Marin Magazine July 2014

LULULEMON ATHLETICA TOMMY BAHAMA SPLENDID TESLA(NOW OPEN)

21

In

Marin

21 Currents Ferry stops, keep the beat, books, celebrate 100 and more. 26 Style Add some flounces to your suit. 28 Q&A Meet music man John Korty. 30 On the Job Jenny Chew ca n fi x that rip or tear. 32 Made by Marin MVO skin care’s Mill Valley roots. 34 FYI Discovering Odalisque Cafe.

Destinations

71 Go It’s time to explore Oahu. 76 Appellations Wine country adventures.

Out

& About

79 Calendar A roundup of what to do in Marin and beyond. 88 Dine An insider’s guide to restaurants and food in the Bay Area. 96 Flavor French style at F3. 102 On the Scene Snapshots from special events in Marin and San Francisco.

Marin Home

gets some

touches.

109

TIM PORTER (TOP LEFT AND RIGHT); ART BY ANN KNICKERBOCKER (MIDDLE) er

escape

David Johnson, a leading photojournalist during photography’s Golden Age, and his wife Jackie, Marin County’s first AfricanAmerican postmaster, have always been trailblazers. Now instead of blazing trails, they’re strolling on them at The Tamalpais. They also appreciate their good friends, great food and Life Care at The Tam. It offers on-site health programs for standard fees that won’t increase if they need more care. And that’s a reason to smile. Call Dusty Bricker at (415) 464-1754 to learn more.

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IT’S JULY AND summer is in full swing. What better way to celebrate the season than with fresh and delicious food? We kick off eatures with a story that does just that. Writer, photographer and cook Lynda Balslev grabbed local farmers’ market ingredients and reimagined six dishes popular at local restaurants. She includes the recipes so you can make these meals at home.

Next up we take to the water for two dramatic and very di fferent stories. First, Kimball Livingston examines the bay’s floating

treasures — five local yachts that have withstood the test of time and have the stories to prove it. Second, Calin Van Paris revisits the fight to save the Drakes Bay Oyster Company. Much has changed since we wrote about this land use issue in 2008, with the case likely heading to the U.S. Supreme Court.

We wrap up features with a look at the current state of wealth. Writer Carrie Kirby asks local wealth managers what we should be doing now that the economy is coming back. Is it time to invest again? To buy a house? To give to your favorite charity? Kirby fi nds out.

Up front we’ve got a look at favorite ferry stops, organizations celebrating their 100th year, apps to improve your dining experience, flouncy bathing suits and more. You’ll also meet musician Jonathan Korty, seamstress Jenny Chew and the personalities behind Marie Veronique Organics and Odalisque Cafe.

In Destinations we look into perfect ways to spend summer on Oahu and, for those staying closer to home, some great wine country experiences.

Summer in Marin — does it get any better? We hope you enjoy the issue and all the great things to do in and around this beautiful county.

Marin Magazine Staff Editors

ON THE COVER

This month we feature the work of Marin artist Eric Zener. The oilon-canvas piece, Launching Into, measures 54 by 66 inches. About the painting, Zener says, “The central exploration in my work is our human relationship with nature. In creating this piece, I thought about how when we have the faith to leap into the unknown, we often find what we were looking for — whether we knew we were looking at all.”

Kimball Livingston examines the bay’s floating treasures — five local yachts that have withstood the test of time.

Above, from left: Mimi Towle, Nikki Wood, Dan Jewett

Why the drama club gave us great reviews

Last year they were using broomsticks for props. Now, they’re putting on full productions. We believe it’s important for children to find ways to express themselves, whether it’s by creating art, playing sports, or participating in community-based programs. That’s why Wells Fargo is proud to team up once again with KNBR and homegrown hero Brandon Crawford in supporting Step Up to the Plate for Education. This program provides grants to help keep these types of programs accessible to students across the Bay Area.

To nominate a school for a Step Up to the Plate for Education grant, please visit knbr.com/stepup

© 2014 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. Member FDIC. ECG-1198212

Stay CALM

Over 40 years ago, Marin made a conscious decision to concentrate development along Highway 101 in the City Center Corridor.

Countering panic attacks from the Herbal Tea Party.

BY JIM WOOD

SOMETHING CRAZY HAS happened in Marin. Groups with such names as Citizen Marin, Larkspur Fights Back and Marin Against Density, or MAD, have gained a foothold in county politics and it is a matter of serious concern. Why? Because much of what they say is highly debatable. And, I believe, what they are arguing against is what has made Marin, Marin. In light of the antigrowth stance and for the sake of simplicity let’s collectively call these folks the Herbal Tea Party, or HTP.

Alternatively, Coalition for a Livable Marin, or CALM, has recently emerged to counter the claims the Herbal Tea Party has been putting forth over the past few years. Let’s look at a few examples.

HTP: High-density housing, such as 30 units per acre, will never be viable in Marin. CALM: “That’s just not true,” says solar energy executive David Kunhardt of Corte Madera, one of the founders of CALM. “Over 40 years ago, Marin made a conscious decision to concentrate development along Highway 101 in the City Center Corridor.” And, as Kunhardt points out, that’s why 82 percent of Marin’s land is now open space. Also, much of the City Center Corridor is high-density housing. In fact, two of Marin’s most popular senior housing projects have densities exceeding 30 units per acre: Greenbrae’s 11-story Tamalpais of Marin has more than 300 apartments on six acres for a density of about 50 units per acre, and The Redwoods in Mill Valley has 330 living quarters in 15 buildings, some three stories high, on a 10-acre campus, part of which is wetlands. “Do the math,” Kunhardt says. “That’s also over 30 units per acre.”

HTP: Traffic congestion on Highway 101 is reason enough for not developing one more property in Marin. CALM: “Actually,” says Wendi Kallins, a longtime Forest Knolls resident and a cofounder of CALM, “a case could

be made for the exact opposite.” According to her, since 1970, Marin has grown only .7 percent per year. “That slow rate of growth didn’t produce today’s tra ffic,” she maintains. “Our 101 tra ffic consists of folks getting to homes they could a fford in Petaluma; people from outside the county getting to and from their jobs in Marin; and Marin families doing errands in cars because they live distant from needed services.” Kallins’ point: Close-in Marin communities with transportation and services within waking or biking range, and at a price young working families could a fford, might actually serve to reduce tra ffic. “Yet MAD now vehemently opposes such community-based, well thought out projects in Marinwood, San Rafael, Fairfax and Larkspur,” she says.

HTP: People won’t give up their cars in favor of walking, biking or taking public transportation. CALM: “It’s just the opposite,” Kunhardt says. “The realtors I talk to — Corte Madera’s Bob Ravasio is a good example — say the fi rst thing family home buyers want to know is, ‘Will we be able to walk to school and into town?’ Whenever possible, young families now want to avoid using their cars.”

HTP: Placing close-knit communities, including workforce housing, next to transportation facilities is a newfangled idea that will never work. CALM: “My gosh,” says Kallins, “Mill Valley, San Anselmo, Fairfax, Sausalito, San Rafael and Tiburon — they all grew up as train or transportation stops. I don’t understand why some people are so against a ffordable, vibrant and walkable communities that have the services people need and want and that can be accessed without getting in a car.”

Personally, I believe Marin residents should think long and hard before allowing themselves to be led by people who oppose, without offering any alternatives, the type of limited growth that has made Marin the wonderful place to live that it is today. Whatever side of the debate they’re on, no one wants Marin to resemble East Bay suburbia. That’s my point of view. What’s yours?

Email pov@marinmagazine.com.

Your Letters

More Communities

Jim, you forgot one very important Marin community (POV, “Marin’s Many Communities,” May 2014). The Marin Bocce Federation, at its courts on B Street in San Rafael, serves seniors and the disabled as well as players of all ages. This year Marin Bocce celebrates its 20th anniversary as a community resource. We have close to 160 teams in eight leagues involving nearly 1,500 people a week. That figure doesn’t include drop-ins and casual player s flocking to the courts on “open play” days. At this moment, the courts are at their most beautiful, with red roses surrounding the facility, and the rentable Rose Garden in full bloom. Come down, take a deep breath and roll a few. ELAINE

JOHNSON, FORMER TREASURER, MARIN BOCCE FEDERATION

Hi, Jim. Nice story on community and since you asked, another community within

Dominican University’s umbrella is the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), which provides academic classes for adults in Marin 50 and over. No homework; just learning for the sake of learning and interest — broadening our intellectual horizons. There are many subjects available each session, from poetry to politics. Eight-week OLLI classes held at Kol Shofar in Tiburon often have more than 200 students. Love reading your magazine. I am sending the feature on West Marin and cheese to our daughter in San Diego to entice her to visit us. JOAN LINN BEKINS, VIA EMAIL

Hi Jim, just one correction on your May POV on communities. Novato’s farmers’ market is on Tuesdays (not Wednesdays) from 4 to 8 p.m. on Grant Avenue. The many festivals, art fairs, Mountain Play and more express the character of our communities in Marin as well. Thanks for your article. LAURA MCINTOSH, VIA EMAIL

ONLINE, WE ASKED YOU

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Be a Video Star

It could be a video of you bike-riding on the Golden Gate Bridge, hang gliding over Stinson Beach or mountain-biking on Mount Tamalpais. Enter your best GoPro video in our My Marin GoPro Video contest for a chance to win great GoPro gear including a HERO 3+ Black. Hurry — contest ends August 15. Go online to see official entry rules. marinmagazine.com/gopro/

Catherine Mishoe of Corte Madera and her husband are the big winners of our Wine Country Getaway contest. The lucky couple won a two-night stay at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa as well as dinner at Santé and two spa treatments at the award-winning Willow Stream Spa. Mishoe says she didn’t even tell her husband that she entered, so winning came as a pleasant surprise.

A Thank You

Just want to say that I’ve been commuting back to Marin for the past three years, and now I’m coming home to settle in Mill Valley for good. Your magazine has kept me in touch with all the important things happening in the county and all of its wonderful innovative people. It’s been a lifeline to a unique and amazing way of life that can be found nowhere else in this country. Well done and thanks. VALERIE ANDREWS, MILL VALLEY

Photo Fun

Photo No. 4 on page 146 (Looking Back, June 2014) is the Rose Bowl outdoor dance floor in Larkspur and the photo was either 1954 or ’55. We have that picture and found ourselves in it. At that time we lived in Berkeley (my husband was a navy doctor stationed at Treasure Island) and we came over often on the ferry with friends to Larkspur to dance at the Rose Bowl. We loved to dance, having really fallen in love on the dance floor, and the Rose Bowl was a most romantic place. W hen we returned to California to make our permanent home in 1963, we bought a house in Kent field, just up the hill from the Rose Bowl. W hat a disappointment when it was sold soon after. We have now been married more than 68 years and wish we could dance again under the stars and redwood trees in Larkspur. ELAINE BROCKBANK, VIA EMAIL

Traffic Take

Jim Wood, thank you for your levelheaded take on tra ffic in the North Bay (POV, “The Tra ffic Nightmare,” March 2014). You raised many excellent points, but your “Tra ffic R Us” comment was the one that stood out. I make that same point about tra ffic probably once a day. If you are dealing with tra ffic, you are tra ffic. One point you did leave out, though, was patience. Everyone is in a rush; we all are, myself included. The one place I try to exercise patience, though, is on the road. Getting killed or killing someone else in an accident to get home earlier isn’t worth it. DAVID ISKRA, 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.

In Marin

CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND CAUSES OF THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

WHERE THE FERRY STOPS

Things to do after you disembark.

BY CALIN VAN PARIS

Travelers board the ferry in Sausalito.

WHILE A FERRY ride on the San Francisco Bay is an experience in itself — featuring views of Alcatraz, Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge — stops where passengers pile on and off he boats have some noteworthy attractions too. We’ve rounded up a few must-sees within walking distance of each dock.

SAN FRANCISCO FERRY BUILDING MARKET PLACE

The iconic Ferry Building is a prime location for shopping. Swing by Book Passage for a new best seller, peruse kitchenware at Heath Ceramics and Sur La Table, sample cheese at Cowgirl Creamery or pick up honey products from Beekind. ferrybuildingmarketplace.com

NIBBLE Hog Island Oyster Company recently reimagined its San Francisco space, turning what was a simple oyster bar (with minimal seating) into a full-scale restaurant. hogislandoysters.com

Sourced from the Carneros region of the Napa Valley, Stonehouse California Olive Oil comes in a range of blends. When you’re done dipping bread into every available option, select a favorite bottle for your kitchen. mcevoyranch.com

A longtime supporter of and space for local artists, Studio 333 now has a retail outpost — Studio 333 Downtown —a stone’s throw from the ferry landing. The shop features goods made by area artists, from leather handbags to soaps. studio333downtown.com

Barrel House Tavern, the newest eatery on the Sausalito waterfront, is ideal for a specialty cocktail paired with a killer view. The fare is seasonal and regional. barrelhousetavern.com

Swing by California Caviar Company for a new twist on the sumptuous snack. CCC offers tastings of its sustainably harvested caviar — invest in an ounce for your next special occasion. californiacaviar.com

Forget the mall — downtown Tiburon is a mecca for all types of women’s clothing, shoes and jewelry. Old favorites like the recently expanded Koze are supplemented by new additions like Fetish, which showcases jewelry and world goods. townoftiburon.org/shops

Luna Blu, opened earlier this year, features Italian cuisine with a focus on seafood. Visit for weekend brunch or English-style afternoon tea, right at the Tiburon harbor. facebook.com/lunablurestaurant

Take a break from your walkabout at Main Street Wine Bar and Bottle Shop. After a glass or two and some pâté and a cheese plate, you’ll be ready to select a souvenir from the list of 200 bottles. mainstreetwinebar.net

The L.A. fashion scene has found a home at Marin Country Mart. With stores like Calypso St. Barth, Intermix, James Perse and Malia Mills, you may want to apologize to your wallet in advance. marincountrymart.com

MCM is home to plenty of delicious restaurants, but if you’re lucky enough to visit on a Sunday, you will be welcomed by Off the Grid’s fleet of food trucks. Be prepared to chow down. marincountrymart.com

Supporting independent bookstores has never been so important; the staff of bookworms at Diesel, A Bookstore reads, reviews and recommends texts, making finding a new favorite a no-brainer. dieselbookstore.com

Keeper of the Beat: A Woman’s Journey Into the Heart of Drumming premiered at last year’s Mill Valley Film Festival, where it was runner-up for the Audience Award for Best Documentary. This month the film, produced and directed by three-time Emmy Award winner David L. Brown, is making its television debut. Tune in to experience life through the eyes of female drummer and Mill Valley resident Barbara Borden, who, after touring the country in the 1970s with the women’s jazz band Alive!, traveled and drummed her way around the world — trekking through Zimbabwe during civil war, spending time in the former Yugoslavia and more. “I feel that David and I have created a love letter to all those who love music and music making,” says Borden of the film. “Through exploring my journey, the film encourages and inspires others on their journeys, highlighting the great joys of music and drumming and the beauty in life and in community.”

FEEL THE RHYTHM

KQED Channel 9; Sunday, July 6, 6 p.m., kobmovie.com C.V.P.

SAUSALITO FERRY LANDING

TIBURON FERRY TERMINAL

LARKSPUR FERRY TERMINAL

Tiburon Ferry Terminal

DR. JOHN ROBERTS IS

PIONEERING CARE

FOR AMY BAGHDADI

Amy Baghdadi was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, and needed a liver transplant, fast. Dr. John Roberts had come to UCSF Medical Center as one of the pioneers of live organ transplants, and has helped make it one of the busiest liver transplant programs in the country. Both doctor and patient ended up at UCSF for the same reason: UCSF’s culture of innovation. Nowhere else is pioneering medical research so interwoven with patient care. UCSF Medical Center: pioneering care, one patient at a time. Visit PioneeringCare.com to read more.

BOOKS

Reading List

The Insanity of Advertising: Memoir of a Mad Man by Paul S. Goldberg, Council Oaks Books, 394 pages, $28.95

Sounds like fun. The author worked with Steve Jobs on the “1984” commercial, then with Michael Dell as sales climbed into the billions; features cameo appearances by John Wayne, Larry Ellison and more.

Free Spirit: Growing Up on the Road and Off the Grid by Joshua Safran, Hyperion Books, 270 pages, $24.99. Prepare yourself for a rough and rollicking ride. Oakland author’s mom was an idealist, to a fault. As a youngster, Safran, now an attorney, lived in buses and communes and didn’t regularly attend school until age 11. This is his memoir.

The Translator: A Novel by Nina Schuyler, Pegasus Books, 306 pages, $25. A beautiful book, thoughtful, mesmerizing and intelligently written, exploring Japanese culture, mother-daughter relationships, language and love. “Solid prose and intriguing characters drive this complex tale,” according to Publishers Weekly. The author lives in Marin. JIM WOOD

Super Centennials

Picture it: 1914 in Marin County. Times are simpler. The roads are devoid of trafficnd trains rule the day. Here, celebrating centennials, are three enterprises that have helped make Marin County the hub of culture, knowledge and communication that it is today. C.V.P.

1 We’re Open

The doors of the Throckmorton Theatre (originally called the Hub Theater) just opened for the first time, giving locals the chance to enjoy candlelit performances by the likes of Charlie Chaplin.

2 Go Wireless

West Marin is in the know, as the first trans-Pacific wireless radio transmission recently made its way from Bolinas’ Marconi Station — founded along with a location in Marshall by Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of wireless radio.

Appetizing Apps

3 Borrow a Book

In February, the Marin Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution to establish the Marin County Free Library system, which would facilitate library access, and thus reading, throughout the county.

It’s hard not to be a food-lover in the Bay Area — from acclaimed eateries to bountiful farmers’ markets, the dining options are virtually endless. Here are a few mobile options designed to aid you in your quest for the perfect meal. C.V.P.

MARIN FOOD INSPECTION MOBILE SITE Trying out a new restaurant? The Food Program of Marin County’s Environmental Health Services recently launched a mobilefriendly site that allows patrons easy access to health inspection records. Just search the business by name to check out the culinary conditions. marinfoodinspection.org

COVER “I’m paying with Cover,” is all you need to say at restaurants making use of this innovative app. Store your payment information in Cover to bypass the waitingfor-the-check portion of your meal with the touch of a button. S.F. restaurants like Rich Table and Wayfare Tavern have already caught on to this dine and dash trend.

CALIFORNIA FARMERS’ MARKET FINDER Cooking a meal at home can be just as indulgent as dinner out with the incorporation of fresh local ingredients. And since keeping track of the slew of Marin farmers’ markets can be a daunting task, we suggest this app for a quick location-based search. (Bonus: our website also offers a comprehensive list.)

CLEANUP ARTIST Washed Ashore, on display at the San Francisco Zoo through September, highlights society’s pollution problem with sculptures (some musical in nature) made entirely of trash collected from Oregon’s Pacific beaches, depicting the sea animals that fall victim to human irresponsibility. “We see the arts as a language to educate the public about the tragedy of plastic pollution in the ocean,” says Angela Haseltine Pozzi, lead artist and director of the Artula Institute for Arts and Environmental Education project. “We hope to create a wave of change in consumer habits.” sfzoo.org C.V.P.

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Flying Carpet swimsuit, $99 (top) and $89 (bottom), by Red Carter at Neiman Marcus (SF), 415. 362.3900 and neimanmarcus.com.

Just a Peak flounce bandeau, $64, and Just a Peak tie side bottom, $54, by BECCA by Rebecca Virtue at everythingbutwater.com.

Rita tankini top, $114, and Shirred jersey bottom, $68, by Magicsuit at miraclesuit.com.

Frill bandeau top, $145, and skinny pant, $75, by Zimmermann at Saks Fifth Avenue (SF), 415.986.4300.

Flirty

Flounces

Stay on trend poolside this summer with these ruffled suits. The extra fabric helps to boost a smaller bust and, on a one-piece, can strategically hide problem areas. VERONICA SOOLEY

Hunter Rose top, $105, and Foxy Tab classic bottom, $61, by L*Space at lspace.com.

Untamed flounce bandeau, $72, and Untamed hipster, $58, at Lucky Brand (Corte Madera), 415.927.4102 and luckybrand.com.

Knotted-back flounce crop top, $40, and Ruched cheeky bikini, $23, at victoriassecret.com.

9 QUESTIONS FOR

Jonathan Korty

Award-winning musician and nightclub owner Jonathan Korty, son of Oscar and Emmy award-winning film director John Korty and designer Beulah Chang, could definitely be considered a product of his creative environment. The family lived in Stinson Beach when he was born in 1968 and soon moved to Mill Valley, where Jonathan and his brothers David and Gabriel rode bikes, skateboarded and explored the mountainside. Besides a formal education at Marin Country Day School, Branson and University of Hawaii, the art and artists of the county were prominent influences for young Jonathan. Hence, it wasn’t a stretch when, in 1995, he formed the successful eight-piece groove band Vinyl in his Homestead Valley garage. The band, which toured nationally and internationally, won countless awards and even appeared on Comedy Central’s South Park in the “Die Hippie Die!” episode. Today, along with serving as general manager and co-owner at Fairfax’s 19 Broadway, he continues to perform with Vinyl, as well as others including Chrome Johnson, Danny Click and Honeydust, and will once again join legendary Jamaican guitarist Ernest Ranglin in an exclusive Bay Area appearance at his own Fairfax club this month. We caught up with Jonathan — who had his prized Wurlitzer keyboard with him — before he headed off for another night of music. MIMI TOWLE 1

Club Owner SAN ANSELMO

Your dad is a film director; have you considered becoming an actor? I did get to play the role of Herschel Tambor Brillstein III, the “multiethnic multiinstrumentalist” in the critically acclaimed National Lampoon mockumentary Electric Apricot: Quest for Festeroo, directed by and starring Les Claypool (of the band Primus) back in 2006, and so far that was it.

What instrument do you play? Hammond B3 organ, keyboards and harmonica.

wife, Kaeja, learned from my all-time favorite Marin musician, Austin de Lone, played for 10 years with Vinyl as the house band and honed my chops. My family and I adore the community of San Anselmo/Fairfax and I couldn’t be happier at 19 Broadway. I am right where I am supposed to be. 6

3

Any local bands to watch out for? The Bad Jones, FenToN CooLFooT and the Right Time, ELP, Arann Harris and the Farm Band, FogDub, Black Water Gold, High Tide Collective, Gene Washington and the Ironsides, Junk Parlor, Jeff Campbell.

Favorite restaurants? La Ginestra. I grew up going to La Gs and always get the “special ravs” (raviolis). We like the squid appetizer at Sushi Ran or anything at Sorella Caffe in Fairfax. My favorite lunch is the Korean BBQ plate at Java Hub Cafe in San Anselmo and for dessert, no question, Fairfax Scoop.

7

Memories of growing up in Mill Valley? I remember being inspired by the rich musical history I gleaned listening to KTIM’s Blue Monday Party at Uncle Charlie’s (hosted by Mark Naftalin) and perusing John Goddard’s legendary Village Music. 5

4

Was it hard to make the switch from Sweetwater to 19 Broadway? Personally the “old” Sweetwater has such significance in my life. It’s where I met my beautiful

Favorite Marin tradition? Besides the live music seven nights a week in Fairfax, it’s a tie between the Muir Beach Firemen’s Barbecue and recently I’ve loved going to the Fairfax Festival. 8

Besides music? Mountain biking. I’ve been riding on Mount Tam my whole life and surfing in Bolinas — it’s where I learned. 9

Favorite drink, and where? Iron Springs Brewery’s Sless’ Stimulating Stout. m

Sew It Goes

From China to Tiburon — a local seamstress is a town favorite.

BY TIM PORTER

Twenty-three years ago, a newly married Jenny Chew left her farming village in Canton, China, for a new life in the United States with her husband, who had immigrated years earlier and was working as a letter carrier in Mill Valley. Today, Jenny is celebrating her tenth year as owner of Twins Alterations on Ark Row in Tiburon. Where did you learn to sew? My mom taught me. Was she a seamstress? No, she worked on a farm, but she made lots of our clothing. She was so busy that I would sew clothes for the family. I have three sisters and a brother. How did you end up with this shop? When I first came to America, I worked in a family restaurant. Then I started sewing. I worked at Alterations to Go in Greenbrae. A friend, Judy Tang, owned this business and I bought it when she retired. And changed the name? I didn’t want to put my name on it like Judy did, so I thought, well, I have twin daughters. What are their names? Lena and Julie. They are 21. Lena is at UCLA. Julie is in Hong Kong at Polytechnic University. Did they ever work here? Not so much. They were too busy studying. Julie, the older one, is studying fashion design and sewing. Older? She was first, by two minutes. Are they more American or more Chinese? More Chinese. They’re not like American girls who go out a lot. They’re a little bit quiet, like me. What do your customers need? The women have lots of nice clothing. Sometimes they have lost weight and they still love their old clothes and they ask me to make them fit for them. And the men? Some are gaining weight and I let things out for them. Do you have any employees? When I am busy, I have a girl who helps me a little bit, but most of the work I do by myself. Is it difficult to find someone who knows how to sew? Yes, in Marin it is very hard, and harder to find a good one, too. Does the work get tiring? Sometimes, from leaning forward, leaning over to see the seams and the needle. And my hands ache. Before Judy retired, I saw her hands and mine are getting like that. How much do you work? The sign says five days a week, but usually I work six because I come on the closed days to finish the work. But you like what you do? Yes, I like to work and I am so happy to work here because I have lots of nice customers. m

Jenny Chew, Twins Alterations, 118-A Main Street, Tiburon, 415.435.1337

TIM PORTER

and kidney transplants in adults.

MADE BY MARIN

Marie Veronique Organics

CONSIDERING OUR SOCIETY’S growing preoccupation with what we put into the human body, it’s only natural that our focus should turn to what goes on it as well. That’s the theory of former chemistry teacher Marie Veronique Nadeau, who founded Marie Veronique Organics (MVO) over a decade ago in Berkeley, after a fruitless hunt for a skin care line offering ingredients and results that were up to her standards. Nadeau’s science- and natureminded products quickly attracted a strong local following and were soon discovered by Mill Valley resident and marketing professional Hillary Peterson — now CEO — who helped launch the brand nationally. In 2012, MVO opened it s fi rst and only storefront in Mill Valley. PHILOSOPHY “Intelligent Ingredients” serves as MVO’s tagline as well as its overriding goal. “So often, we fi nd ourselves explaining that although our products are safe and organic, fi rst and foremost they deliver results,” says Peterson. “Bottom line, we do not need to use toxins in order to transform aging skin.” Nadeau collaborates with her daughter, physicist and biomedical engineer Jay Nadeau, when choosing ingredients. THE SCOOP MVO’s lines include mild cleansers and oils the skin can absorb directly, without additives. “Our customers love our Paci fic Face Oil, made with seed oils and marine antioxidants to replenish the top layers of aging skin so it can retain moisture,” Peterson says. And when it comes to skin protection, Nadeau espouses the same wisdom that has been passed down for generations: “Wearing sunscreen every day, from sunrise to sunset, is the most important antiaging measure you can take.” BEYOND MARIN The majority of MVO fans shop online, but the storefront has become a mecca for followers of the brand. “When you have a store and your products work as well as ours do, it’s fun and ful fi lling to see customers come back with a glow and so much gratitude,” Peterson says. WHAT THEY SAY “At some point, we all look in the mirror and discover that we are indeed aging,” says Peterson. “As a melanoma and thyroid cancer survivor, I fi nd it means a lot to me to grow a company that is making a real di fference without unnecessary exposure to toxins. So many women are surprised to learn that our natural products actually work better than others they’ve tried.” mvorganics.com CALIN VAN PARIS

Marie Veronique Nadeau (left) and Hillary Peterson.

Discovering Odalisque Cafe

Art and artists surround a new restaurant in

BY JIM WOOD • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

a 136-year-old San Rafael building.

HOW LONG HAS this been here?”

According to Odalisque Cafe and Grille’s founder and opening chef, Jay Yinger, that’s what people say on discovering his colorful California-Mediterranean restaurant at 1335 Fourth Street in San Rafael. “They’re surprised to see white tablecloths, leather chairs and bright artwork on brick walls,” he says.

The question really has two answers: while Odalisque Cafe has only been open two years, the building that houses it has a colorful 136-year history.

The Past

In 1871, according to Barry Spitz’s Marin: A History, a millionaire named Upton McRea Gordon built a brick building on the south side of Fourth Street between C and D streets, where he opened Marin’s fi rst bank. “And next door,” adds Spitz, “Gordon built an opera house seven years later.” Then, in 1902, Gordon’s Opera House became the Lyric, Marin’s fi rst movie theater.

By 1920, with the advent of department stores, Fourth Street became Marin’s premier place to shop — but the beautiful brick building

wasn’t so fortunate. It went from a 1930s bakery to a World War II bunkhouse to a 1960s Chinese restaurant to a 1990s bar and lounge named T and T’s, eventually becoming a forlorn-looking vacant space.

In 1997, artist Phyllis Thelen saw beauty in the brick building and persuaded four fellow artists to put up $60,000 to lease it and create a cooperative arts center. Such was the beginning of San Rafael’s well-known Art Works Downtown.

In 1999, with help from the City of San Rafael, the Bank of Marin and the Marin

Odalisque Cafe’s Fourth Street exterior. Views of the interior show comfortable seating, exposed brick and art for sale.

Community Foundation, the nonprofit Art Works Downtown purchased the building for $3 million. And now the building that started 136 years ago as Gordon’s Opera House consists of 35 individual artist studios, 17 below-market-rate apartments (mainly inhabited by artists), three art galleries, four

In 1997, artist Phyllis Thelen saw beauty in the onetime brick opera house and persuaded four fellow artists to put up $60,000 to lease it and create a cooperative arts center.

storefront art-oriented retail operations and Odalisque Cafe (the name, loosely translating as “concubine,” is taken from the title of a famous 1814 painting by Jean-AugusteDominique Ingres).

The Present

Before opening the dining spot, Yinger, who has practiced architecture and done restaurant design for 30 years, worked with Pat Kuleto, Bob Freeman (California Cafe, the Trident) and Steve Sears and Brian Wilson (Sam’s Anchor Cafe). A man of many talents, Yinger also worked front of house at Berkeley’s Chez Panisse and founded the former Andalou Restaurant in San Rafael in 1978. He has also served on Art Works Downtown’s board of directors.

“The idea of having a restaurant to attract people to the art center was often a topic of discussion,” Yinger recalls, “so in 2008, when the space came available, I chaired a

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committee to fi nd a suitable restaurant tenant. But I wasn’t very good at it because a year went by with no tenant in sight.” He then made the mistake of missing a board meeting and was elected to be the one to create a restaurant to occupy the space.

After a four-year rebuilding and remodeling process, Yinger, along with artist Lisa Long and a few others, opened the doors to the cafe.

Apparently, the concept of restaurant as people magnet is a good one. Prior to Odalisque’s opening, Art Works Downtown was attracting 5,000 people annually. “Now,” says Yinger, “over the past year, approximately 50,000 people have visited either Art Works Downtown or our restaurant, or they visit both.”

Small wonder — and fair warning: It is easy to get lost in the Art Works Downtown/Odalisque Cafe complex. Included within are a spacious gallery exhibiting paintings and photographs priced into the thousands of dollars; a working

Over the past year, approximately 50,000 people have visited either Art Works Downtown or our restaurant, or they visit both.

frame shop; Viva Diva, a clothing boutique; the Marin Jewelry Guild’s design studio; and a twostory labyrinth — featuring nine doorways cut through 20-inch-thick brick walls — where 35 studios are located, each displaying the work of its resident artist, often on-site busily at work.

Odalisque Cafe also has a brick-walled wine cellar that seats 20 for intimate group dining and a patio breezeway where groups of up to

150 can be entertained. “The building seems to attract talent,” says Odalisque hostess and curator Lisa Long. “It inspires people; it’s an oasis for artists, art lovers and diners alike.” m

A Rich History

From opera house to movie theater to cafe and art building, the 136-yearold Fourth Street building has a colorful past. CALIN VAN PARIS

1871 U pton McRea Gordon builds Marin’s first bank, with a bordello on the top floor.

1878 Gordon opens Gordon’s Opera House next door to the bank.

1890s Vaudeville performances replace what was formerly opera on the top floor. Several retail stores occupy the ground level on Fourth Street.

1902 What had been called Gordon’s Opera House becomes the Lyric, Marin’s first movie theater. It would later be known as the Star Theater.

1940 Star Theater is converted to 17 apartments as housing for the workforce building the Liberty Ships in Sausalito and Richmond.

1990s A bar and lounge named T and T’s opens in the eastern end of the building .

1997 Six local community-minded individuals form Art Works Downtown Inc. and create the Downtown Art Center at the west end of the building.

2012 Odalisque Cafe and Grille opens its doors.

The cafe/art house can be seen on the right just beyond the cross street (D Street) in this 1905 photo.

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Fresh to the Table

Transform local ingredients into delicious dishes just like the chefs do. STORY AND PHOTOS BY LYNDA BALSLEV

WE KNOW WE are spoiled when it comes to food choices in Marin County. Summer is an embarrassment of riches at the farmers’ market. A stroll through the aisles is a home cook’s paradise where shoppers stuff heir bags with a bounty of locally grown, raised and crafted wares. As if that were not enough, we have a laundry list of exceptional nearby restaurants, helmed by award-winning chefs making magic with ingredients from the very same local markets. So make a guest list and a shopping list, then head to the farmers’ stalls. This weekend you and a few lucky friends can enjoy a homemade chef-inspired dinner in the comfort of your home or backyard. Please turn to page 46 for step-by-step instructions on how to make these dishes.

Kir Real

Copita chef Joanne Weir fell in love with the Kir Royale cocktail in Paris. She couldn’t resist putting a south-of-the-border spin on the classic French beverage at her muchlauded Sausalito restaurant. This refreshing drink is a perfect start to a summer meal.

RESTAURANT: Copita, Sausalito CHEF: Joanne Weir

Tirosalata Dip, Marinated Olives, Pita

Allstar Organics farmers Marty Jacobson and Janet Brown grow more than 150 varieties of certified organic, specialty and heirloom crops on a 10-acre farm in Nicasio, where their soil enrichment program produces vivid color and intense fragrance and flavor in the vegetables. They produce poblano peppers, an essential ingredient in tirosalata, a tangy feta dip on the menu at chef Heidi Insalata Krahling’s namesake San Anselmo restaurant Insalata’s. The flavorful roasted peppers infuse the creamy blend of cheese and goat’s milk yogurt with smoky heat and peppery flavor, a perfect accompaniment to marinated olives.

RESTAURANT: Insalata’s, San Anslemo CHEF: Heidi Krahling MARIN SPOTLIGHT: Allstar Organics

Grilled Sardine, Fava Pesto and Salad with Harissa, Lemon and Mint

Chef Sean O’Toole created this vibrant recipe for his Napa restaurant TORC. His use of bold flavors and farmers’ market ingredients reflect his deep appreciation for locally sourced, artisanal foods and his passion for global influences. Fava leaves (from the fava bean plant) and beans are put to use two ways in pesto and salad, which frames pan-roasted sardines. O’Toole sources his favas from Marin Roots Farm, a certified organic family-run farm founded in 2003 by Jesse Kuhn. All Marin Roots produce is grown in Marin County and sold within an hour’s drive of the farm.

RESTAURANT: TORC, Napa CHEF: Sean O’Toole MARIN SPOTLIGHT: Marin Roots

Crisp Fingerlings and Charred Broccolini with Fonduta

Award-winning chef Melissa Perello sources potatoes from Marin farmer David Little of Little Organic Farm for this side dish on the menu at Frances, her James Beard–nominated San Francisco restaurant. Little is a third-generation Marin resident who since 1995 has farmed potatoes near Tomales in West Marin. His method of dry-farming potatoes requires no irrigation and yields great flavor, which is amplified by Chef Perello’s uncluttered recipe. The secret to this sublime dish is poaching the potatoes in oil, which lends a buttery flavor without the butter. In fact, once you try this technique you might never go back to water. The infused poaching oil is then used to pan-fry the potatoes and sauté the broccolini. The fonduta is the bling on top of (or in this case under) the vegetables, sure to please vegetarians and carnivores alike.

RESTAURANT: Frances, San Francisco

CHEF: Melissa Perello

MARIN SPOTLIGHT: Little Organic Farm

Roasted Lamb Chermoula with Frisée and Sunf lower Seeds

Rising star chef Mark Liberman (AQ Restaurant) sources Fallon Hills Ranch lamb for this robust recipe on the menu at his second Mission District restaurant, TBD, where he sets farm-to-table cuisine on fire — literally — in massive wood-fired ovens. Fallon Hills Ranch is a fifth-generation family ranch in Tomales, led by siblings Shannon, Kevin and Brian. Their 150-year-old farming pedigree includes raising sheep and cattle, milking dairy and harvesting apples, pears, berries and vegetables. Since 1981 they have bred lambs, which has grown to become the foundation of the family business.

RESTAURANT:

TBD, San Francisco CHEF: Mark Liberman MARIN SPOTLIGHT: Fallon Hills Ranch

Almond Savarin Cake with Strawberries and Cream

Husband-and-wife chef team Evan and Sarah Rich serve a light and airy version of savarin at their Hayes Valley restaurant Rich Table. Savarin cakes are traditionally prepared with yeast and can be time-consuming to make. Chef Sarah Rich prepares her savarin without yeast, yielding a delicate cake that’s redolent of almonds, simple to prepare and perfect for entertaining. She serves the luscious cake with pickled green strawberries and olive oil ice cream. For a homemade version, we brushed a simple orange syrup over the cake and topped it with a dollop of whipped cream and farmers’ market strawberries from County Line Harvest. David Retsky started County Line Harvest on a plot of land straddling the Sonoma-Marin county line before moving over the hill in 2007 to Red Hill Ranch in Marin.

RESTAURANT: Rich Table, San Francisco

CHEF: Sarah Rich MARIN SPOTLIGHT: County Line Harvest

Recipes

Kir Real

Ingredients

1 ounce crème de cassis

½ ounce tequila blanco

½ ounce fresh lime juice

Cava or sparkling rosé

Lime twists

To prepare

1 Shake the cassis, tequila and lime juice, then strain into a flute.

2 Top off with cava and a lime twist. (Makes 1 drink)

½ cup goat’s milk yogurt

Warm or toasted pita bread for serving

{Marinated Olives}

1 pound mixed olives, drained and patted dry

½ cup fruity extra-virgin olive oil

4 thyme sprigs

4 cloves garlic, smashed

2 bay leaves

3 (2-inch) strips fresh orange zest

¼ teaspoon red chile flakes

To prepare

Tirosalata: 1 Combine the chopped chile, L cup oil, lemon juice and salt in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth and creamy.

2 Add the feta and yogurt; process until smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning. If too thick, add more oil 1 tablespoon at a time and process until smooth. 3 Transfer to a bowl. Serve at room temperature with warm or toasted pita.

Marinated Olives: 1 Place all the ingredients into a small skillet.

2 Warm over low heat until just heated through but not hot.

3 Transfer to a covered ceramic crock or glass jar. Store, refrigerated, for up to 4 weeks. Serve at room temperature. (Makes about 2 cups tirosalata and 2 cups olives)

2 tablespoons sugar

{Fava Leaf Pesto}

4 ounces fava leaves (or baby spinach leaves)

1 garlic clove

1 ounce (about ½ cup) grated pecorino romano ¼ cup blanched almonds ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil 2 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

¼ teaspoon salt

{Fava-Mint Salad}

4 ounces (about 1 cup) shelled and blanched fava beans

12 mint leaves, washed and torn

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil ½ tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice

¼ teaspoon salt

{Harissa Vinaigrette}

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons harissa (Tunisian red chile pepper paste) 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

{Sardines}

2 tablespoons olive oil 6 sardines, filleted, pin bones removed Sea salt Freshly ground black pepper

To prepare

Prepare the zest: 1 Blanch the lemon zest in boiling water for 1 minute. Drain. 2 Combine the lemon juice and sugar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar. 3 Add the zest and reduce heat to low. Simmer until the zest is translucent, 2 to 3 minutes. 4 Drain and cool.

individual serving plates. Spoon the pesto and harissa vinaigrette around the salad. Place one to two fillets over the salad. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with lemon zest. Note: If favas are out of season or hard to come by, substitute edamame or limas for the beans and baby spinach leaves for the greens. (Makes 6 large or 12 small appetizers)

Tirosalata Dip, Marinated Olives, Pita

Ingredients

{Tirosalata}

1 large poblano chile pepper, roasted, peeled, seeded, coarsely chopped

L cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus 2 to 3 tablespoons

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

½ teaspoon kosher salt

12 ounces feta cheese, crumbled

Grilled Sardine, Fava Pesto and Salad with Harissa, Lemon and Mint Ingredients

{ Lemon Zest}

Zest from 2 untreated lemons, pith removed ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

Prepare the pesto: 1 Combine the fava leaves, garlic, cheese and almonds in a mortar with a pestle or a food processor. Grind or pulse to form a coarse consistency. 2 Add the olive oil to form a loose paste. 3 Stir in the lemon juice and salt. Fava Mint Salad: 1 Place the salad ingredients in a bowl and toss to combine.

Harissa Vinaigrette: 1 Whisk the harissa vinaigrette ingredients in a small bowl.

Sardines: 1 Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. 2 Add the sardines, skin side down. Cook until crisp, 5 to 6 minutes.

To serve: Place the fava mint salad in the center of a serving platter or

Crisp Fingerlings and Charred Broccolini with Fonduta Ingredients

{Potatoes}

1½ pounds small fingerling potatoes (such as French, la ratte or banana)

4 garlic cloves, smashed but still intact

3 thyme sprigs

Canola oil to cover, about 4 cups Salt

{Fonduta}

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup taleggio cubes (about 8 ounces) at room temperature, rind removed (or a locally sourced washed rind cheese such as Cowgirl Creamery’s Red Hawk) Salt

Freshly ground black pepper

1 pound broccolini, stalks trimmed and reserved for another use

1 teaspoon salt

To prepare

1 Place the potatoes, garlic and thyme in a large saucepan. Add the

canola oil to cover. Bring to a simmer over low heat and cook until fork tender, stirring frequently, about 20 minutes. 2 Remove the potatoes from the oil with a slotted spoon. Do not discard the oil. Allow the potatoes to cool to the touch, then halve lengthwise. 3 Season with salt and set aside.

Prepare the fonduta: 1 Heat the cream in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it nearly reaches a simmer. Transfer to a blender. 2 Add the taleggio and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.

3 Heat 2 tablespoons reserved oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat until shimmering. 4 Add the potatoes, cut side down, and cook until crispy and golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel.

5 Heat 2 tablespoons reserved oil in another large skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add the broccolini. Cook until tender and charred, stirring frequently, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt. To serve: Spoon a little fonduta into the center of a serving dish. Arrange the broccolini and potatoes over the fonduta. Season with additional salt to taste. (Serves 6)

2 teaspoons cumin seeds

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper

¼ cup Meyer lemon juice

L cup extra-virgin olive oil Salt

1 (4- to 5-pound) bone-in leg of lamb

2 large heads frisée

2 to 3 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons toasted sunflower seeds

To prepare

Begin marinating the lamb one day before serving. 1 Place all of the chermoula ingredients, except the lemon juice and olive oil, in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse to coarsely chop. 2 Add the lemon juice.

3 With the motor running, add the oil in a steady stream. Transfer to a bowl and add ½ teaspoon salt.

4 Place the lamb in a large bowl and season all over with salt. 5 Rub ¼ cup chermoula all over the lamb. Cover lamb and refrigerate overnight. Cover remaining chermoula and refrigerate. 6 One hour before grilling, remove lamb from refrigerator.

Almond Savarin Cake with Strawberries and Cream

Ingredients {Cake}

½ cup all-purpose flour

Roasted Lamb Chermoula with Frisée and Sunflower Seeds

Ingredients

{Chermoula}

3 cloves garlic

2 cups Italian flat-leaf parsley sprigs

1 cup cilantro sprigs

7 Prepare the grill for direct cooking on the flame on high heat and indirect cooking with ambient temperature on medium-low heat. Sear the meat on all sides over direct high heat, turning as needed. Transfer to indirect medium-low heat (about 325°F) and cook until the internal temperature reaches 140°F for medium-rare, turning occasionally. 9 Remove from heat and let rest for at least 15 minutes before carving. 1 While the meat is resting, trim the outer leaves from the hearts of the frisée. Quarter the hearts and toss in olive oil. 1 Grill over direct medium heat until lightly charred, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer to a bowl. 1 Add a few handfuls of raw frisée leaves, add 3 tablespoons chermoula and toss to combine.

1½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

7 large eggs

14 ounces almond paste (not marzipan)

Zest of 2 oranges ¾ cup (12 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted, cooled to room temperature

{Syrup}

Juice of 2 oranges, about ½ cup L cup sugar

{Strawberries}

1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved, quartered if large 2 tablespoons sugar

{Cream}

11

To serve: Arrange the frisée in the middle of a serving platter or dinner plate. Place the lamb slices in the center. Top with raw frisée leaves and sunflower seeds. Drizzle with collected lamb juices. Note: Liberman uses puntarelle for this recipe when it’s in season. We substituted frisée, as it’s available at farmers’ markets throughout the summer. (Serves 6)

1 cup heavy cream

1 tablespoon sugar

Orange zest for garnish

To prepare

1 Preheat oven to 325°F. Butter a 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Line with parchment and butter the parchment. 2 Whisk the flour, baking powder and salt in a small bowl.

3 Place the eggs, almond paste and zest in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. Mix on high speed until light and fluffy, about 4 minutes. Reduce speed to medium. 4 Add the butter to the electric mixer bowl in a very slow and steady stream (this will

10 12

11

keep the batter emulsified). 5 Add the dry ingredients to the electric mixer bowl and mix on low speed just until fully incorporated. 6 Pour into the prepared pan. 7 Bake on the middle rack until light golden and cooked through, about 25 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking. 8 While the cake is baking, prepare the syrup. Heat the orange juice and sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, stirring occasionally. 9 Remove the cake from the oven and place on a wire rack. Poke the top of the cake all over with a wooden skewer, then brush the top of the cake with some of the syrup. Cool the cake completely in the pan. 1 Cut the cake into circles with a 3-inch ring cutter. 1 Toss the strawberries and sugar in a large bowl. 1 Beat the cream and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a wire attachment until soft peaks form.

To serve: Smear a cake circle with a heaping teaspoon of cream and top with another cake circle. Place on a dessert dish and repeat. There will be 6 double stacks. (Alternatively, you can serve 12 single stacks for smaller portions.) Top each stack with another dollop of whipped cream. Spoon the strawberries around the cake. Garnish with orange zest. If any syrup is remaining, drizzle a little around and over the strawberries. Serve immediately. Note: The cake rings may be prepared up to 1 day in advance. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Bring to room temperature before proceeding. (Makes 6 regular or 12 small portions) 10 12

HerStories

They’ve patrolled for submarines and been used for drug running and to transport presidents; they have been abandoned and lovingly restored. These are the tales behind some of the bay’s floating beauties.

BY KIMBALL LIVINGSTON

AMONG THE GOOD things in life are boats. They please the eye. They please the senses. Use the word yacht if you like. A yacht is any boat, great or small, meant for pleasure, and here too it’s often true that good things come in small packages. Little Freda is a case in point. Built in 1885 on Beach Road when Belvedere Cove still opened to the bay, she is the oldest West Coast yacht sailing, and we’ll come back to that.

Many of Northern California’s most beautiful boats are harbored in the county, but even those berthed elsewhere are part of Marin’s view of San Francisco Bay. They come for reasons we already understand: shelter, sunshine, panoramas. Rare is the San Francisco Bay cruise that does not include at least one passage through Raccoon Strait, and that makes for quite a parade.

There’s a strong boatbuilding heritage here. In the shallows of Hurricane Gulch in Sausalito, for example, you can still see pilings from the Nunes Brothers Boat & Ways Company, builders of the doughty little Bear Class sloops still with us, 80 years on, and builders of the grand schooner Zaca , which banking heir Templeton Crocker sailed around the world in 1930. Zaca later figured in the scandals of the actor Errol Flynn and today happily soaks up euros as a restored indulgence on the waters of the Mediterranean. Time marches on.

Back in the day, a sailorman could gaze across the bay and name any boat on sight. Every yacht was a custom build, probably a specimen of the woodbutcher’s art, and even with the occasional steel hull, there just weren’t that many. In the 1960s, fiberglass and deficit fi nancing generated a population explosion, and plastic composite boats are good, very good, but the hand-built, hand-kept boat has an aura, and perhaps a soul, that cannot be punched out on a production line.

Freda, 1885,

wood

Built by Harry Cookson for Harry Cookson, named for his daughter

Does anyone really know how many times Freda has been “restored” or “saved”? During the 1890s, Freda was so much a part of life at the Corinthian Yacht Club that the newsletter was called The Daily Freda. She is history on the hoof, the last of her kind, and a charmer. That is why there is always one more someone ready to step up to a rescue. In 2004, after she sank at a dock in San Rafael, Sausalito’s Spaulding Center for Wooden Boats — a treasure in itself, a living museum — partnered with Bob Darr and the Arques School of traditional boatbuilding to take Freda down to the bones. The renewal should endure for a long, long time. Relaunched while this issue was in the works, Freda is ready now for her 129th summer on the bay.

Not that the work is finished. Sometimes, you just have to set a date, and launch. And believe. Sharon White, neckdeep as a volunteer, says, “My husband and I bought into the work of the Spaulding Center because of the Freda. She casts a spell. Ask Bob Darr. The center pays his apprentices, but all of his own time is donated. It’s the epitome of a love a ffair.”

POTOMAC

FREDA

Pursuit, 1929, steel and wood Designed by Burgess & Morgan, built by Abeking & Rasmussen, Germany

Probably you’ve seen the seductive M-Boat Pursuit . And probably you saw her as you wandered along the wooden walkway of the Sausalito Yacht Harbor. Her lines harken to a time when Hemingway, searching for words to certify the beauty of his heroine Brett Ashley, wrote that she “was built with curves like the hull of a racing yacht.” Long and sleek, with a powerful sailplane, Pursuit is a handful to sail. And a thrill. Kinda like Brett.

A little over half a century ago, Ron MacAnnan assigned himself a budget of $30,000 to buy a boat to live on, and he flew to Los Angeles to look around. He found Pursuit, built in 1929 and priced at twice his budget. A few weeks later, he owned it anyway. For a price of $30,000. Pushing 90 now, MacAnnan has raced his thoroughbred to Mexico and Honolulu and, in his own way, tweaked the waterfront of Sausalito. The building on Bridgeway that now houses Ondine and The Trident restaurants

GREG STROHECKER (LEFT, FREDA ); TIM PORTER (RIGHT, PURSUIT )

Her lines harken to a time when Hemingway, searching for words to certify the beauty of his heroine Brett Ashley, wrote that she “was built with curves like the hull of a racing yacht.”

was home to the San Francisco Yacht Club for 50 years, until 1928, when the club moved to Belvedere Cove. Much later, MacAnnan bought the building, built new pilings deeper into the bay, and moved the structure out to leave parking streetside. And there’s this. If you’re expecting a Commodore Vanderbilt type, you will never pick out MacAnnan on the street. An engineer and contractor who did his time as a command gunner on B-29s in World War II, he’s now the guy behind the wheel of the 1949 pickup with the badge ONE OWNER. Just smile and wave.

Pat Pending, 1929, wood

Built by Lake Union Dry Docks, Seattle

Any boat that has been in one family for 54 years must have something going for it. As president of the Paci fic Inter-Club Yacht Association and commodore of the Oakland Yacht Club, patent attorney Don Owen led the 1941 Opening Day on the Bay parade with his new acquisition. All too soon, however, the boat was requisitioned by the navy, armed, and put out to a hard life patrolling the submarine net, protecting the Golden Gate through World War II. At the close of hostilities, Don Owen bought the boat back for a hundred bucks. His son Mel Owen says now, “It was such a mess, I honestly didn’t think we could bring it back.” But Owen senior threw $26,000 — in 1940s dollars — at returning Pat Pending to yacht condition. Many years on, Mel would have his own opportunity to step up.

Pat Pending through the years followed the custom of exploring upriver in the summertime so that her family could enjoy the sunshine and whatever had started growing on her bottom in salt water would die off. Mel, also a patent attorney, took over from his father in 1967. “Boats get sold when nobody in a family cares,” Owen says. “I’m fortunate that I have a son and grandsons who love Pat Pending.”

Today’s guests can expect to be serenaded by the skipper on his harmonica, but so many things in life turn upon chance. This boat was never supposed to stay on San Francisco Bay. It was built in 1929 for movie director Frank Bacon; in its Hollywood career it hosted Bing Crosby and other names you know. Bacon’s enthusiasm extended to

entering a race from Los Angeles to San Francisco and almost winning. Disqualified on a technicality, in disgust, he sold the boat to Don Owen and went home boatless. His loss, our gain.

Potomac, 1934, steel

Built by Manitowoc Shipbuilding, Manitowoc, Wisconsin She’s been personal yacht to a president, a king and a drug lord. She’s seen the heights of the high life and the bottom — of San Francisco Bay. The president was Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and through her service in the ’30s and ’40s, the 165-foot Potomac became the “Floating White House” and witness to history. The king was Elvis, but the affair was brief, one moment in the former Coast Guard cutter’s long slide through many hands toward oblivion. Impounded from smugglers in 1980, Potomac sank at Treasure Island. She was refloated. She was ignored. As with so many fading treasures, Potomac reached the brink before action was taken. The brink, as in a date with the scrap yard only one week off. The rescue plan was to restore the boat as a memorial and a nonpro fit vessel-for-hire. You won’t be surprised if I tell you there were skeptics. But that was hundreds of thousands of visitors ago, and hundreds of cruise days ago. From its base at Oakland’s Jack London Square, the Potomac hosts dockside tours Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Her 2014 schedule includes 26 days carrying ticketed passengers, plus charter days. The optimists are winning, sustained by the dedication of more than a hundred volunteers answering phones, guiding tours and changing oil fi lters. The Potomac Association has exactly one full-time employee, veteran executive director Marti Burchell, who attributes the dedication of the volunteers to “their respect for the times that the Potomac represents, and their admiration for Franklin D. Roosevelt, the man. In my 32 years in this line of work, I have never been with any group that compared. We’re damned special. That’s what we are.”

POTOMAC

PAT

Robin, 1929, Wood

Built by the Stone Boat Yard, Oakland You’re in the know if you know that after the America’s Cup, America’s second-oldest match racing competition — one boat versus one boat — is the San Francisco Perpetual Challenge Trophy. First competed for in 1895, that gleaming prize is currently in Belvedere under the stewardship of the San Francisco Yacht Club, which won it two years ago with the Bird Class sloop Robin.

In sailor-talk, Robin is a one-design, one of a number of identical boats that race without handicap time allowances. Bird No. 1, Osprey, was launched in 1922, representing advanced thinking as the fi rst one-design type on the West Coast, but the looks (“graceful hawk or ugly duckling?”) weren’t exactly a hit. It wasn’t until they saw her passing their own boats and standing up like a champ to the howlingest breeze that local sailors recognized, shall we say, an inner beauty. Today, Birds are simply classic. In typical fashion, it was not until the remaining flock was on the verge of extinction, 22 Birds in all, that rescuers stepped in. In their heyday, Birds were the go-to boat for serious competition and a mainstay in the battles for the San Francisco Perpetual. Robin, No. 18, wrote herself into history with Perpetual Trophy wins also in 1936, 1937, 1956 and 1957.

Robin ’s tenth owners are the Patrick Kirrane family, who know themselves not as owners but as stewards. They keep Robin looking as good the day she was launched. That is the standard, as Cissie Kirrane puts it, “whenever Robin spreads her wings.” m

It wasn’t until they saw her passing their own boats and standing up like a champ to the howlingest breeze that local sailors recognized, shall we say, an inner beauty.

BY CALIN VAN PARIS • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

fOR NEARLY A decade, the quiet agricultural communities that border Point Reyes National Seashore have been caught in a battle over the fate of Drakes Bay Oyster Company.

On one side is the National Park Service, along with a slew of environmental organizations, all of whom say Drakes Estero — where the oyster farm is tucked away — should be reserved for wilderness alone. On the other side are the Lunnys, the Point Reyes ranching family who assumed ownership of the company in 2004, and who argue that the farm is both a historic site and an environmental asset within the Seashore. You’ve probably noticed the freckling of “Save Our Drakes Bay Oyster Farm” signs positioned throughout West Marin. Articles have been written, petitions signed and now the case for lease renewal has gone to the U.S. Supreme Court, where the Lunnys are requesting a rehearing — an effort the U.S. Department of Interior fi led a brief to block in late May.

The oyster farm’s fate was originally placed in the hands of former Secretary of the Interior

Ken Salazar, who announced in November 2012 that the National Park Service would not renew DBOC’s lease. “Salazar was misled,” says Kevin Lunny, who has become more or less the face of his case. “He made a decision based on erroneous info. We want another shot.”

The information the Lunnys and DBOC advocates would like revisited includes much

of the evidence that has been presented by oyster farm opponents since the conflict began — from scienti fic claims made against DBOC to the language of the frequently cited Point Reyes Wilderness Act of 1976 to Kevin being labeled an “environmental criminal.”

The controversy dates back to 2005, a few months after Kevin and his two brothers took over the lease from the late Tom Johnson, whose family had run the oyster farm under the moniker Johnson’s Oyster Co. since 1957 (the oyster farm has been operating commercially since the 1930s and became part of Point Reyes National Seashore when Congress established the area as national parkland in 1962). Encouraged by then–Point Reyes National Seashore Superintendent Don Neubacher, the local ranching family — renowned throughout the area as an environmentally progressive group, with Kevin producing the fi rst certi fied organic beef in the county — signed the lease in November 2004, diving headlong into the operation. The Lunnys took out a bank loan for around $750,000 to clean up the oyster farm. Unfortunately, that’s when things started to get messy.

When spring 2005 rolled around, the family began to hear rumblings that the lease would not be renewed after its 2012 expiration, a decision that came as a shock. “I was born and raised out here; we’ve seen all our

The Lunnys took out a bank loan for around $750,000 to clean up the oyster farm. Unfortunately, that’s when things started to get messy.

neighbors’ ranch leases renewed,” says Kevin, though he does concede renewal was never guaranteed. In response to the rumors, he requested a meeting with members of the community who opposed lease renewal. The group included the Environmental Action Committee of West Marin (EAC), then headed

Despite the negative opinions of some of their neighbors, the Lunnys continued oyster farming. Theirs has long been a family of environmental advocates: Kevin is an active member of Marin Organic, and his livestock operation received the first-ever Salmon Safe certi fication in the state. And more recently the Lunnys have donated

up by Catherine Caufield, and other likeminded locals, all voicing a desire for the land to be converted to “full wilderness.”

The term “full wilderness” comes from the Point Reyes Wilderness Act of 1976, which, like much complex legislation, has at times been loosely interpreted and misquoted. The act designated Drakes Estero as “potential wilderness,” so some people view the oyster farm as an obstacle to the desired total wilderness label. But others claim that DBOC quali fies as a preexisting use, intended by the government and public alike to be preserved. According to a recent brief written by Laura A. Watt, a Sonoma State University professor who became aware of the case while researching a forthcoming book on Point Reyes, the distinction arose from a rights issue: since California retained mineral and fishing rights within the estero, the federal title to the land was incomplete and its designated uses “inconsistent with wilderness” as stated by the National Park Service and agreed upon by Congress. However, Watt notes, “The federal government has published a notice designating Drakes Estero as wilderness, despite the fact that it does not have the full title.

“Nowhere in the legislative history does anyone make a specific objection to the oyster farm or discuss an end to its operation in the future; nor did Congress or the public give any indication that wilderness designation would be hindered by the farm’s continued presence,” argues Watt.

Still, many, like Amy Trainer, current executive director of the EAC, believe the act’s language does by defi nition call for the oyster farm’s demise. Trainer asserts that the federal courts have been correct in their quest to “honor the 1976 wilderness designation for Drakes Estero as long planned.”

numerous tons of excess shells (a by-product of canning) to area environmental efforts, such as snowy plover and least tern habitat restoration and San Francisco Bay’s Native Oyster Restoration Project. (Drakes Bay Oyster Farm is the only oyster cannery in the state, making such amounts of this resource a rarity.)

Which is why, when the park service suddenly began to denounce the oyster farm and the Lunnys for negative environmental impacts — beginning in 2006 with the release of a park-produced pamphlet entitled “Drakes Estero: A Sheltered Wilderness Estuary,” which outlined the allegedly immense damage the oyster farm was causing in the estero — some members of the Point Reyes community were a bit perplexed. “This is the only place in the world where shell fish are suddenly getting a bad rap,” says Corey Goodman, an elected member of the National Academy of Sciences and longtime West Marin resident. “Chesapeake Bay Gulf, Venice, the coast of France, the coast of Australia, San Francisco Bay, everywhere else we are putting shellfish back because they clarify the water and help immensely in terms of improving the environment.”

Goodman has become increasingly conscious of the politics at play in this case, even partnering with Sen. Dianne Feinstein in some of his efforts, but he initially became involved for scienti fic reasons. “I think science is something that the public should come to trust, so it really irks me when I see government or nonprofits misusing it,” says Goodman, who took up consultation for the cause pro bono in 2007 after noticing the park service contradicting even its own data in an effort to vilify the farm. Throughout the case, Goodman has collected enough evidence of what he says is fabricated and falsi fied science to prompt him to submit a brief on the subject to the Supreme Court on behalf of the oyster farm. The summary includes refutation of a claim that the oyster farm was so disrupting harbor seals in the estero that the population at one of the eight pupping sites had decreased by 80 percent, an accusation that led environmental activists to say suits against Kevin should be criminal.

We’re looking at a food source that creates a protein without any freshwater in a state where water is gold.

Opposite: Early morning on the estero. This page: Signs like this can be seen all over West Marin.

Clockwise from top left: The crew heads out; bags of shells and seeds ready for planting; another sign; preparing the harvest; sorting and washing; Nancy and Kevin Lunny.

Goodman and others close to the Lunnys’ case claim the environmental impact statement, released by the park service in 2012 and a major factor in Salazar’s move for closure, is riddled with inconsistencies.

Efforts to obtain a statement from the park service were unsuccessful. Says Wyn Hornbuckle,

Gordon Bennett, a park service advocate formerly employed by the Sierra Club and Audubon Society who’s now president of Save Our Seashore, says this is a paranoid notion: the pastoral zone serves as a buffer between East and West Marin, he asserts. “If those agricultural lands weren’t viable, if the sea -

protruding), Ginny and Murphy voice concern for future generations and the potential loss of a valuable low-impact foodstu ff

“We’re in a world where we have to feed people and we can’t,” says Murphy. “We’re looking at a food source that creates a protein without any freshwater in a state where water is gold, uses no fertilizers or chemicals and only bene fits the environment and the flora and fauna of that environment.”

a public a ffairs specialist at the U.S. Department of Justice, “Because this matter is pending litigation we will decline to comment.”

In the meantime, the immediate ramifications of the case are evident on a human level: the fight has created a significant rift between the park service and a portion of the Point Reyes community. “It’s enough to bring all of us to tears,” says Ginny Lunny, Kevin’s sister. “What it really means is that this whole community will change from what it was for so many years, which was a place where everybody really got along. The ranchers have always had amiable relationships with the park service, and now it’s almost like two separate entities. It’s so sad.”

“It’s not good for any of us; properly coexisting is the right answer,” Kevin says. “Being part of nature and producing sustainable food is a good thing, and the community that is going to be hurt by this decision has no voice. It’s going to take some time to rebuild that trust.”

The shift in support of the oyster farm — a site that in 1998 the park service discussed upgrading to an educational center for visitors while maintaining oyster production — has those involved questioning not only the park service’s motives, but the future of agriculture in Point Reyes National Seashore as a whole. “Most people do feel, and the park’s actions have shown, that the oyster farm is the fi rst domino and the ranches and dairies will go next,” says Loretta Murphy, who co-manages DBOC with Ginny. “That’s why they’ve reintroduced the tule elk into areas in the pastoral zone; that’s why they’re making things very difficult for ranchers. Although they say how much they love their ranches in the public forum, it seems as if they are on a divide-and-conquer mission.”

shore was entirely wilderness, East Marin would come right up to the border,” he adds. “Most who support the park want to keep these ranches going and alive. Keeping them sustainable and ecologically friendly is the goal, but none of us wants to get rid of ranches — as we’re people who like wilderness, that would be shooting ourselves in the foot.”

As the campus of Drakes Bay Oyster Company continues to decay around the family (the Lunnys are not allowed to fix or upgrade anything on the property and have even received fines for replacing old picnic tables from which pieces of sharp metal were

“For conventional beef, around 12,000 gallons of water is used per pound of meat; we use less on our ranch, but that’s conventional,” Kevin says. “That’s around 6 billion gallons of water to produce the same amount of beef as we produce in oysters using no fresh water.” From that standpoint, “our nation is in desperate need of oysters.”

The convoluted discussion surrounding Drakes Bay Oyster Company spans past, present and future: the legislation already passed, a family now struggling to avoid bankruptcy and above all, a growing concern for the welfare of Point Reyes National Seashore, the future of which both sides claim to be protecting. If the Supreme Court takes the case, judgment could come as early as tomorrow or as late as June 2015, but whatever the outcome, history will be made. m

Most people do feel, and the park’s actions have shown, that the oyster farm is the first domino and the ranches and dairies will go next.

As the economy improves, it is time to think again about how and where we invest and spend our money.

BY CARRIE KIRBY

The State of Wealth

ROBERT GIUSTI HAS noticed more customers lining up at the Petaluma and Santa Rosa farmers’ markets to buy his homemade English toffees in recent months.

In fact, he’s expanding from selling at two markets a week to four.

“It seems that people are spending a little extra money,” he says.

That’s good news for Giusti, 61, a former chef instructor at San Francisco’s Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, who now blends buttery toffee with cashews, pistachios, pecans and almonds in his Hamilton Field kitchen to supplement his disability benefits.

It’s also good news regarding Marin County in general, which has seen a resurgence in con fidence among consumers and business owners alike. In a recent survey conducted by the North Bay Business Journal and the Bank of Marin, 69 percent of business owners described Marin’s economic climate as “favorable” or “very favorable,” up from last year’s 63 percent.

That confidence shows up in businesses expanding and hiring new employees. Sixty-one percent of companies surveyed said they plan to expand in Marin in the next five years, up from 55 percent in 2013. It also shows in new businesses fi lling storefronts that sat empty in 2009 and 2010.

“There’s no space really unleased on Novato’s Grant Avenue now,” says Mark Dawson, president of the Downtown Novato Business Association. He estimates that 20 percent of businesses in the area are new ones, bringing an infusion of energy.

But a cheerful economic mood presents its own challenges to investors and savers, including persistently low interest rates, a tight housing market and strategy pitfalls that overconfident investors can easily fall into. We spoke to a few of Marin’s wealth managers about how to navigate the new economic reality.

Saving When Interest Rates Are Low

Giusti benefited from low interest rates a few years back by refinancing his home. But low interest rates can also challenge savers who would normally turn to certificates of deposit.

Giusti’s adviser, certified financial planner Kathleen Nemetz, helped him and his wife look beyond the CD to craft a portfolio of safe assets that provide income for retirement, he says. “We got into bonds and good stocks that pay dividends,” says Giusti. “You can’t take a big risk when you don’t have a lot of money.”

Bonds, the go-to vehicle for past generations, are enjoying renewed popularity in the low-interest-rate environment,

Nemetz says. “If you use the discipline of spending only the dividends and interest, you can milk that cow for as long as you live,” she says. “But you have to build a fat enough cow first.”

Gregg Clarke, a CFP with Larkspur’s Meritas Wealth Management, says that even when CDs paid 6 or 7 percent interest (much higher than today’s rates) savers should not have relied on them alone to provide retirement income.

“CDs for us are always about safety and a cash reserve — something that you might need to tap into,” Clarke says. Despite low interest rates, he always advises his clients to keep some of their assets in cash to help them stick to longterm investment plans. Having a reserve protects you from having to sell bonds or stocks at inopportune times, he says.

Taking Goals Off the Back Burner

All the advisers interviewed for this story say their clients who followed long-range investing plans have recouped the losses of the 2008 fi nancial meltdown.

“As finances have improved — and they have improved quite a bit for most of our clients — there is a refocus on some goals that they had put on the back burner. I had some clients who postponed retirement for a couple of years. I had clients who were considering buying a second house,” Clarke says.

Another commonly postponed goal: philanthropy.

“We’ve seen clients dramatically increase their giving in the last year,” says Clarke. “And frankly, with the big increase that we saw, especially in 2012 and 2013, clients now have lower-basis investments with big gains. They make the perfect gift to charity.”

Moving Ahead in Housing

One goal that some Marin residents have trouble moving forward with is, well, moving. Would-be buyers face stiffcompetition for the available homes, and renters are seeing prices escalate. Even sellers face a challenge: With home prices still

below peak, it’s tough for some owners to stomach selling at a loss, says Dawson, who is also a real estate broker and runs property management firm Giant Properties. He advises sellers who want to move to think like a business, write offthe loss, and take the opportunity to buy a new home while interest rates are still low, and before prices rise further.

“You just have to accept that you lost money. Some people can’t a fford to do that” — for instance, if they owe more than the current market price on the home, Dawson says — “but others can, and they’re just reluctant.”

Avoiding Emotion-Driven Decisions

Like the reluctance to sell property at a loss even if the move would be advantageous in the grand scheme of things, many fi nancial mistakes happen when we let psychological biases rule our decisions, CFP Nemetz says.

One example she has seen in this climate: Due to the slow return of jobs to the economy, talented and intelligent people have ended up retiring sooner than expected. Some of these people — especially husbands who had been the family breadwinner — decide to make managing their portfolio their new full-time job, Nemetz says.

“This is a way of validating themselves and their usefulness, to continue being the hunter-gatherer. But it often becomes a very self-defeating behavior,” Nemetz says. “They become day traders. They don’t talk to their wives about what they’re doing. Often their wives would be horri fied if they found out.”

A more reasoned, less emotion-driven response to an unexpectedly early retirement would be to look at how much income you need per year, craft a financial plan that can deliver that income, and then stick with it, changing things only to rebalance the portfolio, Nemetz says.

Then there’s the recency bias, our tendency to overweigh recent events when making decisions. In this climate, that could mean fearing to return to the stock market because the memories of the 2008 crash are just too scary. “I’ve encountered people who sold everything in ’08 and never went back

He advises sellers who want to move to think like a business and write off the loss, and take the opportunity to buy a new home while interest rates are still low, and before prices rise further.

into the market,” Nemetz says. She recently met one such individual who has held nothing but cash for the past six years and now fi nds herself just four years from retirement and not ready, because her money hasn’t grown.

To counter this bias, Nemetz shows clients how some stocks weathered the crash just fi ne, and how the long-term trend of the market is growth, even when disastrous years like 2008 are factored in.

Anyone who panicked and sold all their stocks in 2008 and is still out of the market today has missed out on enormous growth. However, it’s still not too late to get back in, Nemetz says: “There are always opportunities.”

Those looking to invest again have to accept that past losses are “water under the bridge,” CFP Clarke says. “You’re starting with what you have now,” he says. Then it’s just a matter of making a plan: “Be clear about where you want to go.”

Moving forward after fi nancial losses means figuring out alternative ways to meet your goals, or making new goals.

“We have clients who are postponing retirement a couple years, because those years can make a big di fference,” Clarke says. “We have some clients who are looking at alternative ways to help their kids pay for college.”

Remembering the Big Picture: Socially Responsible Investing

Now that the market is running smoothly and the fear factor has receded, this is a good time for investors to consider not just their financial returns, but how their investments impact the future world where they will spend those returns, says CFP J. Patrick Costello, founder of San Rafael’s Green River Financial. Costello says he sees more activity in socially

responsible, or “green,” investing, in Berkeley and other parts of the Bay Area than he does here.

“Here we are in Marin, with many wealthy people, and I don’t think many are attuned to the green investing option,” he says. Socially responsible funds invest in companies that have better records in three areas: environmental impact, social issues (such as hiring practices) and corporate governance.

Socially responsible investors do not have to make sacrifices in terms of return, Costello says. At Vanguard, for instance, the SRI (Socially Responsible Investment) index has outperformed the conventional S&P (Standard & Poor’s 500) index for the past five years. This is possible because SRI fund managers use the same tactics as other fund managers to pick good stocks — they just add an extra screening step.

“Green investment does not attempt to select just a few obscure companies that get a perfect record. We just try to narrow the group of companies, and exclude the companies with the worst behaviors and emphasize the companies with the better behaviors,” Costello says.

The upshot of all this advice: Let the good times roll, but don’t let them roll you right into the rocks in the road. Clarke is optimistic that his clients and Marin residents in general are taking the lessons of the downturn to heart and are equipped to make the most of the economic renewal.

“They’re not taking on the same kind of debt or stretching for something more expensive. They’re being more modest,” he says. “The Great Recession was probably the worst downturn we’ve had since the Great Depression. That sears a lot of lessons into people’s minds.” m

Anyone who panicked and sold all their stocks in 2008 and is still out of the market today has missed out on enormous growth.

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In the face of ever changing financial markets, we owe our duty to our clients and all we do must be for their benefit. As their advocate, we strive each day to ful fi ll their individual interests and objectives. These basic tenets have led to lifelong professional relationships resulting in prudent and successful investment strategies.

If you are looking for a personal Chief Financial Officer for your family or private foundation who will take the time to get to know you, build a custom financial strategy for you and your loved ones, and maintain a relationship with you over time, then we encourage you to call us to schedule an introductory discovery meeting. There has never been a better time to take charge of you r fi nancial life.

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Pacific Equity Partners is proud to serve and support Marin County.

Pictured: Keith Woodcock

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MERITAS WEALTH MANAGEMENT, LLC is an independent, fee-only financial planning and wealth management firm. Our aim is to provide our clients with the proper guidance, sound fi nancial planning, and prudent investment advice required to fully realize their financial goals and life aspirations. The fundamental foundation of our practice is a disciplined approach to our investment philosophy and the academic principles that support it, and our stringent dedication to a fiduciary standard of placing our clients and their interests first.

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Pictured (left to right): Sarah Burke, Paraplanner; Gregg Clarke, CFP®, Founder; Jackie Kendall, Administrative Assistant; Tiffani Clarke, Chief Compliance Officer; Phyllis Garratt, CFP®, MBA; Nancy Millar, Client Services Administrator.

IS YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR LIKE JACK NICHOLSON? Does he or she assume you can’t handle the truth? Let’s find out… Were you told that: Vanguard’s Socially Responsible Index fund has outperformed its S&P 500 Index fund since the 2008 Recession? Or that every dollar invested in an S&P Index fund or ETF supports four of the largest tobacco companies in the world? Or that a corporation’s percentage of female executives has a positive correlation to corporate performance and stock price? Investing is a competitive business – if you don’t move forward you’re falling behind. At Green River, we scrutinize a corporation’s environmental impacts, employee culture and internal governance process to enhance traditional investing strategies. 2013 was great for stocks, but the future holds many challenges for investors. If you’d like to know more about Sustainable Investing research, and don’t mind de-funding tobacco companies, give us a call – we’d love to speak with you!

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Pictured, (left to right): Tammy Cao, Financial Accounting Manager of PIA; Leonard J. Stecklow, CFP®, CEO of PIA; J. Patrick Costello, CFP®, Founder, Green River; Sonya Dreizler Schinske, CFP®, COO of PIA

321 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo, CA 94960 415.453.6000 greenriverfinserv.com PCostello@ProtectedInvestors.com

“THE ART OF INVESTING is building a portfolio that matches or exceeds the individual’s risk/return criteria.” says Ken Maring, as quoted in Forbes Magazine, December 5, 2011. Interest Rates in the US have been on a steady downward trend since the early 80’s high of approximately 15% to current historic lows about 3%, and Bonds performed very well during this time. If this trend reverses or interest rates remain low, it’s possible that historic, traditional asset allocation models could be challenged and face significant headwinds in the future. Ken discusses strategies for this situation with a comprehensive study of your bond/fi xed income portfolio, as well as absolute return strategies. Contact Ken, a lifelong Marin resident with 28 years’ experience as an Investment Advisor to schedule a confidential meeting. Using Wells Fargo Advisors’ unique Envision® process, Ken can help bring new clarity to your life goals - and enhance your confidence in your ability to achieve them.

Envision® is a registered service mark of Wells Fargo & Company and used under license. Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, Member SIPC CAR 0614-00809 Investment

790 Lindaro Street Suite 300, San Rafael, CA 94901 415-257-2507 kenneth.maring@wfadvisors.com advisors.com/kenneth.maring

Pictured: Kenneth Maring, Managing Director – Investments, Senior PIM Portfolio Manager

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Pictured (left to right):

Kelly Gaynor, CFA®, CFP®, VP and Sr. Investment Manager; Sunandan Clerk, CFA®, Investment and Research Manager; Terry Chiu, CFA®, CFP®, SVP and Sr. Investment Manager; David Wissinger, SVP and Sr. Investment Manager; Farin Jackson, Investment Management Administrative Assistant

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Destinations

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

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BY MIMI TOWLE

A bird’s-eye view of Turtle Bay Resort.

september 4-7, 2014

Destinations / GO

M

A Lucky Modern Buddha Belly 14 esteemed chefs present a feast inspired by the Lucky Buddha.

Halekulani Master Chefs Gala Series Six of the world’s fi nest executive chefs compete in a lavish six-course plate-up.

Hawaiian Airlines presents Star Chefs and Napa Wines 21 celebrity chefs feature fi nely crafted dishes paired with a grand tasting of wines from around the world.

Battle of the Brunch Showdown Celebrity chefs battle it out for this delectable Sunday Brunch. It’s a Small World After All A culinary journey under the stars at the picturesque Ko Olina lagoon. hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com

Anniversaries

If you’ve been traveling to Oahu for the past few decades, chances are you have stayed at the Kahala Hotel & Resort or at least stopped in for a mai tai or two at Hoku, the property’s award-winning oceanfront restaurant. For the past 50 years this 288-room 10-story property has been a celebrity and dignitary magnet, and it remains very popular with Bay Area families. Located on a private road with views of a golf course and the ocean, it’s a quiet refuge. In fact, every president since Lyndon B. Johnson has stayed here, as have personalities ranging from Sir Elton John to the Beatles to Rihanna. If you have been looking for a reason to join the ranks of these A-listers, the property is offering a bevy of anniversary specials, ranging from the “Imperial Suite Golden Jubilee” package, which includes five nights, daily breakfast for two, a private helicopter ride to Maui for lunch and a private sail charter for $50,000, to “Come Celebrate Now,” which includes daily breakfast for two, complimentary use of the Chi Health and Energy

EASURING 44 MILES long and 30 miles wide, Oahu is the third largest island in the Hawaiian chain and offers the most diverse visitor experience. From crazy crowded Waikiki to the remote beaches of the North Shore, there is literally something for everyone here — maybe that’s why over the years it’s been nicknamed “the gathering place.” Here are a few highlights for those planning their next tropical vacation.Fitness Center and a $50 daily credit, for $422 per night. kahalaresort.com

Best Deals

Looking for a place to stay in Waikiki that won’t break the bank? With nearly 30,000 hotel rooms within 3.4 square miles of this international destination, scouting for a value spot can be well worth the time. Here are a few of our “been there would go again” rooms usually costing around (or less than) $200 per night.

• Hotel Renew by Aston Waikiki

Expect Aston value with a fun, modern design — this property is ideal for budget-minded travelers with high standards. The 72-room hotel in Waikiki is just a block from the beach and offers daily continental breakfast with fresh fruit and pastries, minibar and free Wi-Fi. astonwaikikibeach.com

• Coconut Waikiki Hotel

An 81-room Joie de Vivre hotel, just three blocks from the beach, with a clean and contemporary decor and all the amenities needed to keep you comfortable. The property has a pool, 24-hour fitness center, complimentary Wi-Fi and hot breakfast served daily. jdvhotels.com

• Shoreline Hotel Waikiki

Also a Joie de Vivre property, about a block closer to the beach than the Coconut, this hotel charges slightly more per night, but the rooftop pool warrants the extra expense. With a great central location in Waikiki, the Shoreline features a private balcony with each room, refrigerator/microwave, flat-screen TVs

TIME MOVES SLOWER MOMENTS LAST LONGER

and plush linens, all for a much lower price than the larger resorts. jdvhotels.com

• New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel

On the shores of Sans Souci Beach at the eastern edge of Waikiki Beach, this property is ideal if you want the excitement of Waikiki without the crowds. It’s about two miles from downtown Waikiki but within walking distance of everything. Rooms have either a Diamond Head (2.7 miles from the hotel) or an ocean view and all include some type of balcony or patio, a refrigerator, washing machine and free Wi-Fi. Some suites have a kitchenette. There is an on-site spa along with a gym as well as a popular bar for after the workout. If you love macadamia nut pancakes, the hotel’s Hau Tree Lanai restaurant is famous for them. kaimana.com

Conservation

Frequent returnees to Turtle Bay Resort can rest assured that the miles of remote white sandy beaches from Kahuku Point to Kawela Bay will be permanently protected. As with most of these important land deals, the agreements did not happen overnight. According to Lucky Cole, of Keep the North Shore Country, his group could be considered the bad guys in the eyes of Turtle Bay Resort.

In an effort to preserve the unique North Shore habitat, the group fi led suit against Turtle Bay in 2006 over the issue of transparency in the resort’s development plans. Eventually others joined the preservation cause, including Defend Oahu Coalition. After nearly a decade and countless environmental impact studies, all parties are happy with the agreement. The deal still allows two more hotels and 100 vacation homes to be built, but

.7 74. 2 924 | AstonHotels.com

FINAL 800377 All Oahu (w/o NEW) Marin Magazine 1/3 Pg Sq, 4C, Non-Bleed, 5.125" x 4.75" (July 20114)

Discover Oahu’s welcoming shores and rejuvenating spirit. Stay with Aston and enjoy perfect locations, island inspired accommodations and true Aston hospitality.

Aston at the Executive Centre Hotel | Aston at the Waikiki Banyan | Aston Waikiki Beach Tower | Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel Aston Waikiki Beachside Hotel | Aston Waikiki Circle Hotel | Aston Waikiki Sunset

Great values can be found at the Hotel Renew by Aston.

Daily lessons in hula, ukulele, and simply being happy.

will also preserve 665.8 acres of coastal land via a $48.5 million funding plan involving the state and some private groups.

“Like everyone on the North Shore, we are thrilled that the funding of this historic agreement has been approved and thank our lawmakers for supporting this quest to preserve treasured open space,” says Drew Stotesbury, CEO of Turtle Bay Resort, which has owned the 852-acre property for more than four years. The money will go toward creating wetlands, a trail system and oceanfront access as well as protection of endangered marine and plant species. The Trust for Public Land is raising $3.5 million toward the cause. “Like many in the community, I grew up fishing and playing on the beach along the North Shore and love and enjoy the undeveloped beauty,” says Lea Hong, Hawaii state director of the Trust for Public Land.

remote beaches, pretend to be on the set of Lost and, if they happen to be in the right place at the right time, maybe witness a newborn monk seal taking a nap at Kawela Bay.

Dining

Outrigger Reef on the Beach

MYTHS & LEGENDS Mon. / Thurs.

HULA Tues. / Fri.

UKULELE Tues. / Fri.

HAWAIIAN VOW RENEWALS Fridays

Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach

HULA Mon. / Fri.

UKULELE Mon. / Tues. / Thurs.

HAWAIIAN VOW RENEWALS Mon. / Thurs.

LEI MAKING Tues. / Fri.

Hong visits the Bay Area often and looks at Marin County’s Open Space District as a model for other communities. “I look forward to bringing my family here for years to come,” she says. Cole echoes her sentiments: “We applaud the resort management team, state and city government officials and the land trust representatives for their successful negotiations that will preserve miles of precious coastline for public benefit and enjoyment, in perpetuity.” The bottom line is that visitors to Turtle Bay Resort and North Shore will forevermore be able to walk the

This year marks the fourth year of the highly successful Hawaii Food and Wine Festival, which takes place August 29–September 7. The event starts on Hawaii’s Big Island at the Waikoloa Beach Marriot Resort & Spa, then moves to the Kaanapali Kitchen Stadium at the Hyatt Regency Maui the next day. Day three is at the Halekulani in Waikiki for the Caviar and Krug Dégustation. Day four takes place at the Modern Honolulu and features the food of 14 esteemed chefs, including Charles Phan and Nancy Oakes of San Francisco and Andy Ricker of Portland’s famed Pok Pok. Day five is at the Halekulani, where the Master Chefs Gala Series is held. Day six features Corks and Forks, with Honolulu celebrity chefs George Mavrothalassitis, Ed Kenny, Alan Wong, Mark Freishcmidt, Nobu Matsuhisa and Hubert Keller of San Francisco’s Fleur de Lys. And for the fi nale, Aulani, A Disney Resort presents It’s a Food World After All, with Aulani chef Kevin Chong, joined by chefs Cat Cora and Mark “Gooch” Noguchi of Honolulu’s Lunch Box Kitchen of Hawaii. Packages are available through participating hotels. hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com m

(Activities and schedule are subject to change)

Award-winning Hawaiian musicians such as Henry Kapono, Weldon Kekauoha and Kawika Kahiapo headline nightly at both locations.

Culinary delights at the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival.

Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach

Cyril Pahinui

AWARD WINNING MUSICIAN Kani Ka Pila Grille

Outrigger Reef on the Beach

Outrigger Reef on the Beach

APPELLATIONS

MAJOR REFRESHES

Wine country inns and lodges are unveiling big upgrades this summer. A $7 million-plus renovation of Sonoma’s Farmhouse Inn, which includes nine new luxury rooms, a brand-new spa and fitness center, and upgrades to the landscaping and pool area, is making waves. Also, the Bodega Bay Lodge, which already boasted sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, Bodega Bay and the rugged Sonoma coast, now has an improved pool, spa and fitness area and the pièce de résistance — a dramatic, infinity-edge hot tub with unobstructed ocean views. farm houseinn.com, bodegabay lodge.com

SOMER TEJWANI

24 Hours in Rutherford

Rutherford, a small town of less than 200, has acclaimed restaurants and nearby wineries using a special soil known as “Rutherford dust” that adds a spicy element to wines made there. Here are our favorite places to play, taste and eat. S.T.

1 PLAY

One for the Kids

Bring the kids (over age 8) to the olive mill tour at Round Pond Estate. It’s an exploration of olive oils, red wine vinegars and citrus syrups, along with everything you ever wanted to know (and perhaps more) about olive cultivation, harvest and artisan methods of production at the on-site mill. Tours by appointment only, $45 per person, 707.302.2575, roundpond.com

2 TASTE

Let the Light Pour In

The Sequoia Grove winery is a warm and rustic spot with fresh natural light that streams in from a skylight, the winery’s solution to a hole left by a falling redwood. Production facilities are housed in a 150-yearold barn on the property, where winemaker Molly Hill oversees the production of eight wines, from a $28 chardonnay to a $140 limitededition Cambium. Open daily, 707.944.2945, sequoiagrove.com

3 EAT

So Many Wines …

The Restaurant at Auberge du Soleil features a cellar of 17,000 wines to whet your appetite for chef Robert Curry’s Napa Valley meets Mediterranean cuisine. Ask for a window table to take in some of the best views in Napa, and don’t leave without trying the chocolate peanut butter mousse. Open daily, 707.963.1211, aubergedusoleil.com

GOOD SCENTS

Did you know that when you smell a note of vanilla perfume before you smell a barrel-aged wine, the vanilla will be easier to identify in the wine’s bouquet? Napa’s Domaine Carneros and wine and fragrance expert Mary Orlin are proving that nothing blends more beautifully than wine and fragrance with a new “Making Scents of Wine” program that launches in July. The two-hour sensory experience starts with an overview of the history of wine and of perfume. Orlin then guides the group through a tasting of wines paired with fragrant essences curated by master perfumer Sarah Horowitz. Each perfume is chosen to highlight a different aromatic note in the particular wine. Advanced booking required, $125 per person, 707.257.0101, domainecarneros.com S.T.

Domaine Carneros CEO Eileen Crane (orange) and Mary Orlin (pink) at Making Scents of Wine.

AND THE WINNERS ARE …

The James Beard Awards are the restaurant industry’s version of the Oscars, and this year two Northern California wine country spots came out on top: Three-Michelin-star The Restaurant at Meadowood, under director Nathaniel Dorn, took home the award for outstanding service, and Healdsburg’s Shed, built by Jensen Architects, won the design award. jamesbeard.org S.T.

Healdsburg Shed

The Restaurant at Meadowood

AUGUST 23 6 –10 pm

A Moroccan-inspired evening gala supporting art, music, and fashion to benefit 10,000 Degrees. Creating college graduates who change the world.

EXCLUSIVE AFTER PARTY 10 –midnight

presents for tickets to Hotbed Benefit visit www.hotbedbenefit.com

Out & About

CALENDAR / ON THE SCENE / DINE

Melissa Etheridge with the San Francisco Symphony

THEATER

Calendar

JUL 6–20 FURY Factory Festival of Ensemble Theater Enjoy collaborative, creative theater at its best with nine main stage shows — many of them world or West Coast premieres — and 16 works in progress over two weeks. Various locations (SF). 886.811.4111, zspace.org

THEATER

THRU JUL 5 One

Singular Sensation

Transcendence Theatre Company kicks off ts 2014 season with a night of favorite Broadway numbers, routines and more. Jack London State Historic Park (Sonoma). 877.424.1414, ttsonoma.org

THRU JUL 19 Nantucket

A dark, comedic memoir about Mark Kenward’s childhood years in New England, the solo performance features guest artists with music, video and fi ne art inspired by Nantucket, along with a New England picnic dinner for audience members. The Marsh (Berkeley). 415.282.3055, themarsh.org

JUL 4–SEP 1 Ripple

Effect The San Francisco Mime Troupe is back with a musical comedy about the polarizing tensions and cultural con fl icts that comprise modernday San Francisco. Various locations (San Francisco). sfmt.org

JUL 9 Three Billy

the classic tale, with appearances by the Tortoise and the Hare, and, of course, the Grumpy Old Troll. Public library (Corte Madera). 415.924.4844, marinlibrary.org

Eureka Theatre (SF). 800.838.3006, crackpotcrones.com

JUL 12–AUG 10 As

(San Rafael). 415.499.4488, marin shakespeare.org

JUL 16–17 Menopause: The Musical Four women in the throes of menopause meet at a lingerie sale, resulting in comedy; set to classic tunes from the ’60s, ’70s and ’80s. Marin Center (San Rafael). 415.473.6400, marincenter.org

DANCE

JUL 31–AUG 1 Summer Sampler ODC presents a few days of contemporary dance designed to clear your meandering summertime brain and whet your appetite for culture. All proceeds from the July 31 performance benefi cellist Zoë Keating, a friend of the company whose husband was recently diagnosed with metastatic cancer. ODC Theater (SF). 415.863.9834, odcdance.org

Goats

Gruff The Puppet Art Theater presents

JUL 10–27 Hick: A Love Story Terry Baum stars as Lorena Hickok in this solo retelling of the romance of Hickok and Eleanor Roosevelt.

You Like It The Marin Shakespeare Company revisits its fi rst-ever outdoor production (1990) with the Bard’s comedy set in the Forest of Arden. Forest Meadows Amphitheatre

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

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

The Submarine Show

Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmorton theatre.com

JUL 19 Scott Capurro’s Back Join San Francisco native Scott Capurro for an evening of his brand of confrontational and controversial deadpan comedy. 142 Throckmorton (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmorton.org

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

JUL 3–6 High Sierra Music Festival Head to the hills for this annual music festival featuring onsite camping, family activities, art, food and drink, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Beats Antique, Widespread Panic and more. Festival Grounds (Quincy). high sierramusic.com

JUL 7–8 Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds

Following a sold-out 2013 tour, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds return to the Bay Area to perform their energetic brand of alternative rock. The War field (SF). 415.345.0900, the war fieldtheatre.com

JUL 10 Appleberry Jam

Guitar Pull Don’t miss this singer/songwriter showcase featuring a slew of local talent. The Sleeping Lady (Fairfax). 415.485.1182, sleeping ladyfairfax.com

JUL 11 Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys

Catch songs from the

bluegrass group’s recent EP, which showcases powerful harmonies and a new take on roots music. Studio 55 (San Rafael). 415.453.3161, studio55marin.com

JUL 12 Beatles in the Park Artist Joe Bagale brings together a variety of Bay Area musicians for a night of legendary tunes from The Beatles. The performance will feature music spanning the iconic band’s entire career, along with new arrangements and reinterpretations. Creek Park (San Anselmo). sananselmoarts.com

JUL 12 Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars Dance to the joyful sounds of one of Africa’s most recognized bands. The show is supplemented by an African dance class, kids’ zone and Puerto Rican fare from Sol Food. Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). 415.444.8000, marinjcc.org

JUL 13 Rue ’66

Celebrate Bastille Day with San Francisco’s only French yé yé band. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

JUL 13 Chuck Prophet

Enjoy music by California singer/ songwriter Chuck Prophet along with food, beer and a familyfriendly atmosphere at the Sunday Cookout Concert Series. Hopmonk Tavern (Novato). hopmonk.com

JUL 17 An Evening of Classical Guitar Join acclaimed musician Joseph Bacon for an evening of classical guitar music. Civic Center Library (San Rafael).

415.473.6058, marincenter.org

JUL 18 The Faultliners Catch music from The Faultliners, named for a gig they performed at Point Reyes Station, where the San Andreas Fault meets the sea. Studio 55 (San Rafael). 415.453.3161, studio55marin.com

JUL 22 Arrival: The Music of ABBA ABBA tribute band Arrival, backed by the original group’s musicians, performs hits like “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Fernando” and more, re-creating the staging from original performances. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org

JUL 25 Quartet San Francisco Enjoy multiple styles including jazz, tango, pop, funk, big band and more from this group of Grammy Award nominees. Old St. Hilary’s (Tiburon). 415.435.1853, landmarks-society.org

JUL 25 Piro Patton Quartet Stop by Marin Country Mart for Friday Night Jazz. This week, Piro Patton Quartet performs on the outdoor stage. Marin Country Mart (Larkspur). 415.461.5700, marin countrymart.com

JUL 27 Rufus Wainwright Singer/ songwriter Rufus Wainwright performs solo with piano, blending pop, cabaret and classical styles, at this free concert. Stern Grove (SF). 415.252.6252, sterngrove.org

JUL 27 San Francisco Symphony Enjoy works from Mozart, Mendelssohn and Tchaikovsky at this free summer concert. Civic Center Plaza (SF). sfsymphony.org

JUL 30–31 Melissa Etheridge with the San Francisco Symphony Two-time Grammy Award–winning singer and songwriter Melissa Etheridge performs classics and new material with the San Francisco Symphony. 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org

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 Printing the Bay Area An exhibit focusing on Bay Area printmakers, juried by Tom Killion, through July 25. 1337 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.451.8119, artworksdowntown.org

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

Falkirk Cultural Center Reflection An exhibit from the Terra Linda Ceramic Artists, through August 16. 1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael. 415.485.3328, falkirk culturalcenter.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

• O’HANLON CENTER FOR THE ARTS Water An exhibition focusing on water in all its forms, juried by Eric Zener, through July 24. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org

Gallery Bergelli

Ongoing work. 483 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.945.9454, bergelli.com

Gallery Route One Open Secrets An annual artistmembers exhibition, through July 27. 11101 Hwy One, Point Reyes. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org

Marin Society of Artists Solstice A non-juried show for members, through July 12. 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 415.454.9561, marinsociety ofartists.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 July. 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 Water An exhibition focusing on water in all its forms, juried by Eric Zener, through July 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

Traditional Landscapes

A group exhibition of abstracted landscapes on canvas and panel, through July 31. 301 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.2800, robert allenfineart.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

Works by Judith Calder, through August 14. 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 Ongoing work. 23 Sunnyside Ave, Mill Valley. 415.384.8288, seagergray.com

Studio 333 Why There Are Words Literary series featuring New York Times best-selling authors and other award-winning writers. 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

The Blissful Gallery 3-D works by local artists. 3415 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach, 415.868.2787, theblissfulgallery.com

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 Art by David Schubert. 1360 Mission St, 415.626.5496, sfelectric works.com

Gallery Wendi Norris Passage Works by San Francisco artist Val Britton, through August 2. 161 Jessie St, 415.346.7812, gallery wendinorris.com

Gregory Lind Gallery Works by Will Yackulic, through July. 49 Geary St, 415.296.9661, gregorylindgallery.com

Hackett-Mill Oneself: Portrayal and Identity in Bay Area Artists, through August 29. 201 Post St, 415.362.3377, hackettmill.com

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

Pier 24 Photography Works from the Pilara Foundation Collection. Pier 24, 415.512.7424, pier24.org

Rena Bransten Projects Another High Works by Nathan Lynch, through July 3. 1639 Market Street, 415.982.3292, renabransten gallery.com

Thomas Reynolds Gallery Works by contemporary artists. 2291 Pine Street, 415.441.4093, thomasreynolds.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

Bolinas Museum Transmit/Receive Exhibitions Two exhibitions celebrating the 100-year anniversary of the fi rst trans-Paci fic wireless radio transmission from Marconi Station in Bolinas, through August 17 (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.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 Summer National Exhibition Works by Randy Pottenger and Laura Lee Fritz, through July 13 (Novato). 415.506.0137, marinmoca.org

BAY AREA Asian Art Museum Enter the Mandala An exhibit featuring works centered on cosmic centers and the mental maps of Himalayan Buddhism, through October 26 (SF). 415.581.3711, asianart.org

California Academy of Sciences Skulls Check out an exhibit featuring more than 640 animal skulls and learn the physiology, science and mystery behind them, through November 30. (SF). 415.379.8000, calacademy.org

Water by Joan Sadler

Kids thrive when they eat five colors everyday, and we’re not talking fruit loops.

Marin Civic Center (Sun & Thurs, 8-1, all year) OAKLAND — Grand Lake (Sat, 9-2, ALL YEAR) Hayward (Sat, 9-1, ALL YEAR) Clement st (Sun, 9-2, ALL YEAR) newark (Sun, 9-1, ALL YEAR) stonestown (Sun, 9-1, ALL YEAR)

Marin Farmers Market

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

Contemporary Jewish Museum Project Mah Jongg, through October 28 (SF). 415.655.7800, thecjm.org

de Young Anthony Friedkin: The Gay Essay Photographs chronicling the gay communities in Los Angeles and San Francisco from 1969 to 1973, through January 11 (SF). 415.750.3600, deyoung.famsf.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 Jennifer Crupi: A Display of Gestures The fi rst presentation of the celebrated metalsmith artist’s work on the West Coast, through October 5 (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

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Wall and Ardor: William T. Wiley in the 21st Century Recent works by William T. Wiley, through July 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 Bay Area Now 7 Works by Bay Area artists highlighting the region's cultural ecosystem, through

September 28 (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org

EVENTS

JUL 1 Enchanted Circus Take fl ight with Schools Rule at its second annual fundraising event to kick off he Marin County Fair. Enjoy cocktails, dinner and entertainment while raising money for every school district in Marin. Marin County Fairgrounds Pavilion (San Rafael). 415.491.6680, schools rule.org

JUL 1 World Cup Soccer Catch a World Cup game on a theater-style screen. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweetwatermusic hall.com

JUL 2–6 Marin County Fair Head to the Marin County Fair, this year themed “The Happiest Place on Earth,” for days of fun, food and entertainment. Musical stylings from bands like Huey Lewis and the News and The Wailers serve as a background for 28 carnival rides, games, a bevy of exhibits, Fourth of July fi reworks and much more. Marin County Fairgrounds (San Rafael). marinfair.org

JUL 3 Benefit Cocktail Party Kick off our Fourth of July celebrations in Bolinas with this cocktail event honoring former Bolinas Museum director Dolores Richards. Bolinas Museum (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org

JUL 4 Bolinas Parade and Stinson vs. Bolinas Tug-of-War Don’t miss the celebratory Bolinas Parade and annual tugof-war battle between these close-knit coastal communities. Various locations (Bolinas).

JUL 4 Fourth of July Festivities Head to Sausalito for a variety of Fourth of July festivities including a tug-of-war, egg toss, parade and a fi reworks show on the bay. Various locations (Sausalito). ci.sausalito.ca.us

JUL 4 Fourth of July Parade and Festival After a festive parade, enjoy offerings from artisans, artists and local food purveyors as well as live entertainment and a children’s

FURNITURE METAL FASHION WEARABLES JEWELRY FORTMASON CENTER

GLASS

AUGUST8–10 WOOD FIBER

SanFrancisco 2014

CERAMICS

Tickets and info: craftcouncil.org/sf

ForestDickey

MollyGrant

EvanChambers

SarahHassler

area. Various locations (Corte Madera). cortemadera.org

JUL 4 Pancake Breakfast Join the American Legion for an annual Independence Day pancake breakfast and gi n fi zz booth. A great place to enjoy the Larkspur/Corte Madera parade. American Legion Hall 313 (Larkspur).

JUL 12 Breastfest Beer Festival Join Marin Brewing Company for a tasting event to fund nonprofit health center Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic, which supports economically challenged women in thei r fight against cancer. More than 80 breweries, wineries and cider houses will participate.

Fort Mason Festival Pavilion (SF). 415.461.4677, breastfest.org

JUL 12 Legends of Candlestick The fi nal football event at Candlestick Park will feature former 49ers Jerry Rice, Joe Montana, Roger Craig and Dwight Clark as they take on Dan Marino and a group of NFL all-stars in a game of fl ag football. Candlestick Park (SF). legendsofcandle stick.com

JUL 12 Tour de MALT Partake in a 40- or 60-mile bike ride through the rolling hills of MALT-protected farms, beginning in Nicasio. The ride ends with a farm-to-table lunch highlighting

local food. Lafranchi Family Dairy (Nicasio). 415.663.1158, malt.org

JUL 17 Deep Dive:

Hawaiian Luau Head to the Marine Mammal Center’s monthly nightlife event, this month Hawaiian style. Marine Mammal Center (Sausalito). 415.289.7325, marine mammalcenter.org

JUL 18–20 Gem Faire

Top gem experts and vendors converge for a weekend of jewelry, gems and beads. A number of seminars and workshops are also available. Marin Center (San Rafael). 415.473.6400, marincenter.org

Marin County Fair, San Rafael

JUL 20 Great American Blues & Barbecue

Festival American blues and roots music rule the day alongside delicious barbecue fare. Enjoy performances by local

and national bands, food concessions and a “King of the Q” competition. Downtown (San Rafael). teamproevent.com

JUL 26 Far West Fest

Celebrate community while raising money for local charities. Enjoy a lineup of blues, folk, rock and world music, local food and works

from regional arts and crafts vendors at this green event. Love Field (Point Reyes). farwestfest.org

JUL 29–AUG 1 The American Cheese Society Conference and Competition Back in California for the fi rst time in a decade, the conference features educational opportunities, a Festival of Cheese, tours, pub crawls, tastings and sales. Convention Center (Sacramento). 720.328.2788, cheesesociety.org

FILM

JUL 24 Henry IV Part II

The Royal Shakespeare Company presents the completion of the Henry IV saga, with Jasper Britton as the

king, Alex Hassell as Prince Hal and Antony Sher as Sir John Falsta ff. Smith Rafael Film Center (San Rafael). 415.454.1222, ca fi lm.org

NATURE WALKS & TALKS

JUL 5 Made in the Shade in Baltimore Canyon Hike through the cool, forested area featuring redwoods, California bay, madrone, big-leaf maple and tanoak. A great opportunity to harvest huckleberries. Baltimore Canyon (Larkspur). 415.456.0594, wild carebayarea.org

JUL 7 Merola Opera Preview Talk Author and Merola Opera program director Tracy

Grant discuss the upcoming summer festival season, which will feature two operas with very di fferent points of view. Book Passage (Corte Madera). 415.927.0960, book passage.com

JUL 10 Matthew Fox

Author Matthew Fox creates metaphorical meetings between Eckhart and Teilhard de Chardin, Thich Nhat Hanh, Carl Jung, Black Elk, Rumi, Adrienne Rich and other radical thinkers in his latest work Meister Eckhart Book Passage (Corte Madera). 415.927.0960, bookpassage.com

JUL 17 Mammals of Marin Naturalist David Herlocker provides an overview of the many species of mammals

470 Ignacio Blvd. Novato | 5627 Paradise Dr. Corte Madera | 1 Blackfield Dr. Tiburon 415.883.4600 415.945.8855 415.388.2770

METRO: Day Pass Wall by Ann Knickerbocker at Gallery Route One, Point Reyes

found in Marin County, including the ones we seldom see. Public library (Corte Madera). 415.924.4844, marinlibrary.org

JUL 17 James Nestor

Journalist James Nestor discusses his book Deep, which seeks out the secrets in the little-known discipline of free diving, taking readers 28,000 feet below sea level.

Book Passage (Corte Madera). 415.927.0960, bookpassage.com

JUL 19 Bird Walk Go on a family stroll in search of waterfowl and other birds like the white pelican and red-tailed hawk. Rush Creek (Novato). 415.456.0594, wildcarebayarea.org

JUL 19 Headlands Nightlife Take a family hike after dark and explore the lifestyles and habits of nocturnal creatures. NatureBridge (Sausalito). 415.332.5771, nature bridge.org

JUL 22 Ellen Sussman

The nationally best-selling author discusses her latest work A Wedding in Provence. A major force in the Northern California writers' community, Sussman is also an acclaimed essayist and the editor of two anthologies. Book Passage (Corte Madera). 415.927.0960, bookpassage.com

JUL 23 Feather, Fur and Scales WildCare’s animal ambassadors examine the

similarities and differences between mammal, bird and reptile groups. Public library (Bolinas). 415.868.1171, wildcare bayarea.org

JUL 28 Alec Baldwin

Hear Alec Baldwin in conversation with Steven Winn, where the actor will shed light on the numerous causes he supports and share stories from his career. Nourse Theater (SF). 415.392.4400, cityarts.net

JUL 31 Dragonflies

Learn to identify the di fferent species of dragon fly and observe their unique behavior on this walk for kids and adults ages 15 and up. Lake Lagunitas (Fairfax). 415.893.9508

The Marin Shakespeare Company at Forest Meadows Amphitheatre, San Rafael

Dine

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

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

for a meal? 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

SEA THAI BISTRO

• VALENTI & CO. Italian This bright and cozy space is the ideal environment for a sampling of authentic Italian cuisine from Chef Valenti, a Milanese transplant. Though Valenti sticks to his culinary roots, the dishes at his Marin restaurant make use of local ingredients. A seat at the vinobar offers a prime view of the open kitchen. 337 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.7800, valentico.com

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

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

Arancini alla Milanese

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

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

FAIRFAX

FRADELIZIO’S Italian Family-owned for 15 years, Fradelizio’s blends Northern Italian cuisine with Californiainspired healthy fare using the freshest ingredients possible. The homemade gnocchi is a crowd-pleasing favorite. 35 Broadway Blvd, 415.459.1618, fradelizios.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. 367 Bolinas Rd, 415.456.8084, deerpark steakhousegrill.com

GREENBRAE

BISTRO VIS À VIS California This little bistro features the 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

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

Marin Country Mart, 2405 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.448.5810, belcampomeatco.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

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

• 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 festive atmosphere and funky decor complement the excellent food for a classy, lively experience. This place gets packed, so make reservations. 218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.454.8900, marinitas.net

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

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

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

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

MILL VALLEY

RULLI Italian

Pastry chef Gary Rulli is renowned for his Northern Italian 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

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

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

BALBOA CAFE MILL VALLEY California The San Francisco institution has already become a place to see and be seen in Mill Valley. 38 Miller Ave, 415.381.7321, balboacafe.com

BOO KOO Asian The restaurant offers options for every eater—vegans, glutenfrees, vegetarians and carnivores alike. Menu items include chicken pho, 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

Tacos de Pescado

BUNGALOW 44

American Much like sister restaurant Buckeye Roadhouse, Bungalow 44 offers a mean dose of homey carbo- and lipid-laden dishes, such as the burger and the fried chicken with tru ffle fries. The bar is a neighborhood favorite, known for tasty spirits and eye candy. 44 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500, bungalow44.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 Rice Bowl. 247 Shoreline Hwy, 415.388.1852, cafedelsoul.net

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

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

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

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

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. 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.

PHOTO: JENNIFER BAGWELL PHOTOGRAPHY

475 E Strawberry Dr, 415.381.4400, nourish.harbor-point.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

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 small-town feel. 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

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. 19 Corte Madera Ave, 415.388.3850, sweet watermusichall.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

TONY TUTTO PIZZA Italian Tony has been pouring his passion for pizza into his daily dishes for two decades and his menu now

• BRICK & BOTTLE

California From private parties to catered events, the menu offers seasonal selections made with local ingredients. Enjoy signature dishes like orzo mac ‘n’ cheese with smoked Gouda and saffron 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

includes family recipes. 246 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.383.8646, tonytuttopizza.com

NOVATO

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

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

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

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

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

SAN ANSELMO

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, 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

Ricotta Ravioli

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

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

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

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

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

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

ODALISQUE CAFE

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

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

RANGE CAFE American

With floor-to-ceiling windows positioned overlooking the grand Peacock Gap lawns, the Range Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy comforting American classics with an elegant twist. This inviting lunchtime cafe with its ice-cold lemonade and refreshing chardonnays makes a great dinner spot once the sun sets. 333 Biscayne Dr, 415.454.6450, rangecafe.net

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. 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

• IL FORNAIO Italian Sausalito’s Larry Mindel hit a home run with this upscale Italian restaurant franchise. Aside from the award-winning breads, pizzas and pastas, the menu offers a variety of salads and carb-free entrées. 223 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.4400, ilfornaio.com

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 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

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

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

BAR BOCCE American Food just tastes better when you’re dining on a bayside patio with fi re pits and a bocce ball court. 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

DAVEY JONES DELI American Stationed in the New Bait Shop Market, Davey Jones Deli boasts houseroasted sandwich meats, healthy condiments and local, organic vegetables. 1 Gate 6 Rd, 415.331.2282, daveyjonesdeli.com

FAST FOOD FRANCAIS

French Owned and operated by the owners of Le Garage and L’Appart Resto, F3 serves brunch, lunch and dinner, all featuring “Frenchi fied” American comfort food. Sample a rotating menu including items like the Luxe burger (Diestel turkey, brie, lettuce and a fried egg topped with tru ffle aioli). Enjoy with a side of Brussels sprout chips or pomme dauphines (tater tots). 39 Caledonia St, 415.887.9047, eatf3.com

Pizza Margherita

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

500 Country Club Drive, Novato www.marincountryclub.com • 415.382.6712 membership@marincountryclub.com

Red Wine Tapioca at Odalisque Cafe in San Rafael

Thoroughly French

IF YOU HAVE yet to visit Fast Food Francais (F3 for those in the know), the third restaurant by Oliver and Susannah Souvestre of Le Garage fame, we suggest heading over ASAP. Far from your typical burger joint, F3 serves up Frenchi fied renditions of your favorite American fare — think pommes dauphines (decadently rich tater tots), Brussels sprout chips, and patties crafted from duck con fit. Behind the cuisine is chef Ray Kacenjar (rhymes with passenger), raised in Ohio, who spent many hours fi shing on Lake Erie and assisting his grandfather in the kitchen of the family restaurant. After graduating from the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, N.Y., he continued to learn the restaurant ropes at Swamp Fox in Charleston, S.C., where he developed an appreciation for market-fresh ingredients. That approach obviously fits right in in the Bay Area. “F3 redefi nes fast food, making it something more inventive, delicious and elegant,” says Kacenjar, a Zuni Cafe alumnus. “At the same time, we are making French food more approachable. It’s the perfect platform.” If you don’t feel like going out tonight, you’re in luck, as we succeeded in getting our hands on one of the restaurant’s most indulgent treats — a burger fi nished with béarnaise. eatf3.com CALIN VAN PARIS

RECIPE

BOS Burger

SERVES 4 Ingredients

½ cup white wine

1 shallot, thinly sliced

1 tablespoon water

3 egg yolks

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

8 ounces butter

4 five-ounce beef patties, ½ inch thick Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

4 slices Saint-Nectaire cheese

8 pieces wild boar bacon

4 crusty hamburger rolls (ciabatta if possible)

Aioli or mayonnaise

4 Boston lettuce leaves

To Prepare

For Béarnaise Sauce: 1 In saucepot, cook wine and shallot pieces on medium-high heat, until they become amber in color. 2 Strain through a fine sieve into a 2-quart mixing bowl. 3 Fill saucepot with water and return to medium high heat; bring to simmer. 4 Add water, egg yolks and apple cider vinegar to wine reduction in the mixing bowl. 5 Place mixing bowl over simmering water and whisk to combine. 6 Slowly pour melted butter into mixture while whisking. 7 Continue to cook sauce over simmering water until mixture thickens; do not cook for too long or eggs will scramble. 8 Remove bowl of sauce from water bath and store in a warm place. For Patties: 1 Start charcoal or gas grill prior to use so it is sufficiently hot for grilling. 2 Oil grill surface lightly; the oil should smoke slightly. 3 Season patties with salt and pepper, place on grill and grill for 60 seconds. 4 Carefully lift and turn burgers 90 degrees and grill for another 60 seconds. 5 Flip burgers; cook for 60 seconds. 6 Turn 90 degrees again and add the cheese and wild boar bacon (1 slice and 2 pieces, respectively, for each burger). 7 Cook for 60 seconds more; the cheese will melt while the burgers finish. Assembly: 1 Remove patties from heat, place on a warm plate and let rest for 2 minutes. 2 Toast rolls over coals or grill and spread with aioli or mayonnaise. 3 Place burgers on rolls and top with 2 ounces béarnaise sauce each. 4 Finish with lettuce leaves and enjoy.

Fast Food Francais serves up American fare with Parisian flair.

Ray Kacenjar

Out & About / DINE

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

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, saylorsrestaurant andbar.com

SEAFOOD PEDDLER

Seafood A great place to seek out fresh seafood in a warm and inviting environment. East and West Coast fi sh are flown in daily, and the recipes are adjusted to accommodate the freshest options. 303 Johnson St, 415.332.1492, seafoodpeddler.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

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

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

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

WELLINGTON’S

California British transplant Jeremy John and his wife, Jill, have created an expansive (2,400-square-foot) wine bar with a homey feel. 300 Turney St, 415.331.9463, wellingtonswine.com

Providing 25 Years of Outstanding, Consistent, Personalized Care

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“We offer something for everyone seeking improvement in the way they look and feel about themselves.”

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

DON ANTONIO TRATTORIA Italian

Located in Tiburon’s historic Ark Row, this trattoria offers authentic Italian cuisine in a quaint setting. The menu includes traditional courses with selections such as chicken piccata, organic roasted rack of lamb and housemade pesto. 114 Main St, 415.435.0400, donantoniotrattoria.com

GUAYMAS Mexican Situated right next to the Tiburon ferry terminal on the waterfront, the touchit-you’re-so-close city views and outdoor seating make it a great place to bring visitors on a warm summer night. Happy hour is 4 to 7 p.m. M-F. 5 Main St, 415.435.6300, guaymasrestaurant.com

MILANO Italian Located in the Cove Shopping Center, this familyowned neighborhood spot is known for its pasta and friendly service. 1 Blackfield Dr, 415.388.9100, tiburonmilano.com

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 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

RUBEN KALRA, MDRICHARD SHINAMAN, MD WILLIAM LONGTON, MD

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

OSTERIA STELLINA

California Whether it’s to cap off a ay of hiking or celebrate a romantic anniversary, Osteria Stellina suits any occasion. The menu is Italian-inspired and features local, organic ingredients. If you’re looking for something unusual try the goat shoulder, a favorite of tourists and locals alike (Point Reyes). 11285 Hwy 1, 415.663.9988, osteriastellina.com

PARKSIDE CAFE

American Perfect for a sit down, alfresco meal or for grabbing a burger to enjoy on the beach. Choose from an

array of organic, locally grown produce, artisan meats and wild seafood (Stinson). 43 Arenal Ave, 415.868.1272, parksidecafe.com

PINE CONE DINER

American You ca n fi nd this ultimate neighborhood diner just off he main road. Vintage china and homemade curtains complement the eclectic but homey menu featuring local fare. A favorite for locals as well as tourists (Point Reyes Station). 60 Fourth St, 415.663.1536, pineconediner.com

RANCHO NICASIO

American Known for live music and an extensive menu featuring everything from Dungeness crab cakes to the Garlic and Rosemary Lamb Medallions dish, Rancho Nicasio is open seven days a week. Be sure to stop by for happy hour, 4 to 6 p.m. M–F. 1 Old Rancheria (Nicasio) Rd, 415.662.2219, ranchonicasio.com

SAND DOLLAR

American Originally built from three barges in Tiburon in 1921, the Sand Dollar Restaurant wa s floated to Stinson that same year. Enjoy live music along with barbecued local oysters and New England clam chowder. The sunny deck is great in the afternoon (Stinson). 3458 Shoreline Hwy, 415.868.0434, stinson beachrestaurant.com

SIR & STAR AT THE OLEMA California

The historic inn has reopened as a roadhouse-style restaurant featuring rustic decor and a delicious yet a ffordable menu. Try

‘‘Finally, a store that understands me.’’ Beauty. Simplicity. Creativity. The elegance of clean, modern design. Free gift-wrapping. Attentive, experienced sales staff. All this plus thousands of handcrafted designer gifts for your home and tabletop, wearable art, jewelry, and much more await you at Terrestra in downtown Mill Valley. Featuring the first-in-USA dedicated kiosk for Mywalit fine leather goods.

HALF

the housemade bread and honey butter, the kale Caesar and the stu ffed quail, or take the plunge and sample the entire menu. (Olema). 10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.663.1034, sirandstar.com

STATION HOUSE CAFE

American Fresh local homegrown foods are showcased on the chef’s menu. Stop in on weekends for live music and enticing wine and beer lists (Point Reyes Station). 11180 State Rte One, 415.663.1515, stationhousecafe.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

SAN FRANCISCO

AQ RESTAURANT & BAR California AQ takes seasonal to a new level, not only adapting the menu but also transforming the decor of the entire venue to match the weather outside. This summer the warmly lit space parallels the dishes made with fresh veggies, nuts and fi sh. 1085 Mission St, 415.341.9000, aq-sf.com

BENU Asian/French Plan an evening at Benu for a formal and sophisticated meal. The breathtaking compositions are offered on a tasting menu that gives you the full experience of this restaurant’s unique Asian fusion cuisine. 22 Hawthorne St, 415.685.4860, benusf.com

BOULI BAR American/ Mediterranean Head to Boulettes Larder’s new bar and dining room

• 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

for the savor y fl avors of spicy lamb, feta and mint or the bittersweetness of salad topped with barberries, bulgur and pomegranate, all in a setting of handsome wood tables and an open kitchen. 1 Ferry Building, 415.399.1155, bouletteslarder.com

BOXING ROOM Cajun

The Southern comfort of Louisiana, updated to fit the polished elegance of the city. Indulge in authentic Cajunstyle eats and fresh California seafood. 399 Grove St, 415.430.6590, boxingroom.com

BUN MEE Vietnamese

The Southern comfort

A fun and casual lunch spot that put s a fl avorful twist on classic Vietnamese. Sit back in this playful space with a salad, bowl or sandwich and enjoy the stylish San Francisco vibes. 2015 Fillmore St, 415.800.7696, bunmee.com

CAPO’S CHICAGO

Italian If you’re craving classic Chicago-style Italian and a venue to match, the endless pizza choices and fl avorful pasta and meat selections here will more than satisfy your appetite and take you back in time to the mobster days of the 1920s. 641 Vallejo St, 415.986.8998, sfcapos.com

HAKKASAN Chinese

The sleek, streamlined design is in sync with the delicate composition of the dishes, making this a grand S.F. destination. The rich-fl avored slowbraised beef and the hot-and-sour soup are essentials. 1 Kearny St, 415.829.8148, hakkasan.com

KIN KHAO Thai Fullfl avored Thai: From spicy curries to crab sen chan (a fresh seafood pad thai) to off-the-wall cocktails designed by Bon Vivants, this new

San Francisco eatery is sure to impress. 55 Cyril Magnin St, 415.362.7456, kinkhao.com

MICHAEL MINA Japanese/French Michael Mina has clearly mastered the fi ne line between award-winning art and Alaskan halibut. Each brilliantly crafted dish gives diners a delicate blend of fl avors that add up to a distinctive, luxurious dining experience. 252 California St, 415.397.9222, michaelmina.net

NOPA California The easy California menu shows off oasted chicken and pork chops, with a bouquet of appetizers to set the mood. Although this S.F. destination is busy almost every night (a good sign), the wait at the legendary bar is half the fun. 560 Divisadero St, 415.864.8643, nopasf.com

RICE, PAPER, SCISSORS Vietnamese Don’t be fooled by the casual setting in this Vietnamese pop-up cafe — the grilled steak bahn mi i s five-star-worthy. Take a seat on one of the bright red stools on Mission Street and stay warm with a pot of jasmine tea. 1710 Mission St, 415.878.6657, ricepaperscissors.com

RICH TABLE California

A bright, relaxed environment, fresh ingredients grown only feet from the kitchen, creative and quirky cocktails and California wine. 199 Gough St, 415.355.9085, richtablesf.com

ROKA AKOR Japanese

With a grand open grill as the centerpiece

of the space, this is a destination for anyone who appreciates charcoal-fi red red meat or mint-adorned plates of fresh sashimi. The sultry subterranean Roka Bar is perfect for a before- or after-dinner drink. 801 Montgomery St, 415.362.8887, rokaakor.com

STATE BIRD PROVISIONS American

With an overwhelming variety of choices, from seafood to spicy kimchi to pancakes, not to mention a full range of poultry, this uncommon dim sum–style setup features a little bit of everything. 1529 Fillmore St, 415.795.1272, statebirdsf.com

TOWN HALL American

The exposed brick and warm, unconventional lighting turn Town Hall’s large space into an intimate yet elegant environment. With a more-than-adequate wine list and savory American classics like pork tenderloin with honey grits, a visit here should be on everyone’s list. 342 Howard St, 415.908.3900, townhallsf.com

VERBENA California

This lofted-ceilinged, dimly lit space has a relaxing atmosphere that is only furthered by the artistic manipulation of local veggies and rich meat and poultry dishes. Pair with a cold beer or a fi ne French wine. 2323 Polk St, 415.441.2323, verbena restaurant.com

For more local restaurant listings, visit us online at marinmagazine. com/dine

Dungeness Crab Salad

DINE out

Deals on Meals

Enjoy local restaurants and save 30 percent on meals. Check out the participating restaurants in our “Deals on Meals” section and experience big savings. Spend only $35 for a dining certificate worth $50. Simply go to marinmagazine.com/dineout to purchase a dining certificate from a restaurant in this section and we will mail it to you. Try a new restaurant or purchase a certificate for an old favorite. A perfect gift for any occasion. Limited supply each month.

DEALS ON MEALS

Dine local — save big time!

The Thrill of the Grill and Daily Happy Hour! House-smoked meats, homemade sauces, handcrafted biscuits with whipped butter. #MFdelish. Chef Bob’s summer barbecue is down home cooking turned up a notch. Seasonal favorites like Spinach Pappardelle, summer salads and GF Coconut Curried Vegetables as well. Sunsets and cocktails served daily.

Brick & Bottle

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

Serving Lunch, Dinner and Weekend Breakfast. RangeCafe Bar and Grill, located on the course at Peacock Gap Golf Club, offers a delicious array of dining options to satisfy the whole family. All items are freshly prepared and served in a relaxed and inviting environment.

RangeCafe Bar and Grill 333 Biscayne Drive 415.454.6450 San Rafael, CA rangecafe.net bar and grill

The Counter offers all-natural, humanely-raised beef and 312,120+ combinations to build your own burger. The Counter is a great place for family, friends, great music and a full bar. Voted best burger in Bay Area by SFGate.com readers on Bay Area A-List 2010-2014. ‘LIKE’ us on www.facebook.com/TheCounterCorteMadera !

The Counter 201 Town Center 415.924.7000 Corte Madera, CA thecounterburger.com

Il Fornaio award-winning specialties include house-made pastas, wood-fired pizza, authentic risotto, and rotisserie meats, along with artisan cocktails and a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. Each month, a special regional dinner menu is featured. A perfect location for any celebration and groups of all sizes!

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

On the Scene

WHITE-HOT SUMMER PARTY

All decked out in their finest summer whites, guests enjoyed drinks and music at the June 1 event at Cavallo Point. The party also celebrated the release of Marin Magazine ’s special publication Marin Summer.

• MARIN OPEN STUDIOS PREVIEW GALA The art party of the year kicked off with the 21st Marin Open Studios event April 26 at Bon Air Center. Guests sampled wine and small bites while mingling with artists and art lovers. The open studios event takes place in May.

• MARINMOCA

ALTERED BOOK EXHIBITION

More than 150 artists showed off their book-related art May 24 in Novato at the fifth annual event benefiting the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art.

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

MO DELONG (WHITE-HOT SUMMER); DEBRA TARRANT (MARIN OPEN STUDIOS, MARINMOCA)

Kay Carlson and Alan Plisskin

Heidi LaGrasta and Eleanor Murray

•

Paul Bonifacio, Margot Hyun, Lynda Moyer and Rob Theis

Mimi Towle, Stephen Andrews and Alexis Cohen

Loie Merritt, Elizabeth Smith and Michelle Hearn

cious

efited

• PLAYDATE 2014: JET SET TO RIO A vintage aviation experience and a Brazilian-themed Carnival set the theme for the May 2 event benefiting Sausalito’s Bay Area Discovery Museum.

Cari Dauphinais, Wendy Fraser and Nina Buchbinder

Stephen Perkins, Lynn Perkins and Brent Johnson

Kathryn Freeman and Alexander Fraser

• LEGAL AID OF MARIN SPRING BASH Attorney/musicians rocked the night as guests enjoyed the music, deli-

food, cocktails and an auction at George’s on May 30. Proceeds ben-

Legal Aid of Marin.

Karen Carrera, William Veen, Deana Kardel, Gary Ragghianti and Jerry Spolter

Lyle Poindexter and Sarah Leger

Sales and Rentals

Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Blvd., Building A San Francisco, CA 94123 415-441-4777

sfmoma.org/visit/artists_gallery

Claire Pasquier, Coast Lines, 2014; photo: courtesy of the artist

FROM TOURS AND MAKEOVERS TO DECORATIVE DETAILS AND REALTOR INSIGHTS

BY LAURA HILGERS • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

French barstools add a traditional touch to the chef/owner’s brightly colored galley kitchen.

WHEN INTERIOR DESIGNER

Shelly Amoroso talks about her 1907 Dutch Colonial home, she uses words that don’t generally apply to Marin real estate: “It just feels super soulful to me.”

She’s not talking the usual Northern California Zen, but rather soul of the jazzy New Orleans kind. She points to the traditional porch alongside the home, the “beefy” original crown molding and window frames, and the window that overlooks a leafy street and says, “this house feels very classic Southern.”

Rather than the Big Easy, though, it’s the Forbes area of San Rafael — a place where neither she nor fiancé Luis Lagos, a personal chef, imagined they’d end up. The two were renting a tiny Mill Valley cottage when they decided they wanted to buy. After a 10-month search of Mill Valley homes proved fruitless, they expanded their scope to San Rafael, where one of Amoroso’s clients lived. Forbes proved to be the perfect match. “Buyers who like that sort of cool urban vibe gravitate to this neighborhood,” says realtor Jenn Pfei ffer. “And when

Shelly and Luis walked into this house last summer, they just got it immediately.”

“What I love about this house is that it’s the traditional envelope,” says Amoroso, “so you can put interesting pieces in it and make it a little fresher without actually having to live in a modern home.” Amoroso and Lagos’ style is the epitome of eclectic. They’ve placed a 1960s lime green vintage sectional, shaggy white pillows and a Hollywood Regency–style glass coffee table in the very traditional, high-ceilinged living room. Above the couch, they’ve hung an assortment of mismatched paintings, mostly family heirlooms — some conventionally attractive and some not. And in the dining room, they’ve positioned Amoroso’s grandmother’s 1970sera table beneath a capiz shell chandelier.

As part of a remodel — done while Amoroso was on bed rest last fall, pregnant with their now-infant daughter — they recon figured a kitchen/laundry room into a family room and galley kitchen, replete with bold margarita-green cupboards, in homage to Lagos’ upbringing in Mexico, and a kitchen couch for guests to sit on while Lagos cooks.

But perhaps the most arresting room in the house is the front hall, adorned with a shieldpatterned gray-and black-wallpaper against which is hung a huge, very black Christy Lee Rogers photograph. At the end of the hallway, a powder room door stands open, revealing hot pink walls.

It’s fun and funky and a lot more urbane than the typical Marin home. “I really wanted it to be romantic,” says Amoroso, “but there’s also an element of tongue in cheek.” m

They’ve placed a 1960s lime green vintage sectional, shaggy white pillows and a Hollywood Regency–style glass coffee table in the very traditional, highceilinged living room.

Opposite page: The living room with vintage sectional; the hot pink powder room. This page, clockwise from left: The kitchen; the Amoroso-Lagos family; the dining room and capiz shell chandelier; the front door; the home’s exterior; front hall; tulips.

Unexpected Light

Bright ideas in home decor.

IF IT’S TRUE that moths are attracted to light, can we be any different? A lighted object in a darkened landscape will inexorably draw the curious eye, holding it in fascination. Take that light and mix it with a sense of playfulness and you’re bound to provoke a smile. The results are dramatic when unexpected sources of light are placed on a terrace, nestled in a planted garden bed, or floated in a body of water.

1 Asteroid, Koray Ozgen for Innermost, $325, 727.507.7000, iconceptslight.co m  2 Ibiza Chair by Main Access, $373, 877.385.2104, louielighting.com 3 Alien Easy Outdoor Constantin Wortmann for next, $568, 877.757.7936, lighting55.com 4 Faz Daybed Ramón Esteve for Vondom, $4,200, 212.207.3252, vondom.com 5 Uomo della Luce (Man of Light) Enzo Catellani for Catellani & Smith, $11,774 (92-inch height) or $13,084 (104-inch height), 212.228.3600, seeltd.com

BY PJ BREMIER 4 5

Coveted Lifestyle and Location

Elegant residence on approximately 3 private acres with unobstructed views of Mt. Tamalpais. Approximately 7,100 square foot home boasts timeless finishes and accesses the outdoors via multiple balconies, terraces and verandas. Flowing floor plan includes a gourmet, dine-in kitchen with butler’s pantry. Stately master suite includes 2 baths and 2 dressing rooms, fireplace and balcony. 4 additional bedrooms are en suite. Formal living and dining rooms, family room and den. Glorious grounds include formal gardens, lush lawns, a pool with spa and changing room set amidst a fabulous entertainment area. An oasis with groomed paths throughout the olive grove, fruit orchard, raised bed flower and vegetable gardens and terraced woodlands. Room for a guest house and tennis courts. 2 garages include a workout room and a shop. An extraordinary lifestyle, conveniently located to San Francisco and Wine Country.

KentfieldCountryEstate.com l Offered at $13,895,000

Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo

permission.

Home, the Ultimate Luxury Address.

l ocal Knowledge + Personalized Strategies + Global e xecution = the

McGuire Difference

As Marin’s leading luxury real estate boutique McGuire offers an exemplary level of service and an exceptional team of professionals dedicated to helping our clients achieve their real estate and investment goals. We pair local knowledge with the use of forward thinking marketing technologies and a global reach enhanced by our exclusive international association with Savills, one of the world largest and most premier real estate companies, providing our clients and our properties unparalleled international exposure.

1040 Redwood Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 415.838.8500

McGuire Real Estate would like to welcome

Kristen lee

Mesa Road, Point Reyes Station

One of the most iconic homes in Point Reyes Station. Main house has more than 4000sf of living space with 4bd/3ba plus a carriage house with two large 1bd/1ba units.

$1,998,000

Rick Trono 415.515.1117

Loma Linda, San Rafael

Amazing remodeled 3bd/2.5ba, one-level contemporary with a spacious backyard Bright & light, exceptional craftsmanship. Great room opens to outside for indoor/ outdoor living. Convenient to everything!

12LomaLinda.com $1,250,000 Lindy Emrich 415.717.4005

Frances, Larkspur

Kentfield School District! In popular Murray Park, this 4bd/3ba remodeled home is a winner! Large family room opens to newly installed level lawn.

51Frances.com

$1,895,000

Stephanie Lamarre 415.806.3176

Venus Court, Tiburon

Sophisticated style in a cul-de-sac neighborhood location. Remodeled and expanded to perfection. 4+bd/2.5ba, office could be fifth bedroom, chef’s kitchen, landscaped front and rear yard, large level lawn and gardens.

$1,699,000

Dennis Naranche 415.789.1515

Kameha Way, Dillon Beach

Views abound from this Dillon Beach retreat at the top of a hill overlooking the majestic blue waters of the Pacific Ocean. The home redefines perfection with its unmatched quality and thoughtful design.

45Kameha.com $1,249,000 Ashley Bock 415.335.5525 Adrian Emmanuel 415.420.6251

Marinero Circle, Tiburon

Spectacular 1-level, 2bd/2ba condo. World class views of Tiburon, Belvedere, San Francisco and beyond. A wall of windows and large deck for entertaining. Community pool. This one will steal your heart!

$960,000

Jennifer A. Palacio 415.601.3130

a few minutes north of the Golden Gate, yet a million miles away, is Seadrift at Stinson Beach. Since 1973, Seadrift Realty has been the expert in Real Estate sales and Premium Vacation Rentals in Stinson Beach and the private, gated community of Seadrift. Call us today to reserve your beach house...for a week, a summer or a lifetime.

Tiburon’s Award-Winning Modern Marvel

Architecturally stunning Fu-Tung Cheng Designed home beautifully built by ThompsonBrooks with impeccable attention to detail. The home also features a recent addition designed by Sheahan and Quandt. A narrow palette of materials and colors, and a modern approach and aesthetic combine with the warmth and sensuality of natural surfaces and textures to re-create a warm and inviting home. The home has panoramic bay views. Nestled away in a very private location behind a beautiful gate. This sanctuary is the perfect escape from the city and only 10 minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. The award winning landscape designed by Surface Design Inc. and Topher Delaney is sprawling with lush grass and unique terrain. A dream yard for any child. Only a few minutes from the Marin Country Day School and all the Reed District schools.

Magical Mill Valley Estate

A very rare opportunity presents itself in the offering of this Mill Valley estate covering 1.86 acres in the Redwoods. The property, formerly known as the Swiss Hiking Club lodge, has now been transformed. It has been exquisitely remodeled throughout, down to the very last detail. The property consists of five buildings: The Main House; the Cottage/Office; a Studio/Office; a Chalet Guest House; and an Accessory, two-room building for food and glassware storage. There are also two double-car garages. Nestled amongst the redwoods this elevated property offers privacy and serves as a sanctuary for friends and family. The old world charm of the entire estate combines with luxurious modern comforts to create a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere.

The property contains the perfect combination of inside and outside spaces with gardens, sunny lawns, a fire pit, and wraparound decks on the Main House complete with a redwood hot tub. After you ride up the state of the art tram from the street and enter the front door you are struck by the voluminous ceilings and spacious floor plans which offer relaxing and impressive entertaining spaces. The impeccably renovated estate has elegance and charm which creates a quality of life that stands apart in this lovely Mill Valley community. The Dipsea Stairs are easily accessed from the house affording a romantic walk to downtown Mill Valley. You can enjoy the myriad hiking and biking trails of Mt. Tamalpais literally from your doorstep. marinhomes.net/551edgewood

33 Bonnie Banks Way, San Rafael

Located in the highly desirable East San Rafael neighborhood of Loch Lomond, this colonial home has long been revered as one of the true jewels of the area. The home is sited above the Marina with views of the San Francisco Bay and Mt. Tam. It is a quintessential family home with rooms for every inspiration.

The main floor welcomes you through a large entrance to a formal living room with a fireplace, formal dining room, office, kitchen with a eat-in area with a fireplace, pantry, wine storage, and a large family room with sliding doors to the brick pool area.

The upstairs has 4 large bedrooms including a master suite, and an attached sunroom perfect for taking in all the views and a peaceful hideaway for its homeowners.

This garden lover’s home has beautiful mature gardens complete with a waterfall, pool, hot tub and lots of sun or shade for taking in the surroundings, play and lots of entertaining.

33bonniebanks.com

$1,795,000

• 4 Bedrooms + Office, 3 Baths

• Pool and Hot tub

• Desirable Loch Lomond

• Near Andy’s Market, Loch Lomond Marina

526 Northern Avenue, Mill Valley

Little City Farms is a 15 minute commute to San Francisco. The property is a short drive to Muir Woods, Mt. Tam, and a myriad of hiking and biking trails, as well as the coveted Eastwood Park with its tennis courts, and playgrounds. The best of city and country living! The charming home sits back on a lushly landscaped garden, and offers peace and serenity or play in your own private back yard. This vintage jewel has been remodeled and has 3 bed/3 bath, living room, formal dining, kitchen with eat-in area, sunroom, family room with a kitchenette and two loft spaces.

63 San Marino Drive, San Rafael

Located atop Peacock Gap in East San Rafael, this one level home is one of a kind. The main living area is an open floor plan with high ceilings, slate fireplace, great architecture and 2 Anderson sliding doors that lead to a private backyard with hillside views. The highly desirable floorplan includes two master suites, one of which is separate from the other four bedrooms and leads out to the backyard and deck.

63sanmarino.com $1,299,000

• 5 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

• Lovely Peacock Gap

• Near China Camp, Peacock Golf, hiking & biking trails

• 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths

• Charming Little City Farms

526northern.com $1,295,000 Christine Christiansen, MBA 415.259.7133 christine @ sothebysrealty.com christinechristiansen.com

48Manzanita.com

Luxury Home Marketing Specialist ® 415.793.5030 judy @ marindreamhome.com marindreamhome.com

Ultimate Larkspur Location

Charming 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Craftsman in heart of downtown just one block to all Larkspur has to offer. Built in 2008, with quality finishes throughout, open living space with nine foot ceilings and easy access to cozy backyard. 9 Locust Avenue, Larkspur $1,275,000

Classic California Living

Well-appointed 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home on quiet cul de sac. Main house features gourmet kitchen, gracious master suite and office. Wonderful outdoor living with pool, outdoor kitchen, patios, decks and a 1,000 square foot pool house. 5 Brookside Court, Novato $1,480,000

Dramatic 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath Mediterranean style waterfront home built in 1998 with meticulous attention to detail. Waterfront living with a large deep water boat dock, mature landscaping, western exposure and easy access to the San Francisco Bay. State-of-the-art kitchen, 3 fi replaces, formal living room and dining room, hot tub and 3 car garage. This residence offers the ultimate indoor/ outdoor lifestyle with world class views. Located in sought after Reed School District and close proximity to the Tiburon Yacht Club.

Charming Corinthian Island pied-a-terre boasting views of Belvedere Lagoon and Mt Tam. Built in 1980, this shingled cottage offers 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths and expansion potential . . . Complete with a large deck, an enclosed level basement area, 2-car parking and steps away from all that downtown Tiburon has to offer with quaint shops, trendy cafes, restaurants, movie theater, two yachts clubs, and a 20 minute ferry ride to San Francisco. Perfect as a primary residence, weekend home or, turn-key rental.

This stunning Tiburon masterpiece offers high-end, designer fi nishes throughout. Gated and private, this 5 bedroom, 5 bath residence includes a separate guest unit, two-car detached garage and grand hot tub. Modern in style, this home combines great scale and natural light. An open fl oor plan, en suite bedrooms, chef’s kitchen and level lawn create an idyllic family friendly atmosphere. The highly desirable location uniquely combines privacy and a “close in” location just two blocks from all that downtown Tiburon has to offer including fi ne shopping, restaurants and the S.F. Ferry. Coveted Reed School District.

TIBURON WATERFRONT IN PARADISE CAY

Represented Buyer. Spectacular single level contemporary dream home with 6BR/5BA, 100 foot boat dock and bay access.

Alisa Knobbe Wynd 415.298.4037 alisa.wynd@sothebysrealty.com

listed at $3,900,000

PRISTINE AND PRIVATE GREENBRAE HOME

Immaculate 3BD/3BA Greenbrae home on quiet cul de sac. Formal living and dining rooms, huge family room off kitchen, and gorgeous built in office space. Sylvan oak setting and gardens. Quiet location with sunset views too!

Matthew MacPhee

SOLD COMING SOON!

415.816.2269 matt.macphee@sothebysrealty.com

54CorteMorada.com $1,650,000

TERRA LINDA JEWEL

Enjoy indoor outdoor living at its best in this lovely 4 bd, 2 ba home ideally sited at the end of a peaceful cul de sac. Features include an open floor plan and a stunning pool area with sweeping views of the adjacent open space. 41SandalwoodCourt.com $875,000

Sylvie Zolezzi 415.505.4789 sylvie.zolezzi@sothebysrealty.com

7069

Custom 3 bd, 2.5 bath home with vaulted ceilings & bonus room on approximately 5 acres. Magical setting! 14 minutes from 101.

Lori Saia Odisio 415.747.6707 lori.odisio@sothebysrealty.com

7069LucasValley.com Just listed at $1,595,000

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY

6+acre country estate property is located on a grassy knoll top with views of San Pablo Bay and beyond awaiting your imagination and improvements. Price to be Determined

Sherry Ramzi 415.902.7344 sherry.ramzi@sothebysrealty.com

WATERFRONT LIVING AT ITS BEST

You will love this 3 bd, 2 ba home with spacious rooms, a delightful open floor plan perfectly suited for entertaining, a private dock with stunning views of Mt. Tam and the creek and a peaceful backyard with fruit trees and a veggie garden. 67VendolaDrive.com Price to be Determined

Sylvie Zolezzi 415.505.4789 sylvie.zolezzi@sothebysrealty.com

Prestigious, gated estate at the end of a cul-de-sac on nearly one acre with long driveway to large motor court and gracious, onelevel residence with fabulous floor plan. Wonderful outdoor living with resort-like, sparkling pool, hot tub, and cabana with kitchen, full bath, dressing room and outdoor shower surrounded by bamboo that feels tropical with the sun beating down and a breeze coming up the canyon from the marina, just like a sea breeze in Bali. Large formal living room with fireplace, formal dining room, huge kitchen and family room with fireplace adjacent a wonderful indoor-outdoor entertainment barbecue area. Beautifully manicured grounds with stunning, lush gardens, breathtaking roses, expansive lawns, fruit trees, vegetable garden and cutting gardens provide privacy, tranquility and meditation. Five bedrooms, three full and two half baths, three-car garage and offstreet parking for ten cars… $3,500,000

Private, sunny, Mediterranean-style home on approximately one-third-acre, street-to-street parcel with views, sun, fabulous indoor-outdoor living and close to downtown Larkspur. The house has a European feel with lush gardens and hedges surrounding the property, and is entirely fenced and gated. High ceilings and beautiful hardwood floors in formal living room with fireplace and formal dining room. Family room with view-side balcony adjacent kitchen with granite counters, dining area and access to large stone patio and level lawn area with mature landscaping perfect for entertaining. On the main level there are three bedrooms, one en suite and one currently used as an office. Lower level master with beautiful bath and French doors to private terrace. Detached guest house with full bath and a beautiful terrace with view sits at the back of the property with access off Marina Vista maximizing the privacy. Four bedrooms with one used as an office and three baths in the main house, one bedroom, one bath guest house, two-car garage, off-street parking for three cars, and a fifteen-minute drive to the City… $2,995,000

Ideal for entertaining and with the ultimate security, this approximately 4,000 square foot home is on the San Francisco Bay and features 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms; Media/Bedroom; Loft; Wine Cellar; Great Room (dining-living-kitchen); expansive slate decks on the water side of all 3 living levels; elevator; Office/Study; Laundry room; extra storage rooms; Hospitality mini kitchen room. One of only 3 waterfront houses that you drive right down to entry/garage and elevator with a private beach front lot. Conditional approval acquired for a 10’ x 50’ boat dock (there are only 2 private boat docks on Alexander Ave.) Panoramic views of Old Town Sausalito, Richardson Bay, Belvedere-Tiburon, Angel Island, Port Richmond, Berkeley Hills, Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, Alcatraz and a bit of San Francisco. Sounds of water lapping on the shore, shorebirds, sea lions and plenty of boating & shipping activity. Approximately 1 mile from Golden Gate Bridge and close to downtown Sausalito, Ferry, Bus, Shops, Restaurants… $6,995,000

Ideal for entertaining and with the ultimate security, this approximately 4,000 square foot home is on the San Francisco Bay and bedrooms, Loft; Great (dining-living-kitchen); expansive slate decks on the water side of all 3 living levels; elevator; Office/Study; Laundry room; extra storage rooms; Hospitality mini kitchen room. One of only 3 waterfront houses that you drive right down to entry/garage and elevator with a private beach front lot. Conditional approval acquired for a 10’ x 50’ boat dock (there are only private boat on Alexander Ave.) Panoramic Old Town Richardson Belvedere-Tiburon, Port Richmond, Berkeley Hills, Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, Alcatraz and a bit of San Francisco. Sounds of water lapping on the shore, shorebirds, sea lions and plenty of boating & shipping activity. Approximately 1 mile from Golden Gate Bridge and close to downtown Sausalito, Ferry, Bus, Shops, Restaurants… $6,995,000

This exquisite Tudor style home has everything you are looking for: privacy behind double iron gates with a circular driveway and expansive Mt. Tamalpais and Bay views. Sited on a 1.18 acre lot, with a mature, landscaped garden and fruit trees, and of course, distinctive architecture. This multi-level estate comes with spacious living areas including five bedrooms, five full bathrooms, two half-baths and a three-car garage with a long driveway and a large courtyard parking for 8+ cars. www.4ParkPlace.com

offered at $4,695,000

Kim Le (415) 608-2776

You will be thrilled with the amount of natural light and the views of Richardson Bay, Belvedere Lagoon, San Francisco and the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge. This home offers a versatile floor plan of five bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms; an office retreat with fireplace and private deck; two spacious family rooms; a formal living room with fireplace &wet bar; formal dining; and a chef’s kitchen with sunny breakfast nook. This sun drenched property with secluded pool, multi-level decks, gazebo and lawn area provide tremendous outdoor living space. www.31MeadowHill.com

offered at $3,490,000

eva benaRd (415) 497-5702

Custom Mill Valley Estate

Custom built estate on a private lane in the heart of exclusive Scotts Valley. Ideally located in Mill Valley’s banana belt, this home offers 4100 sq.ft. with the unique luxury of four oversized suites. Southern exposure pours natural light throughout the home. With a remodeled gourmet kitchen, expansive decks and large flat yard area entertaining will be fun and easy all year round. Other features include: Private Tennis and Swim Club just steps away from the house, Venetian plaster walls and soaring ceilings throughout the house.

offered at $2,998,000

RobeRt bRadLey (415) 314-1314

Beautiful Gated Ross Estate

Single level, gated estate with detached guest cottage located at the end of a cul-de-sac. Four bedrooms, three bathrooms with over 3,000 square feet of total living space. This home includes an updated kitchen, remodeled bathrooms, living room, dining room and large office. The spectacular grounds of this home are accented by large stone, custom paver patios, beautiful gardens and Pebble Tec pool. Perfect location close to the Branson School, award winning K-8 Ross School, Ross Common and downtown San Anselmo.

offered at $2,395,000

RobeRt bRadLey (415) 314-1314

Your Own Castle in Tiburon

Elegant, Spacious Tiburon Haven

This exquisitely constructed 5BR/4BA single-level home is situated on over an acre of level land. Built in 2005, this home is located on a private country lane with two other custom estates. The centerpiece of this magnificent home is the oversized great room which includes a chef’s kitchen, 20 foot breakfast bar and large family room area. The home’s brilliant floor plan allows for convenient indoor/outdoor living access from the great room. The large master suite includes a fireplace, oversized walk-in closet, exercise/meditation room, private patio and designer bathroom with a jetted tub.

offered at $1,995,000

Ray Bakowski (415) 608-7806

This 3BR/2.5BA remodeled home is oozing with charm. Offering a flexible floor plan with approximately 1,900 sq.ft. of living space and situated on nearly one-third of an acre on a mostly flat lot. Enjoy the beautifully transformed kitchen, featuring gorgeous granite countertops and top-of-the-line designer appliances. The bathrooms have been tastefully updated with Carrera marble & luxurious finishes. The award winning Ross school, Marin’s only K-8 school is just a short walk, drive or bike ride away. This is a rare opportunity to live in Marin’s most prestigious community. Call today for a private showing.

$1,395,000

RoBeRt BRadley (415) 314-1314

This beautifully cared for classic Greenbrae home offers two levels of open floor plan that will accommodate varied needs. Six bedrooms, three baths, two family rooms, living/dining room with wall of glass to take in the views of the bay plus deck access, newly refinished hardwood floors on the main level are just few of features of this home. Award winning schools, close proximity to dining, shopping and transit. www.10vialapaz.com

offered at $1,595,000

eVa BenaRd (415) 497-5702

Serenity in Kentfield

Charm and sunshine awaits you in this traditional, solid, mid-century modern Kentfield home with lots of privacy. Three bedrooms, two full baths with a large bonus room & bath downstairs with a separate entrance that could be used as an office/playroom or a guest room (not incl. in the total SqFt.) Two car attached garage. Secluded patio surrounded by stately trees, flowering shrubs, and a large pool. Move-in condition; freshly painted inside with re-surfaced virgin white oak floors. Live in it the way as is or create your own dream home; there is plenty room for your imagination. www.50QuisisanaDr-Kentfield.com

offered at $1,575,000

VictoRia wells (415) 710-4090

Contemporary Craftsman Estate in Marin

Ross Charmer with Designer Finishes

Greenbrae Living at its Finest

•

• Inner Patio that is Newly Landscaped

• Excellent Value • $4,100,000

Oceanfront In Seadrift

This designer, oceanfront home was built by famed architect, William Wurster and features 4 bedrooms that all individually open onto an entertainer’s dream courtyard, a great home for entertaining in Seadrift. It has a magnificent, private patio protected by weather and rests on the elevated sand dunes to provide panoramic views of the Ocean and San Francisco. From the moment you enter the home, you feel a sense of calm. There is a large kitchen with modern appliances and the main living room features a sunroom as well as a large great room. The master suite is the only bedroom within the main house, ideal for owners and guests alike. The guest bedrooms all open onto the large courtyard and feel like individual suites at one of the world’s finest retreats. The home is located within the enclave of Seadrift featuring a private saltwater lagoon, tennis courts and picnic area on the shores of the Bolinas Lagoon, one of California’s most important and beautiful estuaries.

290 Seadrift, Stinson Beach Offered at $4,600,000 Co-listed with/Butch Haze of Sotheby’s International BRE #011407744

SARAH

History Repeated

HISTORIANS

More than 50 years ago, a Tiburon train ride commemorated the trains of more than 100 years ago.

BY JIM WOOD

MOSTLY AGREE that the passenger rail service between San Rafael and Tiburon ended sometime before 1910, or roughly 104 years ago. But 52 years ago this month — July 28, 1962, to be exact — an aberration occurred when the Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society arranged an “excursion day.” According to the Landmark Society’s current archivist, David Gotz, “They had four Pullman cars barged

over from San Francisco, then scheduled three passenger excursions to San Rafael and back that cost $3 for adults, $2 for students and $1.50 for children.” In the above photo, the special-for-the-day train is passing over Tiburon Boulevard utilizing a 752-foot-long wooden trestle built in 1884 when trains first came to Tiburon. In 1967, local rail service (at this point it was only freight service) ceased completely, and today only a few timbers remain on what was once the trestle’s berm above Blackie’s Pasture. m

They had four Pullman cars barged over from San Francisco, then scheduled three passenger excursions to San Rafael.

Highly competitive and famously complex, the San Francisco real estate market can be both challenging and rewarding.

Zephyr turns savvy, informed Bay Area urbanites into successful homeowners, investors and sellers. ZephyrRealEstate.com

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