Marin Magazine September 2015

WE

HENRYBUILT

Valentino Gianvito Rossi Ferragamo Sergio Rossi Aquatalia Stuart Weitzman Freda Salvador

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Out & About

91

86

99

Snapshots

102

120

131 Backstory Windows and views in Corte Madera.

TIM PORTER (TOP LEFT); PAINTING BY NICK COLEY (TOP RIGHT); JACK WOLFORD (BOTTOM RIGHT)

ELEGANT, MODERN INTERIORS

A brilliant take on premier living in San Francisco, as envisioned by Bernardo Fort-Brescia of Arquitectonica. Warm, modern interiors framed by expansive windows with majestic views of the City and the Bay. Intelligent indulgences include a bi-level club lounge, rooftop terrace, Jay Wright-designed fitness center, and a 70-foot heated lap pool. One-, two-, and three-bedroom condominium residences rising at Main and Folsom. LUMINA: life in a new light.

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BULK ORDERS

MARIN MAGAZINE ROCKS! For this fall’s fashion feature we decided to pick up on the hot retro trend and do the whole shoot at Mill Valley’s Sweetwater Music Hall. The creative staff ad a blast playing rock star for a day (you might even see our own Dan Jewett wielding his guitar in one of the shots) and we hope the looks will inspire a tuneful revolution in your own wardrobe.

For those of us who will never be rock stars, it might be a smart move to think about

college instead. But how do today’s kids get into the school of their choice? Writer Samantha Parent Walravens takes a look at the stresses of the college application process and points parents toward remedies and resources that can help.

In another educational vein, we proudly present our 2015 Private School Guide. It’s got the wisdom and information you need to make informed school choices for your family.

Meanwhile, just in time for the annual Sausalito floating homes tour, we visit four fabulous waterfront abodes and the folks who live there.

Up front we take a look at beautiful beaches and food delivery done differently, and we introduce you to a local children’s author, the folks behind EO Products and a Bay Model ranger. You’ll also get the rundown on state parks offering equal recreation opportunity for all.

In Destinations we explore culinary Hawaii, this time presenting four local experts’ own personal “must-try” restaurant selections. Then we check in with Laurie McAndish King on safari in Botswana, who does everything she can to stay off the menu.

It’s a big issue, and we hope you dive in and have fun exploring this wonderful county with us. And if we see you out and about, here’s to truly rockin’ that new look.

ROCK ’N’ ROLL FANTASY

It was a full day of work at Mill Valley’s Sweetwater Music Hall getting the shots for our 2015 fall fashion piece. Photographer Claudia Goetzelmann worked her magic with model Lolly under the direction of Fashion Editor Veronica Sooley. Elizabeth Chang did hair and makeup; while staffers Kasia Pawlowska and Laurel McCaull provided support. Dan and Yuri Jewett played the stand-in band (and provided the instruments).

JACK WOLFORD (TOP); VERONICA SOOLEY (BOTTOM)

The creative staff had a blast playing rock star for a day and we hope the looks will inspire a tuneful revolution in your own wardrobe.

Marin Magazine Staff Editors

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

Recreating Your Brain

Opportunities for enlightenment in Marin are here for the taking.

Debatable points aside, we agreed the talk had activated parts of our brains that needed activating.

BY JIM WOOD

LAST MONDAY, MY friend Tom and I took the ferry to San Francisco and walked to the Commonwealth Club, known as America’s oldest and largest public forum for the exchange of ideas on culture, politics and the economy.

The speaker was George Hammond, a Berkeley lawyer-turned-philosopher whose topic was Pythagoras, the sixth-century B.C. mathematician-philosopher who also dabbled in architecture, religion and music. “Pythagoras sought out concepts that were always true,” Hammond told the audience. “Surely you remember the Pythagorean theorem, where in a right triangle, A-squared plus B-squared always equals C-squared.”

According to Hammond, Pythagoras, a vegetarian who thought “women were every bit the equals of men,” also believed the earth was a sphere circling a “centra l fi re” and that “all cultures are based on ideas.” Remember, Pythagoras roamed the Greek Isles some 2,500 years ago.

Heading home, Tom and I went back and forth over what Hammond said Pythagoras had said. Debatable points aside, we agreed the talk had activated parts of our brains that needed activating. The next morning, I mentally roamed around Marin to fi nd upcoming talks and lectures that would get one’s brain buzzing. Here’s what I found:

On September 9, Marin resident Michael Krasny, host of KQED’s Forum , will converse with Sir Salman Rushdie, the award-winning British Indian novelist and essayist, about his latest novel, Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights , centering on a soon-to-be time of enormous upheaval where Eastern and Western worlds collide and merge and long-held beliefs are challenged. Rushdie’s genre is referred to as magical realism. cityarts.net

In the spirit of the famous TED (technology, entertainment and design) Talks given by the likes of Bill Gates, Sir Richard Branson and Jane Goodall, on September 17, TEDxMarin presents The Human Condition. The evening’s six talks are “The Ethics of Dying” by the president of Compassion and Choices; “Ordinary People, Extraordinary Impact” by Google’s chief of marketing and branding; “California’s Water Emergency” by the director of UC Berkeley’s Environmental Science and Engineering department; and “Stem Cell Technology: The Hype and the Hope” by the director of the Institute of Cardiovascular Disease at UCSF. And get this twist: in keeping with TED tradition, no single talk can exceed 18 minutes. tedxmarin.org

Supreme Court Justice Stephen G. Breyer, author of Making Our Democracy Work: A Judge’s View and Active Liberty: Interpreting Our Democratic Constitution, discusses his forthcoming book, The Court and the World, on September 25 with Marcia Coyle of the National Law Journal. Justice Breyer, a graduate of Stanford and Harvard Law School, was appointed to the court in 1994 by President Bill Clinton. He is known for his pragmatic approach to constitutional law and the optimistic viewpoint expressed in his writings. cityarts.net

And on September 28, noted author, inventor, entrepreneur and futurist Ray Kurzweil will appear as part of the Marin Speakers Series. Kurzweil, often dubbed “the Ultimate Thinking Machine,” has predicted that in 2045 “the Singularity” will occur, wherein technological progress — computers, genetics, robotics and the like — will have outstripped humans’ ability to comprehend it, so that arti ficial intelligence prevails over human intelligence, leading to the end of civilization as we know it. speakersseries.net

There you have it. Contrary to what some people say, Marin is a place with numerous opportunities to rewire your thinking with intriguing ideas. You just have to look for them. That’s my point of view. What’s yours?

Email pov@marinmagazine.com.

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

A strong community starts with a strong bank

Doing right starts right here. Community banking is at the heart of what we do. From giving customers more convenient access to their money to financing their home in the neighborhood, Union Bank® believes in acting locally.1 We also believe that investing in local businesses helps everyone. For over 150 years, Union Bank has grown strong, one community at a time. We live here. We do business here. And we’re here, for you.

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Contributors

Laurie McAndish King

Writer, “Botswana” (p. 86)

Marketing communications consultant Laurie McAndish King has an insatiable wanderlust. She has traveled to nearly 40 countries and is an award-winning travel writer whose essays and photography have appeared in Smithsonian magazine, the San Francisco Chronicle, Travelers’ Tales: The Best Women’s Travel Writing, The Sun literary journal and other magazines and literary anthologies. King moved to Marin County in 1993 and continues to reside here with her husband and two cats. You can follow her at lauriemcandishking.com.

Claudia Goetzelmann

Photographer, “Under the Lights” (p. 48)

Claudia Goetzelmann is a globe-trotting visual storyteller and integrated-media photographer, equally at home creating unique images on the beaches of Brazil or on location in Moscow. A native German who has lived and worked in Africa and Asia, she currently splits her time between San Francisco and New York. Her welltraveled perspective brings an experienced eye to luxury, fashion and lifestyle assignments in advertising, editorial and new media contexts. Some of Goetzelmann’s former clients include Target, Skyy Vodka, Dell and Ray-Ban. See more of her work at claudiagoetzelmann.com.

Elizabeth Chang

Hair and makeup, “Under the Lights” (p. 48) Bay Area–based hair and makeup artist

Elizabeth Chang has lived on three continents, in six countries and identifies as a citizen of planet Earth. A summa cum laude graduate from Occidental College and an Aveda-trained licensed aesthetician, she specializes in makeup for beauty, fashion, print and celebrities and runs a bridal team called Skyla Arts Makeup and Hair. Chang’s work is featured in many Marin Magazine fashion spreads and in other publications and fashion campaigns. To view more, go to elizabethchangmakeup.com.

Age Well

The “Science of Aging” (July and August) article was extremely helpful — the breakdown of food sources given is so beneficial for my diet. I’m excited to implement the food sources given and see what happens. The portion on rest was also interesting, as I have sleep apnea and will consider doing the 10-minute restorative pose daily to see if it alleviates my daytime fatigue. Thank you.

MONI BOYD, SOLANA BEACH, VIA ONLINE

Would you please clarify which yoga pose Michael Feldman is recommending for “healing all of the body’s systems, including metabolism, nervous and digestion”? The article says Feldman recommends the savasana pose as “propping the legs up against a wall as you lie on your back with support …” When I Googled “savasana” I found that that pose is known as the corpse pose and the legs are on the ground. I would like to try the correct pose SAL, VIA

EMAIL

Eds.: Good catch. Yes, the pose is also known as the corpse pose. The propping up of the legs is a variation on that pose.

The Ultimate Punishment

Hi, Jim. In regards to your article (POV, August), I have a few questions. Are you for assisted suicide and abortion, yet against executions? Can’t you see that is hypocritical and they are the same thing? I am OK with ending the life of someone convicted of murder. As far as the cost, I a m fi ne with not paying for the convict’s three hot meals a day, health care and higher education. I don’t believe it costs more to end it than to support the convict for 30-plus years. Your point of view is off ase.

ANNE RUSSELL, VIA EMAIL

Hello Jim. As always, I enjoy reading your point of view. I have mixed feelings in regard to the death penalty, though I would imagine if I had a horrific act committed against me or family or anyone I am close to, I would want justice comparable to the level of the act. Sometimes forgiveness is not forthcoming and the check and balance is the amount of time it takes to execute offenders at the expense of taxpayers — there is no easy solution or answer. Maybe

By 2033, a private college education will cost half a million bucks. It feels awfully good to start planning now. If your wealth manager’s not driving the process, find someone who will.

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I see a future CEO or tech entrepreneur or senator!

I see half a million dollars in education debt. I see a future CEO or tech entrepreneur or senator!

I see half a million dollars in education debt.

Bay Area events you’ll want to attend

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[UPCOMING EVENTS]

MILL VALLEY FALL ARTS FESTIVAL

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

September 19–20, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Old Mill Park, Mill Valley

The 59th annual Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival is a celebration of art and nature in the gorgeous redwood grove of Old Mill Park. More than 140 artists from around the country set up their art in the park. The weekend features daylong live music and children’s programs. Be sure to check out the new Old Mill Cafe and street painting by artist Genna Panzarella. Enjoy free parking and a shuttle from Tam High. $10, $5 seniors and students, kids under 12 free 415.381.8090, mvfaf.org

ANGELS BY THE BAY

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

October 3, 5:30–11:30 p.m.

Meadow Club, 1001 Bolinas Road, Fairfax

Angels by the Bay features wine tasting, a unique silent auction with incredible wine lots, a gourmet dinner, Telford’s cigar lounge and dancing, along with a live auction featuring exclusive one-of-akind experiences. Come bid on the ultimate custom trip to Wales for six coordinated by the Welsh government. Marin’s most anticipated gala benefit programs and services at the Marin Center for Independent Living for older adults and people with disabilities.

$225 each or $2,100 for a table of 10 415.459.6245, ext. 17, marincil.org

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capital punishment is barbaric; on the other hand the prisoner is guaranteed shelter, food and medical care, whereas those of us whose lives are impacted by crime are saddled with all sorts of consequences.

JADE LEONG, MILL VALLEY, VIA EMAIL

Mr. Wood, I believe you should ask the families of the loved ones murdered, tortured, raped and God knows what else at the hands of a death row inmate their point of view.

LAURIE EHLERS, VIA EMAIL

I read with great interest your article about the death penalty and the situation at San Quentin State Prison. Instead of continuing to spend millions on capital punishment, why not have each state contribute to a fund, to provide enough money to purchase like a 200-squaremile parcel of land, maybe down in the desert somewhere. Then, build an impenetrable fence around it, 100 feet high and 100 feet into the ground, electrify it and use barbed wire. No doors, windows or gates. No cells, no mess halls, no guards, no hospital, no television, no visitor facilities. Then, when someone is convicted of a capital crime, they are flown over the compound and parachuted in. If they survive for a while, fine. If someone else inside kills them, so what? W hat makes this a perfect solution: we have not killed anyone. We do not have to deal with these killers in our society anymore. We do not have to spend millions and millions of dollars to keep building more facilities to kill people, for killing people. Think of the money it would save? TRENT ANDERSON, NOVATO, VIA EMAIL

Correction

Photos from Marin General Hospital’s “Bombay Dreamy” event (On the Scene, August) contained caption mistakes. The correct names are: Mike and Sharon Stone and Pat and Joe Abrams; Jack Datz, Shawn Cleary and Lee Domanico; Mark and Stephanie Robinson and Nancy and Skip Kniesche.

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.

PHOTO: KATHLEEN HARRISON

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

[UPCOMING EVENTS]

SEEK FINE ART APP LAUNCH PARTY

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD

GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

September 17, 7 p.m.

Room Art Gallery, 86 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley

Introducing Seek Fine Art, the first and only location-based art app. Find galleries, artists and art wherever you are, nationwide. Come to Room Art Gallery in downtown Mill Valley and join us for the official launch party. Enjoy app demos, food, drinks and amazing local art.

Free 415.483.0223, seekfineart.com

MARIN SYMPHONY 2015 WATERFRONT POPS — CLASSICAL MYSTERY TOUR: A BEATLES TRIBUTE

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

October 3, gates 3 p.m., show 6 p.m. Lagoon Park at Marin Civic Center, San Rafael

Beatlemania at its best! What would the Beatles have sounded like if they had the chance to perform live in concert with a symphony orchestra? Find out when the Marin Symphony presents its third annual Waterfront Pops Concert at the Marin Center Lagoon Park. This is a full-scale signature outdoor event for people of all ages and backgrounds to come together to enjoy food and drink, children’s activities and a sense of community while experiencing the sheer power of a full orchestra performing music everyone knows and loves. Bring your own picnic or enjoy food and beverage for sale at the park. The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks show. Ask about premium and VIP seating.

$20–$125, 10 or more 20% off, kids 11 and under free 415.479.8100, marinsymphony.org

WHISTLESTOP’S SECOND ANNUAL BENEFIT CONCERT, WHISTLESTOCK!

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST FIND OUT MORE

September 27, gates 2 p.m., music 3–6 p.m. Rancho Nicasio, 1 Old Rancheria Rd, Nicasio

Enjoy music pioneers of the ’60s at Whistlestop’s Second Annual Benefit Concert, Whistlestock! Performers include Sal Valentino of the Beau Brummels; legendary lead singer of the Chambers Brothers, Lester Chambers; Imperial Messenger Service with Linda Imperial and David Freiberg, formerly with Jefferson Airplane; and Barry “the Fish” Melton Band and Friends.

$125 (includes $75 tax deduction, food and music) 415.456.9062, whistlestock.com

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Connect WITH US

Private School Guide

Weighing private and public school options and trying to figure out where your son or daughter will be attending school next can truly be overwhelming. Our online Bay Area Private School Guide can help you narrow down school choices based on city, county, affiliation and name. Head over to marinmagazine.com/ privateschools to start your research.

Know Where to Go

When it comes to events here in Marin County, you don’t want to miss anything. Instead of asking a friend about an event she went to over the weekend — and making sure you remember to plan on it next year — sign up for Marin Magazine’s Weekend 101 newsletter and be in the know ahead of time. Go to marinmagazine.com/newsletter to sign up today.

Blogger Spotlight

If you have seen our #WhatToWearMonday posts on social media or perused the Fashion and Beauty blog on marinmagazine.com, then you know about fashion editor (and art director) Veronica Sooley With tips and thoughts about what’s in, Sooley loves keeping up with the latest trends to share with our readers. This month, she gives a behind-the-scenes look at our fall fashion and cover shoot. To read more about the shoot, go to marinmagazine. com/fallfashion2015.

Marin Magazine

• in person 2015

Cling On

There were more than 100 food, shop, drink and just plain fun honorees in our 2015 Best of the County issue. These are places well worth checking out. Just look for these window clings in local stores, shops and restaurants and you’ll know it’s a place you definitely need to try. Stop by marinmagazine. com/bestofthecounty to see the complete list.

Fresh air. Casino. Together at last.

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In Marin

CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND CAUSES OF THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

BEAUTIFUL BEACHES

A gold star for water quality in Marin.

BY KASIA PAWLOWSKA

TIM PORTER

Muir Beach receives a clean bill of health.

MARIN COUNTY GOT a perfect score in Heal the Bay’s newly published 2014 water quality ratings for beaches all over California. The monitoring program, which here is overseen by the Marin County Community Development Agency’s Environmental Health Services division, gathered data last summer from 23 bay- and ocean-side spots. All locations were graded A in Heal the Bay’s annual Beach Report Card. Here are the details. healthebay.org

MONITORED LOCATIONS Dillon Beach, Bolinas Beach/Wharf Road, Stinson Beach, Muir Beach, Rodeo Beach, Baker Beach, Schoonmaker Beach, China Camp and McNears Beach.

SEWAGE SPILLS Only one spill in Marin led to a health warning, when about 1,000 gallons of sewage reached Richardson Bay in October 2014.

LOCAL VIEW Between the Marin and the San Mateo County coasts, 41 of 42 monitored locations were graded A.

BIGGER PICTURE Statewide, 91 percent of 443 beach locations received A’s during the summer dry months. Southern California edged out Northern California for cleanliness, scoring 93 percent to Northern California’s 86 percent.

Delivery Done Diff erently

When you’re feeling tired or lazy, cooking can be a drag. Ordering delivery can also be problematic: more often than not you ma y find yourself settling for greasy pizza or greasy Chinese food. But you can wave good-bye to those days, thanks to a few unorthodox options for getting quality meals transported to you here in Marin. K.P.

1 Cafe Del Soul

Recently, the San Rafael location has started to bring orders to customers via bike, while the Mill Valley location delivers in southern Marin using its very own smart cars. The cars aren’t electric — there were no external outlets for the restaurant to use — but city gas mileage clocks in at 39 mpg, making them one of the most environmentally friendly cars on the market. cafedelsoul.net

2Davey Jones Deli

Need catering for an event and want to do it up with specia l flair? Look no further than this healthful haven. The deli can load its bike with a taco bar for 50 people, though it’s also known for paella fundraisers where three-foot pans and propane are strapped on and transported along with the food. With two days’ notice, the noemission beast can feed up to 400 people in two trips. daveyjonesdeli.com

3 Fast Food Francais

In true European fashion (albeit not French), this local eatery uses a Vespa for deliveries. The scooter and an orange Prius will deliver to homes and businesses in Sausalito and Mill Valley. For now it’s mostly dinner, but lunch is doable with a little advance notice. eatf3.com

4 Waypoint Pizza

Waypoint Pizza’s Protector boat has brought goods to junior sailing Optimist regattas as well as America’s Cup vessels. The two largest recipients are The Maltese Falcon — 289 feet — and an oil tanker named Kodiak, although Waypoint most often delivers to vessels moored at Angel Island. Boat delivery is by request depending on availability. waypointpizza.com

Summertime and the traffic’s easy, but just when you start to relax into your less congested and more efficient commute, it’s back-to-school time: roads full of parents and new teenage drivers. Fortunately, you can take steps to alleviate this problem. The SchoolPool program connects local families who want to ride-share and otherwise team up to get kids to and from school. Safe Routes to Schools educates the community on best traffic practices and encourages walking and biking as an alternative to cars. schoolpoolmarin.org, saferoutestoschools.org K.P.

CONGESTION CONCERNS

At Main Street Research, we are dedicated to our client relationships. Our team’s approach significantly differentiates our firm from the rest of Wall Street. It begins with ensuring that each client relationship is managed separately and is highly customized, which is why we do not want thousands of clients. A limited client base allows us to develop a personally tailored portfolio and wealth plan that incorporates estate planning and tax guidance. This dedication is further demonstrated by our choice of fee structures, which align our client’s success with our compensation – not commissions. Lastly, unlike most investment firms, our principals invest in the same securities as our clients so we “eat our own cooking.” Now that’s dedication! If you are interested in working with a team that is dedicated to securing your financial future, we should talk. Call or visit www.ms-research.com. Minimum relationship $1 million.

Summer Search

Anyone who has ventured into the untamed wilderness knows how transformative the experience can be. Such is the premise of Summer Search, a unique program conceived by longtime Marin resident Linda Mornell in 1990, while observing a student whom she knew was on scholarship at the San Francisco private high school that her kids also attended. Mornell and her husband had sent each of their children on summer wilderness trips to enhance their confidence, and Mornell wondered what a similar experience would do for this boy and his perception of the world around him. Now in its 25th year, Summer Search has branches in seven U.S. cities, each branch working to send lowincome teenagers on two carefully selected summer trips and to support the students on their return through ongoing mentorships that begin sophomore year and continue into college. Mornell’s recently released book on the subject, Forever Changed: How Summer Programs and Insight Mentoring Challenge Adolescents and Transform Lives, documents the varied and courageous journeys of Summer Searchers, 94 percent of whom go on to attend college — the majority being the first in their family to do so. "In all the years I have worked with Summer Search, it never ceases to amaze me just how much resilience and determination our students demonstrate," says Ryan Cooney, Summer Search North Bay associate director. "They are beating the odds and breaking barriers every day to achieve their dreams and become leaders in their families and communities."

MARIN CARES

summersearch.org

CALIN VAN PARIS

a news story reporting that some

“In October 2010, there

in Los Angeles–area farmers’ markets

not growing

they were selling,” he says. “We like to be proactive rather than reactive, so we started our own internal farm audit program to ensure that that wasn’t happening in our farmers’ markets.” So far, the institute has audited 240 prospective sellers (by making unannounced visits to a farmer’s booth and then, within a week, visiting the farm to make sure that everything offered for sale is actually being grown on the farm)

will not admit new applicants to AIM

Bolinas

The name of the town first appeared in an 1834 document outlining the boundaries of the pueblo of San Rafael. “The valley they call the Baulenes” and simply “Baulenes” were used, both likely rooted in the Coast Miwok native word “Wauli-n.” Another moniker popped up after that in 1845 when a land grant was named “Rancho Baulines,” but the name-calling didn’t stop there. Spellings like “Baulinas,” “Bolanos” and “Bolemus” also appeared. It’s thought all these names are derived from the Spanish word for whales, “ballenas,” though some argue that the more nautical “bowlines” was the original source. Either way, the name Bolinas became official in 1863 when postmaster Henry Cluver listed it as such. He probably wrote what he thought he heard. K.P.

they pass an inspection. argiculturalinstitute.org K.P.

CROP COPS Farmers’ markets serve many purposes. They’re a gathering place for the community, they enhance local business and they offer patrons healthy produce, but how can you be sure the greens you’re buying are truly green? Tyler Thayer, director of the Agricultural Institute of Marin’s Farm Audit Program, explains why you can shop with confidence at your local farmers’ market.

was

farmers

were

what

and

until

FULL BELLY FARM is a 300–acre certified organic farm located in the beautiful Capay Valley of northern California. They produce an array of vegetables, herbs, nuts, flowers and fruits. Organic since 1985, Fully Belly is committed to sustainable strategies that allow the farm to integrate farm production with long–term environmental goals.

SWEET PEPPERS

are a staple at Full Belly Farm and are available July through September. Get your fresh from the farm peppers while in season from Nugget Markets! We offer a variety of Full Belly Farm peppers—Flamingo, Gold and Red Marconi, Jimmy Nardello, Jolene’s Choice and Sweet Spanish. *SELECTION VARIES PER LOCATION.

an extraordinary grocery experience

NUGGET MARKETS is a family owned business founded in 1926. After 89 years, we have nine locations serving the greater Sacramento Valley. WE NOW HAVE THREE NEW LOCATIONS SERVING MARIN COUNTY.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAOLO VESCIA

NEW IN TOWN

SWEET TREATS

Looking for a cookie fi x? Call the Chipper Cookie Company. Based here in Marin, Stephanie Rach of Corte Madera bakes made-to-order cookies for any occasion in a professional kitchen — and she delivers; thechippercookiecompany. com. Did someone say gluten free? 1 The Grand Meringue’s Janet Ryvin and Jane Friedman have taken a generations-old family recipe and applied it to present-day confections. You can purchase at local farmers’ markets, Bay Area specialty shops and online; thegrandmeringue.com.

BEAUTY

Ori and Nicole DeLecca of 2 Bliss Ala Mode , currently at Pier 39, have opened a second location here in Fairfax featuring crystal jewelry and classic pearls; blissalamode.com Pure Glam blowout bar has opened at the Town Center in Corte Madera. Owner Tara Verkuil uses her own organic product line to make hair look perfect; shoptowncenter.com.

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

The Best of Both Worlds.

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See what’s possible with your giving. Call Brian Van Weele at 415.464.2515.

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NEW IN TOWN

EAT OUT

Central San Rafael is your go-to spot if you are craving Mexican food. 3 Green Chile Kitchen + Cantina has opened as part of the Art Works Downtown building on Fourth Street; greenchilekitchen.com . Venture over to Lincoln Avenue in San Rafael, and you’ll find Los Moles , a casual dining option that uses only fresh ingredients in its family recipes; losmoles.com

GROCERY

Attention all shoppers: Sprouts Farmers Market is open in Central San Rafael on Irwin Street; sprouts.com. The next time you walk into a Paradise Foods, you may notice a change. 4 Nugget Markets , a familyowned market based near Sacramento, has purchased the local grocery chain. All three locations will remain open through the transition; nuggetmarket.com

To be considered for future listings, email lwalker@marinmagazine.com.

When Camille Hale had her first baby, the delivery was anything but special. She gave birth at a large city hospital and was directed into an unwanted epidural, which led to an emergency C-section. Pregnant with her second child, Camille knew she wanted to try for a vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC). She did some research and found that Marin General Hospital offers a family-centered birth experience, outstanding VBAC rates, and is one of the only Bay Area hospitals with 24/7 midwifery care. Camille worked with a midwife and doula to achieve the wonderful birth experience she always wanted. Her experience with Marin General Hospital is just another natural reason she and her growing family love living in Marin.

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

I’m Camille, and this is my healing place.

BON TEMPE LAKE

Author Talk

MM: How did you and Bret meet, and how did the conversation about this book begin? KO: Bret and I met through a dear mutual friend of ours. I’m a children’s book author and illustrator, and Bret mentioned that he had always wanted to do a children’s book. Months later, when we discovered he had pancreatic cancer, I remembered his wish. I kept thinking about it, and not long after, I went over to his house and asked Bret if he wanted to collaborate on a picture for his children, Noah (who was 9 at the time) and Sofie (7). T he book grew out of that.

MM: How was the art conceptualized and created? KO: Bret told me that every day he would take his children’s hands in his and ask, “What will your beautiful hands do today?” The question sparked the realization that little hands can do so many wonderful things. I realized too there could be a wordplay between the tangible and the intangible, and that this concept could be introduced to children in

the illustrations as well. While kids can contribute their physical painted handprints, there is this sudden understanding that their hands could make something even more

MM: Whose hands were used? KO: The handprints in the illustrations belong to Bret’s family — Noah, Sofie, his wife Deborah’s, his own, and mine. The rainbow at the end of the book shows the handprints of over 100 dear family members and friends.

MM: What do you hope children (and adults) take away from Beautiful Hands? KO: This book is symbolic; it’s about the vision. It’s a call to action to reach high, and to use our hands to do something positive, loving and inspirational for each other, our families and our community. I like how Bret said it best: “My hope is that this story empowers love, creativity, compassion, and a connection to you and yours, in the fulfilling and remarkable way it has for me.” CALIN

VAN PARIS

Local Page Turners

Beautiful Hands  by Kathryn Otoshi (Novato) and Bret Baumgarten, Blue Dot Press, $17.99. Inspired by the question “What will your beautiful hands do today?” this dazzling, uplifting book captures the immense creative power each of us holds. Playful text complements the colorful illustrations designed from the fingerprints and handprints of Otoshi and Baumgarten’s friends and family members. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera September 12, 4 p.m.

The

Love Fix: Repair and Restore Your Relationship

Right Now  by Dr. Tara Fields (Mill Valley), William Morrow & Company, $16.99. Drawing on more than 28 years of experience as a licensed marriage and family therapist, Fields sheds eye-opening light on five common conflict patterns between couples and reveals three invaluable steps for truly resolving those seemingly endless arguments. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera  September 15, 7 p.m.

Secondhand Souls by Christopher Moore (S.F.), William Morrow & Company, $26.99. In the follow-up to A Dirty Job, the souls of the dead are being stolen, and it’s up to Charlie Asher to find them. With help from a most peculiar search party, Charlie must scour San Francisco to retrieve the missing souls. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera September 18, 7 p.m.

The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship by Marilyn Yalom (Palo Alto) with Theresa Donovan Brown (Woodside), Harper Perennial, $15.99. The Social Sex t akes readers on a historical journey through the evolving landscapes of female friendship. The dynamics of female friendship are largely socially constructed, yet the underlying bonds may be innate. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera September 26, 4 p.m.

The Cannabis Manifesto: A New Paradigm for Wellness  by Steve DeAngelo (Oakland), North Atlantic Books, $18.95. In a thorough explanation of his pro-legalization stance, DeAngelo shares his unique perspective as the founder of the famed cannabis dispensary Harborside Health Center The Cannabis Manifesto offers keen insight into the healing properties of this plant and the damaging societal effects of its prohibition. Appearing at Book Passage Corte Madera September 27, 4 p.m.

Book picks by Book Passage Director of Conferences Kathryn Petrocelli.

We sat down with Novato’s Kathryn Otoshi to discuss her new book with the late Bret Baumgarten, Beautiful Hands

MADE BY MARIN

EO Products

SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY IS fast becoming the norm, but the movement got one of its biggest boosts with the founding of EO Products. The now ubiquitous Marin-made product line was born of husband-and-wife team Brad Black and Susan Gri ffi nBlack (though no longer a couple, the two remain a successful business team), both enjoying fashion careers when they were introduced in the early 1990s. Their entrepreneurial drive and Susan’s penchant for essential oils — the inspiration behind the brand name — soon had them crafting soaps and lotions in their S.F. Potrero Hill garage. “When we started out, there was a strongly defi ned natural market and a strongly defi ned beauty market, and the two didn’t mix,” says Brad. “The natural market cared about ingredients and purity, and not as much about fashion and beauty; the beauty industry didn’t worry about ingredients as long as the aesthetics were there.” In 1995 the couple began to blur the lines of that landscape, crafting small-batch essential oil blends for Bloomingdale’s, followed closely by an equally beneficial partnership with Whole Foods. This month, the company celebrates its 20th anniversary by releasing EO Ageless Skin Care, a high-quality, five-product collection containing simple, nature-inspired formulas to combat signs of aging. PHILOSOPHY The company uses pure essential oils and plant-based, environmentally friendly ingredients, packaged in 100 percent PCR (Post Consumer Resin, aka recycled), BPA-free materials. The family-owned company continues to operate out of Marin County as a certi fied organic manufacturer. THE SCOOP EO and its larger-sized, lower-priced EveryOne products are available at more that 6,000 stores across the country and in 11 other countries around the world. All products are free of parabens, synthetics and gluten and are made without animal testing. BEYOND MARIN As a certi fied B Corporation, EO must meet stringent standards that ensure it is prioritizing the environment and consumers over profit; it was also the fi rst body care company to make certi fied non-GMO products. In 2012, Susan and Brad opened EO Exchange, the brand’s fi rst retail store in Mill Valley, and soon set up a sister space in the San Francisco Ferry Building. WHAT THEY SAY “Our business succeeds when it’s humanized, and lifestyle is our driving factor — that’s why we chose Marin,” says Brad. “We wanted to operate our business around how we want to live, not the other way around.” eoproducts.com CALIN VAN PARIS

Susan Griffin-Black and Brad Black

EO in Mill Valley

1350 South Eliseo Drive, Greenbrae 415-461-9000 for appointments myhealthandhealing.org

Holistic care for a healthier you.

With our integrative medicine team you get physician-led care that goes beyond symptom treatment. Our holistic approach includes an in-depth assessment of all factors impacting your health. Together with nutrition, chiropractic care, behavioral health, and acupuncture, you have a whole team caring for the whole you. It’s another way we plus you.

Model Ranger

Teaching the next generation to love the bay.

BY TIM PORTER

AS A KID, Joanne Jarvis once visited the massive Bay Model in Sausalito on a field trip, but she never imagined that as an adult she would work there as a National Park Service ranger. How did you become a ranger? I saw a local TV show about volunteering with the National Park Service and I thought, “I didn’t know you could do that.” One day I gave them a call. I started as a volunteer on Alcatraz. I thought I would do it for six months. Fast-forward a couple of years. I was still there and was thinking, “Hmm, I should try to fi nd a way to make this more permanent.” So I did. You’re from the Bay Area? Native San Franciscan. I’m the one you’ve heard of. My wife is native as well. You still live in the city? We live in Marin now. Well, there you go. Where else have you worked? I’ve worked at every national park site on San Francisco Bay. Any favorites? Alcatraz. There’s so much interest. It doesn’t matter what corner of the world you’re from, you’ve heard of Alcatraz. And you rode a boat to work. The ferry ride was one of the highlights of the day. Tell us about the Bay Model. It was built in 1956 to study a proposal

Joanne Jarvis, park ranger/ volunteer coordinator, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Bay Model Visitor Center, 2100 Bridgeway Blvd, Sausalito

— the Reber plan — to put two dams on San Francisco Bay. It’s kind of a hidden gem. The name doesn’t really explain what it is, does it? A lot of people think it’s little desktop model of the bay. They think, “We’ll come, we’ll look, we’ll spend 10 minutes and we’ll go eat lunch.” No, the model is an acre-and-a-half in size and there are a lot of exhibits about the bay and the old shipyards. How do visitors react? At first they’re usually confused about what this is, so we give them the history. But we know that once they go back there it’s nothing like they think it’s going to be. When they come out, the reaction is usually, “Wow!” “Impressive!” “I never knew the Bay Area looked like this.” It’s an education? It provides a perspective about the drought and the watershed. Usually, once they come out, they’re sold. They’re lifelong stewards of this place. That’s what you want? As park rangers we try to instill the idea of stewardship for the next generations so people think this is cool and they’ll want to protect it. Maybe you’ll inspire another Joanne Jarvis? Yes! m

Help us explore a potential way to protect your heart

If so, you may be able to take part in a clinical research study

We are currently recruiting patients for a clinical research study looking at a concentrate of omega-3 free fatty acids to see whether it can help to decrease the risk of serious heart problems in people with high blood triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood that can raise your risk of heart disease) and low levels of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C; the “good” cholesterol). If you take part, you will be asked to take either the concentrate of omega-3 free fatty acids (made from fish oil) or a placebo, which contains corn oil, once a day for 3–5 years.

You may be able to take part in the STRENGTH Trial if you:

• are 18 years of age or older

• take a statin medication but still have high triglyceride levels

• have at least one risk factor for heart disease, such as:

– a history of heart problems or stroke

– type 1 or 2 diabetes

– high blood pressure or taking a blood pressure medication

– being a regular smoker.

A study doctor will need to review your previous medications and perform additional assessments during one or more screening visits at the study center to ensure that this study is right for you.

Taking part in this study will involve regular visits to the study center, where your heart and general health will be monitored closely by a team of doctors and nurses. All study medications and study-related health assessments will be provided at no cost to you.

If you would like more information, please contact the study center using the details below. We look forward to hearing from you.

Has your doctor said that you have a high risk of heart disease?

No Limits

State parks offer equal opportunities for all.

BY DAWN DENBERG

MARIN COUNTY’S ABUNDANT trails and water recreation make it a veritable paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Unfortunately, not all of the splendor is accessible to people with motor or visual impairments. However, thanks to disability rights advocates and passionate community members, these folks now have greater access than ever to our postcardperfect landscape. And while change has not always come quickly — it’s been 25 years since Congress passed the Americans with Disabilities Act — we are making headway.

The National Park Service’s Golden Gate National Recreational Area, for example, was already making slow, steady progress toward improving facilities for people with disabilities when, thanks to a legal settlement reached last year, upgrades throughout the park are being expedited. These will augment access for thousands of visitors each year.

Improvements include everything from extending the existing boardwalk through the Pinchot Grove area of Muir Woods to providing accessible parking and connectors as well as upgrades to 1.5 miles of accessible trail in Rodeo Valley. Additional improvements

KIRKE WRENCH

include special mats that allow wheelchairs to move easily across the sand to the high tide line at Muir, Stinson and Rodeo beaches. “These mats are also helpful to people using canes and walkers or to those who may not need a wheelchair, but aren’t steady on their feet,” says Alexandra Picavet, a park ranger and spokesperson for the GGNRA. “We also have beach wheelchairs that are equipped with oversize tires that glide across the sand at Stinson, Muir, Rodeo and Tennessee Valley beaches. You’ll want to book five days in advance to guarantee availability.”

Marin County residents and visitors also have access to several adaptive sports programs. At Halleck Creek Ranch in Nicasio, for example, people with a wide range of challenges can enjoy a day of horseback riding on the area’s extensive trails, or if they prefer a more controlled environment, the organization also has an 80-by-120-foot arena. “We have ramps that allow riders to mount the horse, even if they don’t have use of their legs,” says executive director Barbra Hill. “We also have adaptive tacks.” The ranch, which functions as a nonprofit, serves people of all ages. “We have riders as young as three and as old as 79.”

And given that this is a maritime region, it should come as no surprise that a local with a passion for boating would team up with a friend with a degree in orientation and mobility to create a sailing program for the blind.

“We started giving lessons to blind sailors in 2007,” says Danette Davis, program director of Sausalito-based Marin Sailing Schools Program for the Blind. “It happened that I bumped into my friend Al Spector, who was just opening the Marin Sailing School, and we got to talking about how we could work

together.” In thei r fi rst season, they trained about a dozen visually impaired sailors. These days the school serves a dozen or so students a month. Some of those students sail recreationally while others go on to sail competitively.

San Francisco–based Environmental Travel Companions (ETC) offers a variety of kayaking trips to people of varying abilities and backgrounds, departing from both San Francisco and Tomales bays. “Our goal is to make the great outdoors accessible to everybody,” ETC executive director Diane Poslosky says. “There’s a stewardship aspect to it because we know that you can’t love what you don’t know.” Beyond Marin, the nonprofit also runs whitewater rafting trips from its sustainably designed river camp on the South Fork of the American River as well as sea kayak trips in Mendocino and Baja.

Although cyclists famously flock to Marin County from across the world, we are currently without an adaptive biking program. The good news: the Berkeley-based Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) runs one of the largest adaptive cycling programs in the country and will loan riders an adaptive bike for tooling around the East Bay or going all the way to Point Reyes. “We have more than 75 adaptive bikes for anyone who wants to get fitted,” says BORP executive director Rick Smith. Riders are permitted to use bikes independently, but the program also offers group rides to destinations all around Northern California. “Our biggest event is September 26th at the Trentadue Winery in Geyserville,” says Smith. “It’s our big fundraiser and it brings together riders with and without disabilities. You can choose to just tool around the winery or ride a 20-, 45- or 60-mile loop.” m

Lights Lights Lights Underthe

Fall back into the 1970s, when pants were flared, fringe was flowing and everything was a little bit rock and roll.

Photography by Claudia Goetzelmann S tyling by Veronica Sooley

Suede racerback crop top by Alice + Olivia, $495 at Neiman Marcus (SF) 415.362.3900. Shanrial patchwork combo suede and leather skirt by Theory, $500 at Neiman Marcus. Edina sandal by Tory Burch, $395 at Tory Burch (SF) 415.398.1525. Monroe earring by Miranda Frye, $58 at mirandafrye.com.

{This page} Paisley jumpsuit by Tory Burch, $395 at Tory Burch (SF) 415.398.1525. Solid blanket coat by J’Amy Tarr, $688 at 7 on Locust (Mill Valley) 415.388.9696 and jamytarr.com. Height boots by Freda Salvador, $650 at Freda Salvador (SF) 415.872.9690. Druzy necklace by RJBIJOUX, $360 and Wood bead necklace (worn as bracelet) by Marit Rae, $120, both at 7 on Locust.

{Opposite} Paisley jersey turtleneck top by Etro, $785; Cashmere-blend looped vest by Brunello Cucinelli, $3,045; Paisleystitched leather and suede skirt by Chloe, $2,295; all at Saks Fifth Avenue (SF) 415.986.4300. Lambert boot by Coconuts by Matisse, $90 at matissefootwear.com. Black garnet handpiece by Phyllis + Rosie, $150 at phyllisandrosie.com. St. Simons bamboo weave scarf by Spartina 449, $35 at spartina449. com. Sequin headband, stylist’s own.

Long sleeve blouse by Tory Burch, $295 at Tory Burch (SF) 415.398.1525. Majorelle distressed high-rise flared jeans by McGuire, $217 at Saks Fifth Avenue (SF) 415.986.4300. Multi-wear vest by Camilla, $450 at camilla.com.au. Sacramento Clog by Free People, $178 at Free People (Corte Madera) 415.924.8401 and freepeople. com. Dreams of Gold necklace by Kamali, $120 at 7 on Locust (Mill Valley) 415.388.9696. Vintage horse button wood ring, $32 at 7 on Locust. On Yuri: Map print crepe top by Rococo Sand, $308 at revolveclothing.com.

{This page} Embroidered lace maxi dress by Hemant & Nandita, $610 at kylebyalenetoo.com. Denim jacket with suede fringe detail by McGuire, $495 at 7 on Locust (Mill Valley) 415.388.9696. Leaf fringe head chain, $5 at Forever 21 (San Rafael) 415.507.0536.

{Opposite}Marais sunglasses, $250 and Gold metal and wood sunglasses, $195, by Tory Burch (SF) 415.398.1525.

{This page} Voile and lace drawstring blouse by Rebecca Taylor, $275 at Neiman Marcus (SF) 415.362.3900. Andoni rabbit fur vest by Joie, $798; Margaux tie-dye zip skinny jeans by McGuire, $220; Lucinda boot by Charlotte Olympia, $1,095; all at Saks Fifth Avenue (SF) 415.986.4300. Gold metal round sunglasses, $18 at Urban Outfitters (SF) 415.989.1515. Mini spike necklace by Phyllis + Rosie, $198 at phyllisandrosie.com.

{Opposite} Double layer crop top by Alice + Olivia, $155 at Neiman Marcus. Bird-of-Paradise–print silk palazzo pants by Haute Hippie, $345 at Saks Fifth Avenue. Oversize Mongolian lamb collar by Glamourpuss NYC, $525 at glamourpussnyc.com. Kellen sandal by A+, $33 at Target (San Rafael) 415.299.6112 and target.com. Wool hat by KIN/K, $130 at 7 on Locust (Mill Valley) 415.388.9696. Brody mini bucket bag by Tory Burch, $275 at Tory Burch (SF) 415.398.1525. 24k gold gilded mink Finland cuff by Conner Whitlock, $2,500 at Shoe Stories of Sausalito (Sausalito) 415.332.1662 and connerwhitlock.com. Geo wrapped crystal pendant necklace, $32 at Urban Outfitters. Ring by Amy Nordstrom, $695 at 7 on Locust.

{This page} Amelie jumpsuit by Trina Turk, $348 at trinaturk.com. Geometric heel by Charlotte Olympia, $1,295 at Saks Fifth Avenue (SF) 415.986.4300. La Roux hat by Stetson, $74 at stetson. com. 797 tiny satchel by Tory Burch, $325 at Tory Burch (SF) 415.398.1525. Horizon bangle stack, $85 and Allure ring, $39, by Miranda Frye at mirandafrye.com. Tassel earrings by Spartina 449, $22 at spartina449.com.

{Opposite} Arrows of the Loom mini dress with long overlay by Camilla, $450 at Neiman Marcus (SF) 415.362.3900. Origami duster by Margaret O’Leary, $220 at Margaret O’Leary (Mill Valley) 415.388.2390 and margaretoleary.com. Mongolian vest with suede back by Glamourpuss NYC, $450 at glamourpussnyc. com. Vintage extreme flare jeans by Free People, $168 at Free People (Corte Madera) 415.924.8401 and freepeople. com. Victory boot by Matisse, $183 at matissefootwear.com. Solar earring by Miranda Frye, $51 at mirandafrye.com.

ANXIETY HIGH

Navigating the often complicated and confusing world of college admissions.

BY SAMANTHA PARENT WALRAVENS • ILLUSTRATIONS BY DAVE URBAN

THIS FALL, WHILE some families are off visiting pumpkin patches or tasting wines in Napa, others are sitting down to begin the grueling college application process.

Parents of high school juniors and seniors are poring over brochures from ivy-walled colleges, students are racing to perfect college essays and get last-minute teacher recommendations, and admissions officers are offwooing students who show promise.

Anxiety has reached new levels in college admissions these days. Gone are the times when a 4.0 grade point average and a 1400 on the SAT all but guaranteed a space at Stanford or an Ivy League or UC school. Today, students with perfect grades and test scores are fi nding more closed doors than open ones. “You could have a 4.3 and 2200 SAT, but for selective schools

like UC Berkeley and UCLA, it’s still going to be a reach,” says Laurie Favaro, a private college counselor in Marin.

The result? Students are studying harder, taking more AP courses than ever before and working with private college counselors who charge up to $400 per hour to help gain them a leg up on the competition.

“It’s a jungle out there,” says Gabrielle Glancy, an independent college consultant and former admissions director who has worked with students in the Bay Area for more than 25 years. She is also author of The Art of the College Essay, considered the book on that part of the application process.

“It’s much harder to get into college these days,” she says. “I recently started working with a student whose mom is a West Coast interviewer for Princeton. The mom told me

con fidentially she could never have gotten into Princeton if she applied today.”

The heightened competition stems from a number of factors. “There are too many students and not enough spots,” Glancy says. “Everyone prepares for standardized tests. The high-end students are higher-end and there are more of them.”

Indeed, students are graduating from high school and looking for colleges at record rates. According to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, the number of high school graduates in the U.S. peaked at 3.4 million in 2011 but was still high as of 2013 at 3.3 million.

The acceptance rates at top universities illustrate the application challenges. This year, Stanford admitted just 5 percent of its 42,487 applicants, the lowest percentage for any

institution ever. Compare that to 25 years ago when Stanford accepted 18 percent of its applicants. Similarly, the acceptance rate for Columbia University dropped from 65 percent in 1988 to less than 7 percent today. Yale’s acceptance rate went from 17 percent to 7 percent last year.

Beyond the Ivy Leagues, acceptance rates at the top 40 private and public colleges currently range between 10 and 30 percent. With space for no more than 16,000 freshmen, UCLA received applications from more than 112,000 students for 2015 — twice as many as in 2005 — giving it an admission rate of 22 percent. Smaller liberal arts colleges’ percentages were equally low.

A drop in state funding has led UC schools to admit more higher-tuition out-of-state and international students, squeezing out some California candidates. “The UC schools were definitely hard to get into this year,” says William Breck, a 2015 Redwood High School grad who now attends University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. “Many kids [I know] didn’t get into UCLA and Berkeley. The general vibe is that getting into the UCs is basically a lottery. The UC readers have so many applications to get through and they don’t take recommendation letters, so admission is very unpredictable.”

That unpredictability has prompted kids to apply to more schools than their counterparts in the past. Favaro says her students apply to 10 to 12 schools on average, some as many as 20.

Parents Feel the Stress

Students aren’t the only ones feeling the pressure.

“Parents today are more involved and more worried than they used to be,” Glancy notes. “High school college and guidance counselors are overworked. One counselor could have 600

students to work with. With the new SATs in spring 2016 (see sidebar) things will get even more complicated. Even trained professionals have a hard time keeping up with it all. How are parents supposed to do it?”

Audrey Shapiro, a Mill Valley parent, agrees the admissions gambit is much more complicated than back when she applied to colleges. “Most of us (parents) applied to one school, maybe two, where we knew we had the numbers to be admitted,” says Shapiro, whose two kids graduated from Tam High and now attend University of Wisconsin and Indiana University. “The process is very different for our

kids. More kids than ever are going to four-year colleges. It’s a competitive world and harder to get job s  without a college degree. So parents worry — and then kids worry.”

Watching her kids stress out about applications was difficult. “We tried to take a measured approach and keep things in perspective,” she says. “This was not always easy when it seemed everyone around them was making it a very big deal.”

In affluent Marin, it’s become common for parents to hire private counselors, to help their child with everything from choosing schools and tracking application deadlines to preparing for standardized tests and writing essays. Nationwide, families are spending more than $400 million a year on these “independent education consultants,” who often charge upwards of $150 per hour, according to the Independent Educational Consultants Association (IECA). Full college admissions packages, which do not include the cost of ACT or SAT test prep, average $4,035 per student, according to IECA.

But one of the hidden benefis of such counselors is easing tensions between students and

In affluent Marin, it’s become common practice for parents to hire private counselors to help their child with applications.

parents during such a high-stakes time. “My college counselor was great because it wasn’t up to my parents to hound me for supplements or to finish applications,” says Patty Kusnierczyk, a sophomore at the University

of Nevada and graduate of St. Ignatius Prep (she chose UN because it has her major, is less expensive than other options and because it is close to Tahoe). “This created a much more peaceful home than it could have been during my junior and senior years.”

Students Speak Out

Much of the anxiety around college admissions comes from back-and-forth conversations and chatter among classmates, according to many students in Marin.

“I found one of the more frustrating parts of the application process to be the gossip within my senior class that came from it. My peers constantly wanted to know where everyone was applying and whether they were accepted or not,” says Lena Kristy, who graduated from Marin Academy in 2012 and from UCLA in 2015. “I remember one day my friend asked me, ‘So Lena, where are you applying to college?’ After I spat out the entire list of schools to her, she announced that she was keeping her list secret. I was morti fied.”

Social media exacerbates the stress, St. Ignatius graduate Kusnierczyk says. “Online, you see the smartest kids are going to certain schools and you think that to prove you’re smart you should go there too,” she says. So “a lot of the time, students don’t choose the ‘best fit’ but the school with the big name or reputation or schools where you know people who already go there.” Also, “people you know who are already in college post things to make it look like they’re having the time of their life and you believe it. What people don’t tell you is that no matter where you go, your first semester away at

Test Takers Guide

Until April 2014, the pre-ACT (a test to predict performance on the ACT that does not count towards admissions) was called the PLAN test. Students graduating in 2016 or earlier can continue to use PLAN scores. But for graduates in 2017 and later, the test will be called ACT Aspire and will be taken in ninth and/or 10th grades, in either fall or spring. To register create an account at sat.collegeboard.org. Here’s a guide to other standardized tests for the college-bound:

• PSAT/NMSQT This is the pre-SAT, which all college-bound juniors take, and is the official route of entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program. Like the PLAN test, it is a good indicator of future performance but does not count toward college admission. Students in 10th and 11th grade can take the new PSAT/NMSQT for the first time in October 2015. The test is closely connected to the new 1600-point SAT and registering allows students access to free personalized study. Date: October 14 or 28, 2015.

• PSAT 10 This test covers the same content areas as the PSAT/NMSQT but is not considered for entry to the National Merit Scholarship Program. But both tests give students and educators the chance to preview and practice for the SAT and assess progress toward college and career readiness and success. Like the PSAT/NMSQT, the PSAT 10 is closely aligned with the new SAT and registering allows for personalized study. The new PSAT 10 will be available to 10th-grade students in the spring. Students can sign up for either PSAT version with their school counselor. Dates: Between February 22 and March 4, 2016.

• SAT Students take the Scholastic Aptitude Test in their junior and, if desired, senior year, and it counts toward college admission. Students may take either the SAT or the ACT, or both. The 2015–2016 registration deadlines and test dates: September 3/October 3, October 9/November 7, November 5/December 5, December 28/January 23, February 5/March 5*, April 8/May 7*, May 5/June 4*.

*New 1600-point SAT dates

• ACT Students can take the ACT (it used to stand for American College Testing, but now it’s referred to by acronym only) in their junior and, if desired, senior year; the score counts in evaluation for college admission. The 2015–2016 registration deadlines and test dates: August 7/September 12, September 18/October 24, November 6/December 12, January 8/February 6, March 4/April 9, May 6/June 11.

• SAT II These specialized tests, in subjects such as languages or math, are required by only the most elite colleges. They are taken in junior year and count toward admission. The 2015–2016 test dates/registration deadlines: same as SAT. KASIA PAWLOWSKA

Full college admissions packages, which do not include the cost of ACT or SAT test prep, average $4,035 per student.

college is challenging academically and socially. Social media doesn’t do justice to that fact.”

For Kusnierczyk, the hardest part of the process was trying to keep up her grades while getting all her applications “perfect and in on time.” Peer pressure upped the ante. “A lot of the time you’re competing with your friends for your dream schools,” she says. “I remember I’d rank myself and judge myself based on my classmates’ applications. It was di ffic ult to congratulate those who got into schools before I did because you’re concerned about yourself.”

Katie Toepel, another St. Ignatius grad and now a sophomore at the University of Texas, Austin, says the application process is tense on two counts. “There’s the stress of getting accepted into one of these so-called brandname colleges, accompanied with the stress of the aftermath of being rejected from them,” she says. “I know those two things probably sound the same, but they’re slightly different. The ‘stress of acceptance’ is the standard anxiety surrounding not knowing where you stand against all the other admits, not knowing

Cost of College Counseling and Test Preparation

• Princeton Review Group test prep for SAT/ACT: $999–$1,699

• Private college counseling $100–$400/hour, with essay help included. Laurie Favaro: $160/hour, packages $2,800–$4,300. Alistair Grant: $175/hour. Irena Smith, Ph.D.: $400/hour

• SAT/ACT Test Prep One-on-one tutoring with Compass Education, Larkspur: $180/hour; full package $4,000

• Stanley Kaplan Group test prep for SAT/ACT: $749–$1,199; one-on-one test prep package: $3,499

whether a college likes you or not, and not knowing where you’re headed next year, in general. The ‘stress of the aftermath’ is the anxiety over telling your peers that you didn’t get into X, Y or Z college, because they might think you’re inferior, dumb or unworthy.”

Another Way

In fact, for many students, aiming straight for university placement doesn’t always make sense. For those hoping to save money, explore the world a bit, or improve their grades to get into a better school later on, community college can be a great choice. Approximately 15,000 students make the switch from twoyear community colleges to UC schools each year. If you walk around a UC campus, one in every three students you see is a transfer from community college.

Sam Pannepacker, a Tam High School graduate, worked at the Apple Store in Corte Madera and took classes at the College of Marin for two years before transferring to the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, where he is studying industrial design. “The uncertainty of how I wanted to spend my college career, and really the rest of my life, made spending a little extra time exploring new paths the best option,” he recounts. “I hoped to transfer in to a state or UC school with my credits.”

But working at Apple opened his eyes to “the relationship people have with products” and inspired his interest in industrial design.

He also improved his people skills, discovered a direction and learned to be responsible for his own schedule — benefits he couldn’t have envisioned when he graduated. “Once I moved to Brooklyn, the freedom of living away from home in a city was new, but was not overwhelming as I imagine it would have been (straight) out of senior year.”

A Needless Frenzy?

While the admissions process can seem overwhelming, there are ways to get through it without breaking a sweat or the bank.

First, parents should take a close look at the numbers before they panic. Sure, admit rates are dropping for the most selective schools, the 100-or-so that accept fewer than 25 percent of applicants. But according to the College Board, a century-old nonprofit created to expand access to higher education, the U.S. and Canada have more than 2,500 accredited four-year colleges, and most of them accept two-thirds of applicants.

A 2012 report by the National Association for College Admission Counseling is also less dire: it found that colleges have actually become only modestly more selective over the past 10 years. The average public four-year college admitted 66 percent of applicants in 2013, down from 70 percent a decade earlier. For private schools, the 2013 acceptance rate is down from 70 percent to 63 percent.

Second, keeping expectations in check can remove a lot of the pressure, angst and drama.

In her book Teach Your Children Well , Marin psychologist Madeline Levine writes about a straight-A student who “lies in bed for days” after rejection from her top-choice college. “She will not get up, and when I visit her at home, all she can say through her streaming tears is, ‘It was all for nothing. I’m a complete failure.’ ”

In a local talk Levine gave on “raising successful children,” she reminded Marinites that not every kid is meant to go to Harvard or Stanford. She also cautioned parents against living out their hopes and dreams through their children: “Dad didn’t get into Harvard, so he pushes his child to get into Harvard. He buys a Harvard bumper sticker even before the kid gets in.”

For a pivotal destination like college, “status shouldn’t matter,” Levine adds. Students should choose a school “where they will find

their tribe, where they will feel comfortable, engaged and valued.” Indeed, examples abound of successful and influential people who attended state universities and far-fromelite schools. Oprah Winfrey graduated from Tennessee State; Warren Buffett went to University of Nebraska.

Gregg Easterbrook of the Brookings Institute supports that view. “An ivy diploma reveals nothing about a person’s background, and favoritism in hiring and promotion is on the decline,” he wrote in an Atlantic piece called “Who Needs Harvard?” in 2004. “Most businesses would rather have a Lehigh graduate who performs at a high level than a Brown graduate who doesn’t.”

Students concur. “Just know that wherever you end up, whether it’s your reach or your safety school, you can be happy,” says Evy

A Look at the New SAT

IN 2016, THE SAT returns to a 1600-point test rather than the 2400-point model implemented in 2005. Instead of the current Reading and Writing sections that count for 800 points each, the verbal half of the test will revert to a single 800-point Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section, similar to the old exam. Math will still be an 800-point test. The essay will become optional. Test-wide, the material covered will adhere more closely to the Common Core standards for both Reading and Math. The quarter-point penalty for wrong answers will also be removed.

Overall, these changes will bring more advanced content and harder questions. For example, the new reading section includes passages typically found on the more difficult SAT Subject literature test (Subject tests are separate content-based tests used to show achievement in a specific area). To gauge deeper comprehension, three of the 24 reading items don’t just test a student’s ability to spot a right answer, but require explanation of why it is correct. These “show me the evidence” questions require students to identify where they found support in the passage for their choice. Since these questions come in pairs, if you err on the first question, you’ll most likely get the second one wrong too.

The math section of the new SAT includes a greater number of Common Core–type questions, which test not just problem-solving ability but understanding of underlying math fundamentals in real-world scenarios. Word-based math problems abound: students will need to step back to understand what the variables and the constants signify. One practice test taker said it felt like a high school Algebra II/ trig final, touching on items like coefficients, constants, smooth curves and quadratic equations.

Students will have more time per question in the new SAT, but the more difficult problems warrant that. In fact, “I’m recommending tha t none of my students take the first three rounds of the new SAT (March, May and June of 2016),” Anthony Green, the New York–based SAT and ACT tutor to the rich and famous, told Business Insider. “Why let students be guinea pigs for the College Board’s marketing machine?” He recommends the ACT instead.

Roy, a Marin Academy graduate who is now a senior at Tufts. “It’s about the communities you find and the people you meet, not the school’s prestige.”

Redwood High grad William Breck adds, “College isn’t all about the name of the school; it’s about what you do there. If kids really understand that, then making a decision will be gratifying, not stressful.” m

The uncertainty of how I wanted to spend my college career, and really the rest of my life, made spending a little extra time exploring new paths the best option.

SITTIN’ ON OF THE BAY THE DOCK

PHOTOS BY JOSEPH SCHELL

LET’S BE CLEAR: the colorful homes we see dotting the docks of Sausalito are not houseboats; they’re floating homes. The difference? Floating homes have no motors, and if they are to move, they need to be towed. Since the 1880s Richardson Bay has been home to people living on the water on most anything that floats. Today there are about 500 floating homes off nine different docks (Issaquah, Liberty, Kappas East and West piers, South Forty, A, 6 ½, Main and Yellow Ferry). Since the 1960s when the docks were established, the floating home community has attracted those seeking a less conventional way of life.

Throughout local history, creative types and free spirits have settled this area, and these days, from size to cost to the people who live in them, the homes are as varied as their hues. While several quaint residences measure around 300 square feet, the Dragon Boat swallows them whole at a whopping 4,000 square feet — a size that easily rivals modest mansions. The most expensive home sale? That would be $1,795,000. The most affordable recent purchase was a more attainable $300,000. Owner-to-renter ratio hovers at about 70 percent, although that varies by dock — as do monthly rents. The range is rather broad, from $800 to $1,400.

Though these aren’t traditional homes, the inhabitants certainly aren’t roughing it, and the work being done at Gate 6 to upgrade the parking lot speaks to the creature comforts that are out here to enjoy. It seems the people who call these docks home really get to have it all, so we set out to photograph residents and their digs in order to learn more about the floating life. If you want to visit the homes for yourself, be sure to check out this year’s Floating Homes Tour on September 12.

Sausalito’s famous floating homes are rich in history and character and still offer an alternative lifestyle for residents.

DOL KHYIM

LOCATION

Kappas

East

Pier

OWNERS Wilford Welch and Carole Angermeir SIZE 4,000 square feet YEARS LIVED ON BOARD 14

THE DOL KHYIM ’S owners don’t know who the original architect was, but in 2000 they hired well-known green architect Sim Der Ryn (who back then also lived at the docks) to remodel the 1975 boat. The work took a year to complete. Why were they drawn to this life? “We were attracted to life on a houseboat because there is a great sense of community in a nation that is often losing community,” says Wilford Welch. “And secondly, we are close to the natural world, a reminder of who is in charge.”

The architect for this boat was in the U.S. Army. Originally built for World War II — likely marking Fairy Tale as the oldest of these local vessels, definitely the oldest on West Pier — it served in 1942 as a barrage balloon carrier outside the Golden Gate, where it deployed a distinctive defense tactic: the crew floated balloons up attached cables, so that any Japanese aircraft flying into the cables would be destroyed. The balloons were also designed to conceal activity on the water from any enemy aircraft overhead. Fortunately, the Japanese never attacked the Golden Gate. The boat was eventually sold to civilian owners, who added the top of the boat in 1968 and the concrete hull in 1992 after rust from a nonworking motor — unlike most of the floating homes, this boat did start as a working craft — damaged the inside of the external hull on the stern. The owner chose the name Fairy Tale for a simple reason: the boat looks like something from a storybook. “There was even a boat naming ceremony last summer to make it official, complete with lots of champagne that was enjoyed and thrown in the four directions of the wind,” says Julie Durbin, a tenant. Also, a silver dollar was hidden somewhere on the boat for good luck. Durbin cherishes dockside life for the way residents look out for each other and their community. “There’s also an attitude of paying it forward,” she notes: every Fairy Tale owner has done something to make the home better. The current owner put on a new roof and installed a washer and dryer.

ISSAQUARIAM

LOCATION Issaquah Dock OCCUPANT Mari Steeno SIZE About 1,000 square feet YEARS LIVED ON BOARD Three

Mari Steeno is the first renter after the new owners’ remodel. She named the vessel the Issaquariam for the dock location and to evoke marine life. “Living on a floating home is a unique experience,” she says. “The only constant in our lives is change, and every moment on the water offers changing light, sounds, smells, tides, temperatures and movement. You can be as private as you like or be involved in numerous ways in the community. Very few folks leave after experiencing the lifestyle.”

ISSAQUARIAM

LOCATION Issaquah Dock

OCCUPANT Mari Steeno SIZE About 1,000 square feet YEARS LIVED ON BOARD Three

Mari Steeno is the first renter after the new owners’ remodel. She named the vessel the Issaquariam for the dock location and to evoke marine life. “Living on a floating home is a unique experience,” she says. “The only constant in our lives is change, and every moment on the water offers changing light, sounds, smells, tides, temperatures and movement. You can be as private as you like or be involved in numerous ways in the community. Very few folks leave after experiencing the lifestyle.”

The Train Wreck started its long and colorful life in 1889 not as a boat, but as railway car No. 41 in the San Francisco and Northern Paci fic Railroad system. In 1907, through a merger, it became part of the rolling stock of the Northwestern Paci fic Railroad and was renamed car No. 180. By 1936 it had been retired and sold, becoming part of a duplex in Mill Valley. It remained landlocked until 1979, when it was fi nally purchased, cut into two sections and placed on a concrete hull to form the floating home. Since then, two successive owners have lovingly restored and maintained it, and the current co-owners have made their mark, notably with interior designer Renee Baer’s tasteful artifacts and antiques and dentist Henry Baer’s wine rack made with dental tools. Today the passenger section serves as dining room and the baggage section is the bathroom and laundry room. “We wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” Henry says. “We love it and the houseboat community.”

The Train Wreck started its long and colorful life in 1889 not as a boat, but as railway car No. 41 in the San Francisco and Northern Paci fic Railroad system. In 1907, through a merger, it became part of the rolling stock of the Northwestern Paci fic Railroad and was renamed car No. 180. By 1936 it had been retired and sold, becoming part of a duplex in Mill Valley. It remained landlocked until 1979, when it was fi nally purchased, cut into two sections and placed on a concrete hull to form the floating home. Since then, two successive owners have lovingly restored and maintained it, and the current co-owners have made their mark, notably with interior designer Renee Baer’s tasteful artifacts and antiques and dentist Henry Baer’s wine rack made with dental tools. Today the passenger section serves as dining room and the baggage section is the bathroom and laundry room. “We wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” Henry says. “We love it and the houseboat community.”

Destinations

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

HAWAII’S BEST EATS

Four locals share their top picks for food on four islands.

BY MIMI TOWLE

HERE’S A FUN fact. If you live here in Marin and love food, wine and the state of Hawaii, there is a namesake connection that can be made to our 50th state. Don Francisco de Paula Marin is credited with planting the first crops of many local island mainstays in the early 1800s. Marin reportedly escaped service in the Spanish navy by jumping ship in San Francisco, eventually ending up on the shores of Oahu in the 1790s.

Trained as a horticulturist, Marin immediately found himself serving King Kamehameha as business adviser, bookkeeper and gardener. A jack-of-all-trades, he reportedly introduced the olive, prickly

pear cactus, tamarind, peach and grape and was also responsible for cultivating the islands ’ fi rst crops of coffee, pineapple, mango and cotton, for locally brewing the fi rst beer, and for being the fi rst person in Hawaii to distill sugar into rum. But actually, he is best known for his vineyards — he produced the fi rst wine in Hawaii. Vineyard Boulevard in Honolulu was named so because it cut through Marin’s orchard.

Fast-forward 200 years and we fi nd that Señor Marin’s crops have made their way into what we now know as traditional Hawaiian cuisine. With that in fluence in mind, we asked foodie-minded locals for their favorite culinary places on each island.

Drinks and appetizers at Lava Lava Beach Club

Big Island of Hawaii

•

Expert: Cody Kawamoto

Cody Kawamoto’s curiosity and deep appreciation of Hawaii’s food culture started when he was a child in Pahoa, hanging out with his grandmother. “I miss her a lot and often think of her,” he says. “She would be so thrilled to see our Instagram feeds full of food pictures, and it would have been fun to take her to some of the new places I’ve discovered.” It was his early introduction to all sorts of Japanese foods, such as sashimi, nishime (vegetable stew with pork or chicken) and niboshi (dried baby sardines) over rice, that sparked his still-ongoing drive to find the next best dish

BEST AUTHENTIC HAWAII EXPERIENCE

“I would say Merriman’s, opened by Peter Merriman, one of the original Hawaii Regional Cuisine chefs, would be my first choice. I always love seeing what the restaurant is serving for the daily fish specials, what the fisherman caught and the creative use of locally sourced produce featured as the ingredient of the day.”

FAVORITE HOTEL DINING “With its beautiful setting, Brown’s Beach House at the Fairmont Orchid is one of my favorites. I really like how chef Matthew Schaefer adds a twist to local dishes and uses island-sourced seafood, meats and boar.”

MALASADAS GO-TO “If you are driving to the volcano from Waimea or a hotel in Kohala, Tex’s Drive-in along the Hamakua Coast is great. Tex’s serves up a more doughy malasada, which I prefer — a great grab-and-go.”

SUSHI “My favorite is Sensei Sushi and Seafood in the Queen’s MarketPlace. Besides the fact my brother Cole works there, (I like that) they have a great selection and good

prices — especially the early-bird specials. I really like the panko-crusted ahi sashimi roll — the roll is deep-fried; you have the crunch of the panko with the smooth texture of the ahi. ”

LUAU OR EVENT DINING “The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has been doing a luau for decades — they’ve got it down. One of the best parts for me is talking to the longtime sta ffers who have been there for years — it’s amazing how they can remember returning guests.”

LUNCH SPOT BETWEEN THE AIRPORT AND KOHALA COAST “Local comfort food at it s fi nest can be found at the Hawaiian Style Cafe at either of its two locations in Waimea or Hilo. They have all kinds of plate lunch options: Korean chicken, kalbi ribs, hamburger steak, or for the person who can’t decide, they offer a make-your-own mixed plate. I order the corned beef hash, two eggs and fried rice and a side of pancakes. The pancakes are huge.”

LUNCH SPOT ON THE WAY TO THE VOLCANO “ No question, Kawamoto Store on Kilauea Avenue. I think we have the best local okazuya restaurants here on the Big Island, and this one is my favorite. You really can’t go wrong; nori-maki sushi, shrimp and vegetable tempura and nori chicken are a few favorites. I would recommend going early; the restaurant is almost wiped out by noon.”

FAVORITE MOM-AND-POP SPOT “ Two Ladies Kitchen in Hilo has possibly the best mochi in the islands — the strawberry mochi

is the best (large fresh juicy strawberry coated with azuki bean and wrapped in mocha). I would call ahead and preorder. And at the Manago Hotel just south of Kona, it feels like you are eating in your grandparents’ dining room. They cook pork chops in these 80-plusyear-old cast-iron skillets.”

IT’S A CHAIN THAT’S ACTUALLY REALLY GOOD “ Who doesn’t like Zippy’s? The zippac bento and the zipmin, their version of a wonton min, are great when you’re in need of local comfort food. And Roy’s is where you would take someone out for a special occasion.

Malasada at Tex’s Drive-in

The menu varies from location to location; the sushi and fi sh dishes are excellent, but I believe every location has the chocolate soufflé, such a classic.”

A luau at Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

SUNSET MEAL “So many choices. Lava Lava Beach Club, right on the sand, is pretty nice, but then Kona has great poke places like Umeke’s off lii Drive or da Poke Shack . Pick up a pound and sit on the beach.”

UP-AND-COMING CHEFS “I really like what brothers Mark and Tedd Pomaski, chefs/ owners of Moon and Turtle, are doing in Hilo — smoky sashimi, eggplant pork belly and homemade egg noodles. And then chef Ippy Aiona of Three Fat Pigs, a gastropub, specializes in pork dishes like the 40-hour pork belly.”

FAVORITE ISLAND INGREDIENT “ My grandmother introduced me to sashimi at an early age. There’s nothing better than fresh Big Island–caught ahi, sashimi, poke or even pan-fried fi sh. I love the summer and lychee and mango season. My neighbors and relatives were always willing to share lychee and mangos; they are so sweet and tasty on a hot summer day. I’ve also noticed the rise of local farmers’ markets like Waimea Town Market and Hilo’s Farmers Market .”

Maui

•

Expert: Charlene Kauhane

Charlene Kauhane (pictured with chef Alex Stanislaw) is native Hawaiian with a touch of Chinese, Portuguese, Scottish and German. Born and raised in Kaneohe, Oahu, in a large but close-knit family, she says her fondest memories center around parties with tables full of food prepared at home and by family and friends, important celebrations at the top restaurants in Waikiki or Chinatown, and weekends spent driving around the island in search of the yummiest food from neighborhood diners, roadside vendors or bakeries. For more than 18 years, she has lived on Maui and is actively involved with the island’s agriculture industry as well as tourism and hospitality. Through her job she is exposed to the latest chefs and restaurant trends, and having grown up in Hawaii, she knows all the best local dives and diners. Her Facebook feed is full of her latest finds, and she has just started to dabble on Instagram.

BEST AUTHENTIC HAWAII EXPERIENCE “Maui’s weekly Friday Night Town Parties in Wailuku, Makawao, Lahaina and Kihei, and annual events like the Grand Taste at the Maui County Agricultural Festival, where you’ll find food booths run by Maui nonprofits and youth organizations cooking family recipes of smoked meat, chow fun, lau lau, kalua pig and poke and acai bowls. Grand Taste is definitely an authentic Hawaii experience, set on the luau grounds at Maui Tropical Plantations in Wailuku. For a stand-alone restaurant with the best authentic Hawaii experience, I would pick Mama’s Fish House in Kuau.”

FAVORITE HOTEL DINING “There are so many top restaurants at Maui’s hotels and resorts, and many of them are run by Maui’s next-generation chefs, like Sheldon Simeon at Migrant at the Wailea Marriott Resort , Michael Lofaro at Humuhumunukunukuapua’a at the Grand

Wailea , Brian Etheredge and Chris Kulis at Capische at Hotel Wailea and Gevin Utrillo at Japengo at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

Currently, my favorite hotel dining is Kaana Kitchen (kaana means to share) at the Andaz Maui at Wailea. Having grown up in Hawaii, I’m naturally drawn to menus with dishes served family style and restaurants that focus on local, fresh ingredients. Kaana Kitchen organizes its menu with options under several categories: fi sh, classics, upcountry and butcher’s block. Another reason I enjoy Kaana Kitchen is because I can eat breakfast, lunch or dinner there, and the chefs are committed to food quality at every meal. I especially love the breakfast menu with its made-to-order eggs, pancakes and wa ffles, breakfast meats, gluten-free baked goods, fruits cut to order, and smoothies and green drinks.”

MALASADAS GO-TO “ Home Maid Bakery, opened in 1960 under the guidance and tutelage of Joseph and Monica Kozuki, is known as the ‘Home of the Crispy Manju.’ The malasadas are sold piping hot, made daily from 5 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 10 p.m. Traditional malasadas are un fi lled donuts without a hole, fried in hot oil and rolled in granulated sugar. Home Maid also offers cream-fi lled malasadas that are lightly dusted in powdered sugar.”

SUSHI “Easy: Nuka in Haiku. Everything at Nuka is fresh, especially the sushi. I love the neighborhood setting and reasonable price point.”

LUAU OR EVENT DINING “If I had to choose one I’d make a reservation at Old Lahaina Luau , the original luau on Maui, which has set the standard and continues to excel in all areas of hookipa (hospitality), entertainment, food and ambience. Everything is rooted in excellence wit h a fi rm commitment to Hawaiian culture.”

LUNCH SPOT BETWEEN THE AIRPORT AND WAILEA “Maui’s only gourmet food truck, run by chef Kyle Kawakami, is Maui Fresh Streatery; it’s open three days a week and parked in the Shell gas station on Kaahumanu Avenue. A former instructor at the Maui Culinary Academy at the University of Hawaii Maui campus, Kyle is committed to

Live music at Lava Lava Beach Club

showcasing local ingredients and the island’s multiethnic flavors. For example, his Maui Cattle Company Beef Heart Vietnamese Salad is both tasty and tender. Following a trip to Los Angeles and a late-night stop at In-N-Out Burger, Kyle immediately featured his own version of Animal Fries. He also features Spicy Gumbo Fries, Maui Cattle Company Braised Brisket Poutine and Italian Stallion Fries with crispy crinkle-cut potatoes, marinara, mozzarella, pepperoni crisps, Kumu Farms Italian parsley and a dust of parmesan. Other popular dishes include Chicken and Eggplant Parmesan, Pork Belly Bi Bim Bap and the Tru ffled Bacon Mac ’n’ Cheese Melt made of homemade tru ffled four-cheese macaroni and crisp bacon, toasted in an S&J Bakery torta.”

LUNCH SPOT BETWEEN THE AIRPORT AND KAANAPALI “I love the handheld pies, Reuben sandwich and garlic french fries at Leoda’s Kitchen & Pie Shop in Olowalu.”

LUNCH SPOT IN HANA “I never miss a chance to go to Hana Fresh, because the prepared food is made from ingredients grown in Hana on their organic farm. The protein is healthy, mostly fish. They do made-to-order smoothies, green drinks, salads, sandwiches and bentos.”

FAVORITE MOM-AND-POP SPOT “Born and raised in Hawaii, I have a special place in my heart for okazuya. Going on elementary school field trips, we would always stop at an okazuya to buy lunch. I have vivid memories of ordering chow fun, shrimp tempura, cone sushi, hash and fried chicken or a hot dog or hamburger patty. On Maui, my favorite spot is Ichiban Okazuya , located at 2133 Kaohu Street near the county and state office buildings in Wailuku. In the era of the plantations, okazuyas popped up to serve bachelor immigrants who needed to-go lunches to take to work in the fields. By far, Ichiban’s most popular dish is chicken katsu — it is perfectly crunchy on the outside and moist inside. Other made-toorder dishes usually take five to 10 minutes to cook and include vegetable or shrimp tempura, mahimahi and salmon. Ichiban also has a variety of food ready to order once you walk in, like chow fun, beef broccoli, fi sh cake, hot dogs, shoyu chicken and more.”

IT’S A CHAIN THAT’S ACTUALLY REALLY GOOD  “ Roy’s Kaanapali is my favorite for consistency, quality and taste. While it has favorite dishes from the early years it also adds a lot of dinner specials. The staff t Roy’s goes the extra mile to make special occasions fun for couples or families.”

SUNSET MEAL “I enjoy dining at Hula Grill Kaanapali’s beach bar area with live music and in the dining room. The menu has everything for every craving. There’s fi sh tacos, burgers, crab wontons, fresh catch, localicious salads and pizzas. A Peter Merriman/TS Restaurants partnership, it has a menu that reflects Merriman’s use of local, sustainable fi sh, beef from Maui and Hawaii island, and produce from all islands. The sunsets at Kaanapali Beach Resort and Puu Kekaa are spectacular.”

UP-AND-COMING CHEFS “There are quite a few: Sheldon Simeon at Migrant, Isaac Bancaco at Andaz Maui at Wailea, Jeff Scheer at the Mill House at Maui Tropical Plantation, Michael Lofaro at Humuhumunukunukuapuaa’s at Grand Wailea, Chris Kulis and Brian Etheredge at Capische at Hotel Wailea, Ryan Luckey at Leilani’s on the Beach, Jojo Vasquez at The Plantation House in Kapalua, Kyle Kawakami at Maui Fresh Streatery, and Gevin Utrillo at Japengo at Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa.”

FAVORITE ISLAND INGREDIENT “Taro from Noohana Farm or Hoaloha Farm, breadfruit from Kahanu Gardens, Simpli-fresh

Fresh tomatoes from Hana Fresh

or ONO organic farm, Maui Gold Pineapple and grass-fed ground beef from Maui Cattle Company. Yee’s Orchard Golden Glow mangoes, papayas and apple bananas are grown in Kihei and sold at farmers’ markets and grocery stores. The one ingredient I cannot live without is Hawaiian salt .”

Sushi roll at Japengo at Hyatt Regency Maui

Oahu

•

Expert: Michael Shapiro

As editor of Hana Hou!, Hawaiian Airlines’ inflight magazine, Michael Shapiro is exposed to the islands’ hot spots as well as their holes-in-thewall, the latter of which he seems to prefer. Born and raised in metro New York, Shapiro found himself in the islands via a teaching job, happened upon a beautiful local girl and settled in. Today Shapiro, said beautiful local girl and their daughter are on a never-ending quest to find the best poke, okazuya, mochi and shave ice on the island of Oahu.

BEST AUTHENTIC HAWAII EXPERIENCE “It depends what you mean by authentic. If you mean local, then Highway Inn . If you mean Hawaiian, then Helen’s.”

FAVORITE HOTEL DINING “For high-end, probably Orchid Room at Halekulani — luckily, I get meals comped there from time to time. And nobody does coconut cake like they do. For pure location, Plumeria Room at the Kahala Resort.”

SUSHI “When I have the cash and I’m feeling like I don’t want to make my own decisions, the omakase menu at Sushi Sasabune ; otherwise I go either to Tokkuri-Tei on Kapahulu or a little izakaya on King Street called Imanas Tei. I’m usually the only haole in the place.”

LUAU OR EVENT DINING “Skip the faux-Polynesian and just go to Duke’s or Kani Ka Pila Grille on Waikiki Beach. Copious drinks and free (and good) Hawaiian music. Sundays at Duke’s is a long-standing tradition for people who like to party on a school night.”

LUNCH SPOT BETWEEN HONOLULU AIRPORT AND WAIKIKI “No question, The Pig & the Lady in Chinatown. It’s weird, but good weird.”

LUNCH SPOT IN THE HALEIWA (OR NORTH SHORE) “I like Kahuku Superette — foah da poke sista!”

FAVORITE SHRIMP TRUCK “This might be nuts, but I’ve never stopped at a shrimp truck.”

FAVORITE MOM-AND-POP SPOT “For great Korean barbecue, I would say Willow Tree in Kailua — especially the kal-bi. And for dessert, the snow flake ice (it’s a shave-ice-like treat invented in Taiwan, only better) at Frost City near the corner of King Street and University Avenue.”

A premium collection of vacation homes in seven beachfront and golf-front resorts in Wailea and Makena, Maui

• One- to five-bedrooms

• Fully-equipped kitchens

• Living room with private lanai

• Washer and Dryer

• Parking

• Wi-Fi

• $155 in resort credits to Wailea restaurants and spas

Bubble Tea at Frost City

IT’S A CHAIN THAT’S ACTUALLY REALLY GOOD “ I would say Saigon Noodle House in Kailua — really cheap, really fast, great pho. Excellent for after a beach day on the windward side. Did I mention cheap?”

SUNSET MEAL “Not sure about the meal, but you can’t beat the sunset at Hula Grill (actually, the food’s pretty good, too).”

UP-AND-COMING CHEFS “I think most of the chefs I know about have already up and come, but Ed Kenney and Lee Anne Wong are two of my perennial favorites.”

FAVORITE ISLAND INGREDIENT “ Easily opakapaka, or pink snapper. But I also get excited about sugarcane swizzle sticks in a mai tai, so my palate obviously got arrested at six years old.”

Hula Grill overlooking Waikiki

Kauai

• Expert: Marta Lane

In 2010 Marta Lane began writing the columns “Tastes of Kauai” and “On the Farm,” which ran every week in MidWeek Kauai and The Garden Island newspaper, respectively. Her stories and restaurant reviews have also been published in AAA Hawaii magazine, in Edible Hawaiian Islands magazine, on the Hawaiian Airlines website and in HILuxury magazine. She is the founder of Tasting Kauai, a company that offers four intimate food tours where guests sample the island’s culinary

culture while meeting some of Kauai’s top farmers and chefs. Lane is the author of Tasting Kauai Restaurants: An Insider’s Guide to Eating Well on the Garden Island.

BEST AUTHENTIC HAWAII EXPERIENCE “I think the best authentic Hawaiian experience is participating in Poi Day at the Waipa Foundation, which happens every Thursday on the North Shore. Every week, aunties and uncles get up before the sun rises and gather in the ‘poi garage.’ Fifty-gallon barrels, which have been cooking taro overnight, are poured into large buckets. Everyone gathers around and peels cooked corms, which are warm and slippery. Your hands take on a slight purple hue (which easily washes off ) as you talk story with families who have lived on Kauai for many generations. Afterward, everyone sits at a long picnic table in the shade and shares a lunch made of local

favorites such as chicken long rice, laulau, Waipa garden kale salad and of course fresh poi. The poi is delivered to needy families across the island, so it’s a fantastic way to volunteer while connecting with the local culture.”

FAVORITE MOM-AND -POP SPOT “I really like the Hukilau Lanai owned by Ron and Krissi Miller. It’s fi ne dining by night, but you can get amazing poolside lunches for a steal. Several weeks ago my husband and I got the teriyaki burger made with freshly ground fi let mignon for $6.99.”

FAVORITE HOTEL DINING “Whenever someone asks me where to celebrate a special dinner, and they are not constrained by budget, I always recommend the Kauai Grill or Makana Terrace . Both are located at the St. Regis Princeville and both have a world-class

view of Hanalei Bay. The food is terri fic and the surroundings are luxurious.”

MALASADAS GO-TO “I love to get malasadas at the Kauai Malasada stand in the Kmart parking lot. They are sweet, springy and absolutely addicting.”

SUSHI “If I’m feeling like I need to be pampered, I get sushi at Stevenson’s Library, which is located in the Grand Hyatt Kauai. You can sit on the lanai and enjoy a gorgeous ocean view while having a light dinner of sushi and cocktails. If I’m on a budget and in a hurry, I go to Makai Sushi, which is tucked inside Kukuiula Store in Koloa Town.”

LUAU OR EVENT DINING “I always advise fi rst-time visitors, including friends and family, to attend a luau and I always recommend Luau Kalamaku at Kilohana Plantation . The

evening starts with a generous and delicious bu ffet dinner under a giant pavilion. It’s the only luau on the island that tells the story of how the fi rst Polynesian settlers came to Kauai and it’s done in Cirque du Soleil style.”

LUNCH SPOT BETWEEN THE AIRPORT AND POIPU “My favorite lunch spot from the airport on the way to Poipu is The Greenery Cafe . It’s located in Lihue and it’s a charming spot with outdoor dining. Owners Dayne and Naina make everything by hand with organic ingredients. His family is from the (American) South and her family is Filipino.”

LUNCH SPOT BETWEEN THE AIRPORT AND PRINCEVILLE “I would say Oasis on the Beach , which is in Kapaa, tucked behind the Waipouli Resort. It’s oceanside, so you immediately know you’re in paradise. The open-air restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating and a

farm-to-table menu with full- and half-size portions. And the handcrafted cocktails are perfect after a long fl ight.

LUNCH SPOT ON THE WAY TO WAIMEA CANYON “I absolutely love Kauai Ramen , located in Eleele. It’s a clean and a ffordable family-owned restaurant that serves large portions. Besides terri fic ramen, you can get a variety of pan-fried or steamed dumplings such as gyoza and wontons.”

BEST FOOD TRUCKS “We bring our food tour guests to try the succulent Paniolo Tacos with freshly made chili verde sauce at Al Pastor in Kapaa. We also stop at Hanalei Taro & Juice Co. for our favorite lau lau made with local pork and taro leaves from the family’s farm. One of our last North Shore stops is dessert at Trucking Delicious, but Chloe is better known for her unique sandwich combinations such as

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SUNSET MEAL “Besides splurging at The St. Regis Princeville? I’d grab a bottle of locally made Nani Moon Mead from the Princeville Wine Market , pair it with Foodland’s ahi poke , edamame poke and Spam musubi,

Magical!”

UP-AND-COMING CHEFS “Does resurrection count? Re-up and coming chef and regional legend Jean-Marie Josselin owned the very popular A Paci fic Cafe, one of eight restaurants he had in the ’80s. He, along with 11 chefs, created Hawaii Regional Cuisine in the

mid-’80s. In 2000, he let all his restaurants go and traveled around the world. We were thrilled when he opened Josselin’s Tapas Bar & Grill in 2010. Last October, he opened Jo2 in Kapaa. It’s dinner only, but guests on our Royal Coconut Coast Kauai Food Tour get to meet him during a private tasting.”

FAVORITE ISLAND INGREDIENT “I really like Kauai Shrimp, which is available at several island locations including Living Foods Gourmet Market & Cafe in Poipu. There is also a new ranch on the West Side that raises and processes grass-fed beef. I buy Makaweli Meat Co. steaks from Big Save in Kapaa and grill them quickly. Since they’re grass-fed, they are super lean so you only want to cook them about fi ve minutes per side. Of course, if you’re not in the mood to cook, you can always get Kauai Shrimp and Makaweli meat at Kauai Grill or Hukilau Lanai.” m

the Angry Goat with mango, goat cheese and Hawaiian chili peppers served with a side of house-made pickled vegetables.”

head to the beach and watch the sun set over Hanalei Bay.

Makana Terrace at St. Regis Princeville

Botswana

While on safari, a Novato resident gets a fresh reminder of her place in the universe. BY LAURIE MCANDISH KING

THE FIRST TIME I tracked lions, it was from the relative safety and comfort of a large — although open-topped — Land Rover, with a loaded rifle situated handily next to the driver. At that time our guide had assured us that as long as we didn’t wear brightly colored clothes, make noise or stand up, the animals would perceive us as part of the vehicle, and therefore not worth eating. His logic was not entirely convincing. Lions have been making their living — for, what, several million years? — by figuring out what is, or is not, edible. And we were going to fool them by sitting instead of standing? I was sure the big cats were smarter than that.

But this safari was di fferent. We were going on foot, and the strict policy at Camp Okavango was no guns. Big cats, no guns, traveling on foot — hmmm. Why was I doing this?

Adding to my trepidation, our guides, Rodgers and Robert, explained that if we saw lions this morning they would be hungry, because big cats usually hunt at night. If they were still out stalking prey in the morning, it meant they hadn’t found anything to eat the night before. A crazy thought wriggled into my mind: the guides were using us as lion bait. They thought we were clueless American tourists, foolish enough to follow them deep into the big cats’ territory with no means of protection. We were. And we did.

Our guides’ plan was to travel from our camp — located on remote Nxaragha Island in Botswana — by motorboat through the vast Okavango Delta to another island, and from there to proceed on foot in search of the big cats. Many miles out, through the winding, papyruslined waterways, Robert announced excitedly that he had spotted dust in the trees. I didn’t see it, even with my binoculars. And I didn’t understand what dust had to do with lions. But I went along with the program. We anchored the boat, disembarked, and walked into the remote island’s open forest.

This was no Sunday stroll: the tall brown grasses hid treacherous obstacles. Elephants had eaten the relatively tender bark and roots of trees, leaving dead branches and uprooted stumps scattered everywhere. Aardvarks had dug large holes in the ground. Thorns caught on our clothing, and greedy vines grabbed at our legs. And the dung. Everywhere we had to step over dung — all kinds of it, large and small, round and elongated, fresh and dry, in varying stages of decomposition.

I could tell the di fference between rhino middens and elephant dung, and I was learning to di fferentiate bu ffalo from gira ffe. Then I saw a new kind of dung: smaller, rounder, fresher — glistening, in fact. Was it lions’? I wondered just how far away the lions actually were, and how close we intended to get. Checking my field guide, I found that lion droppings “are similar to that of the leopard, but larger.” This was only marginally more helpful than the entry for elephants, which read, “A good way of testing the freshness of dung is to thrust your hand into the center of it. If the dung is fresh, it will be warm inside.”

We were a noisy bunch of Americans, and Rodgers admonished us to “do shhh ” and to “talk silently.” I noticed that Rodgers and Robert did indeed talk silently, communicating with their eyes and hands that they had heard a noise in this direction, or that they wanted us to walk that way. They reminded me of a TV SWAT team, moving swiftly and efficiently through the bad guy’s hideout just before the big shoot-down. Our group, on the other hand, moved like a bunch of Keystone Cops, zigzagging randomly, tripping in the aardvark holes, backtracking around fallen trees and fighting back with all our might when vicious vines attacked.

Robert reminded us to walk in single fi le, always staying together. If we fell back or got out of line, he warned, we’d look smaller and be “on the menu.” As if lions haven’t had plenty of experience in picking individuals out of a herd. As if they would look hungrily at a line of humans hiking single fi le and think, that’s just some giant, nastytasting caterpillar, seriously overburdened with indigestible cameras and binoculars, stumbling slowly and vulnerably through my sovereign territory. Forget it — no chow there

Most important, Robert said, if a lion did come toward us, “Don’t run! Stand your ground!”

Stand my ground?

In the face of a charging lion? What kind of instruction was that? My heart pounded at the thought of it; my legs stiffened, and I wondered whether it would be a good thing to be frozen with fear. My hands began to sweat, and I remembered reading somewhere that humans, dogs and other mammals whose paws sweat with anxiety do so because the sweat increases friction between the paws and a substrate, allowing for quicker getaways. I was built to run then, not to stand my ground.

I stayed near the front of the line, just behind Maureen, a psychiatric nurse from Pittsburgh. Maureen walked with her shoulders slightly hunched, took each step slowly and deliberately, and shaded her eyes from the sun as she scanned the distance. I thought she looked like a professional tracker, except for her bright white Asics Gel running shoes — obviously bought new for the trip — and hot pink windbreaker. I had chosen my place carefully: surely the hot-pink-windbreaker variety of meal would be most tempting. If a lion charged, I would simply maintain my position behind the primary bait.

the captured insect on a hard surface. These exquisite beauties often make their homes in excavated dirt at the entrance to an aardvark den, and I wanted to stop and hunt for nests. But when I considered the possibility of death by lion, I decided to stay with the group.

“Listen!” Rodgers and Robert both heard the lions.

We kept walking. At fi rst we didn’t hear anything, but a ways farther in we heard a low rumbling sound. “It’s the lions! Yes, and they are chasing bu ffalo!” The rumbling, our guides explained excitedly, was the sound of a thousand hooves. We proceeded, still in line, straining to get a look through the trees at a bu ffalo or a lion. Suddenly Robert hurried back into our midst, eyes wide and round, and bulging so the whites showed around their whole circumference. “They are coming this way!” he shouted hoarsely.

“We are too close! Go back! Go back!”

Finally I saw the dust, a huge cloud of it, about 200 yards away and coming toward us fast. It was swirling above a herd of several hundred cape bu ff alo, and they were coming toward us fast, too. Stampeding, actually.

We had been told to stand our ground in the face of a charging lion, but what was the protocol for a bu ffalo attack? There was no time to ask. Our careful, single-file line disintegrated into chaos as we ran back — hats, cameras and binoculars flying. No more zigzagging to avoid holes or backtracking around fallen trees; we leapt them all heroically. Several of our group turned out to be talented sprinters, and I personally tested the freshness of five or six piles of dung in the space of 20 seconds.

As suddenly as the stampede began, it was over. It’s interesting, what goes through one’s mind at a time like this. As soon as “Escape! Escape!” had run its course, I was overwhelmed with the perfection of Nature’s Grand Plan: elephants knock down large trees, allowing grasslands to develop, which attracts grazing animals, which provide food for the lions. The aardvark holes create natural traps for the lions’ prey; the monumental, nutrient-rich elephant droppings fertilize the tall grasses …

Maureen’s left shoelace was untied. Should I tell her? If I did, she’d stop to tie it, and the whole single-fi le line would crash into us like a row of dominoes. I would be trampled by my fellow travelers, and perhaps sprain my ankle or fall into a pile of warm dung in the process. If I didn’t, Maureen might trip and fall, and be eaten alive.

I kept my mouth shut.

A large, lone bird circled the sky above us. Robert identi fied it as a white-backed vulture (Gypus africanus). Our guides had amazing eyesight. Born and raised in the delta, they could identify all the birds and animals from far away. Soon a second vulture appeared, and then a third. Apparently the vultures knew something we did not.

As we hiked deeper into the forest — way too far in to run for the boat — Robert still saw dust. We kept walking, single fi le, assiduously staying together, not falling back or getting out of line, doing shhh, going deeper into the forest.

At one point I was tempted to stop and photograph a little bee-eater (Merops pusillus), a brilliantly colored bird with an emerald back, golden throat and brilliant blue “eyebrow.” Bee-eaters feast on bees, wasps and hornets, removing the stingers fi rst by repeatedly hitting

Lost as I was in the beauty of the Grand Plan, it was several minutes before I remembered Maureen. How did her untied shoelace fit in? Had I been homicidally remiss in not mentioning it earlier? Or was I simply playing my predetermined part in the survival of the fittest? Did Maureen stand, or did she run? Had she been trampled by stampeding bu ffalo, or even eaten by a hungry lion?

I came to my senses, surveyed the scene, and saw Maureen’s hot pink jacket halfway up a small tree, with Maureen still inside it. Apparently it had not provoked the lions. We began to regroup, and everyone seemed to have survived. The cape bu ffalo — still about 70 yards away — had also survived. They had all stopped running and were now milling about restlessly. They seemed to be more afraid of us than of the charging lions. This did not strike me as an effective adaptive behavior, but what do I know about the life of a bu ffalo? And what did they know about humans? At any rate, they kept their eyes on both us and the lions, which — conveniently — made it easy for us to observe the five adult lions that were now in our immediate vicinity.

Make that five hungry adult lions.

I had heard that female lions form hunting bands, and that the males

We had been told to stand our ground in the face of a charging lion, but what was the protocol for a buffalo attack? There was no time to ask.

don’t bother to assist them. But this was a group of four females and one large male with an impressive golden mane. What was he doing there? He was probably so famished that he couldn’t even wait for the females to make a kill. He was big, that was for sure. I couldn’t see his teeth, but I know they were long and sharp, and I’ll bet he was salivating.

I smelled the dust. Dust, and a sweat-like smell. Was it the buffalo, or the lions? Was it me? Was it fear? The lions were not yet attacking, so I had a moment to contemplate: should I turn and run, or stand and scream? Would it make a difference? Did I have a choice? I would like to report that Rodgers and Robert were unfazed, but that would not be entirely true. Actually, they looked anxious. They had no guns. They were responsible for a dozen travelers. And we were 70 yards away from five hungry lions.

The big cats paced around the edges of the bu ffalo herd, eyeing one individual, then another. What if one looked at me? Should I make eye

contact, or avoid it? I began to feel panicky. Robert’s words echoed in my mind: if a lion does come toward you, don’t run. Legs locked, I stood my ground, and felt proud of myself for having the presence of mind to follow instructions in a crisis. But then it occurred to me: if I stood my ground, and everyone else retreated, did that make me clever? Or did it make me lion food?

Fortunately, my survival did not depend on my own cleverness: Rodgers and Robert took control, instructing us to remain facing the lions and walk slowly backward, away from them. We did so. Soon, it was safe to turn and walk — a bit more quickly — back to the boat. When we were safely on board, and motoring back to camp, I marveled at the beauty of Nature’s Grand Plan, at green papyrus against intense blue skies and the deliciousness of a bottle of cold Chibuku Shake-Shake beer.

Life is good, when you’re not on the menu. m

About the Book

This article was excerpted from Laurie McAndish King’s travel memoir Lost, Kidnapped, Eaten Alive! True Stories from a Curious Traveler (Destination Insights, 259 pages).

Suddenly Robert hurried back into our midst, eyes wide and round, and bulging so the whites showed around their whole circumference. ‘They are coming this way!’

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Out & About

CALENDAR / ON THE SCENE / DINE

Sweeney Todd

MARIE NOELLE ROBERT

THEATER

THRU SEP 12 Club

Inferno This glam rock musical is based on Dante’s The Divine Comedy, boasting a fun, twisted vibe that keeps attendees talking. The Hypnodrome (SF). 415.377.4202, hypnodrome.org

THRU OCT 3 Oh No, There’s Men on the Land Written and performed by Karen Ripley, this show takes attendees on a comic journey through her mishaps, adventures and self-discovery in 1970s Berkeley. The Marsh (Berkeley). 415.282.3055, themarsh.org

Calendar

Beyond!) Musical This comedic and heartfelt musical focuses on the pains, perils and poignancy of aging through sketches and songs. Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, throck mortontheatre.org

SEP 10–OCT 4 The Oldest Boy Sarah Ruhl’s play, centering on a woman who is visited by two Tibetan Buddhist monks who believe her son may be a reincarnated lama, opens MTC’s 2015–16 season. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5208, marintheatre.org

SEP 12–25 From Como to Homo: Juggling a Stage Mom, Gender Confusion and Tap Written and performed by Lynne Jassem (comic, dancer, comedian and more), this show tells the story of her 10-year-old self as she juggles her career on the Perry Como Show with a demanding stage mom, gender confusion and tap dancing. Exit Theatre (SF). sff ringe.org

DANCE

SEP 24–OCT 11 Poetics of Space Joe Goode Performance Group and Z Space present choreographer Joe Goode’s latest venture, which is performed within a series of “rooms” in the annex that audiences are invited to wander through, creating their own experience. Joe Goode Annex (SF). 866.811.4111, zspace.org

COMEDY

SEP 10–19 San Francisco Improv Festival Enjoy the 11th season of this special off-the-cuff omedy event, which combines live improv with master-level workshops, Friday night comedy jams and the festival’s traditional “Game Island ” fi nale competition. Eureka Theatre (SF). sfi mprov festival.com

SEP 4–27

Sonia, Masha and Spike The relationships of three middle-aged, single siblings are examined in this Tony Award–winning play, which celebrates the themes of playwright Anton Chekhov. Novato Theater Company (Novato). novato theatercompany.org

SEP 5–7, 12–13 The

Taming

of the Shrew The Curtain Theatre brings the Shakespeare classic to the redwoods of Old Mill Park at this free show. Old Mill Park Amphitheatre (Mill Valley). 510.655.0810, curtaintheatre.org

SEP 6 New Wrinkles: The Middle-Age (and

SEP 22–NOV 7 Dogfight: A Love Story Eddie, a young marine, gets more than he bargained for when two buddies goad him to play a cruel trick on a girl on their last night before the war. San Francisco Playhouse (SF). 415.677.9596, sfplayhouse.org

SEP 20 Last Comic Standing Laugh along in an evening of memorable stand-up comedy featuring the winner and fi nalists from NBC’s popular show Last Comic Standing The War field (SF). 415.345.0900, the war fieldtheatre.com

MUSIC

SEP 2 Eric McFadden Touring the world alone and in the company of funk legend George Clinton, Eric McFadden has solidi fied his place as a guitar virtuoso.

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

Vanya,

He is also a member of Ten, a recently formed supergroup featuring Thomas Pridgen and Norwood Fisher.

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

SEP 4 The Tubes With beginnings in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as San Francisco, the Tubes has been performing its brand of classic rock since the 1970s. The current lineup includes four of the original members. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweetwater musichall.com

SEP 10 Eric Burdon and The Animals Once a forefront of the British Invasion, Eric Burdon and the Animals boasts soulful vocals, including hits like “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood.”

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

SEP 11 The Australian Pink Floyd Show This illustrious cover band has been paying homage to Pink Floyd since 1988, performing in more than 35 countries worldwide. The War field (SF). 415.345.0900, the war fieldtheatre.com

SEP 11–27

SEP 12 An Evening in New York Musica Marin and the Mill Valley Film Festival explore the intersection between music and fi lm at an in-home concert event, as world-class musicians perform an original score to accompany a classic silent fi lm. Private residence (Marin). 732.261.7737, musicamarin.org

SEP 12 John Hiatt and the Combo and the Taj Mahal Trio John Hiatt celebrates his 22nd studio album in conjunction with the two-time Grammy Award–winning Taj Mahal. Regency Ballroom (SF). the regencyballroom.com

SEP 12–29 Sweeney Todd With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Sweeney Todd tells the story of a wrongly exiled barber who returns to London to extract his revenge in bloody fashion. War Memorial Opera House (SF). 415.864.3330, sfopera.com

SEP 13 Avenue Winds Avenue Winds — a wind quartet composed of Bay Area musicians — performs its unique brand of classical music. Old St. Hilary’s (Tiburon). 415.435.1853, land markssociety.com

Luisa Miller

A brave young woman sacri fices her own happiness — in the form of a love a ffair with a nobleman — in an effort to save her father’s life. This opera is sung in Italian with English subtitles. War Memorial Opera House (SF). 415.864.3330, sfopera.com

SEP 18 Petty Theft The well-known tribute to Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Petty Theft stays true to the original rock ’n’ roll vision, performing classics and current hits. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

SEP 20 A Clean Water Benefit Concert

Featuring Darkness Into Light Darkness Into Light performs its blend of Americana, jazz, folk and rock to benefit Clean Water Action, a national environmental organization founded in 1972 to protect our nation’s water resources. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweetwater musichall.com

SEP 25 Don Carlos The legendary reggae artist was born and raised in western Kingston, Jamaica. Now, he returns to the Bay Area to perform his memorable, energetic roots reggae. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweetwater musichall.com

GALLERIES

MARIN

Art Works Downtown Technological Meditations A curated exhibit including works that use technology as a means to discuss our daily mediated experiences in the digital age, through September 11. 1337 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.451.8119, art worksdowntown.org

Claudia Chapline Gallery and Sculpture Garden Art Contemporary Marin Autumn Art Auction

Original works donated by area artists are displayed for silent bidding, culminating in a live auction, September 19–28. 3445 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach. 415.868.2308, cchapline.com

Desta Gallery Illusion of Depth An exhibit featuring works by painter Fritz Rauh and sculptor Gary Marsh, through October 1. 417 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo. 415.524.8932, destagallery.com

di Rosa Body Talk An exhibit that explores the idea of experiencing and communicating with the world through the entire body, through September 27. 5200 Carneros Hwy, Napa. 707.226.5991, dirosaart.org

Gallery Route One Box Show An annual exhibition featuring unique wooden boxes crafted by 150 artists, through September 13. 11101 Hwy One, Point Reyes. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org

Marin Civic Center Visionary Marin An outside venue show celebrating 88 years of Marin Society of Artists members’ works, September 14–January. 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 415.454.9561, marinsocietyof artists.org

O’Hanlon Center for the Arts Myth and Inner Landscapes A juried exhibition, through September 24. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org

Robert Allen Fine Art Abstract Works on Canvas Group exhibition, through September 30. 301 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.2800, robertallenfineart.co

Roberta English Art by Cheung Lee, Mayumi

Oda, Li Huayi, Ju Ming and Toko Shinoda. 1615 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.331.2975, robertaenglish.com

Room Art Gallery Works by both Bay Area artists and major masters. 86 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.380.7940, roomartgallery.com

Seager Gray Gallery

Andrew Hayes Works by the artist, September 1–6. 108 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.384.8288, seagergray.com

Smith Andersen North Summer staff exhibit. 20 Greenfield ve, San Anselmo. 415.455.9733, smithandersen north.com

Studio 333 Why There Are Words Literary series featuring New York Times best-selling authors and awardwinning writers. 333A Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.8272, studio333.info

The Blissful Gallery Art by painter Emmeline Craig. 3415 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach, 415.868.2787, emmelinecraig.com

MUSEUMS

MARIN

Bay Area Discovery Museum Curious George: Let’s Get Curious, through September 6 (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, baykidsmuseum.org

Bolinas Museum

Getting Here From There An exhibition of photographs detailing the fascinating history of traveling to the unique community of Bolinas, through January 3 (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org

Marin Museum of the American Indian The First Ambassadors A look at long-forgotten Native American history told through rare lithographs depicting courageous and distinguished tribal leaders (Novato). 415.897.4064, marinindian.com

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art Emerging Artists of the Bay Area A juried exhibition featuring local works, through October 4 (Novato). 415.506.0137, marinmoca.org

Tiburon Railroad and Ferry Depot Museum

Learn the history of the NPRR terminus that occupied all of downtown Tiburon from 1884 to 1968, through October (Tiburon). 415.435.1853, land markssociety.com

BAY AREA

Asian Art Museum Woven Luxuries Indian, Persian and Turkish velvets from a private New York City collection, through November 1 (SF). 415.581.3711, asianart.org

Conservatory of Flowers Stranded! Tropical Island Survival Visitors “wash up” on an uncharted shore to learn about plant-based island survival, through October 18 (SF). 415.831.2090, conserva toryofflowers.org

Contemporary Jewish Museum Amy Winehouse: A Family Portrait A personal and intimate exhibition centering on the Grammy Award–winning singer and songwriter, through November 1 (SF). 415.655.7800, thecjm.org

Full Summer by Nick Coley at Robert Allen Fine Art, Sausalito

de Young J.M.W. Turner: Painting Set Free Works by 19th-century British artist Joseph Mallord William Turner, through September 20 (SF). 415.750.3600, deyoung.famsf.org

Legion of Honor Luminous Worlds: British Works on Paper, 1760–1900, through November 29 (SF). 415.750.3600, legion ofhonor.org

Museum of Craft and Design Hands O ff: New Dutch Design at the Conference of Technology and Craft An exhibit examining Dutch design and its in fluence on the future of contemporary art, through September 13 (SF). 415.773.0303, sfmcd.org

Oakland Museum of California Michelle Dizon: Drifting Islands Artist Michelle Dizon explores memory, loss and displacement, through November 8 (Oakland). 510.318.8400, museumca.org

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Kara Women Speak Works by fi ne art photographer, videographer and sound artist Jane Baldwin, centering on the people of Ethiopia’s Omo River Valley and Kenya’s Lake Turkana, September 12–December 6 (Sonoma). svma.org

The Walt Disney Family Museum Disney and Dali: Architects of Imagination Works depicting the trajectory of an unlikely creative alliance, through January 3 (SF). 415.345.6800, waltdisney.org

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Lightswarm Designed by experimental architecture fi rm Future Cities Lab, a dazzling wall installation of 430 modules utilizes sensors and LED lights to create an ever-changing light show, through October 31 (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org

EVENTS

SEP 5–7 Sausalito Art Festival Head to the Sausalito waterfront for a winning combination of fi ne art, music, food and wine, all to be enjoyed in a picturesque, open-air environment. Marinship Park (Sausalito). 415.332.3555, sausalito artfestival.org

SEP 11 San Francisco Opera Ball 2015: Moonlight and Music The San Francisco Opera Guild and San Francisco Opera Association present a gala benefit in celebration of the San Francisco Opera’s 93rd season, which opens with Giuseppe Verdi’s Luisa Miller. Opera Ball Pavilion (SF). 415.565.3204, sfopera.com

SEP 11–13 Lake Tahoe Autumn Food and Wine Festival Northstar Resort is the place to be for the 30th year of Lake Tahoe’s best food, wine and brew. Enjoy hands-on cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs, winemaker luncheons and dinners, seminars and much more. Northstar California Resort (Truckee). gotahoenorth.com

Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce

Meet the Marin hip-hop publicist behind the new book.

NICOLE BALIN IS not your usual Marin County business owner. She owns a PR company — OK, not so unusual, but having hip-hop clients does seem locally unique, and co-authoring a book with the originator of twerking (a man who prefers heels) makes her stand out even more. She and the eponymous star wrote Big Freedia: God Save the Queen Diva! which c hronicles the life of the New Orleans performer. S eason four of Big Freedia: Queen of Bounce airs on FUSE TV this month and Balin shares the inside scoop bigfreedia.com KASIA

PAWLOWSKA

Why do you feel Big Freedia's tale is important to share? It's fascinating. Way before issues of gender identity were in the national discourse, Freedia was a proud, gay boy in New Orleans in the face of a lot of hate and discrimination, starting in his own family. The details of his story — the emergence of the gay rap scene in New Orleans (called Sissy Bounce), the ruthless rap battles the sissies engaged in, the loving relationship with his mother — are just the backdrop. The heart of his story is healing, and how he used this form of hip-hop to heal himself and his community.

Hip-hop and Marin aren’t exactly synonymous. What sparked your interest in hip-hop publicity? Hip-hop was my music of choice since I heard RUN-D.M.C. in the ’80s. I was always a misfit among my friends for that. After college, I started out as a journalist, writing about hiphop for music magazines and newspapers. In the early 2000s, I decided to start my own PR company because there were tons of independent rappers and a vibrant hip-hop scene in the Bay Area and L.A. I found a niche, which is the basis

of all successful businesses. It was easy for me to call writers and extol the virtues of the music since I was such a fan.

What are some uncommon things about Marin you think people often overlook? I know everyone talks about the Sweetwater for music, but 19 Broadway in Fairfax actually books hip-hop! A lot of Marin kids like hip-hop, contrary to what people may think, so it’s so nice to have a spot to see it. Another place I love is Pete’s 881 Club in San Rafael. It’s one of Marin’s oldest bars and hidden local gems. It’s owned and operated by a third-generation San Anselmo family. They have a cardroom and they are one of the only places that serves food late night.

SEP 12 A Celebration of Native American Culture Celebrate

Native American Day with the Museum of the American Indian’s annual fundraiser featuring food by chef Beth Setrakian of Beth’s Bakery, Native American music and hoop dance. Museum of the American Indian (Novato). 415.897.4064, marinindian.com

CALENDAR

soiree celebrates the launch of Seek Fine Art, the fi rst and only location-based art app that helps you fi nd galleries, artists and artwork wherever you are. Check out app demos while enjoying food, drink and local art. Room Art Gallery (Mill Valley). 415.483.0223, seek fi neart.com

SEP 19–20 Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival

converge on the town of Tiburon for this annual open-water swim event through Raccoon Strait. Look for Olympic swimmers, world champions and participants from Russia, Australia, Germany and Hawaii. Angel Island (Tiburon). 415.306.0716, rcp tiburonmile.com

a petting zoo and a spa tent, supplemented by live entertainment and local food trucks. Blackie’s Pasture (Tiburon). blackies hayday.com

grants program. Marin Center Exhibit Hall (San Rafael). 415.455.5882, tocelebratelife.org

SEP

12 Bolinas Museum Benefit Art Auction

Partake in an exciting silent auction featuring local products, private dinners and unique experiences, all benefiting the Bolinas Museum. Peace Barn (Bolinas). bolinas

Experience arts amid the towering redwoods at this annual event. Head to the foot of Mount Tamalpais for local art, food, drink, entertainment and more. Old Mill Park (Mill Valley).

SEP 26 A Night at the Casa Azul Enjoy an art auction, food, drinks and dancing at this benefit for Art Works Downtown. Art Works Downtown (San Rafael). 415.451.8119, artworksdowntown.org

SEP 26 Blackie’s Hay Day Bookmarks pres-

SEP 26 CyckelScramble Head to this unique festival — boasting beer, food, and music — to check out the even more unusual cycling race, featuring obstacles and much more. Marin County Fairgrounds (San Rafael). cykelscramble.com

SEP 26 Stepping Out: An Evening of Enchantment

The Breast Cancer Foundation invites you

SEP 26–OCT 4 The $100,000 Tiburon Challenger This exciting week of men’s tennis is the only pro tournament held in the Bay Area this year. Peninsula Club (Tiburon). tiburon challenger.com

FILM

SEP 11 Rosenwald This documentary tells the incredible story of Julius Rosenwald, who never fi nished high school but rose to

SEP 18–20 Mountain Film Festival The fourth annual festival features fi lms covering all types of extreme adventure sports. Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, throck mortontheatre.org

SEP 24–26 The Beaux’ Stratagem Enjoy a live stream of The Beaux’ Stratagem as it’s performed at the National Theatre London. The play centers on two charming, young, broke men who flee London in order to marry for money. The Lark Theater (Larkspur). 415.924.5111, larktheater.net Confused and

of the greatest English painters of the nineteenth century, J. M. W. Turner was celebrated for his brilliant depictions of light, the virtuosity of his technique, and his extraordinary Romantic imagination. Experience the first major survey of Turner’s late career, when the artist displayed a fierce engagement

his appointments. In response, his secretary gathers his patients to get him out of his funk. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). italian fi lm.com

NATURE WALKS & TALKS

SEP 1 Nature for Kids: Spiders at Lake Lagunitas Check out seasonal spiders in every shape, size and color on this familyfriendly adventure, where participants will learn about how spiders hunt, make webs and more. Lake Lagunitas (Fairfax). 415.893.9508, marincounty.org

SEP 2 What a Trip! A Mostly Positive Life Story Marin Magazine ’s own Jim Wood discusses his new memoir with reflections on

his travels both in life and around the world. Cavallo Point (Sausalito). 415.339.4700, cavallopoint.com

SEP 9 Salman Rushdie

Renowned author Salman Rushdie joins KQED radio host Michael Krasny to discuss his vast collection of works and his forthcoming novel, Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights, which blends history, mythology and a love story in an age of unreason. Nourse Theater (SF). 415.392.4400, cityarts.net

SEP 11 Community Native Plant Nursery Join the native plant nursery team and help to germinate seeds, plant seedlings and

cuttings, transplant mature plants and learn how to care for natives. Afterward, enjoy a stroll on a local trail while collecting wild seeds. 9255 Sir Francis Drake (Olema). seaturtles.org

SEP 12 Sausalito Floating Homes Tour Sausalito’s colorful community of floating homes opens its doors for the 30th year, inviting docent-led groups to explore the unique environment. Various locations (Sausalito). 415.332.1916, flatinghomes.org

SEP 13 The French Market Experience the atmosphere of a French street market with antiques, books, vintage furniture, jewelry and much more, all

in an outdoor setting featuring music, food and drink. Veterans’ Auditorium parking lot (San Rafael). golden gateshows.com

SEP 15 Lecture: The Amazing Shorebirds

Learn about the life histories and adaptations of sandpipers, plovers, stilts and their local kin that inhabit our beaches and mud fl ats during the fall and winter months.

Marin Humane Society (Novato). 415.893.9508, marinhumane society.org

SEP 17 Miranda July and Sheila Heti Filmmaker, artist and author Miranda July and author Sheila Heti join America singersongwriter Thao Nguyen to discuss their various ventures.

Nourse Theater (SF). 415.392.4400, cityarts.net

SEP 17 The Human Condition: Seeds of Change TEDxMarin presents its 2015 speaker series, centering on the universal opportunities of the human experience — from the search for meaning and joy to the inevitability of our own mortality. Osher Marin JCC (San Rafael). tedxmarin.org

SEP 19 California Coastal Cleanup Day

Join Marin’s premier volunteer event to aid in cleaning up the marine environment and its watersheds. Pick up litter and recyclables at a variety of locations across Marin. coastal.ca.gov

SEP 25 Justice Stephen Breyer Supreme Court Justice and San Francisco native Stephen G. Breyer has written a number of books and is best known for his pragmatic approach to constitutional law. Breyer joins lawyer and chief Washington correspondent for the National Law Journal Marcia Coyle to discuss his forthcoming book, The Court and The World. Nourse Theater (SF). 415.392.4400, cityarts.net

SEP 27 Ring Mountain

Eclipse Join rangers and enjoy a lunar eclipse. Wear comfortable clothing. Ring Mountain (Tiburon). 415.473.2816, marin countyparks.org

On the Scene

• ROSS VALLEY WOMEN’S LEAGUE

The league celebrated its 50th anniversary at the home of Eugenia Jesberg in Belvedere May 13. The group has raised more than $4.5 million for Adopt A Family of Marin.

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

Laura Von Waldburg, Sherene Chen and Erica Applestein

• CORTE MADERA LARKSPUR MOTHER’S CLUB The club members stopped by Calypso St. Barth in Larkspur March 5 for some shopping with local stylist Sherene Chen.

Eugenia Jesberg, Pamela Meyer and Katherine Querard

Noel Stubblefield, Sylvie Zolezzi and Lisa Roth Wasden

Cathy Pickering and Marianne Doar

• SAUSALITO WOMAN’S CLUB SCHOLARSHIP RECOGNITION FUND More than $60,000 in scholarship money was awarded to 33 Marin City students by the club June 7.

Scholarship Winners

• TO CELEBRATE LIFE BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION

More than $275,000 was distributed to 16 Bay Area nonprofits April 1 at Servino Ristorante in Tiburon to help make sure no one faces breast cancer alone.

• HOSPICE BY THE BAY The work of 135 community volunteers, including Nick Kunst, was

at a special ceremony April 23 in Larkspur.

PATTY SPINKS (TO CELEBRATE LIFE)

honored

Kitty Whitaker and Nick Kunst

John Van Hagen, Mike Brungardt and Phyllis Van Hagen

Maureen Nass, Ingrid Sheets, Kris Lienhart and Susan Garrett

Top row: Juvy Barbonio, Cindi Cantril, Jeanne Hemhauser-Ricci, Alison Gause, Natalie Morales, Peggy McGuire, Devereaux Smith, Linda Dovbish and Fern Orenstein. Bottom row: Regan Fedric, Karen Edwards, Olivia Fe, Vera Packard, Ellen Rinehart, Lauren Villa and Kelly Tyler

Jane Pallas, Libbi Keating, Julie Hornsby and Kathleen Woodcock

• SAN FRANCISCO DEBUTANTE BALL Of the 24 debutantes who debuted June 20 at the Westin St. Francis, 12 were from Marin. Proceeds from the ball will help fund the new Resource Center for Parkinson’s Disease at California Pacific Medical Center’s Neuroscience Institute.

• WOMEN AT WORK The annual “Women at Work — Women in Business” event celebrating women business owners was held May 5 at the Mill Valley Community Center.

• 100MARIN AWARDS Marin County’s premier giving circle listened to pitches by five nonprofits July 15 at the Marin Art and Garden Center and $25,000 went to Jessica’s Haven and Rescue.

Idit Oz

Hailey Cusack, Sarah Jackmauh, Jennifer Hannah Baylis and Rachel Maier

Jessica Davis, Erin Leidy and Aviva Boedecker

Melissa Prandi, Karen Kilian and Patti Cohn

Jonathan Leidy, Laura Cottingham and Laura Hislop

Dine

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

•

offers fresh pizza, pastas and more. For a classic Italian dish, try meatball calzone, or think outside the box with a hummus piadina. 5800 Northgate Mall, 138, 415.479.3200, tomatina.com

CORTE MADERA

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

BEST LIL’ PORKHOUSE

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

BLUE BARN GOURMET

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

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

BRICK & BOTTLE

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

IL

FORNAIO

Italian Sausalito’s Larry Mindel hit a home run with this upscale Italian restaurant franchise. The menu offers a variety of salads and carb-free entrées. 223 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.4400, ilfornaio.com

TOMATINA Italian Inspired by the La Tomatina festival in Bunol, Spain, Tomatina

AN

EDITED BY MIMI TOWLE

Caprese Piadine

• AMBROSIA Italian Owner Mark Leslie brings his passion for good food and wine to Kentfield with this family-friendly Italian joint that serves traditional pizzas and homemade pastas, supplemented by one of the best wine-bythe-glass programs in Marin. 800 College Ave, 415.454.9292

LA MAISON DE LA

REINE Vietnamese

Enjoy family-style Vietnamese dishes at this lovely restaurant, located in the Town Center. The crunchy cabbage chicken salad with peanuts, fresh spring rolls and combinations of pho are popular picks. 346 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.0288, lamaisondelareine.com

MARIN JOE’S Italian

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

piano bar. 1585 Casa Buena Dr, 415.924.2081, marinjoesrestaurant.com

PACIFIC CATCH

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

PIG IN A PICKLE

Barbecue/American

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

barbecue regions, from Memphis to South Carolina. House made pickles, buns and sausages will keep you coming back. 341 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.891.3265, pig inapicklebbq.com

THE COUNTER California/American

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

THREE BIRDS WINE

BAR California This oneroom bar and wine shop features more than 20 options by the glass, and

a nice selection of bottles to take home. Enjoy free corkage for your Three Birds bottles at select local restaurants and an all day happy hour every Monday. 207 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.9466, threebirdswinebar.com

FAIRFAX

123 BOLINAS California

Four friends who wanted to bring something a little di fferent to the Fairfax dining scene created 123 Bolinas. Sophisticated seasonal food, small batch wines and locally produced beer are served in a relaxed environment, as you soak in the view of the stately redwoods in Peri Park. Beautifully crafted food, in a fi nely crafted environment. 123 Bolinas Rd, 415.488.5123, 123bolinas.com

FRADELIZIO’S Italian Fradelizio’s blends Northern Italian cuisine with Californiainspired healthy fare using the freshest ingredients possible. The homemade gnocchi is a crowd-pleasing favorite. 35 Broadway Blvd, 415.459.1618, fradelizios.com

GRILLY’S Mexican

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

IRON SPRINGS PUB & BREWERY American

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

PANCHO VILLA’S Mexican Chef Traditional dishes like pollo relleno (stu ffed with cream cheese, sautéed spinach and red peppers) and grilled fi sh tacos with chipotle, have made this a mouthwatering stop since 1976. 1625 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.459.0975, panchosfairfax.com

SORELLA CAFFE Italian Run by sisters Sonia and Soyara, Sorella — which means “sister” in Italian — serves up fresh Italian food with a northern in fluence. Customer favorites include the cioppino, butternut squash ravioli and Pollo alla Sorella. Another

highlight is the giant wheel of Grana Padana cheese, which is passed around from table to table. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520, sorellacaffe.co

GREENBRAE

FIFI’S DINER American

Enjoy a classic homestyle breakfast at this diner-inspired joint know for its pancakes and low prices. Mickey Mouse pancakes are available for the kids. 284 Bon Air Shopping Ctr, 415.461.3247, fifisdiner.co

JASON’S California

Head to Jason’s for seafood dishes with an Asian and Italian fl air. Try the fi sherman stew or, miso-glazed Chilean sea bass. 300 Drakes Landing Rd, 415.925.0808, jasonsrestaurant.com

KENTFIELD

THE HALF DAY CAFE

American Tucked away in a setting of intertwining ivy and large open windows, this cafe is the perfect breakfast nook and is also open for brunch and lunch. The menu includes coffee drinks, pastries and much more. Enjoy a casual meal inside or on the outdoor patio. 848 College Ave, 415.459.0291, halfdaycafe.com

LARKSPUR

BELCAMPO MEAT

CO. American The goods at this meatery are delivered from the certi fied-organic Belcampo Farms near Mount Shasta, dedicated to practicing a holistic approach to pasture management. Try the classic grilled items, like the roasted

Baked Lasagna

tri-tip sandwich or the sloppy joe. Marin Country Mart, 2405 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.448.5810, belcampomeatco.com

EL HUARACHE LOCO

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

EMPORIO RULLI Italian

Pastry chef Gary Rulli is renowned for his Northern Italian specialties and treats. The Larkspur location (there are three others) is a favored spot for lunch as well as coffee and a sweet treat. 464 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7478, rulli.com

FARMSHOP California

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

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

MARIN BREWING

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

all-American menu.

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

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

RUSTIC BAKERY

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

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

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

TABLE CAFE Indian/ American This Indianinspired cafe’s unique menu features entirely organic ingredients. Dishes include seasonal salads, incredible soups and fresh juices. The specialty of the house is dosa , fi lled with a variety of ingredients and served with savory homemade chutneys. 1167 Magnolia Ave, 415.461.6787, table-cafe.com

MILL VALLEY

BALBOA CAFE MILL California

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

bar is a neighborhood favorite, known for tasty spirits and eye candy. 44 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500, bungalow44.com

CAFE DEL SOUL

Asian Authentic Asian street food is now available for $10 or less. The resers options for every eater—vegans, gluten-frees, vegetarians and carnivores alike. Menu items include chicken pho, vegan summer rolls, pad thai and five-spice pork satay, all made with organic, locally sourced veggies and proteins. 25 Miller Ave, 415.888.8303, eatbookoo.com

BUCKEYE ROADHOUSE

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

BUNGALOW 44

American Much like sister restaurant Buckeye Roadhouse, Bungalow 44 offers a mean dose of homey carbo- and lipid-laden dishes, such as the burger and the fried chicken with tru ffle fries. The

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

DIPSEA CAFE Comfort

This longtime breakfast spot has been serving up tasty pancakes and egg dishes with homemade biscuits since 1986. Try a biscuit with a poached egg and sausage — or just plain butter. Lunch specialties include BLTs, tuna melts and generous Cobb salads; enjoy Greek-inspired dinners in the later hours. 200 Shoreline Hwy, 415.381.0298, dipseacafe.com

EL PASEO American

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

FRANTOIO

RISTORANTE Italian

Known for its in-house olive press, superior olive oil and excellent

Italian cuisine, this spot is a great choice for an intimate dinner, celebration and anything in between. For special occasions and private parties, reserve the olive-press room.

The popular weekday happy hour starts at 4:30 p.m. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.289.5777, frantoio.com

GIRA POLLI Italian Not in the mood to cook?

Pick up a wood-fi red rotisserie chicken or family dinner from this hot spot, or stick around for the specialty pasta and a glass of wine. 590 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.383.6040, gira-polli.com

GRILLY’S RESTAURANT

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

HARMONY Chinese

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

INDIA PALACE Indian

Known as “that great restaurant in the Travelodge,” India Palace is a favorite among the takeout crowd; eating on

site is also a treat. 707 Redwood Hwy, 415.388.3350, india palacemillvalley.com

LA GINESTRA Italian

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

MILL VALLEY BEERWORKS American

Known for handcrafted beers, imported and local microbrews and house-made kombucha and root beer, this popular downtown Mill Valley neighborhood brewery is also a full-blown restaurant. Choose from a large selection of small plates, including king oyster mushrooms, roasted potatoes and grilled squid, and a small list of large portions like con fit rabbit. 173 Throckmorton Ave, 415.888.8218, mill valleybeerworks.com

PIAZZA D’ANGELO

Italian It’s always a party at this longstanding hot spot. A great place to meet up with friends for a fresh plate of pasta, or to make some new friends at the bar. Chef Andrea Guilini, originally from Venice, is known for his creative, seasonal dishes like the stu ffed veal loin with wild mushrooms and house-made mozzarella. 22 Miller Ave, 415.388.2000, piazzadangelo.com

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

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

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

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

Indian dishes served at once. 24 Sunnyside Ave, 415.384.8241, prabh indiankitchen.com

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

SHORELINE COFFEE

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

SOL FOOD Puerto Rican

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

SUPER DUPER BURGER

American “Fast food burgers, slow food values” is this burger joint’s motto. Prepared with 100 percent allnatural beef that’s ground fresh daily, these patties will make your mouth water. 430 Miller Ave, 415.380.8555, superdupersf.com

SWEETWATER MUSIC

HALL CAFE American Located at the entrance of Sweetwater Music Hall, the cafe is a small oasis of calm, dedicated to the

F.L.O.S.S. philosophy: Fresh, Local, Organic, Seasonal and Sustainable. O ffering breakfast, lunch, dinner and weekend brunch, the menu includes brown-butter scrambled eggs on avocado toast, crispy chicken sliders with gingery cabbage slaw and vegan Thai spring rolls with sweet and sour sauce. 19 Corte Madera Ave, 415.388.3850, sweet watermusichall.com

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

THAILAND RESTAURANT Thai

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

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

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

NOVATO

BOCA PIZZERIA Italian

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

FINNEGAN’S MARIN

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

GARDEN BISTRO

Mediterranean Fresh, local ingredients combine in dishes that are a tasty representation of Greek cuisine. The appetizer sampler includes dolmas, falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, pita, tomato tahini and cucumber yogurt mint dipping sauce. 333 Enfrente Rd, 415.883.9277, garden bistronovato.com

DESIGNS

11 B ernard S treet M ill V alley 415.383.0462 www . kathleendughi . coM

GRAZIE CAFE Italian

Locals visit this family-owned-and-run restaurant for delicious paninis, salads and the unbeatable homemade cookies. Soak in the sun on the outdoor

patio or revel in some people-watching inside the always-bustling cafe. 823 Grant Ave, Ste E, 415.879.5181, grazierestaurant.net

HILLTOP 1892 California Situated on a historic estate in Novato with sweeping views, Hilltop 1892 offers classic favorites with a California flair. Open lunch through dinner, as

• LEFT BANK RESTAURANT

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

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

RICKEY’S

RESTAURANT & BAR American Besides a

full-service restaurant and bar (with banquet and meeting rooms), this comfort food bastion offers poolside dining and a garden patio overlooking green lawns. Visit during the

summer from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. for live jazz to accompany your meal. 250 Entrada Dr, 415.883.9477, rickeysrestaurant.com

RUSTIC BAKERY

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

THE SPEAKEASY

American There’s nothing like the comfort of a solid burger and beer when you’re kicking

Unique & Giving Back

Hand crafted with over 100 different finishing / color options. The sustainability of our furniture is our top priority. Our goal is to plant one tree for each piece of furniture that we make. We have planted over 700,000 trees and counting since 2005.

(415) 526-3649 • www.portandmanor.com

Second Street, San Rafael

Salad Nicoise

back and watching the game and the Speakeasy provides you with just that. More so, in addition to the 10 beers offered on top, fares beyond traditional pub grub are offered like a deconstructed salmon salad for those a little less reckless with their calorie consumption.

504 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.7793, thespeakeasynovato.com

TOAST American Toast Novato features outdoor dining and contemporary architechture by Stanley Saitowitz. The spacious restaurant is ideal for large parties and families looking for a large plate of comfort food. 5800

Nave Dr, 415.382.1144, toastnovato.com

SAN ANSELMO

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

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

335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840, comfortscafe.com

FLOUR CRAFT BAKERY

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

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

L’APPART RESTO

French French specialties, local favorites and a $35 - 3 course prix fi xe dinner menu are served-up seven nights a week in an energetic yet sophisticated environment by owners Olivier and Alex. Lunch is available Friday through Sunday withlive music the fi rst and third Thursday of every month. 636 San Anselmo Ave, 415.256.9884, lappartresto.com

LINCOLN PARK WINE BAR American Choose between an intimate setting at the marble bar with vintage stools or a lively atmosphere in the lounge room with built-in banquettes. Adhering to a farm-totable and grape-to-glass philosophy, the Lincoln Park Wine Bar serves

locally sourced and organic food and wine.

198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.453.9898, lincolnparkwine.com

MARINITAS Mexican

The sister restaurant of Insalata’s, Marinitas continues to flourish as a bastion of creative Latin cuisine in Marin. It may not be as lowpriced as most Mexican restaurants in the area, but this is not your typical south-of-the-border spot. The festive atmosphere and funky decor complement the excellent food for a classy, lively experience. This place gets packed, so make reservations.

218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.454.8900, marinitas.net

MH BREAD & BUTTER California This one-stop shop offers everything from coffee and pastries to artisan bread and braised meats. Highquality ingredients and a comfortable atmosphere make MH worth checking out.

101 San Anselmo Ave, 415.755.4575, mhbreadandbutter.com

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

914 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.256.9780, pizzalina.com

Meridian’s Special Edition DSP Digital Active Loudspeakers are known around the world for their exquisite sound, elegant appearance and impressive performance. Experience the best in home entertainment at Audio Video Integration. Visit their showroom in San Rafael or call (415) 526-0070.

VALENTI & CO. Italian

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

SAN RAFAEL

AMICI’S EAST COAST

PIZZERIA California

The wide array of thincrust pizza includes the Siciliano, an enticing mix of mozzarella, slow-roasted garlic, sausage, broccoli and crushed red pepper

fl akes, sans tomato sauce. Gluten free crust is available. 1242 Fourth St, 415.455.9777, amicis.com

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

FENIX California An intimate live-music venue in the heart of downtown San Rafael. Fenix features globally inspired California cuisine with a Southern French twist. Dishes

like fried green tomatoes or 72-hours sous-vide short ribs — accompanied by a glass from the extensive wine list — defi ne the experience. 919 Fourth Street, 415.813.5600, fenixlive.com

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

JOHNNY DOUGHNUTS

Breakfast These fresh doughnuts are handmade in small batches using dairy from local farms to create both the dough and fi llings. Stop by the shop or have

the food truck come to you. 1617 Fourth Street, 415.450.1866, johnnydoughnuts.com

NAPOLI Italian This family-owned-andrun restaurant boasts a special craft beer program: They keep the prices down and the libation s flowing, and about 45 wines and 25 beers (including some from Marin) are on the list at any given time. The pizza and pasta are East Coast Italian, with Marin and Bay Area accents. Gluten-free pizza and pasta available. 869 Fourth St, 415.459.3315, napolirestaurant.biz

PHO VIET Vietnamese

This family-owned restaurant features food from the former chef of Le Cheval in Oakland.

The large menu offers a wide variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes at a ffordable prices. 555 E. Francisco Blvd, 415.455.8063, phovietmarin.com

PIZZA ORGASMICA

American Enjoy indulgent favorites like the Serpent’s Kiss or Inspiration Point pies with a crisp beer, Orgasmica style. Eat in or order a halfbaked pizza to cook and enjoy at home. 812 Fourth St, 415.457.2337, pizzaorgasmica.com

RANGE CAFE American

With floor-to-ceiling windows positioned overlooking the grand Peacock Gap lawns, the Range Cafe is the perfect place to enjoy comforting American classics with an elegant

twist. This inviting lunchtime cafe with its ice-cold lemonade and refreshing chardonnays makes a great dinner spot once the sun sets. 333 Biscayne Dr, 415.454.6450, rangecafe.net

SAN RAFAEL JOE’S

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

SOL FOOD Puerto Rican Fast becoming a Marin

legend, Sol Food whips up traditional Puerto Rican dishes just like the ones owner Sol Hernandez grew up eating. Favorites include the bistec sandwich, mofongo and fried plantains, but anything tastes good with a dash

of the eatery’s signature hot sauce, which is for sale by the bottle (as is the lemon-garlic salad dressing). 901 Lincoln Ave, 415.451.4765, solfoodrestaurant.com

TAJ OF MARIN Indian Delicious North and

• TOWN HALL American

The exposed brick and warm, unconventional lighting turn Town Hall’s large space into an intimate yet elegant environment with a more-than-adequate wine list and savory American classics. 342 Howard St, 415.908.3900, townhallsf.com

South Indian cuisine, from the $8.95 lunch special to dinners that include goat curry, spinach, lentils and tandoori. Gluten-free, vegan and vegetarian options available. 909 Fourth St, 415.459.9555, tajofmarin.com

TERRAPIN CROSSROADS

American This waterfront restaurant and music venue — opened by local musician Phil Lesh — houses fresh food and local talent. The menu includes salads, savory dishes

and wood-fi red pizzas to go with a wide selection of beers, wines and cocktails. Come for the food, stay for the music.

100 Yacht Club Dr, 415.524.2773, terrapin crossroads.net

THERESA & JOHNNY’S COMFORT FOOD

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

SAUSALITO

ANGELINO RESTAURANT Italian Father-and-son chefs Pasquale and

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

AURORA RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA Italian Novato’s Auror a fi nally has a counterpart in southern Marin. Aurora offers traditional Italian food, a full bar and friendly service, making it a great option for families, groups, dates and sports enthusiasts, who can keep up to date on the game via large fl at-screen TV. 300 Valley St, 415.339.8930, aurora-sausalito.com

Shrimp Gumbo

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

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

BARREL HOUSE TAVERN California

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

DAVEY JONES DELI

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

FAST FOOD FRANCAIS

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

FENG NIAN Chinese

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

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

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

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

LE GARAGE French

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

LIGHTHOUSE American

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

MURRAY CIRCLE

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

NAPA VALLEY BURGER COMPANY American Incorporating local, all-natural and organic produce and meats, this burger joint serves up classic and inventive gourmet patties (gluten-free buns available), fries, root beer floats and more. With outdoor and indoor tables, the space can accommodate up to 100 people. 670 Bridgeway, 415.332.1454, napavalleyburger company.com

OSTERIA DIVINO

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

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

SALITO’S Seafood

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

SAYLOR’S RESTAURANT AND BAR Mexican Marin’s fi rst tequila bar offers more than 100 varieties. Enjoy the festive atmosphere with a margarita, grilled snapper tacos or an avocado stu ffed with Dungeness crab salad. Happy hour M-F from 4 to 7 p.m. 2009 Bridgeway, 415.332.1512, saylorsrestaurant andbar.com

SEAFOOD PEDDLER

Seafood A great place to seek out fresh seafood in a warm and inviting environment. East

once around

an arts & crafts store

www.oncearound.com

and West Coast fi sh are flown in daily, and the recipes are adjusted to accommodate the freshest options. 303 Johnson St, 415.332.1492, seafoodpeddler.com

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

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

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

TOMMY’S WOK Chinese Scrupulously fresh ingredients,

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

THE TRIDENT Seafood Set in a turn-of-thecentury building constructed for the San Francisco Yacht Club, this waterfront restaurant is a shoe-in for date night. The restaurant features chef Seiji Wakabayashi — known for supporting local farmers, fi shermen and organic food producers — prepares dishes like Trident Cioppino. 558 Bridgeway, 415.331.3232, thetridentsausalito.com

TIBURON

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

DON ANTONIO TRATTORIA Italian

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

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

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

NEW MORNING CAFE

American Sit outside or indoors at this casual cafe. On a sunny morning, tables will be fi lled with locals enjoying the sun and extensive breakfast menu; lunch served as well. 1696 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.4315

SALT & PEPPER

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

SAM’S ANCHOR CAFE

American Everyone knows Sam’s deck is the prime spot for brunch on a lazy sunny Sunday, and its bar is the town’s historic watering hole, but Sam’s is also a great place for lunch or dinner. Enjoy transfat-free calamari, fresh

fi sh, seasonal salads and pastas. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, samscafe.com

SERVINO RISTORANTE

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

TIBURON TAVERN

California The atmosphere here is truly enchanting, with two outdoor patios, two indoor fi replaces and candlelit tables at dinner. Happy hour is 4 to 6:30 p.m. everyday. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, tiburontavern.com

WEST MARIN

THE LUNCH BOX

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

NICK’S COVE American

Large windows provide picturesque views of Tomales Bay and Hog Island. The 130seat eatery’s menu

consists of fresh local seafood, oysters and bounty from nearby West Marin farms (Marshall). 23240 Hwy 1, 415.663.1033, nickscove.com

OSTERIA STELLINA

California Whether it’s to cap off a ay of hiking or celebrate a romantic anniversary, Osteria Stellina suits any occasion. The menu is Italian-inspired and

features local, organic ingredients. If you’re looking for something unusual try the goat shoulder, a favorite (Point Reyes). 11285 Hwy 1, 415.663.9988, osteriastellina.com

PAPER

Medallions dish, Rancho Nicasio is open seven days a week. Be sure to stop by for happy hour, 4 to 6 p.m. M–F. 1 Old Rancheria (Nicasio) Rd, 415.662.2219, ranchonicasio.com

SAND DOLLAR

SAN FRANCISCO

RANCHO NICASIO

American Known for live music and an extensive menu featuring everything from Dungeness crab cakes to the Garlic and Rosemary Lamb

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

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

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

St, 415.685.4860, benusf.com

BUN MEE Vietnamese

The Southern comfort

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

CAPO’S CHICAGO

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

CLIFF HOUSE California

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

ESPETUS CHURRASCARIA

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

St, 415.552.8792, espetus.com

FRANCES California

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

HAKKASAN Chinese

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

KIN KHAO Thai Fullfl avored Thai: From spicy curries to crab sen chan (a fresh seafood pad thai) to off-the-wall cocktails designed by Bon Vivants, this new San Francisco eatery is sure to impress. 55 Cyril Magnin St, 415.362.7456, kinkhao.com

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

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

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

PERRY’S American Known for its classic American food, Perry’s signature dishes include traditional cobb salad, tomato bisque, a selection of prime steaks, and of course, the renowned hamburger. It also serves a weekend brunch on both Saturday and Sunday, with offerings such as eggs benedict, corned beef hash, french toast and a variety of classic egg dishes. 1944 Union Street, 415.922.9022 perryssf.com

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

Chicken Fried Quail

SERVES 1

Ingredients

1 semi-boneless quail

½ cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

3 teaspoons kosher salt

1 teaspoon smoked paprika ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper Oil, for pan frying

3 ounces ranch or blue cheese dressing

To Prepare

1 Begin by cutting up the quail. First remove the tips of the wings; then cut off both legs and breasts . Remove the thighbone. Place the quail breasts and legs in a bowl and pour in buttermilk. Allow quail to marinate in buttermilk overnight in the refrigerator. 2 When you are ready to fry, heat your frying oil to 350°F. 3 Mix flour, salt, smoked paprika and cayenne in a bowl. 4 Remove quail from the buttermilk and drain off the excess, leaving just enough to coat the pieces. Place quail in seasoned flour mixture one piece at a time.

5 Carefully place coated pieces in fry oil in a pan. Once all quail has been added, gently stir once to make sure the quail is all separated. 6 Fry for 5–7 minutes.

7 Carefully remove quail from the fryer oil and place on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil. 8 Season with a pinch of kosher salt. 9 Plate your quail to your liking and serve with your favorite ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Comfort Food Reimagined

NESTLED WITHIN THE Lodge at Tiburon, Tiburon Tavern has undergone several iterations over the years, but the menu has consistently centered on “elevated comfort cuisine.” And though it was always a popular dinner destination, chef Tim Humphrey’s arrival in summer 2014 brought new appeal to the restaurant’s farm-to-fork approach. Raised in a farm family in rural northern Florida, Humphrey moved to California at 25 to continue his kitchen education. Over the next decade the chef — who began his food industry work with a summer stint in a Florida dish pit — earned Michelin stars at acclaimed restaurants Meadowood and Murray Circle, and alongside his older brother Joseph (also a chef), Humphrey cooked at the James Beard House, even traveling as a U.S. representative to prepare meals for the president of Taiwan. In 2012, the Humphrey brothers opened Dixie, a San Francisco eatery featuring Southern-style cuisine, and now Humphrey-the-younger brings his breadth of experience and love of comfort food and fresh ingredients back to our side of the bridge. “I really love cooking in Marin because, in addition to all of the great products that our phenomenal farmers provide, the county is just an epicenter for delicious food and talented artists,” he says. “Guests at Tiburon Tavern are so connected with the community — it’s a great place to be a chef.” Here Humphrey shares a chicken-fried quail recipe representative of the restaurant’s upscale comfort theme. lodgeattiburon.com CALIN VAN PARIS

Chef Tim Humphrey brings farm flair to Tiburon Tavern’s thematic menu.

123 Bolinas, Artisan Wine, Beer and Food, located in Fairfax and offering farm-to-table dishes of the freshest seasonal, organic and locally farmed products. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for specials. Photo credit Stacy Ventura.

123 Bolinas Artisan Wine and Food

123 Bolinas Rd. 415.488.5123 Fairfax, CA 123bolinas.com

Grilly’s serves up fresh, healthy and fast Mexican food to Marin. Everything is made from scratch daily-from the marinated and grilled meats, the fire roasted salsas, our world famous chicken taco salad to the housemade agua frescas. A great line up of vegan and gluten free items.

L’Appart Resto serves a French-inspired seasonal menu. We also offer a $35 prix fixe option daily and live music on the patio every Thursday. L’Appart is available for private events. Open for lunch Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and dinner 7 nights a week.

L’Appart Resto

636 San Anselmo Ave 415.256.9884 San Anselmo, CA lappartresto.com

Visit the Seafood Peddler for the freshest seafood Marin has to offer, shipped in daily from the east coast to West! Enjoy the view indoors or enjoy our beautiful flower lined patio. Come enjoy our daily Happy Hour (including weekends) from 4:00 to 7:00PM.

Seafood Peddler 303 Johnson Street 415.332.1492 Sausalito, CA seafoodpeddler.com

Grilly’s Mill Valley

Grilly’s Fairfax 493 Miller Ave One Bolinas Ave 415.381.3278 415.457.6171

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

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

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

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

What is Marin At Home?

Marin Magazine will be expanding it’s home-centric offerings by ceating a new annual publication that will fuel the creative juices for homeowners in Marin County and San Francisco with stunning architectural and interior design feature stories and content on the latest in home and garden trends and products. At the same time it will offer By Area businesses an opportunity to market their brands, products and services to the very targeted and affluen Marin Magazine audience that exceeds 100,000 monthly readers.

LOSE A POUND PER DAY

Put food scraps in your green cart & reduce waste going to the landfill.

For more information visit ZeroWasteMarin.org

Sales and Rentals

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

sfmoma.org/visit/artists_gallery Email for an appointment: artistsgallery@sfmoma.org

Gallery Hours Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Daniel Phill

Oriel, acrylic and mixed media, 2015; photo: courtesy the artist

BY LAURA HILGERS • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

MIX ONE TIRED mid-century home and one creative, beach-loving woman, and what do you get? An inspirational beach house that has everything except the beach.

When Kimberly Hagin went shopping for a house, the ocean was not the fi rst thing on her mind. As the regional manager for the highend Fleetwood Windows — and a longtime renter — she wanted to buy a fi xer in which she could showcase her company’s windows.

“The number one thing for me was the view,” she says. “I really wante d a fi xer so I could manipulate the environment and install big glass doors.”

Hagin and her realtor, Patricia Navone, searched about five months before fi nding a home in the Corte Madera hills. The house was dark and had a strange layout, but Hagin immediately envisioned how it might look if she replaced the front wall with windows and doors, opening up the view. She also fell in love

with its whitewashed vaulted ceilings, which “added character and warmth.”

As soon as Hagin moved in, her small remodel turned into a major project. She knocked out the front wall and decided to break down the wall between the living room and the porch to make the space larger and add windows as well. Each of these projects required having several very long steel supporting beams lifted by crane into the house. Hagin reconfigured the bedroom/bathroom layouts on both floors. And she switched the awkward lower-level entrance (which led straight to bedrooms) to a sleek, upper-level glass door. When you walk into the home now, you’re swallowed up by views.

Hagin did all this with a modern, beachinspired style that even the most seasoned interior designer would envy. The color scheme is gray, white and blue, reminiscent of the ocean. The shower in the master bath is lined with tiles of a “beach glass” hue. Even the artwork evokes water: above the Cost Plus dining room table hangs an old sail, creatively

draped between antique fence boards. On a nearby wall, Hagin placed a black sea fan dramatically alone in a frame. “Kimberly is really creative,” says Navone, “and she’s also resourceful i n fi nding materials.”

She’s dedicated, too. Two weeks after closing, she moved in and pitched a tent in the living room, camping indoors through a chilly winter as the home was renovated. It was worth it. “I used to live in Newport Beach and when I bought this place, I thought, ‘I could make this feel like I’m living at the beach again,’ ” she says. “Now, I’ve got a beach house. Just no water.” m

THE DETAILS

WHERE SHE PURCHASED The Chapman Park neighborhood of Corte Madera

WHAT SHE BOUGHT A four-bedroom mid-century home

LISTING AGENT Chris DeNike, Zephyr Real Estate

SELLING AGENT Patricia Navone, Paci fic Union and Christie’s International Real Estate

STATS Price per square foot for homes in the neighborhood: $835

Opposite page: The glass-walled living room; a whimsical pillow. This page, clockwise from top left: The kitchen, with West Elm pendant lamps; Hagin; the master bath; the dining area; the master bedroom; the “beach glass”–tiled master shower.

BY PJ BREMIER

NIGHTSTANDS, CRAFTED FROM natural woods or veneers, fashioned into pleasing styles and out fitted with a shelf or drawer or both, give us more than a place to organize our alarm clocks, reading lamps, cellphones, and books and magazines. They give us one last glimpse of nature before we close our eyes to dream.

1 Maison Nightstand in antiqued gray, Restoration Hardware (Corte Madera), $675, 415.924.8919, restorationhardware.com 2 Declan Bedside Table, Pottery Barn (Corte Madera), $349, 415.924.1392, potterybarn.com 3 Knight Stand in American oak and cowhide by eSSa Studios (Novato), $1,400 each, 415.302.7667, essastudios.com

4 Mid-century Nightstand in acorn, West Elm (Mill Valley), $299, 415.388.2950, westelm.com 5 Parisi Nightstand in birdseye maple with a bronze pull by Miesner Design (San Rafael), $1,500, 415.871.3808, miesner.com

We can’t always fall asleep in nature, but at least we can fall asleep next to it.

Old Tiburon

Marin’s diverse geography includes everything from urban area to seashore, freeways to mountains. Many of the towns, cities and unincorporated areas are so different from one another, they even have their own weather patterns. This month we look at Old Tiburon, also known as Lyford Cove. DEBRA TARRANT

WHERE THEY LIVE

POPULATION 400–450 residential homes

WALKABILITY SCORE This location has an average Walk Score of 41 out of 100 — errands require a car.

HIGHEST-PRICE HOME SALE WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS $3,800,000

LOWEST-PRICE HOME SALE WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS $1,226,000

SCHOOL DISTRICT Reed Union School District includes Reed Elementary (K–2), Bel Aire Elementary (3–5) and Del Mar Middle School (6–8). In addition, Saint Hilary School, a private Catholic school for grades K–8, is located in Tiburon. High school students attend Redwood High School.

NEAREST SHOPPING CENTER

Downtown Tiburon. Restaurants are known for five-star views, and shoppers can visit Historic Ark Row with 18 one-of-a-kind shops and galleries.

After the views and proximity to downtown, we love our neighbors who willingly share the tricky parking on our cow paths that pass for streets.

Fran Wilson, resident

We are in a perfect microclimate, which is subtropical, and many varieties of subtropical plants grow here, including angel’s trumpet.

Courtney and Sandy Anderson, residents

We love the ever-changing views of the bay in our cove, which is largely protected from wind and fog.

Preston Petty, owner of Blinds & Designs

RESIDENTS SAY ...

Bordering the bike path, this is one of Lower Palm Hill’s most desirable homes in the perfect location. A spacious, high-ceilinged craftsman with a traditional front porch, this 4+ bedroom, 3 bath home will steal your heart. The beautifully landscaped yard includes flat lawn, patios, mature trees, gardens and a view of Mt. Tamalpais. For more information, contact Julie Leitzell.

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• Proven

• Proactive

WE’RE LOCAL, WE’RE GLOBAL

From Beijing to The Bay

Alain Pinel Realtors introduces Homelink, Beijing’s #1 real estate company with offices throughout China, bringing more qualified buers to US markets. Alain Pinel Realtors has your connection — linking our sellers to strategic buyers from around the globe.

To learn more about Alain Pinel Realtors’ global initiatives go to global.apr.com.

THE BUCKNER RANCH

158 Acres of Paradise, Boonville

The Buckner Ranch is a perfect blend of beautiful redwoods and rich farmlands featuring a lovely modern home, a beautiful contemporary guest home, a working Barn with upstairs living space, catering quarters & a wine cellar, a wonderful outdoor entertainment area centered by a salt-system pool, 6 acres of world class Anderson Valley Pinot Noir grapes, 4 acres of olives, more than 30 different fruit trees, & many acres of redwood timber. The crops on the ranch are farmed organically. The ranch is two legal parcels one 38+- acres and one 120+- acres.

Located on the westerly ridge of bucolic Anderson Valley the ranch features end of road privacy, plentiful water, rolling meadows, mixed forests, panoramic views, and a peaceful restful location, away from the everyday stresses of a busy life. This combination of a wonderful natural setting and superb improvements is a rare find on the orth Coast. It is located minutes from the Boonville airport and an easy drive to the Mendocino coastline. Offered at a reduced price of $3,245,000.

Also being offered is the 38 Acre parcel without the Guest Home, but including the other improvements at the price of $2,495,000.

Tim Mathias • tim@rancheriarealty.com • (707) 895-3333 www.rancheriarealty.com

PACIFIC HEIGHTS STYLE RESIDENCE IN SAUSALITO

Relax and enjoy the San Francisco skyline from this 4BR/6BA masterpiece just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. Designed by prominent San Francisco architects, Porter & Steinwedell. This elegant property sits on two hill side parcels providing unobstructed, breathtaking vistas from almost every room. The gardens were custom designed by the renowned landscape architect Fred Warnecke. Luxurious master suite features his and her master-baths & three walk-in closets. 2700 bottle wine cellar, gym, secluded patio, terrace, 4 car garage+ detached house with kitchen & half bath. www.54LowerCrescent.com offered at $4,999,999

JULIA BERNARDINI (415) 225-0468

PRESTIGIOUS CUSTOM TIBURON HOME

Contemporary south facing custom home in the highly sought-after town of Tiburon with breathtaking panoramic views of San Francisco, Sausalito, Belvedere Island and the serene Ring Mountain. This stunning home is sited on a private and quiet corner lot. Features high-end materials and designer fixtures with an open, flowing floor plan, high ceilings and flooded with natural light through out. This home features: 4BR/5BA and a 3 car garage. Recently chosen and filmed for the International House Hunters- HGTV program. Visit www.2Mariposa.com offered at $4,300,000

LADAN MAZHARI (415) 816-1524

RARE NEW CONSTRUCTION IN MILL VALLEY

This one of a kind enchanting home will take your breath away from the moment you enter the door. High ceilings, abundant light, an open flowing floorplan, and pretty views are everywhere you turn. The home captures a unique sense of old world charm and character coupled with today’s modern technology and amenities. Featuring: four bedrooms, three and one-half bathrooms, gourmet kitchen and elegant details throughout. The house has a large, flat back yard which is currently a blank slate for the buyer to complete to their taste. Mill Valley Schools and convenient to MV shopping & 101. offered at $2,799,000

ROSE CAPURRO (415) 690-6762

MILL VALLEY SPLENDOR

Stunning panoramic views of Mt.Tam in this elegant remodel! Exquisite attention to details and quality finishes throughout this spacious, light-filled home. Gourmet Chef’s Kitchen, Full bar, designer high-end finishes, marble counter tops, 2 master suites, legal in-law unit with separate entrance, massive deck. Close to the heart of Historic Mill Valley, parks, hiking trails and award-winning schools. Super Easy Commute! offered at $2,459,000

PAT SKIPPER (415) 823-3099

SPECTACULAR BAY & SAN FRANCISCO VIEWS FROM SAUSALITO

Experience the views of San Francisco, Alcatraz and the Bay Bridge, all from this recently remodeled three bedroom, three bathroom, multi-level home. Grand staircase leads to the top floor with private master suite and bath with stone surfaces. Sliding doors lead to to an upper deck with city/bay views. Main living area has kitchen, living room and dining area. Bright lower level with bedroom, bath and media room. French doors lead to private yard. Don’t miss this opportunity to live in Marin County’s most coveted enclave. offered at $2,295,000 GEORGE DE SALVO (415) 722-7851

Live on an island 5 miles north of the Golden Gate in this elegant, luxurious townhouse on De Silva Island. Views of the bay, nature trails, pool and club house. Award winning design for this over 2400 square foot home. This home is perfect for entertaining with chef’s kitchen, custom built bar and open concept living space. offered at $1,775,000 CJ SPIELMAN (415) 378-7955

JUST WHERE YOU WANT TO BE ... IN WOODACRE

Craftsman home built in the 1920s, beautifully sited on a .7 acre, sun drenched lot in the flats and close to Woodacre Improvement Club. Kitchen and family room were recently remodeled in the spirit of the original architecture. Living room has fireplace and hardwood floors. Four bedrooms and two baths. Beautifully landscaped grounds are fenced and include fruit trees, roses, lavender and a yoga platform. Two-car detached garage. Close to San Geronimo Valley Golf Course and some of Marin’s most beautiful trails for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding offered at $1,075,000

TOM KORZELIUS (415) 250-7600

PRESTIGIOUS DE SILVA ISLAND ~ MILL VALLEY

proficient strategic collaborative

“Why didn’t I do this sooner? I am having so much fun using my professional background to help clients navigate the competitive Marin real estate market. I am utilizing my experience in the financial markets, in-depth knowledge of Marin’s outstanding public school districts, and my own involvement as a real estate investor. The final outcome has been getting the deal done for my clients - How fun is that? “

Allison Salzer direct 415.297.2110 allison@vanguardmarin.com BRE# 01978463

“I’ve enjoyed working with many passionate and exceptionally capable people throughout my career in the insurance and financial industries.

Joining The Bowman Group at Vanguard Properties allows me to enjoy that daily. As a Marin native, I know the expectations and challenges experienced by our unique clientele. I listen closely, anticipate hurdles, manage risks and help devise strategies for success… that’s my passion. “

Kevin B. Brown direct 707.495.5046 kevinbrown@vanguardmarin.com BRE# 01979009

“Marin offers so many opportunities, and I love sharing that with my clients as they explore their options. I enjoy guiding them — especially first-time homebuyers — through each step of a sometimes confusing and emotional process.I was drawn to Vanguard by its rapid growth, innovative marketing strategies, and collaborative culture. I’m thrilled to be part of a dynamic team! “

Chelsea Lindman direct 415.758.6826

chelsealindman@vanguardproperties.com BRE# 01977831

19 Belvedere Avenue | A rare opportunity to own this Belvedere

home with

Masterfully designed in 1956 by Henrik Bull, this bi-level Mid Century Modern is located in the

This residence presents understated from the street, and inspires from the front door, opening to iconic, unobstructed views spanning from Fort Mason to the Golden Gate Bridge and across the bay to Sausalito and Mount Tamalpais. Henrik Bull incorporates wood, cement and glass seamlessly to blend with the surrounding nature. This very private Belvedere residence has beautiful exposed beams and walls of floor to ceiling windows throughout, bringing the outdoors inside with a magical play of light and shadows. Key upgrades include Fleetwood custom doors, dual glazed windows, stainless appliances, new siding, expansive Ipe’ decks on all levels, including a private oasis deck off the master suite complete with commanding views and a calming koi pond. The foundation has been expertly retrofitted to current standards and boasts large storage areas throughout. The sloped grounds are dotted with pavers with a level area, perfect for taking in the view and entertaining friends. 19Belvedere.com | Offered at $3,995,000

Island

unparalleled views spanning across the San Francisco Bay.

coveted Belvedere Island neighborhood in Marin.

Panoramic Bay and Lagoon views abound in this updated contemporary home sited on a generous parcel. Key features include 4 BR’s and 2 ½ BA’s with numerous enhancements, including a generous master suite, an updated chef’s kitchen with new quartz countertops plus a casual dining area and breakfast bar, updated bathrooms, all new interior paint and refinishe hardwood floors.Enjoy the best of outdoor living with an expansive patio and pool deck, an outdoor kitchen and fieplace, pool, hot tub and a beautifully landscaped large level yard.

Convenient location offers close proximity to town and the Ferry. Offered at $3,595,000 43MeadowHillDrive.com

Jim

415.254.0253 JimFraser@MarinIsMyHome.com MarinIsMyHome.com License# 01383288

Coming Soon in Muir Beach

This large, remodeled “cottage” on the Southern Marin coast is due on the market towards the end of August 2015. You’ll fin bedrooms on each of the three levels, formal plus informal entertaining and play spaces, an ocean and San Francisco view deck, off-treet parking for many cars and actual “park-like” grounds. The house is over 2,500 sq ft and the lot is approximately 24,000 sq ft. Shopping and schools are in Mill Valley (six miles away). This small “town” has dark skies for star gazing (no street lights), no stop lights, lots of trails and nature, two beaches, a Volunteer Fire Department, a Community Center and one pub! 11 miles to San Francisco Civic Center!

Offered at $2,100,000

For area information, please visit muirbeach.com

Debra Allen Realtor

415.279.3751 dallen@pacunion.com deballen.com License #01002768

Realtors for The Redwoods Supporting Senior Housing in Marin

A heartfelt thank you to all who donated!

Thank you all who donated during our second round of fundraising! We are close to our $50,000 goal! For those of you who are not Realtors, but would like to support Realtors for The Redwoods, contact The Redwoods development office at 415.383.2741.

Attention Realtors: To be included in our Realtor Appreciation Party at Mill Valley Lumber Company (Thank you Matt & Jan) and win a week on Maui and/or tickets to the Huey Lewis Concert, a benefit for The Redwoods, you have till September 15th to donate $100 or more to be eligible to win prizes.

Karen Fairty Pacific Union

Mary & Diane Team

Margritha Fliegauf Alain Pinel Realtors

Susan Hewitt Group Decker Bullock

Matt Hughes

Jason Holmes Holmes Burrell Real Estate

Ann Murphy McGuire Real Estate

Mary Van Dyke McGuire Real Estate

Gary Newman

Stacie Erickson RE/MAX Pros

Jay Patterson Coldwell Banker

Deborah Fletcher Decker Bullock

Narodny Team Decker Bullock

Kristine Tiret Alain Pinel Realtors

Iga Schaffer

Decker Bullock

Lynn Lubbock Decker Bullock

Elizabeth Kilgore Coldwell Banker

Fay Torson Coldwell Banker

Jurg Spoerry Bradley Real Estate

David Ogden Sotheby’s International Bill Smith Pacific Union

Bill & Sharon McKeon

Alain Pinel Realtors

Jennifer Boesel Coldwell Banker

Tammy Wilks Kornfeld

Decker Bullock

Jaime Pera Terra Firma Global Partners

Joanne Madden Pacific Union

Jimmy Wanninger Pacific Union

Michele Barton Bradley Real Estate

Nana Meyer Pacific Union

Julie Lietzell

Alain Pinel Realtors

Linda Esposito

Alain Pinel Realtors

Dennis Naranche Alain Pinel Realtors

Carol Scott Bradley Real Estate

Sean Scullion Bradley Real Estate

Jeanne Thorsson Bradley Real Estate

Wes Mayne

Coldwell Banker

Candace & Keith Nordstrom

Coldwell Banker

Benoit Associates Coldwell Banker

Margaret Monaco Decker Bullock

Colleen Madden

Decker Bullock

B.G. Bates Decker Bullock

Other donors: SHM Corporation, Patti Cohn (Pacific Union), Kiki Judd (Coldwell Banker), Rita Gatlin (Paragon Real Estate Group), Beat Bossart (Madeline Schaider Real Estate), Candice Grippi (Coldwell Banker), Joan Getz (Bradley Real Estate), and Bobbi Glaser (Coldwell Banker).

A

Celebrating 50

THE ROSS VALLEY Women’s League has woven its way through many names and experiences to get where it is today: a women’s organization that, according to its mission statement, is “dedicated to effective leadership, positive social interaction and the fi nancial support of Adopt A Family of Marin.” Here’s the story: “It started in 1965,” says RVWL spokesperson Cathy Pickering. “That’s when they named themselves the ‘Jack and Jill’ branch of the Marin General Hospital volunteers, focusing fundraising efforts on the hospital’s pediatric programs.” According to Pickering, the ladies conveniently met once a month at 1 p.m., while their children were

BY JIM WOOD

napping. In 1967, the group held a dinner dance for 300 in the showroom of Campbell-Bishop Chevrolet in Corte Madera. “Couples danced amid the new Chevrolets,” says Pickering, “and supposedly the crowd of 300 over flowed into the service bays.” The group would go on to support MGH’s Adolescent Recovery Center in 1968 and by the 1990s had morphed into KIDS W*A*Y (Women’s Association for Youth) and shifted support to the Cancer Care Center after the recovery center closed. By 1997, three years after officially becoming the Ross Valley Women’s League, it had selected the worthy Adopt A Family of Marin as sole focus for fi nancial support, and this year it celebrates 50 years. m

Since 1965, the Ross Valley Women’s League has traveled a colorful path.

The ladies conveniently met once a month at 1 p.m., while their children were napping.

EXPERIENCE RENEWAL

Your senses come alive at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa. Where sweeping oceanfront vistas and verdant mountains offer an inspiring setting for your personal oasis. Situated on the famed Kā‘anapali Beach, the resort is just a walk away from beach activities, world-class shopping, and championship golf. A complimentary shuttle service to Lahaina town also provides a convenient way to enjoy Maui’s endless attractions.

OCEAN PROMOTION

Save up to 30% off on Ocean View rooms and receive daily breakfast for two.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO MAKE A RESERVATION, VISIT WESTINMAUI.COM OR CALL 1.866.716.8112 AND MENTION OCEAN PROMOTION.

OSKA

153 Throckmorton Mill Valley 415 381 1144 millvalley.oska.com

OSKA

310 Center Street Healdsburg 707 431 7717 healdsburg.oska.com

Beverly Hills / Chicago / Edina / Healdsburg / Mill Valley / New York / Pasadena / Seattle / Calgary / Vancouver / Shanghai / Sydney London Paris / Munich