Marin Magazine August 2017

A new, prehistoric exhibit | Now Open It’s amazing what a fossil can reveal. With massive, life-size models, an interactive flight simulator, real pterosaur fossils, and more—this new exhibit will leave a lasting impression. Fossilized forever, but only here for a limited time. Get tickets at calacademy.org

Pterosaurs: Flight in the Age of Dinosaurs is organized by the American Museum of Natural History, New York (amnh.org)

Images: © AMNH/C. Chesek © AMNH 2014

Features

41 Best of the County Our editors’ top picks as well as local places loved by readers.

54 Building Marin Four families leading the way in business for multiple generations.

Lotus Cuisine of India in San Rafael

Built in an era when mobile devices didn’t have ba eries.

Timeless happens here.

MAUNAKEABEACHHOTEL.COM

LENNY

A Night at the Palace, Palace Theater, S.F.

Virtuo u so

Their passion is clean water. Their resources are significant. Their giving is through Virtuoso.

The modern alternative to a private foundation. www.marincf.org 415.464.2507

OSKA

153 Throckmorton Mill Valley, CA 94941 415 381 1144

OSKA 310 Center Street Healdsburg, CA 95448 707 431 7717

Shop online millvalley.oska.com

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Considering the abundance of great stuff in the county, creating our annual Best of the County list is a herculean task.

A Big List

Putting together our annual Best of the County feature is no easy feat, but this year we had help.

IF YOU LIVE here in Marin, you know our county is filled with overachievers. The businesses that serve this active and curious clientele go all out to offer the latest in health, fashion and food. And on the flip side, if the business is run by one of the aforementioned overachievers, excellence is already in its DNA. For Marin consumers, this is a win-win. Considering the abundance of great stuff n the county, creating our annual Best of the County list is a herculean feat. We looked high and low for the best, and we also asked readers for their input. And we got it, with more than 1,100 responses. In the section, these reader picks are appropriately called out by California’s state flower, the poppy.

I was thinking about the challenge of paring down the list last Sunday when I found myself back in Susan Hauser’s class at NOW yoga in Corte Madera . I fi rst met Susan when we were both pregnant and floating in her inlaws’ pool in Hopland. Fast-forward 16 years and I am one of 100-plus people packed into her class. NOW only offers power yoga, which is good for high-strung ADHD folks like myself — think crunches to “Stairway to Heaven” or holding a Warrior II pose through the entirety of the Eminem anthem “Lose Yourself.”

However, if you are looking for a more restorative yoga experience, you might want to try one of the other studios — Yoga Works or Wendy Wilkinson’s class at Marin Power Yoga — listed this year in Best of the County. If you really want to relax, try a trip out to the float tanks at Conscious Drift in Fairfax, also listed.

While our picks for best food, drink, shopping, recreation and wellness options incorporated ideas from the entire editorial team, this year we tasked former sta ffer

Calin Van Paris with writing up the results, a tradition we hope to repeat. A few highlights include quotes from bartenders on why their margaritas are superior and from chefs touting their burgers.

The list this year contains the tried-andtrue categories and a few new ones. In a new staff avorite called “Lunch Under $10,” Calin applied her gift for humor by calling out my obsession with the Harmony lunch special. This was almost as funny as the stunt she pulled one time by submitting a dating profi le for me on farmersonly.com; there, Calin, who also writes for Vogue and other national outlets, put her wordsmithing to true creative work, doubtless leaving more than a few brokenhearted rural Romeos out there to learn AgGurl84 was not real.

Like that dating profi le, Marin sometimes also gets a bad rap for not being real — a point I’m going to disagree with. I went to high school in Newport Beach, California — The Real Housewives of Orange County captures it perfectly — and I’m always impressed by the high level of natural beauty most Marinites seem to possess. Sure, there are a few outliers in our midst, but generally the people I encounter are maximizing the glory of the bodies they were given at birth. To that end, peruse our Best of the County list for top “life enhancer” spots like spas, hair salons and nail boutiques.

Congrats to all those selected as 2017’s Best of the County, and as always, if we overlooked one of your favorite local businesses, please let us know.

Mimi Towle, Executive Editor

Obtain the Property Report required by federal law and read it before signing anything. No federal or state agency has judged the merits or value (if any) of Clear Creek Tahoe properties. is information is not intended for, and is not an o er to, residents of any state where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law.

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LAKE TAHOE’S NEWEST MOUNTAIN & GOLF COMMUNITY

At Clear Creek you will find a community and club with a rare respect for the land — a place where, since inception, every step has been taken with principle and purpose. When you visit us this summer you¹ll see our beautiful golf course and historic lake house, and an inspiring collection of amenities under construction. Twenty percent of our homesites have been spoken for since the first of the year. Now, while selection is best, is the time to stake your claim.

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AUGUST CAN ONLY mean one thing. It’s time for the editors of Marin Magazine to call out some of the best places to eat, drink, shop, recreate and better yourself in this fabulous county. And writer Calin Van Paris did just that, taking the list and digging into all of it. But we couldn’t have produced the fi nal result without you — more than 1,100 reader responses helped us even further refi ne the picks. Look for your top vote getters, also called out throughout the story. And as always, if you think we missed anything, let us know.

We follow that up with another celebration of the county. Jim Wood looks at four Marin families who have lived, worked and thrived

here for generations, owning and operating businesses that helped shaped the very fabric of the county. You know their names, products and services; now get to know what makes these families so special.

Up front we’ve got a look at the perfect locally sourced summer sandwich, and we unearth the scoop on why those sand dollars are such unique beach souvenirs and where to go for awesome birthday perks. We check in with the author of a book about hanging out with the county coroner, and we chat with Gabriella Calicchio, Marin’s director of cultural and visitor services.

Destinations gives the goods on the Hawaii Food and Wine Festival, an annual event. We meet Oahu chefs behind the festival and ask where they like to go when they have time off. And for you vintage car lovers, there’s a fi rsthand account of the famous French street race called Circuit des Remparts, from our own art director Rachel Gri ffiths; she and her husband, David, spent time in France admiring the cars and then taking in the sights.

It’s a fun issue that truly captures all the things, people and places that make Marin what it is. Enjoy reading all about the Best of the County, then plan a night out — there’s so much to discover and explore.

Daniel Jewett, Managing Editor

COVER ARTIST

One of the things we love at Marin Magazine is working with illustrators. It is a blast to tell them about a story and then see what they come up with. Art director Rachel Griffiths enjoyed helping illustrator Heather Hardison go from the sketches you see here to the beautiful art you now see on the cover and in the Best of the County feature.

But we couldn’t have produced the final result without you — more than 1,100 reader responses helped us even further refine the picks.

Switch now to make a difference.

The Carrier with a Conscience

Learn more by visiting credomobile.com/marin

POVYour Letters

Meet the Rebels

I enjoyed reading Mimi Towle’s “Going Wild” editor’s note in the May edition of Marin Magazine a nd heartily endorse her suggestion that “any new Marin County resident who wants to understand what we have here and why we have it” should be provided with a copy of the Rebels With a Cause documentar y fi lm. As a longtime advocate on Marin County land conservation issues (and a came o bit player in that fi lm), I’m often astounded by how many Marinites think our protected open space s h ave “always been that way.” To the contrary: but for the citizen efforts depicted in the Rebels fi lm we would all be living in a very di fferent place indeed . I encourage Marin Magazine to publish an interview with Nancy Kelly and Kenji Yamamoto, the producers of the fi lm.

DOUG FERGUSON, VIA EMAIL

Recently, I had the pleasure of seeing Rebels With a Cause at the Sausalito library, with some of the rebels in attendance. Although I have lived in Sausalito for over 20 years, I had no idea about the history of the parks. I just took them and the agriculture zonings for granted. Without the accomplishments of the rebels, Marin would have been an entirely different county. RICK JOHNSON, VIA EMAIL

Eds.: Look for a story on the directors of this film in an upcoming issue.

Correction

In our Conversation with Albert Straus (July 2017) we incorrectly stated that Albert’s mother, Ellen Straus, was still alive. She passed away in 2002. We also gave the wrong percentage of farms in Marin and Sonoma counties labeled organic — that number should be 90 percent.

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.

C M Y CM MY CY CMY K

from the CU NAT FAMI LY

We invite you to visit our vineyard and winery in the Oak Knoll District, a diverse winegrowing appellation of Napa Valley. From these unique soils, matched with our talented winemakers, we have created truly noteworthy vintages. We look forward to sharing with you the results of our passion for farming and our focus on making flavorful wines.

Calin Van Paris, Writer

In this issue: “Best of the County” (p. 41)

What’s your perfect Marin day? Coffee at Equator in downtown Mill Valley followed by a visit to the Mill Valley Public Library — and to my dad’s house. Then I, my Grilly’s burrito (with hot salsa) and whatever book I checked out head to Point Reyes. Second coffee and a morning bun from Bovine Bakery and I disappear into the dreamscape.

Where has your work appeared? Proud former assistant editor at Marin Magazine. You ca n fi nd me on allure.com as well as vogue. com, where I’m a regular contributor.

David Vogin, Illustrator

In this issue: “Building Marin” (p. 54)

Does using multiple mediums make it harder to tell a story? My work is actually all digital, so technically I just work in one medium. When successful, the layering of di fferent textures and effects in Photoshop creates a somewhat painterly effect.

What kind of work do you like doing most? Although I enjoy all types of assignments, I really enjoy the more conceptual work that makes the reader think about the art and how it tells the story.

Where has your work appeared? New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, O The Oprah Magazine and Golf World

Heather Hardison, Illustrator

In this issue: “Best of the County” (p. 41)

What kind of vibe were you trying to emulate in your illustrations? I was going for a vintage postcard vibe, and I was trying to capture the natural beauty of Marin County. Which one did you enjoy drawing the most? I loved drawing the surfer! Marin is home to my favorite surf spot, so it’s near to my heart.

Where has your work appeared? My work has appeared on Facebook, in Cooking Light magazine, and in my own book Homegrown: Illustrated Bites from Your Garden to Your Table

New in Town

WELLNESS

› Lil’ Kickers , a Seattle-based soccer development program for kids, opens a new location in San Rafael; lilkickers.com.

› Marin Healthcare District unveils a new Breast Health Center in Greenbrae. The center offers state-of-the-art technology capable of creating 3-D images of breast tissue to help identify cancer; breastcentermarin.org.

EAT AND DRINK

› Andy’s Local Market opens a new location in San Rafael, one block away at 75 Loch Lomond Drive. The grocery store, specializing in fresh produce, deli items and pizza, includes an attached waterfront cafe; andyslocalmarket.com.

› A new teahouse has set up shop inside Open Secret Bookstore in San Rafael. See, the owner of Key Tea , brews locally grown herbs, tonics and homemade nut milks in a vibrant setting; keyteacart.com.

› Madcap , the long-awaited San Anselmo restaurant by veteran chef Ron Siegel, is slated to open midsummer, featuring American and Japanese-influenced fare; madcapmarin.com.

› After a two-month closure for renovations, Mama’s Royal Cafe , a Mill Valley institution, reopens its doors. The quirky cafe is a locally popular breakfast and brunch spot; 415.388.3261

SHOP

› The S.F. Design Center has a new showroom specializing in marble. Cosentino City, a family-owned company from Spain, offers large-format slabs of marble and a 3-D virtual viewing program; cosentino.com.

› Seesaw, a whimsical children’s consignment boutique selling clothes, handmade goods and toys in downtown San Anselmo, celebrates its one-year anniversary; seesaw4kids.com.

The Roads are Closed. Our Skies are Wide Open.

A s winter storms surged and rains fell, almost overnight, our corner of Big Sur became isolated from the rest of the world, leaving a tranquil stretch of wilderness amongst the California coastline. While the roads remain closed, the skies are open for your arrival.

When is the last time you embraced romance while gazing out at endless ocean views from the deck of a guestroom set 1200 feet above the Pacific? Walked or biked down Highway One without a car in sight for miles? Hiked through forest trails adorned with brilliant wildflowers, hearing only the sounds of birds and the echo of your own footsteps? Big Sur hasn’t felt this secluded in close to 100 years. This, for a brief moment in time, is the Post Ranch experience…yours to capture.

A breathtaking helicopter journey down the Big Sur coast will deliver you to a place of solitude, romance and reconnection… at Post Ranch Inn. Your adventure starts today.

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

[UPCOMING EVENTS]

OPERA GUILD CHAMPAGNE GALA

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO

August 6, 2–4 p.m.

San Domenico School Music Conservatory, 1500 Butterfield Road, San Anselmo

Listen to some of the young opera stars of tomorrow, San Francisco Opera’s exceptionally talented Adler Fellows, while you sip champagne and nibble on hors d’oeuvres in an idyllic setting at San Domenico Music Conservatory in San Anselmo. Many of these singers have already performed in major opera houses and others will be performing on world stages in a few years. You will have the opportunity to hear them early in their professional careers. Sponsored by the Marin Chapter of the San Francisco Opera Guild, the gala benefits opera education programs in the Marin schools and the informative public lectures that preview the 2017–2018 season.

$50 Anne Zucchi, azucchiz@gmail. com, 415.924.9352

SAUSALITO ART FESTIVAL

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

Sept. 2–4, 10 a.m.–7 p.m., closes 5 p.m. Aug. 4 Sausalito Waterfront

The nation’s only waterfront art festival offers a spectacular location to spend the day viewing the work of more than 260 talented artists whose artwork covers all mediums and disciplines; a great opportunity to find a unique gift for someone special including yourself. Enjoy a super comfy VIP area for private concert viewing as well as fine wines and cocktails throughout the grounds with a special Don Julio tequila truck, a Bullet Frontier woody serving fine whiskey, and new this year, Moscow mules, Irish coffees and ginger beer. Food served by local nonprofits will appeal to all tastes and includes oysters, turkey legs, French fries, ice creams and much more.

General $30, seniors $25, kids under 12 free, VIP $100 415.332.3555, sausalitoartfestival.org

WOUNDED VETERANS’ POLO BENEFIT

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

August 20, gates open at 10 a.m.

Wine Country Polo Club Oakmont, 560 White Oak Drive, Santa Rosa

Now in its eighth year, WVPB 2017 offers a unique combination of spectacular high goal polo in an elegant setting with gourmet dining, fine wines and a variety of entertainment. Please join us for a fun day in the country. Proceeds support rehabilitation programs for wounded veterans in the Bay Area.

General $65; under 15 $35; premium seating/lunch $175; table for eight $1,300 polobenefit.org

Want to see all the images from our RSVP Hot Ticket events? Visit marinmagazine.com/hotticket for the latest.

Friend us to share RSVP Hot Ticket photos at facebook.com/marinmagazine.

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INDULGE IN THE SEASON.

September 8th - 10th, 2017

AT NORTHSTAR CALIFORNIA

Celebrate Lake Tahoe’s most prestigious food, wine, spirit and brew festival in the outdoor splendor of Northstar California Resort. Celebrity Chef’s hands-on cooking demonstrations, Farm to Tahoe dinner, wine maker luncheons and dinners, food and wine seminars. . . all topped off with the Sunday Culinary Competition and Grand Tasting.

PRESENTED BY THE NORTH LAKE TAHOE RESORT ASSOCIATION

HEIRLOOM

TOMATOES

All Star Organics (Nicasio)

In Marin

CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND CAUSES OF THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

Marin Club Sandwich

When you think lunch this summer, think local. Here are some tasty ingredients you can find nearby. BY LYNDA BALSLEV

Marin

AVOCADO

CIABATTA BREAD Della Fattoria at Marin Farmers’ Market (San Rafael)

FRESH GOAT CHEESE Tomales Farmstead Creamery “Liwa” cheese (Tomales)

ARUGULA AND BABY GEM LETTUCE LEAVES

Star Route Farms (Bolinas)

BACON Devil’s Gulch Ranch (Nicasio)

Sourced from Good Earth (Fairfax and Mill Valley)

PEA SHOOTS AND SPROUTS

Roots Farm (Petaluma)

COCKTAIL CHATTER

SMOKING JOE Like all Heath products, the Studio Mug is an attractive creation. Sleek and sturdy, it adds a touch of unstu ff y elegance and character to whatever surface it happens to rest on. However, there is a design feature that begs the question, “Why is it there?” The handle, a slim loop, sits oddly low on the coffee mug. The reason? Cigarettes. An employee at the Heath Ceramics Sausalito showroom clued us in to the fact Edith Heath was a smoker and made the mug to accommodate both her ca ffeine and her nicotine habit. heathceramics.com

KASIA PAWLOWSKA

Amateurs Welcome

People having fun in these three sporting spaces may take the game seriously, but they also love sharing it with those who have more of a casual interest. So dust off your sweatband, put on your game face and get ready for some friendly competition. Because sometimes, it really is all fun and games. LEELA LINDNER

1BOWLING If you can’t remember the last time you’ve bowled a strike it may be time to visit the newly renovated Country Club Bowl. With 40 lanes, an arcade, and upgrades like plush leather seating and new floors, there’s lots to do that will make you feel like a kid again. To top it off, the alley has some killer deals. Monday and Wednesday Strike Nights starting after 8 p.m. offer games that cost a whopping $2.75, plus $4 shoe rentals. Or if you’re more of a Tuesday and Sunday night owl, there’s Quarter Mania after 7 p.m., with a $7 cover: a game and rental shoes cost five quarters per person and a slice of pizza is $1. 88 Vivian Street, San Rafael, bowlmarin.com

2TABLE TENNIS You don’t have to be Forrest Gump to score a table at Marin Table Tennis Club. Every Thursday night from 6 to 10 p.m., the adultsonly club offers everyone from beginners to advanced grand slammers a place at the table. For $6 you can drop in ($5 for Sausalito residents) to this 3,200-square-foot gym that offers six tournament-quality butter fly tabletops. Paddles and balls provided. MLK Gym, 610 Coloma Street, Sausalito, marintabletennis.org

3ARCHERY Hidden away in Miwok Park up a 100-yard dirt road, Northwoods Bowmen’s Club is not an easy target to find. Founded in 1954, the club with its 4,500-square-foot indoor range is predominantly members only, but open shoot on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. allows everyone interested in channeling their inner Katniss to try their hand at archery. The intimate space can accommodate up to 16 shooters, and the president of the club Keith Leisten will teach you everything you need to know about bows, arrows and quivers. 122 Olivia Court, Novato, northwoodsbowmensclub.org

Celebrate your family holidays with all the festivities but none of the work: Mouthwatering meals by our Michelin-starred chef. Award-winning ships decked out to perfection. Entertainment that gets everyone into the spirit.

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©2017 Celebrity Cruises. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador.

Take the Beach Home

PRESERVING SPECIAL MOMENTS with souvenirs, tokens and the like is normal. Memorializing a beach trip is a bit more challenging, and signs requesting that all items be left undisturbed mean visitors depart with little save photos and their trash. Sand dollars are a di fferent story. “The sand dollars are not a large group in the grand scheme of things, but there are over 200 species living today, and they display many strange, unique and unfamiliar features,” says Rich Mooi of the California Academy of Sciences. Related to sea urchins and star fish, sand dollars live in shallow coastal waters along the ocean floor and are usually green, purple or blue when alive. Live sand dollars are covered with a dense, velvety layer of short spines and tubular feet, which they use to burrow into the sand. They move around with their mouths toward the ground, eating microscopic particles of food, and they live for years. “Some estimates are as high as about 20 years, which is pretty old for a marine invertebrate, overall,” Mooi says. “The sand dollar living off ur coast today is called Dendraster excentricus and washes up on our beaches in huge numbers after storms.” Its bleached, white skeleton is evidence of one of our commonest local offshore life forms and is perfectly fine to take home. K.P.

WHAT’S IN A NAME

WILLOW CAMP Known to mountain bikers as a trail and to equestrians as a stable, Willow Camp had a different identity at the turn of the 19th century — as the place that today we call Stinson Beach. Named after the willow trees that grew near the shore, it formed as a small tent settlement around 1870, when the first road was laid from Sausalito along the Pacific coast. Visitors gained easier access to the area in 1896 when the Mount Tamalpais and Muir Woods Railway opened. Would-be beachgoers could ride the train to West Point Inn, then hike or take a stagecoach down to the water. The first businesses didn’t spring up until 1906, when refugees from the San Francisco earthquake arrived. In 1916 Willow Camp was renamed Stinson Beach after local landowners Rose and Nathan Stinson. K.P.

Birthday Perks

LOCATION 35 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, benefitcosmetics.com 1737 Post St, San Francisco, benihana.com 2550 Mission St, San Francisco, drafthouse.com

47 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera, nothingbundtcakes.com

Multiple locations, yogaworks.com

Author Talk

MM: Your works center largely on death and its aftermath. What draws you to this topic?

JB: As executive director of a nationally certified crisis center for 16 years, I learned a lot about death, about some people’s desire to die, and about grief and loss. When I started writing in earnest, it was natural to write about what I knew. My first book, Building Hope, chronicled some of my experiences at the center. Several families in our grief counseling program had loved ones who jumped off he Golden Gate Bridge, and that was how I met [Marin County coroner] Ken Holmes.

MM: What’s one of the best stories you heard from Holmes?

JB: My favorite story is about a welldressed young man whose body was found on land underneath the Marin side of the Golden Gate Bridge. He didn’t have any ID on him, no one reported him missing, his fingerprints weren’t in any federal database and all of the labels had been torn out of his clothing. The only clue was a business card for a limousine company that Holmes found in one of the man’s pockets. That led him on a 20-year chase involving masseuses, high-end restaurants, foreign embassies and Interpol.

MM: What do you think readers who aren’t necessarily drawn to the macabre can glean from this book?

JB: I don’t consider the subject to be macabre. What most readers will glean from the book, I think, is how much coroners need to know. In addition to medicine and forensics, they have to know about all kinds of fi rearms and be able to identify the caliber of empty casings found at a death scene. They have to be familiar with a variety of drugs, prescription and illegal. They need to be well versed in psychology, too, because they do most death noti fications, and always in person if they can.

MM: What’s one of the most interesting things you learned from your time with Holmes?

JB: While Holmes handled many highprofi le cases during his long career — the death of rock legend Jerry Garcia, a homicide involving rapper Tupac Shakur, the shooting of porn king Artie Mitchell by his brother Jim and a series of murders on Mount Tamalpais committed by the infamous Trailside Killer — it was the deaths of people who weren’t well known that are, in many respects, the most fascinating.

CALIN VAN PARIS

Local Page Turners

The Education of a Coroner: Lessons in Investigating Death by John Bateson (Moraga), Scribner, $27. John Bateson, a former crisis center director who often writes about death, describes the hairraising and heartbreaking cases handled by Marin County coroner Ken Holmes for four decades. From high-profile deaths to serial killers to Golden Gate Bridge suicides, Bateson provides a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of a public servant whose work appears dark and mysterious, yet is necessary for society to function. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera August 16, 7 p.m.

How to Be a Travel Writer by Don George (San Francisco), Lonely Planet, $17.99. As a professional travel journalist and editor for the past 40 years, Don George gets paid to explore the world. Now he’s here to remind us that you don’t have to make money to profit from travel writing: sometimes, the richest rewards are in the experience. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera August 12, 8 p.m.

Your Crocodile Has Arrived by Laurie McAndish King (Novato), Destination Insights, $14.95 . You’re sure to find entertainment and illumination in this collection of 21 true stories from noted travel writer Laurie McAndish King. Whether she’s eating a crocodile, tracking down a 2,500-year-old tooth in Sri Lanka or talking aliens with a SETI astrophysicist, King reminds us that the world is far weirder and more amazing than we sometimes imagine. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera August 19, 7 p.m.

Ready or Not! 150+ Make-Ahead, MakeOver, and Make-Now Recipes by Nom Nom Paleo by Michelle Tam and Henry Fong (Palo Alto), Andrews McMeel Publishing, $35 . A new cookbook from Michelle Tam and Henry Fong, the James Beard award–nominated creators of the Nom Nom Paleo book and website. Along with colorfully written and gorgeously photographed step-by-step recipes presented in a cheeky cartoon format, Ready or Not features kitchen hacks, Paleo ingredient guides, meal plans, shopping lists and more. Appearing at Book Passage San Francisco August 29, 6 p.m.

Reviews by Book Passage Marketing Manager Zack Ruskin.

We sat down with Moraga’s John Bateson to discuss his new book, The Education of a Coroner: Lessons in Investigating Death, an account of cases handled by Marin County coroner Ken Holmes.

We care for the city you fell in love with.

We treat more cardiac patients than any other hospital in San Francisco. When you call this city home, you call CPMC your hospital.

CITY STREETS

Valencia Street

CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SAN Francisco’s Mission District aren’t truly complete without the requisite “it’s changed so much.” Depending on the timeline, however, change is relative. Often used as an example in these discussions, Valencia Street was named after either Jose Manuel Valencia or his son Candelario Valencia and is at least 169 years old; the street also possibly predates San Francisco’s formal naming in 1847. From the beginning the thoroughfare housed an ethnically mixed population, as shown by an 1866 court case involving a dispute over a plot of land between the Valencias and John Cabot. In the 20th century, residences and businesses flanked the drag, and by the late 1970s Valencia Street had a reputation as a female-friendly place, with the establishment of the Women’s Building, numerous lesbian bars and Old Wives’ Tales, a feminist bookstore. Outsiders mostly overlooked the area until the 1990s dot-com boom. Tech money placed boutiques, bars and artisanal coffee shops between the already existing taquerias, transforming the neighborhood into one of the Mission’s main commercial zones, known as the Valencia corridor. KASIA PAWLOWSKA

HAWKER FARE

Colorful patterns dominate the space, which features ThaiIsaan and Lao street food. Be sure to check out Holy Mountain, the tiki bar upstairs in the back. hawkerfare.com

THE CHAPEL

Once upon a time a real chapel, this spot now includes live music, a bar and a restored 40-foot arched ceiling.

The adjoining restaurant, The Vestry, offers late-night eats and craft cocktails. thechapelsf.com

PAXTON GATE

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Stumped for a gift? Look no further. Paxton Gate has everything from ethically sourced taxidermy to home goods, plants, gardening supplies and other fun goodies. paxtongate.com

CRAFTSMAN AND WOLVES

Guests will find egg-filled muffins known as the Rebel Within, bonbons, coffee and many other sweet and savory baked goods at this contemporary pâtisserie. craftsman-wolves.com

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LITTLE PAPER PLANES

Since 2004, the boutique has been spotlighting art and design not only by selling it, but also with its artists’ collaborations and events. Here guests will find prints, books, apparel and jewelry. littlepaperplanes.com

DOG EARED BOOKS

This airy bookshop has been stocking a wide variety of new, used and remaindered books, including small-press titles, since 1992. dogearedbooks.com

WHERE TO EAT Aside from the restaurants mentioned, other popular eateries nearby include Beretta, Cha-Ya, Curry Up Now, DOSA, Duna, Limon Rotisserie, Locanda, Lolinda, Puerto Alegre, Souvla, Tacolicious, Taqueria La Cumbre, Udupi Palace and West of Pecos, among others.

REFORMATION

The eco-friendly, on-trend women’s clothing label opened its fifth store in February, complete with fancy new touch screens in fitting rooms. thereformation.com

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XANATH ICE CREAM

Frozen yogurt, organic ice cream and vegan treats can be found here, in addition to fresh saffron and vanilla. saffron.com

LOLÓ

This vibrant family-owned restaurant uses local ingredients and offers nontraditional and inventive Mexican food. lolosf.com

WHERE TO PARK There are two lots and a garage in the neighborhood in addition to street parking. The Comb Parking lot is at 606 Capp Street; the other lot is at 2351 Mission Street between 19th and 20th streets; and the Mission-Bartlett garage is on 21st Street between Bartlett and Valencia. Street parking can be tricky.

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34 Main Street, Tiburon, CA 415.730.7649 34mainstreet.com

the LOOK

JULEZ BRYANT

finejewelry mixes bold shapes with luxe materials such as 14k and 18k rose, yellow, and white gold with the finet and most exotic cuts of diamonds and semiprecious stones. Truly one of a kind, Julez continues to cultivate a jewelry line that inspires women.

CAROLINA BOUTIQUE 76 Throckmorton Ave. Mill Valley, CA 415.381.2554 carolinaboutique.com

SPARKLING UNDER THE SUN

This one-of-kind Wisteria Tassel Necklace, by noted designer Janet Deleuse, is handfabricated in 14k gold. With multiple precision cut Amethysts spanning six inches, micro-pave diamonds set on a rose gold crown and a 24”white gold wheat chain, this stunning jewel will light up your day.

DELEUSE JEWELERS 55 Broadway, Fairfax, CA 415.459.3739 Deleuse.com

JULIE TUTON BOUTIQUE: UNIQUE CASUAL ELEGANT JEWELRY HANDMADE BY

THE DESIGNER. Step into her intimate boutique and feel the luxury that she creates with her healing energy, awareness of gemstones, and eye for wearable style at affordable price points. What energy is your body asking for today?

JULIE TUTON BOUTIQUE 73 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley, CA 415.871.4236 julietuton.com

Gabriella Calicchio

BY KIRSTEN JONES NEFF

PHOTO BY LENNY GONZALEZ

This county arts director wants to make Marin a destination for more than just the great outdoors.

ON THE LAST day of August, 2014, Gabriella Calicchio arrived in her new office at the Marin Center to begin her job as director of Marin County Cultural and Visitor Services. That was the day her markedly adventurous and creative career in the arts circled back to Marin County, the place the Vermont native met her husband and the place she describes as her “true home.”

The chronology of the decades that led Calicchio to her current role as chief advocate for the arts in Marin County reads like an epic journey, almost 20 years of arts leadership experience spanning the globe from England to Australia, from Boston to the Bay Area and then back to Minneapolis. In 2011 Calicchio, then the managing director for the Children’s Theatre Company in Minneapolis, was beckoned to San Francisco to run the Walt Disney Family Museum. Three years later, when previous Marin County Cultural Services Director Jim Farley retired, the board of supervisors chose her to replace him and she moved back across the Golden Gate to her beloved Marin. Now she and her husband, an actor she met when she was director of the Marin Theater Company (from 2001 to 2007), are happily ensconced in San Anselmo, raising their two children.

Calicchio admits she initially had some reservations about working in a government environment, but three years into the job she fi nds her excitement about what is possible in the county has only grown. We sat down to discuss the achievements she’s most proud of and her vision for the future of the arts in Marin.

You worked in the nonprofit arts sector most of your adult life. What drew you to this position? I’d known my predecessor Jim Farley for years, and I’d always thought, “That’s an amazing job with incredible potential for our community.” I was hired on a platform that Cultural Services should have a larger role in the community. I believe the county should play a leadership role in convening artists and arts organizations, giving them a collective voice, and raising the profi le of the arts in this community. How do we develop a county where the arts are publicly valued and where we as a community feel it is critical to support the

arts for the future of Marin County? So people don’t just say they’re driving through Marin County to get to wine country, or to go to a beautiful point on Mount Tam, but they actually say, “I’m going there because there is this show and this gallery,” or they say, “Have you ever heard of this amazing little theater company in Marin?” We want Marin to become a destination for the arts as much as it is a destination for the beauty of our natural landscape.

What will it take to make that happen? I believe that we need to establish a dedicated funding source for the arts. In 2011 the Marin Arts Council went defunct and over the last decade the Marin Community Foundation has reduced their funding for the arts. There is no central agency that serves the collective arts ecology. And yet we know that we have more artists per capita than any other county besides L.A. So we are launching a countywide process that will look at all the data and the economic impact of the arts in our community, things like how many adults work in the creative sector. We will gather as much data to reinforce our case for a number of goals such as comprehensive arts education for elementary-age students or a ffordable housing for artists. When we have the data, we do the lobbying and advocacy to get something on the ballot to support the arts in a sustainable way. It’s not just about getting a singular funding source to spread out among hundreds of arts organizations; it actually means investing in education for our young people so there are adults a generation or two from now who understand the value of and appreciate the arts.

What would youth arts look like in your dream world? My dream would be funding to support comprehensive arts education in our public schools. Every second grader would have the opportunity every day to be exposed to a theater program in the school, would have the opportunity

There is no central agency that serves the collective arts ecology. And yet we know that we have more artists per capita than any other county besides L.A.

to go see a professional theater production, and an introduction with a teaching artist who prepped them for the production, then be followed up with in the classroom to help them engage through critical thinking about what they’ve just seen. Every third grader would have the same program for music. Every fourth grader would have the same program for visual arts and these standards that have been set nationally would be met in our county in our public schools in each classroom. Just like sports, the arts equal the playing field. It doesn’t matter what your cultural and socioeconomic background is when you are in a classroom for dance or for visual arts or music or theater.

Are there current programs that are working especially well? I’ll give you a great example: we gave out over 7,000 tickets in the last year to nonprofits serving the traditionally underserved in this community. Talks, musical performances, Shaolin Warriors, lots of tickets for Marin Symphony. We support nonprofits in Marin County that are working with people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to attend, groups like ELM (Enriching Lives Through Music), a nonprofit out of the Canal district, which is an extraordinary program serving 120 kids from the Canal and their families. They have a youth orchestra, participate in Marin Symphony, have been asked to perform all over the country. We try to develop partnerships with groups like that and we can support the next generation of musicians, the next generation of audience members who will appreciate music, the next generation of creative thinkers and innovators.

What is an accomplishment you are most proud of? With a very supportive board of supervisors we started a new nonprofit called the Marin Cultural Association. Essentially it is a fundraising arm for everything we want to do here. We transferred programming from the county to the nonprofit so, for example, we have been able to triple the number of people who come to the Frank Lloyd Wright docent tours, and we just created a

had moved the accounting for the tour

to the nonprofit

was able to reinvest everything we brought in from touring fees right back into marketing the program, and that alone grew those numbers. Another is that we started our own wine and beer garden at the 2015 Marin County Fair. The proceeds go back into the nonprofit, which gives us money to reinvest in the fair. We’ve raised over $100,000 in two years with the wine and beer garden. All the wine is donated, and all the beer is donated, so we’ve had huge success there. We’ve also had huge

I believe the county should play a leadership role in convening artists and arts organizations, giving them a collective voice, and raising the profile of the arts in this community.

success with fundraising for the fair in general. The year before I got here in 2014 they had $39,000 worth of cash sponsors. Last year we had $172,000. So what it tells me is there is a great propensity to give in our community, toward all of these cultural activities.

What has been the most challenging part of your job? The biggest challenge is the state of the facilities. There is over 40 years of deferred maintenance on all of our facilities, millions of dollars that need to be reinvested. We are in process with a strategic plan right now, so we’re trying to figure out how we can truly make this campus the cultural hub of Marin County.

And what has been the most fun? The fair has been the most fun. I had never run a fair before and it was a reason I almost didn’t take the job. It has turned out to be just an amazing experience, working with the incredible staff and volunteers that make this event such a signi ficant one for our community. The saying is, “County fairs highlight the talents of ordinary people every day.” When you walk through an exhibit hall and you realize the extraordinary talent in this community, it is mind-blowing. So the part of the job I thought was going to be a nightmare for me has turned into one of the best experiences of my life. m

Welcome. This year as part of our Best of the County 2017 coverage we asked you, the reader, to weigh in via online voting. And you did, casting more than 1,100 votes in categories like food, drink, shopping, recreation and personal beauty. In the following pages we highlight our editors’ picks in these same categories, also indicating the ones you thought were the best — the golden poppy means it was a top vote getter in our online poll. Did we miss a standout local attraction in the following pages? As always, let us know — we love feedback ... and we love Marin.

BY CALIN VAN PARIS • ILLUSTRATIONS BY HEATHER HARDISON

TACOS DEL MAR

COPITA TEQUILERIA Y COMIDA These flavorful Baja-style folds are 100 percent gluten-free. Cod is coated in Omission beer batter and topped with a cabbage and seaweed slaw. (Sausalito) copitarestaurant.com

GREEN CHILE KITCHEN White corn tortillas offer an edible plate for crispy battered rock cod and crunchy cabbage doused in palate-puckering additions: pickled onions, chipotle crema and habanero salsa. (San Rafael) g reenchilekitchen.com

JOE’S TACO LOUNGE Grilled, breaded or battered, Joe’s fish tacos feature Paci fic snapper garnished with habanero mayo, cabbage, lime and a variety of taco-tailored salsas. (Mill Valley) joestacolounge.com

L AVIER LATIN FUSION Grilled fish is served on addictive deep-fried or fresh corn tortillas, finished with roasted tomatilloavocado salsa and plated with white rice and beans. (San Rafael) lavierlatinfusion.com

THE SIREN CANTEEN These street-style tilapia tacos are drizzled in special sauce and pico de gallo. But the secret ingredient? Sand-strewn ocean views. (Stinson Beach) thesirencanteen.com

TACO JANE’S While the grilled snapper and chipotle aioli strikes a tried-and-true chord, the salmon tacos — slathered in cilantro pesto — demand consideration. (San Anselmo) tacojanes.com

Hold the Gluten

Kicking wheat and gluten to the curb? These eateries take the sacrifice factor out of this dietary shift.

➺ Amici’s A pioneer of pizza, Amici’s has offered gluten-free crust by request on its entire menu of drool-inducing brick oven pizzas for years. (San Rafael) amicis.com

➺ Cafe del Soul This Marin mainstay is healthconscious to the core, with the majority of the menu leaning GF. Curry Soul Good and Quinoa Cool rank as Marin staff favorites. (Mill Valley, San Rafael) cafedelsoul.net

➺ Flour Chylde Novato’s own gluten-free bakery offers loaves, pastries and cookies, along with tortes and cakes. Try the Pure Chocolate Torte to reevaluate your relationship with gluten. (Novato) flourchylde.com

➺ Good Earth Natural Foods The selection skews organic and GMO-free, with gluten-free options available throughout. We recommend the wheat-free pizzas. (Fairfax, Mill Valley) genatural.com

➺ Harmony Restaurant This Chinese haven can provide glutenfree versions of practically every item, but the menu’s must-have is the naturally GF Sweet Rice Dumpling. (Mill Valley) harmonyrestaurantgroup.com

➺ Lotus Cuisine of India The North Indian fare here is predominantly gluten-free and augmented by a menu of GF desserts featuring kheer, chilled rice pudding made with almond milk. (San Rafael) lotusrestaurant.com

➺ Pizza Antica The restaurant offers a separate gluten-free menu centering on pizza dough and pastas made in a GF facility, making for a super considerate slice. (Mill Valley) pizzaantica.com

➺ World Wrapps Gluten-free bundles are a signature item at this spot. Try the Hawaiian Poke Nori Wrapp or the Tahini Tofu Rice Paper Wrapp for a new take on portable eats. (Corte Madera) worldwrapps.com

FROM LEFT: DEBRA TARRANT; TIM PORTER; LINDSAY UPSON

Green Chile

Open-Air Fare

Considering Marin’s natural beauty, it’s no surprise that most meals taste a bit better — and make you linger longer — when enjoyed alfresco.

Beso Bistro and Wine Bar 502 S Palm Drive, Novato. 415.883.6700 besobistro.com

Fish 350 Harbor Drive, Sausalito. 415.331.3474, 331fish.com

Playa 41 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.384.8871, playamv.com

Panama Hotel 4 Bayview St, San Rafael. 415.457.3993, panamahotel.com

Sam’s Anchor Cafe 27 Main St, Tiburon. 415.435.4527, samscafe.com

Sand Dollar Restaurant 3458 Shoreline Highway, Stinson Beach. 415.868.0434, stinsonbeachrestaurant.com

Servino Ristorante 9 Main St, Tiburon. 415.435.2676, servino.com

Terrapin Crossroads 100 Yacht Club Drive, San Rafael. 415.524.2773, terrapincrossroads.net

LUNCH FOR LESS

Lunch isn’t the meal on which to blow your buck. Fortunately, these county establishments know a thing or two about eating on the cheap, satiating your midday cravings for $10 or less.

Slice of Life

It’s a good time for pizza — brick ovens, gluten-free dough, creative toppings. Go out and grab a slice, or a whole pie, at one of these spots.

BAR BOCCE A bayfront fire pit and bocce ball court make for a special slice, and, somehow, the thin-crust pizzas still steal the show. (Sausalito) barbocce.com

FARMSHOP A brick oven — positioned near the full bar — churns out artisanal pies replete with local cheese and toppings. (Larkspur) farmshopca.com

MULBERRY STREET

PIZZERIA This restaurant is named for Mulberry Street in Manhattan’s Little Italy, and for good reason: hand-tossed crust, traditional toppings, family-owned. (San Rafael) mulberrystreetpizzasanrafael.com

PIATTI A quartet of cheesy offerings is topped off by some serious atmosphere. Try the asparagus pie, finished with lemon cream, parmesan and sea salt. (Mill Valley) piatti.com

PIZZA ANTICA This family favorite offers a variety of pizzas with opportunities to mix and match tasty toppings — think portobello mushrooms and house-made ham — making for an ideal slice experience. (Mill Valley) pizzaantica.com

PIZZERIA PICCO Neapolitan-style thin crust serves as a base for house-made, local and organic toppings. In a rush? Grab a flashfrozen pie and transform your

kitchen into an instant pizzeria. (Larkspur) pizzeriapicco.com

TAMALPIE PIZZERIA This Mill Valley hot spot features a menu of pies named for local trails. Try the Troop 80, finished with house-made fennel sausage, or the Tenderfoot, topped with wild mushrooms. (Mill Valley) tamalpiepizza.com

WAYPOINT PIZZA This seaworthy pizza joint serves up unforgettable specialty pies along with “Between the Sheets” (pizza-style sandwiches), with crusts crafted from a honey beer dough. (Tiburon) waypointpizza.com

AMBERJACK SUSHI Lunch Box combos make medleys of tempura, teriyaki, sushi and sashimi a lunchtime steal, each served with rice, miso soup and salad for around $9. (Mill Valley) 415.383.1327

FALAFEL HUT In the mood for Middle Eastern? This San Rafael favorite shells out the Falafel Deluxe, which takes the traditional falafel wrap up a notch with eggplant and potatoes. (San Rafael) falafelhut.net

HARMONY RESTAURANT

A go-to of Marin’s executive editor Mimi Towle, Harmony’s lunch special is only $7.50 and contains a shareable amount of scrumptious bites — trust us, we tested. (Mill Valley) harmonyrestaurantgroup.com

LOUIE’S DELI A light lunch of tabbouleh and hummus will keep the wheels turning until dinnertime — and cost you $7.95 or less. (Sausalito) louiesdelisausalito.com

SOL FOOD Skip the food coma without missing out on Sol Food’s addictive pique sauce and plantains with the Vegetariano: rice, beans, plantains, salad and half an avocado, $7.50–$9.50. (Mill Valley, San Rafael) solfoodrestaurant.com

TAM TAM RAMEN While ramen is always a comfort, it’s the Bao Sliders stuffed with shrimp tempura — priced $3.99 per — that will keep you coming back for more. (Mill Valley) 415.381.3008

Sam's Anchor Cafe

Bar Bocce

Veg Out

I SCREAM

For those seeking a lick of nostalgia or a simple sunny day sampling, a scoop of ice cream — or two, or three — is a classic way to beat the heat.

DOUBLE RAINBOW 860 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.457.0803, doublerainbow.com

FAIRFAX SCOOP 63 Broadway Blvd, Fairfax. 415.453.3130

HONEYMOON 34 Miller Ave, Mill Valley. 415.888.2307, honeymoonbrands.com

POSIE 250 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.891.8395

SILBERMANN’S ICE CREAM 196 Northgate One, San Rafael. 415.479.1657, silbermanns.com

THREE TWINS ICE CREAM 2231 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur. 415.461.8946, threetwinsicecream.com

Herbivores rejoice! An array of international food freckles Marin’s restaurant scene, making tracking down vegetarian options as easy as 1-2-3.

Avatar’s Restaurant Start with the Vegetarian Samosa Plate before indulging in a Punjabi Enchilada stuffed with mixed vegetables, smoked eggplant or curried sweet potato. (Sausalito) enjoyavatars.com

Burmatown The Tea Leaf Salad centers on a mixture of fermented tea leaves, romaine hearts, fried garlic and more — but don’t forget to request it vegetarian. (Corte Madera) burmatown.com

Cafe del Soul Have we mentioned Cafe del Soul? Everything on the menu is vegetarian to begin with, with add-ons available for omnivores. (Mill Valley, San Rafael) cafedelsoul.net

Davey Jones Deli This deli is home to the Vulcan Wrap, with hummus, almonds, avocado, quinoa, almond pesto and the “Twerks” — a medley of veggies — testing the seams of a spinach tortilla. (Sausalito) daveyjonesdeli.com

Le Garage Along with roasted Chioggia beets and squash blossoms, the French bistro’s Foie Gras Au Torchon centers on a mango-pear chutney primed for spreading on brioche. (Sausalito) legaragebistrosausalito.com

Thep Lela Thai Restaurant Each savory curry — yellow, red or green, simmered with coconut milk and veggie extras — is available served over tofu. (Mill Valley) theplela.com

It’s How We Roll

When you make your home near the Pacific, sushi becomes a savory way of life. And whether you favor your seaborne fare artfully laid over rice, rolled in conical fashion or swaddled tightly in seaweed, Marin’s own company of itamae (sushi chefs) are always ready to roll. Below, the most popular maki on the menu.

ROBATA CATERPILLAR ROLL 591 Redwood Highway, Mill Valley. 415.381.8400, robatagrill.com

SAKURA SUSHI RED HEART ROLL 100 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafael. 415.785.8151, sakurasushisanrafael.com

SUSHI 69 HIRO’S ROLL 69 Center Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.459.6969

SUSHI RAN CRUNCH ROLL 107 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.332.3620, sushiran.com

SUSHI TO DAI FOR ASK OUR CUSTOMERS 816 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.721.0392

VILLAGE SAKE VILLAGE ROLL 19 Bolinas Road, Fairfax. 415.521.5790, villagesake.com

Village Sake

Here’s the Beef

All burgers are not created equal. Some are crafted quickly and designed to be eaten just as fast, while others boast a certain something — a secret sauce, if you will. If you find yourself polishing off a atty at one of these places, you can bet that your burger is one of quality. Here’s what our favorite grill masters have to say about their take on the American staple.

➺ Belcampo Meat Co. “Our beef comes from our own farm; it’s all grass-fed, organic certified and aged three weeks before we grind it. That’s unparalleled quality — and you can taste it!” — Anya Fernald. (Larkspur) belcampo.com

➺ Buckeye Roadhouse “The Roadhouse

Cheeseburger is grilled over a wood fire, the slightly smoky flavor furthered by Welsh sharp cheddar, house-made pickles and a toasted poppy-seed bun.” — Peter Schumacher. (Mill Valley) buckeyeroadhouse.com

➺ Fast Food Français “The BOS burger is our French take on a bacon cheeseburger. We add St. Nectaire cheese and béarnaise sauce — what could be more French and delicious than that?” — Susannah Souvestre. (Sausalito) eatf3.com

Breakfast is a time for catching up while you wake up. And whether you’re part of the weekend brunch brigade or fancy yourself an everyday diner, these local eggs-any-style institutions make rising with the sun a great way to start the day.

RISE AND SHINE

BAYSIDE CAFE This unassuming bay-adjacent joint is family-operated, with an extensive menu of favorites destined to become your next “usual.” (Sausalito) bayside cafe-sausalito.com

BREAKERS CAFE Breakfast is better by the beach. Owned by brothers Sam and Augie Temer, Breakers aims to honor West Marin’s kickback culture with local, organic eats and a relaxed vibe. (Stinson Beach) stinsonbeachcafe.com

CIBO A local favorite and by-thebay cyclist destination, Cibo boasts a host of outdoor seating ideal for coffee sipping, pastry nibbling and people watching. (Sausalito) 415.331.2426

FRED’S PLACE Those who prefer their French toast deep fried and sides of bacon candied will find fast favorites at this well-loved breakfast nook. (Sausalito) 415.332.4575

MARVIN’S RESTAURANT This Marin mainstay is worth the potential wait. Expect large portions, friendly service and expertly executed diner fare — from a variety of benedicts to corned beef hash. (Novato) 415.892.4482

M.H. BREAD AND BUTTER Keep up with trends in toast at MHBB. A menu of egg dishes and breakfast salads is augmented by thick-sliced bread slathered with a selection of spreads. (San Anselmo) mhbreadandbutter.com

SHORELINE COFFEE SHOP This old favorite got a facelift a few years back, with old customers and new sidling into brightly colored booths to enjoy a medley of traditional and Mexican-inspired a.m. dishes. (Mill Valley) shorelinecoffeeshop.com

THERESA & JOHNNY’S COMFORT FOOD Your go-to breakfast may have some competition in Theresa & Johnny’s menu of specials, which includes chicken and waffles and seasonal changeups to supplement a menu of classic pre-noon fare. (San Rafael) theresajohnnys.com

➺ Joinery Beer Hall and Rotisserie “The Joinery Burger is a classic done really well. The burger is excellent as is but we are partial to the bacon/cheddar upgrade.” — Yella Catalana. (Sausalito) joineryca.com

➺ M&G Burgers “Everything we have is delivered fresh every day. We use Prather ranch organic beef, which is hormone free, antibiotic free and grass fed. But we’re still a burger joint.” — Mark Escobar. (Fairfax, Larkspur) 415.454.0655

➺ Parkside Cafe “A juicy grilled burger after a day at Stinson Beach is simply perfection. Our burger is made with local beef and served on a brioche bun. Eat well, be happy.” — Maxine Gilbert. (Stinson Beach) parksidecafe.com

➺ Perry’s “The Perry’s Burger is classic and simple. High-quality meat, handled minimally, seasoned with salt and pepper, grilled and placed on a lightly toasted brioche bun.”

— Perry Butler. (Larkspur) perryssf.com

➺ Phyllis' Giant Burgers "Our signature Giant Burger is delicious, savory and juicy. Since 1981, we have provided the Bay Area community with the highest-quality burgers, fries and milkshakes.” — Michelle Cho, owner. (Mill Valley, San Rafeal) phyllisgiantburgers.com

Fred's Place

Bar Bites

Cocktails are great, but they’re even better accompanied by a well-executed menu of snacks. Marin’s best bar bites are renowned — think Buckeye’s Oysters Bingo — and render a sit-down dinner unnecessary.

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

Buckeye Roadhouse 15 Shoreline Highway, Sausalito. 415.331.2600, buckeyeroadhouse.com

Bungalow 44 44 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.2500, bungalow44.com

Left Bank Brasserie 507 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.927.3331, leftbank.com

Perry’s 234 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.927.1877, perryssf.com

Piatti 625 Redwood Highway, Mill Valley. 415.380.2525, piatti.com

Piazza D’Angelo 22 Miller Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.2000, piazzadangelo.com

LOCAL LIBATIONS

Storied institutions all, Marin’s local dives are known for their drinks, quirks and regulars.

THE MAYFLOWER PUB Modeled after a pub in the British Isles, this spot serves British and Irish fare and the ideal atmosphere for catching up or catching a (likely soccer) game. (San Rafael) themayflowerpub.com

OLD WESTERN SALOON The perfect stopover after a day of coastal exploration, this old bar serves up character with its cocktails. (Point Reyes Station) 415.663.1661

2AM CLUB A fabled local gathering place, “The Deuce” features pool tables, unpretentious libations and one of Charlie Deal’s legendary toilet guitars hung behind the bar. (Mill Valley) 415.388.6036

NADER KHOURI (TOP); TIM PORTER (LIBATIONS)

Buckeye Roadhouse

Cable Car Coffee This drive-through coffee joint fills your cup with convenience and is a favorite of commuters and busy locals alike. (Mill Valley) 415.883.8594

Emporio Rulli Italian Caffe Artisan Bakery Family owned and operated, this is a great place to meet up over an espresso and Italian-made cookies — or wine if you’re so inclined. (Larkspur) rulli.com

Equator Coffees & Teas What started out as two women roasting coffee in a garage is now a Marin mainstay and a Certified B Corp — all fair trade, all the time. (Various locations) equatorcoffees.com

Marin Coffee Roasters Community hubs all, Marin Coffee Roasters’ trio of cafes serve up java and a friendly, hometown vibe. (Various locations) marincoffeeroasters.net

Red Whale Coffee The beans are cooked rather than roasted at this wholly California company; founder Sean Boyd has his equipment specially made. (San Rafael) redwhalecoffee.com

Shaken, Not Stirred

Once called “the only American invention as perfect as a sonnet” by journalist H. L. Mencken, the martini is a slow-drinking classic made for personalization: vodka or gin, dirty or dry, shaken or stirred.

BUCKEYE ROADHOUSE 15 Shoreline Highway, Sausalito. 415.331.2600, buckeyeroadhouse.com

BUNGALOW 44 44 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.2500, bungalow44.com

FARLEY BAR 602 Murray Circle, Sausalito. 415.339.4750, cavallopoint.com

FARMSHOP 2233 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur. 415.755.6700, farmshopca.com

LEFT BANK BRASSERIE 507 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.927.3331, leftbank.com

PIATTI 625 Redwood Highway, Mill Valley. 415.380.2525, piatti.com

SAM’S ANCHOR CAFE 27 Main St, Tiburon. 415.435.4527, samscafe.com

WILDFOX 225 Alameda del Prado, Novato. 415.883.9125, wildfoxrestaurant.com

Margaritaville

Whether you prefer yours tart, fruity, blended or on the rocks with salt, a margarita is a fitting way to welcome a warm-weather weekend — or mentally transport yourself to a far-flung sandy beach. Here, local barkeeps and owners describe what puts their libations over the top.

COPITA TEQUILERIA Y COMIDA “Simplicity. We try to feature the tequila itself (Herradura Blanco). So smooth, you’ll want five or six.” — Jesse Bennet, manager and beverage director. (Sausalito) copitarestaurant.com

EL PASEO “Sammy’s new Santo Mezquila, the fresh ingredients, love and joy.” —Steve Gizzi, bar manager. (Mill Valley) elpaseomillvalley.com

MARINITAS “We use fresh lime juice and syrup made from raw sugar daily. We also use Cointreau, which adds a distinct flavor to make a great margarita.” —David Hancock, bar manager. (San Anselmo) marinitas.net

PLAYA “Quality of ingredients, unwavering proportions and the manner in which it is prepared: with the knowledge that you’re getting this party started.” —Vanessa Higgins, owner. (Mill Valley) playamv.com

TACO JANE' S  “Our quality-driven ingredients. For our house, we use el Jimador tequila, lime juice and organic agave nectar. Equally important is the execution and the love that consistently delivers.” Matteo Boussina, owner. (San Anselmo) tacojanes.com

TAMAL “Our recipe is unique, as we use 100 percent blue agave, orange-infused agave syrup and organic lime juice. Consistency is key: we mix our margaritas like chemists.” —Matias Marini, bartender. (Fairfax) tamalfairfax.com

PETE’S 881 CLUB Won with a lucky hand in 1951, the familyowned watering hole is more sports bar than dive, offering the only legal gambling in the county, along with late-night eats. (San Rafael) petes881club.com

Main Squeeze

Those on the go would do well to visit one of the county’s many one-stop juice shops, which transform produce into drinkable blends that make healthier living a mobile option.

➺ BAYSIDE CAFE This breakfast spot houses a secret: a full-scale juice bar. Seasonal fruits and veggies converge in Bayside’s menu of juices and smoothies. (Sausalito) baysidecafe sausalito.com

Stop and Sip

Classy and cozy, a wine bar is the ultimate alternative to a glass of pinot in your pajamas. Marin’s favorite spots will make you want to hit the town.

123 Bolinas This wine bar with a friendly and hospitable atmosphere has evolved into a vine-minded hub for shareable eats and carefully culled bottles. (Fairfax) 123bolinas.com

Beso Bistro and Wine Bar In the heart of Novato, Beso has patio seating ideal for an alfresco sip. (Novato) besobistro.com

Tiburon Wine Proprietor Jerry Horn — aka Dr. Champagne — invites you to wet your whistle in a relaxed setting enhanced with expert viticulture advice. (Tiburon) tiburonwine.net

Zinz Wine Bar This space has been a wine bar for nearly 25 years, and the latest rendition moonlights as an art gallery. (Corte Madera) zinzwinebar.com

SILVER PESO This wellknown establishment centers on a square-shaped wraparound bar that fosters interaction, as well as pool tables, additional seating and more. (Larkspur) 415.924.3448

➺ JUICE ALLEY With juice crafted nightly from seasonal ingredients, the place is a cult favorite, with equal parts flavor and loca l flair. (Various locations) juicealley.com

➺ JUICE GIRL From nut milks to tonics, cold-pressed juices to breakfast bowls, this favorite spot makes healthier living an easy endeavor. (Mill Valley) juicegirlmv.com

➺ THE PLANT CAFE ORGANIC Conveniently located in Strawberry Village, a perfect stop for organic juices and smoothies. (Mill Valley) theplantcafe.com

➺ URBAN REMEDY

Founded by Neka Pasquale, this spot is a lifestyle booster, offering juice cleanses, plant-based snacks, meal plans and more. (Various locations) urbanremedy.com

➺ WHOLE FOODS MARKET

For on-the-go appeal, the juice section here can’t be beat. (Various locations) wholefoodsmarket.com

SMILEY’S SCHOONER SALOON AND HOTEL In business well over a century — successfully eluding Prohibition laws — the local landmark is a great spot for a post-surf drink. (Bolinas) smileyssaloon.com

SMITTY’S BAR Stop by for a game of darts or pool at this no-nonsense dive, and be sure to sample one of Nancy’s famous bloody marys. (Sausalito) smittysbar.com

CUPPA JOE Waking up is hard to do, but coffee certainly helps.

Red Whale Coffee

Keep It Casual

Our county’s women know how to dress it down. Stock up on day-to-day staples at one of these well-loved local stores.

7 on Locust Curated by Nadine Storyk Curtis, this Mill Valley bazaar boasts brands from across the globe, making for an elevated, bohemian sense of style. (Mill Valley) 7onlocust.com

Bella Marin Old meets new at this shop, with trend-driven women’s clothing augmented by thoughtfully selected resale gems. (San Rafael) bellamarin.com

Blan c This longtime San Anselmo favorite can be counted on for basics that are a cut above. (San Anselmo) 415.485.0104

Carolina Boutique O wned and operated by the everfashionable Carolina Loiacono. Shop here for Bay Area brands like Freda Salvador and Molly M Designs. (Mill Valley) carolinaboutique.com

Kismet Shop designer clothing sans the impersonal department-store experience at Kismet, which has brands like Theory, Rebecca Taylor, Margaret O’Leary and others. (San Anselmo) shopkismet.net

Koze Darla Fisher has dreamed up a destination for pieces that are stylish and comfortable — without the frump factor. (Tiburon) getkoze.com

Madison Recently expanded to include Madison and Madison II; head to Main Street to find clothing and accessories fit for any California girl. (Tiburon) 415.889.5727

Stick and Ball Inspired by equestrians and country polo players, this shop is a brand in its own right, with timeless, comfortable pieces supplemented by Lucchese leather boots. (Mill Valley) stickandballco.com

The Stor e  Stay up-to-date with the latest in style that is simple and wearable. (Mill Valley) thestoremillvalley.com

Viva Diva This cult-favorite shop is an ideal stop for datenight-ready options, with flirty, feminine styles populating the racks. (San Rafael) vivadivaboutique.com

For the Boys

The variety of quality men’s clothing shops sprinkled throughout the county mean Marin’s men have many opportunities to find essentials for dapper dressing.

➺ FAMOUS 4 Larry “The Hat” Lautzker curates wellcrafted clothing from around the world, with inventory ideal for those who know how to stand out in a crowd. (Mill Valley) famous4.net

➺ GENE HILLER

If expert service is your style, then Gene Hiller is the place to be. The storied shop showcases elevated menswear that blends traditional and contemporary aesthetics. (Sausalito) genehiller.com

➺ GUIDEBOAT CO. In addition to boats, this store boasts a large selection of nautically minded goods for guys, each piece inspired by outdoor lore. (Mill Valley) guideboat.com

➺ TUMBLEWEED A new uniform of flannel, fleece and all-American denim is readily available at this local retailer. (San Anselmo) tumbleweed california.com

➺ UNIONMADE Well-made clothing with classic sensibilities makes this shop the ultimate stop for timeless looks. (Larkspur) unionmade goods.com

➺ UTILITY GOODS For attire that is durable, functional and perfectly pared down, head to this Americanminded store. (San Anselmo) utility-goods.com

Stick and Ball

Great Gifts

Gifting is a learned art. Fortunately, these one-stop shops house tailored offerings to make sure your favor is well-received.

EVO SPA Evo’s select spa products, jewelry and more make it easy to pamper anyone — including yourself. (Mill Valley) evo-spa.com

FIG GARDEN Hunt for unusual treasures and unique clothing at this small but thoughtfully stocked San Anselmo store. (San Anselmo) 415.457.9443

POLLEN AND WOOL Owner Kristina de Pizzol keeps her newest shop full of bright and eclectic offerings. (Mill Valley) pollenandwool.com

SAUSALITO FERRY CO. Gag gifts abound at this Sausalito favorite, which features trinkets and T-shirts for the whole family. (Sausalito) sausalitoferry.com

SAUSALITO STATIONERY This stationery shop is the place to find the right card and peruse gift items and party supplies. (Sausalito) 415.324.7150

SPIRIT MATTERS The aesthetics of East Asia find local form at Spirit Matters, a special store brimming with incense, spiritual iconography and jewelry. (Inverness) 415.663.8699

TERRESTRA From kitchen items to living room decor, Terrestra offers gift items that can fit the look of any home. (Mill Valley) terrestra.com

ZUMA A variety of eco-friendly imports makes for a memorable shopping experience at this West Marin retailer. (Point Reyes) 415.663.1748

Right at Home

Candles! Couches! Mirrors! Linens! Making a house a home is as easy as a trip to one of Marin’s well-curated decor shops.

Abode A dwelling-like shop with everything from customizable furniture to lighting to handcrafted rugs. (Larkspur) abodemarin.com

Christopher Salon and Home One part hair salon, one part home decor boutique — because interior shopping is best done post-blowout. (Various locations) christopher-salon.com

Columbine Home A selection of ceramics, glassware and more, with some furniture available as well. (Corte Madera) columbinehome.net

Ruby Living A smart mix of classic and contemporary furniture, upholstery and home goods. (Mill Valley) rubyliving.com

Ruth Livingston Studio Shop selected pieces from the Ruth Livingston Studio Collection, supplemented by eclectic gift items crafted to add interest to any space. (Tiburon) ruthlivingston.com

SummerHouse Peruse one-of-akind furniture before heading up the street to SummerHouse 57 for specialized gift items. (Mill Valley) summerhouse57millvalley.com

Sunrise Home A bright showroom featuring creative and clever vignettes designed to inspire. (San Rafael) sunrisehome.com

Via Diva Home Furnishings Decor sourced from China, Indonesia, India and elsewhere will lend your home an exotic allure. (San Rafael) viadiva.com

LINDISIMA

SHOE

Pollen and Wool

Pedal Power

Whether you live in Marin or are just passing through, you’ll quickly learn that here, two wheels are better than four. The area’s breathtaking scenery makes taking to the streets on a pedal-ready — and emission-free — frame a joy as well as a supremely green choice, and the area’s smattering of bike shops are here to keep you rolling. Ahead-of-the-curve inventory and unbeatable expertise makes rethinking your commute a no-brainer.

Bicycle Odyssey 1417 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.332.3050, bicycleodyssey.com

City Cycle Marin 13 San Clemente Drive, Corte Madera. 415.927.7433, citycycle.com

Fairfax Cyclery 2020 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax. 415.721.7644, fairfaxcyclery.com

Mike’s Bikes 1 Gate 6 Road, Sausalito, 415.332.3200; 836 Fourth St, San Rafael, 415.454.3747; mikesbikes.com

Pedego Electric Bikes 10 Main St, Tiburon. 415.900.5090, pedegoelectricbikes.com

Tam Bikes 357 Miller Ave, Mill Valley. 415.389.1900, tambikes.com

The New Wheel Electric 14 E Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Larkspur. 415.524.7362, newwheel.net

Village Peddler 1111 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.461.3091, villagepeddler.com

MOVE AND GROOVE

Whether you seek an infusion of energy, a dose of culture, a pastime for your children or a fun take on fitness, Marin’s lauded dance studios offer classes designed to transform lives as well as bodies.

HAPPY FEET This family-owned institution provides instruction in tap, jazz and ballet from toddlerhood to adulthood. (Mill Valley) happyfeetmillvalley.com

LOVE2DANCE Classes are offered over three “semesters.” All ages and experience levels welcome. (Novato) love2dance.biz

PAAM Workshops in hip-hop, ballet, theater arts and more with options for ages 3 and up. (Mill Valley) paamarts.com

ROCO DANCE AND FITNESS

The studio celebrates myriad disciplines, with variations open to kids and adults. (Mill Valley and Fairfax) rocodance.com

STAGE DOR This unique company specializes in jazz and theatrical styles for high school students and adults. (Various locations) stagedor.com

RoCo Dance

GO WITH THE FLOW

Come back to an awareness of your breath, give your brain a break and ensure you have a real rationale for that everexpanding legging collection with a visit to one of Marin’s best yoga studios.

Find the practice, instructor and space that fit your flow. Namaste.

MARIN POWER YOGA 141 Tunstead Ave, San Anselmo. 415.683.1191, marinpoweryoga.com

NOW: NEW OM WORLD, 67 Tamal Vista Blvd, Corte Madera. 415.891.3764, newomworld.com

RED DRAGON 438 Miller Ave, Mill Valley, 415.381.3724; 1701 Fourth St, San Rafael, 415.306.7904; reddragonyoga.com

SOME LIKE IT HOT YOGA AND BOUTIQUE 408 Ignacio Blvd, Novato. 415.234.6727, somelikeithotyoga.com

YOGAWORKS 650 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley, 415.318.7650; 2207 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, 415.925.2440; 7320 Redwood Blvd, Novato, 415.408.6565; yogaworks.com

Water Works

Marin’s waters demand a dive-in. Glide with stand-up paddleboards, make gentle waves aboard a kayak or surf the bigger ones atop a longboard — just don’t stay on the shore; the water is calling.

Make It Loud

Marin’s music scene is a storied one, and the county’s best-loved live music venues intend to keep it that way. Lend them your ears: with diverse bookings, good vibes and plenty of room for getting down, you’ll be glad you did.

➺ 19 Broadway Bar and Night Club This understated establishment is a go-to for fans of relaxed, close-quarters shows. Reggae, funk, rock and soul make grooving a given. (Fairfax) 19broadway.com

➺ HopMonk Tavern Tucked conveniently into the Vintage Oaks Shopping Center, this good-times tavern features standing-roomonly shows with Americana, rock and more, with open mic nights thrown in for good measure. (Novato) hopmonk.com

➺ Peri’s Silver Dollar Bar When a dive bar brings in bands, everyone wins. Rock, blues and soul play well with pool tables and an unassuming scene. (Fairfax) perisbar.com

➺ Rancho Nicasio All backroads lead to the tiny town of Nicasio and a live show at the West Marin atmospheric venue. Enjoy local eats and memorable shows. (Nicasio) ranchonicasio.com

➺ Sweetwater Music Hall This 1970s-era mainstay found new form — and an upgraded location — in 2012, with the Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir at the helm. Danceable genres, high ceilings, strong drinks. (Mill Valley) sweetwatermusichall.com

➺ Terrapin Crossroads Up Highway 101, you’ll find another musical space dreamed up by a Grateful Dead member. Phil Lesh’s spot is both venue and restaurant,

with a menu of all-American eats supplementing good vibes and rock ’n’ roll shows. (San Rafael) terrapincrossroads.net

➺ The Fenix San Rafael’s supper club makes live music and dining a simultaneous experience. Pull up a chair and enjoy a meal along with intimate concerts from varied performers. (San Rafael) fenixlive.com

101 Surf Sports Windsurfing, kitesurfing, kayaking, SUP — Surf Sports has it all. The water’s-edge retailer offers rentals, lessons, demos and more. (San Rafael) 101surfsports.com

Live Water Surf Shop Make your visit to Stinson Beach a more memorable one with a stop at Live Water: rent (or buy) a wetsuit and a board (boogie, soft-top, SUP) and take to the waves. (Stinson Beach and Fairfax) livewatersurfshop.com

Proof Lab Surf Shop Marin’s surf and skate culture finds a home in Proof Lab. Stock up on surfboard and gear, and get your kids on the water with private lessons or summertime’s Big Dog Surf Camp. (Mill Valley) prooflab.com

➺

Throckmorton Theatre A true theatrical venue, Throckmorton features full-scale musicals along with classical concerts and local rock. (Mill Valley) throckmortontheatre.org

Sea Trek Ply the waters of Richardson Bay on a rented SUP or kayak. Get comfortable with an introductory class, or add some adventure to your workout with OnBoardSUP Yoga and fitness classes. (Sausalito) seatrek.com

Terrapin Crossroads

Mane Stays

Marin is a beautiful place. So why not channel that outer beauty with equally well-tended hair? Lengths that flow like the waterfalls of Cascade Canyon, more vibrant than local wildflowers and as strong as Mount Tamalpais’ pair of peaks, can all be yours — just book an appointment.

Christopher Salon 23 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.888.2646, christopher-salon.com

Cooper Alley 2215 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur. 628.888.1072, cooperalleysalon.com

Miller and Mane 45 Camino Alto #106, Mill Valley. 415.569.5000, millerandmane.com

Milvali Salon and Cosmetics 3 E Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.0988, milvali.com

NH2 Salon 208 Vintage Way #K29, Novato. 415.897.8777, nh2salon.com

Plum Salon 221 Corte Madera Ave, Corte Madera. 415.927.1486, plumsalonmarin.com

Christopher Salon

Knead It

The word massage comes from the Greek massein, which means “to knead.” And though the pushing, plying and pressing of overworked muscles — executed expertly as you drift into a sleep-like state — are enough of a draw for regular appointments with your favorite masseuse, the many health benefits of the time-honored treatment don’t hurt either. With perks ranging from reduction of pain, blood pressure and anxiety to better sleep, you can consider your next spa visit a medical expense.

BAY CLUB MARIN 220 Corte Madera Town Center, Corte Madera. 415.945.3000, bayclubs.com

CAVALLO POINT SPA 601 Murray Circle, Sausalito. 415.339.4767, cavallopoint.com

EVO SPA 800 Redwood Hwy Frontage Road #216, Mill Valley. 415.383.3223, evo-spa.com

INTERNATIONAL ORANGE 2421 Larkspur Landing Circle #43, Larkspur. 415.563.5000, internationalorange.com

SIMPLY INSPIRED 158 Almonte Blvd, Mill Valley. 415.383.8260, simplyinspiredspa.com

SOULSTICE SPA 501 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.729.9121, soulsticemindbodyspa.com

SAVING FACE Makeup is second only to skin care, and a good facial is a bare face’s best friend. Between steam and exfoliation, extraction and hydration, a bit of above-neck restoration makes for a radiant canvas primed for decoration — or a stand-alone reveal. We suggest taking these local complexion cleanups at face value.

Cavallo Point Spa Organic Oxygen Facial For a youthful glow. (Sausalito) cavallopoint.com

Eva Claiborne The HydraFacial MD For smoothing and hydration. (Tiburon) tiburonskincare.com

Evo Spa Intraceuticals Oxygen Facial For an infusion of age-defying antioxidants. (Mill Valley) evo-spa.com

International Orange IO Signature Facial For an exfoliated polish. (Larkspur) internationalorange.com

Terese European Skin and Body Care European Deep Cleansing Facial For extraction and radiance. (San Rafael) euro.skincaretherapy.net

Polish Jobs

Meticulously managed digits are a sure sign of togetherness — or the easiest way to fake it. Luckily, Marin’s best salons make the process as enjoyable as the subsequent admiration.

➺ Bella Rouge Nail and Spa A hot oil treatment helps ensure hands are ready to show off, whichever new hue you choose.

(Kentfield) bellarouge nailspa.com

➺ Champagne Salon and Day Spa This salon is a must-visit for those who favor their polish with a side of quiet

time. Ask for the Spa Manicure and enjoy a skin-soothing paraffin treatment. (Tiburon) c hampagnesalonand dayspa.com

➺ Dolls and Dandy Nail Lounge Revel in your impending paint job in an airy, relaxing space in the heart of Mill Valley. The Dolls Classic package may

make over your notion of manicure.

(Mill Valley) dollsand dandy.com

➺ Fingers and Toes Consistency is key at this San Rafael establishment, with artfully performed services offered by each and every manicurist. (San Rafael) 415.492.9000

➺ Nails Number One Supremely affordable with easy parking and a friendly staff, this Marin City mainstay is a reliable one. (Marin City) 415.289.0669

➺ Rosemary Spa Up the ante on your mani with a sugar scrub and hand, feet, shoulder or neck massage — a mini spa experience

for those on the go. (Mill Valley) rosemaryspa.com

➺ Three Sisters Nail Salon A fan favorite for attention to detail, this salon is clean, accommodating and scrupulous. (San Rafael) 415.454.9662

Health Hacks

Alone, an apple a day probably won’t keep you out of the doctor’s office — but a fruity orb crunched in conjunction with one of these wellness alternatives just might.

BODY TREATMENT Marin IV Vitamin Therapy Hook up to an intravenous attachment that drips personalized vitamins and nutrients, or choose from a premixed vitamin cocktail (no, not that kind). (Larkspur) bodytreatmedboutique.com

BRRRRR CRYOTHERAPY Take your cool to the next level with icy spot therapy and CryoFacials crafted to boost collagen, a process said to make complexions generally brighter and tighter. (San Rafael) brrrrrcryotherapy.com

CONSCIOUS DRIFT Float on — by appointment. Deprive your senses and promote relaxation and awareness while combating physical pain with a stint in a sensory deprivation tank. (Fairfax) consciousdrift.com

CRYOTHERAPY WHOLEBODY Chill out with some cryotherapy (translation: cold cure). The rapid constriction of blood vessels is said to release endorphins, improving mood while boosting metabolism and circulation. (Corte Madera) cryotherapywholebody.com

EVO SPA Far - Infrared Sauna Detoxify your entire being — down to the cells — with a bask in an infrared sauna, which removes toxins and burns calories. (Mill Valley) evo-spa.com

HOLISTIC CHINESE CHAIR MASSAGE

Loosen up at this unassuming and highly lauded massage joint, with rubdowns so relaxing you might be able to take your therapist off speed dial. (Novato) 415.763.3030

SIMPLY INSPIRED SPA Far-Infrared Sauna

This spa likens its infrared offering to “sitting next to a fire at the beach when it is cold outside” — a welcome alternative to a sweat session in a traditional sauna. (Mill Valley) simplyinspiredspa.com

Marin Building

GENERATIONS OF GHILOTTIS, ONGAROS AND OTHER CLANS HAVE STAYED IN BUSINESS TOGETHER FOR DECADES.

BY JIM WOOD ILLUSTRATION BY DAVID VOGIN

AN ANCIENT CHINESE proverb goes like this: “Wealth does not pass three generations.” The implication is that a family’s first generation struggles to get a business up and running; the second generation maintains that growth and maybe enjoys a few benefits; a third generation knows little of the preceding struggles and hardships, only the blessings, and squanders the success.

However, in Marin, that rule doesn’t always hold true — far from it, in fact. In the building trade alone, at least four longtime familyowned businesses are currently alive and thriving in the county: San Rafael’s McNear Brick and Block is now in its fi fth generation of family operation; Ghilotti Bros. Inc., one of Northern California’s largest heavy construction firms, is in its third generation, with a fourth generation studying construction management; San Anselmo’s Ongaro and Sons Plumbing, Heating and Cooling includes four generations of men named Ernest and dates back 85 years; and San Rafael’s West End Nursery has stayed in the same family’s ownership and at the same location for more than 100 years, with a member of the fourth generation now essentially at the helm. •

By age 24, John Augustus McNear was already an ambitious and enterprising young man. After his parents emigrated from Scotland, he arrived in San Francisco via Maine, determined to make his mark. By 1886, John Augustus had purchased 2,500 acres of bayfront property four miles east of growing San Rafael — if you drive east on Point San Pedro Road from downtown, after passing the community of Glenwood, look to the right and you’ll see some low brick buildings and three thin, towering brick chimneys, skinny structures that survived the major earthquakes of 1906 and 1989. His long-term goal was to create an industrial city there; encouraging such a move on the site were rich natural deposits of clay and a functioning brick kiln.

Within a decade that existing kiln failed, but in 1898 McNear reopened it. Today, nearly 120 years later, Jeffand Dan McNear, John Augustus’ great-great-grandsons, are still turning out bricks

at the same location on San Pedro Point. Only now the company’s name is McNear Brick and Block, and its location is known as McNear Point.

The company has seen its share of hard times. In 1933, John Augustus’ son Erskine B. McNear gained control and, in the midst of the Great Depression, had to shut the brickyard down. It remained shuttered through World War II until 1946, when Lawrence P. McNear, John Augustus’ grandson, once again fi red up the kiln and resumed brick production.

At the time, a bayfront location was critical to McNear’s success. In those early years bricks were shipped first by scow schooner, then barged to Sacramento and Stockton and throughout the Bay Area. Nearby buildings constructed with McNear bricks (by intent, they never bore the McNear imprint) include San Francisco’s iconic Shriners Hospital on 19th Avenue; San Rafael’s city hall and library; UC Berkeley’s Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house; and the Church of the Redeemer in San Rafael.

By 1972, when Augustus’ great-grandson John E. McNear and his wife, sister and brother acquired ownership, the business had seen significant changes. Most of the original 2,500 acres had been sold off; the brick kilns were no longer fired by wood, coal or diesel oil, but by natural gas; and the once valuable on-site clay deposits had been depleted.

“Now our raw material comes from construction sites throughout Marin County,” says Dan McNear. “In fact, we’re making bricks out of soil excavated from the new Marin General Hospital site — it’s dirt that would otherwise go to the landfill, so it’s fair to say our bricks are ‘recycled.’ ”

“JEFF AND DAN McNEAR, JOHN AUGUSTUS’ GREATGREATGRANDSONS, ARE STILL TURNING OUT BRICKS AT THE SAME LOCATION.”

Tourists from the town of Lonate Pozzolo visit the brickyard in 1988. Opposite from top: Ernie Ongaro in front of the shop; Don, Ernie and Rich Ongaro hard at work.

There are four Ernest Ongaros in the saga of Ongaro and Sons Plumbing, Heating and Cooling. In 1932 Ernest V. Ongaro started the fi rm in Fairfax, in the building that now houses the popular live-music venue 19 Broadway. The fi rm prospered and in 1938 it moved to its current location just off San Anselmo Avenue in San Anselmo.

Soon, Ernest V. and his wife, Anita, had three sons: Donald, Richard and Ernest P. But tragedy struck: in 1989 Don was killed in an auto accident, and in 2005 Rich died in a plane crash. That left Ernest P., nicknamed Ernie, running Ongaro and Sons.

Before Don Ongaro’s passing, he and his wife, Beverly, had added two sons to the family, Dean and Mitch. Meanwhile, Ernest P. and his wife, Joan, contributed a daughter, Laurie, and two sons, Ernest J. (if you’re keeping count, we’re now at three Ernests) and Paul; both are now working for Ongaro and Sons. And prior to his demise, Rich and his wife, Diane, brought forth Brian, who works for Ghilotti Construction (see next family profi led in this article), and Shannon. Meanwhile, Dean and

wife Cindy produced another pair of fourthgeneration Ongaros, Donald and Amy.

It was in 1996 that Ernie Ongaro and his wife, Debbie, delivered the fourth Ernest to the Ongaro clan — Ernest J. Ongaro (this second Ernest J. was nicknamed “Ejay”), followed by their second son, Paul. Adding to the dynasty, Mitch and wife Liz produced Laura, Elise and Daniel (none are Ongaro employees; Daniel is still in high school).

But make no mistake, fourth-generation members Ejay and Donald both now work for Ongaro and Sons. You’ll find them in the trenches learning the business literally from the ground up. As for who owns and runs the company now? “That’s simple,” says Dean Ongaro, Donald’s dad. “The cousins do. Paul, Mitch, Ernie and myself; we’re all owners.”

And from the look of things, they’ve been running it quite well. In 2001, Ongaro and Sons purchased Crane & Son Plumbing & Heating, a fi rm that has served Sonoma County for more than 70 years. Over their 85 years in business, Ongaro and Sons have performed plumbing, heating and air-conditioning contract work at George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch in Lucas Valley, at San Domenico School in Sleepy Hollow and for the San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo. And for decades, Ongaro and Sons have been the go-to service guys for San Quentin State Prison.

And yet despite all this kinship, back in 1932, founder Ernest Ongaro had set down an intriguing edict: If you wanted to be on the family payroll, you had to work someplace else first. “The reason for that was simple,” thirdgeneration co-owner Dean Ongaro explains.

“My grandfather wanted us to first experience a crummy boss; then we’d all appreciate working for a family who somehow manages to get along. Heck, we’re Italians, so one way or another we’re gonna work it out.”

• • •

In 1889, at age 18, James Ghilotti left Italy to work in the diamond mines of South Africa. After four years of toiling and saving his money he returned to Italy, but soon grew restless. James had an uncle in America who invited him to come live in a far-off illage in California.

Over 100 years later, James Ghilotti’s legacy, Ghilotti Brothers Inc., is one of Northern

“ERNEST ONGARO SET DOWN AN INTRIGUING EDICT: ‘IF YOU WANT TO BE ON THE FAMILY PAYROLL, YOU NEED TO WORK SOMEPLACE ELSE FIRST.’”

California’s largest construction companies. Typical of the fi rm’s work are tasks like grading the Marin County Civic Center, reconfiguring (four times) the major intersection in San Anselmo known as the Hub and widening nearby Red Hill Avenue, often referred to as the Miracle Mile.

Ghilotti Bros. also graded and did infrastructure work for most of the homes in Novato’s San Marin and all site work for George Lucas’ original Skywalker Ranch. In 1986 the firm grubbed out Southern Pacific’s rail lines in the town of Tiburon and graded for the Point Tiburon town house development. And in 2008 Ghilotti Bros. were the lead contractors for the massive realignment of the Highway 101–Highway 580 interchange, adding carpool lanes to a trafficomplex that currently handles over 135,000 cars a day in central San Rafael. Ironically, San Rafael is the “village” where the fi rm’s founder, James Ghilotti, fi rst emigrated more than a century earlier.

James and his wife, Amalia, had five sons — Willie, Dino, Mario, Babe and Dante — and a daughter, Nancy. Starting his trade in 1914, James soon became a reputable contractor, building concrete and rock retaining walls throughout Marin and Sonoma counties. One job involved Marin’s Alpine Lake reservoir; another was Larkspur’s Blue Rock Inn, now the popular Left Bank Brasserie. In 1939, as his sons started working in the business, it became known as James Ghilotti and Sons.

All four Ghilotti brothers (Dante died at a young age) served in World War II and, on returning, plunged headfirst into the

At a Glance

The families mentioned in this article have been involved in some pretty big Bay Area projects. Here are some of the largest.

GHILOTTI BROS. INC. CONSTRUCTION

1 Crissy Field renovation: beaches, lawns and wetlands creation

2 101/580 Interchange and carpool lane installation through Central San Rafael

3 Marin County Civic Center grading 4 San Pedro Road widening

5 Pe destrian overcrossing on Sir Francis Drake Boulevard at Wolfe Grade

6 Lombard Street resurfacing

soon-to-be-booming construction business. Concrete tilt-ups, asphalt and concrete paving, and heavy earthmoving jobs became the company’s forte. In 1950, James retired; 10 years later son Babe formed his own separate construction company. Then in 1967 Willie died, leaving brothers Dino and Mario to run the business through 45 years of incredible growth.

MCNEAR BRICK & BLOCK BRICK WORK

1 Shriner’s Hospital on 19th Avenue 2 San Rafael’s city hall and library 3 Ca l Berkeley’s Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house 4 Ch urch of the Redeemer in San Rafael

ONGARO AND SONS PLUMBING AND HEATING

1 George Lucas’ Skywalker Ranch 2 Sa n Domenico School in Sleepy Hollow

3 S. F. Theological Seminary in San Anselmo

4 San Quentin State Prison

5 Angel Island bathrooms

6 Co ast guard housing at Point Reyes Lighthouse

WEST END NURSERY

PLANTS AND SHRUBBERY

1 Parkway trees for San Rafael, L arkspur, Corte Madera and San Anselmo

2 Marin General Hospital 3 College of Marin

“IRONICALLY, SAN RAFAEL IS THE ‘VILLAGE’ WHERE THE FIRM’S FOUNDER, JAMES GHILOTTI, FIRST EMIGRATED MORE THAN A CENTURY EARLIER.”

A third generation of Ghilotti brothers assumed control of the business in 2000 when Mario’s two sons, Mike and Dante, acquired ownership. Dino and Mario have since passed away and now, with nearly 250 employees, well over 100 trucks and graders and $100 million in gross annual business, Mike Ghilotti, 55, is quick to say, “This is de fi nitely not a business for the faint of heart.”

However, it’s likely a fourth generation will someday be taking the company reins. “Right now my son Mario is studying construction management at Cal Poly San Louis Obispo,” Mike proudly says. •

At the Chicago Exposition of 1905, prominent San Rafael citizen Arthur W. Foster and his wife, Louisiana, met a young German horticulturist named Richard Lohrmann. It was a fortuitous encounter. Lohrmann had only recently arrived in Chicago and wanted a place to put his love of plants to work. The Fosters convinced him to come to San Rafael and landscape Fairhill, their 250-acre hillside estate.

By 1909, Lohrmann had completed Fairhill and decided to open West End Nursery on San Rafael’s Fifth Avenue. Approaching 110 years

later, it is still open; same name, same two-acre location, and same family ownership.

Because Lohrmann had no children, in 1954 he sold his business to his nephew, Karl Untermann, who shared the family’s love of all things gardening. And West End Nursery began spreading its business throughout Marin County. A turning point was the relationship Untermann formed with Niels Schultz Jr., the master planner and developer of the community he named Greenbrae. In the late 1950s and early ’60s, West End Nursery supplied countless parkway trees, median plantings and apartment and shopping center landscapes for Schultz’s sprawling development.

Soon, more jobs followed. The City of San Rafael ordered its parkway trees from West End Nursery; so did Larkspur, Corte Madera and San Anselmo. In the go-go years of the ’60s and ’70s, Marin General Hospital and College of Marin were good customers, as were many of Marin’s high schools.

In the 1990s, with Karl Untermann’s son Tom running the operation, retail became the focus of the nursery’s business. Now, according to Tom, his son Chris — representing West End Nursery’s fourth generation of family ownership — is calling all the shots. “I still enjoy coming to work,” says Tom, 69, “but it’s really Chris who runs the show.”

But it’s hardly the Chris and Tom show. Tom’s wife, Merrie, keeps West End Nursery’s books, and Chris’ wife, Barb, stages “Christmas House,” the holiday extravaganza that draws customers and visitors from throughout the Bay Area. And together the two women travel to trade shows to ensure all merchandise is up-to-the-latest.

“We’re probably the last of the independent nurseries,” Tom says, “and proud of it.” He recalls how more than 60 years ago his dad Karl would design plans for first-time homeowners, then go out with his crews to install. “He must have landscaped thousands of homes around Marin,” Untermann recalls, “and we still get customers coming in and ordering, ‘you know, bushes and flowers like your dad planted around the house a long time ago.’ ”

He imagines (and hopes) his son Chris will be getting similar requests, proving once again that not all Chinese proverbs are true in the end. m

“BY 1909, LOHRMANN HAD COMPLETED FAIRHILL AND DECIDED TO OPEN WEST END NURSERY ON SAN RAFAEL’S FIFTH AVENUE.”

Opposite from top: The Ghilottis hard at work on a Victorian and also the Civic Center. Above: West End Nursery’s Karl Untermann (left) and an employee.

FACES OF

2017

WELCOME TO THE SECOND ANNUAL FACES OF MARIN. On the following pages we introduce you to the people behind the businesses that make our county thrive. One of the most coveted places to live in the entire country, Marin County includes miles of shoreline abutting both the San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The area’s beautiful centerpiece, Mount Tamalpais, is not just a natural setting for hiking and biking and traditions like the Dipsea Race and pancake breakfasts at the Mountain Home Inn; it’s also a majestic beacon guiding us home.

It’s not what you know, but who you know. Introducing the Faces of Marin.

Every day we cross paths with countless people as we go about our busy lives. Some we interact with, whether it’s a retail transaction or waving to a neighbor walking the dog; others we merely pass as they peek in a shop window or answer an email on their phone. Many of these people are the ones who make your favorite local businesses live and grow. They are the ones you’ll see behind the counter, at a desk or on your doorstep. So take a moment to really come face to face with these important Marin personalities. When you think about it, every business is a people business. And it’s not just clients and customers; there are important personalities driving the success of every endeavor.

THE FACES OF

High-End Swim Spas, Hot Tubs and Fireplaces

David Kasten, John Kasten Sr., and John Kasten Jr. of Creative Energy

Founded in 1976, Creative Energy has a long history in the Bay Area. We’re proud to say that, since the beginning, our core values have remained the same: offer high quality products, maintain a knowledgeable and dedicated staff, provide excellent customer service and exceed expectations. Today, Creative Energy offers the best in relaxation, including hot tubs, fireplaces, Endless Pools and fire pits. We serve the entire Bay Area in our three showrooms, located in San Rafael, San Mateo and Pleasanton.

Creative Energy has repeatedly won numerous Hot Spring Spas Dealer Awards including Territory Dealer of the Year, the Retail Excellence Award, and Locksin Thompson Dealer of the Year. John Kasten Sr. was recently awarded the Hot Spring Ring of Honor Lifetime Achievement Award, one of the industry’s highest honors.

4100 Redwood Hwy, San Rafael, CA 415.472.7727 l creativeenergy.com

Allergy and Asthma Care in Marin County

Ok, while not technically located in Marin county, with over 35 years of service to patients in both northern Marin and Sonoma Counties we feel like we’re part of the family!

The commitment of Dr. Maria Petrick and her colleagues to pursue life-changing solutions for their patients at FamilyCare Allergy and Asthma is an unwavering priority. Our team includes Board-Certified Allergist/ Clinical Immunologist Dr. Jewmaull J. Reed and Andria Steinkamp, MSN-FNP, enabling FamilyCare Allergy and Asthma to expand both its hours and services to the

Dr. Maria Petrick, MD FACAAI-FAAAAI, Dr. Jewmall J. Reed, MD and Andria Steinkamp MSN-FNP

THE FACE OF

Healthy Interiors

Rowena Finegan, Pine Street Natural Interiors

Rowena Finegan, BBEC and owner of Pine Street Natural Interiors, declares: “Our mission has always been to provide a next wave of green furniture and design, one that combines social responsibility and healthy materials with color and texture and, well, fun.”

In order to develop her knowledge in healthy home interiors, Ms. Finegan enrolled with the Institute for Bau-Biologie and Ecology, which promotes the use of healthy building principles in homes and also teaches its students how to identify elements in the home and office that might be dangerous, such as mold and volatile organic compounds released from such materials as carpet,

plastics and synthetic materials in general. Ms. Finegan earned a certification as a Building Biology Environmental Consultant (BBEC) and has been specializing in Healthy Home Interior Design for nearly fifteen years. In 2004, she collaborated with a furniture manufacturer in Los Angeles to create a sustainable, fully upholstered furniture line, utilizing natural, non-toxic and sustainable materials. The furniture line is sold, along with many other healthy home furnishings, at Pine Street Natural Interiors.

323 Pine Street, Unit A, Sausalito, CA 415.331.9323 l pinestreetinteriors.com

THE FACES OF

Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine

We are the Department of ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY AT UCSF: a team of orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians and certified athletic trainers, who bring patient-centered orthopaedic care to the North Bay.

At the UCSF MARIN CLINIC in Greenbrae, we provide expert treatment for all aspects of musculoskeletal injuries and rehabilitation. Specialties include pediatric orthopaedics, primary care sports medicine, spine, foot/ ankle, and hand/elbow/upper extremity.

Within the community, our team of UCSF physicians and certified athletic trainers is dedicated to providing

sports medicine care and health education to athletes at Tamalpais High School, Redwood High School and Sir Francis Drake High School. By educating students, coaches and parents with up-to-date medical knowledge, we aim to keep youth performing both on and off the field.

1100 S. Eliseo Drive, Suite 1, Greenbrae, CA 415.353.2808, Foot and Ankle 415.353.2776, Spine

1300 S. Eliseo Drive, Suite 204, Greenbrae, CA 415.461.6765, Hand, Elbow and Upper Extremity; Pediatric Orthopaedics; Sports Medicine orthosurgery.ucsf.edu

Mohammad Diab, M.D., Igor Immerman, M.D., Carlin Senter, M.D. and Shane Burch, M.D.

THE FACES OF

Neurosurgery in Marin

UCSF’s Department of Neurological Surgery, part of UCSF Weill Institute for Neurosciences, is home to some of the country’s leading physicians. With three UCSF neurosurgeons practicing at Marin General Hospital, Marin residents have direct access to nationally recognized neurosurgical care. In fact, US News & World Report ranked UCSF one of the top five neurosurgery programs in the country—and the best program on the West Coast.

Neurosurgeons Tarun Arora, MD, MSPT, Rishi Wadhwa, MD, and Keith Quattrocchi, MD, PhD provide cutting-edge care at both Marin General Hospital and UCSF Medical Center. This unique arrangement allows for outstanding

treatment in collaboration with Marin’s premier medical community, as well as seamless care for patients who may need specialized resources available only at UCSF. A fully staffed neurosurgery clinic in Marin allows patients to be seen quickly and easily while staying close to home. Specialized treatment is offered for all types of adult neurosurgical disorders, including brain tumors, spinal disorders, brain and spinal trauma, neurovascular disorders, and more.

Greenbrae: p: 415.514.6868, f: 415.502.5550 ucsfhealth.org/clinics/specialty_care

Keith Quattrocchi, MD, PhD, Jessica Hovatter, NP, Rishi Wadhwa, MD, Jeremy Graham, NP, and Tarun Arora, MD

THE FACE OF

Sports Medicine in Marin

H. Goltz, MD, Head Team Physician, U.S. Freestyle Ski Team - Mt. Tam Orthopedics

“I understand you. Your interests are your passions. You are the Dipsea runner looking for one more black shirt, the soccer player with dreams of college athletics, the national team skier with sights set on the 2018 Winter Games- you are my people! Like you, I am of these trails, these fields, this coast. You don’t just want to get better, you want to be better. Lets get there together!”

Dr. Goltz is an orthopedic sports medicine specialist with a practice focus on injuries in athletes and children. His emphasis is on highly personalized care to athletes of all levels.

18 Bon Air Road, Larkspur, CA o: 415.927.5300; c: 415.328.7079 l mttamorthopedics.com

David

THE FACE OF

Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery

David A. Laub, M.D.

Laub Dermatology & Aesthetics has been serving the North Bay area in Marin County for over 25 years. Dr. Laub is a board certified dermatologist specializing in medical, surgical, laser and cosmetic dermatology.

His expertise is based on extensive training, experience, artistry and attention to detail. Our practitioners apply a holistic approach to total “Skin Wellness” focusing on the prevention, correction and removal of genetic and damaging environmental effects on the skin. Our objective is to thoroughly evaluate, counsel and diagnose each person in a comfortable, confidential and professional manner. Each person will receive customized treatment

options designed to meet their individual needs. Dr. David Laub, has been selected as a “Top Doctor” in the 415 area by his colleagues and the “Best Dermatologist in Marin” by the Marin community in 2017.

Providing dermatological care for all ages, our professional staff of: David Laub, M.D., Kate Ratto, N.P. and Christina Chan, R.N. at Laub Dermatology & Aesthetics look forward to serving you in our newly expanded state of the art office setting.

591 Redwood Hwy, Suite 2210, Mill Valley, CA 415.381.6661 l laubdermatology.com

THE FACES OF

Tech Execs Choose Screen-Free Parenting

At Marin Waldorf School, parents can provide their children with a stress-free, screen-free, natural childhood, like they had when they were young. School days are filled with wonder, exploration, movement, music and freedom of expression - essential elements to a child’s development. Tech parents believe their children should be engaged in the world around them, not restricted by devices or media messaging. They believe “the classroom of the future is the classroom of the past.”

Guido Quaroni, VP Software R&D at Pixar, Board Member and father of three says, “The most interesting people are those who master humanistic views, social skills,

collaboration, art and form. We need more problem solvers, critical thinkers and visionaries. The arts and sciences are timeless but today’s computer technology will eventually become obsolete...computers are tools, not a methodology.”

Through Marin Waldorf’s creative approach to academics and it’s dedication to the preservation of childhood, parents feel it uniquely inspires their children’s sense of self and their capacity to shape the future.

755 Idylberry Road, San Rafael, CA 415.479.8190 l marinwaldorf.org

Vikrum Nijjar, Engineer at Google; Jordis Weaver, PM Global Enterprise Operations at Autodesk; Guido Quaroni, VP Software R&D at Pixar Animations Studios; Eric Brewer, VP of Infrastructure at Google

THE FACES OF

Tile and Stone Fabrication and Installation

Family owned and operated for over 30 years, North Coast Tile & Stone is the North Bay leader in tile installation and granite fabrication for residential remodels, new home construction, and commercial jobs. From start to finish, they are dedicated to working with you on accomplishing your vision.

A beautiful boutique tile showroom with over 100 colors of granite, quartzite, marble, soapstone and limestone is on site, along with six designers on staff to help you achieve your vision. Expertise, knowledge and trust make them the tile and granite company to ensure that your project is a reflection of you.

3854 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa, CA 707.586.2064 l nctile.com

Tom Bodell, Martha Bodell and Greg Cassel, North Coast Tile & Stone

THE FACE OF

Leading by Inspiration

Davis, Head of School, Mount Tamalpais School

Gentleman. Educator. Outdoorsman. Scholar. For someone as accomplished as Andrew Davis, these words only scratch the surface of his many talents and achievements. As the new Head of School at Mount Tamalpais School, Andrew brings a wealth of education experience to the position: Head of Middle School at Crystal Springs Uplands, and Department Chair at The Hamlin School. It’s no surprise he’s well known—and well beloved—in the Bay Area. A Stanford graduate (he holds three Stanford degrees: BA, MA, MBA), Andrew is as comfortable discussing pedagogy as photography, Longfellow as longboards.

He’s passionate about education, as his signature quote attests: “Childhood is not a renewable resource.” You can find him every school day high-fiving students as they get off the bus. As one parent put it: “Andrew is the rare combination of intellectual seriousness, curiosity, creativity, good will, and good fun!”

100 Harvard Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 415.383.9434 l mttam.org

Andrew

THE FACES OF

Plastic Surgery / Med Spa

Yngvar Hvistendahl, M.D., Stanley G. Poulos, M.D. and Staff of Plastic Surgery Specialists

Drs. Hvistendahl and Poulos, and the PSS team, are dedicated to one thing: we want you to feel thrilled about your PSS experience from start to finish. To that end, we’ve assembled a great team to make that experience exceptional. From the simplest Botox procedure to a complete Mommy Makeover, we are here to help you achieve your aesthetic goals. We now have a Beauty Plan that is affordable and totally customizable, in addition to earning savings for you every month. Some of our newest offerings include Obalon, an innovative weapon in the war on weight: it is the first FDA-approved ingestable balloon

device that sheds fat without surgery.

As we grow to serve you better, we’ve expanded to include Spa PSS, a brand-new space designed to better serve our non surgical procedures. Watch for our Flash Fridays for specials on injectables, and more. Slip in the back, breathe deeply and relax, get beauti fied, have some tea and then on with your day! Please call us or visit us online to learn more.

350 Bon Air Road, Suite 300, Greenbrae, CA 415.925.2880 l psspecialists.com

Luxury Marin Homes

Hagglund Condy, Pacific Union

Finding the right home is about so much more than square footage and number of rooms. It is also about quality of life and how you live outside those walls. Carey Hagglund Condy is not only one of the most respected luxury real estate agents in Marin County, but also one of its most passionate residents. That’s why she is the Face of Luxury Marin Homes. Having raised her three daughters here, Carey lives and breathes the Marin lifestyle and knows first-hand what her clients want and need. Whether hiking on Mount Tam, playing golf, or being active in the community, Carey’s not just your agent, but part of your

Marin network. “To me, real estate is more than just selling houses. It means creating connections — between buyer and agent, family and home, home and community.” By providing her unique and personal perspective to living in Marin, her unparalleled knowledge and attention to detail, Carey will help guide your journey to your perfect home so you too can enjoy “Marin Living Beyond The Four Walls”.

27 Ross Common, Suite 2A, Ross, CA 415.461.8609 l luxurymarinhomes.com

Carey

THE FACE OF

THE FACES OF

Family Business in Marin

The Calegari family has spent more than six decades and three generations plumbing and caring for homes across Marin. Today, Marin Roto-Rooter is led by father-daughter team Don and Mendy Calegari and continues to offer full service plumbing solutions available 24/7. Whether you have clogged drains, leaky pipes or need trenchless sewer repair and televising, you can feel confident knowing that Marin Roto-Rooter is there when you need them.

Beyond the pipe bursts and backed up sewers, Marin RotoRooter proudly supports the tremendous contributions

made by important community partners like Sunny Hills Services, North Bay Children’s Center, Center for Domestic Peace, Marin Humane and Novato Schools.

Winner of the Novato Chamber of Commerce 2013 Small Business of the Year award, Marin Roto-Rooter is committed to providing exceptional customer satisfaction. We’re more than plumbers, we’re family. Call today “and away go troubles down the drain!”

415.898.2700 l rotorooter.com

Don and Mendy Calegari, Marin RotoRooter

THE FACE OF

Laura Kimpton is an artist taking the world by storm. Kimpton’s work includes painting, mixed-media installations and sculpture. Her creativity stems from a desire to question traditional views on social interaction, invoking through her art a reaction and discussion that ultimately complete her projects.

Kimpton created the Monumental Word Series at the annual Burning Man event. These sculptures evoke varied emotions and interpretations, and can mean different things to different people. Kimpton’s sculptures have been purchased by cities including Arlington, Texas (DREAM); Reno, Nevada (BELIEVE), and West Palm Beach, Florida (BE ART). Other private collectors and businesses own

her work, including Grand Hyatt, San Francisco (Rainbow LOVE) and the BottleRock Festival (LOVE).

In 2016 Kimpton launched a line of wearable art under the name She’s Got Wings. Made locally using recycled and organic materials, her clothing reflects her vision, and values. From the city to the playa, these pieces are perfect for celebration at every level. Her store She’s Got Wings is located in Fairfax, where people can find clothes and more that connect with her vision.

7 Bolinas Road, Fairfax, CA laurakimpton.com l shesgotwings.com

ArtLaura Kimpton

THE FACE OF

Helping Troubled Youth Succeed for 100+ Years

Michael Nickelby, Sunny Hills Services

We all have problems. But some young people’s lives are genuine nightmares. They have a severe mental illness. They’re physically and emotionally abused. They’re addicted to drugs or alcohol. They’re abandoned by foster parents. They gravitate to gang life.

In order to heal and start anew, these young people require extra time, attention and compassionate care. That’s where Sunny Hills comes in.

Since 1895 Sunny Hills has been helping young people in the most difficult, heart-breaking circumstances feel acceptance, develop life skills, and experience, often for

the first time, the sensation of hope. In Marin County, our innovative programs and services delivered by a team of supremely compassionate, talented professionals, help these young people learn self-confidence, resilience and other skills to meet life’s challenges.

The young people we work with are our daily inspiration. Their challenges are great, but their innate goodness, strength and unbreakable spirit are even greater.

300 Sunny Hills Drive, San Anselmo, CA 415.457.3200 l sunnyhillsservices.org

THE FACES OF

California Pacific Orthopaedics

Back

CALIFORNIA PACIFIC ORTHOPAEDICS has been providing comprehensive orthopaedic care to Marin County and the greater San Francisco Bay Area for more than 40 years.

Our physicians will provide you with the same level of elite care that they do for the San Francisco Ballet, Oakland A’s, Golden State Warriors and many other sports and entertainment patients.

We have three clinics to serve you, including our most recent addition of San Francisco Shoulder, Elbow & Hand

Front

Clinic in San Francisco. Visit calpacortho.com for more information about our locations and physicians.

For your convenience we offer in house MRI and X-ray and have clinic hours five days a week. We accept most major insurance plans and are Brown & Toland providers. We look forward to serving you.

1099 D Street, Suite 105, San Rafael, CA 3838 California Street, Suite 715, San Francisco, CA 2351 Clay Street, Suite 510, San Francisco, CA calpacortho.com

row: Keith W. Chan, M.D., Christopher V. Cox, M.D., Rowan V. Paul, M.D., Frank H. Valone, III, M.D., Jon A. Dickinson, M.D., Mark A. Schrumpf, M.D., John P. Belzer, M.D.

row: Mark I. Ignatius, D.O., Peter W. Callander, M.D., W. Scott Green, M.D., Tom R. Norris, M.D., James D. Kelly, II, M.D. Absent: Keith C. Donatto, M.D., Robert E. Mayle, M.D., H. Relton McCarroll, Jr., M.D., Adrian Rawlinson, M.D.

THE FACE OF

Women’s Health

Lizellen La Follette, MD

Board-certified OB-GYN Lizellen La Follette, MD helps women at all life stages by providing comprehensive, personalized care as well as access to the most current and state-of-the-art approaches. Educated at Harvard and Case Western Reserve, Dr. La Follette has continued to learn and apply the newest research on aging from the Buck Institute. Dr. La Follette’s decision to expand her established medical practice (started over twenty years ago) and additionally offer educational events and aesthetic procedures, reflects her steadfast focus on medical advances that improve the quality of life of women at any age. She is the only provider in Marin that offers newest and most effective laser

procedures available to restore vaginal health (Mona Lisa Touch), permanent fat destruction (Sculpsure), and correct aging (Icon). Highly respected for her visionary global work in women’s healthcare, Dr. La Follette is a speaker for the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and serves as an advisor and speaker for the March of Dimes. She spends her extra time with her husband Peter, two daughters Eloise and Lucy and black lab Nellie.

599 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Suite 301, Greenbrae, CA 415.461.1949 l drlafollette.com

THE FACES OF

Tile with Style

Remember that recession back in 2009? It was horrible for everyone and yet somehow, Ceramic Tile Design survived. Thinking back on it now, we realize that it is not just how you pick yourself up, but how you fall as well. We did the right thing by our vendors, calling them and working out any late payment scenarios. We did the same for our account customers who could not pay on time. We all took cuts in pay and commissions. We did what was necessary to sustain a bad time. Our integrity remained intact.

Now 8 years later, we are proud to report we are thriving through all 3 of our divisions. CTD Commercial has their own new showroom in San Francisco; our distribution

through Cerami, Inc. now covers all of CA, and our showrooms are staffed with the most incredibly gifted, intelligent design staff we’ve ever had. Plus, our vast showroom selections have expanded with new art tile factories and many more direct imports from Italy and Spain.

Come view the many style choices at Ceramic Tile Design.

846 W. Francisco Blvd, San Rafael, CA 189 13th Street, San Francisco, CA 415.485.5180 l 415.575.3785 l ceramictiledesign.net

Steve Cerami and Ryan Cerami of Ceramic Tile Design

THE FACE OF

Interior Design & Successful Remodels in Marin

Yami Arvelo

MOONES Home is a successful and dynamic design firm specializing in interior design, remodels and staging services for residential, hospitality, multifamily and senior living communities. The focus of our practice: the creation of smart and creative architectural solutions that enhance the lives of homeowners and all users. We provide tailored solutions to our clients, focusing on budgets, corporate standards, architectural styles and ROI goals.

MOONES provides comprehensive management of the often complex process of interior design and renovation, from floor plans to construction close out, final detailing and decoration.

With over 20 years’ experience and many impactful

interiors installed, we are more than just designers, we are partners in the marketing and in the merchandising of residential, commercial and hospitality environments. Core clientele includes real estate developers and investors, real estate brokers, and international and local homeowners.

MOONES Home has designed, remodeled and styled hundreds of high-end and middle range properties across the San Francisco Bay Area as well as in Southern California, Las Vegas and Hawaii. Visit us at www. mooneshome.com.

22 Digital Drive, Suite G, Novato, CA 415.845.9746 l mooneshome.com

THE FACE OF

Payroll Workforce Solutions

Ruhland, Accuchex Payroll & Insurance Services

Payroll plays a critical role for every business. Since 1990, Accuchex has been privileged with the responsibility of paying people correctly, and on-time, every pay cycle.

Leslie Ruhland is a Marin County native and is the EVP of Accuchex Corp. Headquartered in Novato for 28 years, Accuchex is the largest independent payroll company in the Bay Area. “One of my favorite things”, says Ruhland, “about working with companies’ payroll is that no matter the size or industry, our friendly and knowledgeable staffadds value,

and in doing so, we become part of our clients’ adventure.” Accuchex provides innovative workforce solutions with web-based Time2Pay, blending “Hi-Tech with Hi-Touch”. Accuchex supports employers with one to thousands of employees nationwide. Accuchex appreciates that Payroll remains at the center of our daily lives and the fabric of our communities.

365 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Novato, CA 415.883.7733, ext 110 l leslie.ruhland@accuchex.com

Leslie

THE FACES OF

Paragon Real Estate Group Marin

Chelsea Cole, Office Manager and Matt Hughes, Branch Manager

We’re known for representing the most beautiful homes in the Bay Area. But Paragon is much more than just a residential real estate company. Paragon Marin is an environment where highly productive, savvy, energetic agents collaborate in a professional and compassionate manner. We are tuned into today’s technology while remaining available and approachable. With the simple philosophy to do what’s best for our clients, we make sure to provide personalized advice and strategic planning.

Founded in 2004, we focus on what we know best: Bay Area Real Estate. Like you, we are part of our community. Ranked top 5 in the U.S. for the highest average sales price,

we’ve shared our success with donations totaling more than $720,000 from the Paragon Community Fund.

Accountable as skilled advisors, creative marketers and astute negotiators, we empower our clients to make intelligent and sound financial decisions. Our vision is not to be the biggest real estate firm in Marin but rather the best.

At Paragon we take people from the life they have to the life they want.

300 Drakes Landing Road, #120, Greenbrae, CA 415.805.2900 l paragon-re.com

THE FACES OF

The Sausalito Art Festival Foundation

The Sausalito Art Festival is produced by the nonprofit Sausalito Art Festival Foundation, which supports yearround arts activities along with the annual art festival. Each year, festival proceeds support the local arts community with student scholarships, grants to non-profit arts organizations and community programs. Each year, some 2,000 community volunteers help keep the Festival running smoothly. Gaining national recognition as the #1 Waterfront Fine Art Festival in America, the Sausalito Art Festival has earned international standing for excellence in the arts and is now considered one of the most

prestigious art festivals in the United States by both artists and collectors worldwide. The town of Sausalito itself has long been regarded as one of the world’s great artist communities in addition to its reputation as a destination location, legendary for its excellent restaurants, shopping and access to breathtaking natural beauty and outdoor activities. Add these ingredients together and the Sausalito Art Festival is a must-see event that’s the only place to be over Labor Day Weekend! 415.332.3555 I sausalitoartfestival.org

Tony Cook, Sande McGarry, Zeny Cieslikowski, Wayne Kaleck, Ann Arnott, Paul Anderson, Louis Briones, Cindy Lerick and Mike Stone

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Nirmada Kaufman, owner and founder of Cryotherapy Wholebody

THE

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Destinations

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

CHEFS SPEAK OUT Hawaii Food and Wine Festival talent share their favorite spots.

BY KASIA PAWLOWSKA AND MIMI TOWLE

Attendees enjoying the food and chefs at an event at the Hawaii Convention Center.

DANE NAKAMA

Spanning three islands and three weekends this year, the seventh annual Hawaii Food and Wine Festival is continuing to deliver the gastronomical magic to the tune of cooking demos, dining adventures, wine tastings and food from more than 100 top culinary talents. Here, some of the Honolulu participants reveal their favorite things on Oahu, including the sunset cocktail spot that is not to be missed.

The Hawaii Food and Wine Festival takes place October 20 through November 5. hawaiifoodandwinefestival.com

Beach with Hawaiian music; the hula dancing is magical. I imagine some couple saving up money their entire lifetime so that they can sit on this beach. We locals sometimes take it for granted because we live here, so to come into Waikiki, relax and experience this is not only nostalgic but really unique.

plate at Alicia’s Market. Then pulling over at a beach park and eating eat it outside. I always order the roast pork and sweet tako poke. It comes with rice, mac salad and kimchee.

Favorite Special Occasion Well, since it appeals for a variety of occasions, I like to do my little triangle restaurant/bar hop in the middle of Chinatown: Livestock Tavern and on to Tchin Tchin and then Lucky Belly. And yes eat something at every one of those places. You might get full, so pace yourself, because the drinks go down easy.

WHO ROY YAMAGUCHI WHERE ROY’S RESTAURANTS

Specialty Dish It’s more about the classics we created for Roy’s like the miso-yaki butterfish, Szechuan baby back pork ribs and hibachi salmon, and for Eating House, the plantation paella, Hapa Burger, Shrimp PiriPiri with rice pilaf and the plantation ramen.

Favorite Sunset Cocktail I enjoy having a sunset cocktail and listening to live Hawaiian music at the House Without A Key at the Halekulani Hotel.

Favorite Local Food I like Helena’s Hawaiian Food and Papa Ole’s Kitchen.

Favorite Special Occasion Alan Wong’s, for over 20 years.

Favorite Local Food Ono Hawaiian Foods in Kapahulu has been around for decades and serves great authentic Hawaiian food. We bring our staff there and out-of-town visitors so that they start to understand that traditional Hawaiian is its own ethnicity with its own food, versus the food of modern-day Hawaii.

Favorite Special Occasion It depends on the occasion of course, but it’s where the people I want to be with for the occasion are. We make our own fun.

WHO GEORGE MAVROTHALASSITIS WHERE CHEF MAVRO

Specialty Dish Salt-crusted onaga with ogo-vierge sauce; spicy ahi aioli; island snapper Chinatown style; Yukon-potato-crusted shutome; Keahole lobster Indochine; kumu en papillote — these dishes reflect my 29 years working from the local market. The onago earned a spot on GQ magazine’s Top Ten Dishes, was featured prominently in The New York Times and is a consistent guest favorite. The salt crust is just to protect the fish while baking and is opened tableside.

Favorite Sunset Cocktail There’s only one place: House Without A Key at the Halekulani. It never gets old.

Favorite Local Food Tripe stew at Helena’s Hawaiian Food.

WHO KEITH PAJINAG WHERE THE MODERN HONOLULU

Favorite Special Occasion Nobu terrace bar (recently moved to Auahi Street in Ward Village). There’s one small booth for two in the middle.

WHO ALAN WONG WHERE ALAN WONG’S RESTAURANTS

Specialty Dish Ginger Crusted Onaga, Soup and Sandwich, The Coconut, and Da Bag. No matter how much I change and provide variations, people still want to order these dishes

Favorite Sunset Cocktail House Without A Key restaurant, at the Halekulani hotel overlooking Waikiki

Specialty Dish So I get asked the specialty question a lot, and it changes from time to time. Right now my personal specialty dish is making any kind of fresh pasta while I am braising some sort of meat, preferably lamb. I love combining braised lamb shanks with fresh pasta. My favorite.

Favorite Sunset Cocktail I probably shouldn’t say this because I work here, but honestly here at Ravish is the best place I have had a sunset drink. The drinks are awesome and you just can’t beat the view from here.

Favorite Local Food My favorite place to eat local food here on Oahu would be just grabbing a mini mix

WHO ED KENNEY WHERE MUD HEN WATER

Specialty Dish At Mud Hen Water, don’t miss the he’e lu’au with inamona dukkah. It’s our version of a

The Organizers

The Organizers

classic Hawaiian dish of octopus braised with taro leaves and coconut milk. We know not to tamper with tradition so we simply improve the original by squeezing fresh coconut milk every day (the only restaurant on the island to do so) and by grilling the braised he’e (octopus) over kiawe wood in our hearth, resulting in a tender interior and smoky, crisp exterior. We stray from tradition with the addition of a sprinkling of inamona dukkah at the end. Inamona dukkah is toasted native kukui nut to which we add ni’oi (Hawaiian chile pepper), sesame seeds, grated coconut, and ‘alaea salt (sea salt).

Favorite Sunset Cocktail The House Without A Key at the Halekulani Hotel has a special place in my heart. This is where my parents used to perform when I was a child. My emotional connection aside, with live Hawaiian music and hula every evening, it is the most authentic and stunning venue in all of Honolulu for cocktails at sunset.

Favorite Local Food Ono Hawaiian Foods on Kapahulu, but they are closing their doors in August after more than 50 years. So, I would have to say Waiahole Poi Factory, although it is a bit of a drive — albeit a pretty beautiful drive. I like the Laulau/ Luau Stew combo plate. And don’t forget the kulolo for the road.

Favorite Special Occasion Go to Tamura’s Market in Kaimuki and pack a cooler with goodies from the extensive wine collection, poke counter and gourmet foods aisle, and then head to any of the dozens of Oahu’s public beaches, parks or hiking trails for a special occasion that you’ll never forget.

from a sugar factory in Japan.

Sunset Cocktail A House Without A Key in the Halekulani Hotel is my favorite place to relax, enjoy the sunset and take in the laid-back Hawaiian vibe.

Favorite Local Food I absolutely love Tanioka’s in Waipahu. It’s worth the drive to experience true local takeout food. They have the perfect grab-and-go-tothe-beach food. They also have the best poke, fried chicken and musubi.

Favorite Special Occasion You can’t beat the service and old-school ambience of Hy’s Steak House. There’s no other place in Hawaii like it and it’s my go-to place for a special occasion. They grill steaks with local kiawe wood, which gives the beef a unique flavor.

of Waikiki and if you go in time for the sunset it’s pretty breathtaking.

Favorite Local Food One of my all-time favorite spots for local food is about to shut its doors for good. Ono Hawaiian Foods on Kapahulu is a true gem. Helena’s Hawaiian Food would be my second choice.

Favorite Special Occasion Newer to the scene but making waves is Restaurant Senia. Helmed by chef juggernauts Chris Kajioka and Anthony Rush with Chris Remelb crushing the wine program, this place is a must-try. The talent that this place has packed into it is almost silly. If you want to celebrate a special occasion and you love wine then I can’t think of a better place to go. I know this sounds crazy, but you must order the cabbage. I know, I know cabbage? Trust me, cabbage. Let Chris pair your meal with wine and enjoy the magic.

WHO JUSTIN PARK WHERE BAR LEATHER APRON

Specialty Drink Our house old fashioned (the BLA old fashioned) is our most popular drink. We use Japanese wasanbon sugar, which gives it a very rich, unique flavor. We import the sugar ourselves directly

WHO DAVE NEWMAN WHERE PINT + JIGGER AND HARRY’S HARDWARE EMPORIUM

Specialty Drink My favorite drink I have ever created is called the Drawn and Quartered — equal parts Campari, Angostura, lime juice, apricot simple syrup and a splash of soda. It was created for a Campari competition in which I lost out on a trip to New York City. The name was something I thought up during the competition while I was waiting my turn to go onstage. The drink is this deep reddish brown color, very similar to dried blood. This got me to thinking of all sorts of serial killer names and then I thought about it being equal parts of four ingredients. I love double meanings.

Favorite Sunset Cocktail My favorite place on the island to enjoy the sunset while having a cocktail or sipping some champagne and taking in the scenic beauty of Hawaii is a spot called China Walls in Port Lock near Hawaii Kai. Now if you want a proper cocktail with one of the best views in Honolulu you must go see Jen Ackrill at Top of Waikiki. Formerly of Rye in San Francisco, she is presiding over the bars at Top of Waikiki and the club Sky as well. The revolving bar and restaurant give an unparalleled view

WHO CHRIS KAJIOKA WHERE RESTAURANT SENIA

Specialty Dish Charred Cabbage. This is dish is particularly special since my close friends, the Hirabaras, of Hirabara Farms, grow the caraflex cabbage just for us. I couldn’t source it locally, so they started to plant it specifically for our use.

Favorite Sunset Cocktai l The Halekulani, House Without A Key.

Favorite Local Food Ethel’s (in Kalihi).

Favorite Special Occasion Sushi Sho.

WHO WAYNE HIRABAYASHI WHERE THE KAHALA HOTEL & RESORT

Specialty Dish The Kahala’s famous Ahi Poke Musubi.

Favorite Sunset Cocktail Sushi ii.

Favorite Local Food Ono’s.

Favorite Special Occasion Outrigger Canoe Club.

FROM BAY TO ISLAND

San Francisco chefs and mixologists making an appearance.

Chris Cosentino Cockscomb

Marco Dionysos ABV

Jason Fox Commonwealth Brandon Jew Mister Jiu’s Ravi Kapur Liholiho Yacht Club

Jordan Keao Aina Belinda Leong B. Patisserie Michael Mina Michael Mina

Charles Phan Slanted Door

France

A trip to see the historic car race Circuit des Remparts in Angoulême also leaves time for exploration.

BY RACHEL GRIFFITHS • PHOTOS BY DAVID GRIFFITHS

Vehicles in the race paddock, with the town hall in the background. Opposite, clockwise from top left: Automobile eye candy; a Renault Alpine on race day; a mural; a line of Jaguars; Cathédrale SaintPierre d’Angoulême; drivers’ meeting.

MY HUSBAND, DAVID, rushed to the window, threw it open and peered over the balcony of our Airbnb. “What are you looking at?” I said.

He pointed out a 1930s Bugatti. Then another gasp when he spotted a 1969 Renault Alpine, just like the one he owns.

We had come to Angoulême, in the southwestern region of Charente in France, to celebrate David’s 50th birthday. He is a car enthusiast, not of all cars, but mainly European cars that pre-date 1975. David was bitten by the bug as a child growing up in England, watching his father t inker with old steam cars and peeking into the local mechanic’s garage, which bought and sold Renault Alpines.

We had set out from San Francisco for Angoulême to see the Circuit des Remparts, a historic car race and event that takes place over three days in September. After the race weekend wa s fi nished we spent six days driving around France. Although we saw plenty of other attractions, our itinerary was inspired by historic racetracks, including Le Mans and Reims-Gueux.

The town of Angoulême is about three hours south of Paris by TGV train, a ride that includes views of drab suburbs, rolling hills and small villages. The train station lies just below the plateau of the historic city center, and after a short taxi ride up a steep hill and around a maze of one-way streets we arrived at our apartment, where we had a view of the town hall built in the 13th century. We also realized that our Airbnb was directly across from the race paddock and at turns one and two of the course. Race action could easily be seen from the kitchen and living room windows. We would be waking up to the sounds

and smells of engines roaring — it was the perfect start to David’s birthday.

Angoulême is a walled city overlooking the Charente River. The ramparts that protected the city date back to the fourth century, and many sections are still intact. The Circuit des Remparts began in 1939 but racing was suspended during World War II and didn’t start again until 1947; since then the race has been held annually. It is a street circuit, not unlike Monaco, and one of the last street races in France. The track is short, just under a mile long, but what it lacks in length it makes up for in drama. There are steep hairpin turns on the old city streets and the cars zoom by houses with only a small sidewalk and low metal barriers as separation.

We watched the Concours d’Elegance, the red carpet for cars, where contestants show off heir vintage vehicles and dress in period costumes that correspond to the year the car was built. The day before the race, the pedestrian streets of the shopping district were lined with hundreds of cars — some part of the race, others belonging to local enthusiasts or people who had taken part in the half-day rally around the countryside. We saw everything, from autos in mint condition to ones with a well-worn patina — there were Rileys, Jaguars, Citroëns, Renaults and so many more.

Before the race, we walked along part of the track and found ourselves enjoying all the town had to offer beyond racing. Aside from the Circuit des Remparts, Angoulême hosts a big comic book convention each year and, as a result, there are many colorful public murals throughout the city. We wandered narrow cobblestone streets looking in various shops and stumbled on the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre

The Big Race

Finally, race day was upon us. It was overcast and rain seemed not far off s we made our way to the track and found our seats. The stand was full of Brits who held season tickets and seemed to make this an annual event. David and I were seated at one of the sharpest hairpin turns on the course. While David was excited, I was a reluctant spectator as the rain started fall. But to my surprise, after the action started, I was as enthralled as everyone around me

There are various race classes and each running is not very long, so it makes for a fast-paced and exciting day. Watching these old cars from the turn of the century with no power steering and huge levers to change gears, you can practically see the sweat of the drivers as they try to make the narrow turns. I oohed and aahed, cheered and cringed along with the crowd. As the afternoon winds on, so does the era of cars racing. Once you reach the late ’60s you have the thrill of Renaults and Porsches competing against each other and overtaking one another in the turns. The small cars, which included Minis, emitted sounds like giant mosquitoes as they buzzed around the course.

We never found out who won each race, but it didn’t really matter; just being a part of the experience left us entranced and almost not wanting to leave for the next part of our trip. But as the race drivers were packing up their gear and cars, we found ourselves ready for the next adventure.

d’Angoulême, a Romanesque-style church built around the 11th century, as well as Les Halles, an old indoor marketplace full of fresh produce, cheeses, meats and flowers.

Time to Explore

After leaving Angoulême we had a full itinerary for the next six days. David had lived in Toulouse and traveled around much of France, but I had never seen any part of France aside from Paris and a brief weekend in Saint-Malo when I was 14. I was excited to explore more of the country.

Our ambitious plan over the week would take us through the Lot region, which is full of hilltop towns, limestone cli ffs and canyons, then across the Dordogne to La Rochelle along the Atlantic coast. After La Rochelle we planned a pit stop in Le Mans and then a couple of nights in Rouen. Our last day would include a stop in Reims to see a deserted but well-preserved old racetrack on the way to Charles de Gaulle Airport .

With a map in hand so we could fi nd the smaller roads and see the entirety of our circuit around France, we headed to a small town called Calès, where I had booked a bed-and-breakfast.

In my guidebook I had read about Moulin de Latreille, which was run by an English couple, Fi and Giles Stonor. They had, over a period of years, restored a 12th-century mill into an inviting and self-sustaining B&B. To get there we drove through the small village of Calès down a narrow, one-way track into a limestone valley. Fi and Giles were wonderful hosts. We arrived in the late afternoon and they were ready with two glasses of rosé. We were one of two couples staying there. Our room, under which the mill ru n flowed as it had done for hundreds of years, was peaceful and beautifully furnished

There are many attractions in the area south of Calès. Unfortunately, we only had one full day to sightsee, so we headed straight for the spectacular town of Rocamadour. This ancient pilgrimage site and village clings to a sheer vertical cliff elow 14th-century ramparts. We had lunch at the top of the plateau that overlooked the valley with a storybook view that I will never forget. From there we took the backroads to the hillside village of Saint-Cirq-Lapopie. Due to the number of tourists, parking is a short drive away, but the walk from there offers views over the valley and the River Lot. The town is full of narrow pedestrian walkways and many of the old houses are now occupied by various artists’ shops

Coastal Beauty

We set off arly the next morning. We were sad to leave the tranquility of Moulin de Latreille, but we had a long day of driving through the Dordogne to reach the Atlantic coast and La Rochelle

I booked a room on the fly in La Rochelle as we stopped for lunch in Bergerac. The guidebook described the hotel as “charming, with individually decorated rooms from the art deco period” and a “good value for the location.”

By the time we reached La Rochelle after driving for six hours we were ready for anything. As we pulled into the shaded, gravel courtyard of the hotel, I thought, “not bad for booking on the fly.” But the hotel was like something out of David Lynch’s Twin Peaks. There was no log lady, but there was a cat lady and not too many people beyond that. In fact, aside from the owner and the cat lady, it felt like we were the only other people staying in this large, run-down place. But the guidebook was right, the location was perfect. Once again, we found ourselves in the heart of the city center, and right next to the waterfront. We spent the next day exploring this old port city with its beautiful limestone facades and medieval- and Renaissance-style buildings.

Heading North

After too brief a stay in La Rochelle, we headed up to the Normandy region and to Rouen. Before reaching Rouen, we stopped for lunch in Le Mans — location of one of the oldest endurance car races, held there annually since 1923. After lunch, we drove to Rouen, where we would spend the next two nights. Driving from southern to northern France, one could see the change in the architecture. I was lucky enough to be able to explore the old town while David went in search of old cars. Despite damage caused by World War II bombing raids, Rouen has a robust historic center. Here were well-preserved half-timber houses, cobblestone streets and buildings so close together that daylight didn’t reach the ground. There was the immense Cathedral of Notre Dame, a shining example of Gothic architecture. Not to be missed was the Gros Horloge, a 14th-century astronomical clock. Everything was within easy walking distance, and there were plenty of sidewalk cafes to sit in and watch the world go by. The town also features a thriving open-air food and antiques market on Saturdays and Sundays.

Our trip had started with a vintage car race, so it seemed only fitting it should end at a racetrack. We headed to Reims, not for Champagne, which is what the town is known for, but instead to see a relic of a bygone era of racing: the Reims-Gueux race circuit. The circuit wa s first used in 1925; many years later it was the site of the French Grand Prix, a nd between 1950 and 1966 it held Formula One races. What remains of the Reims-Gueux race circuit are the grandstands, timing tower and roadside pits A group called Les Amis du Circuit-Gueux have helped restore it. The buildings lie in the middle of open fields with very few trees, and a long straight two-lane road bisects the area. It felt deserted and yet peaceful. Very few cars passed or even stopped while we were there. And while I would probably have preferred sipping some of the best Champagne the region had to offer, this reluctant race enthusiast was awed by it and all that France had to offer. m

Clockwise from top left: The town of Rocamadour; La Rochelle; Saint-CirqLapopie; remains of the Reims-Gueux race circuit; Gros Horloge, a 14th-century astronomical clock; Moulin de Latreille.

Out & About

CALENDAR / ON THE SCENE / DINE

O'Hanlon Center for the Arts

Warm Sand by Sharon Paster

COMEDY

Calendar

THRU AUG 27 The Three Musketeers The Marin Shakespeare Company presents the classic swashbuckling adventure. Forest Meadows Amphitheatre (San Rafael). 415.499.4488, marin shakespeare.org

THRU SEPT 1 A Night at the Palace Enter the Prohibition-era world of The Speakeasy, an immersive experience presented by Boxcar Theatre. A Night at the Palace is an augmentation of the original show, presented on Fridays and showcasing the lighthearted side of The Speakeasy. The Palace Theatre (SF). thespeakeasysf.com

THRU SEPT 10 Walls

THEATER

THRU AUG 4 The Music Man There's trouble in River City when a fast-talking salesman gets his heart stolen by the town librarian. Meredith Willson’s Tony Award–winning musical entertains with its funny, romantic and family-friendly story. Throckmorton

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

THRU AUG 5 Hamilton: An American Musical The smash-hit Broadway musical comes to the Bay Area for a limited run. The story of American founder Alexander Hamilton is retold with

a lyrical hip-hop score. Orpheum Theatre (SF). 888.746.1799, shnsf.com

THRU AUG 20 The 39 Steps In this farce based on John Buchan’s novel, a handsome man accused of murder goes on the run to discover the leader of a spy ring and clear his name. Four actors take on the roles of 130 characters. Marin

Art and Garden Center (Ross). 415.456.9555, rossvalleyplayers.com

THRU AUG 26 Each and Every Thing Dan Hoyle presents a unique solo show that explores how media and digital media resonate in the Trump era. The Marsh (SF). 415.282.3055, themarsh.org

The San Francisco Mime Troupe opens its 58th season with a timely show about immigration, ICE and love. Walls is a free show performed in parks throughout the Bay Area. Various locations (SF). 415.285.1717, sfmt.org

THRU SEPT 16 La Cage

aux Folles La Cage tells the story of Georges and Albin, two men

partnered for better or worse, who run a drag nightclub in Saint Tropez and get a surprise when Georges’ son announces his marriage to the daughter of a conservative politician. San Francisco Playhouse (SF). 415.677.9596, sfplayhouse.org

COMEDY

THRU NOV 29

Josh’s Brain Improvs Monologist Josh Kornbluth presents a series of improvisations based on his experiences working at the Memory and Aging Center at UCSF and Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. The Marsh (SF). 415.282.3055, themarsh.org

AUG 10 Science Fiction and Science Comedy

Join comedian and cartoonist Mike Capozzola and science comedian

Brian Malow for a funny and educational look at imagination and exploration. Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmorton theatre.org

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

THRU SEPT 19 Durst Case Scenario Political comedian Will Durst is back in the Bay Area with a satiric and outrageous analysis of post-election America — from “covfefe” to fake news. The Marsh (SF). 415.282.3055, themarsh.org

MUSIC

THRU AUG 7 Stern Grove Music Festival

Back for its 80th season, the festival presents a series of freeadmission concerts in a festive park setting. Sigmund Stern Grove (SF). 415.252.6252, sterngrove.org

AUG 3 A Van Morrison Experience

This Van Morrison tribute band is authentic to the core, from vocals to appearance. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.3850, sweet watermusichall.com

AUG 4 David Luning Appleberry Jam

Presents brings a show by Sonoma County favorite David Luning, whose songs feature a folkish take on California country. Part of the Marinwood Music in the Park Series. Marinwood Park (San Rafael). davidluning.com

AUG 4 Reed Fromer Band This dynamic band combines a lively, driving rhythm section with soul-stirring vocals. Fenix (San Rafael). 415.813.5600, fenixlive.com

AUG 4–20 Fascinating Rhythm Broadway

Under the Stars continues its annual alfresco performance series with Fascinating Broadway, a medley of song and dance that celebrates the rhythm of life. Jack London State Historic Park (Glen Ellen). 877.424.1414, transcendence theatre.org

AUG 5 Celebrate the Summer of Love: Melvin Seals & JGB Melvin Seals, a longtime friend of Jerry Garcia, brings

his brand of jam band music to the JCC. Part of the 25th annual Summer Nights outdoor music festival. Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). 415.444.8000, marinjcc.org

AUG 9 Celebrating the Life

of Jerry Garcia with

Live Dead ’69 Enjoy the classic album Live Dead (recorded by the Grateful Dead in 1969) in its entirety, as performed by an all-star band with ties to the original. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.3850, sweetwatermusic hall.com

AUG 10 Highway Poets

Gather up your family and friends and head to the Marin Art and Garden Center for a picnic dinner, beer and wine and live music from North Bay mainstay Highway Poets. Marin Art and Garden Center (Ross). 415.455.5260, magc.org

AUG 15 Hella Fitzgerald

This Northern California band specializes in jazz and blues, transitioning through eras and artists with a soulful ease. Fenix (San Rafael). 415.813.5600, fenixlive.com

AUG 17–19 Steve Kimock and Friends

Transcendent guitar player Steve Kimock brings his seemingly endless collection of styles and in fluences back to the Bay Area music scene.

Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.3850, sweet watermusichall.com

AUG 19 La Mixta Criolla

From Appleberry Jam Presents, a performance by music and dance ensemble

Back to School

Cuts and Color Brow Shaping Lash Extensions

Teen Facials Makeup Lessons

Gift certificates available Open 7 days a week

Mill Valley 415.388.0988 Union Street 415.409.1500 www.milvali.com

Aluminum Anniversary

Outside Lands’ tenth year at Golden Gate Park.

LAUDED AS THE first gourmet music festival, Outside Lands has become a Bay Area tradition for music lovers, foodies and stand-up comedy fans alike. The fete has drawn and continues to feature high-pro fi le artists; this year’s headliners include Metallica, the Who, Lorde and A Tribe Called Quest. Beyond music, attendees will have access to refreshments from more than 80 Bay Area restaurants, over 40 Northern California wineries, close to 30 West Coast breweries and a collection of the region’s best cocktail bars. All that dining and imbibing means lots of trash, but worry not: the festival is one of the world’s most sustainable large-scale events and the proof is in the numbers — last year 91 percent of the waste was reused, recycled or composted. Outside Lands takes place August 11–13. sfoutsidelands.com

La Mixta Criolla, with songs blending Venezuelan and Puerto Rican in fluences. Part of Novato’s Concerts on the Green. City Hall (Novato). lamixta. bandcamp.com

AUG 25 Jazz in the Neighborhood: Mary Fettig Led by saxophonist Mary Fettig, a multi-instrumentalist paying both jazz and classical, the quartet includes guitarist Chico Pinheiro and

bassist Scott Thompson. Copper field’s Books (San Rafael). 415.524.2800, copper fieldsbooks.com

GALLERIES

MARIN

Art Works Downtown Works by Angelique Benicio, August 4–September 15. 1337 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.451.8119, artworks downtown.org

Bolinas Gallery A collection of contemporary art by established and emerging artists. 52 Wharf Road, Bolinas. 415.868.0782, bolinas-gallery.com

Bubble Street Fantastical works by Daniel Merriam, Evan Chambers and Jeffrey Steorts shown alongside sculptural ceramics by Marge Margulie. 565 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.339.0506, bubble streetgallery.com

Claudia Chapline Gallery and Sculpture Garden Works by Claudia Chapline, Jim Garmhausen, Etta Deikman and others. 3445 Shoreline Highway, Stinson Beach. 415.868.2308, cchapline.com

Desta Gallery A medley of contemporary fine art in various mediums. 417 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo. 415.524.8932, destagallery.com

di Rosa Based on a True Story: Highlights from the di Rosa Collection Art and encounters from the center’s own history, through October 15. 5200 Carneros Highway, Napa. 707.226.5991, dirosaart.org

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

Gallery Route One Box Show 2017 GRO’s annual show features 150 identical wooden boxes, which are doled out and reimagined by local artists, August 11–September 24. 11101 Highway One, Point Reyes. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org

Marin Art and Garden Center Work from New Orleans–based artists David Sullivan and Courtney Egan. 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 415.455.5260, magc.org

Marin Society of Artists Something Old, Something New Member juried show, through August 5. 1515 Third St, San Rafael. 415.454.9561, marin societyofartists.org

O’Hanlon Center for the Arts Bay Area Women Artists A juried exhibition, through August 24. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org

Petri’s Fine Arts

Featuring contemporary works in various mediums. 690 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.332.2626, petrisfineart.com

Robert Allen Fine Art Landscapes: 4 View Points A group exhibition featuring works on paper and canvas, August 3–September 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 Abstract expressionist works by John Grillo, Paul Jenkins, Ed Moses and more. 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

Photographs by Marvin Burke, August 24–October 5. 145 Rock Hill Drive, Tiburon. 415.435.9108, ccctiburon.net

Room Art Gallery

Works by both Bay Area artists and major masters; the largest collection of Picasso, Chagall and others in Marin County. 86

Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.380.7940, roomartgallery.com

Seager Gray Gallery Powder and Smoke, August 1–31. 108 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.384.8288, seagergray.com

Smith Andersen North Works by established and emerging artists. 20 Greenfield ve, San Anselmo. 415.455.9733, smithandersen north.com

Studio 333 A co-op gallery specializing in fine art and events. 333A Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.8272, studio333.info

The Blissful Gallery Oils, watercolors and prints by painter Emmeline Craig. 3415 Shoreline Highway, Stinson Beach, 415.868.2787, emmelinecraig.com

SAN FRANCISCO

ArtHaus Heavy Rotation

An evolving exhibition of works by gallery artists. 411 Brannan St, 415.977.0223, arthaus-sf.com

Caldwell Snyder Gallery Work from Julie Speidel. 341 Sutter St, 415.392.2299, caldwellsnyder.com

California Historical Society On the Road to the Summer of Love

An exhibition of rarely seen photographs from more than 20 photographers, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love, through September 10. 678 Mission St, 415.357.1848, california historicalsociety.org

Fouladi Projects

Ongoing work. 1803 Market St, 415.621.2535, fouladiprojects.com

George Lawson Gallery

Works by Jacob Melchi, Alan Ebnother and others. 315 Potrero Ave, 415.703.4400, georgelawson gallery.com

Gregory Lind Gallery

Ongoing work. 49 Geary St, 415.296.9661, gregory lindgallery.com

Hackett-Mill An eclectic medley of original fine art. 21 Post St, 415.362.3377, hackettmill.com

Jenkins Johnson Gallery

New works of art. 464 Sutter St, 415.677.0770, jenkinsjohnson gallery.com

John Berggruen Gallery

Bontanica Curated by Todd Von Ammon, through August 29. 10 Hawthorne St, 415.781.4629, berggruen.com

Meyerovich Gallery

Paintings, works on paper and sculpture by modern and contemporary artists. 251 Post St, 415.421.7171, meyerovich.com

Montague Gallery A collection of contemporary fine art glass featuring works by Lino Tagliapietra, Dante Marioni, Hiroshi Yamano and Chihuly Workshop. 445A Sutter St, 415.964.4978, monta guegallerysf.com

Pier 24 Photography

The permanent collection of the Pilara Foundation. Pier 24, 415.512.7424, pier24.org

Rena Bransten Projects

Works by Nobuyuki Takahashi, through August 19. 1639 Market St, 415.982.3292, rena branstengallery.com

Simon Breitbard Fine Arts Contemporary fine art from established artists and new talents. 843 Montgomery St, 415.951.1969, sbfineart.com

The Midway Gallery Works from emerging artists. 900 Marin St, themidwaygallery.com

Thomas Reynolds Gallery Pieces by contemporary painters, most addressing the intersection of realism and abstraction. 2291 Pine St, 415.441.4093, thomasreynolds.com

MUSEUMS

MARIN

Bay Area Discovery Museum Imagine, create and transform while exploring the unique museum’s ongoing exhibits (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, baykidsmuseum.org

Bolinas Museum Art We Wear: Culture & Expression 1960s to Now See the sophisticated artistry, originality, and craftsmanship in counterculture fashion, through August 13. (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org

Marin Museum of the American Indian A museum celebrating Native American art (Novato). 415.897.4064, fouladiprojects.com

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art Intertwined An exhibit of woven glass wall tapestries by artists in residence Demetra Theofanous and Dean Bensen, through August 13 (Novato). 415.506.0137, marinmoca.org

BAY AREA Asian Art Museum Flower Power In honor of the Summer of Love and its accompanying floral symbolism, an exploration of the hidden meanings of flowers in Asian art, through October 1 (SF). 415.581.3711, asianart.org

Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive Matrix Collaged works by Irwin Kremen, through August 27 (Berkeley). 510.642.0808, bampfa.org

California Academy of Sciences Twilight Zone: Deep Reefs Revealed Explore the unknown expanses of the coral reefs alongside scientists who show off new and rare species found there; many have never been displayed in a public aquarium. (SF). 415.379.8000, calacademy.org

Conservatory of Flowers Nightly Illumination A nightly light art installation in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love, through October 21 (SF). 415.831.2090, con servatoryofflowers.org

Contemporary Jewish Museum The 613 A monumental installation of 613 20-by-16-inch paintings by Brooklyn muralist Archie Rand, through October 22. (SF). 415.655.7800, thecjm.org

de Young The Summer of Love Experience: Art, Fashion and Rock & Roll A colorful collection featuring concert posters, interactive music and light shows, fashion and more, all in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Summer of Love, through August 20 (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 Degas, Impressionism, and the Paris Millinery Trade Impressionist paintings and pastels, including key works by Degas, as well as Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Édouard Manet, Mary Cassatt, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and more, through September 24 (SF). 415.750.3600, legion ofhonor.famsf.org

Museum of Craft and Design Chris Eckert: Mixed Messages An installation of 24 telegraph machines, each tapping out a Morse code Twitter feed for a di fferent news organization, through November 17 (SF). 415.773.0303, sfmcd.org

Oakland Museum of California Of Dogs and Other People: The Art of Roy De Forest Personal and colorful paintings and sculptures by the artist, through August 20 (Oakland). 510.318.8400, museumca.org

SFMOMA Edward Munch: Between the Clock and the Bed A collection of 44 landmark pieces centering on art, love, mortality and time, through October 9 (SF). 415.357.4000, sfmoma.org

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Albert Paley: Thresholds Large-scale sculptures, drawings and more from the artist, through October 1 (Sonoma). svma.org

The Walt Disney Family Museum Deja View: The Art of Andreas Deja A unique exhibition of original works on paper and maquettes of iconic characters like Scar,

Box Show at Gallery Route One, Point Reyes

Gaston, Lilo and more (SF). 415.345.6800, waltdisney.org

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Talking to Power/Hablándole al Poder A survey exhibition that presents some of Tania Bruguera’s long-term, socially engaged art projects to date, through October 29 (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org

EVENTS

and parties, along with a gala event. Various locations (Napa). 707.963.0611, wine celebration.org

Fair. Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds (Santa Rosa). 707.545.4200, sonomacountyfair.com

AUG

3–6 V Foundation Wine Celebration for Cancer Research

The V Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to fi nding a cure for cancer, presents its annual wine-centric fundraiser, a series of luncheons, dinners,

AUG 3–13 Sonoma County Fair Themed “Holidaze,” this year’s fair features snow in August, a Mardi Gras parade, a carnival, free concerts, talk like a pirate day and much, much more. Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds (Santa Rosa). 707.545.4200, sonomacountyfair.com

AUG 3–20 Wine Country Horse Racing Experience the thrill of live horse racing featuring superior horses and jockeys and the Northern California fair circuit’s only turf track. Part of the Sonoma County

AUG 4–6 Make Room: Modern Design Meets Craft Using the theme “In Space and Time,” a group of top Bay Area designers create a series of interior vignettes inspired by fi ne craft and iconic images from the 1940s to today. Fort Mason (San Francisco). 612.206.3100, craftcouncil.org

AUG 5 Glide Legacy Gala professionals and philanthropists come together for a formal, festive and celebratory night in support of Glide and its programs. The San Francisco Design Center (SF). 415.674.6060, glide.org

AUG 5 NorCal Brew Fest Enjoy unlimited tastes of more than 50 beers and ciders. Feel the trackside thrill of Wine Country horse racing. Play lawn games and listen to free live music at the Sonoma County Fair. Sonoma County Event Center at the Fairgrounds (Santa Rosa). 707.545.4200, sonomacountyfair.com

AUG 6 San Francisco Opera Guild Marin Chapter Champagne Gala Sip champagne and devour hors d’oeuvres while listening to music from San Francisco Opera’s Adler Fellows, the young opera stars of tomorrow. San Domenico School Music Conservatory (San Anselmo). 415.924.9352

AUG 12–13 Gravenstein Apple Fair This beloved fair — this year themed “Pollinators” — offers entertainment for the whole family, including live music on two stages, locally produced foods, cooking demonstrations from local chefs, arts and crafts booths, farm animals and much more. 707.837.8896, graven steinapplefair.com

AUG 13 The French Market Peruse this outdoor antique market in search of art, books, textiles, vintage and estate jewelry, furniture, prints and much more, all accompanied by French music and crepes. Marin Civic Center (San Rafael). 415.383.2252, golden gateshows.com

AUG 20 Wounded Veterans’ Polo Benefit Back for its eighth year, this unique day of goal polo, gourmet dining, fi ne wines and more benefis wounded veterans in the Bay Area. Wine Country Polo Club (Santa Rosa). birdeasepro.com

FILM

AUG 10 Teen Movie Night: Marvel Double Feature Bring the whole family for a cozy evening of Marvel movies. PJs, pillows and sleeping bags are encouraged, and snacks and pizza will be provided. Public Library (Corte Madera). 415.924.3515, marinlibrary.org

AUG 12–13 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone in Concert Enjoy a journey into the wizarding world as accompanied by a live symphony, with John Williams’ iconic score played note for note along with the fi lm.

Davies Symphony Music Hall (SF). 888.746.1799, shnsf.com

AUG 16 Saltwater Buddha with Jaimal Yogis Fed up with suburban teenage life, Jaimal Yogis ran off o Hawaii with little more than a copy of Hermann Hesse’s Siddhartha and enough cash for a surfboard. Jaimal Yogis will be there for discussion as part of Diesel’s Movie Night series. Diesel, A Bookstore (Larkspur). 415.785.8177, diesel bookstore.com

WALKS & TALKS

ONGOING First Tuesday ArtWalk Join the Mill Valley Arts Commission’s monthly stroll through town to view exhibits by local artists. Various locations (Mill Valley). cityofmillvalley.org

AUG 2 WildCare’s Animal Ambassadors Mary Pounder of Wildcare brings the animal ambassadors for a visit. Public library (Corte Madera). 415.456.7283, wildcare bayarea.org

AUG 2–16 Night Photography Workshop with Hendrik Paul The class will look at the important aspects of photographing successfully at night and

includes on-location shooting sessions at some of Paul’s favorite night locations. The Image Flow (Mill Valley). 415.388.3569, theimageflo.com

AUG 5 World War II in the Shadow of Mount Tam Join Ranger Joanne on a 2-mile walking tour of the area surrounding the Bay Model to experience what life in the shipyards was like from 1942 to 1945. Bay Model Visitor Center (Sausalito). 415.332.3871

AUG 7 Full Moon Hike at White Hill Learn about local plants and animals as you and your family traverse the Porcupine Trail. White Hill Grade (Novato).

415.473.2816, marin countyparks.org

AUG 11 Insect Discovery Lab Explore the fantastic lives of beetles, millipedes, tarantulas and walking sticks in this interactive workshop. Point Reyes Library (Point Reyes). 415.663.8375, marinlibrary.org

AUG 13 Terwilliger Trail Hike Take in views of the Sta fford Lake watershed from the upper portions of Terwilliger Trail, and learn about the surrounding flora and fauna. Sta fford Lake Park (Novato). 415.897.0618, marin countyparks.org

AUG 16 Art in the Park Taking a photo is fi ne, but why not paint the scenery?

Supplies and smocks will be provided, and no experience is necessary for this day of creativity. Paradise Beach Park (Tiburon). 415.435.9212, marin countyparks.org

AUG 16 Nature for Kids: Indian Tree Join a ranger to learn about the habitats of Indian Tree, on a walk that includes bay trees, an oak-covered hill and a grove of redwoods. Vineyard Road. (Novato). 415.893.9508, marincountyparks.org

AUG 19 Creekside Restoration with One Tam Volunteer with Marin County Parks and the staff f One Tam, a Tamalpais Lands Collaborative initiative, to enrich important habitat

areas of Hal Brown Park and Creekside Marsh. Hal Brown Park (Greenbrae). 415.763.2977, marin countyparks.org

AUG 19 History Walk: Mount Tamalpais Scenic Railroad Enjoy a 3.5-mile hike on the Old Railroad Grade while discussing the 121-year history of the local railroad. W. Blithedale Ave trailhead (Mill Valley). 415.473.2816

AUG 25 Campfire Program Join rangers for an evening of fun with local lore, legends and campfi re tales. McNears Beach Park (San Rafael). 415.446.4424, marin countyparks.org

Dine

TO

What’s Hot

WHO Phil Lesh of Terrapin Crossroads

WHAT Live Music with Waterfront Views

WHERE San Rafael

You don’t have to be a Deadhead to appreciate Terrapin Crossroads in San Rafael. Opened in 2011 by former Grateful Dead member Phil Lesh, this waterfront venue features live music with views of the canal and a solid menu making it a favorite for locals who like to chill and take in some tunes. The recently launched “Backyard” features an outdoor performance stage, bocce ball courts and a play space for kids. 100 Yacht Club Dr, 415.524.2773, terrapincrossroads.net s $$ Í C D BR º

CORTE MADERA

BENISSIMO Italian

“Benissimo” means “really, really good” in Italian. Aside from the daily 4 to 6:30 p.m. happy hour, (drinks $3 to $5, small plates $5 to $7.50), the menu offers a large selection of pizza, pasta and large plates, like cioppino, fresh fi shes of the day, T-bone steaks and the signature Benissimo Burger or portobello burger. Specials include all-day happy hour on Mondays, no-corkage Tuesdays, Wednesday night martinis, and live music on Thursdays. 18 Tamalpais Dr, 415.927.2316, benissimos.com s $$$ S D º

MARIN JOE’S Italian

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

1585 Casa Buena Dr, 415.924.2081, marin joesrestaurant.com s $$ S C LD

PIG IN A PICKLE

American Fresh local ingredients and the highest-quality brisket, pork, ribs and chicken comprise the menu of this Town Center eatery. Sauces are crafted 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 Ctr, 415.891.3265, pig inapicklebbq.com b $$$ S Í BLD

THREE BIRDS WINE

BAR California This oneroom bar and wine shop features more than 15 options by the glass and a selection of bottles to take home. Enjoy an array of cheese and charcuterie in addition to other bar snacks in the comfortable lounge. 207 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.9466, three birdswinebar.com b $$ Í º

VEGGIE GRILL Vegan/ Vegetarian Veggie Grill is a fast-casual restaurant chain that celebrates the veggie

AN INSIDER’S GUIDE

RESTAURANTS AND GOOD FOOD IN THE BAY AREA EDITED BY MIMI TOWLE

Oven Roasted Shrimp

by offering a variety of hot sandwiches and burgers, entree salads, bowls, home-style plates, shareable sides, organic teas and housemade desserts prepared with vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts. 147 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.945.8954, veggiegrill.com b $ S Í LD

WORLD WRAPPS

Wraps Owners Keith Cox and Matt Blair have revamped this 21-year-old “fast food” joint to feature healthy and fl avorful items like a Hawaiian poke wrap and a tahini tofu summer roll that’s vegan-friendly. Exotic housemade beverages include boba tea, mango lassi and Vietnamese iced coffee. 208 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.3663, worldwrapps.com $ S Í LD

FAIRFAX

123 BOLINAS California

Created by four friends wanting to showcase seasonal fare in a relaxing, intimate environment, this cozy, one-room eatery offers locally brewed beer, small-production wines and seasonal food along with the view of Bolinas Park through the floorto-ceiling windows. 123 Bolinas St, 415.488.5123, 123bolinas.com b $$ S Í D º

MAS MASA Latin American and Mexican Chef and owner Patrick Sheehy and co-owner William Eoff ocus on the ancient technique of corn nixtamalization, utilizing organic, non-GMO heirloom corn varieties. The kitchen is 100 percent gluten-free and beer and wine lists highlight

local California microbreweries and wineries. 31 Bolinas Road, 415.529.5444, eatmasmasa.com s $$ S Í LD

SORELLA CAFFE

Italian Run by sisters Sonia and Soyara, Sorella, which means “sister” in Italian, serves 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. And if that isn’t enough, stop by for live music every second and fourth Thursday of the month, as well as accordion music every Friday and a piano, bass and drums combo every Saturday. 107 Bolinas Road, 415.258.4520, sorellacaffe.co b $$$ S D

VILLAGE SAKE

Japanese Lucky for Fairfax, beloved former Sushi Ran chef Scott Whitman and talented Marin-based restaurateur partners have opened an Izakaya — a Japanese style community pub — on Bolinas Street. In this compact space you’l l fi nd maki rolls and skewers, plus sake and craft beers. Closed Tuesdays. 19 Bolinas Road, 415.521.5790, villagesake.com b $$$ Í D

GREENBRAE

VICTORIA BAKERY &

CAFE Italian Victoria Bakery & Cafe in Bon Air has added lunch to the menu. Savory options at this Italian confectionary, specializing in wedding cakes, include paninis and puff astries fi lled with

Swiss Gruyère. 292 Bon Air Shopping Center, 415.461.3099, victoria bakerymarin.com $$ Í BL

KENTFIELD

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 out on the patio. 848 College Ave, 415.459.0291, halfdaycafe.com b $$ S Í BL BR

LARKSPUR

BELCAMPO MEAT CO.

American The goods at this meatery are delivered from the certi fied-organic Belcampo Farms near Mount Shasta, dedicated to practicing a holistic approach to pasture

management. Try the lamb burger banh mi or the daily meat board.

Marin Country Mart, 2405 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.448.5810, belcampomeatco.com b $$ Í LD BR

FARM HOUSE LOCAL California This gem is sure to please with simple, healthy food in a warm, cozy atmosphere — both inside and outside on the covered patio. The seasonal menu follows what is fresh and local with dishes such a s flu ff y omelets stu ffed with local meats, cheeses and vegetables. 25 Ward St, 415.891.8577, farm houselocal.com b $$ S Í BL

FARMSHOP California

Located in the Marin Country Mart since 2013, Farmshop Marin has quickly become a top spot here in the county. Indoor and outdoor seating available. Marin Country Mart, 2233 Larkspur Landing

•

RANGE CAFE American

With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the grand Peacock Gap lawns, the Range Cafe is the perfect place for 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 s $$ S Í C BLD º

Circle, 415.755.6700, farmshopca.com s $$$ S Í C LD BR

GIA RISTORANTE ITALIANO Italian Fabrizio Laudati, along with co-chef Stefano Guasco, has brought his Italian style to Marin. Previously Laudati owned four Italian restaurants in San Francisco, including Bella Trattoria and Panta Rei. The menu features simple, authentic dishes with a modern twist from the Lazio region of central Italy. 286 Magnolia Ave, 415.891.3979, giarestaurant.net b $$ Í LD

LEFT BANK RESTAURANT French Known for award-winning 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 appetizers (3 to 6:30

p.m. and 9 p.m. to close, Monday to Friday), most priced under $7. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331, leftbank.com s $$$ S Í C LD BR

PERRY’S American The San Francisco mainstay has a location across the bridge in Larkspur, bringing with it its wide selection of salads, steaks and comfort favorites like French onion soup. Replacing the Lark Creek Inn, the skylights bring in plenty of natural light and an expanded bar is ideal for sipping the restaurant’s famed bloody mary’s. Valet parking is offered and brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.1877, perryssf.com s $$ LD º

PICCO California

Popular since its inception, Picco has a seasonally driven menu featuring items

such as risotto (made every half hour) that keep patrons coming back. 320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300, restaurantpicco.com s $$$ S Í C D

PIZZERIA PICCO Pizza This upscale parlor offers Californiain fluenced Neapolitan pizzas, cooked in a wood burning pizza oven. Fresh mozzarella is pulled in-house and the menu also features organic salads, a daily soup and Straus Dairy soft serve ice cream. 316 Magnolia Ave, 415.945.8900, pizzeriapicco.com b $$ S Í LD º

POSIE Dessert This artisan ice cream shop opened by Kyle Caporicci, former pasty chef of Michelinstarred Commis, is making a name for itself with its seasona l fl avors and homemade glutenfree cones. For lunch, meticulously prepared open-faced tartines and pastries are featured. Menu changes weekly, closed Mondays. 250B Magnolia Ave, 415.891.8395 $ L RUSTIC BAKERY California This homegrown bakery is known and loved the world over. In fact, Pope Francis famously requested Rustic Baker y fl atbread and crostini when he visited the United States in 2015. Bread that’s baked fresh each morning in addition to granola, cookies, mu ffi ns and croissants make this a local staple. 1139 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.1556; 2017 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.9900, rusticbakery.com b $$ S Í BLD BR

THREE TWINS ICE CREAM Dessert Neal Gottlieb started Three Twins Ice Cream in San Rafael in 2005 with a mission to make delicious and a ffordable ice cream using organic ingredients only. Today, fl avors like strawberry balsamic vinegar and lemon cookie are widely loved and recognized. 2231 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.8946, threetwinsicecream.com $ S Í LD

MILL VALLEY

BALBOA CAFE MILL VALLEY California The San Francisco institution has become a place to see and be seen in Mill Valley, especially after 142 Throckmorton comedy nights. Menu includes Niman fl atiron steak, braised beef brisket risotto and classic burgers. 38 Miller Ave, 415.381.7321, balboacafe.com s $$$ Í LD BR º

BUCKEYE ROADHOUSE

American Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs and Chili-Lime “Brick” Chicken are a few of the satisfying, comfort-food 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 s $$ C LD BR

BUNGALOW 44

American One of Mill Valley’s neighborhood hot spots, featuring contemporary California comfort food, signature cocktails, fi ne wine, and one-dollar oysters from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. every

Chicken Piccata

day. 44 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500, bungalow44.com s $$$

CAFE DEL SOUL

California Healthy options become addicting ones at this Tam Valley eatery. Once you stop in for the deliciously fresh Hummus Yummus wrap, you’ll have to return to sample the Chipotle Sun Goddess Rice Bowl. A casual lunch spot and great for takeout, Cafe del Soul now offers a range of quinoa options. 247 Shoreline Hwy, 415.388.1852, cafedelsoul.net $ S Í LD

EL PASEO American

This award-winning eatery in the heart of downtown Mill Valley has been voted most romantic restaurant in Northern California. Built from Mount Tam railroad ties and brick in 1947, El Paseo was restored by owner Sammy Hagar in 2009. Now with a full liquor license in place, the new Passage Bar and the restaurant offer a curated spirits and cocktail program. 17 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0741, elpaseomillvalley.com b $$$ Í C D

FRANTOIO

RISTORANTE Italian

This 6,000-squarefoot eatery is centered around the in-house olive press, which produces a special blend popular with locals. 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 s $$$ Í C LD º

JOE’S TACO LOUNGE

Mexican Joe’s serves up fi sh tacos, burritos and enchiladas as well as more unusual items like Mexican pizza, tofu tostada and crab tostadas. Colorful interior and quick service make this a fun, easy stop. If there are too many unsupervised kids for a peaceful meal, takeout is easy too. If you stay, grab a selection of hot sauce bottles from the wall and fi nd your perfect match. 382 Miller Ave, 415.383. 8164, joestacolounge.com b $$ S Í BLD

KITCHEN SUNNYSIDE

American This brunch stop brings some gourmet to your morning with options like Dungeness crab hash, corn fl ake French toast, eggs Florentine and bottomless mimosas. Lunch options like paninis and burgers are also available. 31 Sunnyside Ave, 415.326.5159, kitchensunnyside.com b $$ S BL BR

PIATTI RISTORANTE

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

PIAZZA D’ANGELO

Italian Family owned for over 35 years, Piazza D’Angelo evokes a traditional trattoria dining experience. Enjoy a variety of house made pastas, meat

• CRAFTSMAN AND WOLVES American

This contemporary pâtisserie is located in San Francisco’s Mission district. Here, pastry-whiz William Werner serves eggfilled muffins known as the Rebel Within, bonbons, coffee and many other sweet and savory baked goods. 746 Valencia St, 415.913.7713 craftsman-wolves.com b $$ Í BL

and seafood dishes, wood fi red pizzas, and gluten free offerings with organic and locally sourced ingredients. 22 Miller Ave, 415.388.2000, piazzadangelo.com s $$ S Í C LD BR º

PLAYA Mexican Drawing inspiration from travels and the fresh , fl avorful cuisine served on the playa, Peter Schumacher and Bill and Vanessa Higgins, have developed a menu that blends locally sourced, organic and sustainable ingredients with a bar highlighting a selection of exceptional tequilas and mezcals. 41 Throckmorton Ave, 415.384.8871, playamv.com s $$ Í D

PRABH INDIAN

KITCHEN Indian Owned and operated by the Dhindsa family, this

restaurant is dedicated to serving healthy, organic and sustainable food, including gluten-free and vegan options. Dishes include chicken pakora, vegetable biryani and basil garlic nan. Try the thali menu (offered at lunch), a selection of several Indian dishes served at once. 24 Sunnyside Ave, 415.384.8241, prabhindiankitchen.com b $$ S Í LD

SHORELINE COFFEE

SHOP American Tucked away in a parking lot at Tam Junction, this coffee shop is a funky diner with a smalltown feel. Check out the mix of Mexican and traditional breakfast fare. 221 Shoreline Hwy, 415.388.9085 b $$ S Í BL BR

SOL FOOD Puerto Rican This Marin favorite has opened in Mill Valley, still serving

up everyone’s favorite Puerto Rican cuisine. The line can get long, but the food is well worth it. 401 Miller Ave, 415.380.1986, solfoodrestaurant.com $$ S BLD

TAM TAM RAMEN Pan Asian Ramen options and more as in bao sliders, wonton nachos and pan-fried gyoza made fresh to order, with sushi and salads from Whole Foods and Urban Remedy in the graband-go cooler. For those dining in, opt from an array of sake, beer and wine to complete the meal. 745 E Blithedale Ave, 415.381.3900, genjiweb.com $$ LD

THE WHISK + SKILLET

American This daytime eatery in Strawberry Village serves all-day breakfast and lunch with plenty of egg options to choose from

and Equator coffee to boot. Lunch options include soups, sandwiches and salads. 110 Strawberry Village, 415.380.1900 b $$ BL

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

URBAN REMEDY Juice

With a selection of juices, snacks and bowls including plenty of gluten-free, grain-free, and low-glycemic-index options, this is a popular stop. Raw desserts round things out. Try the namesake salad or give the cashew milk with cinnamon and

vanilla a shot to see what Urban Remedy is all about. 15 E Blithedale Ave, 415.383.5300, urbanremedy.com $$ Í BLD

NOVATO

CHIANTI CUCINA

Italian This cozy eatery features an array of Italian and American choices, including a long list of pastas; try the house-made ravioli cooked up by chef Edgar DeLon. 7416 Redwood Hwy, 415.878.0314, chiantinovato.com b $$$ S Í D º

JENNIE LOW’S Chinese Cuisine Chinese Traditional dishes, including Cantonese, Mandarin, Szechuan and Hunan delicacies. If you don’t see your favorite, let the restaurant know; whenever possible, they’re happy to try and prepare dishes off enu. The pot stickers are the best around. 120 Vintage Way, 415.892.8838, jennielow.com b $ S LD

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. In addition to the 10 beers on tap, you can go beyond traditional pub grub with treats like a deconstructed salmon salad. 504 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.7793, thespeakeasynovato.com s $$ LD BR º

SAN ANSELMO

COMFORTS CAFE

American Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down patio and serves breakfast, lunch

and weekend brunch. A large take-out section offers fresh bakery items, seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches and even entrees for dinner at home. Besides the famous and popular Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stu ffed pecan-crusted French toast , fl avorful scrambles, Chicken Okasan ( nicknamed “Crack Chicken” by fans) and wonton soup.

335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840, comfortscafe.com b $$ S Í BL BR

CUCINA

SA Italian

Formerly Cucina Restaurant and Wine Bar, the ownership team of Donna Seymour and Kevin Hansmeyer renovated, renamed and reopened the restaurant in December 2015. This cozy space features homemade pastas, wood-fi red pizzas and Italian wines. A large part of the menu is vegetarian and gluten-free friendly.

510 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.2942, cucina-sa.com b $$ Í D

FARM BURGER

American This burger chain is known for 100% grassfed meats and something that’s not nearly as commonplace – alcoholic milkshakes. So if you want to put a little tang in your dessert, try one of their golden state cider floats or a mission hard root beer. Other fares include a pastured pig banh mi, a superfood salad, as well as a lil farmers menu for kids. 882 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.785.4802, farmburger.net b $$ S Í LD

Whipped Coffee Coconut Yuzu Cake

INSALATA’S

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

s $$$ S C LD BR

L’APPART RESTO

French French specialties, local favorites and a $35 three- course prix fi xe menu are served up in an energetic yet sophisticated environment. Check out the live music on Thursdays. Open 6 days a week for dinner, MondaySaturday, and open for lunch Friday - Sunday. 636 San Anselmo Ave, 415.256.9884, lappartresto.com b $$ S Í LD BR

MARINITAS Mexican

The sister restaurant of Insalata’s continues to flourish as a center for creative Latin cuisine in Marin. It may not be as low-priced as most local Mexican restaurants, but this is not your typical southof-the-border spot. 218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.454.8900, marinitas.net s $$ S LD BR

M.H. BREAD AND BUTTER California This one-stop shop offers everything from coffee and pastries to artisan bread and braised meats. High-quality ingredients and a comfortable atmosphere make MH worth checking out. 101 San Anselmo Ave, 415.755.4575, mhbreadandbutter.com $$ S Í BL BR

TACO JANE’S Mexican

Taco Jane’s new full bar features a robust tequila and mezcal selection. Its regional Mexican cuisine includes Oaxacan mole, fi sh tacos and vegetarian options. Black Gold salsa arrives with complimentary chips and is created using charred blackened tomatoes and roasted chilis. Live music Thursdays and enclosed patio seating all year round and happy hour from 4:30 to 6, Monday through Friday. 21 Tamalpais Ave, 415.454.6562, tacojanes.com s $$ S Í LD BR

VALENTI & CO. Italian

This bright and cozy space is the ideal environment for authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients. A seat at the chef’s table gives a prime view of the open kitchen. 337 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.7800, valentico.com b $$$ D

SAN RAFAEL

LA TOSCANA

RISTORANTE & BAR

Italian Family owned and operated since 1985, La Toscana has completed an extensive interior and exterior renovation, transforming an already popular San Rafael gathering spot into a place for any occasion. The menu features classics like gnocchi and carbonara and an ample selection of wine. 3751 Redwood Hwy, 415.492.9100, ristorantelatoscana.com s $$$ S Í C LD º

LAVIER CUSINE LatinFusion Free-range meat and fresh seafood is the focus at this authentic Latin-fusion eatery in San Rafael run by

SMALL SCHOOL, BIG IMPACT

“The Marin School offers the extraordinary opportunity to learn in an atmosphere that is warm, individualized and happy.

Students here are deeply engaged with both their work and their teachers. This is what education should look like.”

-Madeline Levine, Ph.D., Author of The Price of Privilege and Teach Your Children Well

COLLEGE-PREP

Gabriela and her husband Guillermo who hails from Yucatan. Try the plantain and panko crusted cheese sticks to start and follow that with the popular pu ff y fi sh tacos with slaw and black beans. Brunch is served on weekends until 2 p.m. 1025 C St, 415.295.7990, lavier latinfusion.com b $$ S LD BR º

LE COMPTOIR French

The owners of San Francisco’s Gamine have opened their second restaurant, this time in the heart of San Rafael. The bistro serves up traditional French favorites like beef cheeks bourguignon and onion soup gratinée in a chic and cozy setting. If you’re planning to go, call ahead. 1301 Fourth St, 415.454.5454, lecomptoirsr.com b $$ Í C D

MAGNOLIA PARK KITCHEN American

This American bistro features lots of farm-fresh salads and sandwiches to choose from. The outdoor patio is well suited for sipping a glass of wine or enjoying a signature fried chicken bomb sandwich. 1016 Court St, 415.521.5591, magnolia parkkitchen.com b $$ Í C BL

SOL FOOD Puerto Rican

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

Ave, 415.451.4765, sol foodrestaurant.com $$ S BLD

TOMATINA Italian Tomatina takes a modern approach to traditional Italian recipes. O ffering housemade pasta, pizzas and signature piadine: fresh, hot fl atbreads topped with cool salads, ready to fold and eat. 5800 Northgate Mall, 415.479.3200, tomatina.com s $$ S Í LD º

UCHIWA RAMEN

Japanese When owners Benson Yang and Kevin Fong decided to open Marin’s fi rst ramen shop in 2014, they weren’t sure what to expect. Three years later, Uchiwa remains loved by ramen enthusiasts for its rich broths and fresh noodles. Vegetarian and vegan

options available. 821 B St, 415.991.3693, uchiwaramen.com b $$ LD

URBAN REMEDY Juice

With delicious juices, snacks and bowls including plenty of gluten-free, grain-free, and low-glycemic-index choices, this is a popular spot. Raw desserts round things out. Try the vegan Caesar salad or give the cashew milk with cinnamon and vanilla a shot to see what Urban Remedy is all about. 1904 Fourth St, 415.786.8011, urbanremedy.com $$ Í BLD

SAUSALITO

ANGELINO RESTAURANT Italian

An authentic Italian restaurant with handmade pastas and seasonal antipasti, showcasing cuisine of the Campania region for over 20 years. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225, angelino restaurant.com s $$$ S BLD

COPITA Mexican Chef Joanne Weir serves up fresh Mexican fare in the heart of downtown Sausalito. The everchanging menu is gluten-free, and the in-house tequila bar offers over 100 varieties and fantastic cocktails. Dine at the bar or on the outdoor patio for great people-watching. 739 Bridgeway, 415.331.7400, copitarestaurant.com s $$ S Í LD BR

F3/FAST FOOD

FRANCAIS French

Owned and operated by the owners of Le Garage, F3 serves brunch, lunch and dinner featuring “Frenchi fied” American

comfort food. A rotating menu includes items like the Quack burger (Duck con fit, black pepper chèvre, lettuce and red onion marmalade). Enjoy with a side of Brussels sprout chips or pommes dauphines (tater tots). 39 Caledonia St, 415.887.9047, eatf3.com s $$ S Í LD BR

LE GARAGE French Escape the tourist crush for an indulgent meal right on the water. The atmosphere is animated with light French music (à la Amélie), and the much-adored croque-monsieur is authentic. Indoor or outdoor seating. 85 Liberty Ship Way, 415.332.5625, legaragebistro sausalito.com b $$$ S Í BLD BR

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. Stop by Farley Bar for cocktails with a view. 601 Murray Circle, 415.339.4750, cavallopoint.com s $$$ S Í C BLD BR

POGGIO Italian Executive chef Benjamin Balesteri creates Northern Italian fare using fresh and local ingredients. Private dining rooms above the restaurant can accommodate larger parties (10 to 150 guests). 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771, poggiotratoria.com s $$$ S Í C BLD

SCOMA’S OF SAUSALITO Italian The Scoma’s boat fi shes seasonally, going out from Pier 47 and is approved for salmon and Dungeness crab resulting in fresh catches year-round. The menu regularly features whole crabs, chowders, grilled fish and house specialties. 588 Bridgeway, 415.332.9551, scomas sausalito.com

s $$ C LD

TIBURON

NEW

MORNING CAFE

American Sit outside or in at this casual cafe. On a sunny morning, the place is fi lled with locals enjoying the sun and extensive breakfast menu; lunch is served as well. 1696 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.4315

S Í BL

SALT & PEPPER

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

b S Í LD

SAM’S ANCHOR CAFE

American The updated menu at this seaside institution features local organic produce and sustainably sourced meats and fi sh. Chef Robert Taylor, formerly of Farallon, has curated an oyster list for the raw bar menu and a fresh cocktail list to boot. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, samscafe.com s $$$ S Í C LD BR º

Spanish Octopus at El Paseo, Mill Valley

SERVINO RISTORANTE

Italian Chef and owner Angelo Servino highlights organic ingredients in an array of rustic Italian dishes, including house-made pastas, wood oven pizzas, and seasonal specialties. Located on the bay in Tiburon, Servino also prides itself on itsextensive sustainable seafood program. Savor la dolce vita on the waterfront patio. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino.com s $$$ S Í C LD BR º

TIBURON TAVERN California The atmosphere here is enhanced by two outdoor patios, two indoor fi replaces and fresh flowers. Happy hour is 3 to 6:30 p.m. every day. 1651 Tiburon

Blvd, 415.435.5996, lodgeattiburon.com s $$ S Í C BLD BR º

WEST MARIN

NICK’S COVE American Nick’s Cove offers a coastal escape on Tomales Bay, serving famous barbecued local oysters, Dungeness crab mac ’n’ cheese and cocktails using home-grown ingredients. Large windows in the 130seat restaurant provide picturesque views of Tomales Bay and Hog Island. (Marshall). 23240 Hwy 1, 415.663.1033, nickscove.com s $$$ S Í C LD BR

SAN FRANCISCO /EAST BAY

PERRY’S American Perry’s, for over 45

years an institution on Union Street in San Francisco, is known for its classic American food, its warm personable service and its bustling bar. Signature dishes include traditional Cobb salad, prime steaks and, of course, the renowned hamburger. Perry’s also serves a weekend brunch. Hotel Griffon, 155 Steuart St, 415.495.6500, perryssf.com s $$ S Í C D º

PIKANHAS BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE

Steakhouse This all-you-can-eat steakhouse located in Point Richmond offers di fferent cuts of beef, pork, lamb and chicken that are slowly cooked with special grills to

preserve all the natural juices and fl avors (Pt. Richmond). 25 W. Richmond Ave, 510.237.7585, pikanhas steakhouse.com b $$ S LD

PRESSED Italian Tucked away in the lobby of the Embarcadero Center, this Italian cafe serves a selection of paninis and artisanal coffee for breakfast and lunch. 3 Embarcadero Ctr, 415.781.0302 $$ BL

RICE PAPER SCISSORS

Vietnamese Try the popular pork belly banh mi on one of the bright red stools and with a pot of jasmine tea. 1710 Mission St, 415.878.6657, ricepaperscissors.com $$ S Í LD

KEY TO SYMBOLS

s b $ $$ $$$ S

New Update

Full bar

Wine and beer

Inexpensive (entrees $10 or less) Moderate (up to $20) Expensive ($20 and over) Kid-friendly

Í C BLD BR º

Outdoor seating

Private party room Breakfast, lunch, dinner Brunch Happy hour

The restaurant has opened within the last six months. A major renovation to the restaurant or menu, or there is a new chef.

These listings are not intended to be a full review of the business, rather a quick guide to some of the most popular restaurants in the county. For more restaurant listings, visit us online at marinmagazine.com/dine

Get back to the life you love.

Don’t let an injury or joint pain limit your active life. Novato Community Hospital provides expert orthopedic services, including minimally invasive surgical and nonsurgical treatments so you can heal faster and start moving again with less pain.

novatocommunity.org 415-209-1460

Cooking with Citrus

Novato’s Beso Bistro goes wild.

PALM TREES AND sunlit patios are generally hallmarks of Southern California, but here in Marin they also encapsulate Beso Bistro. Located in Novato’s Hamilton Field, the restaurant highlights locally sourced organic produce, fresh sustainable seafood and pasture-raised, free-range meat. Wine lovers can embrace their inner Dionysus, with more than 20 selections by the glass and more than 50 by the bottle. Most California appellations are carried here, along with some imports and wines on tap. Guests can enjoy said wines and the restaurant’s coastal Californian fare either inside, with local artwork from the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art on the walls, or on the expansive patio. One of Beso Bistro’s signature dishes is ceviche — which might seem an adventurous recipe for home cooks to replicate, concedes restaurant founder Michelle Berlin: “The concept of ‘cooking’ raw shrimp and fi sh simply in citrus may sound like something better left to professionals,” she says. “But give it a try.” The acid in the lemon or lime will turn the seafood from translucent and gray to opaque, white and pink. “[The dish] is a delightful gift from our neighbors to the south and the surrounding islands,” says Berlin. “Recipes vary from region to region, depending on what is available, and this recipe is fairly basic, yet customized to what we have here in Marin: locally caught wild Paci fic snapper and organic Meyer lemons.” besobistro.com

Wild Pacific Snapper and Shrimp Ceviche

Ingredients

1 pound wild Pacific snapper (or rock cod) fillets, cut into ½ -inch pieces

1 pound large (16/20 per pound) shrimp, peeled and deveined, cut into ½ -inch pieces

1 cup freshly squeezed Meyer lemon or lime juice, or more as needed

½ medium red onion, finely chopped

1 to 2 fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded, finely chopped (taste and adjust amount to your heat preference)

2 teaspoons kosher salt

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 cup chopped seeded tomatoes with excess juice drained

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Avocado slices

Tortilla chips, homemade or store-bought

To Prepare

1 In a large nonreactive baking dish, such as Pyrex or ceramic, combine the snapper, shrimp, lemon juice, onion, jalapeños, salt and pepper. Stir to blend and spread evenly in the dish. The snapper and shrimp should be just covered with lemon juice. If needed, add more juice to cover. 2 Refrigerate the ceviche for 1 hour, then stir to redistribute the marinade. Spread the ceviche again and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight until opaque. 3 Before serving, add the tomatoes and cilantro and stir to combine. Top with the avocado and serve with the tortilla chips.

RECIPE EDITED BY LYNDA BALSLEV

the DISH PROMOTION

EAT, DRINK AND BE ENTERTAINED

Try Tomatina for our modern and fresh interpretations of traditional Italian recipes. Our made-from-scratch sauces and housemade pizzas are customer favorites but we are best known for our signature piadine—fresh, hot fltbread topped with cool salads, ready to fold and eat.

TOMATINA

5800 Northgate Mall, San Rafael, CA 415.479.3200 tomatina.com

Come enjoy local, organic, non-gmo Italian cuisine and handcrafted libations from the full bar in our family-owned restaurant open since 1995. We also feature an extensive wine list, a robust happy hour and two private dining areas as well as patio dining. Located just offHighway 101.

FRANTOIO RISTORANTE

152 Shoreline Highway, Mill Valley, CA 415.289.5777 frantoio.com

Having a bowl of ramen conjures up feelings of comfort, simplicity, and warmth so we’ve made it our mission to spread that wonderful feeling by sharing our own recipes at Uchiwa Ramen. We treat you as a guest in our own house, where we make everything from scratch with fresh, locally sourced natural ingredients.

UCHIWA RAMEN

821 B Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 415.524.2727 uchiwaramen.com

Located in the heart of Mill Valley, Prabh Indian Kitchen is a cultural experience offering authentic Indian food in a traditional way. This casual yet stylish Indian restaurant is a cut above the rest, with an enclosed sunny porch for year-round dining with a view. Come enjoy a well-spiced lamb rogan josh or sizzling kebabs with us soon.

PRABH INDIAN KITCHEN

24 Sunnyside Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 415.384.8241 prabhindiankitchen.com

Spend only $35 for a $50 dining certificte from participating restaurants with this icon. Go to marinmagazine.com/dineout and save 30% on meals.

Sitting atop the Bay with unobstructed views, Scoma’s delights with incredibly fresh, creative food and warm, personal service. We offer steaming whole crabs, hearty chowders, clams, perfectly grilled fishand specialties. Seasonal offerings and perennial favorites keep the menu as lively as the daily catch.

SCOMA’S SAUSALITO 588 Bridgeway, Sausalito, CA 415.332.9551 scomassausalito.com

bar

Start your evening, or end a long work day at San Rafael’s finet neighborhood grill. RangeCafe offers local wines, classic cocktails and ice-cold beer. Our outdoor patio is a great place to unwind and meet with friends for happy hour priced appetizers and drinks.

RANGECAFE

333 Biscayne Drive, San Rafael, CA 415.454.6450 rangecafe.net

adlib

MARTHA DAVIS, DVM, OWNER AT TAILS OF TERRA LINDA PET RESORT

Tails of Terra Linda Pet Resort is a luxury boarding and day care facility for cats and dogs to use while owners are away. State-of-the-art rooms, large indoor/outdoor play yards, dedicated staff and an onstaff veterinarian make us the best choice in town.

Briefly describe your business philosophy. We provide a sustainable business that serves the community by supporting the human/animal bond through compassionate and comprehensive care for pets while providing a career path for employees.

What is your competitive edge? We have brand-new facilities with K-9 grass, air filtration and homey rooms for the animals. We also have an experienced team with a commitment to the well-being of the animals.

Describe your dream client/customer. Dog and cat owners who partner with us to ensure that we are providing the best for their pets’ physical and emotional well-being — like leaving your kids with your sister.

Which product or service (that you offer) is your favorite? Hearing about dogs that come to play for the day and go home tired and relaxed. Providing a care option for busy people is very satisfying.

What makes you excel at what you do? Patience, commitment to quality, depth and breadth of experience, and supporting the teams that are making it happen on a day-to-day basis.

TAILS OF TERRA LINDA PET RESORT 4232 REDWOOD HIGHWAY, SAN RAFAEL, 415.785.4987, INFO@TAILSOFTERRALINDA.COM, TAILSOFTERRALINDA.COM

MARIN ADVERTISERS SPEAK UP

On the Scene

than $500,000

GREAT CHEFS AND

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

• MARIN DESIGN AWARDS Vanguard Properties presented the awards May 18 at the Mill Valley Community Center as a celebration of creativity and innovation in design.

•

WINERIES More

was raised for the nonprofit Lifehouse at an April 22 gala hosted by Huey Lewis at the Peacock Gap Golf Club.

• GRAND OPENING Ethan Allen and SPACES magazine teamed up to host an event for the grand opening of Ethan Allen’s new flagship design center in Corte Madera Town Center on May 31.

David Strickel, Shari Watt and Vanessa Labriola

Ann Elias, Damon Casatico, Nancy Dow Moody and Sid Sall

Drew McGukin, Kevin Patsel and Shelly O’Sullivan

Kevin Daniel Dwyer, Linda Cosgrove and Perry Burr

Moz Mosley and Abeer Faraj

• MARIN GENERAL HOSPITAL FOUNDATION

Guests enjoyed dinner, dancing and drinks at the New York, New York–themed black-tie event in Corte Madera on May 6.

Wayne Kaleck and Michael Rose

Sharon and Mike Stone

Lee Domanico and Andrea Schultz

• WHITE HOT SUMMER PARTY Small bites, drinks and dancing to live music were big hits at Cavallo Point June 11 as part of the annual Marin Magazine summer party.

Nirmada Kaufman, Cheryl Markowitz, Sara Wilson and Steve Kaufman

Stephanie Martin and Claudia Cowan

TO SEE MORE EVENT PHOTOS VISIT MARINMAGAZINE.COM/HOTTICKET

Gabrielle Anderman, Green Figure with Child , 2014; photo: courtesy of the artist

Gabrielle Anderman Show

Enjoy extraordinary luxury, privacy, and local access at the top of Main Street with the residences of 205 Main. Each residence is uniquely designed to feel like your own custom penthouse, providing a thoughtful open floor plan, spacious outdoor living area, chef’s style kitchen, and a modern-mountain contemporary style. 2 Underground heated parking stalls. Private entry, elevator access, and owner’s garage will seamlessly relax you into mountain life just steps away from Main Street’s renowned dining and entertainment. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience exceptional luxury living in the heart of a world-class destination. Call us for more information and your Private Tour today!

BY DAWN MARGOLIS DENBERG • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

TWELVE YEARS AGO, Jill Sellers and her husband, Scott, moved from San Francisco to Larkspur with their 15-month-old daughter. The home they chose had six bedrooms, which they appreciated, as they planned on having more children. As intended, the Sellers added two daughters to their family in the years that followed.

“It was a lovely home and it got us through the early years of raising kids,” Jill says. “But it had a choppy floor plan and very low ceilings.”

The couple briefly considered buying another home in the same neighborhood, but quickly realized renovating would be more cost-effective. So last year, they moved out and hired a team of professionals to realize their dream.

The biggest changes were to the common areas. They pushed out into the front yard six

feet. Next, they fl ip-flopped the kitchen and family room, knocking down a wall between the two to give the home a more open feel. And by reworking the roofl ine, they were able to increase the ceiling height.

“Before the remodel we had a galley-style kitchen at the back of the house. I found that I was in this space alone a lot of the time,” recalls Jill. “What I wanted was a space where the whole family could gather while I cooked.”

The Sellerses also moved the front door and carved out a now-well-used mudroom from the old entryway area. Another major modi fication was relocating the staircase. Moving it allowed a once-cramped laundry room to double in size.

The new stairs are also considerably grander and more in keeping with the scale of

the home. “The old staircase was tiny, just 27 inches wide,” says Jill.

Upstairs, they expanded the footprint of one of their daughter’s bedrooms, gutted a Jack-and-Jill bathroom and added a skylight to the hallway.

To give the home a nautical feel, the walls of the common spaces were enhanced with tongueand-groove siding. “We both grew up sailing and are really attracted to a coastal- style home,” says Jill. “The old house had some of that, but we really tried to bring more of it out.”

Jill brought in an interior designer to help furnish the space and consult on fi nishes. One of her favorite new pieces: a living room sofa that doubles as settee. “I like to stay out of the sun,” says Jill. “But if I lie down on it with the doors open I get the feeling of being outside even when I’m not.” m

THE DETAILS

WHERE THEY LIVE The Palm Hill neighborhood of Larkspur

WHAT THEY OWN A six-bedroom, fourand-a-half-bath California Coastal

ARCHITECTS Eric Layton of Patriarch Architecture & Development in Larkspur and Norah Frei of Frei Design in Larkspur

CONTRACTOR Phil Gazzoli of Gazzoli Construction in Petaluma

INTERIOR DESIGNER Jennifer Corteville of Yellow House in Corte Madera

Opposite: Opening up walls can dramatically change the flow of a home. This page, clockwise from top left: Ample counter space means kids can help with meal prep; a soothing color palette, wainscoting, and simple wall decor is all it takes to achieve a chic coastal vibe; pool area; Jill Sellers, her daughters and the family pooch; pretty in pink; small touches make a house a home.

Low Water, High Impact

Despite an abundantly rainy winter, Marin residents continue to be mindful regarding smart landscape water use. Fortunately for gardeners, many water-wise tactics are low maintenance and many drought-tolerant plants look quite attractive. With those benefits in mind, here are some water-smart gardening techniques and plant suggestions to enhance your garden while protecting your water bill. KIER HOLMES

TIPS FROM THE EXPERT “Mass drought-tolerant plants together — for example, a swath of echeveria under a swath of upright rosemary — and pay attention to how different leaf shapes reference and highlight each other,” says Beth Mullins, owner of Growsgreen Landscape Design in San Francisco. She also recommends using gravel and permeable hardscapes to add texture to a garden and conserve water.

When installing paths and patios, consider using materials like decomposed granite and gravel that allow water to drain into your garden as opposed to into storm drains. Lose the Lawn Consider replacing your lawn with a drought-tolerant ground cover or native no-mow fescue blend. Go Native If you plant local drought-tolerant flora like ceanothus and manzanita, the butterflies and bees will thank you. Be Direct You can channel rainfall where it’s most needed by installing a dry streambed — a ribbon of small and medium stones in the pattern of a natural stream. Time It Install a drip irrigation system with a smart irrigation timer that uses info about the weather, your plants and soil to give your garden a customized, targeted amount of water. Be Colorful Plan for year-round visual interest by planting a variety of grasses, perennials, shrubs and succulents that survive on limited water but provide structure and contrast. Much Mulch A layer of natural mulch over garden beds reduces both evaporation and weeds. Natural Soils Make sure your soil is healthy by adding organic compost and organic fertilizers. Rock It Incorporate rocks and boulders of all sizes into your landscape for height and structure and to define spaces.

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Permeable Paths

All the Buzz

Want to bring beauty and motion to your garden while also helping to support important pollinators? Here are creative ways to grow a pollinator-attracting garden and some proven ideas on what to feed our local buzzy friends. K.H.

THE DETAILS Did You Know Without the work of pollinators, many plants that we rely on for food could not produce seeds, fruit and vegetables. Welcome Mat Create a habitat rich in plants that are high in nectar and pollen, are diverse in height, shapes, and colors, and provide winter shelter. Consider creating a bug hotel — a structure created from natural materials like pottery shards and hollow bamboo. Bee Bar Plant a diverse collection of native bee-friendly flowers that bloom early, mid and late season to insure steady nectar and pollen supply. Butterfly Buffet Monarchs and swallowtails will visit if you plant nectar-rich flowering plants; also consider host plants like native milkweed and fennel for egg-laying and larvae food. Totally Tubular If you like hummingbirds, plant flowers that are tubular, scentless and brightly colored (red, orange or blue). Remember, variety is the key to hummingbird happiness. Drinking Hole Providing a source of water is essential for butterflies, so create a mud hole — a permanent puddle providing both water and mud minerals — or make a bath from a shallow plate filled with pebbles to create good perching spots for visiting bees, then add water. Patchwork Partners Consider creating a corridor of pollinator gardens filled with native plants in your neighborhood to help restore healthy communities of beneficial insects and pollinators. Green, Please Avoid using nasty chemicals and toxic pesticides, herbicides and insecticides. Doing this helps maintain a healthy ecosystem and all life forms — including yours.

BEST PLANTS FOR POLLINATORS

Borage

Calendula

Sunflowers

Lavender

California poppies

Aster Coneflower California lilac Yarrow

TIPS FROM THE EXPERT “Plant large patches of a single pollinator-friendly plant (each patch at least 3 feet by 3 feet), because a pollinator in search of food will locate large patches much easier than a single plant and will hang out longer,” says Jaime Pawelek of Wild Bee Garden Design. She also recommends leaving some garden areas mulch-free for ground-nesting bees — over 70 percent of bees nest underground and need bare soil for digging.

Love Is in the Air

As a landscaper whose work requires me to get up close and personal with plants, I will always, if you ask me to pick a favorite type, choose the lesser-known but very distinct air plant. And why is this plant, also known as tillandsia, my top pick? Read on to learn why air plants truly soar above the rest of the bunch. K.H.

THE DETAILS Variety These evergreen lovelies come in many leaf shapes, colors and textures — all resembling sea creatures with wildly crazy tentacles. The Dirt Not requiring soil, they are not confined full-time to a container. Unlike what the name may suggest, air plants don’t absorb all their moisture and nutrients via the air but through their leaves. Fuss Free Air plants are shockingly easy. To water, submerge the entire plant in a container of rain or bottled drinking water anywhere from 15 minutes to 10 hours weekly. Air plants absorb only as much water as needed, so you won’t overwater this way. After removing from the bath, turn the air plant upside down and gently shake off excess water from its base (they hate wet feet). Light Up Air plants prefer bright, indirect light with good air circulation. In the outdoors, a porch or gazebo-like structure allows the desired amount of filtered sunlight plus needed frost protection. Versatility The possible arrangements are endless — air plants can be mounted on driftwood, attached to wreaths or nestled in seashells.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

• They are especially fond of bright, steamy bathrooms.

• Use a specialized fertilizer in the water monthly. Try bromeliad.

• Leaves on a droughtstressed air plant curl under, have a flat color and turn brown at their ends. These are safe to trim off.

TIPS FROM THE EXPERT Susie Turner, owner of Green Door Design in Mill Valley, specializes in custom plant arrangements. She says, “Air plants look amazing nestled into living succulent arrangements, giving height and texture, and can easily be removed for weekly watering.” Turner’s favorite: tillandsia juncea paired with tall orchids, as they add a grassy look and wispy effect, artfully filling in the spaces.

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Feast your eyes upon this contemporary farmhouse inspired gated estate which has been meticulously redesigned and crafted to blend rustic elements with modern amenities. Offering over 4,500± square feet with 4BR/4BA in main house plus 1BR/1BA guest suite and 1BA in the ”party” pool house cabana. Main house features a huge centralized chef style kitchen with massive Statueritto marble island and picturesque views of Mt. Tam and the Bay. The sumptuous master suite (main level) also provides a bounty of Italian marble, highlighted by a massive rain shower. Two view decks capture Mt Tam and two bridge vistas. 355MargaritaDrive.com

GREENBRAE NOE VALLEY PACIFIC HEIGHTS POTRERO HILL UPPER MARKET WEST PORTAL BURLINGAME

VANGUARD PROPERTIES WELCOMES...

We continue to attract outstanding real estate professionals who are looking for a fresh approach to the business. They are passionate about Marin real estate and driven to provide their clients with the best possible service. They want a company that pushes the envelope, makes deals happen and supports them in the process. They want forward thinking real estate.

DAUNIELLE

“ I joined Vanguard for many reasons: the sales manager is responsive and available for support; the marketing team is talented and excited to develop custom marketing for agents; the knowledgeable staff is extremely supportive; the referral network expands beyond the Bay Area to global connections and the dynamic environment is truly refreshing.”

DAUNIELLE CUTTING | 415.378.8472 | daunielle@vanguardproperties.com BRE 01188450

“I’m returning to Vanguard where I started my real estate career, but now in Marin County and even better in our new Mill Valley office on Miller Avenue. It’s so good to be HOME.”

RENEE

RENEE BRUNNER | 415.465.2455 | renee@vanguardproperties.com BRE 01355341

“Vanguard honestly operates according to Steve Kerr’s four core values: joy, mindfulness, compassion and competition. Agents truly are collaborative. By acting as a real team, we are more effective for our clients. We also have more fun! ”

LISE

PETER

JENNIFER

LISE SALMON | 415.515.8729 | lise@vanguardmarin.com BRE 01361083

“I joined Vanguard Properties for the excellent support of the management and staff and for the “team” environment. That, with Vanguard’s impeccable track record and sales numbers made choosing a firm easy.”

PETER FREEMAN | 415.300.7478 | peter@vanguardmarin.com BRE 002025549

“I was immediately impressed by the cutting edge technology and service that Vanguard provides their clients. With their outstanding management, support staff, and innovative culture, I knew that I had found my home. I love the collaborative spirit and attention to detail that elevates Vanguard.”

JENNIFER KULETO | 415.940.1548 | jk@vanguardproperties.com BRE 01834112

“One of the things that caught my attention is the unique and collaborative environment. It is positive, spirited and lead by a seasoned manager. Vanguard’s outstanding reputation and innovative design team drew me in from the start. I’m beyond excited to bring my clients home to the Vanguard brand.”

TAMI

TAMI G. OSMUN | 415.827.7122 | tami@vanguardproperties.com BRE 02029461

“I chose Vanguard for its positive energy and team support, and, more importantly, because I knew I could provide my clients excellent service with Vanguard behind me.”

ERIN STYPULKOSKI | 415.272.4210 | erin@vanguardmarin.com BRE 01388575

•

• Awesome, unsurpassed views of San Francisco, the Bay, Golden Gate Bridge, and Mt. Tamalpais

• Five bedrooms, three and one-half baths, 4000± sq. ft., 14345± sq. ft. lot

• Open concept living with stunning finishes and accordion doors to expansive deck

• Two fireplaces, guest suite, and additional half-bath on main level

• Upstairs level with four bedrooms, including master suite with jaw-dropping views and private deck

• Lower level entry with foyer and elevator to all three levels

• Beautiful landscaped level yard, prepped for future pool

• Second upper drive to front entry

East Coast Meets West Coast

Brick pillars open to the tree-lined drive leading to this stunning two-time Marin Designers Showcase property. Taken down to the studs, rebuilt and expanded under the guidance of famed architect M. Dean Jones, the residence is now one-story and over 6,000 square feet. Updated again in 2013, the home o ers an open oor plan where every room ows to the exterior grounds. Sited beautifully on over 1.5 acres, the exclusive Country Club estate boasts sprawling level lawns, regulation tennis court, gardens, large entertainment patio with outdoor kitchen, pool and spa, and all-encompassing breathtaking panoramic Bay to Mt. Tamalpais vistas. This is truly a family compound built for indoor/outdoor living year-round.

Large Country Home in Woodacre

This beautifully remodeled six bedroom home with panoramic views of the hills, sits on a big (almost 3/4 acre) sunny lot with fruit trees, a vegetable garden and play areas. Pride of ownership is evident, from the soaring atrium entrance and beautiful use of wood, to the open chef’s kitchen, family room, formal dining room and sunken living room. Walls of windows and glass doors open to wrap-around decks and patios, making this gorgeous home perfect for entertaining inside and out, epitomizing country living at its best! A private oasis just 10 minutes from Fairfax.

$1,900,000 17Madrone.com

Margo E. Schein

415.271.5325 meschein@ comcast.net CalBRE# 01203978

Nicasio

Private Sunny Retreat

1979 vintage four bedroom, two bath home on a private 4.38± acre knoll, surrounded by majestic redwoods and wonderful gardens features a separate guest house and workshop. Just an hour from San Francisco, yet feels a world away.

$1,550,000

1949NicasioValleyRd.com

Rick Trono

Broker Associate

415.515.1117

rick.trono @ sothebysrealty.com LivingMarin.com CalBRE# 01045523

Elegance and

in Greenbrae

SHANA ROHDE-LYNCH

Experience the Difference

SHANA ROHDE-LYNCH

Experience the Difference

Liisberg& Kalinoski

30 Palo Alto San Francisco Offered at $3,295,000

4 BR | 4.5 BA | Sweeping views

Gorgeous home in Clarendon Heights. Sweeping views of the Bay, bridges and downtown with 3 decks. 4 beds, 4.5 baths, eat-in kitchen, library, media room & roof deck– entertain in style! Laundry & 2 car garage. www.30PaloAltoAve.com

Magnificent home nestled on the edge of the Trinity Alps Mountains Wilderness Area fronting the designated Wild and Scenic Trinity River in Northern California. Architecturally designed to fully capture stunning river and mountain views, as well as the lush and tranquil surrounding landscape. Enjoy the kayakers, river rafters, and fishermen floating by from the privacy of your home. Quality workmanship and materials throughout utitilizing this areas finest artisans. Out buildings, small lake, swimming pool with outdoor kitchen overlooking the river, tennis court, gardens, orchard, bridge, stream, and pathways meander through 7.6 acres of mature landscaping. Abundance of water, wildlife. A nature lovers paradise in an elegant setting.

196 Grey’s Flat Road, Burnt Ranch, CA Offered at $2,700,000 I 196greysflat.com

Eve Miller Community Realty, Eureka, CA (707) 498-9765 I evemiller@suddenlink.net communityrealty.net I BRE #019056355

We needed a place to play.

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

This delightful 2,975 sq.ft. home lives surprisingly large. The main level features a stunning living room with a bay window, crown molding and the original marble fireplace. A sun drenched master bedroom features vaulted ceilings, a walk-in closet, spacious sitting room and gorgeous French doors that open onto the deck. A+ location on a flat street in one of the most coveted neighborhoods in Marin.

SHENNA MOE 415.846.9538 Moe@AgentMoe.com LIC# 01854690

A Tale of Two Cities

BY JIM WOOD

IN RECENT YEARS, pleasure craft have been known to break their moorings in Sausalito and drift across Richardson Bay and into the docks of multimilliondollar bayfront homes in Belvedere. It’s a constant issue. However, 100 years ago, that line of white structures lined up on the island across the bay were not Belvedere mansions, but a string of cod fish-processing plants. And those schooners in the bay? “They’ve probably just returned to Sausalito from waters off laska or Siberia with tons of cod fish aboard,” says Dave Gotz, archivist at the Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society. “After the cod was unloaded, it was dried and salted and sent over to San Francisco for distribution.” According to Gotz, also in the above circa 1920 photo are five ferries, four of them capable of carrying cars as well as passengers. “The smaller one in the middle left of the photo is the Marin, which is about the size of the ferries that now cross San Francisco Bay.” m

What a difference a hundred years makes.

They’ve probably just returned to Sausalito from waters off Alaska or Siberia with tons of codfish aboard.

WE ARE LUXURY

Luxury is bearing the hallmark of one of real estate’s most iconic names. Luxury is having not just one real estate professional working for you — but a global network of 88,000 affiliated sales agents in 3,000 offices in 49 countries and territories who can share the beauty of your home with an affluent audience worldwide. Luxury is knowing that you have mastered representation that sells more than $129.6 million in luxury homes every day.*

Dare to indulge.

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