villagers make the final ascent to Sakiran Peak. This page: A priest carries Shringi Rishi’s mohra on the uphill trek to Sakiran Peak.

This page, top to bottom: Musicians herald the god’s arrival; Shringi Rishi’s oracle (gur) hands out mustard seeds that forecast the future; gur in a trance in Chaini village. Opposite page: Example of traditional tower architecture, Sainj Valley.

cultivated ground. The Great Tower of Chaini loomed in the foreground, recalling a time past when warring tribes inhabited these valleys. Originally a defensive castle, the tower was built nearly 400 years ago and stands an astonishing 147 feet high (roughly 13 stories). It’s the tallest free-standing structure in the entire Western Himalayas that’s built in the traditional style.

Just before nightfall, the procession reached the Sakiran Dhar Ridge and made a fi nal push for the crest. Shringi Rishi’s mountain temple fi nally came into view. This modest wooden structure seemed to humble itself before the grand Himalayan ranges. Without warning, a bare-chested gur went into a violent trance, dashed around the peak to ward off vil spirits and flogged himself with metal chains. The villagers looked on calmly as if to say “all in a day’s work” for a gur, then retired to temporary encampments where they spent the chilly night.

THE PEAK WAS HUMMING WITH ACTIVITY WHEN WE WOKE UP THE NEXT MORNING TO CLEAR SKIES. One after another, villagers offered small vessels of milk and clari fied butter at Shringi Rishi’s temple. These symbols of regeneration are offered to the god because he follows the more orthodox Hindu precept of nonviolence toward animals. But ritual animal sacri fice ( bali ), a common form of worship in the Seraj, was being performed at a stone shrine only several yards away. The shrine is dedicated to a yogini, a wild nature goddess with dangerous cosmic energy and a healthy appetite for blood. Her power is so threatening that even the supremely powerful Shringi Rishi pays homage to her and asks for her protection. Villagers rarely mention the yogini, for fear of inciting her wrath, and they normally steer clear of her mountaintop shrine. But once a year, when they follow Shringi Rishi to Sakiran Peak, they offer a goat for sacri fice to win the yogini’s goodwill.

Just clear of the crimson-colored ground, a crowd gathered around Shringi Rishi’s gur. The gur was seated cross-legged and his long tresses, which he’s forbidden to cut and normally hides from view, flowed down his chest as a sign that the devata was present. The gur was using his god-given powers to divine the future. Just as die are cast and tea leaves are read in other cultures, black mustard seeds are counted in the Seraj. Gurs hand out the seeds

in seemingly random pinches and one’s future is foretold by the number of seeds one receives. Goaded on by the crowd, I suspended my disbelief in predestination and accepted some seeds from Shringi Rishi’s gur. My number was disappointing, and I was motioned to take a second try (inauspicious again), and a third (auspicious at last). I suspected that my repeated tries were breaking with tradition but I figured that in India, where “the guest is God,” dooming me to an ill-fated future would have been the greater sin.

The crowd suddenly shifted to Shringi Rishi’s temple. All eyes were on its gabled roof where two goats, facing opposite directions, were straddled. A hush fell over the crowd as the goats were swiftly beheaded. Their blood was left to purify the temple until Shringi Rishi returned again. Even the vegetarian Shringi Rishi hasn’t forsworn this age-old practice, one of many things in the Seraj that can’t be explained.

The peak emptied out quickly after this climactic event. In a sprawling pasture below the peak, slaughtered goats were being divvied up and nothing edible was left to waste. I reached into my pocket for the lucky mustard seeds, let them slip through my fi ngers and drop to the sacred ground, and started the long walk down. m

If You Go

HOW TO GET THERE Domestic airlines fly daily from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi to Bhuntar Airport in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, and flying time is about one-and-a-half hours. Taxi service to the town of Goshaini in the Tirthan River Valley takes about two-and-a-half hours. Flights to Bhuntar can be canceled on short notice because of bad weather. Delhi-based Nexxtop India Tours, info@nexxtopindia.com, can make your flight reservations and will help you rebook in the event of a cancellation. Luxury Volvo buses (1,300 Indian Rs.) are more reliable and economical. They depart daily from Delhi around 6 p.m. and arrive at the town of Aut around 6 a.m. the next day. You can book seats at hptdc.nic.in or makemytrip.com. Swagatam Holidays, Himachal Pradesh Tourism (HPTDC) and Harison Travels are recommended bus operators. The websites do not list Aut as a destination. Book your reservation to Manali, several hours past Aut, and, before you board the bus, inform the bus driver that you want to get off at Aut. Drivers are usually cooperative and will drop you off at Aut. A taxi from Aut to Goshaini takes about one hour.

WHERE TO STAY Raju’s Cottage, Goshaini, goshaini@yahoo.com or +91 9459833124, +91 9625211848. This rustically lovely, sevenroom lodge on the Tirthan River is owned and operated by Raju Bharti, who spearheaded the movement to save the river from being dammed. The tariff per person, per night is 1,250 to 1,600 Rs. and includes all meals and nonalcoholic beverages, including juices from locally grown apples and plums. The meals (vegetarian and nonvegetarian) are prepared by Raju’s wife, who is a legendary cook. The lodge can organize treks in the surrounding areas, including the Great Himalayan National Park and Sakiran Peak, mountain biking trips, and angling in the Tirthan River. The lodge can assist you in arranging taxi service from Bhuntar Airport or Aut.

TREK ON For exploring other parts of the western Indian Himalayas, I recommend Himalayan River Runners, info@himalayan riverrunners.com. This adventure travel company is owned and operated by the celebrated Indian mountaineer Yousuf Zaheer, who has provided me with invaluable assistance in organizing my expeditions.

Pasha III

PHOTOGRAPH BY RICHARD WHEELER

Out & About

CALENDAR / ON THE SCENE / DINE

PETER

Deborah Voigt

MUSEUMS

de Young Modern Nature Works by Georgia O’Keeffe and Lae George, through May 11 (SF). 415.750.3600, deyoung.famsf.org

THEATER

THRU APR 6 Mamma Mia! Don’t miss a chance to check out this upbeat musical about a young girl’s mission to discover her father’s identity in time for her wedding, much to her mother's dismay.

Orpheum Theatre (SF). 888.746.1799, shnsf.com

THRU APR 13 Arms and the Man The Ross Valley Players present George Bernard Shaw’s acclaimed romantic comedy about a young Bulgarian woman who awaits the return of her fiancé from the

Calendar

Serbo-Bulgarian War in 1885. The Barn Theatre (Ross). 415.456.9555, rossvalleyplayers.com

APR 10–MAY 4 Fences Marin Theatre Company and Lorraine Hansberry Theatre present August Wilson’s Fences, winner of the 1987 Pulitzer Prize

and 1987 and 2010 Tony Awards. The play tells the story of Troy Maxson’s struggles with prejudice as the former Negro League home run king comes to terms with his baseball dreams. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5208, marintheatre.org

APR 18–27 Giovanni

Is Here A triumphant story of rescue and resistance, centered on a Catholic family who conceal a young Jewish woman when Italy becomes a German-occupied country in 1943. Part of the RAW (Ross Alternative Works) 2014 Spring Festival. The Barn Theatre (Ross). 415.456.9555, ross valleyplayers.com

APR 25–MAY 25 Communiqué n° 10 Cutting Ball Theater presents the American premiere of the French show about the tensions in an underground city, inspired by the 2005 Paris riots led by North African youths. Cutting Ball Theater (SF). 415.292.4700, cuttingball.com

APR 30–MAY 18 Du Barry Was a Lady Emmy Award–winning actor and comedian Bruce Vilanch stars in 42nd Street Moon’s production of Cole Porter’s Du Barry Was a Lady. The 1939 play tells the story of a washroom attendant who wins a sweepstakes and tries to buy happiness. Eureka Theatre (SF).

415.255.8207, 42ndstmoon.org

DANCE

APR 10–13 Hope Mohr

Dance Hope Mohr Dance's seventh home season features three premieres. This year the company explores a program dedicated to experimentation in choreographic form by its namesake founder. ODC Theater (SF). 415.863.9834, odcdance.org

COMEDY

TUESDAYS Mark Pitta and Friends The comic hosts an evening for up-and-comers and established headliners to work on new material. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmorton theatre.com

MUSIC

TUESDAYS Swing Fever

The band pays tribute to jazz artists and composers with selections from its roster of more than 1,000 tunes, every fi rst and third Tuesday. Panama Hotel (San Rafael). 415.457.3993, panamahotel.com

THEATER / COMEDY / MUSIC / GALLERIES / MUSEUMS / EVENTS / FILM EDITED BY CALIN VAN PARIS

Chestnut Grey

APR 5 Emmylou Harris

Country rock and folk singer Emmylou Harris comes to San Francisco on her Wrecking Ball tour, alongside Daniel Lanois, Steven Nistor and Jim Wilson. The War field (SF). 415.345.0900, the war fieldtheatre.com

APR 5 Jeffrey Halford and the Healers San Francisco singer/songwriter/guitarist Jeff rey Halford performs his brand of roots rock and blues. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.3850, sweetwatermusic hall.com

APR 6 Sacred and Secular Marin Symphony and maestro Alasdair Neale perform Bernstein's Chichester Psalms and Carl Or ff 's Carmina Burana at the fourth 2013/14 Masterworks Concert. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.473.6400, marincounty.org

APR 10 College of Marin Jazz Ensemble

The ensemble, under the direction of Cayce Carnahan, performs the second Thursday of each month at the Seahorse in Sausalito. Enjoy great music, food and atmosphere. Seahorse (Sausalito). 415.331.2899, sausalito seahorse.com

APR 10 POPera! In celebration of the Opera Guild’s 75th anniversary, POPera! features an evening of cabaret from performers like Deborah Voigt, Laura Benanti, Jonathan Groff nd Romanza. The Fairmont (SF). 415.861.4008, sfopera.com

APR 11 Trombone Shorty and Orleans Avenue Troy “Trombone Shorty” Andrews performs with his longtime band to celebrate his third release from Verve Records, Say That to Say This, coming in September.

The Corner Laughers at Bay Area Discovery Museum, Sausalito

• APR 28 The Wanted The pop band celebrates the prerelease of its new album Word of Mouth, slated for November, with performances of its popular radio hits and new songs. The Warfield (SF). 415.345.0900, thewarfield theatre.com

The War field (SF). 415.345.0900, the war fieldtheatre.com

APR 12 Khatia Buniatishvili Acclaimed pianist Khatia Buniatishvili performs in her San Francisco recital debut. Marines’ Memorial Theatre (SF). 415.392.4400, chambermusicsf.org

APR 13 Arlo Guthrie

The son of legendary folksinger Woody Guthrie mixes his unique songs with storytelling, satire and wit. As this year would have been Woody’s 100th birthday, the show will also celebrate Arlo’s father’s contribution to American folk music. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.473.6400, marincounty.org

APR 19 The Corner Laughers

The band puts on a show with its dance-perfect pop music that celebrates the beauty

of the San Francisco Bay Area. Discovery Museum (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, baykidsmuseum.org

APR 26 The Lady Crooners Siblings and songwriters Nadia and Joseph Krilanovich formed The Lady Crooners from a shared desire to create music and tell stories. The band is joined by Melissa Phillips and James DePrato, as well as the Heartache Sisters, for an evening of good tunes in collaboration with Oaktown Indie Mayhem. Awaken Cafe (Oakland). 510.863.1440, awakencafe.com

GALLERIES

MARIN Art Abloom Studio and Gallery Classes for artists. 751 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.256.1112, artabloom.com

Art Works Downtown Works by Mike Shine, through April 18. 1337 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.451.8119, artworks downtown.org

Bubble Street Featuring genres of fantastic art, imaginary realism, neo-Victorian and steampunk. 565 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.339.0506

Falkirk Cultural Center Annual spring juried exhibit, through May 24. 1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael. 415.485.3328, falkirkcultural center.org

Fine Art Etc. Featuring a collection of sculptures and paintings by artists from Northern California and around the world. 686 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.332.1107, finearttc.com

Gallery Bergelli Group exhibition, through April. 483 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.945.9454, bergelli.com

Gallery Route One The Vickisa Experience A collection of mixed media paintings and drawings, through May 4. 11101 Hwy One, Point Reyes. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org

Marin Society of Artists Traditional to Cutting Edge A juried craft and sculpture exhibition, through April 26. 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 415.454.9561, marinsocietyof artists.org

Marine Mammal Center The Ghost Below Inspired by one unsuspecting whale’s deadly diet, this exhibition by Judith and Richard Lang explores the harmful effects of marine debri, through June. 2000 Bunker Road, Sausalito. 415.289.7325, marine mammalcenter.org

Mine Gallery Ongoing work. 1820 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax. 415.755.4472, gallerymine.com

O’Hanlon Center for the Arts Watercolor: Outside the Lines A juried exhibition, through April 24. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org

Petri’s Fine Arts Featuring contemporary works in various mediums. 690 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.332.2626, petrisfineart.com

Robert Allen Fine Art San Francisco’s Cityscapes and Landscapes A group exhibition of works on canvas, through May 30. 301 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.2800, robertallenfineart.co

Robert Beck Gallery

Early California and contemporary plein air paintings. 222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.456.7898, beckgallery.org

Robert Green Fine Arts Abstract expressionist paintings by Sam Francis, John Grillo, Paul Jenkins, Jim Bird and more. 154 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.8776, rgfineart.com

Roberta English Works by Cheung Lee, Mayumi Oda, Li Huayi, Ju Ming and Toko Shinoda. 1615 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.331.2975, robertaenglish.com

Rock Hill Gallery

California Colors A watercolor exhibit from the Marin County Watercolor Society, through April 24. 145 Rock Hill Drive, Tiburon. 415.435.9108, ccctiburon.net

Room Art Gallery

Works by both Bay Area artists and major masters; housing the largest

collection of Picasso, Chagall and others in Marin County. 86 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.380.7940, roomartgallery.com

Seager Gray Gallery New paintings by Claudia Marseille, through April. 23 Sunnyside Ave, Mill Valley. 415.384.8288, seagergray.com

Studio 333 Ongoing exhibition featuring more than 40 Bay Area artists’ work in diffeent mediums. 333A Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.8272, studio333.info

Studio 4 Art Work by local artists, classes and workshops with materials included. 1133 Grant Ave, Novato. 415.596.5546, studio4art.net

SAN FRANCISCO

ArtHaus An intimate presentation of diverse works in various styles and mediums by New York and Bay Area artists. 411 Brannan St, 415.977.0223, arthaus-sf.com

Caldwell Snyder

Paintings and sculptures by local artists. 341 Sutter St, 415.392.2299, caldwellsnyder.com

Electric Works Works by David Schubert. 1360 Mission St, 415.626.5496, sfelectricworks.com

Gallery Wendi Norris Leonora Carrington: The Celtic Surrealist, through May 31. 161 Jessie St, 415.346.7812, gallerywendinorris.com

George Krevsky Gallery

Reflections of American Life, through April 19. 77 Geary St, 415.397.9728, georgekrevsky gallery.com

Hackett-Mill A selection of marble works by Manuel Neri, through May 9. 201 Post St, 415.362.3377, hackettmill.com

John Berggruen Gallery Works in various mediums. 228 Grant Ave, 415.781.4629, berggruen.com

MUSEUMS

MARIN

Bay Area Discovery Museum Super Kids Save the World Centering around “green” materials and practices, this

exhibit teaches kids to be super starting with the four Rs: recycle, reduce, reuse and repair (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, baykidsmuseum.org

Marin History Museum An Afternoon in a Victorian Parlor A display of an old-fashioned sitting room in the historic Boyd Gate House (San Rafael). 415.454.8538, marinhistory.org

Marin Museum of the American Indian Explore Native American history, languages, art and traditions (Novato). 415.897.4064, marinindian.com

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art Emerging Artists of the Bay Area Works by new local artists, through April 13 (Novato). 415.506.0137, marinmoca.org

BAY AREA

Asian Art Museum Yoga: The Art of Transformation An exhibit looking at the philosophical underpinnings of yoga over its long history, through May 25 (SF). 415.581.3711, asianart.org

California Academy of Sciences Nightlife Enjoy music, creatures and cocktails for adults only and explore the exhibits and aquarium displays every Thursday night (SF). 415.379.8000, calacademy.org

Conservatory of Flowers Chomp! They Came From the Swamp A collection of carnivorous plants, April 11–October 19 (SF). 415.831.2090, conser vatoryofflowers.org

Contemporary Jewish Museum Designing Home: Jews and Midcentury Modernism, April 24–October 6 (SF). 415.655.7800, thecjm.org

Exploratorium Ongoing interactive exhibits exploring science, art and human perception (SF). 415.397.5673, exploratorium.edu

Legion of Honor Intimate Impressionism from the National Gallery of Art Nearly 70 paintings by 19thcentury avant-garde

artists, through August 3 (SF). 415.750.3600, legionofhonor.org

Museum of Craft and Design Elevated Corrugated A group exhibition featuring ten artists working exclusively with cardboard, April 5–June 22 (SF). 415.773.0303, sfmcd.org

Oakland Museum of California The Smallest of Worlds A selection of intricate dioramas portraying everyday Mexican street scenes from the collection of celebrated San Francisco artist Rex May, through July 6 (Oakland). 510.318.8400, museumca.org

San Francisco Botanical Garden Trees Love Light New exhibition by photographer Stephen Kane celebrating trees in all stages of life, through April (SF). 415.661.1316, sfb otanicalgarden.org

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Discovered: Exceptional Artists of Sonoma County Meet four local artists with lots of talent and possibility, through April 27 (Sonoma). svma.org

The Walt Disney Family Museum Magic, Color, Flair Works by Mary Blair, through September 7 (SF). 415.345.6800, waltdisney.org

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Control

Jacqueline Kiyomi Gordon investigates cybernetic systems of control within sound and architectural designs in the 20th and 21st centuries, through May 25 (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org

EVENTS

APR 3 San Francisco

Ballet Auxiliary Fashion Show Neiman Marcus presents a cocktail reception, runway show, luncheon, ra ffle and live auction in support of the S.F. Ballet. The fashion show will feature spring 2014 designer collections selected by Neiman Marcus fashion

director Ken Downing. The Fairmont (SF). 415.861.5600, sfballet.org

APR 5 For the Love of Cheese Join the Marin Agricultural Land Trust at Toluma Farms and enjoy a tasting of local cheeses paired with locally sourced beverages. Hear tips and stories from the artisans who have built their careers on cheese. Toluma Farms (Tomales). 415.663.1099, malt.org

APR 10 Dangerous Beauty San Francisco’s Conservatory of Flowers hosts an evening of music dancing, cocktails and a preview of the new exhibit, Chomp! They Came From the Swamp, featuring carnivorous

plants. Conservatory of Flowers (SF). 415.831.2093, cofgala.org

APR 12 Mount Tam Wild Boar Half Marathon and 10K Get active at the 27th annual trail run, beginning at Stinson Beach and winding up along the Dipsea Trail to Steep Ravine. Stinson Beach (Stinson). 415.868.1829, envirosports.com

APR 13 Spring Antique Show Check out Marin’s 30th annual antique show featuring collectibles, vintage clothing and antique jewelry from more than 70 dealers. Marin Center Exhibit Hall (San Rafael). 415.383.2252,

APR 13 French Market

This monthly Marin outdoor antique market showcases home decor, vintage clothes and jewelry with crepes and music. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium parking lot (San Rafael). 415.383.2252, golden gateshows.com

APR 19 Marin County Half Marathon 5K and 10K The Marin County Half Marathon is a race for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. Four-time Olympic medalist Heather Petri, as well as several other Olympians and professional athletes, will make appearances. McNears Beach Park (San Rafael). sustain ablesports.org

APR 20 Union Street Easter Parade and Spring Celebration Set in San Francisco’s Cow Hollow, this fun-fi lled day is packed with free events, children’s activities, live entertainment, food and the popular Easter bonnet contest. Union Street (SF). sresproductions.com

APR 26 Mad Hatters Spring Tea Party Make a date for tea with Alice, the March Hare, Dormouse and the Mad Hatter for an unorthodox tea complete with tea sandwiches, hot chocolate and desserts. Enjoy the characters in original costumes presented by the Stark Ravens Historical Players, as they entertain in an elegant Victorian setting.

Falkirk Cultural Center (San Rafael). 415.485.3328, falkirkculturalcenter.org

APR 26 My Earth Day

Marin Marin County Parks and the My Earth Day Marin Coalition will host a wide variety of service projects and activities throughout Marin County in honor of Earth Day. Help give back to Mother Earth by signing up for a volunteer project, or promote a service project of your own. Various locations (Marin). myearth daymarin.org

APR 26 Passport to a Child’s Future Marin Advocates for Children presents its annual dinner and auction in support of children who have been the victims of abuse or

neglect. Peacock Gap Golf Club (San Rafael). 415.507.9016, marinadvocates.org

APR 26 Marin Open Studios Preview Gala

The 21st Marin Open Studios kicks off ith a preview gala. Enjoy wine and small bites, pick up an artist guide

and plan your custom open studios tour for the fi rst two weekends of May. Bon Air Center (Greenbrae). 415.343.5667, marin openstudios.com

APR 26 For the Love of Animals Join the Marin Humane Society for its eighth annual

• APR 4 Jane Goodall The British primatologist and founder of the Jane Goodall Institute discusses her new book Seeds of Hope: Wisdom and Wonder from the World of Plants. All tickets include a signed copy of the book. Dominican University (San Rafael). 415.927. dominican.edu

gala, which includes cocktails, silent and live auctions, a vegetarian meal and visits from some furry friends. Community Center (Mill Valley). 415.383.1370, cityofmillvalley.org

APR 27 Pacific Coast Dream Machines This unique show features driving , flying and working machines from the 20th and 21st centuries. Check out some of the world’s coolest cars, engines and historic military aircraft. Half Moon Bay

Airport (Half Moon Bay). miramar events.com

APR 27 Rock ’n’ Roll Gala for Autism Anova, a local nonprofit school for kids with autism, culminates its Autism Awareness Month efforts with a fundraiser for the CARE campaign. Help raise money for a brand new autism school and treatment center while checking out some rare cars, enjoying dinner and wine and dancing to tunes by Wonderbread 5. Location available upon purchase of ticket (Marin). anova education.org

FILM

APR 24–27 Reel Recovery Film Festival

San Rafael–based Alcohol Justice presents a four-day festival featuring short and feature-length , fictional and factual alcohol- and drug-themed fi lms that focus on disease as well as hope. Delancey Street Theater (SF). 415.548.0492, reel recovery fi lm festival.com.

NATURE WALKS & TALKS

ONGOING Foodie Adventures Experience the Mission District, North Beach or Chinatown on a culinary walking tour.

• APR 24–MAY

26 San Francisco Decorator Showcase

A group of the top interior and landscape design firms in San Francisco converge on a 9,000-squarefoot mansion between Maple and Spruce streets to create 30 interior and exterior design spaces. 3660 Jackson Street (SF). decoratorshowcase.org

Various locations (SF). 888.498.2008, foodie adventures.com

ONGOING Mark Twain Walking Tour of Napa and Sonoma Local actor George Webber morphs into Mark Twain as he brings alive the pasts of the historic towns. 707.694.5097, georgewebber.com

ONGOING Sausalito Walking Tours Take a one-hour walk through Old Town and learn about its history. Vina del Mar Plaza (Sausalito). 415.331.3791, travels withteri.com

ONGOING The San Francisco Gourmet Chocolate Tour A threehour walking tour from the San Francisco waterfront to Union

Square with seven stops and generous tastings at each. Justin Herman Plaza (SF). gourmetwalks.com

APR 7 Cooking in the Copita Style with Joanne Weir Join local chef Joanne Weir (owner and chef of Sausalito’s Copita) as she cooks up a bevy of simple, seasonal and local food on her fourth appearance with Fresh Start Chef Events. The Key Room (Novato). cookingschoolsof america.com

APR 9 From Pigs to Salumi As part of One Book One Marin (this year’s featured book is Farm City by Novella Carpenter), Guido Frosini of True Grass Farms discusses how urban farmers can raise

and prepare meat in a manner that fosters bioregiona l fl avor. Public Library (Novato). onebookonemarin.org

APR 10 Low-Tech Food Preservation A One Book One Marin event, this lecture will present principles of preservation that rely on drying, salting, vinegar, sugars and alcohol. Public Library (Corte Madera). onebookonemarin.org

APR 12 Home Brewing Come learn the tips and tricks for making your own home brew with master brewer Gilbert Guerrero. A One Book One Marin event. Public Library (Stinson). onebook onemarin.org

APR 16 The Art and Practice of Seed Saving Astrid and Matthew Hoff man, owners of the Marin-based Living Seed Company, will give a slide presentation on the values, history and current practice of saving seeds. A One Book One Marin event. Marin Civic Center (San Rafael). 415.473.6119, onebookonemarin.org

APR 21 Alicia Silverstone San Francisco native and celebrity Alicia Silverstone discusses her new book The Kind Mama, which provides her take on fertility, pregnancy and birth, with Janette Crawford, founder of Sun and Dotter Maternity. JCCSF (SF). 415.292.1200, jccsf.org

APR 21 John Hodgman in Conversation with Adam Savage TV personality/author/ humorist John Hodgman joins special effects designer and actor Adam Savage in discussion. The Nourse Theater (SF). 415.563.2463, cityarts.net

APR 27 Birding by the Bay Point Reyes Birding and Nature Festival joins WildCare to explore the oak woodlands at the edge of San Pablo Bay. Keep an eye out for a wide variety of birds, as well as butter fl ies, wild flowers and other spring life. Trailhead at Bahia Drive (Novato). 415.456.7283, wildcarebayarea.org

APR 27 Dave Mitchell With commentary by Dave Mitchell, The Light On the Coast: 65 Years of News Big and Small as Reported in the Point Reyes Light encapsulates a weekly newspaper’s fi rst 65 years of unpredictable reporting from the small towns along the Marin County coast. Book Passage (Corte Madera). 415.927.0960, bookpassage.org

APR 29 Get Started Raising Backyard Chickens Leslie Citroen, owner of Mill Valley Chickens, covers everything you need to know: the best chickens for a backyard flock, disease control, feeding requirements, raising baby chicks, coop recommendations, zoning requirements

and more. Marin Civic Center (San Rafael). 415.473.6119, onebookonemarin.org

APR 29 Il Fornaio Wine Dinner with Seghesio Family Vineyards Head to Il Fornaio for a meal featuring special guest Peter Seghesio, who will talk you through select wine and share the Seghesio family philosophy and history behind it. Il Fornaio (Corte Madera). 415.945.4215, ilfornaio.com

APR 29 Sonja Lyubomivsky Sonja Lyubomivsky, a professor of psychology at the University of California, Riverside, will discuss concepts from two of her books, The How of Happiness and The Myth of

Happiness, at this Speak to Me lecture series event. Mill Valley Community Center (Mill Valley). 415.927.0960, bookpassage.org

APR 30 Novella

Carpenter in Conversation with Michael Kransy

Author Novella Carpenter joins Michael Kransy, host of KQED’s Forum, to talk about her One Book One Marin–featured Farm City: The Education of an Urban Farmer, which reflects on her experience creating a garden in downtown Oakland. Dominican University (San Rafael). 415.927.0960, dominican.edu

Dine

• FAST FOOD FRANCAIS French F3 serves brunch, lunch and dinner, all featuring “Frenchified” American comfort food. Sample a rotating menu including items like the Luxe burger (Diestel turkey, brie, lettuce and a fried egg topped with truffle aioli). Enjoy with a side of Brussels sprout chips or pomme dauphines (tater tots). 39 Caledonia St, 415.887.9047, eatf3.com

CORTE MADERA

BENISSIMO Italian “Benissimo” means “really, really good” in Italian. Aside from the daily 4 to 6:30 p.m. happy hour, when drinks are $3 to $5 and small plates $5 to $7, the menu offers a large selection of pizza, pasta and large plates, like grilled pork loin and pollo alla marsala. 18 Tamalpais Dr, 415.927.2316, benissimos.com

BLUE BARN GOURMET American The first Marin outpost of the S.F.–based Sustainable Restaurant Group, Blue Barn Gourmet has proven to be very popular. The menu consists of customizable salads, toasted sandwiches, soups and more, prepared with locally harvested produce and proteins. 335 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.1104, bluebarngourmet.com

BOCA PIZZERIA Italian Owners Shah Bahreyni and Sam Ramadan’s 142-seat eatery features Neapolitan-style pizza topped with imported San Marzano tomatoes and fresh, house-made mozzarella. Other menu items (all made with local ingredients) include roasted leg of

lamb salad, beet salad, a grilled eggplant sandwich and portobello and porcini mushroom ravioli. 1544 Redwood Hwy, 415.924.3021, bocapizzeria.com

BRICK & BOTTLE California From private parties to catered events, chef Bob Simontacchi’s menu offers seasonal selections made with local ingredients. Enjoy signature dishes like orzo mac ‘n’ cheese with smoked Gouda and local favorites like sa ff ron fettucine and tomato braised short ribs. The restaurant also hosts one of the best happy hours in town. 55 Tamal Vista Blvd, 415.924.3366, brickandbottle.com

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN California/ Eclectic An easy place to bring the kids — Mom and Dad can enjoy a tasty Thai crunch salad and a glass of wine while the little ones feast on basic, child-size portions of pasta and pizza. 347 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.945.0401, cpk.com

IL FORNAIO Italian Sausalito’s Larry Mindel hit a home run with this upscale Italian restaurant franchise. Aside from the awardwinning breads, pizzas

Parsnip Soup

AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS AND GOOD FOOD IN THE BAY AREA EDITED BY MIMI TOWLE

and pastas, the menu offers a variety of salads and carb-free entrées. 223 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.4400, ilfornaio.com

LA

MAISON DE LA

REINE Vietnamese

Enjoy family-style Vietnamese dishes at this lovely restaurant, located in the Town Center. The crunchy cabbage chicken salad with peanuts, fresh spring rolls and combinations of pho are popular picks. 346

Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.0288

MARIN JOE’S Italian

This Marin mainstay has been around for over 50 years. Choose from a menu of soups, salads, seafood, mesquite-grilled or sautéed meats and a plethora of pasta options guaranteed to satisfy. For a fun addition to your dining experience, order the Caesar salad — the server will prepare the dressing at your table. Not looking for a meal? Enjoy a drink and hear local musicians at the well-known piano bar. 1585 Casa Buena Dr, 415.924.2081, marinjoesrestaurant.com

PACIFIC CATCH

Pan-Asian The wellpriced menu features a bounty of freshly caught items and Paci fic Rim–inspired small or main plates, including generously portioned wasabi bowls fi lled with white or brown rice, veggies and your choice of chicken, beef or fi sh (cooked or raw). Paci fic Catch is successfully modeled after the Paia Fish House on Maui, down to the chalkboard menu and Hawaiian music. 133 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.3474, pacificcatch.co

P.F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO Chinese The combination of attentive staff, lively atmosphere and consistently delicious meals make for a reliably pleasant dining experience. Favorites like the lettuce wraps, Mongolian beef and a bevy of gluten-free choices keep the customers loyal. 301 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.413.9890, pfchangs.com

SEA THAI BISTRO Asian SEA stands for Southeast Asian, and co-owner and executive chef Tony Ounpamornchai infuses his cooking with Thai and other Asian flavors to create innovative dishes. The menu features sustainable and local ingredients and is accompanied by an extensive wine list. 60 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.8333, seathaibistro.com

THE COUNTER California/American

The folks at the Counter have taken the “have it your way” motto to a whole new level. Known for all-natural Angus beef, turkey, chicken and veggie burgers, the restaurant also offers a burger bowl (all the ingredients without the bun). And if you want a martini with your burger, no problem—there’s a full bar. 201 Corte Madera Town Ctr 415.924.7000, thecounterburger.com

THREE BIRDS WINE

BAR California This oneroom bar and wine shop features more than 20 options by the glass, and a nice selection of bottles to take home. Enjoy free corkage for your Three Birds bottles at select local

Urban Remedy welcomes Beauty Icon Cindy Crawford, To our Healthy Living Team. Connected through our shared passion for delicious, organic juices and meals that promote wellness, together we will be making healthy living more accessible.

In March we will be expanding our healthy food options. Come try our raw lasagne and pasta dishes.

15 E. Blithedale Ave. Mill Valley • 1904 4th Street San Rafael, CA 94901 Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat-Sun 10am-6pm • 1 (855) UR-JUICE www.urbanremedy.com

restaurants and an all day happy hour every Monday. 207 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.9466, threebirdswinebar.com

FAIRFAX

123 BOLINAS California

Enjoy locally brewed beer, small-production wines and one of the many cheese boards as you take in the view of Bolinas Park through the floor-toceiling windows. 123 Bolinas St, 415.488.5123, 123bolinas.com

GRILLY’S Mexican

If you’re looking for a quick, fresh meal, Grilly’s is an easy and delicious stop. Pick up a couple burritos and the much-loved chicken taco salad and you have a lunch or dinner sure to please the whole family. 1 Bolinas Ave, 415.457.6171, grillys.com

Choose from an extensive beer list, and enjoy your selection with an ale-braised BBQ pork sandwich, prawn tacos or the house-ground chicken bacon cheeseburger. 765 Center Blvd, 415.485.1005, ironspringspub.com

PANCHO VILLA’S Mexican Chef Francisco has been turning out treats, like pollo relleno (stu ffed with cream cheese, sautéed spinach and red peppers) and grilled fi sh tacos with chipotle, since 1976. Enjoy happy hour specials all week from 4 to 7 p.m. 1625 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.459.0975, panchosfairfax.com

SORELLA CAFFE Italian

Run by sisters Sonia and Soyara, Sorella — which means “sister” in Italian — serves up fresh Italian food with a northern in fluence. Customer favorites

include the cioppino, butternut squash ravioli and Pollo alla Sorella. Another highlight is the giant wheel of Grana Padana cheese, which is passed around from table to table. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520, sorellacaffe.co

STEAKHOUSE GRILL & BAR American This steakhouse at Deer Park Villa has been around nearly a century, making it more than your typical steak spot. The longtime gathering place features a daily happy hour, live entertainment and a large, heated deck. Events include Draft Beer Night, Prime Rib Weekends and a champagne brunch on Sunday. 367 Bolinas Rd, 415.456.8084, deerparksteakhousegrill.com

GREENBRAE

BISTRO VIS À VIS California This little bistro features the

• FABRIZIO RISTORANTE Italian

This restaurant was opened by Italian transplant Fabrizio in the early ‘80s. Swing by for traditional Italian dishes and an extensive wine list featuring bottles from all over Italy. Outdoor seating makes the experience even more special. 455 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.3332, fabrizioristorante.com

cooking of Soo Young Kim, who previously acted as owner, chef and sommelier at Petaluma’s Sooze Wine Bar. The neighborhood spot boasts outdoor seating for casually fi ne dining, a wine bar and a menu including duck con fit and wine-braised short ribs. 282 Bon Air Ctr, 415.925.4370, bistrovisavis.com

JASON’S California Head to Jason’s for seafood dishes with an Asian and Italia n fl air. Try the bacon-wrapped scallops, miso-glazed Chilean sea bass or the brandy chicken. 300 Drakes Landing Rd, 415.925.0808, jasonsrestaurant.com

WIPEOUT BAR & GRILL American The family-friendly spot has sur fb oards hanging from the ceiling, funin-the-sun music, large televisions displaying surfers riding waves, a full bar and a menu that includes fi sh tacos,

salads and burgers. The only thing missing is the sand at this upbeat eatery. 302 Bon Air Ctr, 415.461.7400, wipeoutbarandgrill.com

KENTFIELD

AMBROSIA Italian This family friendly Italian joint serves traditional pizzas and homemade pastas, with one of the best wine-by-the-glass programs in Marin. Owner Mark Leslie is bringing his pizza, pasta and passion for good wines by the glass to Kent field— check Facebook for details. 800 College Ave, 415.454.9292

HALF DAY CAFE

American Tucked away in a setting of intertwining ivy and large open windows, this café is the perfect breakfast nook and is also open for brunch and lunch. The menu includes coffee drinks, exceptional pastries and much

more. Enjoy a casual meal inside or on the outdoor patio. 848 College Ave, 415.459.0291, halfdaycafe.com

LARKSPUR

BELCAMPO MEAT CO. American The goods at this meatery are delivered from the certi fied-organic Belcampo Farms near Mount Shasta, dedicated to practicing a holistic approach to pasture management. Try the classic grilled items, like the roasted tri-tip sandwich or the sloppy joe. Marin Country Mart, 2405 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.448.5810, belcampomeatco.com

DJ CHINESE CUISINE

Chinese A great place to satisfy a craving for wonton soup before catching a show at the Lark Theater; the outdoor patio is a scenestealer in itself. Lunch and takeout are popular here, too. 435 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0717, djchinesecuisine.com

EL HUARACHE LOCO

Mexican Chef Veronica Salazar’s menu has gained quite a following by way of the authentic Mexico City dishes. From mini huaraches (fi lled corn masa cakes) to the foot-long huarache with two salsas, crema, queso fresco and two toppings of your choice, you’re sure to get a true taste of a homemade Mexican meal. Marin Country Mart, 1803 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.925.1403, huaracheloco.com

EMPORIO RULLI Italian

Pastry chef Gary Rulli is renowned for his Northern Italian

IRON SPRINGS PUB & BREWERY American

Linguini, Mussels, Salmon and Shrimp Linguine

specialties and treats. The Larkspur location (there are three others) is a favored spot for lunch as well as coffee and a sweet treat. 464 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7478, rulli.com

FARM HOUSE LOCAL California Downtown Larkspur’s newest gem is sure to please with simple, healthy food in a warm, cozy atmosphere — both inside and outside on their covered patio. With a seasonal menu that follows what is fresh and local, chef David Monson creates dishes such a s flu ff y omelets stu ffed with local meats, cheeses and vegetables, and made with Glaum eggs from the South Bay. 25 Ward St, 415.891.8577, farmhouselocal.com

FARMSHOP California

Originally based in L.A., Farmshop Marin has customers clamoring for cocktails and a delicious assortment of California-centric cuisine. Call ahead for a reservation — this place is always packed.

Marin Country Mart, 2233 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.755.6700, farmshopla.com

LEFT BANK

RESTAURANT French

Known for awardwinning French cuisine and a lively brasserie ambience, this corner spot on Magnolia Avenue rates high with locals. Those with a small appetite (or budget) can opt for happy hour (4 to 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close, M–F) appetizers, most priced under $6. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331, leftbank.com

MARIN BREWING

CO American Grab a cold beer made on site and pair it wit h fi sh ‘n’ chips — fresh cod dipped in Mt. Tam pale ale batter, served with steak fries and homemade tartar sauce — or another item from the all-American menu.

Marin Country Mart, 1809 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.4677, marinbrewing.com

PICCO California

Popular since its inception, dishes like mini-burgers , seasonally driven menu items, and risotto made every half hour, keep patrons coming back. The Picco Pizzeria and Wine Bar next door is cozy (not many seats) and famous for its wood-fi red pizzas, great wine selection and soft-serve Straus Family Creamery ice cream. 320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300, restaurantpicco.com

RUSTIC BAKERY

California Try a large house-made pastry, an artisanal salad or a mouthwatering sandwich at this Marin favorite.

Two Larkspur locations: Marin Country Mart, 415.461.9900; 1139 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.1556, rusticbakery.com

SUSHI-KO Japanese

Choose from a large selection of maki, nigiri and sashimi before catching a movie right across the street.

Marin Country Mart, 1819 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.8400, sushi-ko.com

TABLE CAFE Indian/ American This Indianinspired cafe’s unique menu features entirely organic ingredients. Dishes include seasonal

HOME FURNISHINGS

specialty of the house is dosa , fi lled with a variety of ingredients and served with savory homemade chutneys. 1167 Magnolia Ave, 415.461.6787, table-cafe.com

THE MELTING POT

French This round brick haven for fondue fans is just across the street from the Larkspur Ferry terminal. Share the “Big Night Out” feast featuring chef’s specialties, or design your own meal with cheese fondue, salad, meat entrée and chocolate fondue dessert. 125 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.461.6358, themeltingpot.com

YANKEE PIER American

This family-friendly, casual clam shack is harbored in a quaint house built in 1924. Known for beer-battered fi sh ‘n’ chips, clam chowder and tasty salads, Yankee Pier serves fresh seafood delivered daily from both coasts. 286 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7676, yankeepier.com

AVATAR’S PUNJABI

BURRITOS Indian A small and friendly place with only a few tables, but myriad Indian-inspired burrito dishes to choose from. Try the curry chicken or Jamaican jerk wrapped in warm naan. Cash only, but well worth the trip to the ATM. 15 Madrona St, 415.381.8293, enjoyavatars.com

BALBOA CAFE MILL VALLEY California The San Francisco institution has already become a place to see and be seen in Mill Valley, especially after the 142 Throckmorton comedy nights. Menu items include Niman Ranch fl at iron steak, braised beef brisket risotto and classic burgers. 38 Miller Ave, 415.381.7321, balboacafe.com

BOO KOO Asian

Authentic Asian street food is now available for $10 or less. The restaurant offers options for every eater—vegans, gluten-frees, vegetarians and carnivores

vegan summer rolls, pad thai and five-spice pork satay, all made with organic, locally sourced veggies and proteins. 25 Miller Ave, 415.888.8303, eatbookoo.com

BUCKEYE ROADHOUSE American Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs and the Chili-Lime “Brick” Chicken are a few of the satisfying, comfort-food-style menu items that have made this classic roadhouse a favorite since the ’30s. The warm, dark-wood bar with red leather booths is a popular spot for cocktails, conversations or a light meal. 15 Shoreline Hwy, 415.331.2600, buckeyeroadhouse.com

CAFE DEL SOUL

California Healthy options become addicting ones at this Tam Valley eatery. Once you stop in for the deliciously fresh Hummus Yummus wrap, you’ll have to return to sample the Chipotle Sunrise

• THE TAVERN AT LARK CREEK American The next chapter in the 1888 Victorian Murphy House, formerly known as Lark Creek Inn, is being written by chef Aaron Wright. Try menu items such as lamb fusilli, Alaskan halibut and vegetable rigatoni a la carte, or opt for the prix fixe menu. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7766, tavernatlarkcreek.com

Rice Bowl. A casual lunch spot and great for takeout, Café del Soul now offers a selection of quinoa options. 247 Shoreline Hwy, 415.388.1852, cafedelsoul.net

CANTINA

Mexican

The popular family restaurant offers traditional Mexican fare including soups, salads, sandwiches and sizzling fajitas at lunch portions and prices. An outdoor fi re pit provides the option of alfresco dining, while the lively atmosphere indoors makes for a fun outing. Stop by for happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. M-F for drinks and appetizers $5 and under. 651 E. Blithedale, 415.381.1070, thecantina.com

DIPSEA CAFE Comfort

This longtime breakfast spot has been serving up tasty pancakes and egg dishes with homemade biscuits since 1986. Try a biscuit with a poached egg and sausage — or just plain butter. Lunch specialties include BLTs, tuna melts and generous Cobb salads;

enjoy Greek-inspired dinners in the later hours. 200 Shoreline Hwy, 415.381.0298, dipseacafe.com

EL PASEO American

This Marin chophouse continues to impress as the years pass — the restaurant itself has been around since 1947. The menu speaks to the restaurant’s elegance, with offerings like roasted bone marrow, crispy duck wings and the El Paseo short rib. 17 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0741, elpaseomillvalley.com

EXTREME PIZZA

American Pizza by the slice or pie — including gluten-free options. Come up with your own creation or choose one of the restaurant’s favorites, like the Mr. Pestato Head: homemade pesto sauce, potatoes, red onions, feta, fresh basil and mozzarella. 393 Miller Ave, 415.569.4134 , extremepizza.com

FRANTOIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO Italian Known for its in-house

olive press, superior olive oil and excellent Italian cuisine, this spot is a great choice for an intimate dinner, celebration and anything in bewteen. For special occasions and private parties, reserve the olive-press room. The popular weekday happy hour starts at 4:30 p.m. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.289.5777, frantoio.com

GIRA POLLI Italian Not in the mood to cook? Pick up a wood-fi red rotisserie chicken or family dinner from this hot spot, or stick around for the specialty pasta and a glass of wine. 590 E. Blithedale Ave, gira-polli.com 415.383.6040

GRILLY’S RESTAURANT Mexican Both the Mill Valley and Fairfax locations offer quick and healthy Mexican fare like grilled chicken, steak or veggie-fi lled burritos with glutenfree and vegetarian options. 493 Miller Ave, 415.381.3278, grillys.com

HARMONY Chinese

Enjoy a lighter take on Chinese at this restaurant, nestled in the Strawberry Village. The barbecue pork bun is fi lled with housemade roasted meat in a savory sauce, and fresh mussels are accented with red chili and Thai basil. Pair your pick with wine, beer or tea. Be sure to check out the weekday lunch special for an excellent deal. Strawberry Village, 415.381.5300, harmonyrestaurant group.com

INDIA PALACE Indian Known as “that great restaurant in the Travelodge,” India Palace is a favorite

Pacific Rockfish

among the takeout crowd; eating on site is also a treat.

707 Redwood Hwy, 415.388.3350, india palacemillvalley.com

JOE’S TACO LOUNGE

Mexican Joe’s serves up tast y fi sh tacos, burritos and enchiladas as well as more unusual items like Mexican pizza, tofu salad and crab tostadas. Colorful interior and quick service make this a fun, easy stop. Grab a selection of hot sauce bottles from the wall and fi nd your perfect match. 382 Miller Ave, 415.383.8164, joestacolounge.com

LA BOULANGE BAKERY

French Known for authentic French pastries and coffee served in a bowl, La Boulange — especially its outdoor area — is always crowded. Stop by for lunch and enjoy an open-faced sandwich at one of the indoor, picnic-style tables. Strawberry Village, 415.381.1260, laboulangebakery.com

LA GINESTRA Italian A favorite family spot for over 30 years; getting a table or booth here can take awhile. While this old-school Italian eatery is known for traditional pastas, veal dishes, pizzas and dry martinis, the familiar waitstaff s also part of the attraction. 127 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0224, laginestramv.com

LUCINDA’S MEXICAN FOOD Mexican This closet-size eatery offthe highway is treasured by regulars for its friendly service and authentic Mexican food. Ingredients are fresh and the burritos are highly recommended. The space itself is tiny, so call ahead to bypass the line. 930 Redwood Hwy, 415.388.0754

MAMA’S ROYAL CAFE

American Locals love this fabulous kitschdecorated breakfast spot. The menu offers crepes, brioche French toast and other a.m. specialties served all day; stay awhile and

The Garden Omelet at Toast in Novato

try the sandwiches for lunch. 393 Miller Ave, 415.388.3261

MILL VALLEY BEERWORKS American Known for handcrafted beers, imported and local microbrews and house-made kombucha and root beer, this popular downtown Mill Valley neighborhood brewery recently doubled its space and expanded its food and beverage menu. Choose from a large selection of small plates, including king oyster mushrooms, roasted potatoes and grilled squid, and a small list of large portions like rabbit con fit. 173 Throckmorton Ave, 415.888.8218, mill valleybeerworks.com

NOURISH GRILL

American This restaurant for the Club at Harbor Point is situated on the waterfront and open to the public. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, it serves classics like grilled shrimp, and an all-American

clubhouse burger. 475 E Strawberry Dr, 415.381.4400, nourish.harbor-point.com

PEARL’S PHAT BURGERS American Dubbed a silver-spoon alternative to a greasyspoon diner by The New York Times, Pearl’s has a loyal following for the big juicy all-natural patties (vegetarian, turkey, beef, bu ffalo or grilled chicken) served up with tasty sides such as garlic or sweet potato fries, shakes and seasonal smoothies. Take out or eat in, if you can get a seat. 8 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.381.6010, pearlsdeluxe.com

PIAZZA D’ANGELO

Italian It’s always a party at this longstanding hot spot. A great place to meet up with friends for a fresh plate of pasta, or to make some new friends at the bar. Chef Andrea Guilini, originally from Venice, is known for his creative, seasonal dishes like the stu ffed veal loin

with wild mushrooms and house-made mozzarella. 22 Miller Ave, 415.388.2000, piazzadangelo.com

PIATTI RISTORANTE AND BAR Italian The staff rides itself on capturing the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a traditional Italian trattoria. Get a table by the window or on the outdoor deck for a truly exceptional view right on the water. Peruse the impressive selection of Italian wines to accompany your rustic seasonal meal. 625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525, piatti.com

PIZZA ANTICA Italian

This Strawberry Shopping Center spot boasts amazing thincrust pizza along with an array of antipasti and hearty salads. Wine is served by the glass, half carafe or bottle. 800 Redwood Hwy, 415.383.0600, pizzaantica.com

•

RISTORANTE

LA TOSCANA Italian This family-owned restaurant has been serving authentic Italian cuisine for more than 20 years. The menu features classics like pappardelle al cinghiale (pasta with wild boar and porcini sugo), gnocchi, cannelloni and carbonara, as well as a decent selection of wine by the glass or the bottle. 3751 Redwood Hwy, 415.492.9100, ristorantelatoscana.com

THE PLANT CAFE

California One of San Francisco’s favorite organic cafes has found a home north of the Golden Gate. The Plant offrs affrdable, delicious and healthy food made from local, organic ingredients. Stop by for the California-inspired meal, raw organic juice, a diet-supplementing smoothie or a delicious dessert. Strawberry Village Shopping Center, 415.388.8658, theplantcafe.com

PRABH INDIAN KITCHEN Indian Owned and operated by the Singh family, this restaurant is dedicated to serving healthy, organic and sustainable food with gluten-free and vegan options. Dishes include chicken pakora, vegetable biryani and basil garlic naan. Try the Thali menu (offered at lunch), a selection of several Indian dishes served at once. 24 Sunnyside Ave, 415.384.8241, prabh indiankitchen.com

ROBATA GRILL AND SUSHI Japanese Robata translates as “by the fi reside”; fittingly, food here can be cooked on an open fi re and served in appetizer-size portions to pass around the table. Or simply order your own sushi or entrée from the menu. 591 Redwood Hwy, 415.381.8400, robatagrill.com

SHORELINE COFFEE SHOP American Tucked away in a parking lot at Tam Junction, this coffee shop is a funky diner with a smalltown feel. Enjoy the mix of Mexican and traditional breakfast fare. 221 Shoreline Hwy, 415.388.9085

SOL FOOD Puerto Rican This Marin favorite has opened doors in Mill Valley, where they continue to serve up everyone’s favorite Puerto Rican cuisine. The line can get long, but the food is well worth it. 401 Miller Ave, 415.380.1986, solfoodrestaurant.com

SUPER DUPER BURGER American “Fast food burgers, slow food values” is this burger joint’s motto. Prepared with 100 percent allnatural beef that’s ground fresh daily, these patties will make your mouth water. Pies and cookies are baked in-house, and shakes, wit h fl avors like cookies & cream and double chocolate and chips, are made with organic Straus Creamery soft-serve from Petaluma. Sit at one of 20 indoor or outdoor tables or take away in environmentally friendly, compostable containers. 430 Miller Ave, 415.380.8555, superdupersf.com

SWEETWATER MUSIC HALL CAFE American Located at the entrance of Sweetwater Music Hall, the cafe is a small oasis of calm, dedicated to the F.L.O.S.S. philosophy: Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal and Sustainable. O ffering breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the menu includes brown-butter scrambled eggs on avocado toast, crispy chicken sliders with gingery cabbage slaw and vegan Thai spring rolls with sweet and sour sauce. 19 Corte Madera Ave, 415.388.3850, sweet watermusichall.com

TAMALPIE Italian Pizzas are crafted from a 1,500-year-old recipe, with organic ingredients gathered from the farmers’ market twice weekly. Sit indoors or out and enjoy starters like creamy polenta, salads and pies with names like Hoo-kooE-koo and Railroad Grade. 477 Miller Ave, 415.388.7437, tamalpiepizza.com

Blueberry Limoncello Tiramisu

THAILAND RESTAURANT Thai

This cozy spot next to Whole Foods caters to diners with all kinds of dietary needs and restrictions such as gluten-free, lactose intolerant and peanut allergies. It is open for lunch and dinner and the menu incorporates free-range chicken and organic, locally grown produce. 721 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.381.1800, mill valleythailand.com

THEP LELA Thai This jewel is tucked away in the back of Strawberry Village. Diners come for the tasty kee mao noodles, pad thai, fresh rolls and extensive bar menu. It’s also a great place for lunch. 615 Strawberry Village, 415.383.3444, theplela.com

TOAST American Take the kids out familystyle breakfast at this cozy venue; Toast is on the small side, so be sure to allot time for a wait. Lunch and dinner are served, too. 31 Sunnyside Ave, 415.388.2500, toastmillvalley.com

TONY TUTTO PIZZA Italian Tony has been pouring his passion for pizza into his daily dishes for two decades and his menu now includes family recipes. Expect creative, artisan-style pizza featuring the best imported, natural and local organic ingredients. Take out or dine in; mostly outdoor seating, so dress accordingly. 246 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.383.8646, tonytuttopizza.com

VASCO Italian Whether you’re at a table, the bar or the back counter, you

can expect an intimate and tasty dining experience in this one-room trattoria. Try one of the pasta dishes or thincrust wood fi red pizzas. 106 Throckmorton Ave, 415.381.3343, vascomillvalley.com

WEEZY’S GRASS

FED SHED American Weezy’s has come to Mill Valley, adding to the already extensive array of burgers in the area. The slidersized offerings make sampling two patties a perfectly acceptable option. 507 Miller Ave, weezys-shed.com

NOVATO

BOCA TAVERN

American Bring a date or celebrate a special event at this classic steak house, which features wholesome American fare. Favorites include the mac & cheese croquettes, hanger steak and duckfat fries. 340 Ignacio Blvd, 415.883.0901, bocasteak.com

CHIANTI CUCINA

Italian This cozy eatery features an array of Italian and American choices, including a long list of pasta options; try the house-made ravioli cooked up by chef Chris Harman. 7416 Redwood Hwy, 415.878.0314, chiantinovato.com

EXTREME PIZZA

American Pizza by the slice or pie — including gluten-free options. Come up with your own creation or choose one of the restaurant’s favorites. 104 Vintage Way, 415.898.6575, extremepizza.com

The

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FINNEGAN’S MARIN

American This restaurant — self-described as an “American bar and grill meets Irish pub” — features tasty appetizers, grilled fl atbread pizzas, entrées such as New York steak and garlic herb chicken and a full bar. 877 Grant Ave, 415.899.1516, finnegansmarin.co

GRAZIE CAFE Italian Locals visit this family-owned-and-run restaurant for delicious paninis, salads and the unbeatable homemade cookies. Soak in the sun on the outdoor patio or revel in some peoplewatching inside the always-bustling cafe. 823 Grant Ave, Ste E, 415.879.5181

HILLTOP 1892 California Situated on a historic estate in Novato with sweeping views, Hilltop 1892 offers classic favorites with a California flair. Open lunch through dinner, as well as Sunday brunch. 850 Lamont Ave, 415.893.1892, hilltop1892.com

LEFT COAST DEPOT

American Located in Old Town Novato, this eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by chef Mike Garcia, formerly of Toast. Menu items include sticky ribs, roasted beet and cauli flower salad and old-fashioned meatloaf. Ask your server about the nightly three-course Depot Dinner Meal. 807 Grant Ave, 415.897.7707, leftcoastdepot.com

MUSCIO’S Italian Largeplate Italian food, inspired by the tradition of family dinners. Meals include Mom’s Fettuccine with Prawns (gluten-free rigatoni available), My Sister’s Minestrone Soup and pesto chicken pizza. The kids’ menu ensures the whole family will enjoy an evening at Muscio’s. 1200 Grant Ave, 415.898.2234, muscios.com

RICKEY’S RESTAURANT & BAR

American Besides a full-service restaurant and bar (with banquet and meeting rooms),

this comfort food bastion offers poolside dining and a garden patio overlooking green lawns. Visit during the summer from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. for live jazz to accompany your meal. 250 Entrada Dr, 415.883.9477, rickeysrestaurant.com

RUSTIC BAKERY

California Organic mouthwatering pastries, breads and sandwiches are on the menu here. Try the Marin Melt — Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt. Tam and Point Reyes’ Toma cheeses grilled on honey whole wheat bread, served with dressed baby greens and crisp apple slices. 1407 Grant Ave, 415.878.4952, rusticbakery.com

SMASHBURGER

American This burger joint invented, and makes use of, a patented tool that smashes a meatball into the perfect burger patty while it’s on the grill. Enjoy that newfangled burger with a Häagen-Dazs milkshake and a side of haystack onion rings.

• BUNGALOW 44

American Much like sister restaurant Buckeye Roadhouse, Bungalow 44 offers a mean dose of homey carbo- and lipidladen dishes, such as the burger and the fried chicken with truffle fries. The bar is a neighborhood favorite, known for tasty spirits and eye candy. 44 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500, bungalow44.com

7320 Redwood Blvd, 415.408.6560, smashburger.com

SONOMA LATINA GRILL Mexican The menu includes standbys like tacos, burritos and enchiladas (all prepared with local and organic ingredients) plus a list of favorites from the original Sonoma location. In keeping with the unprocessed theme, tortillas are made by hand with natural and organic whole grains. 5800 Nave Dr, Ste D, 415.883.2662, sonomalatinagrill.com

TOAST American Sister to the popular Mill Valley location, Toast Novato features outdoor dining and contemporary architechture by Stanley Saitowitz. The spacious restaurant is ideal for large parties and families looking for a large plate of comfort food. 5800 Nave Dr, 415.382.1144, toastnovato.com

WEEZY’S GRASS FED SHED American Stop by Weezy’s for a slidersize all-organic burger

sourced from Prather Ranch. We recommend the White Trash Burger, topped with Thousand Island dressing, but be sure to check out the other specials as well. 621 Del Ganado Rd, 415.479.7433, weezys-shed.com

WILDFOX American Perched on the hillside off ighway 101, this rustic eatery with a mesquite grill features a menu full of comfort dishes, like seafood risotto with butternut squash. In the mood for a cigar? The restaurant has a lengthy list of options. 225 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.9125, wildfoxrestaurant.com

ROSS

CAFE ON THE COMMON French This quaint one-room coffeehouse is centrally situated near Ross Common. Get there early to choose from the full selection of pastries, and enjoy with fresh-squeezed orange juice. 22 Ross Common, 415.461.2205

MARCHÉ AUX FLEURS

French A local gem known for cuisine showcasing locally farmed produce, wild and fresh seafood and free-range meats prepared with an artisan’s touch, accompanied by a lengthy wine and beer list. 23 Ross Common, 415.925.9200, marcheauxfleur restaurant.com

SAN ANSELMO

BISTRO 330 French Bistro 330 features simple French cuisine — think steak frites, mussels and crème brûlée — in the heart of San Anselmo. 330 San Anselmo Ave, 415.460.6330

BUBBA’S DINER

American Kids and adults will be begging for seconds at this hopping local hangout that offers burgers, shakes, fries and homemade apple pie. 566 San Anselmo Ave, 415.459.6862, bubbas-diner.net

COMFORTS CAFE

American This cozy spot features local favorites made with local ingredients. Stop in for breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch and offerings from the delicious deli selection. Be sure to try the Philly cheesesteak and Chinese chicken salad, both classics. 335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840, comfortscafe.com

CUCINA RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR Italian

Relax with a glass of wine and have a slice of the savory thin crust pizza , fi nished with toppings like tru ffle oil and fontina cheese. 510 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.2942,

Grilled Salmon

cucinarestaurantand winebar.com

FLOUR CRAFT BAKERY

California Flour Craft is San Anselmo’s answer to local gluten-free needs: Artisan pastries, fresh bread, desserts, special occasion cakes and lunch items are all gluten- and peanutfree. Customer favorites include the Earl Grey Chocolate Tea Cake and Flourless Hazelnut Fudge. 702 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.3100, flourcraftbakery.co

INSALATA’S

Mediterranean Award-winning chef Heidi Krahling offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes prepared with local organic produce and artisan meats. 120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.457.7700, insalatas.com

L’APPART RESTO

French Owners Bruno Denis and Olivier Souvestre of Le Garage fame offer a menu most Francophiles would

be proud of, complete with items like roasted bone marrow and cassoulet. 636 San Anselmo Ave, 415.256.9884, lappartresto.com

LINCOLN PARK WINE

BAR American Choose between an intimate setting at the marble bar with vintage stools or the lounge room with built-in banquettes. Adhering to a farm-totable and grape-to-glass philosophy, the Lincoln Park Wine Bar serves locally sourced and organic food and wine.

198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.453.9898, lincolnparkwine.com

MARINITAS Mexican

The sister restaurant of Insalata’s, Marinitas continues to flourish as a bastion of creative Latin cuisine in Marin. This is not your typical south-of-the-border spot. The funky decor complement the excellent food for a classy, lively experience.

218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.454.8900, marinitas.net

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MH BREAD & BUTTER

California This one-stop shop offers everything from coffee and pastries to artisan bread and braised meats. Highquality ingredients and a comfortable atmosphere make MH worth checking out. 101 San Anselmo Ave, 415.755.4575, mhbreadandbutter.com

PIZZALINA Italian

Pizzalina is the perfect place to relax and unwind with friends, family and neighbors. Pizzas are handmade and cooked in a wood oven; other classic Italian items include shrimp risotto and a burrata antipasto dish. Menus change daily according to the seasonal markets.

914 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.256.9780, pizzalina.com

TACO JANE’S Mexican

Named after the owner’s mother, this casual, colorful place welcomes the whole family. Don’t miss out on Jane’s handmade agave

margarita or grilled plantains with crema. 21 Tamalpais Ave, 415.454.6562, tacojanes.com

SAN GERONIMO

TWO BIRD CAFÉ

California This roadside cafe has it all, including fresh fi sh and goodies from the garden. These guys were doing local and sustainable before it was cool. Enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and live music. 625 San Geronimo Valley Dr, 415.488.0105, twobirdcafe.com

SAN RAFAEL

AMICI’S EAST COAST PIZZERIA California

The wide array of thincrust pizza includes the Siciliano, an enticing mix of mozzarella, slow-roasted garlic, sausage, broccoli and crushed red pepper fl akes, sans tomato sauce. Gluten free crust is available. 1242 Fourth St, 415.455.9777, amicis.com

ARIZMENDI BAKERY

California A workerowned bakery, Arzimendi prides itself on using the freshest, most local ingredients available. Besides the famous wolverines and cheese rolls, it also offers an assortment of morning pastries, artisan breads and sourdough pizzas. 1002 Fourth St, 415. 456.4093, arizmendibakery.org

BROKEN DRUM BREWERY & WOOD

GRILL American O ffering a wide array of eats, handcrafted and local beers and live music, the Broken Drum is a hot spot for Rafael Theater patrons (10 percent off entire bill with your ticket stub), passersby and regulars. You’ll fi nd live music Friday and Saturday nights, tacos on Tuesdays and Bloody Marys all day on Sundays. 1132 Fourth St, 415.456.4677, broken drum.com

CALGANG KITCHEN Thai Owned and operated by the family that used to run Jhan Thong

of Northgate food court fame, Calgang Kitchen is now a sit-down restaurant, offering delectable Thai dishes, along with organic beers and wines. Eat there, or enjoy takeout in eco-friendly containers. 194 Northgate One, 415.499.3501

CHALET BASQUE French This familystyle place features dishes inspired by the Basque regions of France and Spain, like frog legs in a garlic butter and lemon sauce, a veal calf liver sauté and sweetbreads with port wine sauce and mushrooms. On a warm night, enjoy alfresco dining on the outdoor patio. 405 North San Pedro Rd, 415.479.1070, chaletbasquemarin.com

CREPEVINE American Bistro/Creperie Choose from a diverse menu of savory crepes, with favorites like the Italian crepe, fi lled with roasted peppers, eggplant, onions, artichoke hearts, tomato sauce and mozzarella.

Sweet and savory crepes are available all day long, as are all breakfast items. 908 Fourth St, 415.257.8822, crepevine.com

FENIX California An intimate live-music venue in the heart of downtown San Rafael. Fenix features globally inspired California cuisine with a Southern French twist. Dishes like fried green tomatoes or 72-hours sous-vide short ribs — accompanied by a glass from the extensive wine list — defi ne the experience. 919 Fourth Street, 415.813.5600, fenixlive.com

IL DAVIDE Italian A large selection of both Italian and California wines by the glass, along with the tiramisu, have kept locals coming back for years. Don’t leave without sampling the limoncello. 901 A St, 415.454.8080, ildavide.net

LOTUS RESTAURANT Indian Family-owned and operated, Lotus serves up North Indian cuisine with vegan and vegetarian options in a casual pink-tablecloth setting with an energy efficient kitchen. The reasonably priced dishes are made with local organic ingredients. 704 Fourth St, 415.456.5808, lotusrestaurant.com

MICHAEL’S

SOURDOUGH American Nearly two decades of gourmet sandwiches have earned Michael’s the reputation of being Marin’s best sandwich shop. The secret is the sourdough, which is fresh-baked daily and serves as the foundation for each of the 26 delicious choices

on the menu. Be sure to get there early — Michael’s usually runs out of rolls by 2 p.m. 3095 Kerner Blvd, Ste L, 415.485.0964, michaelssourdough.com

MI PUEBLO Latin An authentic, a ffordable place for food-shoppers to buy unusual ingredients such as epazote, fresh tomatillos and cactus and grab lunch (to take out or eat there). The prices can’t be beat: think two veggie tacos for under two dollars, and a two-enchilada plate with rice and beans for only $5.95. No wonder this restaurant has reached county cult status. 330 Bellam Blvd, 415.578.3971, mipueblofoods.com

MULBERRY STREET

PIZZERIA Italian Chef Ted Rowe won fi rst place in the Food Network Television Pizza Challenge with his For the Love of Mushroom pizza — sautéed mushrooms in a creamy garlic sauce and a red wine reduction atop a fresh pizza crust. Be sure to try other unique pies, like the spicy Three Beer pizza and the clam and garlic pizza, as well. 101 Smith Ranch Rd, 415.472.7272, mulberry-streetpizzeria.com

NAPOLI Italian This family-owned-andrun restaurant boasts a special craft beer program: They keep the prices down and the libation s flowing, and about 45 wines and 25 beers (including some from Marin) are on the list at any given time. The pizza and pasta are East Coast Italian, with Marin and Bay Area accents. Gluten-free pizza and

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pasta available. 869 Fourth St, 415.459.3315, napolirestaurant.biz

ODALISQUE CAFÉ

Mediterranean This casual art cafe was inspired by La Grande Odalisque, an 1814 oil painting by JeanAuguste-Dominque Ingres. Menu items are built from seasonal items available at farmers’ markets and include pan-seared scallops, roasted butternut squash risotto and a variety of pizzettas. 1335 Fourth St, 415.460.1335, odalisquecafe.com

PANAMA HOTEL RESTAURANT

American The dinner menu offers a large selection of options — from tortilla soup to wild mushroom raviolis — but it’s the Sunday brunch menu that will keep the kids happy; try the Panama Wa ffle served with bananas, warm chocolate sauce and whipped cream, along with a pitcher of “makeyour-own” mimosas for the adults. 4 Bayview St, 415.457.3993, panamahotel.com

PHO VIET Vietnamese

This family-owned restaurant features food from the former chef of Le Cheval in Oakland. The large menu offers a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes at a ffordable prices. 555 E. Francisco Blvd, 415.455.8063, phovietmarin.com

PIZZA ORGASMICA

American Enjoy indulgent favorites like the Serpent’s Kiss or Inspiration Point pies with a crisp beer, Orgasmica style. Eat in or order a halfbaked pizza to cook

and enjoy at home. 812 Fourth St, 415.457.2337, pizzaorgasmica.com

SAN RAFAEL JOE’S

Italian Guido and Theresa Farina run this Marin institution, famous for sophisticated yet casual Italian fare since 1947. The dining room boasts a friendly atmosphere and seating for 240, making it great for large parties. The roast sirloin of beef and Fettuccine Joe’s are sure to please. 931 Fourth St, 415.456.2425, srjoes.com

SOL FOOD Puerto Rican

Fast becoming a Marin legend, Sol Food whips up traditional Puerto Rican dishes just like the ones owner Sol Hernandez grew up eating. Favorites include the bistec sandwich, mofongo and fried plantains, but anything tastes good with a dash of the eatery’s signature hot sauce, which is for sale by the bottle (as is the lemon-garlic salad dressing). 901 Lincoln Ave, 415.451.4765, solfoodrestaurant.com

SUSHI TO DAI FOR Japanese Snagging a seat in this popular Fourth Street sushi spot can be a challenge, but patience is rewarded with tasty and fresh sashimi, unique sushi rolls and great prices. 816 Fourth St, 415.721.0392

TERRAPIN

CROSSROADS

American This waterfront restaurant and music venue — opened by local musician Phil Lesh — houses fresh food and local talent. The menu includes salads, savory dishes and wood-fi red pizzas to go

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RUBEN KALRA, MDRICHARD SHINAMAN, MD WILLIAM LONGTON, MD

with a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails. Come for the food, stay for the music. 100 Yacht Club Dr, 415.524.2773, terrapin crossroads.net

THERESA & JOHNNY’S COMFORT FOOD

American A favorite of everyone from kids to the foodie set, this charming eatery serves up food like Mom used to make. Drop by for eggs Benedict, tuna melts, coffee and some of the best milk shakes around. 817 Fourth St, 415.259.0182, theresa-and-johnnys.com

TOMATINA Italian Inspired by the La Tomatina festival in Bunol, Spain, Tomatina offers fresh pizza, pastas and more. For a classic Italian dish, try meatball calzone, or think outside the box with a hummus piadina. 5800 Northgate Mall, 52, 415.479.3200, tomatina.com

VIN ANTICO American

This resurrected restaurant offers seasonal market-inspired cuisine like stone oven-baked fl atbreads, handmade pasta and organic salads. The kitchen is open to the dining room, so try to snag a seat at the chef’s counter. 881 Fourth St, 415.721.0600, vinantico.com

WHIPPER SNAPPER RESTAURANT California/Caribbean

Owner and chef Bill Higgins serves reasonably priced and delicious tapas. Save room for deliciou s fi sh tacos and yummy chocolate bread pudding. On Sundays, try the $3 glasses of sangria. 1613 Fourth St, 415.256.1818, whipsnap.biz

YET WAH Chinese Named for the founder’s wife (“Yet” refers to the moon, “Wah” to brightness), this beloved mainstay offers a traditional Chinese menu accompanied by daily dim sum. Expect live music in the Kung Fu Lounge. 1238 Fourth St, 415.460.9883, yetwahsanrafael.com

SAUSALITO

ANGELINO RESTAURANT Italian Father-and-son chefs Pasquale and Alfredo Ancona offer handmade pastas and seasonal antipasti at this authentic Italian restaurant, which has been showcasing cuisine of the Campania region for over 20 years. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225, angelinorestaurant.com

AVATAR’S Indian If you’re on the hunt for innovative Indian fare, head straight to Avatar’s and let owner Ashok Kumar order for you. Sip Masala Chiar sweetened with brown sugar in this casual, one-room restaurant, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. 2656 Bridgeway, 415.332.8083, enjoyavatars.com

BAR BOCCE American Food just tastes better when you’re dining on a bayside patio with fi re pits and a bocce ball court. Order one of the sourdough bread pizzas and a glass of wine, and you’ll see why this casual eatery, overseen by Robert Price of Buckeye and Bungalow 44, has become a local favorite. 1250 Bridgeway, 415.331.0555, barbocce.com

BARREL HOUSE

TAVERN California

Stop by Barrel House for great local food enhanced by fantastic bay and city views. The relaxed urban envrionment is ideal for enjoying one of the restaurant’s barrel-aged cocktails. 660 Bridgeway, 415.729.9593, barrelhousetavern.com

CIBO Cafe Located in a historic brick building on Sausalito’s main drag, Cibo is a great place to a sip a quick cup of coffee outdoors. Husband-and-wife team Alfredo and Tera Ancona offer a menu of tarts, croissants, cookies, paninis and soups. Every dish is made from scratch with local and seasonal products. 1201 Bridgeway, 415.331.2426, cibosausalito.com

COPITA Mexican Chef Joanne Weir serves up fresh Mexican fare in the heart of downtown Sausalito. The ever-changing menu is always 100% gluten-free, and the in-house tequila bar offers over 30 varieties, available blanco, reposado or añejo. Enjoy your meal at the bar or on the outdoor patio. 739 Bridgeway, 415.331.7400, copitarestaurant.com

DARIO’S PIZZA Italian

Founded in 1972, Dario’s continues to dish up classic Italian calzones, pasta and pizza. Have a pie delivered, or munch on cheesy garlic bread at one of the restaurant’s cozy wooden tables. 2829 Bridgeway, 415.332.6636. dariosrestaurant.net

DAVEY JONES DELI American Stationed in the New Bait Shop Market, Davey Jones Deli boasts houseroasted sandwich meats, healthy condiments and local, organic vegetables. The deli offers sandwiches, veggiewiches, wraps and salads with vegetarian, vegan and meat-lover options. 1 Gate 6 Rd, 415.331.2282, daveyjonesdeli.com

FENG NIAN Chinese

This spacious hangout has been a popular spot for wonton soup, pot stickers and daily specials for nearly two decades. For an indulgent treat, order the Szechwan crispy calamari, honey-glazed walnut prawn or lemon chicken. Staying in?

Feng Nian offers free delivery. Free delivery. 2650 Bridgeway, 415.331.5300, fengnian.com

FISH Seafood The ultimate place to head for freshly caught fare. Order the fi sh tacos, ceviche and a bottle of wine and take in bay views and air on the deck. Casual; bring cash (lots of it!). 350 Harbor Dr, 415.331.3474, 331fish.co

KITTI’S PLACE Thai/ California Owner Kitti Suthipipiat was the cook at Comforts in San Anselmo for many years and brings a certain knack for delicious Chinese chicken salad to her own endeavor. The regular menu items are sure to please, but try the weekly specials as well. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.331.0390, kittisplace.com

LE GARAGE French

Escape tourist-fi lled Sausalito for an

indulgent brunch right on the water. The atmosphere is animated with light French music (á la Amélie), and the much-adored croquemonsieur is under $10. Opt for indoor or outdoor seating. 85 Liberty Ship Way, 415.332.5625, legaragebistro sausalito.com

MURRAY CIRCLE

American Cavallo Point’s acclaimed restaurant, features local seasonal fare by executive chef Justin Everett, with pairings from an extensive wine list and tempting desserts. Don’t forget to visit Farley Bar for cocktails with a view. 601 Murray Circle, 415.339.4750, cavallopoint.com

NAPA VALLEY BURGER COMPANY American Incorporating local, all-natural and organic produce and meats, this burger joint serves up classic and inventive gourmet patties (gluten-free buns available), fries, root beer floats and more. With outdoor and indoor

tables, the space can accommodate up to 100 people. 670 Bridgeway, 415.332.1454, napavalleyburgercom pany.com

OSTERIA DIVINO

Tuscan Locals come for the live music, tasty pastas and coffee drinks, all served in a funky one-room setting. Stop by for their Sunday brunch that features more music and creative breakfast plates. 37 Caledonia St, 415.331.9355, caffedivinosausalito.co

PIZZERIA ROSSETTI

Italian A small array of appetizers and salads augment an impressive pizza menu, with options like the Boscaiola (tomato sauce, mozzarella, wild mushrooms and Molinari spicy sausage) and Gruviera (Gruyère, carmelized onions, pancetta and thyme). 45 Caledonia St, 415.887.9526, pizzeriarossetti.com

POGGIO Italian A classic trattoria with comfortable neighborhood charm and destination-caliber cuisine. Executive chef Benjamin Balesteri creates delicious Northern Italian fare using fresh and local ingredients, including produce from the nearby Poggio chef garden. 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771, poggiotratoria.com

SALITO’S Seafood

Enjoy a cocktail or a signature dishes like whole roasted Dungeness crab, housemade kettle bread served with Straus butter and sizzling iron skillets of mussels in a casual, whimsical ambience 1200 Bridgeway, 415.331.3226, salitoscrabhouse.com

SAYLOR’S RESTAURANT AND BAR Mexican Marin’s fi rst tequila bar offers more than 100 varieties. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with a margarita, grilled snapper tacos or an avocado stu ffed with Dungeness

crab salad. Happy hour M-F from 4 to 7 p.m. 2009 Bridgeway, 415.332.1512, saylorsrestaurantand bar.com

SCOMA’S Seafood Visitors and locals flock to this iconic spot for the view of San Francisco, the local history and the delicious food. Choose from fresh seafood or meat dishes or the plethora of Italian pastas. 588 Bridgeway, 415.332.9551, scomassausalito.com

SPINNAKER Seafood Chef Phil Collins excels at preparing seafood, and it shows in the beautifully plated presentations. Set right on the water with sweeping views of San Francisco, this romantic spot is great for an evening occasion. 100 Spinnaker Dr, 415.332.1500, thespinnaker.com

SUSHI RAN Japanese Sample innovative small plates just big enough to share before enjoying some of the best sushi the Bay Area has to offer; the prices don’t deter the herd of enthusiasts who line up nightly to partake. Just stopping by? The wine, cocktail and sake lists keep even the pickiest bar fly satisfied. Reservations are required in the main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620, sushiran.com

TASTE OF ROME Italian This local landmark has evolved from a cafe into a full-service restaurant offering pasta, pizza, sandwiches and salad in an authentic Italian atmosphere — just fi nd the green, white and red awning and you’re there.

Enjoy live music most Fridays and Saturdays. 1000 Bridgeway, 415.332.7660, taste-of-rome.com

TASTE OF THE HIMALAYAS Himalayan Born in the foothills of the Himalayas, siblings Pemba, Dawa and Pasang serve up favorites from Nepal, Tibet and India. The restaurant focuses on blending di fferent cultures and cuisines: spices from India, spirituality from Tibet, hospitality from Nepal and the freshness of ingredients from California. 2633 Bridgeway, 415.331.1335, himalayaca.com

TOMMY’S WOK Chinese Scrupulously fresh ingredients, free-range chicken and traditional dishes make Tommy’s Wok a top contender for ful fi lling your next Chinese food craving with a nice atmosphere for dining in and the perfect takeout for a night at home. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.332.5818, tommyswok.com

THE TRIDENT Seafood Set in a turn-of-thecentury building constructed in 1898 for the San Francisco Yacht Club, this waterfront restaurant is a shoe-in for date night. Executive chef James Montejano — known for supporting local farmers, fi shermen and organic food producers — prepares dishes like Sugar Spice Grilled Loch Duart Salmon and Trident Cioppino. 558 Bridgeway, 415.331.3232, thetridentsausalito.com

TIBURON

CAPRICE California

Book the private party room for large groups, or just relax in this romantic dinner spot. Take advantage of the restaurant’s well-priced three-course dinners for less than $25, and don’t miss Prime Rib Mondays. 2000 Paradise Dr, 415.435.3400, thecaprice.com

GINZA Japanese

Whether you go for the volcano roll or indulge in the eightcourse Omakase meal, the fresh ingredients coupled with the tremendous view of San Francisco keep this place busy, so make reservations or arrive early. 41 Main St, 415.789.5123, ginzasushi-tiburon.com

MILANO Italian Located in the Cove Shopping Center, this familyowned neighborhood spot is known for its pasta and friendly service. Favorites like the cheesy garlic bread and pesto pasta keep customers coming back. 1 Blackfield Dr, 415.388.9100, tiburonmilano.com

MING’S Chinese Hospitable service and large portions are just two of the reasons this family-run business is a favorite. Try the sautéed mango chicken with rice and don’t miss the lunch specials. 1550 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.4312

NEW MORNING CAFE

American Sit outside or indoors at this casual cafe. On a sunny morning, tables will be fi lled with locals enjoying the sun and extensive

Dungeness Crab Cakes at Salito’s in Sausalito

breakfast menu; lunch served as well. 1696 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.4315

SALT & PEPPER

American This sunfi lled, one-room restaurant, featuring hardwood floors and blue-checkered tablecloths, is a local favorite. Popular items include scallops, ribeye steak, a beef burger and traditional crab cakes with jalapeño dipping sauce. 38 Main St, 415.435.3594

SAM’S ANCHOR CAFE

American Everyone knows Sam’s deck is the prime spot for brunch on a lazy sunny Sunday, and its bar is the town’s historic watering hole, but Sam’s is also a great place for lunch or dinner. Enjoy transfat-free calamari, fresh fi sh, seasonal salads and pastas. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, samscafe.com

SERVINO RISTORANTE

Italian Executive Chef Massimo Covello comes to the kitchen via Frantoio and Piazza D’Angelo; here, he cooks up an array of rustic Italian dishes, including house-made pastas, wood oven pizzas and seasonal specialties. A member of Marin Organic and one of Marin’s fi rst eateries to become certi fied as a green business, Servino uses fresh, local and organic ingredients whenever possible. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino.com

TIBURON TAVERN

California The atmosphere here is truly enchanting, with two outdoor patios, two indoor fi replaces and candlelit tables at

dinner. No item is more than $25, including the steak, with entrées falling in the $14 to $18 range. Happy hour is 4 to 6:30 p.m. M–F. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, tiburontavern.com

WEST MARIN

THE LUNCH BOX

American Spending the day on the coast? Stop by this modern day mom and pop deli for some beach bites. In addition to deli offerings, Lunch Box offers a full Mexican menu on Thursday and Friday evenings, with recipes from the chef’s hometown of Colima (Stinson). 15 Calle del Mar, Ste 2, 415.868.8884, lunchboxmarin.com

NICK’S COVE American

Large windows provide picturesque views of Tomales Bay and Hog Island. The 130seat eatery’s menu consists of fresh local seafood, oysters and bounty from nearby West Marin farms (Marshall). 23240 Hwy 1, 415.663.1033, nickscove.com

SURFERS GRILL

American The view doesn’t get better than this — nor does the Surf Salad. Built right on Stinson Beach, this casual lunch spot offers up fresh, organic salads alongside corn dogs, burgers and fries (Stinson). Stinson Beach Park, Hwy 1, 415.868.1777, surfersgrill.com

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Poki Salad

SERVES 4

Ingredients

4 teaspoons Japanese soy sauce

2 teaspoons sake (rice wine)

2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce (Vietnamese chili sauce)

2 teaspoons sesame oil

1 clove garlic, minced

10 ounces sushi-grade tuna (yellowfin, aka ahi)

2 teaspoons chopped green onion

2 teaspoons tobiko (flying fish roe) 4 shrimp chips or crackers of choice

To Prepare

1 Combine soy sauce, sake, Sriracha sauce, sesame oil and garlic in mixing bowl. 2 Chop tuna into ½-inch cubes and place in mixing bowl with sauce. 3 Add green onions and tobiko and combine ingredients carefully. 4 Place in mold or serving bowl and serve with shrimp chips or crackers.

30 Years by the Fireside

ROBATA MEANS “BY the fi reside” in Japanese. This seemingly counterintuitive moniker (Robata is known primarily as a sushi restaurant) refers to the centuries-old countrystyle cooking of northern Japanese fi shermen, who would cook their catch over an open fi re, then share among themselves by passing food on oars from boat to boat. If you’re interested in a similar mode of dining, just pull up a chair at Robata’s counter, where the staff oes their best to replicate the experience. “Our menu honors the robata tradition of sharing and sampling; appetizer-size portions allow you to feast on a variety of authentic dishes,” says owner Fred Obayashi. “Also popular for sharing is the profusion of the freshest seafood from our sushi bar, which has served Marin’s most discerning sushiphiles for over 30 years.” Founded by the late Jim Tasley and helmed for the past 14 years by chef Shinji Kawasaki, who hails from Osaka, Japan, Robata prides itself on its traditional Japanese cuisine and faithful patrons. robatagrill.com CALIN VAN PARIS

Mill Valley’s Robata Grill & Sushi celebrates three decades with an old favorite.

Shinji Kawasaki

New Seasonal Menu! Featuring vegetarian dishes and bar bite specials like Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup, Crispy Blue Lake Green Beans, Roasted Baby Artichoke Salad and Veggie Yukon Potato Gnocchi. Daily Happy Hour Deals. Intimate dining rooms and catering available.

Brick & Bottle 55 Tamal Vista Blvd 415.924.3366 Corte Madera, CA brickandbottle.com

The Lunch Box offers unique and intriguing sandwiches, salads and soups, perfect for a bite on the go or lunch on the beach. Reserve your Picnic Lunch in the Park with refreshments and homemade desserts for $21 per person. Catering and special orders available seven days a week at catering@lunchboxmarin.com

The Lunch Box 15 Calle Del Mar 415.868.8884 Stinson Beach, CA lunchboxmarin.com

In Japanese, Robata means “by the fireside” and refers to the grill-style cooking of northern Japanese fishermen. Our menu offers traditional as well as contemporary fare. Over 25 premium sakes. Come see why we’ve been Mill Valley’s favorite Japanese restaurant for over 30 years.

Robata Grill & Sushi 591 Redwood Hwy. 415.381.8400 Mill Valley, CA robatagrill.com

The Tavern at Lark Creek appeals to diners looking for seasonally driven cuisine and an incomparable historical ambiance. Chef Wright’s menu is approachable and highlights our farm-to-table sensibilities. Oak tables fill the cozy bar, with artisanal cocktails and wines on tap. Join us nightly for dinner and weekend brunch.

Tavern at Lark Creek 234 Magnolia Ave 415.924.7766 Larkspur, CA tavernatlarkcreek.com

Specialties include mesquite-grilled steaks and fish , house-made pastas, fresh salads and soups, a wide variety of desserts, and fresh baked bread along with artisan cocktails and a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. Each month, a special regional dinner menu is featured. Groups of all sizes are welcome!

Il Fornaio 223 Corte Madera Town Ctr 415.927.4400 Corte Madera, CA ilfornaio.com

On the Scene

FRANCISCO

TEXTILE ARTS SHOW Great jazz and food were combined with a show featuring more than 15,000 pieces of tribal and textile art February 6 at the preview for the event held at the Fort Mason Center in San Francisco.

• MARIN VALENTINE’S BALL More than 425 people attended the 18th annual Valentine’s Ball February 8 at the Marin Civic Center, which featured cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, fine dining, dancing and auctions. This year’s ball honored Marin-based charitable agencies.

SNAPSHOTS FROM SPECIAL EVENTS IN MARIN AND SAN FRANCISCO EDITED BY DANIEL JEWETT

MO DELONG (TRIBAL & TEXTILE ARTS SHOW)

Mary Denton, Joe O’Hehir and Katie Rice

• UNSUNG HEROES OF COMPASSION Sausalito’s Telile “Lily” Yoseph was honored in San Francisco at the February 23 event by the Dalai Lama for her efforts to help Ethiopian girls get an education and rise above poverty.

The Dalai Lama and Lily Yoseph

• SAN

TRIBAL &

Dustin Strunk, Jerry Bock, Dorje Strunk and Leonard Kalina

O.J. and Gary Shansby

Jay Schurman, Beverley Birks and Linda Pastorino

• INFORMATION NIGHT FOR BACCALAUREATE AND STEM

Parents attended the informational event February 6 and learned more about new academic programs coming to Fairfax’s St. Rita School in 2014–2015.

COURTESY OF THE REDWOODS (GROUNDBREAKING);

RICHARD WHEELER (INFORMATION NIGHT)

Maryjean McAllister and Marci Leach

Haydn Reiss, Gina Moore and Michelle Franchetti

John Black, Jie Zheng and Alan Ellis

• THE REDWOODS GROUNDBREAKING Ground was broken on a revitalization project for the 40-yearold Redwoods campus in Mill Valley on February 4. The project costs $32.8 million and will help the retirement community serve its clients better.

Laverne Uhte, Jack Bartlett, Peggy Hewitt, Marje Kuhl and Rev. Pam Shortridge

Stephanie Wickham Witt, Deb Cole and Jane Richmond

Sales and Rentals

Fort Mason Center

2 Marina Blvd., Building A, San Francisco, CA 94123 415-441-4777 sfmoma.org/visit/artists_gallery

MARIN ADVOCATES FOR CHILDREN

INVITES YOU TO

PASSPORT to a child’s SATURDAY april 26 2014

FUTURE

PEACOCK GAP GOLF CLUB

333 biscayne drive, san rafael, california

Thank You to our Sponsors

Partner Sponsors: John Adlam, Alain Pinel Realtors, Bank of Marin, Brayton Purcell, L.L.P., Marin Sanitary Services, Mechanics Bank, The Pasha Group

Supporting Sponsors: All California Mortgage, Sutton Suzuki Architects, Prandi Property Management Inc., Tamco Construction

Marin Advocates for Children is dedicated to preventing child abuse and advocating for the best interests of children in Marin.

For more information go to www.marinadvocates.org or contact Mollie Squires at mollie@marinadvocates.org or 415-507-9016

Twenty-First Annual Artists Warehouse Sale

A

FIVE DAYS ONLY - MAY 7–11, 2014

Shop this extraordinary five-day art sale, now in its twenty-first year. Browse hundreds of artworks by a range of local artists at savings of up to 75 percent. Proceeds benefit participating artists, the Artists Gallery, and SFMOMA’s exhibitions and programs.

Opening Night

Wednesday, May 7, 6–9 p.m.

Opening night admission: $10 at the door; free for SFMOMA members.

Additional Sale Hours

Thursday and Friday, May 8 and 9, noon–8 p.m.

Saturday, May 10, noon–5:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 11, noon–4 p.m.

Claire Pasquier, Spinning Through, 2014; photo: courtesy of the artist

This artwork is created using a moiré pattern that comes together as a full image when reproduced digitally. Take a picture of it to reveal the image. Then share digitally with friends! Thanks for getting the word out.

MARIN ADVERTISERS SPEAK UP

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Rose Duignan, director of marketing at Richmond Country Club

Richmond Country Club has been a golfers’ paradise since 1924. We have about 400 members and a round of golf will take four hours. The members are friendly and diverse; we are truly a community of people who love the game of golf. Most of our members live in Marin County and we are located just 15 minutes from central San Rafael.

What is your competitive edge?

There are a lot of golf courses to choose from in the Bay Area — but our club offers the best practice facilities available. And people who play golf want to improve their game. Our club has a huge grass driving

Kathleen Nemetz, financial planner at McClurg Capital Corporation

Financial planner and certified divorce financial analyst Kathleen Nemetz, MBA, CFP, CDFA, helps create road maps to help people fund their financial lives. These plans can protect her clients while guiding their ongoing investment or financial decisions. She offers a fee-based service as well as traditional investments. Her practice is located with McClurg Capital Corporation, in San Rafael, a member of FINRA and SIPC. Her affiliation with the investment boutique McClurg Capital affords her clients uncommon personal service combined with the financial strength and custodial services of the Pershing division of the Bank of New York Mellon.

What was your first investment?

Microsoft stock shortly after the initial public offering. I was 29 years old.

Describe your competitive edge.

From my own personal experience and travels, I know that life can be greatly simplified. I lived abroad for seven years and apply my knowledge of different lifestyles when suggesting changes to people who need to transition to other life choices. I also work

range, an entire hole dedicated to practice and a large pitching area in addition to a challenging putting green.

Is there something about your business that isn’t widely known?

When people think of country clubs, they think elite clientele, exclusivity and lack of diversity. Richmond Country Club is oldschool-cool — we’ve been around since 1924 — and our community is friendly, welcoming and diverse. It’s all about golf and friendships at our club.

What are the history highlights of the club?

The Richmond Country Club is a four-time PGA Tour stop. Ben Hogan played and competed here alongside Byron Nelson, Harold McSpaden, Ed Dudley, Tony Penna and Craig Wood. Sam Snead won the 1945 Richmond Open with a 72-hole winning score of 283. In the early 1950s Richmond hosted the women’s professional tour. Our fields included the best women of the era, including “Babe” Didrikson Zaharias, Louise Suggs, Marlene and Alice Bauer, Peggy Kirk, Betsy Rawls, Marilyn Smith and Betty Jamison.

RICHMOND COUNTRY CLUB, 1 MARKOVICH LANE, SAN PABLO, 510.495.4909, ROSE@HUBPM.COM, MYRICHMONDCC.ORG

in collaboration with other professionals, for instance, attorneys and CPAs in the Collaborative Law Practices of Marin and San Francisco. My practice affiliation with McClurg provides a high level of personal service as we are a small boutique firm with the safety of a big bank behind it. We clear through Pershing LLC, owned by the Bank of New York Mellon.

What are some of the life issues you help clients resolve?

Many of my clients are going through transitions such as retirement or divorce. Sometimes the transition is related to end-of-life decisions, concerning estate planning. Whatever the issues, I help my clients inventory what their assets may be. We also discuss what decisions are necessary to fund any goals.

KATHLEEN NEMETZ, 950 NORTHGATE DRIVE, SUITE 301, SAN RAFAEL, 415.472.1445, EXT. 306, KNEMETZ@MCCLURGCAPITAL.COM, LIFE-AS-PLANNED.COM

Help when you make the most important financial decisions of your life.

Mortgage rates have an impact on your family’s long-term financial planning. Our approach to mortgages not only considers interest rates but how a specific loan will affect your overall financial objectives such as your lifestyle, children’s education and planning for retirement. 1100 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 108 Larkspur, CA 94939 www.opesadvisors.com

Opes Advisors is licensed by the CA Bureau of Real Estate 01458652, Oregon ML-4902 and NMLS 235584. Equal Opportunity Lender. Opes Advisors is a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Advisors shown BRE #00977567 NMLS #299111, BRE #00957141 NMLS #237059, BRE #01352808 NMLS #304076, BRE #01490862 NMLS #296243, BRE #01009554 NMLS #285939, BRE #00984429 NMLS #251115. ©2014 Opes Advisors, Inc. All rights reserved.

From left to right: Judy Stern, Nolan Misitano, Jeff Smith, Marian Jung, Erin Whalen, Melanie Victor-Smith, Karen Burrous, Marc Herrenbruck

Palo Alto

Los Gatos

Marin • San Francisco • San Mateo • Santa Cruz • Walnut Creek • Napa

BY LAURA HILGERS • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

From top: The kitchen’s backsplash and counters offer varying shades of gray; the family room continues the theme with a Room and Board cowhide rug; the exterior rail curves sensuously.

IT SAYS EVERYTHING about Michelle and Brad Stau ffer’s Mill Valley home that when they moved in, they didn’t so much as change a doorknob.

“Usually, when I look at a house, I think, I’d change this and this and this,” says Michelle. “But I walked in and thought, I love this home just as it is.”

The Stau ffers weren’t really in the market for a new home. They were enjoying loft living in the city with their two children when Brad, who is president of Tiburon’s Digital Foundry (Michelle is the marketing consultant), started having neck issues from the long bike commute. So in December 2012, Michelle Googled houses within five miles of the office and found this home, which resonated, she says, with their “clean modern aesthetic.”

Their realtor, Todd Gray, insisted that they see a few other properties in the area, but none came close to the workmanship and design of this newly built home, so they bit on it quickly. That’s no small tribute to the builder, Shahram Ghodsian, who prides himself on hand craftsmanship and construction that lasts a long time. Ghodsian’s ethos is visible in details throughout the house, from the handrails, which were constructed on site, to the elegant eight-foot-tall interior doors (compared to the standard, which is 6 feet

8 inches.) Even the stained wood is made of vertical-grain lumber rather than horizontal because, says Ghodsian, “it’s far more stable against the elements.”

While the house has solid bones, it’s the aesthetics that hit you fi rst. Ghodsian, who says he has “a penchant for the vernacular of colors,” custom-blended all the paints, creating a rich palette in varying shades of gray. The kitchen/family room alone has seven shades of it, from the paint on the wall to the blue-gray tile of the backsplash to the stained wood of the white oak island. Even eyesores like electrical outlets are out of sight, neatly tucked under kitchen cabinets.

The attention to texture and color extends to the outdoors, too. Off he kitchen, the black slate deck is ringed by a sensuously curved railing and a wall made of manufactured stone, in — surprise — gray.

One of the home’s most delightful rooms is its smallest. Open the door of the fi rst-floor powder room and you’re hit by a waterfall of handmade glass mosaic, in gray, that extends from floor to ceiling. The effect is startling.

Todd Gray emphasizes how unusual this is, and how happy it’s made the Stau ffers. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve sold new construction and at least the paint gets changed,” he says. “But this house was just perfect.” m

I walked in and thought, I love this home just as it is.

Clockwise from top: A wraparound sofa offers views of the fireplace; steps lead to the entryway; Michelle and Brad, in front of the house with their children; the breakfast nook, which sits across from a microwave-in-adrawer; a sleek table for deck entertaining; a cozy child’s room.

THE DETAILS

WHERE THEY PURCHASED The Homestead neighborhood of Mill Valley

WHAT THEY BOUGHT A contemporary four-bedroom home, with built-in apartment

LISTING AGENT Sherry Ramzi, Decker Bullock Sotheby’s SELLING AGENT Todd Gray, McGuire Real Estate

STATS Price per square foot in the neighborhood: $711–$1,151

171 Great Circle, Mill Valley List Price $3,495,000

Custom built by Dan & Hal Weiss, this 4922±SqFt 7BD/5BA Strawberry Estate, the site of many fundraisers, embodies contemporary living with Mt. Tam Views and all day sun. Lush gardens, palm trees and level eco-friendly “Heavenly Greens” lawn along with a private outdoor “fire pit” for indoor-outdoor entertaining on a street to street lot. Meticulous attention to every detail. www.171GreatCircle.com

200 Summit Avenue, Mill Valley List Price $1,495,000

Enchanting lower Middle Ridge Mid-Century Modern: 4 BD/2.5BA, plus separate 1BD/1BA unit. Remodeled by the prior owner with a beautiful living & dining room featuring beamed ceilings, hardwood floors, eat-in chef’s kitchen with stainless appliances. Attached 2 car garage with additional parking and street entry. Situated less than a half mile from the Downtown Square. 200SummitAvenue.com

Additional 2013 Sales

Court, Tiburon $1,795,000* 1002 Greenhill, Mill Valley $1,295,000* 183 Buchanan, Sausalito $1,050,000** 140 Cypress, Sausalito $549,000**

39 Corte Morada, Greenbrae $1,195,000* 933 S. Eliseo, Greenbrae $595,000** 113 Greenwood, San Rafael $879,000** 40 Cypress Hollow, Tiburon pending $2,250,000** 23 South Knoll, Mill Valley pending $1,495,000* 12 Via Paraiso, Tiburon $3,200,000**

12 Indian Rock, Tiburon $2,250,000**

134 Reed Boulevard, Mill Valley $1,695,000*

37 Via San Fernando, Tiburon $1,695,000*

437 Wellesley, Mill Valley $1,500,000**

*

4 Corte Palos Verdes, Tiburon SOLD Offered at $2,275,250 Represented the Buyers

24 Oakdale Avenue, San Rafael

Located in the fabulous Dominican neighborhood of San Rafael, this one-level home has it all. Walk through the charming entry and you will instantly feel the warmth this home exudes. One wing of the home features four bedrooms and two and a half baths. The generous master suite is a welcoming oasis with sliding doors that open onto the patio with access to the pool. The luxurious master bathroom has been recently updated and is full of light. The three additional bedrooms are nicely appointed with ample space. As you return to the main living areas, you will find an elegant formal living

room with a fireplace and sliding doors to the patio and an adjacent formal dining room, both with wonderful alcoves. Venture from the dining room into the stylish kitchen with an adjacent great room and you will see the incredible flow this home offers. There is a well-situated pantry and laundry room off the kitchen as well as access to the 2-car garage with ample storage. The great room also features a fireplace and doors out to the patio and pool. This home defines indoor/outdoor living and you will feel like you are on vacation throughout the year. www.24Oakdale.com

Classic Victorian Style

This charming home, graced by lush landscaping and an old-fashioned front porch, will make you feel at home the moment you open the front door into the formal entry with two-story ceilings. The living room, featuring a fireplace and bay window overlooking the garden, and adjacent dining room are perfect for family gatherings and entertaining friends.

A confection of a kitchen, lovingly remodeled, features top-of-the-line appliances including a Wolf Range. An island/ breakfast bar nestles in a bay window looking over the yard, which features a gorgeous pool and spa surrounded by blue stone patios and lush greenery.

The adjacent family room is open to the kitchen and features the second fireplace and French doors leading to the back yard and pool. This room defines the word, “cozy.” A powder room and large laundry room complete this level.

A graceful stairway leads to the upper level, which welcomes you to a sumptuous master suite with marble bath and two additional spacious bedrooms and bath.

Warm hardwood floors throughout. New carpet in master. Wonderful volume filled with light. Two-car attached garage. Located in desirable Kentfield with its respected schools, world-class restaurants, lush surroundings and easy commute.

www.14altamira.com

All design aspects complement the dramatic views, maximizing light and space, while preserving the “mid-century” modern appeal of the original 1949 design. Immediately upon ­entering, the quality finishes provide­a­ sense of character and the spacious rooms encourage large or small gatherings. The chef’s kitchen includes all the latest designs of stainless appliances including Miele and Dacor. A Breakfast Nook takes full advantage of the views. Outdoor spaces include the ­generous “view deck,” ­sun-flooded during the day and displaying the “lights of Sausalito Harbor” at night. Professional landscaping creates the ultimate privacy while preserving the magnificent views. Easy access to the historic hamlet of Sausalito, the ferry to S.F and just 5 minutes to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Vicki Buckle-Clark Licensed Associate Broker 415.497.0044 vickibc@sothebysrealty.com

421-423 Pine St., Sausalito

This spacious 4 bedroom, 3 bath home plus rental cottage (with monthly income), is located near Caledonia Street with best weather. Living room has box beam ceilings, board & batten walls and a fireplace. Hardwood floors continue into the gourmet kitchen and dining area that opens to a deck & english gardens. A fabulous master suite has a fireplace and luxurious bath. Cottage includes legal 2 bedroom, 1 bath with a full kitchen and its own private yard.

Sycamore Park, Mill Valley

$1,195,000

Delightful one level home close to everything...Mill Valley Middle School, Recreation Center, Tam High, Mid-Town Mill Valley shops & restaurants. 4 bedroom, 2.5 baths. Large kitchen with adjoining dining/family room.

From the seller: “We were so very lucky to have Mary Jo as our real estate expert! Her knowledge of this unique area, her vast network of contacts, her creative, open energy and willingness to be accessible, made us feel as if we were her only priority. She made the entire process so easy. Not many can say that about selling a home!”

Little City Farms, Mill Valley $1,295,000

Discover the peace and serenity of Little City Farms. Tucked against GGNRA, this one level 3 bedroom, 2 bath home has an updated kitchen/family room combination. Enjoy indoor/outdoor living with a covered front porch and an expansive back deck with all day sun. Close to Eastwood Park, open space and hiking trails, yet just 12 minutes to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Mary Jo Barnett

415.847.7269 maryjo.barnett @ sothebysrealty.com I don’t work 9 to 5, I work start to finish!

World Class Views in Tiburon Coming

Soon

World Class Views spanning the bay from the Golden Gate to the Richmond/San Rafael Bridge. Many luxurious fi nishes are found in this contemporary home including a dramatic master suite with retreat, fl oor to ceiling windows and two terraces to enjoy breathtaking open views of the bridges, East Bay hills and San Francisco. Located on one of Tiburon’s fi nest drives with many exclusive estates, this home offers 3110± sq. ft with 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, plus an offi ce/den. Call for more information.

Price available upon request.

Julie Widergren www.MarinRealEstateNow.com 415.827.8727

j.widergren @ deckerbullocksir.com

Sophisticated Sausalito Contemporary $5,380,000

Set atop Wolfback Ridge on nearly .75 acre level lot, this magnificent residence overlooks San Francisco Bay boasts stunning views from Mount Tamalpais to the Bay Bridge. Originally built by Reece Clark, a Maybeck student, the property has undergone a major transformation by architect Scott Couture. Contemporary architecture and exquisite design, the property is accented by dramatic walls of glass, a 9-zone hydronic heating and solar system along with the finest building materials. www.11WolfbackRidge.com

Magnificent Indoor/Outdoor Living with Views

$3,500,000

Panoramic views and an ideal location on a .5 acre lot, spacious living room with views of the San Francisco skyline to Mount Tamalpais. Sliding glass doors and expansive windows with decking that wraps around the entire back of the house. The kitchen is accented with cherry wood cabinets, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, brick barbecue, and a wine cooler. Remodeled bathrooms and air conditioning throughout the house. The lower deck has a hot tub. www.ExclusiveMarinHomes.com

Kouros Tavakoli 415.518.2439 k.tavakoli@deckerbullocksir.com www.ExclusiveMarinHomes.com

“Moving to Decker Bullock Sotheby’s International Realty will allow my clients to benefit from the best in International Marketing and unparalleled global exposure for their signature properties. I will continue to work from my present location at 10 Beach Road, next to the Tiburon Post Office.”

JUST LISTED

Spectacular Mediterranean gated estate with inspiring panoramic views of Mt Tam and Phoenix Lake. Located on over 2 acres, the over 7,000 square foot home is grand in scale, with a circular entrance and foyer with high ceilings and large formal living, dining and family rooms with French doors opening to stone terraces and gardens, offering gracious indoor/outdoor living with an outdoor fireplace, Bar-B-Q, pool and spa that share the stunning views. Meticulously constructed with the finest finishes and a masterful design. Three en-suite bedrooms, three full and two half baths in the main residence plus one bedroom, one bath guest house, 3 car garage, and truly incomparable views… $9,775,000 MAX APPLEGARTH (415) 298-7600 LYDIA SARKISSIAN (415) 517-7720 BILL BULLOCK (415) 384-4000 www.globalestates.com

SOLD SOLD SOLD Chris DeNike

Through hard work and client dedication Chris DeNike has built his reputation from the ground up. Last year he rose to the top of the class and continues to build his Real Estate career by providing exemplary, professional service. Chris believes in direct contact with his clients-no assistants. He choses to personally show his listings and communicates directly with both his clients and other agents. If you are thinking about purchasing a new home or selling your current home and want to work one-on-one with your agent, contact Chris DeNike today.

Chris DeNike

415.250.8052 Chris@ChrisDeNike.com Chris DeNike.com

CORTE MADERA

SONOMA

TIBURON

TIBURON

CORTE MADERA

MILL VALLEY

SAUSALITO

CORTE MADERA

CORTE MADERA

SAN ANSELMO MILL VALLEY

MILL VALLEY

SAN RAFAEL

Laurel Grove, Ross

Sunny, private & gated in a park-like setting, this 5bd/4.5ba custom built, single-story, grey-shingle home has exquisite finishes throughout. Separate guest house with kitchen and full bath above carriage house style 3-car garage.

94LaurelGrove.com $7,495,000 Donna Goldman 415.509.2427

Heuters Lane, Mill Valley

Landmark estate positioned on one of Mill Valley’s most spectacular parcels. Built over 121 years ago, an impeccable home that blend today’s modern lifestyle with its rich heritage. 4 bedrooms, guest house, and a path to town.

7HeutersLane.com $5,500,000 Bernard Link 415.336.8676

Olive Avenue, Ross

Published in numerous national design magazines. 4bd/3ba with an open floor plan and custom finishes throughout. A pool, level lawn, and an outdoor fireplace complete the package. Near the Ross K-8 School and Phoenix Lake.

11Olive.com $2,595,000 Donna Goldman 415.509.2427

Sage Court, Novato

Stunning 5bd/4ba home with panoramic views, gourmet kitchen with stainless steel Viking appliances, formal dining and living room, 2 fireplaces, beautifully landscaped yard with two-tier Pebble Tec pool.

$1,995,000

Britt & Barbara Johnson 415.898.6600

Red Hill Circle, Tiburon

Exclusive 3bd/2.5ba single family residence with dramatic views of SF, Angel Island and beyond. Private enclosed patio, remodeled kitchen, family room and a step-down living room with fireplace.

$1,750,000

Cecile Hawkins 415.385.5202

Nicasio Valley Road, Nicasio

20+/-sun drenched acres, a beautiful, spacious, 3bd/3ba home with guestroom, mature landscaping, a level lawn area, fenced pastures and views that will take your breath away.

NicasioValleyRoad.com

$1,685,000

Rick Trono 415.515.1117

Spring Grove Avenue, San Anselmo

Nestled among the trees, 5bd/3ba, serene private oasis with easy access to Hwy 101, San Rafael and San Anselmo. Office, bonus room, wine cellar, plus 1bd/1ba detached cottage. Come see this unique property for yourself.

$1,495,000

Anne DeChelbor 415.497.4817

Irving Court, Tiburon

Desirable, Belveron West neighborhood, 3bd/2ba, large private lot across from Blackie’s Pasture and the walking/bike path. Top rated Tiburon schools. Expansion possibilities.

$1,300,000

Dennis Naranche 415.789.1515

Lydia Puller 415.599.5028

Foothill Boulevard, Calistoga

Spanish-style Villa with possibilities! 3bd, 3ba home sits on 2.25+/-acres with 1.5+/acres of 20+ year old Merlot Vines. Saltillo tile and hardwood floors, large kitchen. 200 year oak trees and a running creek.

$1,175,000

Britt & Barbara Johnson 415.898.6600

Live in luxury in this desirable close to town two bedroom and two bath, upper unit in Point Tiburon Bayside. This rarely available tasteful retro gem features a wood burning fireplace, French limestone floors, skylights, upgraded appliances, new carpet, front deck with views, private 2 car garage. Close to ferry, shops, restaurants & movie theaters. This community features a pool with spa & award winning landscaped grounds.

offered at $1,849,000

C.Jay Key (415) 699-5747

This two bedroom and two bath luxury unit is one of the very few with a spectacular view of San Francisco, the Bay and beyond! Extensively updated, with open floor plan, chef’s kitchen, granite counter tops, breakfast area, and wood burning fire place. The spacious living and dining room open to an elegant patio with dramatic views! Lovely master suite with designer bath. Located just steps from downtown Tiburon, and top rated schools!

offered at $1,499,000

DoMinique nave-Conroy (415) 259-8081

Seize the Mill Valley Lifestyle

Craftsman architecture pairs with one-of-a-kind finishes for a truly custom feel. Light flows in through French doors in this 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom home on a cul de sac. Meandering paths to multiple patios and gardens show you what Mill Valley’s sunny indoor/outdoor living is all about. Swim a few laps, soak in the spa, there’s even an outdoor shower. Don’t want to leave? The built-in home office allows you to be productive anytime. Loft above the master suite would make an excellent 2nd home office or yoga room. Most of the property is wheelchair accessible.

offered at $1,499,999

erinn Millar (415) 328-4143

Exquisite Contemporary Mill Valley Home

Contemporary one story four bedroom home in Strawberry one of Mill Valley’s most desired neighborhoods adjacent to multi-million dollar homes. This home offers formal dining/family room a great room, multiple French doors leading to the lush landscaped yard with majestic trees. Gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and granite counter tops. 2 fireplaces, patio with built in BBQ station and 2 car parking. Desirable Mill Valley School district.

offered at $1,495,000

Sheila MoraDian (415) 828-7060

Stunning San Francisco Skyline & Bay Views

Beautiful Tiburon Water View Home

This lovingly cared for 2BR/2BA, hand built home, named Halcyon by the original owners/ builders was built with natural wood and glass, including custom wood cabinets, throughout. The living room’s arched beams, glass and skylights give the feeling of being in a Temple on the water. This home offers a large glass atrium entrance and open living-dining room, has new stainless appliances in the kitchen, new carpet, expansive Ipe hardwood decking and access to the dock. Watch the egrets, ducks and geese swim from your living room. Kayak from your personal floating dock.

offered at $1,099,000

Darrel leClair (415) 515-3322

This home offers peek-a-boo bay views from its large single-level floor plan. Serene sun-drenched area featuring nearby hiking trails. Glenwood School, Peacock Gap Golf Course, China Camp Park are all in close proximity. With a gated courtyard entry, four bedrooms and two baths, gleaming hardwood floors, recessed lighting, and a soaring ceiling in master bedroom, this home will make you feel like royalty.

offered at $1,085,000

(415) 320-9355

This unique and very private property sits on 2 parcels equaling just under an acre of land. The home was designed by architect Leo denOuden. The living room features 18 foot ceilings. There is a deck off the living room which has beautiful views looking out to the bay. The home presently has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. There is a separate workshop and plenty of parking.

PRICE TO BE DETERMINED

Carol SCott (415) 971-5676

Stunning custom home built by the sellers is tucked away at the end of a long, gated driveway. Almost 2900 sq. ft. of luxury. Gorgeous kitchen with granite counter tops and marble back splash. Well-designed floor plan with master on main level complete with fireplace and elegant spa like bathroom. Formal living room with fireplace, oversized family room with fireplace, formal dining room. This home has it all. Excellent neighborhood schools.

offered at $949,000

(415) 215-6346

The Gem of Larkspur’s Boardwalk

Private View Home in Sausalito

Peter HarriS

San Rafael’s Upper Glenwood

Colleen Cornell

Novato’s Coveted Pleasant Valley

• Architecturally Stunning • Seadrift Lagoon with grand views of Mt. Tamalpais

• Newly painted inside and out • Hardwood floors newly refinished

• 3 bedroom suites, full baths • TV/Bunk room for the kids

• Large solarium perfect for entertaining... $2,675,000 www.seadriftliving.com

Jeanne Sherfey Owner/Broker 415.868.0288

FirstREX can provide up to half of the 20% or more down payment required on a mortgage loan. It’s an investment for us, not a loan, so we don’t charge interest and you make no monthly payments to us, ever. Instead, we share a portion of the gain or loss in home value when you sell — up to 30 years later. Find out how REX HomeBuyer can help put you in the home you really want, today.

HomeBuyer

“...I liked that FirstREX is on board with us. That says it’s a smart investment. I would recommend REX HomeBuyer to my friends and family.”

– CHRIS B., SAN DIEGO, CA

“I really do endorse this program … I’m happy now that I can offer it to my clients and enable them to buy more home.”

– KATHLEEN BRADY, REALTOR PACIFIC UNION TIBURON

“[This] equity investment program can help you buy that house... Better yet, during the time you own the house, you make no payments to FirstREX...”

– LEW SICHELMAN, LA TIMES

©2014 FirstREX Agreement Corp. All rights reserved. REX HomeBuyer Agreements are provided exclusively by FirstREX Agreement Corp. Certain restrictions apply. “FirstREX” is a trademark of FirstREX Agreement Corp. , a wholly owned subsidiary of Real Estate Equity Exchange, Inc. FirstREX is an independent investor and is not affiliated with any bank, lender, or real estate brokerage firm. California BRE License #01524819.

COLDWELL BANKER MARIN IS THE DIFFERENCE

With more than 330 Sales Associates in nine offices in Marin County alone, when it comes to your real estate needs, Coldwell Banker Marin has you covered. Our team is comprised of talented professionals who have a tremendous passion for the area that they live, work and play in. That, combined with their exceptional market knowledge, experience and skill, enable them to provide their clientele with the remarkable service that Coldwell Banker is known for. When it comes to your real estate needs, trust the local professionals at

©2014 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker® is a registered trademark licensed to Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Office is Owned by a Subsidiary of NRT LLC. Real estate agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor sales associates and are not employees of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC, Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage or NRT LLC. CalBRE License #01908304.

(Back row, L-R) Ron Martinez, Mitchelle Hooshyari, Sharron Daeley, Donna D’Acuti, Lynn Fabian Lasner, Angela Curley, Kevin Mencer, Wes Mayne (Front row, L-R) Kathi Freeman, Naveen Pedersen, Bitsa Freeman, Elizabeth Pedrick, Mirta Sosa, Steven Sosa, Virginia Weber, Susan Ferrington

Coldwell Banker Marin.

Kathleen Harrison Photography

Janice GuehringAlva FallaJennifer Falla Firkins

Belvedere Mid-century Modern on Large Lot

101 Bayview, Belvedere Offered at $1,375,000

This wonderfully cozy & solid Mid-Century Modern-style 3 bedroom home sits just a block above Belvedere City Hall, the park and the playground, on an oversized lot stretching from Bayview to Bella Vista. Offering peaceful open views of the lagoon, St. Hilary’s and the hills of Tiburon, it is an easy stroll to the ferry, downtown Tiburon and the bayside recreational path. The lot is over 10,400 s.f. per tax records—lots of potential to explore! Special features include skylights, original wood paneled ceilings, beautiful gardens with a deck and patio, a carport with a workshop/storage area, and more. A very special home, lovingly improved and maintained by the same family for decades.

One of a Kind Estate Property in Larkspur

56 Millard Rd, Larkspur

Offered

at $1,795,000

A spectacular site with majestic views of Mt. Tam, surrounded by nature and drenched with sunshine. Hidden away above Madrone Canyon, this gated, appx. 21,000 s.f. property (per tax records) site feels like a world away, yet it’s close to charming downtown Larkspur. The artistic main house has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, and a large, sun-drenched deck/patio with spa for entertaining. Additionally, the guest quarters over the garage feature a studio with a full bathroom. Solar panels, newer roof, garden with citrus, pomegranate and fig trees. Many consider this a healing, magical property. Charming as is, or remodel and transform to your own private, multi-million-dollar estate!

Sharon Faccinto

Realtor ® Top Producer 415.272.3799 sfaccinto@mcguire.com

Marin

Downsizers’ Dream- A Waterfront Gem

65 Bedford Cove Offered at $949,000

Sharon Faccinto

Realtor ®

Top Producer 415.272.3799 sfaccinto@mcguire.com

McGuire real estate, because there is a difference.

Not all real estate companies are created equal. Choosing a real estate company is about more than buying or selling a home. It’s about the experience. Our agents are among the best and most productive in Marin. As Marin’s family-owned, luxury boutique real estate firm, McGuire Real Estate is different than the competition. We use big company, forwardthinking technology to market homes and connect buyers around the globe; and we pair it with the personal, flexible style that only a boutique can provide. The result? A unique and rewarding experience for our clients and our agents. Are you ready to discover the difference a luxury boutique can offer? Call 415.389.5601 for a confidential interview

McGuire Real Estate. Your local, family-owned brokerage since 1919.

Sitting just above the nature preserve (a birder’s paradise lagoon), with sparkling views of the bay and miles of bayside paths just steps away, you must see it to believe the quality and everything this home & location have to offer! Very quiet cul-de-sac, excellent warm & sunny microclimate, a friendly neighborhood kept in beautiful condition. HOA also includes security, pool & tennis courts. “Extensively Improved & Impeccably Maintained” is an understatement here: everything from the roof to the windows, floors, heating, kitchen, lighting, siding, landscaping, fireplace and more have been replaced with high quality work. Custom built-ins throughout, luxury master closet, and the best unwarranted bonus space (appx. 320 s.f.) you’ve ever seen perched above it all. MA rin | SA n Fr A nci S co | Penin S ul A | eAS t B Ay | W ine country | G loBA l | McG uire.co M

Botswana Canada China Croatia England France Germany Greece

HongKong India Ireland Italy Luxembourg Macau Malaysia Mexico Monaco Montenegro Netherlands NewZealand Norway

Poland Portugal Russia Scotland Singapore SouthAfrica SouthKorea

Spain Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Taiwan Thailand Vietnam Zambia

Local Expertise. Global Reach.

McGuire Real Estate is proud to expand our international reach for our agents, our properties, and our clients by partnering with Savills, a leading global real estate service provider. Headquartered in London, Savills opens new international markets to McGuire, including the Americas, Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Russia. McGuire Real Estate is proud to be the exclusive San Francisco Bay Area brokerage and international associate for Savills. Visit mcguire.com or call 415.296.2163 for more information.

Spectacular Sycamore! Mill Valley

· Sensational curb appeal

· Exceptional remodeled condition, with tasteful and timeless finishes

· Desirable layout: master suite and office upstairs

· Gorgeous gourmet kitchen and ‘Great’ Room

· Fantastic Built-Ins throughout

· Charming and Inviting living room

· Main house: 3+ bedrooms and 3 full baths

· Full guest house

· Large lot, flat yard and gardens

· Extremely coveted location

If you looked up “curb appeal” in the dictionary, there would be a photo of 22 Sycamore Avenue there as the perfect definition. This exceptional, white picket fence home gets even better once you cross the threshold. The fantastic “great room” includes a seriously gourmet kitchen, with highest level appliances, gorgeous granite counters and bar, dining and generously proportioned family room, all overlooking the large, flat yard and gardens. Hardwood floors, window seats, high ceilings, built-in desk and entertainment centers, and French doors, are just a few of the details that will capture your heart. The master suite is a dream, with peaked ceilings, French doors to a deck overlooking the gardens, a sitting area, spa style bathroom and an adjoining office or nursery area. 2 additional bedrooms and 2 more full baths complete the main house. A separate guest house, which is a legal second unit, provides income or lovely private space for friends, extended family or au pair. Coveted location, thoughtful layout and superb condition all come together in this desirable property.

Kathleen

Sinking of the San Agustin

The Drakes Bay tragedy started an incredible journey.

BY JIM WOOD

THE 80-FOOT-LONG SPANISH galleon San Agustin , with Sebastián Rodríguez Cermeño as its captain, left the Philippine Islands on July 5, 1595. On board were silks, other textiles and porcelains bound for New Spain (Mexico), several passengers, a crew of at least 70 men and one dog. Following a northern route, the perilous journey took 106 days — and very likely the lives of several crewmen. Then, off Punta de los Reyes in what is now Marin County, the San Agustin mysteriously sank, leaving 70 crewmen, Cermeño and the dog stranded at what is now Drakes Bay. Fortunately, a sailing launch had been unloaded before the San Agustin broke up in the surf. And

On board were silks, other textiles and porcelains bound for New Spain (Mexico), several passengers, a crew of at least 70 men and one dog.

on December 8, 1595, Cermeño, his 70 men and the pet dog boarded the 30-foot launch to sail to their true destination, Acapulco, Mexico — 1,500 miles away. Seven weeks later, Cermeño and all 70 men successfully made port; only the dog — a victim of the men’s near starvation — had perished. A half-hour documentary, The San Agustin: California Shipwreck, is available on DVD; contact thelencreative@gmail.com. m