Marin Magazine April 2015

Marin’s Gateway to the Luxury Market.

Once upon a time, if you had , a private foundation made sense. Now they’re going the way of tahe .e Donor-advised funds are a much option. You can open one in just a couple of rather than several a. There are no start-up versus the you’ll need to open a private foundation. There are greater deductions and no payments. And with a private foundation, you’ll spend a lot of time and .

With an MCF donor-advised fund, you’ll spend your time .

Want to know more? Call Brian Van Weele at 415.464.2515

Marin Community Foundation www.marincf.org

“Should I establish a private foundation or open a donor-advised fund with MCF?”

Prepare to amaze.

Introducing the world’s most inspiring range. The Miele Range reinvents what a range can do. The only thing more powerful is your imagination.

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San Rafael, CA 415.453.6070 2260 Commerce Ave, Suite B Concord, CA 925.459.5300 11340 White Rock Rd, Suite 150 Rancho Cordova, CA 916.515.0525 7525 Colbert Dr, Suite 108 Reno, NV 775.852.5600 6085 State Farm Dr, Suite 130 Rohnert Park, CA 707.588.3200 52 N. Winchester Blvd Santa Clara, CA 408.907.3800 30803 Santana Street Hayward, CA 510.401.2068 www.standardsofexcellence.com facebook.com/soesupply twitter.com/luxekitchens pinterest.com/luxekitchen houzz.com/pro/standardsofexcellence

RALPH LAUREN COLLECTION

In Marin

Currents Drakes oysters are no more, Doug McConnell’s back, get on the water and more.

Q&A Meet a junior chef.

Collectors Bounty from the sea.

Made by Marin A little something for the eyes.

On the Job Art by hand in West Marin.

Back This month’s cover art was shot by Jack Wolford. The travel and lifestyle photographer lives in Mill Valley and attended both Redwood High School and Ross Elementary School. He and his wife have two children and a dog and can be found in Hawaii when not in Marin.

TIM PORTER (TOP LEFT AND RIGHT, BOTTOM); ALEX LAKE (MIDDLE)

Your home is more than an investment. It’s your sanctuary and it should be as beautiful as you can imagine. Visit one of our showrooms and let us help you make your dream home a reality. We are experts in designing stunning storage solutions that will beautify your home as they organize your belongings. Visit us or call to arrange for your free design consultation.

PUBLISHER / EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Nikki Wood Editorial

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Mimi Towle

MANAGING EDITOR Daniel Jewett

FASHION EDITOR Veronica Sooley SENIOR WRITER Jim Wood

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Samantha Parent Walravens Writer, “Are We Having Fun Yet?” (p. 54)

A frequent guest on Today, Good Morning America and NPR, Samantha Parent Walravens is a Tiburon-based journalist and writer. A published author and frequent speaker on the topic of work-life balance, she’s working on a new book titled Geek Girl Rising: Unleashing the Power of Women in Tech. When not writing or driving her four kids to activities, she can be found hiking the hills of Marin. Follow her on Twitter at @nosuperwoman.

Ginny Graves

Writer, “Shooting the Rim” (p. 100)

Ginny Graves is an award-winning freelance writer whose features appear regularly in Vogue, More, Self, Glamour, Prevention and many others. Raised in a town of 1,800 people in the corn fields of Illinois, Graves spent the last half of the ’80s in New York City, but she’s happiest at her home on the outskirts of Fairfax, where she lives with her husband, Gordon, their two teenage sons (when they’re around) and dogs, Kiki and Lola. While training for the Grand Canyon hike, she was also collaborating with Mallika Chopra on the fresh-off-the-presses book Living with Intent: My Somewhat Messy Journey to Purpose, Peace and Joy.

Lynda Balslev

Writer, “Spring Reset” (p. 48)

Lynda Balslev is an award-winning food writer, author, editor and recipe developer based in Marin. Her blog TasteFood features more than 600 preparations. She is also the author of Almonds: Recipes, History, Culture, and her articles have appeared in The New York Times’ Diner’s Journal blog, The Los Angeles Times, the Huffington Post and Gourmet Live.

Jack Wolford

Photographer, Cover

Sur fi ng fan Jack Wolford moved to Mill Valley in 1996 after six years in Santa Cruz. He enjoys shooting images for lifestyle and travel stories and spent three weeks in Hokkaido this summer photographing the wild flowers of northern Japan and of Rebun and Rishiri islands. jackwolford.com

Tim Johnson

Writer, “Visions of Vancouver” (p. 91)

Tim Johnson writes for some of the world’s biggest media outlets, including the Globe and Mail, BBC Worldwide, Reader’s Digest, the Toronto Star and many more. He has received five National Magazine Award nominations, holds a master’s degree in history from McGill University and has visited 101 countries on all seven continents. timjohnsontravels.com

Bay Area events you’ll want to attend

SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY WEEK 2015

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST FIND OUT MORE

April 21–25, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Showroom 383 Salon, 383 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley

Showroom 383 is partnering with Davines beauty to donate 10 percent of all salon services and 10 percent of all Davines retail sales during the fourth week of April to the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation. The foundation is an awardwinning international nonprofitcharity dedicated to planting fruitful trees and plants to alleviate world hunger, combat global warming, strengthen communities, and improve the surrounding air, soil and water.

Varies

415.384.8440, davines.com, ftpf.org

WE USHER IN spring with a piece on juicing, including recipes so you can make the delicious and healthy concoctions on your own. Writer and food blogger Lynda Balslev encourages you to reset your body and blend, juice and muddle your way to better health.

Next up, Samantha Parent Walravens takes a look at competitive sports in Marin and its impact on children. She talks to parents who swear by the extra competition and time commitments and others who have decided it’s better to keep their kids in the recreational leagues.

Exposition. We also introduce you to MasterChef Junior ’s Samuel Stromberg, along with a Titanic collector and locals who are preserving Marin’s history one restoration at a time.

In Destinations we invite you to explore Vancouver (does it remind you of a certain city by the bay?) and complete the rim-torim-to-rim challenge in the Grand Canyon. We also have the latest from wine country and a photo essay about one man’s strange journey to Iceland.

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We wrap up features with our home renovation special section. Laura Hilgers talks to a Mill Valley family who underwent an exhaustive home renovation that paid off ig time with a deck for him and a kitchen for her. We also take a look at what’s hot in home makeovers — personal coffee bar, anyone? — and follow that up with a special section full of useful resources.

Up front we’ve got an update on Drakes Estero and information on the 100th anniversary of the Panama-Pacific International

It’s a jam-packed issue full of great stories to kick off spring, and we hope you enjoy it. Now it’s time to grab the hammer and start that renovation — if you do, there might be a delicious blended juice waiting for you when you finish.

Marin Magazine Staff Editors

Reset your body and blend, juice and muddle your way to better health.

From left: Mimi Towle, Nikki Wood, Dan Jewett

arriving to New Zealand on the back of a giant.

According to Maori legend, that’s exactly what whale-rider Paikea did. Discover the cultural connections between whales and people at this new exhibit, opening April 3.

Get tickets at calacademy.org

Developed and presented by the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. This exhibition was made possible through the support of the New Zealand Government.

Small Change

A look at the inner workings of Marin’s Community Service Fund.

It’s an after-school/evening program that needed laptops and staffing funds and we were able to come up with $1,500 to help them out.

BY JIM WOOD

FOR YEARS IN Marin County there’s been a mostly under-the-radar budget item with the sweet-sounding name of the Community Service Fund. Each year, hundreds of thousands of dollars are doled out by county supervisors to fund their pet projects, and in the process, opponents claim, supervisors garner considerable political favor. Two county civil grand juries have opposed this fund, the Marin Independent Journal labels it a “slush fund,” and first district Supervisor Damon Connolly strongly campaigned against it in his overwhelming 2014 defeat of incumbent Susan Adams. And to make matters look worse, no similar county in California has such a cache of cash available to elected officials.

Who could possibly endorse this kind of political favor-giving?

I can.

I strongly support the Community Service Fund. So do a majority of the current Marin County Board of Supervisors. Here’s why.

Yes, the Community Service Fund (CSF) does involve hundreds of thousands of dollars, $300,000 to be exact — or a minuscule .6 percent of the county’s $465 million budget. Here is how it works. Say the San Geronimo Valley Community Center has four acres of dry brush surrounding its facility, summer is approaching, the center’s budget is dry, and estimates to bushwhack the area are running $3,000. Are you going to just ride out the danger of a wild fire engulfing this venerable community gathering spot? Of course not. But you need help and need it fast. The first person you might think to call is your county supervisor. Isn’t that why you elected him or her? Your supervisor can put in application for Community Service Funds to help fulfill your urgent request, that’s one reason it exists.

And yes, the civil grand jury did in 2001 and 2013 criticize the county’s CSF for its lack of transparency and its potential for abuse as an obvious way of courting political patronage. In response, the county made adjustments such as requiring the county administrative office to

approve all grant applications; restricting grant amounts for any one organization to no more than $10,000 in a year; and stipulating that the money come from the county, not an individual supervisor or the board of supervisors.

On the positive side, “I saw what the Lynwood Literacy Program at Lynwood Elementary School was doing in Novato,” says fifth district Supervisor Judy Arnold. “It’s an after-school/evening program that needed laptops and sta ffing funds and we were able to come up with $1,500 to help them out.” Other recent grants were $8,000 to the Bolinas Community Center for a village and beach cleanup project; $1,000 to enable Fair Housing of Marin to host a conference; and $3,000 to repair a buckled deck at Novato’s Sunrise House. In all, $78,500 was distributed to 22 different agencies in this fiscal year’s second round of funding and, because $100,000 was distributed in the first funding, $121,500 remains to be disbursed.

As part of the application approval process, the county administrators office sees that the $300,000 is equally dispersed among the county’s five supervisorial districts — that’s but $60,000 per supervisor per year — and that money not allocated in any one year is returned to county coffers, not rolled over into the following year. As for no other similar county having a Community Service Fund, Supervisor Arnold is quick to respond: “Marin is the only county in California to do a lot of things. We were first to support the governor’s call for pension reform, the first to have an organization like MALT and the only suburban county to have 85 percent of its land as open space. These are the things that make Marin Marin, and we shouldn’t lose any of them.”

I completely agree. Marin’s Community Service Fund is a worthwhile resource that makes government responsive with relatively small amounts of money. No credible evidence has ever shown it’s been employed in anything other than a responsible manner, and those who rail against it during a supervisorial campaign might just be the ones playing politics. That’s my point of view. What’s yours?

Email pov@marinmagazine.com.

The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of Marin Magazine and its staff.

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“Peter, your agency is first class, professional, compassionate and available. We could not imagine better people to surround our darling mother.”

–Jan M. Mill Valley

Hammer Time

With spring finally here, now is the time to start those home renovation projects. Whether you are going to overhaul your kitchen, redo your landscaping or even install solar panels on your roof, our Home Renovation Resource Guide will help you find the perfect person or company for the job. Visit marinmagazine.com/ homerenovation to start your search.

It’s your last chance to make your bites count for the Tastemakers 2015 Challenge. Be the first person to visit all 30 Marin restaurants featured in February’s Tastemakers story, snap a photo at each one and post them on Instagram with the hashtag #marintastemakers by May 4. If you are not on social media, you can email photos to lwalker@marinmagazine.com. The winner will receive a $100 gift card for use at F3.

Monty, Chairman

The scoop on Bay Area events you’ll want to attend

[UPCOMING EVENTS]

SFMOMA ARTISTS GALLERY BENEFIT SALE/OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO

April 29, 6–9 p.m.

Fort Mason Center, 2 Marina Boulevard, Building A, San Francisco

Browse hundreds of artworks by a range of local artists and take home art at a discount of up to 50 percent. Proceeds from this extraordinary five-day art sale benefit the participating artists, the Artists Gallery, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art’s exhibitions and programs. Enjoy wine, a signature cocktail and music while supporting Bay Area artists. Be among the first to shop the Artists Gallery’s annual benefit sale, which includes discounted works by 300 participants.

BOUQUETS TO ART

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST FIND OUT MORE

Opening gala April 13; April 14–19, 9:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m. de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

The Bay Area welcomes spring each year with this popular weeklong exhibition featuring unique art and floral mashups in which floral designers create arrangements that pay tribute to and draw inspiration from the works in the de Young’s permanent collection. Throughout the week, visitors can participate in floral demonstrations by prominent designers, hands-on art activities for children, catered luncheons and more. All proceeds from this event support exhibitions, education and conservation programs at the de Young and Legion of Honor.

$23 and under; gala and special events additional 415.750.3504, deyoungmuseum.org/bouquets

10,000 DEGREES SCHOLARSHIP NIGHT: ONE AMAZING NIGHT

COST

FIND OUT MORE

$10, free for SFMOMA members 415.441.4777, sfmoma.org/ artistsgallery

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

April 30, 5:30 p.m.

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

Celebrate hope, opportunity and the lives that have been changed by 10,000 Degrees. The evening kicks off with a cocktail reception including the organization’s extended community. At dinner, guests will enjoy fine foods by Insalata’s, inspiring student performances and rare finds at the live auction. The mission of 10,000 Degrees is to achieve educational equity and support students with need to help them access and complete higher education so they positively impact their communities and the world.

$200 415.451.4013, 10000degrees.org/tix

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Bay Area events you’ll want to attend

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[UPCOMING EVENTS]

MARIN OPEN STUDIOS PREVIEW

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

GALA

April 25, 5–8 p.m.

Gallery at Bon Air Center, Greenbrae

Marin Open Studios’ 22nd annual event kicks offwith a preview gala destined to be the art party of the year. While sipping wine and noshing on small bites, pick up an Artist Tour Guide to plan your custom open studios tour for the fist two weekends in May. Mingle with artists, art lovers and supporters. Each of the 260 participating artists will have one work on display.

Free 415.343.5667, info@marinopenstudios.com, marinopenstudios.com

PLAYDATE 2015: WHITE TO BRIGHT

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

May 8, 6:30 p.m. Bay Area Discovery Museum, 557 McReynolds Road, Sausalito

Experience the magic of the Bay Area Discovery Museum at night. The annual fundraising gala will begin as a white party in the museum’s stunning outdoor exhibition, Lookout Cove, where guests will enjoy entertainment by Gregangelo and Velocity Arts and Entertainment. As the evening continues enjoy delicious bites and cocktails from Paula LeDuc Fine Catering, a rafflfull of priceless prizes and dancing to DJ Mancub. All proceeds from this grownup playdate support BADM’s mission to ignite and advance creative thinking for all children.

$350 415.339.3958, baykidsmuseum.org/playdate

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Your Letters

Fashion Forward

I just wanted to applaud you for a wonderful fashion shoot (“Bodies in Motion,” March 2015). I usually feel so disappointed in fashion photography as it is impossible to see and appreciate the clothing. Claudia Goetzelmann not only shot a beautiful model, but allowed us to see and get a real feel for the clothes. I could imagine them. So often fashion articles are so obscured with “drama” that no real fashion comes through. I also appreciated that the clothes were available locally and prices and origins were clearly listed. I found them, for the most part, to be reasonably priced. This was an accessible and real fashion article. Thank you, well done. CLAUDIA CHITTENDEN, MILL VALLEY, VIA EMAIL

Low Priority

Jim Wood’s POV piece (March 2015) about homelessness was absorbing, illuminating and sad. He rightly points out that “homelessness” is a word with many dimensions and is colored by many preconceived notions. My perspective is empathetic toward the mentally ill and those on whom addictions of many sorts have wreaked havoc. My anger is directed toward the reign of Ronald Reagan, during which time the safety net of mental health hospitals and institutions was virtually destroyed in the name of tax savings and cheered on by those who believed that people with mental illness were always stable enough to take their medications in unsupervised environments. Homelessness has no single cause and certainly no easy answer. It is global. It is a pandemic of another kind, but it seems so low on the priority list of national governments as to boggle the mind. Perhaps Wood’s POV should be required reading for every elected official. GARY TOBIN, PRINCIPAL, TOBIN & ASSOCIATES, 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.

Paragon is with you as you move through life’s stages & places.

SIP

Beer crafted by 101 North Brewing Company, located just up the highway in Petaluma, is now available at your local Safeway; 707.778.8384. Inverness’ Saltwater restaurant has expanded its digs to include 1 The Depot , a charming wine bar ideal for a pre- or post-dinner stop; saltwateroysterdepot. com/thedepot. Boba fans, rejoice: TPartea recently opened in San Rafael’s Northgate mall; facebook. com/tparteabobadrinks.

NEW IN TOWN

SPARKLE

Haute Jewels in Corte Madera boasts a bevy of well-crafted jewelry, most featuring luxe gems and semiprecious stones; hautejewelscm.com. Marin Country Mart is now home to 2 Hutchinson, fine jewelry curated by owners Miranda Abrams and Kary Chendo; hutchinsonjewelry. com. If you’re looking to decorate your walls, Mill Valley’s 3 Zener Schon Gallery houses cuttingedge contemporary works by a variety of artists; zenerschongallery.com.

» Marin is already a great place to live, and these new businesses are making it even more fun. Check out what’s new (or just getting better).

MOVE

The Marin Museum of Bicycling is now open in Fairfax at the base of the mountain that (legend has it) birthed the sport; mmbhof.org. “Surf the Earth” with 4 GolfBoard, a truly unique means of getting around the course. Bay Club StoneTree in Novato is the first golf course in California to use the device; golfboard.com Body by X now includes the BBX Boutique, which sells fashionable fitness apparel; getfitmarin.com.

INDULGE

Update your family’s breakfast with 5 Batter World , a ready-for-theskillet pancake batter in an easy-pour pouch created by two Bay Area moms and available in gluten-free and multigrain varieties; batterworld.com. 6 Sweetish , an online candy shop, imports confections like licorice, marshmallows and gummy treats from Sweden. The candies are made without high-fructose corn syrup, trans fats or GMOs; sweetishcandy.

EAT

Burma is taking over Marin with the opening of two new restaurants. Shwe Myanmar in San Rafael features an extensive menu of Burmese options — think Chinese, Indian and Thai inflences all wrapped up in one delicious meal; shwemyanmarus.com. Corte Madera welcomes Burmatown , which serves updated versions of classic dishes including tea leaf rolls, bulgogi baos and more; burmatown.com

BY CALIN VAN PARIS

FOR THE FIRST time since the 1930s, Drakes Estero is void of business — and shellfish. On January 1, the U.S. National Park Service — in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision not to hear Drakes Bay Oyster Company’s (DBOC) appeal last June — began a hasty review of the area, clearing 37,000 pounds of remaining live shellfish and a ffi liated growing materials. The oysters were disposed of, according to Melanie Gunn of NPS, who adds that the park consulted the U.S. Health Services and California Department of Health before taking action. NPS has offered leftover shells to Point Blue (formerly Point Reyes Bird Observatory) for future environmental use; DBOC was the last oyster cannery in the state and consistently donated its excess discarded shells to local habitat restoration groups, as well as to the San Francisco Bay Living Shorelines Project (the shells were used to create a reef that encourages new oyster growth). Former DBOC co-owners Kevin, Bob and Joe Lunny have partnered with Tomales Bay Resort to open a shellfish restaurant, with plans to employ many of the workers who lost jobs after DBOC’s closure. The workers who continue to live at the estero were given 90 days to relocate and most should be out by next month; their homes, the only remaining structures, will be removed thereafter. Visitors to the site of the former oyster farm will notice a change of sign as well as scenery: the park-sanctioned marker now reads simply “Drakes Estero.” “Drakes Estero offers a rare experience of marine wilderness,” says Gunn. “We invite the public to come and enjoy the estero, whether on the water or shoreline.” Appropriately, the shoreline is still decorated with discarded oyster shells, one of the few remaining signs of the businesses that operated there for nearly a century. nps.gov

ON THE ROAD AGAIN

Doug McConnell, the Bay Area’s favorite explorer, is back on television this month with OpenRoad , an NBC Bay Area series that highlights our region’s unique culture, nature and history.

“I love to share the many gems that I continue to discover along the open roads of this magical place,” McConnell says. “I hope others are inclined to come along for the ride.” Premieres April 26, 6:30 p.m., openroad.tv C.V.P.

TIM PORTER (TOP)

AN EXPOSITION FOR THE AGES

In 1915, The Panama–Pacific International Exposition (PPIE) swept San Francisco. One part praise of the Panama Canal’s completion and one part celebration of San Francisco’s revived post-earthquake cityscape, the world’s fair brought a wealth of attention to the city. Throughout 2015, the PPIE100 — a collective of cultural, civic and historical organizations — will host a series of exhibitions at spaces including the Palace of Fine Arts and 678 Mission to commemorate the exposition’s centennial. AT&T, the company that staged the first transcontinental phone call January 25, 1915, is a presenting sponsor. Numerous PPIE100 events will take place all through 2015. ppie100.org

BY THE NUMBERS

Float On

These three local stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) and water sports companies make getting on the water safe, easy and fun — offering races and even yoga to those who need a break from terra firma — and have all undergone recent upgrades. C.V.P.

BLUERUSH BOARDSPORTS Since 2010, Bluerush Boardsports has brought local SUP-lovers races, race clinics and the competitive paddling event Battle of the Bay. A new Sausalito storefront provides lessons, rentals and gear, along with proximity to the calling tides. Battle of the Bay October 17–18, bluerushboardsports.com

SEA TREK The Bay Model Visitor Center is now home to Sea Trek, the Sausalito-based kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding operation. With the help of the Bay Model team, Sea Trek’s classes, tours and rentals will now be augmented by a slew of offerings that educate visitors about the waters on which they float. seatrek.com

101 SURF SPORTS San Rafael’s water sports mainstay is a hub for aqua-devotees of all kinds, offering races, clinics, lessons and rentals for SUP, kayaking and more. The retail shop was recently remodeled and now houses an even larger selection of water wear and lifestyle clothing for staying stylish on and off the waves. 101surfsports.com

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QUESTIONS FOR

Samuel Stromberg

In case you missed MasterChef Junior last season, one of Marin’s own, Samuel Stromberg of Greenbrae, stole the show. While he just missed the grand prize in a difficult challenge judged by TV’s notorious mean-guy chef, Gordon Ramsay, Stromberg won the hearts of many, learned some valuable lessons and found Ramsay to be quite friendly. A seventh-grader at the R.E.A.L. School Marin in Larkspur, Samuel lives with his older brother Jake and parents in Greenbrae and, besides having some wicked nitrous oxide skills, considers himself a regular kid who simply loves to cook. MIMI

Junior Chef GREENBRAE

TOWLE

When did you learn to cook? I started teaching myself when I was about 9. 2

D o you cook for your family? Yes, whenever I can.

3

What life lessons did you bring home from your MasterChef Junior experience? How to think on your feet and if you make a mistake — which you will — just keep moving on.

4

Was there a particular mistake you remember? Yep, the signature dish: I rushed it, burnt a blood orange glaze, and had to reinvent the dish from the remaining ingredients at my station, and from that I learned to take my time — it was the trickiest challenge.

5

Do you keep in touch with people from the show? As far as the kids, there are a few of us who Skype and talk regularly; we share recipes and some of the kids came out for my bar mitzvah. As far as the adults, I really connected with Graham Elliot; I appreciated his warmth and guidance and try to stay in touch with him. 6

Favorite chefs? I met Charles Phan from Slanted Door at a book signing and connected with him. 7

Favorite restaurants? I really like Left Bank in Larkspur, Slanted Door and Rich Table in San Francisco — there are also so many great pho places in the East Bay. 8

Besides chefs do you have any heroes? My mom.

9

Any others? Well we are Packer fans, so Aaron Rodgers. 10

O K, then what cookbook would you get your mom and then Aaron Rodgers? For my mom, Manresa, and for Aaron Rodgers, definitely something by Yotam Ottolenghi. 11

If you could work in any kitchen? We got to visit Bouchon, and the way it was laid out was like a dream. 12

How would you make a PB&J? I make my own peanut butter and here’s the trick: toast the peanuts in a wok with a little honey before grinding the nuts, and keep some on the side to fold in with the mixture. The jelly, Bonne Maman or if possible fresh orange marmalade, and then I would use a whole-grain bread. 13

Mac ’n’ cheese? I would make the mac-and-cheese with several different types of cheeses to give it an interesting flavor — I love to use manchego, along with cheddar and jack — served with something light like cauliflower tabouleh or a snow pea salad. 14

Favorite breakfast, lunch and dinner at a restaurant in Marin? I love breakfast at Farm House Local, especially their cappuccinos. Lunch, a sandwich at Emporio Rulli, and dinner at Left Bank. m

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Quite a Bounty

A San Rafael retail store also holds a one-of-a-kind museum.

STEPPING INTO THE Audio Video Integration retail space on Francisco Boulevard in San Rafael, one might be surprised to come across the artifacts of life on planet Earth curated by owner Tony Probst. Although you’ll find a wide range of items, including petrified pterodactyl droppings and a check signed by Jack London, the centerpiece of this nonchalant museum is Probst’s assortment of nautical gems: here for all to see is an extensive collection of pieces and trinkets all the way from the warm waters of the South Pacific (HMS Bounty) to the frigid North Atlantic (RMS Titanic). Probst found most of the objects; others were gifted to him or purchased from auctions. If you can’t make it into his shop, check out titaniccollector.com. MIMI TOWLE

COLLECTOR Tony Probst

COLLECTION Items from RMS Titanic (pre-sinking and recovered) and HMS Bounty

YEARS COLLECTING About 40 years. The first major piece was a nail from the Bounty. It was a gift from Lois Marden of National Geographic , acquired while he was in Tahiti.

HOW MANY PIECES? 600-plus major pieces and 2,000–3,000 minor pieces.

WHY? I grew up sailing around the world with my family and have always been around people associated with the sea.

FAVORITE? That is a difficult one. It changes from day to day, but if I had to choose, it would be the sheet music recovered from the body of Wallace Hartley, the bandleader on the Titanic The sheet music was in his violin case on his back floating in the North Atlantic for 10 days before his body was discovered.

HIGHEST-PRICED ITEM? Since most are one of a kind, there are no comparables, but there is the sentimental value that gets in the way of reality, so how about one billion dollars.

LOWEST-PRICED ITEM? Again a difficult question because it all is hard to come by. Maybe a small piece of coal from the Titanic for $30.

Tony Probst holds a ticket for the Titanic (left). Pieces of nautical history (above).

• For a full list of all the items in the photo go to marinmagazine.com/ships.

MADE BY MARIN

Francis Drake Eyewear

TYLER EVANS GREW up looking through the other side of the lens — his Marin-based family has been making a living in the wholesale spectacles market for more than 40 years. After graduating from Dominican University, Evans officially joined the family business, which in 2013 grew to include Francis Drake Eyewear, a boutique line that bridges the gap between fashion and a ffordability. The glasses are crafted in the Cadore Valley of Northern Italy, with each frame named for a Bay Area region, city, district or town (including Tiburon, Stinson, Ross and Marin). “When we decided to create Francis Drake Eyewear, we knew we wanted to offer Italian-made prescription eyewear that appealed to a broader segment of the population,” Evans says, “and we wanted to offer it at a reasonable price. I think we’ve accomplished that goal.” PHILOSOPHY Francis Drake Eyewear offers sunglasses and eyeglasses for men and women, exclusively online. “We like to say we have a complete collection of frames, meaning we offer a frame for every face,” Evans says. Style-wise, too, “we have something for everyone, from the traditional classic styles to the very popular updated-vintage look.” THE SCOOP The glasses are crafted using Italian Mazzucchelli zyl (an eco-friendly bioplastic) and exotic materials; European desig n flair makes for a selection of fashionforward frames. Prices start at $95, and if you’re worried about purchasing without a test run, fear not: the site is equipped with a virtual “try on” feature that gives shoppers an idea of what each style will look like on their face. WHAT THEY SAY people are shopping for glasses, they are looking for one of three things: high fashion, high quality or a ffordability. Francis Drake Eyewear offers all three,” Evans says. “Our knowledge of the optical industry ensures you will receive eyeglasses that provide great fashion, great fit and great vision.” francisdrakeeyewear.com CALIN VAN PARIS

SOMA IN TORTOISE, $95

SAUSALITO IN TORTOISE, $115

BALBOA IN BLACK, $110

SAN PABLO IN TORTOISE, $115

Judi,

When Judi Kirshbaum asked her doctor about the strange thumping in her ears, the last thing on her mind was her bike accident three months earlier. When Judi fell, the handlebars had jammed into her neck as she landed. She was bruised and shaken but did not seem to have significant damage. The tests her doctor ordered showed a 90% blockage of her carotid artery. A blockage this severe raises concern for stroke, and yet, it would have never been discovered if her doctor hadn’t listened. Judi was quickly referred to a vascular surgeon at Marin General Hospital who diagnosed an injury to the artery caused by the bike accident – a tear in the artery wall called a dissection. The surgeon opened and repaired the damaged artery with life-saving precision. Today, Judi is back in the saddle – literally – enjoying her daily rides on the scenic trails of Marin.

To read more healing stories, visit www.maringeneral.org/healing

I’m

and this is my healing place.

CREEKSIDE PARK IN GREENBRAE

Get Creative

BY TIM PORTER

IN A WORLD of digital apps that create “art” in seconds, Sirima Sataman is a throwback. She carves, she draws, she prints. She drives a 37-year-old Volkswagen bus. All of which makes the Thailand-born Bolinas resident perfect for West Marin, where she has a studio and a workshop. Ink? Paper? Plate? They are what you need to print — like flour and water. What happens here? It’s my studio, where I work, and a workshop where people take lessons. Who, for example? They might be someone who wants to do something creative with friends, such as make woodcuts, do prints for holiday gifts or make letterpress stationery. I also have professional artists who work on thematic series. How long are the workshops? A half day or a full day. In a half day, you can easily do letterpress or begin to learn some of the deeper techniques. There’s a lot of stuff ou can do. It’s like taking a music lesson — it’s really tailored toward the person and what that person wants to do. How do kids react? They look at the big prints and say, “Wow, did you print those with a computer?” No, I tell them, “I’m a printer and I printed it.” The concept is as foreign to them as a telephone with a cord. Why don’t you use digital? There’s something intentional about

Sirima Sataman, artist/owner, ink.paper.plate, 11401 Highway 1, Point Reyes Station, inkpaperplate.com

using older technology. Nothing here is fast. It’s about slowing down. People ask, “Why don’t you get a laser cutter to do this?” Because then the mark of the hand is lost. There’s all this character in the brushstroke or the carving. It’s laborious. Yes, but it lets the idiosyncrasy come through. Your Volkswagen bus is in some of your prints. That’s just happenstance. She was with me when I was drawing. She’s a 1978. Her name is Bess. I’ve taken her everywhere — over the Rockies and to New Mexico. What do you like about teaching? It’s kind of corny, but I like the moment in our collaboration when people realize what’s possible. People will come in and get stuck. When I work with them, they suddenly see that everything is possible. It’s like as a parent when you teach a kid how to ride a bike and he realizes, oh, my god, I can totally ride that bike everywhere! That’s great. When they start seeing what’s possible, then they don’t really need me. m

This West Marin studio helps people learn how to make art by hand.

TIM PORTER

theSavingPast

Remodeling, restoring and repurposing some of Marin’s most historic properties.

BY LAURA HILGERS

POP QUIZ: HAVE you ever set foot in the Mill Valley Lumber Yard? If not, join the crowd. Even though this spot was once home to the mill that gave Mill Valley its name, it’s generally been the much-loved landmark that everyone drove past and very few entered. No longer.

Since purchasing the property in 2012, longtime Mill Valley residents Jan and Matt Mathews have been transforming the former True Value hardware store site into a community-based pedestrian village where micro-retail abuts artists’/entrepreneur studios

and where Marinites will one day be able to enjoy a meal while soaking in Tam views.

The Mathewses are performing something of a rescue operation. The property in the center of Miller Avenue had been zoned multifamily residential and looked like it was headed more toward condos than tastefully restored lumber sheds. “Our thought was that none of these buildings are protected, so they would probably be torn down,” says Jan. “We wanted to do something better with it, turn it into a community spot.”

Since purchasing the 1892 property, the couple has turned two buildings from the

former hardware store into the Guideboat Co., the latest venture of Restoration Hardware founder Stephen Gordon. They’ve out fitted an old railcar with small boutiques like Ambatalia and Bloomingayles. And they’re now working on bringing in some kind of cafe. When finished, the Lumber Yard promises to be charming and funky and very old Mill Valley.

Like many Marin property owners, the Mathewses felt that history was worth preserving. Though Marin boasts a lot of midcentury architecture (see: Terra Linda) and

The woman sitting at the front desk would ring a bell if the cops were coming and everybody could go out the back door.

more than a few unfortunate 1970s-era structures (see: nearly every apartment complex in the county), it’s also fi lled with buildings that predate 1900. Many of these are still being used, or repurposed, in interesting and beautiful ways. All of Larkspur’s downtown area, for example, is a designated historical area. And Fourth Street in San Rafael is lined with old buildings, including the 1878 Opera House, which now houses Art Works Downtown. There’s a reason Marin is so rich in pre1900 architecture. According to Jocelyn Moss, librarian for the Marin History Museum, Marin underwent a building boom shortly after the trains were built in 1875. Wealthy city dwellers would ferry

to Sausalito and then catch a train to San Rafael, Belvedere or Ross, where some of the most lush summer homes were built.

One of those homes was Sausalito’s Casa Madrona, now a luxury hotel consisting of several different properties. Its jewel piece, the Mansion, started out as a family home built in 1885 by William Barrett, the secretary-treasurer of the San Francisco Gas and Electric Company. Barrett might be a little surprised by how it looks now; after a recent renovation, the Mansion includes the contemporary 5,000-square-foot Alexandrite Suite, complete with persona l fitness center, private office and nine-panel media wall (renting for a mere $10,000 a night). But even amid the sleekness, elements of the stately home shine through: the Mansion’s original wood staircase, the high ceilings and elegant moldings, the mosaic-tiled back entrance.

The brown stucco building next to the Mansion tells an equally interesting story. At one time it was a parking garage, where these same wealthy San Franciscans kept their Model Ts, so they could skip the train (sni ff !) after alighting from the ferry.

The Left Bank building in Larkspur was also once a hotel, and one with a colorful history. Built in 1895, it was a simple wooden structure called the Larkspur Hotel; in 1910, the owners replaced the inn’s wooden hitching posts out front with the heavy stone columns that now ring the Left Bank’s outdoor eating area, renaming it the Blue Rock Inn. This inn too was popular among summering San Franciscans, but for more nefarious reasons: during

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Opposite: Jan and Matt Mathews; Guideboat Co. This page: The Mansion at Casa Madrona.

Prohibition, it was a speakeasy that doubled as a brothel. “The stories are that the tra ffic would get so busy along Magnolia Avenue that people sitting in their Model Ts would have enough time to go into the Blue Rock, get a drink and come back to their car,” says Ed Levine, coowner of the Left Bank. When Levine and his business partner Roland Passot took over the space in 1992, they removed the abandoned stairway that had led to the brothel.

It’s hard to imagine this family-friendly county as a former brothel hotbed, but at the San Anselmo Inn in downtown San Anselmo, several guest rooms still have bells above the door, from its days as a cathouse. “The woman sitting at the front desk would ring a bell if the cops were coming,” says current inn owner Benedetto Cico, “and everybody could go out the back door.”

Before these wayward days the inn had been the railway building, located where Wells Fargo now stands. It held rail workers’ housing, a saloon and a pharmacy. In the 1920s, Cico says, the building was put on rollers and moved across the street to where it now stands, next to Comforts cafe.

The Italian-born Cico and his wife, Anna, are slowly returning the building (Frenchthemed when they bought it in 2011) to a more Northern California style. They’re peeling

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back paint to reveal original wainscoting, restoring the slanted redwood floors and refurnishing rooms with an emphasis on reclaimed wood, some of it from local sources. Even while it’s under renovation, it’s bustling with mountain bikers visiting from Germany and Switzerland. Writer Walter Isaacson stayed at the inn just before his Steve Jobs biography came out, when he didn’t want to be seen around Silicon Valley.

The inn also had a stint as a halfway house and a drug hangout, reflective of Marin’s other recent history. Casa Madrona likewise saw its share of anti-establishment behavior, with visitors like Janis Joplin, Cher, Warren Beatty (when

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In the 1920s the building was put on rollers and moved across the street to where it now stands, next to Comforts cafe.

he was still a playboy) and Pink Floyd (which posed for a famous Rolling Stone photo shoot here) hanging out in the hotel or restaurant.

If you’re looking for a reminder of Marin’s more genteel past, few places can compete with the Falkirk Cultural Center. Built in 1888 along San Rafael’s “Mansion Row” for Ella Nichols Park, it’s a stunning Queen Anne Victorian in the Eastlake style (so named because most of the interior features, from fi replace mantels to parquet-inlay floors, were purchases from the Eastlake catalogue, popular with New Englanders; only the redwood ceiling of the dining room and the Sierra-pine doorjambs are of local wood). The home is lovely, with a two-story stained-glassed window, original Belgian tapestry wallpaper, and an old-fashioned multisection icebox so big it would put any modern Sub-Zero to shame.

In 1906, philanthropist and lumber/shipping magnate Robert Dollar (also the fi rst owner of the Mill Valley Lumber Co., then called Dollar Lumber Co.) bought the home; the city of San Rafael purchased it in the 1970s. The place now plays host to a monthly poetry group, a children’s art workshop, Victorian holiday parties and Marin’s Master Gardeners. It’s also open to the public, as a museum and art gallery, five days a week.

Like any building its age, Falkirk requires constant maintenance: it recently had a paint job, the roof needs ongoing attention, and even the sprawling, magni ficent oak tree to the right of the house’s entrance is held together with a series of ropes. That’s not exactly a surprise: “I’ve been told,” says Margaret Farley, president of Falkirk’s Cultural A ffairs Service League, “that it’s 600 years old.” m

Casa Madrona

RESET Spring

Spring is the season of birth and renewal, which is a natural time to reset our bodies — and there is no better way to do this than with a healthy diet. While a juice fast or hard-core cleanse may not be for everyone, supplementing a balanced diet and exercise with fresh homemade juices, smoothies and tonics is a surefire way to get into great shape. So launch your day and your regimen with the following recipes, and blend, juice and muddle your way to good health.

BY LYNDA BALSLEV PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

The Tonic

Strawberry, Peppercorn and Balsamic Shrub

A shrub is a syrup composed of fruit, sugar and vinegar. Also known as drinking vinegar, shrubs are an old-fashioned method for preserving fruit, by mixing soft ripe fruit with vinegar and sugar, then letting it sit for a few days to mingle and macerate before straining out the solids. Nowadays shrubs are enjoying a resurgence, back in vogue as a cleansing refreshment as well as a flavorful syrup for cocktails. The combination options are numerous and open to creative inspiration, but bear in mind a few rules of thumb: use ripe, soft fruit such as berries and stone fruit at the peak of season and wash thoroughly. Blend with a fruity vinegar, such as apple cider or wine vinegar. Experiment with adding fresh herbs, such as thyme, basil, mint or rosemary, which can nicely complement the fruit. Serve with sparkling water as a sprightly soda or add a splash to cocktails for a nice kick.

MAKES ABOUT 2 CUPS

INGREDIENTS

2 cups hulled and quartered washed strawberries 1 ½ cups granulated sugar

10 cracked peppercorns ¾ cup balsamic vinegar

¾ cup apple cider vinegar

DIRECTIONS

Combine the strawberries, sugar and peppercorns in a bowl. Mix to thoroughly combine. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 2 days. Pour the syrup through a fine-meshed sieve into a bowl, pressing down on the strawberries to extract all the juice. Discard the strawberries. Scrape any remaining sugar into the syrup. Whisk the vinegars into the syrup. Pour the syrup into a clean glass jar and refrigerate indefinitely. The sharpness will mellow with time.

To serve: Combine 1 part shrub and 2 to 3 parts water or sparkling water in a glass with a squeeze of lime. For cocktails: Try blending 1 part shrub to 1 part tequila to 2 parts sparkling water with a good squeeze of lime.

The Liquid Lunch

A Not-So-Green Smoothie

Green smoothies bring the vegetables and greens of a liquid salad into a glass. This recipe adds red beet, which dramatically shifts the color to a gorgeous magenta, while adding loads of betacarotene, vitamins and natural sweetness. If you are a timid beet-eater, substitute a second carrot for the beet. When making a smoothie or juice with greens, a general ratio to follow is 1 part greens to 1 part liquid to 1.5 parts ripe fruit and vegetables. Begin with the lightweight greens and blend with a liquid (such as coconut water, apple or orange juice) to ensure thorough chopping. Then add the heavy fruit or vegetables and blend again. This beverage can be enjoyed as a smoothie with all of its fiber included, or pressed through a strainer or juicer for a vibrant juice.

SERVES 2; MAKES ABOUT 2 CUPS, UNSTRAINED INGREDIENTS

1 cup kale or beet greens

¾ cup orange juice

Juice of 1 lime

1 carrot, peeled, cut into chunks

1 medium red beet, washed and quartered 1 apple, cored 1 (2-inch) knob peeled ginger

DIRECTIONS

Combine the kale and juice in a blender and process to chop. Add the remaining ingredients and process until smooth.

The Morning Glory

Blueberry, Banana and Almond Smoothie

This creamy smoothie is loaded with antioxidants — guaranteed to fuel you through the workday or up the mountain on a morning hike. No need for ice: frozen banana adds natural sweetness, creamy texture and instant chill to this satisfying smoothie.

SERVES 2; MAKES ABOUT 2 CUPS

INGREDIENTS

Smoothie

1 medium frozen banana

1 cup blueberries

1 cup almond milk

2 tablespoons creamy almond butter

1 teaspoon flaxseed (optional)

2 Medjool dates

V teaspoon cinnamon

Garnish

Flaked unsweetened coconut Flaxseeds

DIRECTIONS

Combine the smoothie ingredients in a blender. Process until smooth. Pour into glasses and garnish with coconut and flaxseeds.

The Pick-Me-Up

Pineapple, Lemon and Ginger Zinger

Fend off the midafternoon slump with this energizing elixir. The combined detoxifying and anti-inflammatory properties of the superstar list of ingredients, including spicy cayenne and healing turmeric, are nature’s version of a flu shot and liquid health. This is also a delicious beverage, sure to wake up your taste buds and clear your head.

SERVES 1–2; MAKES ABOUT 1 ½ CUPS, UNSTRAINED

INGREDIENTS

2 cups chopped pineapple (about ½ pineapple)

Juice from 1 lemon

1 (2-inch) knob peeled ginger ½ cup coconut water

¼ teaspoon turmeric Pinch of cayenne Honey (optional)

DIRECTIONS

Combine the ingredients in a blender. Process until smooth. If desired add honey to taste. Drink as is or press through a strainer or juicer.

The Refresher

Kiwi, Cucumber and Mint Agua Fresca

Agua frescas are a muddle of fresh fruit, herbs and flowers combined with sugar, honey or syrup, then diluted with still or sparkling water. Ideally they are delicately sweetened just enough to refresh and to quench thirst.

SERVES 3; MAKES ABOUT 3 CUPS

INGREDIENTS

Mint Syrup

¼ cup sugar

¼ cup water

2 to 3 mint sprigs

4 large kiwis 1 medium cucumber, cut into chunks

1 cup cold water

Sparkling water (optional)

Mint sprigs for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Make the syrup: Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until the sugar is dissolved, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and add the mint. Let stand until room temperature, then discard the mint. Mix it up: Combine the mint syrup, kiwis, cucumber and the 1 cup cold water in a blender. Process until smooth. Serve with ice. If desired, top off with sparkling water. Garnish with mint sprigs.

BY SAMANTHA PARENT WALRAVENS

ILLUSTRATIONS BY CAITLIN KUHWALD

are we having FUN yet?

IT’S SPRING, AND all over the county kids are waking up early and eating a good breakfast, and parents are fi lling up the gas tanks to drive across town, to cheer on their offspring as they play their little hearts out. Thousands of kids are breaking in their new cleats, softening their new baseball gloves or tightening a new super-aerodynamic pair of swim goggles. Oh, the joys of being a kid in Marin County. Most of these young athletes compete in what is often called a “rec” league, meaning the games are usually

played in their own town, teammates are often classmates and coaches are volunteer parents.

However, there is another group of Marin young people, also waking up and eating a good breakfast and preparing for a game, which on any given day could be in Sacramento, Concord or even Reno. These kids might have a particular talent or an early aptitude because they have been introduced to the sport by a sibling or by parents motivated to provide their kid the learning experience of being on a more competitive

team. These children, often identi fied as early as 7 years old, are being steered to play for competitive travel teams that carry prestigious labels like Select, Club and Elite.

“I played a lot of sports growing up,” says Raul Saavedra of Tiburon. “Back then, it was about having fun, hanging out with your friends, forming a bond with your buddies.” Now, Saavedra says, he is “flirting with the idea” of letting his 10-year-old son play travel baseball. But it’s a tough decision. “The kids are hard core,” he says. “They play all year round. There is no b.s.”

The other option is for his son to stay with the Tiburon Little League and play with his fellow fi fth-graders from Bel Aire School, an arrangement in which he could walk to practice and that would cost considerably less than a travel team.

For families like the Saavedras, the travel sports option means choosing a team to play for, getting the kid to tryouts, paying team fees of $3,000 or more, and spending an additional $1,000 or more on travel, gas, food and lodging for at least five weekends (in many cases they can expect to share the cost for the coach’s lodging too). The other games on the schedule, luckily, are close enough to not require an overnight stay.

The costs are not just monetary. Players invest extensive amounts of training in their sport, even during the off-season. Parents are expected to chau ffeur kids to tournaments and raise money to off set travel-related expenses. Younger siblings get dragged along to watch. It becomes a family a ffair.

Chris Elders of Tiburon, founder of Can Do Kid, a company that sells energy bars with a message of positive self-esteem, is the mother of two boys who play competitive soccer and lacrosse. Elders feels that raising the bar on competition is “a must” for some kids, but she warns of the downsides.

“If your child shows true talent (because folks other than yourself have pointed that out) and you think he may need to take the next step into a more competitive world, then choose wisely,” she says. “Think about costs, logistics in getting to practices and games, change of lifestyle and balance. Parents and coaches sometimes think more is better and paying thousands of dollars by adding teams or playing the sport year-round or getting private coaching is the right strategy. It can actually do more damage than good.

“Both of my boys’ fi rst competitive soccer coach pushed them very hard — uncomfortably for us at times,” Elders adds, “but they would not be who they are in their sports today if they weren’t given the tools that he gave them. Finding the right team and a good coach is key.”

The Rise of Competitive Youth Sports

Bruce

GONE ARE THE days when kids’ sports simply meant playing catch in the backyard or kicking a ball around the local soccer field. Today, youth sports in the United States is big business, with an estimated 30 to 45 million kids participating and $7 billion being spent on equipment, instruction, coaching, field rentals and travel.

Along with these big numbers come big expectations. The more parents spend, the more they expect a return on their investment — putting greater pressure on their kids, their kids’ coaches and the travel teams they are financing.

Hilary Levey Friedman, Harvard sociologist and author of the book Playing to Win: Raising Children in a Competitive Culture , traces today’s culture of hypercompetitive youth sports back to the 1960s, when college admissions became more cutthroat with increasing numbers of boomer applicants. Parents saw sports as a way to set their kids apart in the application process.

This sentiment continues today.

“One of parents’ main concerns is their children’s access to high-quality educational credentials,” Friedman observes. “Competitive activities, like sports and the arts, are seen as the essential proving ground that will clear their children’s paths to the Ivy League."

Moreover, parents see sports as a microcosm for what Friedman calls the “tournament of life.” On the field, they assume kids will learn the skills they need to become tomorrow’s leaders.

In Marin County, where many parents are leaders in their own right, it’s not surprising that Mom and Dad might hope their children will follow in their footsteps.

According to Bruce Cohen, a Corte Madera father of three boys who play competitive baseball, basketball and soccer, youth sports feeds upon parents’ own pride and fear — “the pride of our kids excelling and the fear of them falling behind.

“There is a lot of pressure on kids in Marin to succeed, whether they are on the chess team or drama club or writing for the school newspaper or playing sports.”

—

Cohen, Marin father and coach

“We live in a very successful community,” says Cohen. “There are a lot of former high school varsity players and even some college athletes. The competition to get into [certain] high schools and college is tough. Parents are looking for ways to differentiate their kids.”

Cohen says he’s heard parents saying that they are switching their kids from football to lacrosse, or from volleyball to another sport, because there are more scholarships available.

Parents with dreams of college scholarships may want to take a closer look at the numbers. According to the National Collegiate Athletic Association, only 2 percent of high school athletes will be awarded an athletic scholarship, and that’s for a partial scholarship. Full rides are even harder to get. Just 3 to 6 percent of high school basketball, football, baseball and soccer players will even make it onto a college team.

Compare this to the stats on academic scholarships — the money that schools give to kids who get good grades. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 59 percent of the 23 million undergraduate students in the United States receive some form of grant or merit-based scholarship.

For the few high school athletes who do receive scholarships, the pressure placed on them during their college years can be intense. Long practice hours, missed classes and life on a different schedule from most of their classmates can take a toll. Not to mention the physical strain of the sport itself.

Take, for example, Marin Catholic star lineman Gunner Graham who was recruited with a scholarship in 2012 to play football for Colorado University, but decided to give up the sport last year. “College football is a huge commitment all the way around,” says Colorado football coach Mike MacIntyre. “I don’t know; I think sometimes kids don’t realize how huge a commitment it is.”

Bottom line? For parents with dreams of a college scholarship, academic scholarships are much more plentiful than athletic ones, so it might be a better strategy to have your kids hit the books, not the ball.

Good Intentions Gone Bad

PARENTS’ INTENTIONS START out good. They want their kids to have a happy and ful fi lling childhood, to improve in sports and to feel good about themselves. There are social, academic, cognitive and psychological benefits to playing team sports. Kids learn invaluable life skills, such as how to communicate with teammates, how to cope with the disappointment of losing and how to respect opponents.

“Seventy percent of kids drop out of sports by middle school because they are not having fun. We need to balance the work with the fun.”

— Rob Miller, Proactive Coaching, LLC

According to Whitney Hanley, who coached both the varsity field hockey and varsity girls’ lacrosse teams at Marin Catholic for years, “playing on a team teaches kids the importance of commitment, good sportsmanship and respect for others — your teammates, coaches and referees. I tell the girls that there are no individuals out there. Everybody is equally valuable.”

Problems arise when the focus shifts more to achievement and winning and away from learning valuable life skills. “Sometimes I walk by a soccer or lacrosse field and I can hear parents yelling at the refs or at their kids, and they are playing on a U9 or U11 team,” says Tiburon’s Elders “Take deep breaths, parents — you have a long way to go.”

Jennifer Weiksner of Belvedere says she was “shocked” and “disappointed” when her 10-year-old son’s Little League coach, a local father, recommended that her son quit the team — and baseball altogether — because he wasn’t able to keep up with his teammates, many of whom had several years of travel ball experience under their little belts.

In an email to Weiksner, the coach wrote, “As a father, doctor and coach, my recommendation is that (your son) not play baseball. This sport will not give him self-confidence or elevate his self-esteem. Worse, I imagine he will feel worse about himself as the season progresses.”

The email continued, “Most kids on the team have played more than three years of baseball. Some have played five or more years and travel baseball. (Your son) hasn’t had that luxury. His skills are like a second-grader’s. Unfortunately, he’s playing with kids throwing like fifthgraders. I just don’t want him to go down the path that makes him feel like a loser.”

In Weiksner’s view, the coach did not have her son’s best interests in mind. Rather, he was trying to “bully” him to quit in order to strengthen his team.

“He didn’t suggest that my son get additional coaching, or even that he consider dropping down a division,” she notes. “Instead, he recommended that he quit baseball entirely — at age 10.”

Unfortunately, stories like these are becoming common. “I could write a sitcom about it,” says Cohen with a laugh. “You see it all over — in Stockton, Fresno and New York City. It’s not just crazy Marin parents.”

When to Go Competitive

IF YOUR CHILD does show talent in a given sport, the question becomes when to start him or her playing for a competitive travel team. This is a topic of great debate among parents, coaches and sports experts.

“Youngsters should be discouraged from specializing in a single sport before puberty to avoid physical and psychological damage.”

—The American Academy of Pediatrics

On the one hand, there is the theory that exposing young athletes to more rigorous training and competition will increase their chances of success. Others argue that the high-pressure, year-round focus that most competitive teams require leads to injury, burnout and even droppingout. It may have worked for Tiger Woods and Serena and Venus Williams and Marin’s Jonny Moseley, but will it work for your child?

Most experts, including sports psychologist and author Jon Hellstedt, recommend that kids not “specialize” in a sport until puberty. Up until that point kids’ bodies are changing and their skills and strengths are still developing.

Just because a child isn’t a fast runner or well coordinated at age 8 does not mean that she will be slow and uncoordinated at age 15, says Hellstedt in his book On the Sidelines: Decisions, Skills, and Training in Youth Sports: How to Help Your Child Grow Through Sports . The slow starter can be a late winner.

Hellstedt recommends that kids between ages 6 and 12 “sample” a variety of sports, with the focus on having fun and learning the fundamentals of the game. A coach’s job at this stage is to provide an atmosphere of encouragement and to avoid “over-coaching” and punishing mistakes.

Thomas Mattimore, one of five kids in a Tiburon family known for athletics and academic achievement, went to St. Ignatius High School and was recruited by Dartmouth College to play lacrosse. He agrees with the “sampling” theory.

“As a kid, I played every sport I could — baseball, soccer, football, lacrosse, basketball and swim team,” he says. “I didn’t play on a travel team until high school. I don’t think it’s healthy to do one sport year-round. Changing sports each season helps keep everything fresh so you don’t burn out.”

Mattimore feels kids today are getting too much pressure to specialize early in sports. He “committed” to playing lacrosse for Dartmouth after his junior year in high school, but these days kids are committing much earlier.

“Kids develop differently,” says Mattimore. “I got better at lacrosse at the end of high school. It would have hurt me if I had committed any earlier than I did. Kids are committing early, then burning out and losing their commitment. It’s crazy.”

Parents want their kids to get the “golden ticket” into the best college, says Mattimore, and end up paying for travel teams and recruiting coaches who he would say are “ripping them off.”

His advice? “Parents should let their kids do it on their own and stop being helicopter parents. Colleges will find the talent.”

Beyond the Last Whistle

—Chris

STILL, MANY PARENTS remain convinced that the longterm benefits make sports worth taking seriously. Billy Mattimore, Thomas’s brother, who grew up in Tiburon and played lacrosse for Bucknell University, says the skills he learned playing sports have helped him in his career. “I work in a competitive sales environment,” he notes. “The work ethic that I learned on the field has helped me in my job. I have also benefited from the great coaching I had from a young age. My coaches were great, solid people who were committed to my growth as a person, not just as an athlete. It was a really powerful thing for me at a young age.”

Bruce Cohen adds, “We’ve met wonderful families, and our kids have learned so much and made so many friends. Playing on travel teams has provided my boys with maturity and experience. They have developed composure, poise and leadership skills. I tell my boys, ‘If you don’t like it, if you’re not having fun, you can stop.’ ” So far, that hasn’t happened.

Chris Elders agrees. “There is a discipline involved in being a good athlete and it carries over to the kids’ academics and in the way they view who they want to be in the world. We’ve sacrificed a lot in order for them (my two sons) to have the opportunities that they’ve had, but we wouldn't change a thing.” m

“We’ve sacrified a lot in order for them (my two sons) to have the opportunities that they’ve had, but we wouldn't change a thing.”

Elders, Marin mother

Something for Everyone

BY LAURA HILGERS PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

An exhaustive renovation pays huge dividends with a kitchen for her and a deck for him.

SHORTLY AFTER CHRISTINE and Rob Trodella purchased their home in Mill Valley, the previous owner handed them a set of blueprints, which had been rolled up and sitting in a wastebasket in the basement. Frayed and burnt at several edges, the blueprints showed the home from various vantage points. Along the bottom of one the architect had written the date — March 18, 1935 — and the words, Residence of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Ankers, Drawn by Melvin H. Klyce

Christine and Rob loved the blueprints so much that they gathered the frail papers, placed them in a large frame, and

hung them in the corner of their living room. A homage to the home’s past, they also served as a guide to the home’s future as the couple painstakingly remodeled the entire fi rst floor. “The whole idea,” says Rob, an attorney, “was not to make it look like some brand new home.”

If it sounds like Rob was the mover behind the renovation, however, think again. After the couple and their school-age daughter moved in in June of 2012, Rob thought the house perfect as it was, an older hillside Tudor with staggering views of San Francisco. “But Christine, I later learned, had always kind of known we’d be remodeling

the kitchen,” he says, laughing. “It was one of those things where the husband is the last to find out.”

Unlike her husband, Christine found the kitchen — which had been remodeled by the previous owners — small and dark and uninviting. “I’ve always had really bad kitchens,” says Christine, who works at Facebook, “and I thought, I’m over 40 and love to cook and I wanted a kitchen I could be proud of.”

The Trodellas hired architect Kimberly Jessup to oversee the renovation, which proved a serendipitous move. Jessup had a deep-rooted Mill Valley history of her own. Her father, Richard Jessup, was a former town mayor and

the architect who designed Mill Valley’s city plaza. Kim Jessup had even played in the Trodellas’ home as a child.

She also had fresh ideas. Christine had initially thought they’d expand the kitchen by going a few feet into the hillside. But Jessup suggested instead that they push the dining room out by five feet to make more space for the kitchen and add a deck off he dining room while they were at it.

“The whole idea,” says Jessup, “was to open the kitchen up, bring more light in and make it a more user-friendly space. But I also thought that the house was missing a nice outdoor entertainment area on this level.”

Opposite page: The living room, with its metal-paned window and Hubbardton Forge chandelier. This page, clockwise from top left: A seat and paned window in the entryway; pillows adorn the couch; the metal connector of a ceiling truss; decorative touches and plants rest on a built-in bookshelf.

Top: The home’s textured stucco walls are typical of Klyce architecture. Bottom: Backyard steps lead to a lower-level deck and seating area.

To achieve her goals, Jessup — with the help of builders Pennypacker/Drake — converted a small pantry into a window-fi lled hall between the living room and kitchen, solving two problems. The new hall brought signi ficantly more sunshine into the kitchen and created a flow-through between the two rooms, where there was none before. “My father always said that we live in circles,” says Jessup. “I wanted to create a more circular pattern for the house.”

The Trodellas also enlisted designer Debbi Peterson, of Healdsburg Lumber Company, to help with the finer details of the remodel. Like Jessup, Peterson was enamored of the beauty of this old home and looked to its original particulars to inspire the remodel.

She found more than enough inspiration in the living room, a huge 16-by-24-foot space that is typical of Klyce architecture, with heavy mill-style beams and trusses dominating the ceiling. (Klyce, who also built the city hall, was one of Mill Valley’s more venerable and distinctive architects.) What Peterson loved most about the room was its symmetry — which she then integrated into other rooms — and its floor-to-ceiling blackmetal-paned window, which anchors the far end of the room. “It’s just such a lovely room that I really wanted to work some of its elements into other parts of the home,” she says.

To echo its features, Peterson designed a custom-made Bonelli window, also with black metal panes, that now sits over the kitchen sink and looks into the verdure of the hillside above. And she hung industrial-feeling black Hubbardton Forge pendant lights, which dangle on skinny stems, over the kitchen’s granite island.

For the rest of the kitchen, Peterson drew upon the design of the living room’s stone fireplace. She chose an ashlarpatterned limestone for the floor and a custom-made wood and limestone hood that hangs over the La Cornue oven. The effect is a bit grit and a bit Provence. And it’s all very light, from the white hand-stamped fi ligree-patterned tiles to the antique white inset cabinets to the Calcutta marble countertops.

The crisp and clean appearance is accentuated by the near absence of anything on the counters. The coffeemaker, Vitamix blender and KitchenAid mixer — appliances that usually break the nice lines of a kitchen — are instead stored in a little cabinet that Christine calls “the garage,” which sits on the countertop in the corner. The cabinet has a lift-up door, like a garage, and inside there’s a space large enough for these necessary but ungainly appliances. “That was huge on Christine’s list,” says Peterson. “She didn’t want to see anything out.”

Just to the right of the cabinet-style refrigerator, an open Moroccan-style archway (echoing one in the living room) flows into the dining room. Like the rest of the home, the room is quite traditional, with white wainscoting and box-beamed ceilings, even though it’s entirely new. But it also has modern touches that lend it drama: a single recessed light sitting squarely in the center of each box in the ceiling and, over the dining room table, an industrial, artsy Hubbardton Forge metal chandelier. It’s a playful contrast and “something to give you a little shock,” Peterson says.

French doors lead from the dining room onto the ipe deck — and it’s here that Rob’s excitement about the renovation really shows: there’s now a kegerator built into the outdoor kitchen, with two Marin Brewing Company beers constantly on tap. It was the result of a bribe; “Rob had said to me, ‘I don’t want to do a remodel,’ ” says Christine. “And I said, ‘Dude, I’ll get you a kegerator,’ and he said, ‘OK.’ ”

Gazing out from the deck, you can see Rob’s point. The five-sided deck, with its black concrete fi re pit and drop-dead San Francisco views, is the perfect place to sit and drink a brew after a long, hard day — or after an extensive renovation.

To understand just how exacting this project was, one need only look at the exterior wall that abuts the deck. It’s the same textured stucco — emblematic of Klyce — as the rest of the exterior, replete with the original corbels as accents. To achieve this effect, Pennypacker/Drake had to remove the corbels, tear down the wall, build a new wall, add the texture into the wall, and put the corbels back in place. “You wouldn’t believe how much work it took to get this all right and to maintain the historical integrity,” Peterson says. No, but it certainly helped to have a good blueprint. m

Clockwise from top left: The owner has a kitchen she can be proud of, with off-white cabinets, a wood and limestone hood and La Cornue oven; the kitchen’s “garage” hides everyday appliances that usually clutter counters; the very traditional dining room has a shock of the modern with animal print rug and contemporary chandelier.

Remodel Revelations

OUR HOMES DO more than provide shelter. They reflect the needs, personalities and lifestyles of the people who inhabit them. So unless you’ve designed your place from scratch, there’s likely a project or 20 you’re contemplating to make your space more fully your own. To inspire you, we asked local experts for the latest and greatest home renovation trends.

Cabinetry

“White, white, and more white — that’s what people are asking for in kitchen cabinets these days,” says Sean Kelly, owner of Lamperti Contracting and Design in San Rafael. Of course, white means many things to many people. And even within this color (or lack of color) palette, a subtrend is emerging. “People are drawn to a finish called dry brush,” says Kelly. This process adds depth and texture to the cabinet. Kelly has also seen an uptick in people choosing high-sheen smoked glass cabinets. “It’s a great modern look but it defi nitely won’t hide fi ngerprints,” he says.

Mixed Metals

For kitchen and bath fi xtures the rule of thumb has always been to pick one finish and use it consistently. In other words, a chrome showerhead should be color-matched with sink and tub fi xtures. In 2015, however, homeowners are learning that blending two finishes can actually make a room more dramatic. “I see a lot of mixing of shiny and matte fi nishes,” says Holly Kopman, owner of Holly A. Kopman Interior Design in Sausalito. And it’s not just silver tones anymore. “Gold tones are coming back,” she says. “People still kind of like the brushed silver for door hardware, but they’re mixing rose gold and dark bronzes in both kitchens and bathrooms.”

Walls

Gray continues to be an important part of the new color palette. However, the monochromatic is losing appeal; people are moving toward bright accent hues. “Remodelers are also using wallpaper in less traditional applications. We’re seeing it being used on ceilings, inside

bookcases, closet doors, interiors of closets and accent walls,” says Kopman. “I am also seeing modern twists on traditional themes.” Some examples: skull toile, damask in edgy colors and Warhol flowers in neon colors.

Flooring

The love for hardwood floors shows no sign of waning. According to Kopman, oak is still a favorite material, with many choosing to stain with softer colors: “We’re getting away from the yellowing basketball court look and instead staining floors with a gray or white tone.” Remodelers are also favoring wide planks over skinny, and engineered wood floors, which used to be synonymous with lower quality, are now appearing in jobs at every price point. “It’s not necessarily the cheaper option, as you can now get veneers made with all sorts of exotic woods and fi nishes,” says Lamperti’s Kelly.

Bathrooms

A soaking tub and a walk-in shower are masterbath features most remodeling homeowners

From high-sheen smoked glass cabinets to coffee bars, we asked the experts to tell us what’s hot.

BY DAWN MARGOLIS DENBERG

would love to incorporate. But with the everescalating cost per square foot of Marin real estate, many don’t have the space to pull it off There’s a solution, says Sheila Schmitz, editor of the design website and online community houzz.com: “We’re seeing Houzzers enclosing tubs inside their walk-in showers, making room for both in a smaller footprint.”

Clean Fuel

The economy may be recovering, but people are still gun-shy about overspending, so “sustainability projects have definitely taken a hit,” says Jeff Jungsten, president of Caletti Jungsten Construction in Mill Valley. That’s not to say owners aren’t making changes where they can. But big-ticket items like, say, solar panels may get put on the back burner: even if certain upgrades seem una ffordable now, some people are taking steps toward incorporating them later — spending a little extra to include conduits for future solar panels, for instance, or upgrading an electrical panel with an additional 50 amps to accommodate a charging station for a plug-in car. “If we are already in the area and it makes it cheaper in the long term to do, we should do it,” Jungsten explains.

Drought Abatement

Gone are the days when bathroom remodels include shower sprayers that hit you from every possible angle. On the upswing, however, are products like dual-flush toilets, which can cut water use in half. Ditto for front-loading washing machines. “We

almost never sell top-load washing machines anymore,” says John O’Meara, manager of Standards of Excellence, an appliance retailer in San Rafael. “Front loaders use about a fifth the amount of water, and people are mindful of that.” To that end, remodelers are also snapping up KitchenAid’s newest dishwasher, which uses only two-and-a-half gallons of water per cycle compared to the six to eight the average dishwasher consumes.

Lighting

Building codes in Marin have long encouraged homeowners to switch to energy-efficient bulbs, but few are fond of fluorescent lighting’s sterile glare. “City building inspectors would demand people use fluorescents in their kitchen, but everyone just pulled it out after inspection,” says Duane Johnson, president of the Novato-based Artistic Lighting and Electric. Fortunately, remodelers are finding the newer LED lights more palatable and are even embracing them, he notes: “It’s an easy upgrade, and you go from using 30 to 50 watts per bulb to 8.8.” Of course, nothing can replace the warm glow of incandescence. So Kopman’s clients usually agree to use canned LED lights for the perimeter of a room, then choose one decorative incandescent fi xture as a focal point. “For this, I’ll still go back to traditional bulbs, because it’s such a soft warm light,” she says.

Coffee Bar

Coffee bars are gaining traction in kitchen designs, at a level of complexity that depends

on the owner’s budget and space. It can be a simple closed cabinet with an electrical outlet for the Nespresso machine or a fancy built-in unit with continual water supply for brewing and a warming drawer for mugs. “Coffee bars are big right now,” Kopman con fi rms, with versions offered by desirable makers like Miele and Wolf. The latter is a particularly “sought-after brand,” Kelly says, “so it’s sure to make demand for these appliances stronger.”

App-Controlled Everything

With a smartphone and a few well-placed wireless devices, you can run your entire household from the comfort of the couch or during a business trip to Bangkok. And it appears that’s exactly what Marin folks are doing. “People are retrofitting their light switches so they can turn everything on or offwithout even getting out of bed,” Johnson says, and likewise manage thermostats, door locks and even the temperature of the pool or spa. “Just about every customer we have now utilizes smart technologies,” says Lee Rider, owner of Larkspur’s North Coast Pools and Spas. “If, for example, you decide you want to use your hot tub after work, you can turn the heat on with your smartphone and it’s ready to use when you get home.”

Steam Ovens

Priced between $1,200 and $3,300, steam ovens are a hot new kitchen appliance but won’t fit every remodeler’s budget. If you do have the means, it’s just the ticket for a high-end kitchen: it cooks faster, helps food retain nutrients and uses less energy than a traditional oven. “When you show people what it can do, they’re amazed,” says Standards’ O’Meara. “The easiest way to demonstrate this is to cook broccoli in a microwave and then in the steam oven. You can see the advantage immediately.” m

Home Renovation Guide

ARCHITECTS

Crome

Black’s

DESIGN & INTERIORS

Audio

FURNI

LAND SCAPE & EXTERIORS

Bradanini

CONRAD, the award-winning San Francisco based-manufacturer of custom handwoven window coverings, offers a selection of over 100 designs unrivalled in sophistication and design excellence.

For nearly 60 years, CONRAD’s artisan shades, crafted from sustainable, natural fibers, have graced fine homes worldwide. For good reason: Excellence, in material, design and craftsmanship. While what we do is intricate in design, the materials we choose couldn’t be more down to earth: plants and grasses, all sustainably grown in their natural environment.

The range of native plants that find their way into our exceptional designs — from our hallmark flax to wild mulberry, bamboo, vetiver and arrowroot, to name a few — is as diverse as the landscapes — their sense of place — are indelibly imprinted on our final product.

At CONRAD, respect for nature is reflected in the exceptional care taken throughout the process, from harvesting through manufacturing, protecting the integrity of the fiber.

Timelessly elegant, our weaves are as close to what nature intended. Naturally translucent, naturally hued, when CONRAD window coverings are installed they offer captivating levels of transparency, softly filtering sunlight while preserving the outside view.

To view our collection contact your designer, visit the Kneedler Fauchère showroom at the SF Design Center or visit our website for additional information.

Badeloft

MODERN. SIMPLE.

Badeloft takes a modern yet minimalistic approach to our product design. We specialize in stone resin freestanding bathtubs, freestanding sinks, wall-mounted sinks and counter-top sinks. Our stone resin products are created with Eco-friendly, non-toxic material that is 100% non-porous and therefore unaffected by fluctuating moisture or humidity.

Badeloft is a global brand with showrooms in Sausalito, Berlin, Cologne, Hamburg, Paris, Spain, Switzerland, Ukraine. All our Stone Resin products are designed in Europe. For the North American market, we ship all over the United States, Canada and Mexico. Ensuring that all of our products demonstrate both practicality and modern innovation, we are confident they will be the focal point of your new bathroom. Let the quality and beauty of Badeloft bathroom fixtures convince you ... we know you’ll love them.

2829 Bridgeway, Suite 101 • Sausalito, CA 415.644.5888 or 877.892.3445 • badeloftusa.com

Garage Solutions, Inc.

LIVE WELL ORGANIZED

Garage Solutions is a leader in the Garage Organization Industry. We assist our clients with designing solutions that best fit their needs and flow of the home. Whether creating that Rumpus Room, Exercise Room, Man Cave or just want to park your cars, we have a solution for you.

625 Du Bois Street, Suite H • San Rafael, CA 415.456.4474 • garagesolutions.com

Audio Video Integration

WHERE TECHNOLOGY MEETS DESIGN…

647 Francisco Blvd East San Rafael, CA 415.526.0070 avimarin.com

Audio Video Integration is a family owned business, serving the North Bay since 1985. We provide our clients with custom design solutions that include home automation, outdoor entertainment, lighting and shade control, high fidelity audio, home theater and media systems - all can be easily controlled from an iPad or mobile device!

Visit our 6,000 square foot showroom in San Rafael and experience today’s technology like never before. We carry the finest brands, along with a wide spectrum of affordable home entertainment solutions for everyone. Our extensive product line of speakers & displays are ideal because they can be completely hidden or designed to match any home’s décor while still maintaining incredible performance, quality, and value.

Founder, Tony Probst, has been living and breathing audio/video since his childhood and actively involved in the industry for over 30 years. His contributions have been instrumental in raising the bar for this kind of technology in Northern California. Examples include the installation and calibration of systems for David Dolby, Skywalker Ranch, and Channel 2 KTVU.

At AVi, we do not cut corners, rather, we provide our clients with innovative ideas and elegant solutions for every project.

(In the photo above, the art screen precision lift technology conceals the television, and on either side are in wall hidden speakers.)

Sunrise Home

FURNISHINGS AND INTERIOR DESIGN

Sunrise Home has been the go to destination for quality home furnishings and interior design assistance for 38 years. Known for their varied collections as well as their tasteful aesthetic, they are a resource during every step of the renovation process. Along with furnishings, they offer a complete design service with an excellent reputation for wonderful results. Their 30,000 sq. ft. showroom makes the selection process easier. The opportunity to sit in, touch and truly see the pieces is important. Because they guarantee everything they offer, you will feel more relaxed. Their specialties include custom furniture, area rugs, sleepers, recliners, dining furnishings as well as media consoles. They have been voted the best place to shop for home furnishings for the past 23 years. Every visit will inspire you as well as amaze you, as they constantly are evolving and changing by presenting new colors, new styles and new collections. With a huge selection, experienced and talented design staff as well as wonderfully comprehensive visual displays, they are definitely a must-visit showroom when beginning any interior design project.

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

BLUESTONE MAIN

HOME FURNISHINGS & ACCESSORIES

Located in charming downtown Petaluma, Bluestone Main features furniture collections recognized for their quality craftsmanship and unique beauty. Our desire is to provide the quality you seek accompanied by the finest personal service. We offer a comfortable atmosphere with a sense of warmth, reminiscent of home. You will be inspired and uplifted by the beautiful surroundings and possibilities at Bluestone Main.

120 Petaluma Blvd N. • Petaluma, CA 707.765.2024 • bluestonemain.com

Standards of Excellence is the premier supplier of home appliances in Northern California and Northern Nevada. We provide the finest selection of home appliances, the most knowledgeable staff and attentive, attuned service. Our collection of cooking, cooling, and cleaning home appliances match real-world requirements with life-long dreams to create memorable experiences for the finest residences. Visit one of our seven convenient showrooms, designed to inspire with live demonstration kitchens, beautiful themed vignettes, and endless selection.

Whether you’re a homeowner, designer, builder or remodeler, we have services to suit any appliance needs. Work with our educated sales team to choose the appliances that fit your taste, design and budget from over 50 top brands.

We have the largest selection of new kitchen appliances. These include top leading brand name appliances like Sub-Zero, Wolf, Viking, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Bosch, Miele, Thermador, Dacor, Electrolux, Zephyr, Whirlpool, Frigidaire, Maytag, and more.

Kasten Builders

HOME MASTER BUILDERS

With a 40 year history in Marin County, Kasten Builders delivers homes that reflect the dreams, sophistication, and style of their clientele. By taking on select projects the family owned business provides hands on, personalized services to both the clients and design associates with which they work. A father son team, Denny and Pete Kasten cultivate relationships through service, integrity, and teamwork. Backed by talented field and office staff, Kasten Builders works collaboratively to deliver challenging projects while always ensuring the client’s goals are met.

Whether it is in the planning stages of a project or during the actual construction Kasten Builders helps realize the balance between architectural design intent and client expectations.

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

kastenbuilders.com • 415.897.4500 • Est. 1972

Black’s Farmwood

RECLAIMED WOOD BEAMS, FLOORING & SIDING

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

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

MODERN

California Closets

CONTEMPORARY LIVING

12 Sir Francis Drake Blvd Larkspur, CA 415.255.1200

californiaclosets.com

People strive for simplicity and clean lines in their living environment because it creates a sense of serenity within the sanctuary that we call “home”. California Closets has a unique ability to create customized solutions for every room of the home to match the personal style of each individual client. This contemporary library and media unit combination connects separate living areas with an exquisite wraparound shelving system. Hidden within the book storage areas are illuminated inset art boxes in a complementary herringbone pattern. The bold pop of turquoise color on the side door and lift-up unit offer functionality by hiding media components, and more importantly offer warmth of personality to the room while blending the spaces together through the color scheme.

Horizontal lines designed within the unit make the area appear more spacious, and draw your eye across the room and into the patio area – thus merging outdoors and indoors to create additional tranquility to the space. Clean lines add to a level of simplicity and balance, creating a stylish living environment that is both warm and inviting.

Discover the beauty that California Closets can bring to your home with customized solutions for every room.

McCutcheon Construction

Award winning McCutcheon Construction is celebrating 35 years of fine homebuilding throughout the Bay Area. Our experienced staff collaborates with homeowners, designers and architects to develop and build each unique project, providing years of delight and satisfaction to our clients. McCutcheon has been a leader in environmentally sensitive construction. Our Certified Green Building Professionals integrate green and healthy aspects into every phase of development and construction, from simple practices to LEED Platinum Certification. We are committed to the health and well-being of our clients, the community and the environment. Our service area encompasses Marin, San Francisco and the East Bay. Please visit our website for project photos and to learn more about our company and our commitment to our clients.

• Residential remodeling, additions and new construction

• Historical r enovations

• Custom commercial pr ojects

1280 Sixth Street • Berkeley, CA 510.558.8030 • mcbuild.com

THOMAS BATEMAN HOOD ARCHITECTURE

For twenty-five years we’ve created value for our clients through responsive design. In turn, they have generously allowed their homes to be featured for publication and for companies such as Pottery Barn/William Sonoma, Restoration Hardware and HGTV. Houses have set sales records for those who move on and refer us. Simply put: we appreciate our clients. They inspire us to build better buildings.

415.509.7836 • thomasbatemanhood.com

“GREAT DESIGN…IMPECCABLE SERVICE. A TRUE PROFESSIONAL WHO LISTENS TO HIS CLIENTS’ NEEDS.” -CYNTHIA PILLSBURY

CERAMIC TILE DESIGN

IT’S THE TILE…

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

CTD works directly with more than 70 diverse factories in Italy, Spain, China, Mexico and the USA. Take a look at some of our extensive offerings: Our US tile collections include Pratt & Larson, Sonoma Tilemakers, McIntyre, Encore, and the historic Rookwood, to name just a few.

Our numerous glass lines include Oceanside Glasstile and the best in fine Italian glass tile such as Bisazza and Sicis. We also stock stone tile and slabs, including travertine, limestone, and slates.

846 W. Francisco Blvd San Rafael, CA 415.485.5180

189 Thirteenth Street San Francisco, CA 415.575.3785

ceramictiledesign.net

As a member of both the USGBC and Build it Green, CTD leads the industry in bringing Green products to Northern California. We distribute all of the leading Green countertop products: IceStone, manufactured in the Brooklyn Navy Yards, PaperStone from Hoquiam, WA and Durat from Finland.

“Tile” has been going through a renaissance in the past decade. The diversity of offerings in size, shape, usage, and design are far too numerous to mention here, however our philosophy is to stay at the cutting edge of enduring design and product application trends.

Cokas Diko Home

BE INSPIRED

Cokas Diko Home was inspired 17 years ago and has grown today into a family-owned business with 3 showrooms in California.

Inspired by the relaxed and sophisticated wine country aesthetic, we synergize the past’s repurposed appeal with the fresh, vibrant styles from the present to design a unique space.

We offer exclusive vendors and take great care selecting each item, focusing on the quality, craftsmanship, affordability and timelessness making each piece a personal discovery instead of just a purchase.

Our showrooms are filled with a vast selection including furniture, custom upholstery, one-of-a-kind pieces, C|D|H exclusively designed collections, lighting, rugs, pillows, bedding and artwork.

Commitment to our client’s satisfaction and superb customer service keeps our clients coming back.

Let us inspire your next project. Visit a store or our extensive online catalog to shop our selections. Our No-fee Design Service will bring our talented team to your home for one-on-one inspiration.

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

Golden State Lumber

BUILDING MATERIALS RETAIL STORE

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

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

CREATIVE ENERGY

SPAS AND FIREPLACES

Grand Opening

The Village at Corte Madera

San Rafael • 415.472.7727

San Mateo • 650.574.7600

Pleasanton • 925.551.7100

creativeenergy.com

Creative Energy has been serving Marin since 1976. We take pride in providing worldclass customer service and support while retailing high-end spas and fireplaces.

We are the Bay Area’s exclusive dealer of HotSpring® Spas, the world’s #1 selling brand. Using a combination of expertly designed jets, silent operation, high density foam, and an exclusive salt water care system, HotSpring® Spas provide our Marin customers with the comfort, efficiency, and ease of operation they desire.

There is no better drought resistant product than an efficient spa. We encourage our customers to warm up in their spa and take a quick shower. If one person reduced their shower time by 5 minutes every day they would save a minimum of 4500 gallons of water a year. Our spas average 350 gallons of water. With the salt water system water can last up to a full year, and can be used to water plants when it is time to drain it. HotSpring® Spas simply reuse water.

With input from BMW Group DesignworksUSA, the stunning new Highlife Collection NXT spas represent the future of spa design. Come visit one of our showrooms to see the latest models and get in hot water.

Pedersen Associates

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE/ SUSTAINABLE DESIGN

Pedersen Associates has provided comprehensive land planning and award-winning design services for estate, residential and commercial clients since 1983. Working primarily in Northern California allows Pedersen Associates the opportunity to work on a wide variety of sites, spanning multiple topographies, ecosystems and microclimates. As a Bay Friendly certified firm, our work is based on the most recent concepts in sustainability and green building, ensuring the highest environmental standards in landscape architecture.

Pedersen Associates’ projects range from the Napa Valley estate, to the contemporary coastal outpost; vastly different in scope, but unified by thoughtful design and an understanding of California-living. Well known for designs that foster a seamless flow between indoors and out, our team brings innovative ideas, elegant solutions and over 30 years of experience to every project. Our goal is your vision.

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

Pine Street Natural Interiors

HEALTHY HOME INTERIOR DESIGN PRODUCTS

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

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

Sandra Bird Designs

DESIGNING FOR BEAUTY AND PRACTICALITY

240 Magnolia Avenue Larkspur, CA 415.927.1171 sandrabird.com

Awell organized room with good flow, combined with beautiful elements and comfort is integral in each and every one of Sandra Bird’s Designs. No two clients or homes are alike. This is especially evident in bath and laundry. Pictured above is a laundry/ spa with a fresh new design that is both functional and beautiful, as well as an excellent use of space.

For the laundry, a folding counter, washer/dryer, storage for laundry products - all sit gracefully under a staircase. The lavi is mounted against a stone wall that hides the concrete foundation and is capped with a custom fabricated ledge. The spa shower and wall-hung commode are concealed behind beautiful opaque glass doors.

To experience Sandra Bird’s portfolio of beauty combined with practicality . . . please visit SandraBird.com

Voted Best Of Houzz 2015. http://www.houzz.com/pro/sandrabird/__public

HOME RENOVATION

Jim Corbet’s Ace Hardware

CELEBRATING 60 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Corbet’s Hardware is a treasure in the heart of Marin. In 1954 Jim Corbet opened his store to fill the needs of the surrounding community. After working for a lumber company, he put his business knowledge to work, and Jim Corbet’s Home Craftsman’s Store became a reality. Today his family honors his achievement, providing the best products and service possible.

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

Crescent Builders, Inc.

RESPONSIBLE HOME BUILDING & REMODELING

Winner of Best of Houzz 2015 for Service, we pride ourselves on going above and beyond for our clients. Established in 1998, we’re family owned and operated, and have an outstanding network of design professionals and skilled craftspeople to create the home of your dreams. Whether it’s building a home from the ground up, adding-on or just remodeling your kitchen, we’d love to discuss your project with you.

3070 Kerner Blvd, Suite P • San Rafael, CA 415.454.1313 • buildwithcrescent.com

Fontana Construction Inc.

Fontana Construction Inc is a General Contracting Company specializing in new custom homes, residential renovations and light commercial projects. Providing quality service from San Francisco to Sonoma and Napa Counties, and beyond for over 28 years. Pre-construction consultation, value engineering, detailing estimate, project management, and craftsmanship is standard on every project.

1945 East Francisco Blvd, Suite N • San Rafael, CA 415.457.1290 • fontanaco.com

PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT WITH EXPERIENCED CRAFTSMANSHIP

In business for 46 years, Artistic Lighting & Electric is one of the Bay Area’s most experienced full-service lighting and electrical contracting firms. Among the firm’s clients who have entrusted Artistic Lighting with the design and installation of comprehensive lighting and electrical systems for their luxury residences are some of the most discriminating and well-known arts and entertainment personalities, high-tech CEOs and sports figures in the Bay Area.

Today’s complex and creative lighting systems require sophisticated controls that optimize ease-of-use and reliability. Artistic Lighting & Electric’s skilled, professional team has in-depth understanding of current lighting control technology and its implementation, supporting all of the major lighting controls manufacturers: Lutron, Savant (formerly LiteTouch) and Vantage. The firm is a full service Electrical Contracting business providing for all your electrical needs.

Artistic Lighting & Electric is a Diamond Certified Company.

Electrical Contracting • Controls • Lighting Design & Consultation • Maintenance and Service

Marin Roto-Rooter

PLUMBING AND DRAIN SERVICE

Family owned and operated for over 58 years, Marin RotoRooter is known for our expertise and focus on customer satisfaction. Our licensed and insured plumbers deliver fast, dependable, guaranteed service 24 hours a day. Go to www. rotorooter.com for e-scheduling and a complete list of all our services. “Novato Chamber of Commerce 2013 Small Business of the Year Award“ Don Calegari & daughter Mendy Calegari

415.898.2700 · facebook.com/marinrotorooter

Environmental Design Services

FUNCTIONAL, LIVABLE, BESPOKE INTERIOR DESIGN

For more than a decade, EDS has helped clients achieve their ideal interior spaces. Be it a single family home, luxury highrise urban living, a resort mountain property or a commercial space. It is our goal to make your project less stressful. Call us today to see how we can help you achieve your dream space! 415.441.4328 • eds-interiors.com • info@eds-interiors.com

Crome Architecture

WHAT’S THE BIG IDEA?

All great designs start with someone’s inspiration. We would love to collaborate with you, roll up our sleeves and draw lots and lots of sketches. Yes, most of them would get crumpled up and thrown in the waste bin, but we save the ones you love that would bring your big idea to life.

415.453.0700 • cromearchitecture.com

STUDIO

Studio Snaidero has been providing sophisticated contemporary kitchens for discriminating clients in the Bay Area since 1996, representing the acclaimed Italian manufacturer Snaidero. Founded in 1946, Snaidero has been at the forefront of kitchen evolution, an innovator in design, materials and technology. Partnering with Italy’s design luminaries, Snaidero offers a stunning portfolio of styles with which to transform kitchens into brilliant living space, from modern interpretations of classic forms to cutting edge minimalism.

What makes a Snaidero kitchen special? Function certainly - we offer myriad storage solutions incorporating the most sophisticated hardware. Choice too, with a diverse array of unique finishes in wood, lacquer, melamine, opaque glass and metal. But more than anything it’s design. Design is Snaidero’s DNA. Our collaborations with visionary Italian designers such as Asian Arts Museum architect Gae Aulenti and Ferrari stylist Pininfarina have brought originality and forward-looking creativity to a field where repetition is the norm.

Studio Snaidero owner Michael Glasser has been a European kitchen specialist for nearly 30 years. Our approach to design is highly architectural, using the organization of volume, space, visual texture and color to create beautiful, engaging work and social space. Call for an appointment at our studio to learn more about Snaidero and discuss a transformation for your home.

SBI Materials & Landscape Supplies

BACKYARDS ARE OUR BUSINESS

Exquisite Stone…Excellent Service! SBI is the Bay Area’s trusted resource for quality building and landscape materials sourced from all over the world. We specialize in natural stone, pavers, sod, bark & more. Turn your springtime backyard projects into a reality. Proudly serving Marin and Sonoma.

sbimaterials.com Windsor: 707.431.1617 • Santa Rosa: 707.284.8989

Chet Stromberg

SOLARCRAFT SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS

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

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

Bilgart Design

INTERIOR DESIGN AND REMODELING

Bilgart Design is an award winning interior design firm specializing in kitchens and bathrooms. We pride ourselves on our individual approach to solving each client’s unique design needs. Our satisfied clients say it best: Paulette’s sharp eye for detail and firm roots in the construction industry made the difference between a “satisfactory” job and one that was stunning.

PAULETTE BILGART 415.847.3585 • BILGARTDESIGN.com

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

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

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

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

We welcome you to stop by our showroom.

Bradanini & Associates

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE

Bradanini & Associates have been creating sophisticated residential designs for over thirty years. A commitment to design excellence has resulted in a high standard for creative problem solving. California’s tradition of gracious outdoor living is experienced through a combination of space, color, fragrance and sound which capture the individuality of each project, resulting in gardens of simple elegance and enduring beauty.

90 Throckmorton Ave, Suite 16 • Mill Valley, CA 415.383.9780 • bradanini.com

Sarah Evers Hoffman

INTERIOR DESIGN AND REMODELING

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

SarahEversHoffman.com 415.457.8358 • Sarah@SarahEversHoffman.com

KEATIN HOLLY

Color creates the greatest visual impact. Specifying color is best done on site with architectural elements in place. When right, it increases the value of home AND enhances well being. Case in point; kitchen wall that became a raspberry chalkboard. My delighted single mom reports, “it completely opened up communication with college sons who left daily doodles” ....and it’s stunning!

Making clients happy, throughout the bay area keatinholly.com • 415.987.2685

Wittenberg design & construction

CUSTOM BUILDS, EMBRACING LIGHT + FUNCTION

With over 35 years of building experience we’ve recognized that our clients oftentimes have a vision or an idea of what they want, but find its execution arduous. As designers and project managers, we get to know you and your aspirations, and then help to deliver that dream.

Such was the case with an unimproved lot in Tiburon, which we transformed into a magnificent new estate. We maximized the indoor space by creating open living areas that were complimented by expansive grounds that provided a natural extension of the home.

Our client came to us with a vision of their dream home. What they didn’t realize was that we could help achieve it while maximizing their return on investment through significant material cost savings and reduction in construction time.

If you are interested in learning more about some of our other projects or would like a free consultation email me directly.

mike@wittenbergdesign.com • San Rafael, CA 415.846.8052 • WITTENBERGDESIGN.com

Terry Sauvé Fine Art

LANDSCAPES IN OIL

Inspired by the magical quality of natural light, Terry Sauvé creates iconic Northern California landscape paintings which are at once timeless and contemporary. Enhance the beauty of your space with a stunning, original painting by Terry Sauvé. Experience the luminescence of her work at “Marin Light” shown through April at Thompson | Dorfman Partners, LLC, 39 Forrest Street, Mill Valley. Meet the artist Tuesday, April 7th, 6-8pm 415.867.8676 • terrysauve.com • info@terrysauve.com

Destinations

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

VISIONS OF VANCOUVER

This Canadian destination just over the border has much in common with the city by the bay.

BY TIM JOHNSON

An aerial view of Lions Gate Bridge.

ACITY OF WEST Coast wonders, Vancouver has long been Canada’s gateway to the Far East. Perched on the edge of the Paci fic Rim, it’s a place full of charm and style, great feng shui and delicious fi sh. And in many important ways, Vancouver is the northern answer to San Francisco — quirky, funky and cool, with plenty of green space and good eats reminiscent of its southern sister. Here we take that comparison to its logical conclusion, matching your favorite San Francisco treats with their lesser-known counterparts to the north. It’ll make you want to grab your passport and make a run — north — for the border.

FOR GOLDEN GATE PARK–STYLE BEAUTY, try Stanley Park. A massive urban oasis — more than 1,000 acres of forest and beaches and seaside trails, all within close walking (or jogging, or biking) distance of downtown — Stanley Park is the city’s favorite place to de-stress and breathe some fresh air. About eight million people visit the park every year, and it’s easy to notice some similarities with Golden Gate Park, including the fact that Stanley is associated with Vancouver’s most iconic span, the soaring Lions Gate Bridge, an almost 6,000-foot suspension bridge opened in 1938 and named for a pair of peaks that loom high over it.

Free to the public, much of Stanley Park remains wild, home to almost half a million trees, with some Dougla s fir and western red cedars towering as high as 250 feet. But it’s not all wilderness. Bordered on three sides (and almost four) by Vancouver Harbour (just a thin strip of land connects the park to the main part of the city), a five-and-a-half-mile seawall rings Stanley, and the whole length of the wall is accompanied by a paved trail, which is split — half for walkers, half for bikers. Another 17 miles of forest trails crisscross the park, and you can also visit Stanley’s beaches, totempole park, swimming pool, tennis courts, an 18-hole pitch-and-putt course and an oval that hosts a summer concert series. The Vancouver

Clockwise from left: Old-growth trees in Stanley Park; Stanley Park’s paved trail; view from the Granville Bridge.

Aquarium, Canada’s largest and home to beluga whales, dolphins and seals and the setting for a former television show called Danger Bay, is always worth a visit.

IF YOU LOVE TO SAMPLE THE FOOD AT the Ferry Building, be sure to check out the Granville Island Public Market. A place apart, Granville Island is where Vancouver comes to shop for its favorite Paci fic Coast foods. Granville has gritty roots too. Originally called Industrial Island, it was home to 19thcentury factories and warehouses. Now, like S.F.’s Ferry Building, those old buildings host some 150 retailers, all of them selling handmade, homemade and locally sourced goods

— everything from fresh seafood to high-end crafts at little hole-in-the-wall art galleries that double as studios, where you can watch the artists at work. There’s also a seasonal farmers’ market, plus a large marina and a number of theater companies. You can drive across the bridge from central Vancouver but, if you’re looking for a fun ride, take one of the tiny ferries across False Creek, which run all day, every day, from some of the city’s coolest neighborhoods — Yaletown, the West End and Kitsilano Beach.

TO BE PAMPERED LIKE YOU WOULD BE AT Remede Spa at the St. Regis, try the Shang. For years, Hong Kong–based Shangri-La Hotels

and Resorts have been impressing guests by ful fi lling Eastern promises. A few years back, the North America n flagship opened in Vancouver, complete with top-drawer service and the brand’s famous “essence,” an exotic scent that floats through the hallways and rooms of every Shang property in the world. And the spas are the stuff f dreams. Here in Vancouver, the Shang offers a spa-within-a-spa — the treatment rooms here come complete with a private dressing room, hot tub and shower, so you’ll never have to set foot inside a locker room. Head there for a signature treatment like the West Coast Path Journey, which includes a soothing sea kelp soak, an alaria sea wrap and a seaweed oil massage.

Clockwise from top left: Granville Island’s public market; eating at the market; market produce; totem poles at Stanley Park.

Clockwise from top left: Food trucks; samplers at Bomber Brewing; growlers at Bassneck Brewery; Postmark Brewing’s lineup.

TO EXPERIENCE OFF THE GRID–TYPE FOOD truck variety, take a walk downtown. Food trucks can now be found in most North American cities, but Vancouver’s scene just may be the most diverse. Wander around downtown for Pan-Asian treats at Roaming Dragon, some South Asian treats (like a naan kebab) at Soho Road (a food truck with a built-in tandoori oven) or an unforgettable taco at Tacofi no, which serves up seasonal specials that include everything from wild mushrooms to spot prawns.

IF YOU LOVE PULLING UP A STOOL AT Magnolia or Cellarmaker, you’ll want to tour some of Van’s best craft breweries. Just

across the Georgia Strait, the provincial capital Victoria was also Canada’s craft brewery birthplace, and that enthusiasm has recently crossed the water, with an explosion of microbreweries popping up all over Vancouver in just the past couple of years. And they all seem to have a good story. For example, Bomber, an unpretentious spot, was started by three guys who all play on the same hockey team; one of them brewed his own beer for postgame celebrations, and the operation that developed has a true beer-hall atmosphere and one of the world’s fi rst beer sommeliers (known as a cicerone). Two new microbreweries are also making a splash — Postmark, which also features wine on tap, and Brassneck, where

you can order up some Passive Aggressive, the spot’s signature brew, which is a little less robust than a traditional IPA (thus the name) and features locally grown hops.

IF YOU LOVE THE ECLECTIC WEST COAST cuisine of Rich Table or AQ, head to some of the city’s freshest restaurants. Vancouver is a foodie’s paradise, home to the Canadian authors of the best-selling 100-Mile Diet as well as restaurants fusing the finest culinary elements— recipes from the Far East, fresh seafood, excellent local wine and a dash of the unexpected.

Opened just last summer, Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar has quickly become

a favorite hangout for celebrities in town shooting one of the many movies and television show s fi lmed here (Vancouver often stands in for many other West Coast cities, including S.F.). Appropriately enough, the place boasts a celeb chef, Alex Chen, formerly of the Beverly Hills Hotel. But the biggest star on the bill is, of course, the food. Here you’l l fi nd super-fresh salmon (caught wild with sustainable methods in the Queen Charlotte Islands), herbs from a family-run farm, locally sourced wasabi, organic greens and berries, plus oysters, clams and mussels from Sawmill Bay on Read Island, just west of Vancouver. The bivalves are served up by a world-champion shucker who, by his own

estimation, has opened some six million oysters in his three decades on the job.

Also try swanky Hawksworth — often locally voted best restaurant in town — for wild salmon tartare, hamachi sashimi and black-olive-crusted halibut. At Miku you’ll find mouthwatering charcoal-flame-seared sushi and a fabulous in-house sake, plus waterside views of Canada Place, the iconic symbol of Expo ’86. And go to Chambar, which recently reopened in a new, beautiful space — complete with an enlarged wine room, a 36-foot walnut bar and a breezy south-facing patio — for carbon-neutral, organic, super-fresh fine dining and biodynamic and natural wines, many sourced from the nearby Okanogan Valley. m

Clockwise from top left: The view from Miku Restaurant; pull up a seat at Chambar; Boulevard chef Alex Chen; aburi salmon oshi sushi at Miku; oysters at Boulevard.

APPELLATIONS

PARTY ON WHEELS

After many years in the restaurant industry, a Marin resident came up with the hippest version of a “Party in a Box” when he decided to convert a 1965 Airstream trailer into a traveling Bar Car. Greg Medow of Mill Valley has taken his show on the road, offering $25-a-head instantly equipped soirees. The side of the trailer opens up to reveal a fully stocked bar with alcohol of your choosing, including a self-serve beer tap pouring local microbrews — perfect for birthdays, tailgates, after-work happy hours and weddings. No setup, no cleanup, no last-minute ice runs. barcarsf.com MIMI TOWLE

Mendocino is a rural county of striking natural beauty, friendly small towns and people who love and protect the land. Since the 1850s, Mendocino County has developed a personality

farmers, their respect for the land and their dedication to quality. At present many farms are owned and cultivated by multiple generations of the county’s historic farming families. Today Mendocino’s grapegrowers stand out as leaders in sustainable, organic, Biodynamic® farming.

Fresh Eats

If you’re headed to Healdsburg here are three new and exciting restaurants worth checking out. M.T.

1 The Tea Lounge at The Taste of Tea

The menu here includes Japanese, Taiwanese, Chinese or artisan tea blends and a selection of small bites, including locally made granola with Straus Family Creamery yogurt, farro, Japanese-style green tea roll cake, and green tea ice cream. 109 North Street, thetasteoftea.com

Winemakers highly regard the quality of fruit produced naturally on unspoiled land by Mendocino’s passionate grapegrowers. Vintners create balanced, pure wines from grapes that express the individuality of Mendocino’s 10, diverse appellations.

2 Valette

Valette is the newest venture from chef Dustin Valette, formerly of Dry Creek Kitchen, and his brother Aaron Garzini. Located on Center Street, Valette has a contemporary rustic feel. The restaurant features a tasting menu, fresh pastas, local meats, housemade charcuterie, bespoke cheeses and the chef’s signature scallops en croute 344 Center Street, valettehealdsburg.com

3 Wild Flowers Saloon

In the location of the former Frank & Ernie’s in the center of downtown, Wild Flowers Saloon is a labor of love from husband and wife Vivian and Howard Flowers. The down-to-earth, family-friendly restaurant and bar offers great steaks, chicken and ribs along with cocktails, beers and local wines 9 Mitchell Lane, 707.433.4500

NavarroRiver

inspired choices for wine country experiences

Experience Wine Country as it’s meant to be experienced. Find the right deal and make this getaway your best!

Raymond’s legendary Napa Valley Cabernets and one-of-a-kind wine country experiences are not to be missed. Raymond is also proudly certified organic and Biodynamic, and 100% solar powered. 707.963.3141, St Helena, raymondvineyards.com

Domaine

Drink in spectacular views from your private table on the terrace while savoring awardwinning Sparkling and Pinot Noir wines accompanied by delicious food pairings. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the magic that is sparkling winemaking. 707.257.0101 ext 150, Napa, domainecarneros.com/visit

707.824.8400, Sebastopol, macphailwines.com

Founded in 1857, Buena Vista is California’s first premium winery, and its history is as colorful as it is proud. Experience history re-imagined at the recently restored and renovated winery in Sonoma. 800.926.1266, Sonoma, buenavistawinery.com

The Wine Spectator calls DeLoach “one of California’s best producers of Chardonnay,” and Wine and Spirits has proclaimed DeLoach “Winery of the Year” TWELVE times, including 2011 and 2012. 707.526.9111, Santa Rosa, deloachvineyards.com

MacPhail Tasting Lounge@The Barlow is a unique new twist on wine tasting, in an artistic setting in the heart of Sebastopol’s Barlow complex. Come explore unique Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Sonoma Coast.

Carneros Join us at the Chateau!

Buzz Words

Is that wine really a bomb? And why would anybody want a concrete egg? Cameron Vawter, director of winemaking for Napa’s Dana Estates, has helped craft two 100point wines in her career. Here, she takes the mystery out of the jargon. SOMER TEJWANI

Concrete Eggs Winemaking vessels used in lieu of oak to increase weight and richness in white wines; they can also be used in making red wines to focus fruit during the aging.

Fruit Bomb A wine made in a ripe, fruit-forward style.

Malolactic Fermentation The conversion of malic acid (think green apple) to lactic acid (think cream).

Meritage A rather silly word used in the United States to describe a wine made with all five Bordeaux varietals.

Oaked Describes a wine that has been in contact with oak.

WINE DRIVER

It’s a familiar conundrum: drink wine, get to the next winery, drink more wine — keep driving? This potentially deadly situation has always been an issue in Northern California’s wine country. “DUI fatalities are actually down in Napa and Sonoma counties as compared to the rest of California,” says Allen Porter, president of the website drinkinganddriving.org. “A big portion of that is directly related to the use of private drivers and winery tour guide services.” Porter also recently endorsed the My Napa Valley Driver service, a professional twist on the designated driver founded by Chris Pittma n five years ago. The idea came to him when he realized many visitors to the wine country were renting cars and leaving them in the parking lots when they hired a professional driver, basically paying double. “Instead of hiring a car, which can start at $85 an hour, we have a stable of eight professional tour guides who will drive your car or rental car for $45 an hour.” mynapavalleydriver.com M.T.

Terroir The notion of place and how it affects the character of a wine through soil and climate.

OUT OF THE VINES

Been there done that when it comes to the well-trodden vineyard tours? Head to Napa’s south county wineries for off-thebeaten-path tastings in wine country’s industrial parks and other areas far from the vineyards, where the costs are lower and the regulations fewer — ideal for small and start-up ventures that can offer more one-of-a-kind experiences. At familyowned Holman Cellars (707.287.7557), husband and wife Jason and Helen Holman produce fewer than 1,000 cases at their micro-winery (pictured) and are known for their proprietary cab-based blend. Visit during harvest and they’ll let you help press and pick grapes. At Rocca Family Vineyards (707.257.8467), the tasting experience begins the second you set foot on the historic property. The family purchased a Victorian home built by general Mariano Vallejo for one of his daughters in the 1860s and converted it into a tasting room, where they serve samples of four to six estate wines. Most small-production wineries offer tastings by appointment only. Other spots worth visiting are Bourassa Vineyards (707.254.4922), Etude Wines (707.257.5300) and Mi Sueño Winery (707.258.6358). S.T.

Shooting the Rim

Hiking the Grand Canyon with some remarkable souls.

BY GINNY GRAVES

PHOTOS BY CATALINA ONTANEDA

IT’S 3:30 A.M., and I’m huddled with a group of 30 strangers on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon, shivering in the early October chill. I’ve never visited the park and am eager to take in “the most sublime spectacle in nature,” as explorer John Wesley Powell rhapsodized — but the only thing visible in the three-foot glow of my headlamp is my unnervingly clean Saucony trail runners. I’ve already broken the first rule of hiking: never wear new shoes on a long outing. So. Dumb, I think as I gaze at my 10-day-old sneakers. We’re about to embark on a two-day, 46-mile, rim-torim-to-rim trek. By tonight, if all goes according to plan, we’ll be sleeping off he day’s lactic acid in a cabin on the North Rim — and by early evening tomorrow we’ll be clinking champagne glasses back here on the South. Footwear gods (and 52-year-old body) willing.

We’re an improbable lot: fi refighters, young moms, two guys in the military, a handful of Tony Robbins life coaches, a tight end for the

Pittsburgh Passion (a professional women’s football team) and, at our emotional axis, one remarkable 26-year-old, Kristen Lucci, who by all rights shouldn’t be here — as in alive, on this earth — at all. In 2009, after undergoing surgery for a congenital brain condition, she developed a dangerous infection that was nearly fatal. She recovered, thankfully, and is here, as we all are, thanks to Robyn Benincasa, founder of Project Athena, a nonprofit designed to give women who’ve faced life-threatening illnesses the opportunity to ful fi ll an adventurous dream — like hiking the R2R2R. Everyone in the group has his or her own reasons for raising the $2,500 donation required to join a Project Athena outing, but we’re all united by a belief in the organization’s mission. “This isn’t about setbacks,” says Benincasa, “it’s about comebacks.” As for me, when a mutual friend fi nagled a gratis spot on this trek in exchange for helping out, I leapt at the opportunity.

Benincasa knows something about comebacks. A world champion adventure racer whose team won both the Eco-Challenge and the Raid Gauloises, she was told in 2007 that she’d never run again thanks to crippling hip arthritis. Four surgeries later, she set a Guinness world record in her kayak. Then another. Then one on

little giddy. Valerie, the football player, bursts randomly, and at top volume, into stream-ofconsciousness pop songs, from “Walk This Way” to “The Climb.” The Tony Robbins folks chatter enthusiastically about gratitude and living in the moment. I soak it all in, my cheeks sore from smiling.

a paddleboard. (Oh, and she’s back to running.) Project Athena was born of her need to transform speed bumps into launch pads.

As our steamy exhales form an eerie halo in the darkness over our heads, Benincasa waves us in close for her pre-hike “sermon” — part pump-up speech (“By tomorrow night, you will be one of the very few people on earth to have hiked all the way across the Grand Canyon and back in two days”), part adventure-racing, team-building manifesto (“We’re here to give of ourselves. To help, to be helped, to feed, to be fed”). As we tromp toward the Bright Angel trailhead, I feed off enincasa’s con fidence. Honestly, the woman’s biceps alone are enough to inspire allegiance. If I’m going to follow anyone into an ancient geological abyss at 4 in the morning, I decide, it might as well be her.

INTO THE ABYSS After a dark and dusty 2.5hour, 6,800-foot descent (bandanas or Bu ffs are mandatory gear so you don’t inhale dried mule poop), we reach the canyon floor, and the sun begins, yard by yard, to illuminate the soaring walls, transforming what looked like dull gray monoliths into striated palettes of color, pattern and light — an inscrutable, inspiring geologic record of life on earth. I need to look down to watch my footing, but I have to look up; I’d rather stumble than miss this show. And there’s so much to see. As we wend our way alongside the churning Colorado River (a rugged beauty in itself), every bend reveals yet another breathsnatching view. The splendor makes us all a

As we walk, we practice some of the rules Benincasa picked up in her years of adventure racing: we share food, stash sweaty clothes in each other’s packs, remind everyone to drink, drink, drink. (Even though the canyon is far cooler in October than in the preceding months, it still often reaches the low 80s by midday.) By the time we fetch up at Phantom Ranch, a 1920s outpost with a lodge and cabins about 10 miles from where we started, the all-for-one-and-one-for-all vibe has worked its alchemy. We’re a team.

This is our longest stop of the day, and it’s only 15 minutes (adventure racers have a bias toward forward motion), so we rush to fill water bottles, snarf down smooshed PB&Js, change into shorts and T-shirts, reapply sunscreen. Not everyone is up for hurrying, though. One woman’s feet are an agonizing bloom of

blisters. Another few are light-headed with dehydration. Lucci is feeling hot and weak. By the time we’re zipping our packs and heading out, Benincasa and her support crew (all of whom are as crazy-fit as she is) have persuaded Lucci and Ivor, a kindhearted Australian man who’s also hit the wall, to hook up to towlines — five-foot bungee cords that allow a stronger hiker to assist a struggling one. Lucci is disappointed and a little teary, and I feel bad for her — but she tells me, “I need to do this for everyone’s sake. We need to get to the other side as a group. This is the best way I can help.”

Training Tips

Benincasa recommends a gradual 18-week training plan with three key milestone hikes; it’s best to practice with hiking poles and 15-pound packs. Two months before your trip, complete a four-hour hike that includes at least 3,000 feet of elevation; five weeks prior, complete a five- to six-hour hike that gains at least 5,000 feet of elevation; two weeks before departure, complete an eighthour hike that includes elevation gains of at least 5,000 feet.

By tomorrow night, you will be one of the very few people on earth to have hiked all the way across the Grand Canyon and back in two days.

STRONGER TOGETHER Now it’s my turn to feel choked up — and a little idiotic. I’d been thinking of the towline as a sign of weakness, but from a teamwork perspective, it’s a gesture of generosity — even strength. Humbled and moved, I resolve to adopt Lucci’s egoless attitude for the next 36 hours — to give and receive metaphoric towlines whenever I have the

chance. I find them everywhere — in conversations that distract me from my discomfort, in silly jokes, in offers of Fritos, my new favorite trail food. (Benincasa had suggested we pack “O” foods — Fritos, Cheetos, Doritos; I brought along chia seed bars, to my profound regret.)

Catalina, my lovely Ecuadorean roommate on the trip, has hiked the canyon with Project

Athena once before and adopts a proprietary concern for my welfare. “Eat a little bit every 30 minutes,” she reminds me over and over. Pablo, one of Benincasa’s guides, lets me play around with the towline, fi rst hooking me up, then insisting I tow all 200-plus pounds of him. I stagger maybe 50 paces before I wave him off, spent. And when Tracy, a friendly blond insurance saleswoman from Florida, runs out of water because her backpack bladder sprung a leak, I stay by her side and do my best to keep her hydrated.

Even with all the togetherness, there’s plenty of time for quiet reflection during two 12-hour days of hiking, and I revel in being away from deadlines and responsibilities. If ever there was an opportunity to practice being present in the moment, this is it. As my footfalls beat out a steady pace, I let their cadence anchor my mind in the now. For long stretches, I feel like I have ceased to exist — the me who is a wife, a mom of two teenage boys, a freelance writer. I’m an insigni ficant body swallowed whole by nature’s beauty.

We fi nally crest the North Rim at 6, where we share long hugs, hig h fives and lots of tears — a combination of fatigue and exhilaration has left most of us weepy and giddy — then head straight to the spacious wood and stone deck overlooking the canyon, where we gawk and marvel at the distant landscape we had crossed. My legs, which felt fi ne before I sat down, are so stiff hen I try to stand I’m surprised they don’t audibly creak. Some of the younger folks talk about gathering at the bar, but I wolf down some pizza and salad and retreat to the cabin I’m sharing with Catalina and one other woman — where I’m snoring (or so Catalina tells me) by 9.

DOWN AND UP On day two, after a short but sound night’s sleep (we’re on the trail by 3:45 a.m.), we drop 5,850 feet on the North Kaibab trail to the canyon floor, and by the time we pass Cottonwood Campground, about 7 miles in, I’m starting to feel the first insidious creep of fatigue. Our destination on the South Rim looms far above us and 15 miles away — impossibly distant — so I try to put that goal out of my mind and remind myself of something a mountainbiking friend once told me on a steep pitch:

What to Pack

Don’t bring lots of extraneous stuff. Here are some can’t-livewithout necessities:

• 1, 100-ounce water bladder plus two water bottles (on the main trails you can refill water bottles every 6 miles)

• You’ll need to eat about 100 calories every hour, so bring food (my favorites: Fritos and Krave jerky)

• Hydration tablets to put in your water

• Hiking poles help tremendously on both the uphill and the downhill

• Bandana or Buff

• Headlamp

• Brimmed hat and sunscreen

• Blister kit

• Clothes for layering

• Anti-inflammatory pain reliever

“When I start getting tired,” he said, “I just tell myself, This is what I’m doing right now.” That phrase, with its Zen-like simplicity, is strangely liberating. Moments are fleeting. This, too, shall pass. Why not embrace reality?

Before our final, 7-mile ascent on the South Kaibab trail to the South Rim, we stop again at Phantom Ranch. Benincasa warns us we’re in for a long, hot slog. “Fill those water bottles, people. You’re going to need every drop.” She’s right, as usual. I’m not thrilled with the extra weight in my pack, but I’m grateful for the fluid. The South Kaibab, with its sandy switchbacks and uneven wooden steps, is steep and exposed. I suck down water like a fiend, trying to beat

back the hazy buzz that’s settled in my brain, but I still have to bow my head in concentration to push forward. (The posture gives me ample time to observe my trail-christened shoes: respectably filthy, delightfully comfy.)

After a couple of tough hours, we stop to take a group photo, and I suddenly realize we’re seeing more and more day hikers. We’re almost there. Adrenaline floods my body and whisks the mist from my mind. From then on, I stride toward the summit feeling strong — and when I fi nally top out more than an hour later, fi st-pumping like a prize fighter, I spot ou r five companions, including Lucci and Ivor, who took the van back to the South Rim

instead of hiking. It could have been any of us, really; dehydration, blisters and fatigue can overwhelm even the fittest hikers. But today they had the grace to put aside their goal of conquering the canyon so we could ful fi ll ours more easily. As I watch the group reunite, I’m reminded of something Benincasa said yesterday morning — a lifetime ago: “Embrace this day, and love being alive — and remember: We’re not taking a hike, we’re giving a hike.” Amen, sister. Amen. m

• For more information on hiking the Grand Canyon, visit nps.gov/grca/planyourvisit. For more information on Project Athena, visit projectathena.org.

ICELAND

After a week of weirdness, a photographer finds the natural allure of an isolated country. STORY AND PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

“YOU HAVE TO COME, YOU MUST,” SHE SAID. Mary Ellen Mark, the renowned documentary photographer, was trying to convince me to make the trip from San Francisco to Iceland, where she runs a workshop each summer. I wa s flattered that she wanted me there, but the prospect of spending 10 days on any icy, volcanic rock in the middle of the North Atlantic held little appeal for me.

Besides, the more I read about Reykjavik — the capital and the country’s only sizable city (with a population half that of Marin) — the less interested I became. It was clean. It was safe. It was nearly all white.

Why, I asked Mary Ellen, would I want to go there?

“Because it’s weird,” she said. “The people are weird. You’ll like it.”

Mary Ellen knows me. I like weird. And, as usual, she was right — Iceland has plenty of weird.

Beyond the ubiquitous blondes, behind the unrelenting civility and underneath the itchy woolen sweaters, there was plenty of oddity. I found all I could of it. For more than a week, I photographed homeless people, alcoholics, an American-born heroin addict, a karaoke night for Elvis freaks, a women’s Roller Derby team and a group of massive gym rats — men and women — known as powerlifters (the country’s national

Opener: The lava fields near Reykjavik. This page left, top to bottom: Elvis impersonator Jósef Ólafsson; members of a women’s Roller Derby team; a young disabled woman with her new rabbit. This image: Hallgrimskirkja, Reykjavik’s most famous church.

sport). I explored other aspects of life as well, including looking at those with challenges like a sweet teenage girl who had lost a leg to cancer and the residents of a Down syndrome community.

I did what I often do while traveling: look for interesting people and ignore the tourist attractions.

That’s all well and good when I am in New York or Paris or Oaxaca, places I have the good fortune to visit regularly, but Iceland might have been a once-in-a-lifetime trip and the people I met and photographed could have lived anywhere in the world. After all, an alcoholic who lives in

a shipping container resembles similarly broken people in the U.S. — even if her name is Sigrun. I was photographing Icelanders, not Iceland.

The country is a geologic amusement park chock-full of glaciers, fjords and fumaroles, none of which I had seen. Nor had I walked on lava, slid on ice or dunked myself in the warm waters of the Blue Lagoon.

And that is how, in an eleventh-hour effort to fill that gap two days before my return flight to San Francisco, I found myself on a gray, blustery Sunday riding in a small station wagon being driven by one of the workshop’s photography interns. She was taking me on

a fast-forward tour of the volcanic landscape east of Reykjavik.

My guide’s young son was buckled into the rear seat, and a serpentine road carried us out from the city through uplands studded with dark, magenta-tinted cinder cones. A spongy mat of green lichen covered the lower reaches of the rock. The colors, vibrant on a sunny day, were muted this day by a heavy mist. For photography, especially the drive-by variety I was doing, the day didn’t look promising.

We stopped several times so I could click off ome frames. Even though I doubted the ability of my computerized camera to capture the natural

An apartment building reflected in a pool outside of Reyjkavik’s City Hall.

complexity before me, I marveled at the rawness of the landscape. The rocks, in geologic years, were newborns. The water, sitting deep in glacial lakes or running rapidly through basalt-rimmed rivers, was untainted by humankind. The air, moist and moving, quenched a deep pulmonary thirst.

At Þingvellir National Park, where the great tectonic plates of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge collide, I walked in the mist and followed a boardwalk through the rift valley to a promontory. I recorded the volcanic hills in the distance and the lake below. The gray swallowed the color, but I wanted the photo anyhow, as a memory and as something that might

compel me to come back and devote more time to this landscape.

I can’t say I will return to Iceland. I would like to, though. There are good people there I would like to see again. There are amazing places — such as Þingvellir — I want to revisit and many more I’ve yet to see. But as my years accumulate, my promises become fewer. There is less time ahead to keep them.

That day, then, that Sunday when I left behind the streets of Reykjavik for a more typical tourist experience — a drive through the hills, around the lake, past the waterfalls and home again — was my Iceland day. m

Above: Volcanic hills outside of Reykjavik. Right, top to bottom: Musicians after an outdoor performance in Reyjkavik; wall mural near the waterfront; a powerlifter competes in the Nordic championships in Keflavik outside of Reykjavik.

Out & About

CALENDAR / ON THE SCENE / DINE

THEATER

APR

Calendar

THEATER

APR 1–19 Nick and Nora Sleuths Nick and Nora Charles of The Thin Man novels return for a whodunit set in 1930s Hollywood. Bay Area audiences have the opportunity to enjoy the show for the fi rst time since the 1991 Broadway production. Eureka Theatre (SF). 415.255.8207, 42ndstmoon.org

APR 10–26 King Lear

This unique version of the Shakespeare classic features a two-person cast, an aluminum cage and 20 puppets. The Emerald Tablet (SF). independenteye.org

APR 16–MAY 10 The

Way West A struggling mother does her best to convince her two adult daughters that all is well by means of frontier folk songs and tall

tales. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5200, marintheatre.org

DANCE

APR 3–12 LINES

Ballet Spring Season

Choreographer Alonzo King teams up with soundscape artist Bernie Krause and composer Richard Blackford to present a performance inspired

by nature and animal sounds. YBCA (SF). 415.978.2787, linesballet.org

APR 9–12 A Space

Divided Three dancers partake in an immersive performance within a unique installation that features a semipermeable barrier between two areas. The three separate pieces will bleed into one another, resulting

in a collaborative evening-length presentation. Z Space (SF). 800.838.3006, zspace.org

APR 17–19 Sara (the Smuggler) A solo performance by Sara Shelton Mann in collaboration with Keith Hennessey featuring themes of dance history and lineage, friendship, healing and love. CounterPulse (SF). 415.626.2060, counterpulse.org

COMEDY

APR 10 See Jane Sing

Broadway star and comedian Jane Lynch comes to San Francisco for an evening of clever and hilarious musical comedy. Palace of Fine Arts (SF). 888.746.1798, shnsf.com

MUSIC

SUNDAYS Traditional Irish Session Head to Fairfax for an open, Irish-pub-style jam session. The Sleeping Lady (Fairfax). 415.485.1182, sleepinglady fairfax.com

APR 4 Wonderbread

5 The Bay Area–based party band performs its varied selection of covers spanning several eras and genres. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

APR 5 Bobby Jo Valentine Singer/ songwriter Bobby Jo Valentine performs a free concert as part of Marin Country Mart’s Folkish Festival. Marin Country Mart (Larkspur). 415.461.5700, marin countrymart.com

APR 9–15

Jackie Greene

This ongoing performance (six-day passes are available) features Jackie Greene’s acoustic stylings, which have been in fluenced by a friendship with Phil Lesh and a penchant for Grateful Dead covers. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

APR 12–14 Masterworks

4: Intersections Composer Mason Bates joins conductor

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

Alasdair Neale, the Marin Symphony Chorus and the Marin Symphony Youth Orchestra for a special side-by-side program. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.473.6800, marinsymphony.org

APR 13 The Replacements Reunited in 2013 after a 1991 split, the Replacements continue to draw crowds. Check out the show for a set featuring favorite hits and more. The Masonic (SF). 415.776.7457, sfmasonic.com

APR 15 Hozier Soulful rhythm-and-blues artist Hozier shares his musical identity as a singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist with hits like “Take Me to Church” and “From Eden.” The Masonic (SF). 415.776.7457, sfmasonic.com

APR 17 Marina and the Diamonds The British band visits the Bay Area to perform favorites from Electra Heart, which has been called an ode to dysfunctional love. The War field (SF). 415.345.0900, the war fieldtheatre.com

APR 18 Sean Hayes San Francisco–based Sean Hayes performs his no-frills country soul, telling stories and inspiring concertgoers to get up and groove.

Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

APR 19 Annaleigh Ashford Tonynominated Broadway and television star Annaleigh Ashford makes her West Coast debut with Lost in the Stars, a selection of

haunting and surprising melodies. Venetian Room at the Fairmont (SF). 415.392.4400, bayareacabaretorg

APR 19–20 Faith No More The band has existed in various forms since 1981, but enjoyed a reunion and eventual rekindling in 2009 after an 11-year hiatus. The show features a selection of impeccably performed hits. The War field (SF). 415.345.0900, the war fieldtheatre.com

APR 26 Marin Men’s Chorus The Marinbased group celebrates its 35th anniversary with a special concert event. Marin Showcase Theater (San Rafael). 415.473.6400, marincounty.org

APR 28 Merle Haggard

The veteran musician — with 39 No. 1 country hits under his belt — performs songs from his long career. Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.473.6800, marincounty.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 Jessica Hess Selected works, through April 17. 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

Claudia Chapline Gallery and Sculpture Garden Amie Lute Abstract figure painings and drawings by the artist. 3445 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach. 415.868.2308, cchapline.com

di Rosa The Fallibility of Intent Works by Richard T. Walker. 5200 Carneros Hwy, Napa. 707.226.5991, dirosaart.org

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

Gallery Route One

Lucid Art Residency

Annual Exhibition An annual group exhibition featuring works made during each artist’s residency in 2014,

through April 26. 11101 Hwy One, Point Reyes. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org

Headlands Center for the Arts Spring Open House Visit and view new works and works in progress, April 19. 944 Simmonds Rd, Sausalito. 415.331.2787, headlands.org

Marin Cancer Institute Gallery Nature’s Way Art by Elizabeth RodisJamero, through July 4. 1350 S. Eliseo Dr, Greenbrae. elizabeth rodisjamero.com

Marin Civic Center Galleries Capturing Lightning in a Bottle Works by members of the Marin Photography Club, through May 22. 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. 415.450.1079, photoartsmarin.com

Marin Society of Artists Spring Rental A

members-juried show, through April 18. 30

Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 415.454.9561, marinsociety ofartists.org

Mine Gallery Original contemporary art. 1820 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax. 415.755.4472, gallerymine.com

O’Hanlon Center for the Arts Composing Chaos A juried exhibition, through April 23. 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

Red Barn Gallery

Connections Art

Contemporary Marin presents an exhibition showcasing the work of female

environmentalists in conjunction with this year's Geography of Hope Conference, through June 30. 1 Bear Valley Road, 415.464.5125, artcon temporarymarin.com

Robert Allen Fine Art Abstract Cities and Landscapes Group exhibition, April 2–May 29. 301 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.2800, robertallenfineart.co

Robert Beck Gallery

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

Robert Green Fine Arts

Paul Jenkins Paintings and watercolors from the 1960s and 1970s, through May 3. 154 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.8776, rgfineart.com

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

Rock Hill Gallery Mary Vezie Watercolors by the artist, through April 23. 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. 108 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.384.8288, seagergray.com

Smith Andersen North Works by Leon Borensztein, through May 2. 20 Greenfield Ave, San Anselmo. 415.455.9733, smith andersennorth.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 Oils, watercolors and prints by painter Emmeline Craig. 3415 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach, 415.868.2787, emmelinecraig.com

Zener Schon Contemporary Art Contemporary works in various mediums from Eric Zener, Paige Smith, JD Wilson and more. 23 Sunnyside Ave, 415.738.8505, zenerschongallery.com

MUSEUMS

MARIN

Bolinas Museum A Life in Transition Skateboard photography by Brian Gaberman, through April 5 (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org

Marin History Museum Faces in Marin History A special exhibit featuring rarely seen photographs, portraits and stories from Marin founders and notable residents of past and present, through October 31 (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 Legends of the Bay Area: Lawrence Ferlinghetti, through April 5 (Novato). 415.506.0137, marinmoca.org

Tiburon Railroad and Ferry Depot Museum Learn the history of the N.P.R.R. terminus that occupied all of downtown Tiburon from 1884 to 1968, through October (Tiburon). 415.435.1853, land markssociety.com

BAY AREA

Asian Art Museum The Printer’s Eye Rarely seen works from the Grabhorn Collection, a large assemblage of Japanese woodblock prints, through May 10 (SF). 415.581.3711, asianart.org

California Academy of Sciences Enjoy an adults-only experience after 6 p.m. every Thursday. (SF). 415.379.8000, calacademy.org

Conservatory of Flowers Aquascapes The art of underwater gardening, through April 12 (SF). 415.831.2090, conservatory offlowers.org

Contemporary Jewish Museum Letters to Afar An immersive video art installation centering on Jewish immigrants from the U.S. who visited their hometowns in Poland ALEX LAKE

Hozier at the Masonic, S.F.

during the 1920s–30s, through May 24 (SF). 415.655.7800, thecjm.org

de Young Botticelli to Braque: Masterpieces from the National Galleries of Scotland Works by many of the greatest painters from the Renaissance to the early 20th century, through May 31 (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 High Style: The Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection, through July 19 (SF). 415.750.3600, legionofhonor.org

Museum of Craft and Design Data Clay: Digital Strategies for Parsing the Earth An exhibit that explores the medium of ceramics coupled with digital technologies, through April 19 (SF). 415.773.0303, sfmcd.org

Oakland Museum of California Fertile Ground: Art and Community in California A collaboration between SFMOMA and OMCA examining how California artists have in fluenced and have been in fluenced, through April 12 (Oakland). 510.318.8400, museumca.org

San Francisco Botanical Garden Fotanicals: The Secret Language of

Flowers Photography by joSon, through April (SF). sfbotanical garden.org

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Unconventional and Unexpected: Quilts Below the Radar, 1950–2000, through May 17 (Sonoma). svma.org

The Walt Disney Family Museum Lights! Camera! Glamour! The Photography of George Hurrell A selection of rare vintage prints by George Edward Hurrell, through June 29 (SF). 415.345.6800, waltdisney.org

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Polyscroll Works by Nate Boyce, through April 5 (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org

EVENTS

APR 2 San Francisco Ballet Auxiliary Fashion Show Neiman Marcus presents a cocktail reception, runway show, luncheon, ra ffle and live auction in support of the S.F. Ballet. The fashion show will feature spring 2015 designer collections selected by Neiman Marcus fashion director Ken Downing. The Fairmont (SF). 415.861.5600, sfballet.org

APR 4 Marin County Half Marathon 5K and 10K One of three events put on by the Sustainable Sports Foundation, the Marin County Half Marathon is a race for individuals of all ages and fitness

levels. McNears Beach Park (San Rafael). marinmarathon.com

APR 5 Union Street Easter Parade and Spring Celebration In San Francisco’s Cow Hollow, this fun-fi lled day is packed with free events, children’s activities, live entertainment, delicious food and the popular Easter bonnet contest. Union Street (SF). sresproductions.com

APR 6–13 Leave No Trace Hot Spot Point Reyes National Seashore has been selected as one of 12 geographically and ecologically diverse “hot spots” throughout the country, and this event provides an opportunity for community members to

learn how to keep the land pristine through training and volunteer opportunities. Various locations (Point Reyes). 415.663.1200, ptreyes.org

APR 9–12 Strictly Sail Pacific Boat Show

Check out the only allsailboat show on the West Coast as a wide variety of vessels glide into Oakland’s harbor. Peruse and purchase gear and enjoy seminars and interactive activities. Jack London Square (Oakland). strictlysailpacifi.com

APR 11 Jack of All Trades Market Take a stroll through this outdoor market featuring antiques, art, vintage goods, local food, live music and craft beer. Jack London Square

(Oakland). jackof alltradesoakland.com

APR 12 Mount Tam Wild Boar Half Marathon and 10K Get active at the 28th annual trail run, beginning at Rock Springs and winding up Ridgecrest Boulevard along the spine of Bolinas Ridge. Rock Springs (Mill Valley). 415.868.1829, envirosports.com

APR 13 French Market

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

APR 18 Top Hats and Pearls The Rotary Club

of Marin invites you to this black-tie-optional fundraising gala featuring food, a live auction (with a chance to win a seven-night Seabourn cruise) and music from the Sandy Geller Band. Marin Country Club (Novato). 415.945.9593, marinevening rotary.org

APR 25 Art and Wine Social Celebrate the 25th anniversary of Marin Ventures at this art show featuring live music, food, wine, a silent auction and more. Jason’s Restaurant (Greenbrae). 415.472.4961, marin ventures.org

APR 25–26 Treasure Island Flea More than 400 curated vendors are joined by food trucks and booths

along with live music, a selection of cocktails and DIY workshops at this fun and unique flea market. Avenue of the Palms (Treasure Island). ansanelli productions.com

APR 25–MAY 25 San Francisco Decorator Showcase A group of the top interior and landscape design fi rms in San Francisco converge on a 1916 Elizabethan manor to create 27 interior and exterior design spaces. 3630 Jackson Street (SF). decorator showcase.org

APR 27–MAY 3 PGA Tour World Golf Championship Cadillac Match Play Watch an exciting and elite headto-head competition between the top 64

ranked golfers in the world. TPC Harding Park (SF). 415.375.3270, worldgolf championships.com

FILM

APR 7 A View From the Bridge Mark Strong stars in Arthur Miller's in this dark and passionate tale of the realities of the fabled American dream. Broadcast from London’s West End by National Theatre Live. Lark Theatre (Larkspur). 415.924.5111, larktheater.net

APR 8 King John Enjoy one of Shakespeare’s most famous productions, as broadcast from Canada’s Stratford Festival, from the

comfort of a local theater chair. Lark Theater (Larkspur). 415.924.5111, larktheater.net

NATURE WALKS & TALKS

APR 3 Kent Island Restoration Help keep Kent Island an unspoiled ecosystem with a day of restoration and education as participants learn how to spot and remove invasive species. Nature lovers 5 and up are welcome to join in. Kent Island (Bolinas). 415.473.3778, marincounty.org

by LIFT-Levántate in partnership with Marin County Parks and Open Space. Vendola Drive trailhead (San Rafael). 415.473.2816, marin countyparks.org

APR 7 One Book One Marin: The Food of Peru and the Andes Deepen your understanding of this year’s One Book One Marin Selection, At Night We Walk in Circles by Daniel Alarcón. Public library (Marin City). 415.332.6158, onebookonemarin.org

APR 8 The Neuroscience of Zen: Happiness, Love and Wisdom Ph.D. and neuropsychologist Rick Hanson joins awareness expert Pamela Join

APR 4 Santa Venetia Marsh Stroll Relish an easy 1-mile hike meant to increase exercise awareness and promote accessible health and well-being. Presented

Weiss to discuss Hanson’s book, which centers on a melding of modern brain science and ancient meditative practices. Nourse Theater (SF). 415.392.4400, cityarts.net

APR 9 Nature for Kids:

Cascade Canyon Spend a day in Fairfax with a bevy of flowers, birds and butter fl ies. Learn about local creatures of the creek, and don’t forget to pack a lunch. Cascade Drive (Fairfax). 415.893.9508, marincountyparks.org

APR 11 Wildflower Walk

1 at Leiss Ranch Head to this MALT-protected ranch to observe more than 45 varieties of wild flowers. Bring a picnic lunch and the whole family for a day

of springtime fun. Leiss Ranch (Petaluma). 415.663.1158, malt.org

APR 11–12 Environmental Education and Natural History Intensive Training Teachers, naturalists and environmental educators are invited to partake in more than 20 hours of in-depth , field-based learning — from native plant identi fication to stream ecology. Field Institute (Point Reyes). 415.663.1200, ptreyes.org

APR 13 Diane Keaton: Let’s Just

Say It Wasn’t

Pretty Actor and author Diane Keaton discusses her new book Let’s Just Say It Wasn’t Pretty, which chronicles the ups and downs of working in a world obsessed

with beauty. Dominican University (San Rafael). 415.927.0960, bookpassage.com

APR 14 Peter Coyote

The actor, author and activist discusses and signs his new spiritual biography The Rainman’s Third Cure. Diesel, A Bookstore (Larkspur). 415.785.8177, dieselbookstore.com

APR 18 Harbor Seal Pupping Adventure

This Drakes Estero hike offers a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities within the surrounding beach and dune habitats. Twenty percent of California’s harbor seal population heads to Point Reyes National Seashore to breed, and April is

the ideal time to see and learn about these marine mammals. Field Institute (Point Reyes). 415.663.1200, ptreyes.org

APR 18 Marin Master Gardens April Gardening Seminar

Take your love of growing to the next level with this seminar featuring discussions about hydroponic gardening and California native plant growth. Tam Valley Community Center (Mill Valley). 415.388.6393, tcsd.us

APR 25 Earth Day at Hal Brown Park Celebrate Earth Day by participating in a restoration project with WildCare and Marin County Parks ranger Kirk Schroeder. Observe a variety of

birds while cleaning up the much-loved creek area. Hal Brown Park (Greenbrae). 415.456.7283, wildcarebayarea.org

APR 25 Light and Color in the Point Reyes Landscape Explore the unique and beautiful light and color contrasts of Point Reyes at this plein air watercolor workshop. Start the day by learning the basics of painting and composition (complete with demonstration) and spend the remainder of the afternoon painting. Field Institute (Point Reyes). 415.663.1200, ptreyes.org

APR 28 Secret Lives of Women: Thriving at Every Stage of Life American University journalism and

women’s studies professor and author Iris Krasnow discusses stages in a woman’s life and how to navigate and juggle the varying components. Community Center (Mill Valley). 415.888.2329, speaktomeevents.com

APR 29 The Internet of Things Vinton Cerf — co-designer of the TCP/IP protocols and the actual architecture as we know it — talks communication, waste, loss and cost with Jacob Ward, science and technology correspondent for Al Jazeera America and former editor-inchief of Popular Science Nourse Theater (SF). 415.392.4400, cityarts.net

SFMOMA ARTISTS GALLERY BENEFIT SALE

April 29−May 3

Fort Mason Center

2 Marina Boulevard, Building A San Francisco

Browse hundreds of artworks by more than 300 local artists and take home art at up to 50 percent off. Proceeds from this extraordinary, five-day art sale benefit participating artists, the Artists Gallery, and SFMOMA’s exhibitions and programs.

Opening Night Reception

Wednesday, April 29, 6−9 p.m.

Be among the first to shop the Artists Gallery’s annual benefit sale. Enjoy wine, a signature cocktail, and music while supporting Bay Area artists.

Admission $10; free for SFMOMA members.

Benefit Sale Hours

Thursday, April 30, 11 a.m.−8 p.m.

Friday, May 1, 11 a.m.−7 p.m.

Saturday, May 2, 11 a.m.−5 p.m.

Sunday, May 3, noon−5 p.m.

Johnny’s Story

When Johnny Kniesche arrived home from winter break 2004 complaining of feeling sore and tired, Skip and Nancy Kniesche thought their 19 year old athletic son had probably banged himself up playing basketball with his buddies. Still, they took him to see Dr. Ray Bonneau, a Marin orthopedic specialist and family friend. Dr. Bonneau ordered a diagnostic scan and promised to call with the results.

The phone rang on December 26th. Dr. Bonneau said, “We think he has non-hodgkins lymphoma.”

The aggressive blood cancer had spread throughout his bones. “Take Johnny to Jennifer Lucas at Marin Cancer Institute,” Dr. Bonneau told them. “It’s one of the best cancer centers in the country.”

From the moment they met Dr. Lucas, the Kniesches felt reassured, says Nancy. “She bonded with Johnny over basketball, and every time we visited it felt like family.”

Grueling chemo treatments beat back the lymphoma and eventually, Johnny was able to go back to school at Michigan. But after two years, he relapsed. He was transferred to UCSF to undergo a bone marrow transplant.

“Even though we were no longer on the books of Marin Cancer Institute it felt like we never left,” Nancy says. “Dr. Lucas always stayed in touch with his UCSF doctors. If Johnny needed something she arranged for him to have it in Marin. At Michigan, she helped find good doctors to support him. And if the family had questions or concerns, she was there for us.”

But Johnny relapsed again, so fragile that he dropped out of school. Then the leukemia roared back with a vengeance. Doctors told the family to prepare for the worst. Nancy took leave from work to devote the next six months to taking Johnny wherever he wanted to go. Johnny’s brothers, Ted and Mark, and their wives, Kali and Julia, began to spend as much time as possible with him; the family became closer than ever.

Long-time Giants fans, they didn’t miss a game when the team made the playoffs and then the World Series in Texas. Even desperately ill, Johnny and his parents sat in the stands and cheered the team on to its 2010 championship. “No matter how bad he felt, he always managed to make others feel okay,” says Skip. The whole family attended the Masters, another item on Johnny’s wish list. And they learned to let go; he flew alone to visit friends in Michigan where a physician met him on a Sunday morning for a transfusion.

“I’ve never met someone with more courage than Johnny, and the ability to stay upbeat in the face of adversity,” says Dr. Lucas.

A miracle arrived in the form of a cancer drug, asparigenase, prescribed in a last ditch effort to turn the tide. At first, it made him feel even worse—if that were possible—with months of nausea, weight loss, numbness and other side effects. “We just kept moving,” says Nancy, “and then he got better, to everyone’s amazement. He started getting stronger and looking ahead.”

After completing his final semester at Michigan long distance, the whole family accompanied him to graduation; Obama delivered the address. He settled on UCLA for graduate school. He finished his first semester, and came home with a very bad cold or pneumonia, depleted physically and emotionally. Nancy drove back to UCLA with him after the break, to help him get back on his feet. After arriving, he told her he had lost confidence; he just didn’t think he could stay.

“He’d been through too much to quit now,” Nancy says. She suggested he call Dr. Lucas for advice. “I knew Jen would have a plan—Jen always had a plan.”

Dr. Lucas answered with the sounds of her small children in the background. She instantly understood how important this call must be and listened as Johnny told her he was ready to give up on UCLA. “I want to come home,” he said.

“What will you do if you go home?” Dr. Lucas asked. “You need a plan. Let’s just get you through the next month there, and then let’s talk again.”

Something just clicked. “Jen was like a sister to Johnny,” Nancy says. “That call turned him around.” He gritted his teeth, earned his Masters and met Kelsey, the woman he married last year in a joyous ceremony attended, of course, by Dr. Lucas.

Doctors recently delivered good news; his platelets are in the normal range for the first time since his diagnosis. “His immune system is ready to fight again,” says Nancy. “He’ll always carry some scars from this, but we are all focused on the future now.”

“We owe so much to the Cancer Center and Dr. Lucas,” says Nancy. “They were always by our side, through thick and thin. Before this happened, we had no clue how incredibly lucky we are to have this world class center right here in Marin. We will always be grateful for the extraordinary care and caring we received.”

Note: Skip and Nancy Kniesche are co-chairing the Marin General Hospital Foundation gala, Bombay Dreamy, to be held on Saturday, May 16, 2015, benefiting Marin Cancer Institute (MCI). For more information or to register go to maringeneral.org/events

PHOTO BY KATHLEEN HENNESSY

Reta Haynes Mike and

marin G enera L H ospi TaL founda T ion presents

BombayDreamy

a BLacK-Tie GaLa saTurday, may 16, 2015

Extraordinary tented venue in downtown Sausalito benefiting

marin cancer ins TiTuTe aT m arin Genera L Hospi TaL

Nancy and Skip Kniesche, Chairs

Event information: 415.925.7770 or www.maringeneral.org/events

Joe

Anonymous

pi La

sponsors * *As of February 26, 2015

Corinne

Derek

Hospice by the Bay Jon and Hope Kragh Tom and Marie Lyons Marin Sanitary Service Moresco Distributing Company

Mt.

sTandBy amBuL ance

Sharon Stone

The Kniesche Family Barbara McCullough

Chris and Bob Feibusch Dennis and Susan Gilardi

Bob and Connie Peirce Carolie (Kiki) Pescatello

Nancy and Richard Robbins Stephanie and Mark Robinson

Sue and Michael Schwartz The Schultz Foundation

Sharon Early - in memory of John Early and H.J. (Bill) Haynes

Frank M. Ewing Foundation, Inc. Herbst Foundation Kentfield Hospital

Betsy and Ed McDermott Honey and Jed Nachman Darice and Jeffrey O’Neill

Joe and Heidi Shekou John and Pamela Larson

Sally Buehler

John and Pat Cahill Janell and Joe Ciatti Joanne Dunn

Hedrick and Jim Bruner Jeff and Phyllis Koblick KC and Steve Lauck Marin Gastroenterology

and Nancy Parker Maria Pitcairn Tucky and John Pogue Henry Timnick

Cathie and Chris Warner Douglas and Nancy Wolcott Polly and Ward Wolff

and Pat Abrams Lydia and Tony Cameron Jeri Dexter Marianne and Albert Figen Foundation Gerlach, Kaufman & Otter Families

Tam Orthopedics & Spine Center Kathryn Niggeman David and Marcia Sperling Brian & June Strunk Young’s Market Company

Dennis Whipp The Honorable Roy Wonder & Barbara Ward Wonder Fran Zone

Dine

AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO RESTAURANTS AND GOOD FOOD IN THE BAY AREA

• THE 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, pastries and much more. Enjoy a casual meal inside or on the outdoor patio. 848 College Ave, 415.459.0291, halfdaycafe.com

CORTE MADERA

BEST LIL’ PORKHOUSE

American For a selection of fried appetizers, ribs, sliders and barbecue sauce, head to this authentic BBQ joint. The bar area boasts a pool table and several televisions perfect for entertaining the family while you chow down on Texas-style cuisine. 60 Madera Blvd, 415.927.7427, bestlilporkhouse.com

BOCA PIZZERIA Italian Owners Shah Bahreyni and Sam Ramadan’s 142-seat eatery features Neapolitan-style pizza topped with imported San Marzano tomatoes and fresh, house-made mozzarella. Other menu items (all made with local ingredients) include roasted beet salad, a grilled eggplant sandwich and portobello and porcini mushroom ravioli. 1544 Redwood Hwy, 415.924.3021, bocapizzeria.com

BRICK & BOTTLE

California From private parties to catered events, chef Bob Simontacchi’s menu offers seasonal selections made with local ingredients. Enjoy signature dishes like orzo mac ‘n’ cheese with smoked Gouda and local favorites like petrale

sole 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

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

PIG IN A PICKLE

Barbecue/American

Fresh, local ingredients and the highest quality brisket, pork, ribs and chicken comprise the menu of this Town Center eatery. Sauces are crafted

Tortilla Scramble

EDITED BY MIMI TOWLE

to represent the best American barbecue regions, from Memphis to South Carolina. House made pickles, buns and sausages will keep you coming back. 341 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.891.3265, piginapicklebbq.com

THE COUNTER California/American

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

FAIRFAX

123 BOLINAS California

This Fairfax spot was created by four friends who aimed to showcase seasonal fare in a relaxing, intimate environment. Enjoy locally brewed beer, smallproduction wines and one of the many cheese boards as you take in the view of Bolinas Park through the floor-toceiling windows. 123 Bolinas St, 415.488.5123, 123bolinas.com

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

LARKSPUR

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

FARMSHOP California

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

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

LEFT BANK RESTAURANT

French

Known for awardwinning French cuisine and a lively brasserie ambience, this corner spot on Magnolia Avenue rates high with locals. Those with a small appetite (or budget) can opt for happy

hour (4 to 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to close, M–F) appetizers, most priced under $6. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331, leftbank.com

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

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

PICCO California Popular since its inception, details from the seasonally driven menu items to the risotto, made every half hour, keep patrons coming back. The Picco Pizzeria and Wine Bar next door is cozy (not many seats) and famous for its wood-fi red pizzas, great wine selection and soft-serve Straus Family Creamery ice

cream. 320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300, restaurantpicco.com

RUSTIC BAKERY

California Try a large house-made pastry, an artisanal salad or a mouthwatering sandwich at this Marin favorite. Two Larkspur locations: Marin Country Mart, 415.461.9900; 1139 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.1556, rusticbakery.com

MILL VALLEY

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

•

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

BALBOA CAFE MILL VALLEY California

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

BOO KOO Asian

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

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

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

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 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

INDIA PALACE Indian Known as “that great restaurant in the Travelodge,” India Palace is a favorite among the takeout crowd; eating on site is also a treat. 707 Redwood Hwy, 415.388.3350, india palacemillvalley.com

KITCHEN SUNNYSIDE

American This brunch stop brings some

gourmet to your morning with options like Dungeness crab hash, marscapone-stu ffed french toast, eggs Florentine and bottomless mimosas. Lunch options like paninis and burgers are also available. 31 Sunnyside Ave, 415.326.5159, kitchen sunnyside.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 is also a full-blown restaurant. Choose from a large selection of small plates, including king oyster mushrooms, roasted potatoes and grilled squid, and a small list of large portions like con fit rabbit. 173 Throckmorton Ave, 415.888.8218, mill valleybeerworks.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

Calamari a la Plancha

on the water. Peruse the impressive selection of Italian wines to accompany your rustic seasonal meal. 625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525, piatti.com

PRABH INDIAN

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

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

SHORELINE COFFEE

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

TAMALPIE Italian Pizzas are crafted from a 1,500-year-old recipe, with organic ingredients gathered from the farmers’ market twice weekly. Sit indoors or out and enjoy starters like creamy polenta, salads and pies with names

like Hoo-koo-E-koo and Railroad Grade. 477 Miller Ave, 415.388.7437, tamalpiepizza.com

VASCO Italian Whether you’re at a table, the bar or the back counter, you can expect an intimate and tasty dining experience in this one-room trattoria. Try one of the pasta dishes or thincrust wood fi red pizzas. 106 Throckmorton Ave, 415.381.3343, vascomillvalley.com

NOVATO

BOCA PIZZERIA Italian

Enjoy authentic pizza prepared with fresh mozzarella made in-house daily and tomatoes imported from Italy. Other menu items include grilled rosemary chicken sandwiches and braised beef short rib pappardelle. Enjoy weekly specials, such as 50 percent off all wines by the bottle on Wednesdays and half off raft beers on Thursdays. 454 Ignacio Blvd, 415.883.2302, bocapizzeria.com

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

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

•

BETH’S COMMUNITY

KITCHEN Bakery Sure, you can find the bakery’s products in some of your favorite stores and order the goods online, but only Marin residents are fortunate enough to enjoy Beth’s fresh baked products fresh out of the oven. Opened in 2011, this is Beth’s only retail location and it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere anytime soon. 34 Miller Ave, 415.383.3991, beths.com

dinner, as well as Sunday brunch. 850 Lamont Ave, 415.893.1892, hilltop1892.com

RICKEY’S RESTAURANT & BAR

American Besides a fullservice restaurant and bar, 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 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

THE SPEAKEASY

American There’s nothing like the comfort of a solid burger and beer when you’re kicking back and watching the game and the Speakeasy provides you with just that. More so, in addition to the 10 beers offered on top, fares beyond traditional pub grub are offered like a deconstructed salmon salad for those a little less reckless with their calorie consumption. 504 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.7793, thespeak easynovato.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

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

L’APPART RESTO

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

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

LINCOLN PARK WINE BAR American Choose between an intimate setting at the marble bar with vintage stools or a lively atmosphere in the lounge room with built-in banquettes. Adhering to a farm-totable and grape-to-glass philosophy, the Lincoln Park Wine Bar serves locally sourced and organic food and wine. 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.453.9898, lincolnparkwine.com

MARINITAS Mexican

The sister restaurant of Insalata’s, Marinitas continues to flourish as a bastion of creative Latin cuisine in Marin. It may not be as lowpriced as most Mexican restaurants in the area, but 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

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

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

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

IL DAVIDE Italian A large selection of both Italian and California wines by the glass, along with the tiramisu,

have kept locals coming back for years. Don’t leave without sampling the limoncello. 901 A St, 415.454.8080, ildavide.net

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

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, mulberrystreet pizzasanrafael.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

PANAMA HOTEL RESTAURANT

American The dinner menu offers a large selection of options — from tortilla soup to wild mushroom raviolis — but it’s the Sunday brunch menu that will keep the kids happy; try the Panama Wa ffle served with bananas, warm chocolate sauce and whipped cream, along with a pitcher of “make-your-own” mimosas for the adults. The tropical garden is a prime spot for people watching. 4 Bayview St, 415.457.3993, panamahotel.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. The roast sirloin of beef and Fettuccine Joe’s are sure to please. Fourth St, 415.456.2425, sanrafaeljoe.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, sushi todaifor.net

TERRAPIN CROSSROADS

American This water front 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

THERESA & JOHNNY’S COMFORT FOOD

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

VIN ANTICO American

This resurrected restaurant offers seasonal market-inspired cuisine like stone oven-baked fl atbreads, handmade pasta and organic salads. 881 Fourth St, 415.721.0600, vinantico.com

around once

352 miller ave / mill valley, ca www.oncearound.com 415.389.1667

Win a Celebrity Cruises Modern Luxury Ship Tour and Luncheon for Two

•

• Private Celebrity Infinity Ship Tour at the San Francisco Pier 23 Terminal

• Four-Course VIP Luncheon with Wine

Tour and luncheon held on Friday, May 15, 2015. Must be 21 years of age to enter. Enter to win at marinmagazine.com/celebritycruises

SAUSALITO

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

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

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, 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

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

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

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, osteriadivino.com

BLUESTONE MAIN

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

LIGHTHOUSE American

A great spot to grab a classic breakfast — the fruit pancakes, omelettes and Danishin fluenced dishes will make you a return customer. This is a small but popular space, so arrive early or be prepared for a wait. 1311 Bridgeway, 415.331.3034, light house-restaurants.com

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

SALITO’S Seafood

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

SAYLOR’S RESTAURANT AND

BAR Mexican Marin’s fi rst tequila bar offers more than 100 varieties. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with a

margarita, grilled snapper tacos or an avocado stu ffed with Dungeness crab salad. Happy hour M-F from 4 to 7 p.m. 2009 Bridgeway, 415.332.1512, 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

SEAHORSE Italian The spacious dining area, accompanied by a dance floor and stage, make Seahorse ideal for both small and large celebrations. Enjoy a modern twist on classic Tuscan coastal cuisine while grooving to the nightly live

music and entertainment. 305 Harbor Dr, 415.331.2899, sausalitoseahorse.com

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

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

• RISTORANTE LA TOSCANA

Italian

Family owned and operated since 1985, La Toscana Ristorante & Bar has completed an extensive interior and exterior renovation, transforming this already popular San Rafael restaurant and bar into an environment for any gathering or occasion. The menu features classics like gnocchi and carbonara, as well as a selection of wine. 3751 Redwood Hwy, 415.492.9100, ristorantelatoscana.com

required in the main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620, sushiran.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, sausalitotaste ofthehimalayas.com

THE TRIDENT Seafood Set in a turn-of-thecentury building constructed for the San Francisco Yacht Club, this waterfront restaurant is a shoe-in for date night. The restaurant

features chef Seiji Wakabayashi — known for supporting local farmers, fi shermen and organic food producers — prepares dishes like Trident Cioppino. 558 Bridgeway, 415.331.3232, thetridentsausalito.com

TIBURON

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

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

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

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 bread and pesto pasta keep customers coming back. 1 Blackfield Dr, 415.388.9100

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. Happy hour is 4 to 6:30 p.m. everyday. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, tiburontavern.com

Blueberry Limoncello Tiramisu

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

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

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

Wish granted. Terrestra | San Francisco | Mill Valley 30 MILLER AVENUE ■ 415 -384-8330 ■ TERRESTRA.COM

A Prestigious University in Your Own

Back Yard.

Dominican University of California is an independent university offering the best of the liberal arts combined with rigorous professional education.

50 Acacia Avenue San Rafael, California 9490 1

- 60+ undergraduate and graduate academic programs

- Executive Education

- Undergraduate research and internships

- Public lectures by renowned authors

- Classes for adults 50+

- 11 intercollegiate athletic programs

- Art exhibitions, concerts and recitals

- State-of-the-art recreation center

LEARN MORE AT DOMINICAN.EDU

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 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

with a salad, bowl or sandwich and enjoy the stylish San Francisco vibes. 2015 Fillmore St, 415.800.7696, bunmee.co

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

CLIFF HOUSE California

Great food, beautiful view and lots of history — what else could you ask for? An award winning wine list? They have that, too. Not only does Cliff ouse boast a popular Sunday Champagne brunch, but it also focuses on local, organic, sustainable ingredients and seafood on its everyday menu. 1090 Point Lobos, 415.386.3330, cliff house.com

ESPETUS CHURRASCARIA

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

Brazilian This steakhouse boasts a tasting menu of 14 meat courses grilled in the traditional Brazilian method. Patrons control the pace of the pri x fi xe experience with colored signal cards. 1686 Market St, 415.552.8792, espetus.com

FRANCES California

San Francisco elegance meets comfort food. The local, seasonal menu is a must-try on any trip to the city. Beware of the wait, however; make a reservation. 3870 17th St, 415.621.3870, frances-sf.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

LOLÓ Mexican Fashionable San Francisco–style Mexican cuisine fuses market-fresh ingredients with traditional dishes. The whole atmosphere is bright, colorful and festive, a reflection of Loló’s fl avor-blasted menu. 974 Valencia St, 415.643.5656, lolosf.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

NAMU GAJI Korean A clean and natural design in a streamlined setting, where a shiitake mushroom dumpling and an eightounce Korean-accented burger are among the many options to

discover. 499 Dolores St, 415.431.6268, namusf.com

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

PADRECITO Mexican

Authentic Mexican cooking with the variety and individuality of San Francisco. The tacos feature meat from the likes of Mary’s, Marin Sun Farms and Niman and Meyer ranch that go perfect with the spicy and original cocktails. 901 Cole St, 415.742.5505, padrecitosf.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

For even more local restaurant listings, vistit us online at marinmagazine.com

OLD COURTHOUSE SQUARE 529 4th Street, Santa Rosa 707-568-4044

CokasDiko-Marin-2-15.indd 1

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN 21 Washington St., Petaluma 707-763-9200

cokasdiko.com

CEDROS DESIGN DISTRICT 412 S. Cedros, Solana Beach 858-481-4341

2/24/2015 8:16:13 PM

Working Together

Papas Bravas

SERVES 2–4

Ingredients

½ bunch rosemary

½ bunch thyme

½ bunch parsley

2 fresh bay leaves

1 head garlic root, end cut off

1 tablespoon fennel seed

1 tablespoon mustard seed

1 tablespoon black pepper

1½ cups salt

1 pound baby Yukon gold potatoes

2 large onions, diced

Canola oil

5 large red bell peppers, roasted

½ cup water

½ cup olive oil

½ tablespoon Espelette (or ¼ tablespoon cayenne pepper)

¾ cup Don Bruno sherry vinegar (or any good Spanish sherry vinegar)

To Prepare

For potatoes

1 Place all aromatics in a sachet d’épice (cheesecloth tied with butcher twine). 2 Pour about one gallon of water into a large pot and add the sachet d’épice and salt. 3 Lightly simmer potatoes in the water until fork tender. 4 Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate (this will help set the starch). For sauce 1 Char onions in canola oil on stove top. 2 Add roasted and cleaned peppers to the pan. (To roast: place whole peppers on a sheet pan and roast for 30 minutes — until skins are wrinkled and peppers charred — turning twice during cooking.) 3 Add water, olive oil, Espelette and Don Bruno. 4 Lightly simmer for 20 minutes. 5 Place in a drink blender and blend on high until smooth. To finish 1 Smash the potatoes lightly with fork. 2 Pan- or deep-fry potatoes until deep golden brown. 3 Toss the crispy Yukons in the pepper sauce and serve with mayo or aioli.

“I

’M WHAT YOU would call a ‘working chef’ — I believe that chefs should work side by side with their team in the kitchen to teach and maintain the high standards that they hold,” says El Paseo’s Mike Ward of the style he has developed during more than 15 years in the culinary world. “You’re only as good as the team you work with.” Ward migrated from Sacramento — where he was formerly executive chef at Slocum House and sous chef at The Kitchen — to the Bay Area in 2013, after El Paseo owners Sammy Hagar and Tyler Florence invited him to head up their recently revamped kitchen. Since then, the chef has been working to build the best possible team and to create an atmosphere where sta ffers can continue to cultivate their passion for food. Ward believes that becoming a chef is an unending pursuit; he is a continual student of his craft. Prior to settling in Sactown, he worked for some of the nation’s top restaurants and chefs in Boston and Manhattan (including the acclaimed Chef Tony Maws) and since putting down roots at El Paseo has developed strong relationships with local vendors — you ca n fi nd him hunting down ingredients at the Marin farmers’ market in San Rafael on the weekends. Here he shares the recipe for a crowd-pleasing El Paseo starter: papas bravas. elpaseomillvalley.com CALIN VAN PARIS

Mike Ward shares a popular recipe crafted with his team.

On the Scene

• PPIE100 S.F. mayor Ed Lee and more than 600 hundred Bay Area civic leaders celebrated the centennial of the Panama Pacific International Exposition February 20 at the Palace of Fine Arts.

• MARIN VALENTINE’S BALL More than 300 people “shared the love” at the annul themed event held at the Marin Civic Center February 7.

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

Gordon Getty, Maura Morey and David Stull

• FANFARE LUNCHEON The San Francisco Conservatory of Music celebrated members at its 12th annual event January 23 in San Francisco.

Nannette Griswold and Carol Roeder

Mark Buell, Maggie Wei, Eleni Kounalakis and Markos Kounalakis and Tom Robarte

Vilja Fussell, Willie Brown and Tad Taube

Ed Lee

Check out

participating

in

“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.

Barrel House Tavern, nestled in historic downtown Sausalito offers a northern California vibe, attentive hospitality, and a locally sourced seasonal menu. Overlooking the Bay with breathtaking views, Barrel House Tavern is a lively destination fit for an intimate dinner for two, or a celebratory venue for large groups.

Barrel House Tavern 660 Bridgeway 415.729.9593 Sausalito, CA barrelhousetavern.com

Nightly Seasonal Supper and Sunset Happy Hour! Join us on Easter for a Special Prix Fixe Menu. Enjoy Chef-Inspired Seasonal California Cuisine, like our delicious Applewood Smoked Pork Shoulder, and a Lively Happy Hour, 4:30-7pm daily. Private Dining Rooms Available for Special Events and Celebrations.

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

The historic Cliff House offers awesome views from every angle and one of nature’s best shows every day. Dine in the casual Bistro Restaurant or the elegant Sutro’s at the Cliff House. Sunday Brunch in the Terrace Room is a Bay Area tradition with free-flowing champagne and a delicious buffet.

Cliff House

1090 Point Lobos 415.386.3330 San Francisco, CA cliffhouse.com

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

For Italian flare on the Sausalito waterfront, look no further than Sausalito Seahorse for a night on the town and a delectable bite to eat. Live music nightly.

Seahorse Supper Club 305 Harbor Drive 415.331.2899 Sausalito, CA sausalitoseahorse.com

Perched on the Sausalito waterfront, the renowned Trident honors its original founding philosophy, showcasing quality organic and sustainablyprodued local fare. Whether seated indoors or on one of our two decks, spectacular bay views make dining here a feast for all the senses.

The Trident - Best Deck Dining 558 Bridgeway 415.331.3232 Sausalito, CA thetrident.net

Il Fornaio award-winning specialties include housemade pastas, wood-fired pizza, authentic risotto, and rotisserie meats, along with artisan cocktails and a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list. Recently awarded the “Marchio Q” by the Italian Chambers of Commerce in Italy, Il Fornaio provides you with the best Italian dining experience outside of Italy.

• SMUIN’S 20TH ANNIVERSARY

ARTS SHOW

DREW ALTIZER (SMUIN); MO DELONG (TRIBAL AND TEXTILE ARTS)

• SAN FRANCISCO TRIBAL AND TEXTILE

The largest collection of ethnographic art on display in North America was at the February 5 show at the de Young Museum.

Patrick Mestdagh and Jeanne and Jeffery Clifton

Sonia Lovewell, Karistal Hale, Thomas Murray and Don Tuttle

Dhani Chinalai, Somporn Intaraprayong, Lee Chinalai and Elaine Connell

Graff Diamonds in Union Square hosted a cocktail reception attended by benefactors, sponsors and dancers to honor the ballet’s anniversary.

Mary Hand, Darren Anderson and Ruth Marcus

Lee Baxter and Charlene Kiesselbach

Marin Home

FROM TOURS AND MAKEOVERS TO DECORATIVE DETAILS AND REALTOR INSIGHTS

A TIME TO RUSH

A Novato home with a great view has everything a growing family needs.

BY LAURA HILGERS • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

KATIE BALES LIKES to joke that she and her husband, Rob Balchunas, are on “the Life Acceleration Plan.” No kidding: in the course of one year, they got married, had a baby and bought a house. Once they moved in, they painted the walls, hung the art and arranged the furniture in just three weeks.

Why the rush? Bales, a Novato orthodontist, and Balchunas, a software company executive in the city, had been living in her Ignacio place before they got married, and they wanted to own a home in Novato together. They also needed a house big enough to accommodate Balchunas’ visiting East Coast family. But it was really the imminent arrival of daughter Lola that fueled their search.

They looked around and set their sights on Olive Ridge, a cluster of 20 energy-efficient homes that’s as much Mayberry as it is green living. “There were several homes available there, but nothing was really a match,” says their realtor, Jennifer Bowes. “So we networked and finally found this house, which was owned by a realtor and not even on the market.”

Bales fell for it immediately. “I loved all the details,” she says. “It had great

woodwork, and I loved the coffered ceilings in the family room.” Both she and Balchunas also liked the backyard, which is guarded only by deer fencing and offers a miles-long view of nothing but Audubon-protected wetlands and multiuse farmland. And the house, with four bedrooms, a loft and a library, had plenty of room for family and guests.

After moving in, Bales, whose style leans toward shabby chic, quickly went to work warming up the space. She hired woodworker William Hernandez to place rough reclaimed-wood beams across the top of the two-story-high living room ceilings, creating a nice vintage counterpoint to the marble fi replace and cherr y floors. Antique wooden corbels from an old Ohio courthouse were added to the cutout opening from the secondstory library onto the living room.

Handcrafted Swarovski crystal chandeliers hung throughout balance out the home’s neutral palette and contemporary feel. One chandelier over the kitchen sink draws sunlight to the white marble counters; another, above the dining room table, is a fun, whimsical partner to the four-foot-high rough wooden letters R and K on the wall. The letters are mementos from Bales and Balchunas’

recent wedding, which happened only after a long on-again off-again courtship. Because, unlike house hunting, there are some things in life you just can’t rush. m

Opposite page, clockwise from left: The kitchen, with crystal chandelier above the sink, cherry floors and marble countertops; the patio furniture and open fencing of the backyard; the homey entrance. This page, clockwise from top left: An aerial view of the living room, from the opening in the second floor library; Katie, Rob and their daughter; wooden letters, from Katie and Rob’s wedding, on the dining room wall; a living room table and romantic photo; a bedside table in the master bedroom; the home’s wood-shingled exterior; a stylish planter.

THE DETAILS

WHERE THEY PURCHASED The Olive Ridge neighborhood of Novato

WHAT THEY BOUGHT A 2007 woodshingled home

LISTING AGENT Julie Widergren, Decker Bullock Sotheby’s

SELLING AGENTS Jennifer Bowes and Heather Galli, Bradley Real Estate

STATS Price per square foot for homes in the neighborhood: $342

Wine Country Resort Living at its Best!

Custom private estate located in the prestigious George Ranch community with astounding views of the Sonoma Valley and Bay. This property offers a private feeling yet it is close to the famous Sonoma historic plaza, restaurants and wineries. This retreat features approximately 5,400 square feet of living space, including 4 spacious bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen with top of the line appliances, travertine entry, hardwood floors, dining room, impressive great room with an entertainer’s bar and rich white cedar ceilings, formal living area and three fireplaces. This elegant home also boasts a game room, bonus room for fitness or office use, and an outstanding temperature controlled 700 bottle wine cellar with additional seating for tastings. The large French doors that bring abundant light to the living space lead to an expansive deck with a show case pool and spa surrounded by waterfalls and impeccable grounds.

Jennifer Bowes (415) 717-1632

New contemporary home with stunning views of Mt. Tam boasts elegance and style. Enter into an expansive main living space with an open floor plan bordered by 40 feet of retractable glass leading to a 1600 square foot terrace complete with an outdoor kitchen and multiple entertaining spaces. Sleek modern finishes are mixed with oil finished white oak floors and natural stone surfaces. The spacious kitchen is well-appointed with Thermador appliances, a wine fridge, vast sky-lighting & more. The master bath offers a soothing retreat with a large frameless glass shower, a soaking tub and heated tile floors. Other design features and amenities include a large office that may also be used as a fifth bedroom, 10 foot ceilings throughout, an oversized two car garage, elevator from the garage level to the main living space, a two car carport, interior and exterior sound system, Buzon pedestal decking system, custom cabinetry throughout and easy access to Sir Francis Drake and freeways.

726-9630

Paul Cingolani (415)

Relax and enjoy the San Francisco skyline from this 4BR/6BA masterpiece just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. Designed by prominent San Francisco architects, Porter & Steinwedell. This elegant property sits on two hill side parcels providing unobstructed, breathtaking vistas from almost every room. The gardens were custom designed by the renowned landscape architect Fred Warnecke. Luxurious master suite features his and her master-baths & three walk-in closets. 2700 bottle wine cellar, gym, secluded patio, terrace, 4 car garage+ detached house with kitchen & half bath. www.54LowerCrescent.com

offered at $5,750,000

SOLD

Julia Bernardini (415) 225-0468

This gorgeous home has been fully remodeled to its original splendor with period features and the latest amenities. A flat sunny property just a few blocks from Ross School boasts the quintessential California lifestyle with expansive grounds, pool and wine cellar. The quaint hamlet of Ross with its thick canopy of trees, unique shops and restaurants is Marin County at its finest.

Please Call for Price

ray Bakowski (415) 608-7806

This single level three bedroom, two bath home is located on a prime Pleasant Valley culde-sac. Lovingly cared for, this home features a large living room, an open kitchen, dining area, sunken family room, spacious bedrooms, a beautifully remodeled master bath and two fireplaces. The large level lot features a nice patio, raised garden beds and large side yards. Other features include: newer furnace, updated electrical and newer landscaping. Close to desirable schools, shopping and hiking trails. A true must see!

offered at $699,000

Jennifer Bowes (415) 717-1632

Remodeled Ranch Home in Novato

Don’t miss this updated three bedroom, two bath home with a large, private yard and patio! Amenities include: Updated flooring throughout, stainless steel appliances, laundry area with new washer and dryer and new bathroom vanities. Freshly painted, updated hardware, and extra storage. Recently installed driveway and patio create a welcoming exterior. Close to downtown, schools, and shopping. Move-in ready!

offered at $619,000

Catherine trahan (415) 729-1045

Contemporary Sausalito Masterpiece

Prestigious Ross 1930’s Spanish Colonial Revival

Prime Pleasant Valley in Novato

Paradise awaits. Perfectly sited on nearly an acre of level land, this private Ross oasis offers the ideal indoor/outdoor lifestyle. All of the grand scale public rooms open to the sweeping level lawns, bluestone patios, wide verandas, luxurious pool, outdoor fireplace, and glorious gardens. With a southwestern orientation, the property is flooded with light. Completely remodeled, this 5-bedroom, 7-bath home epitomizes modern living. Coveted Ross School district. $7,995,000

Stephanie

EXCEPTIONAL STINSON BEACH HIGHLANDS HOME

One of the finest properties in Stinson Beach, located in the coveted highlands, this unique home boasts custom detailing throughout. Situated on a peaceful ½ acre with sensational ocean and mountain views, accompanied by the sounds of the ocean in the background and just steps from Mt. Tam trail heads. There is expansive outdoor living area with upper level slate decks with stainless steel cable rail and lower level bluestone patio areas. Features include teak cabinets and casework, copper detailing, extensive use of glass, a variety of stone, radiant heated floor and automated gates. Built by Woodworking West, Inc. 7 Avenida Farralone, Stinson Beach Offered at $3,500,000 • www.7avenidafarralone.com

SARAH NANCY BUTLER

Conveniently Located in Stinson Beach 3470 Shoreline Highway, Stinson Beach, CA 94970 (415) 868-0717 | sarahnancybutler.com oceanicrealty.com | DRE #01258888

Specializing in Sales, Vacation Rentals, and Property Management in Stinson Beach.

I needed a place where I could innovate.

The expectation of my buyers and sellers is rapidly changing. Keeping ahead of the curve requires me to align with a company who recognizes change, embraces innovation, and provides me with tools to exceed expectations. I found Paragon.

Paragon is the champion of innovation and practices forward thinking, soaring by the complacent while never loosing sight of agents and clients. The formula isn’t complicated; it’s listening, having a passion to serve internally and externally, and the ability to execute. This resonates with me.

I’ve been providing my clients with award winning representation for a decade. Teaming up with Paragon gives me the ability to bring it to the next level. With the power of Paragon behind me I’m excited to provide the service and results you deserve.

MICHAEL BELLUOMINI

REALTOR © 415.589.0175 mbelluomini@paragon-re.com BRE# 01766774

Melissa Prandi and her dedicated team of expert property managers are expanding to better serve the Novato Community and all of Marin County. With over 30 years of exceptional experience exclusively in Marin County, turn to a family-run business you can trust! Offering expert residential leasing and full-time property management services.

Melissa Prandi, MPM®, RMP® President & CEO

This elegant home offers beautifully landscaped, resort-like grounds, a sparkling pool, all-day sun, and a wonderful guest house. High ceilings, gorgeous natural light, custom built-ins, beautifully crafted details & luxurious finishes throughout. The gracious layout flows well between the formal living room and dining room, into the inviting casual areas, which open to the expansive back yard. Perfect indoor-outdoor flow for entertaining & family fun: dining al fresco beneath the wisteria arbor, gathering around the pool or fire pit, playing on the lawn. The family room has floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, a traditional fireplace, & glass doors to the yard. Stunning kitchen, with stainless appliances, a sunny, casual eating area, and easy access to the yard & the mud room/laundry room. Luxurious master suite with a romantic balcony and fireplace. 4 bedrooms/3 bathrooms plus 1/1 in the guest house. This is a quiet, pristine home in one of Sleepy Hollow’s very best locations—in the flats, walking distance to excellent schools & Open Space trails. Clubhouse, tennis club, stables/riding academy & Golden Gate transit stop are all nearby.

award

This contemporary residence with four bedrooms and four baths is made for today’s modern living. South-facing with high ceilings, the house is filled with light and features designer details throughout and worldclass city views. Open floor plan extends to spacious, flat lawn and patio with custom benches, fire pit and BBQ.

Nicki Silva

415.717.6413 nicki.silva@cbnorcal.com CalBRE #01932722

6 CIBRIAN DRIVE TIBURON Offered at $5,995,000

JOIN US FOR A TWILIGHT TOUR ON THURSDAY, APRIL 9, 5-7:00PM

Exclusive home on approx. one acre of land boasts over 7,400 square feet plus a separate guest house. Elegant floor plan includes four en-suite bedrooms, a master suite, separate media room and den. Sprawling grounds include pool, gated driveway and four-car garage.

PRICE UPON REQUEST

Meticulous home features 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths, gorgeous stone and natural finishes, and exceptional floor plan for spectacular entertaining and family living. Great room has vaulted ceilings, tall stone fireplace and opens to spacious outdoor patio with fireplace. Private master suite, plus office/guest suite with separate entrance, large family room downstairs.

Kathleen Holtzer

415.686.8214 kathleen.holtzer@cbnorcal.com CalBRE# 01352764

Stunning Views – Tiburon Estate Home

Joshua Deitch

WELLESLEY AVE MILL VALLEY

Price Upon Request

This contemporary, remodeled 4 bedroom (one a newly-built detached suite)/3 bath home sits on a large level lot with seamless indooroutdoor living ideal for entertaining. Single-story with an open floor plan, the home also includes a spacious kitchen, formal living room/dining, family room, and office. Privately situated with sweeping views and located just minutes to the bridge.

21 AZALEA

MILL VALLEY

Price Upon Request

Bright contemporary Scott Valley 4 BR/ 2.5 BA home features lovely views of the hills and a terrific floor plan ideal for indoor/ outdoor entertaining. Vaulted ceilings in kitchen, living room, and family room create a spacious open living experience. Extensive, lush, waterwise landscaping, hot tub, and level lawn make for a wonderful outdoor living lifestyle. Close to Edna McGuire Elementary.

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

& Karen Colleen

ur

Our clients’ success is of utmost importance to us. As a team, our clients are always covered. Our two perspectives, skill sets, and decades of experience are applied to every aspect of each transaction. Let our team approach go to work for you.

“Anyone who chooses Karen and Colleen as his or her listing agents, or to find a new home, could do no better. They could not come more highly recommended by us.”

—Tiburon Seller & Buyer

PoshPropertiesMarin.com

Stylish Modern Belvedere Estate

Stylish and sophisticated, 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath, mid-century modern with extraordinary views of San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge, Bay Bridge, Sausalito, Angel Island, and the East Bay.

Prominently located atop Belvedere Island on a rare, mostly level, 1.14 ± acre, street-to-street lot, with spacious lawn, patios, pool and spa. Outdoor dining terrace and central courtyard with fireplace, perfect for entertaining. Convenient one-level living. Ultimately accessible with living room, dining room, kitchen, master bedroom suite and 2 additional bedrooms, as well as garden, pool and parking all on Main Level. Two more bedrooms on Lower Level with access to pool and garden. Major renovation and expansion completed in 2015, the property has been meticulously updated while preserving the gracious beauty and cool aesthetic of its original design.

• 5 Bedrooms, 4.5 Baths

• Over 5,200 sq .ft.

• Approx. 1.2 acres, mostly level, street-to-street lot Views—SF, GGB, Bay Bridge, SF Bay, Angel Island, East Bay

• Large level lawns

• Pool/spa

Large garden

• One level living—highly accessible and convenient

• Parking for 10+ cars

200GoldenGate.com

The romantic stage is set to enjoy the rustic modern elegance of this private ridgetop oasis. Located at the very end of a private lane, you will find a tranquil setting with panoramic views. This three bedroom, two and a half bath home has a great open feel and an exceptional indoor/outdoor relationship. The finishes, from the white lacquered logs, the reclaimed flooring, the ultra-modern chef’s kitchen, designer baths, numerous natural and contemporary details has created a balanced juxtaposition. This special property offers a quality idyllic lifestyle waiting to be realized.

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Breathtaking water views reaching from downtown San Francisco to the Golden Gate Bridge to Mt. Tamalpais greet you from almost every room of this stunning waterfront home. Relaxed yet sophisticated in style, 85 West Shore makes you feel at home with vaulted ceilings, white ash floors in both the dining and living room. The perfectly appointed gourmet kitchen allows for hours of cooking. Enjoy your morning coffee by the wood burning fireplace in the large first floor

master suite. French doors lead to your own private deck area. The Onyx master bath features a jetted tub, custom shower, Dornbracht fixtures and handmade parquet teak floors. Four additional bedrooms and three and a half baths complete the home. From your own private boat dock enjoy sailing, rowing and paddle boarding on the Bay. One touch boat lift allows you to launch or store your boat easily. www.85westshore.com

Coastal Lifestyle

You are almost there

Feel the calm of the ocean. Taste the freedom. Be confident in your financial strategy. You have a local West Marin resident and real estate investment expert navigating you through the process.

Life on the water. You have earned it.

Recent Sales

Oceanfront Home, Stinson Beach, $5.9M

Epic Hillside Estate, Stinson Beach, $4.5M

Historic Druid’s Hall, Olema, $2.3M

Upcoming Listing

Private Beachfront Home, Stinson Beach



”Ted texts and emails us back immediately when we contact him. He gets us in to see the houses we request quickly. He sends us suggestions about houses we may not have seen listed yet. I would recommend Ted to anyone looking for a realtor in Marin!”

—George & Jennifer P

 “Ted, thanks for your hard work in finding my 1st Marin home in Greenbrae. No doubt you’re the hardest working man in real estate—can’t think of once when I needed to reach you and you weren’t available.

—Karen & Trevor W

 “Just want to say how pleased I am— once again—with Ted Strodder. He is the perfect broker... he listens to his clients and while he is pleasant to work with he has just the right amount of practicality to make the client listen. I would highly recommend Ted to anyone!

—Donna H

Ted

Ted

Inverness

The magnificent Arts & Crafts style estate was designed by architect, Thayer Hopkins of San Francisco, and built by renowned builder Jim Lino, whose craftsmanship is reminiscent of the European Guilds. The stately home is sited on approx. 10.5 acres and overlooks Tomales Bay, offering sweeping views, of the East Shore ranches, and Black Mountain. Utilizing, New Hampshire White pine, Maple, Yellow and Red Cedar, the handcrafted home boasts nearly 5000 sf. of living space; a Battered foundation, and features numerous builtins characteristic of the Arts & Crafts period. There are 4 spacious bedrooms, each with private baths, 3 poured concrete hearths. The focal point of the home is the dramatic Living room featuring a 28 ft. high vaulted ceiling, hand milled trusses and clerestory windows. A welcoming country kitchen, features an oversized center island with maple counter top, plenty of cabinets and surface space, Wolf

range, and breakfast table tucked nicely in the large bay window all adjoin the cozy family room. The beautiful manicured grounds designed by Ron Lutsko features 20 Japanese Maple trees hand-laid stonewalls, garden paths and 50 plus Rhododendrons. Resulting in a wonderful sense of privacy and solitude in a most wonderful setting.

Providing extraordinary service to our clients is our number one priority. Our association with Decker Bullock Sotheby’s International Realty enables us to offer the premiere global brand, extensive international, national and local exposure and luxury services to our valued clients at all price points.

Falla Associates

a.falla@deckerbullocksir.com | 415.518.1930 janice.guehring@sothebysrealty.com | 415.717.9636 j.firkins@deckerbullocksir.com | 415.603.5768

13 Bracken Ct, San Rafael

This elegant 4 bedroom,3 bath home is located on a cul-de-sac in desirable Peacock Greens. The spacious floor plan offers generously sized rooms and the expansive backyard provides a private oasis with its sparkling pool and large pool house with full bath.

$1,850,000

Modern Marin Oasis Offering Privacy and Views!

60 Deer Park Avenue, San Rafael

This stunning, remodeled, sun-filled home combines modern design with privacy, sweeping views of Mt. Tamalpais and a wonderful open floor plan that epitomizes California indoor/ outdoor living at its very best. Ideally situated in the coveted Dominican neighborhood, this 5 bedroom, 3.5 bath home with guest suite is just minutes from downtown San Rafael, while offering tranquility and gated privacy on over a half an acre. Perfect for entertaining, this masterful blend of modern design, form and function has been lovingly remodeled with no detail overlooked. It is truly a one-of-a kind home ideal for living the California Dream.

Offered at $1,999,000

Thomas Henthorne

Luxury Property Specialist | Marin | San Francisco 415.847.5584

thomas.henthorne@sothebysrealty.com ThomasHenthorne.com

Alva Falla

Janice Guehring Jennifer Falla Firkins

Peacock Pt.—Single Story Not on MLS

$865,000

Located in desirable Peacock Point, near Peacock Golf Club, China Camp, McNear’s Beach and Yacht Harbors. One level home (rarely come on the market) on a beautiful large corner lot. Wrap-around porch, eat in kitchen plus formal dining area. Expansive living room with cathedral ceilings and a fireplace. Sunny interior atrium patio, lots of room for entertaining or simply enjoying the serenity of home.

· Peacock Point

· 3 Bedrooms/2 Baths

Situated in one of the most desirable bayside communities in East San Rafael, above Peacock Gap Golf Club sits this four bedroom, three bath, two story home. The first floor includes an open floor plan: a living room, kitchen, dining area, and family room as well as an expanded bedroom and bathroom. The master bedroom and two additional bedrooms are upstairs and each has great views. The expansive views from the large private deck with a hot tub are nearly indescribable. The large level lawn on the front and sides of the home, and mature landscaping throughout including a kitchen garden, makes this home perfect for all. Views, lawn, friendly floor plan, room to play, relax, entertain, close to hiking and biking trails, and two blocks to Glenwood Elementary School, lots of storage, two car garage and more!

· Sunny Bayside Location

· 4 Bedrooms/3 Baths

· Views

Pacific Union is Proud to Welcome

Lisa Smith

Lisa Smith

Rich with history and nestled among the tree-lined streets of historic downtown Mill Valley, this

Ratcliff, Jr. in 1919), is the ideal setting for enjoying quintessential indoor/outdoor California

offers exquisite period details including an antique custom chandelier made by

and

room, a hand carved fireplace with historic references of California, family crest, and historic coats of

Step back in time to an elegant entryway, living room, and formal dining room boasting quarter sawn white oak

Company. Each room is sophisticated, spacious, and generous in size. Property includes full basement and attic, along with a two car

on a 2/3 acre street-to-street corner lot with classic wraparound front porch to enjoy broad views of the sprawling

pantry is a conveniently accessible sundrenched multi-level deck with water feature and mature beautiful gardens.

Exclusively Offered at $5,000,000

the

iconic Craftsman estate (extensively remodeled by Walter

lifestyle. This enchanting four bedroom, two and a half bath home

Shreve

Company of San Francisco, custom designed for the grand dining

arms from WWI.

paneling, milled from the Mill Valley Lumber

carport. This estate sits

lawn and Mt. Tamalpais. Off of

butler’s

Still Alive at 85

Ross Valley Players is the West Coast’s oldest continually operating community theater company.

BY JIM WOOD

THE YEAR WAS 1930, America was mired in the Great Depression, and a small group of Marin women wanted to help the county escape the downbeat atmosphere — if only for an hour or so. So they formed the Ross Valley Players (RVP). Now, 85 years later — and in far better times — it can be said that the players are still playing. In fact, RVP is the West Coast’s oldest continually operating community theater. The above photo shows the famous Red Barn, the company home for the past 75 years, following a 1947 matinee. The barn, built by landowner James Ross in 1864, is located in Ross on the grounds of what is

now the Marin Art and Garden Center. Improvements over the years have added a raised main stage, professional lighting, arena seating, a lobby and Americans with Disabilities Act–compliant restrooms. “There’s defi nitely a lot of life in our wonderful theater,” says Cris Cassell, president of the RVP’s board of directors, “We now present 34 weeks of live theater every year.” To celebrate its 85-year history, Ross Valley Players is hosting a gala dinner at 5:30 p.m. April 18 in the Livermore Room of the Marin Art and Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Tickets start at $175. For information, go to rossvalleyplayers/gala. com or phone 415.456.9555. m