13 minute read
Flavor Dishes
Where the Heart Belongs
The food at Mill Valley Beerworks is inspired by local ingredients and romance.
FOR CHEF YELLA Catalana, cooking at Mill Valley Beerworks is literally a labor of love. The Mill Valley native’s career began with an internship at Greens Restaurant in San Francisco, an experience that cemented her desire to lead a culinary life. After traveling around the world, studying and eating wherever and whatever she could, Yella finished her degree while working as a pastry chef in Los Angeles. She relocated to the Bay Area to work at Boulettes Larder in the iconic Ferry Building, but quickly discovered that her heart belonged in Mill Valley. Three years ago while enjoying a pint at Mill Valley Beerworks (her favorite local bar), she met owners Tyler and Justin Catalana — now her husband and brother-in-law, respectively — and together the three transformed the bar into a full-blown restaurant, where Yella honed her skills as the pastry chef. In January she took over the kitchen completely. “It has been a such a joy working with the local farmers and purveyors and all of their magnificent offerings,” she says. “In a neighborhood restaurant, the icing on the cake has been the people: getting to know regulars as friends and working with such a lovely and tight-knit crew.” Here she shares the recipe for a frequently requested dish: a unique and beautiful salad featuring unusual aromas and delicious flavors. millvalleybeerworks.com CALIN VAN PARIS
RECIPE
Avocado and Roasted Carrot Salad
SERVES 4
Ingredients
Black and white sesame seeds 4 ounces tahini 2 ounces water 4 ounces plain whole-milk yogurt 2 tablespoons olive oil Sea salt Lemon juice 1 bunch baby rainbow carrots 2 tablespoons wildflower honey 1 preserved lemon (optional) 1 avocado Mint leaves
To Prepare
1 Scatter sesame seeds into frying pan. Toast on medium heat, shaking occasionally, until dark and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside. 2 In a bowl, thin tahini paste by whisking water into it until any lumps are smoothed. Whisk in yogurt and olive oil. 3 Finish with salt and lemon juice to taste and set aside. 4 Coat a pan lightly with olive oil and sear carrots at high heat until slightly charred. 5 Turn off heat and immediately drizzle one tablespoon of honey into the hot pan, allowing it to caramelize and even burn slightly. 6 If you have a preserved lemon handy, thinly slice, toss into the pan and coat with rest of honey. 7 Spread the tahini dressing liberally onto serving plate. 8 Slice avocado and scatter half over tahini. 9 Place warm, honeyed carrots over the avocado. Layer more avocado slices on top of carrot. Garnish with sea salt, a squeeze of lemon juice, toasted black and white sesame seeds and fresh torn mint leaves.
and friendly service, making it a great option for families, groups, dates and sports enthusiasts, who can keep up to date on the game via large flat-screen TV. 300 Valley St, 415.339.8930, aurora- sausalito.com
AVATAR’S Indian If you’re on the hunt for innovative Indian fare, head straight to Avatar’s and let owner Ashok Kumar order for you. Sip Masala Chiar sweetened with brown sugar in this casual, one-room restaurant, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. 2656 Bridgeway, 415.332.8083, enjoyavatars.com BAR BOCCE American Food just tastes better when you’re dining on a bayside patio with fire pits and a bocce ball court. Order one of the sourdough bread pizzas and a glass of wine, and you’ll see why this casual eatery, overseen by Robert Price of Buckeye and Bungalow 44, has become a local favorite. 1250 Bridgeway, 415.331.0555, barbocce.com
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, copita restaurant.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. The deli offers sandwiches, veggiewiches, wraps and salads with vegetarian, vegan and meat-lover options. 1 Gate 6 Rd, 415.331.2282, daveyjonesdeli.com FENG NIAN Chinese This spacious hangout has been a popular spot for wonton soup, pot stickers and daily specials for nearly two decades. For an indulgent treat, order the Szechwan crispy calamari, honey-glazed walnut prawn or lemon chicken. Staying in? Feng Nian offers free delivery. Free delivery. 2650 Bridgeway, 415.331.5300, fengnian.com FISH Seafood The ultimate place to head for freshly caught fare. Order the fish 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
tel +1 512.236.1032 webberstudio.com
‘‘I wish Terrestra were right here in Marin!’’
Ever since Terrestra opened in San Francisco, customers from Novato to Sausalito have been coming across the bridge and asking us to open in Marin. We were listening. Our new store in downtown Mill Valley is filled with thousands of fabulous gifts and decorative accessories, jewelry and fine leather goods, and everything for creative entertaining. Wish granted.
Terrestra | San Francisco | Mill Valley
30 MILLER AVENUE ■ 415 -384-8330 ■ TERRESTRA.COM 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-filled 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
OSTERIA DIVINO
Tuscan Locals come for the live music, tasty pastas and coffee drinks, all served in a funky one-room setting. Stop by for their Sunday brunch that features more music and creative breakfast plates. 37 Caledonia St, 415.331.9355, caffedivinosausalito.co POGGIO Italian A classic trattoria with comfortable neighborhood charm and destination-caliber cuisine. Executive chef Benjamin Balesteri creates delicious Northern Italian fare using fresh and local ingredients, including produce from the nearby Poggio chef garden. 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771, poggiotratoria.com SALITO’S Seafood Enjoy a cocktail or a signature dishes like whole roasted Dungeness crab, housemade kettle bread served with Straus butter and sizzling iron skillets of mussels in a casual, whimsical ambience 1200 Bridgeway, 415.331.3226, salitoscrabhouse.com
SAYLOR’S RESTAURANT AND
BAR Mexican Marin’s first tequila bar offers more than 100 varieties. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with a margarita, grilled snapper tacos or an avocado stuffed 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 fish are flown in daily, and the recipes are adjusted to accommodate the freshest options. 303 Johnson St, 415.332.1492, seafoodpeddler.com SPINNAKER Seafood Chef Phil Collins excels at preparing seafood. Set right on the water with sweeping views of San Francisco, this romantic spot is great for an evening occasion. 100 Spinnaker Dr, 415.332.1500, thespinnaker.com
SUSHI RAN Japanese Sample innovative small plates just big enough to share before enjoying some of the best sushi the Bay Area has to offer; the prices don’t deter the herd of enthusiasts who line up nightly to partake. Just stopping by? The wine, cocktail and sake lists keep even the pickiest barfly satisfied. Reservations are required in the main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620, sushiran.com
SWEET GINGER
Japanese Owners and chefs Edna and Wayne Ching know their way around good sushi. Try fresh sashimi, the classic dragon roll, 49ers Roll or Rock ’N’ Roll, or be adventurous and have Wayne whip you up something off he menu. Good sake and a comfortable setting round out the reasonably priced meal. 400 Caledonia St, 415.332.1683, sweet gingersausalito.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 different cultures and cuisines: spices from India, spirituality from Tibet, hospitality from Nepal and the freshness of ingredients from California. 2633 Bridgeway, 415.331.1335, himalayaca.com
TOMMY’S WOK
Chinese Scrupulously fresh ingredients, free-range chicken and traditional dishes make Tommy’s Wok a top contender for fulfilling your next Chinese food craving with a nice atmosphere for dining in and the perfect takeout for a night at home. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.332.5818, tommyswok.com THE TRIDENT Seafood Set in a turn-of-thecentury building constructed in 1898 for the San Francisco Yacht Club, this waterfront restaurant is a shoe-in for date night. Executive chef James Montejano — known for supporting local farmers, fishermen 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 including comfy leather couches, board games, views of the bay and a worldly cellar featuring affordable bottles and special reserves. 300 Turney St, 415.331.9463, wellingtonswine.com
TIBURON
CAPRICE California Book the private party room for large groups, or just relax in this romantic dinner spot. Take advantage of the restaurant’s well-priced three-course dinners for less than $25, and don’t miss Prime Rib Mondays. 2000 Paradise Dr, 415.435.3400, thecaprice.com
EST. 1965
Marin’s Finest Cabinet Source
We provide the most complete range of kitchen and bath remodeling solutions. Visit our showroom or call for an appointment.
1241 Andersen Drive • San Rafael 415-454-1623 • Lampertikitchens.com
The BOS Sandwich
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. Favorites like the cheesy garlic • FAST FOOD FRANCAIS French F3 features “Frenchified” American comfort food. Sample a rotating menu including items like the Luxe burger (Diestel turkey, brie, lettuce and a fried egg topped with truffle aioli). Enjoy with a side of pomme dauphines (tater tots). 39 Caledonia St, 415.887.9047, eatf3.com
bread and pesto pasta keep customers coming back. 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 filled with locals enjoying the sun. 1696 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.4315
SALT & PEPPER
American This sunfilled, 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 trans-fat-free calamari, fresh fish, 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 first eateries to become certified 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 fireplaces and candlelit tables at dinner. No item is more than $25, including the steak, with entrées falling in the $14 to $18 range. Happy hour is 4 to 6:30 p.m. M–F. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, tiburontavern.com
WEST MARIN
THE LUNCH BOX
American Spending the day on the coast? Stop by this modern day mom and pop deli for some beach bites. In addition to deli offerings, Lunch Box offers a full Mexican menu on Thursday and Friday evenings, with recipes from the chef’s hometown of Colima (Stinson). 15 Calle del Mar, Ste 2, 415.868.8884, lunchboxmarin.com
NICK’S COVE American Large windows provide picturesque views of Tomales Bay and Hog Island. The 130seat eatery’s menu consists of fresh local seafood, oysters and bounty from nearby West Marin farms (Marshall). 23240 Hwy 1, 415.663.1033, nickscove.com
OSTERIA STELLINA
California 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 can find 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 was 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 affordable menu. Try the housemade bread and honey butter, the kale Caesar and the stuffed quail, or take the plunge and sample the entire menu — the majority of items are $20 or less (Olema). 10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.663.1034, sirandstar.com
STATION HOUSE CAFE
American Fresh local homegrown foods, served when available, 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
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