Marin Magazine October 2014

CORTE MADERA

Town Center

Marin Community Foundation marincf.org

PAUL JENKINS

American Master, 1923-2012

ABOUT THE COVER The oil painting Three Pond Valley is by California native Matt Rogers who is represented by Caldwell Snyder Gallery in St. Helena. For more information go to caldwellsnyder.com or call 707.200.5050.

TIM PORTER (TOP LEFT AND RIGHT); O’HANLON CENTER FOR THE ARTS (MIDDLE)

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

On Father’s Day of 2012 , Doug McConnell woke up feeling strange. But his dogs were eager to get out, and they all set out for a walk on Corte Madera Ridge. Unfortunately, Doug’s symptoms turned out to be something even fresh air couldn’t cure: a stroke. His wife rushed him to Marin General Hospital – a Certified Stroke Center that delivers advanced, lifesaving care. Doug was diagnosed with a small clot in his brain, and a tiny hole, associated with stroke risk, in his heart. Today, with the help of the experts at Marin General Hospital, Doug and his dogs are back on the trails once more. As the avid outdoorsman puts it, “I went back to the lookout and shouted for joy.”

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

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From left: Mimi Towle, Nikki Wood, Dan Jewett

WITH FALL WELL under way, we kick off eatures with another story by food writer and photographer Lynda Balslev. If you’ve fallen in love with her work and recipes as we have, you won’t want to miss the selection of fall party appetizers Balslev has created — and the step-by-step instructions that will help you make the treats yourself.

We continue with a look at medical marijuana in Marin. Writer Nate Seltenrich asks why the medicine is so hard to locate in one of the Bay Area’s most liberal counties and finds out what the future holds. Next, we lighten things up a bit and take a look at second homes. Writer Ann Wycoff eets some Northern California residents who have carved out their own alternate version of paradise.

Finally, if you have plans to attend fi lms and events at the 37th Mill Valley Film Festival October 2–12 or just want to learn more about Marin’s silver-screen history, you’ll want to check out ou r fi rst-ever festival guide. You’l l fi nd it inserted in the middle of the magazine — pull it out and take it with you — and it will be available at the festival.

Up front we’ve got a look at healthy Halloween treats and a peek at a new book by rock photographer Bob Minkin. We also invite you to meet fi lmmaker John Korty (yes, the father of the younger John Korty we introduced you to in July), the founders of Della Terra Oils and newly elected supervisor Damon Connolly.

In Destinations, it’s all about food and wine — a theme hinted at on our cover by Caldwell Snyder’s own Matt Rogers. We invite you to check out the abundance of new and exciting eats, drinks and experiences in wine country (yes, post-quake Napa is back up and running), introduce you to some new wines to look out for and invite you along to experience the food revolution in Baja.

So enjoy the issue, maybe in your favorite reading chair as the weather begins to call for more indoor activities. And if you are at the fi lm festival, say hi; we’ll be out and about at the numerous events and screenings.

Marin Magazine Staff Editors

If you’ve fallen in love with her work and recipes as we have, you won’t want to miss the selection of fall party appetizers Balslev has created.

Affrdable Housing

are considered low income,” Thomas says.

In Marin, the issue is talked about and fought over, but what is it?

BY JIM WOOD

MENTION AFFORDABLE HOUSING in Marin and you’ll hear a variety of opinions. It’s for low-income workers and infirm elders and (heard most often) it’s subsidized housing. All these things are often true, but affordable housing is much more.

According to Leelee Thomas, principal planner for the county, there are “over 6,600 units of a ffordable housing in Marin.” And, truth be told, they’re hard to spot. Some of the more visible are The Fireside Apartments, 50 family and senior dwellings on Shoreline Highway in unincorporated Mill Valley. If you want to know what Fireside units look like, visit the website — they’re stunning. Equally impressive are a ffordable projects in Tiburon, Kent field, San Rafael and San Anselmo.

In Corte Madera, units in a project called San Clemente Place rent for $400 to $1,895 a month, and tucked into the hillside behind the Marin Country Mart in Larkspur Landing is Drake’s Way, with 24 homes, many leased to seniors who’ve lived in Marin for years.

“The people who live in affordable housing are people we need in our community,” says Colin Russell, the project’s architect. “Not just police and firefighters, but teachers, grandparents, caregivers and retail personnel — who are now driving in from Vallejo, Pinole and San Ramon.”

And what does “a ffordable housing” mean? “It means people are living in a home they can a fford,” answers Thomas. “A family earning less than $78,000 a year, or about 80 percent of Marin’s median income, would pay $1,950 a month for an apartment, which equates to an a ffordable 30 percent of their annual income.”

Marin’s median income for a family of four, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, is $97,100 a year. To be considered low income in Marin, a family of four can’t be earning more than about $78,000 a year. “Because incomes are so high in Marin, many seniors and working families

And what makes a ffordable housing work? The magic word is subsidies. Various entities — federal, state and county governments, corporations seeking tax credits, and community foundations and nonprofits — help subsidize a ffordable housing. “The Marin Community Foundation has put money into every a ffordable project that’s been built in this county,” Thomas says.

After receiving such subsidies, developers like EAH Housing, Bridge, Eden Housing, Sausalito Rotary and Novato Rotary can build apartments and rent them for lower than market rates.

According to Russell, a member of the advocacy group Marin Environmental Housing Collaborative, most a ffordable housing in Marin is rental property, although a few places offer ownership opportunities. Of 85 new homes in Larkspur’s Rose Lane development, six were sold “at below market cost through the Marin Housing Authority’s First Time Homebuyers Program,” states the developer’s website. According to sales personnel, they sold out before construction began.

For buying a ffordable housing, a basic formula applies: The price is set so that someone earning, say, 60 percent of Marin’s median annual income buys the home for below market price. “However,” adds Russell, “once a home is sold as a ffordable, it must remain a ffordable — an owner can not resell it at market rate.”

On September 23, ground was broken on 10 two-story detached three-bedroom, twobath family homes. This a ffordable project, Mt. Burdell Place, is being developed by Habitat for Humanity of Greater San Francisco and is within walking distance of downtown Novato. “Prices will be a ffordable to lower-income working families,” says planner Thomas; “that way, people will be living in a home they can a fford.”

The developments mentioned above are fully occupied, with a long list of potential renters and buyers waiting for openings. To maintain diversity, help reduce commuter tra ffic and create a more engaged community, Marin County would do well to build more — much more — a ffordable housing. That’s my point of view. What’s yours?

Email pov@marinmagazine.com.

The people who live in affordable housing are people we need in our community.

PHOTO: KEN VIALE

POVYour Letters

Taking Shots

You present a misleading, unbalanced story (“Calling the Shots,” September 2014) that supports Marin parents who choose not to vaccinate their children. While I support individual choice in most cases, I wonder if these parents take into account how their decision may negatively impact other children and their community. I respect these parents’ decision to not vaccinate their kids but don’t believe they are thinking of other children at their kids’ school and the consequences of their decision. Moreover, It would have been nice if science and facts and the counter-argument were presented in the article so more parents could make informed health decisions. I would suggest the rights of the “non-vaccinators” are being presented to be more important than the rights of the other 92 percent of responsible Marin parents. What about the rights of the Marin community? JON KRAGH, VIA EMAIL

What a nice, “balanced look” at the vaccination issue. In your follow-up, I suggest an interview with a parent whose infant died of pertussis, accompanied by photos of polio-stricken children in exotic travel locations favored by Marinites, and a blow-by-blow description of the onset and treatment of rubella. Those are the real-life consequences of the Personal Belief Exemption. Parents should see before they choose. KATHY ASTROMOFF, SANTA CRUZ

As a survivor of childhood polio and one who has lived with paralysis and underdevelopment of one leg and foot for 63 years, I thank you for bringing the issue of vaccination to the Marin public. I a lso am the facilitator for one of two post-polio support groups and info sources in the Bay Area, Post-Polio Marin, also serving Sonoma and Napa counties. We have located 30 polio survivors in Marin County, but I am sure there are far more. W hile I respect freedom of choice, I feel that the choice not to vaccinate children is a naively uninformed and foolish one. Wellmeaning parents may think their lifestyles preclude infectious diseases. My parents, while I was a child in the 1950s, had a huge organic vegetable and fruit garden; we ate very little meat and got lots of fresh air and

DON’T MAKE THE SAME MISTAKE.

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exercise. I have a strong immune system . T his did not prevent me from contracting diseases. Thank you again for your wise inclusion of this topic in a well-educated county, which is unfortunately directing itself backward.

FRANCINE FALK-ALLEN, SAN RAFAEL

Know the Signs

The tragic death of Robin Williams has brought suicide into mainstream conversation and has provided an opportunity to review what to do when signs of depression are apparent in a friend or family member. You can start by erasing any resistance you may have to addressing the subject. Suicide happens in secret. Bringing the subject into the light by discussing it can help those thinking about suicide. Be straightforward, name the symptoms you notice, and ask, “Do you ever have thoughts of suicide?” Unless you feel completely reassured to the contrary, ask for details: how would the person go about it and under what circumstances. If a plan has been thought out, you have a very real reason to be concerned. Get this person to agree and confirm that he or she will contact you before taking any such action. A written agreement is best, because it engages more of the senses, but one made with eye contact and a handshake is better than none. Make sure your person of concern has the phone number of an effective crisis hot line. Let family members know. Don’t let fear of betrayal stop you from saving a life. If danger is imminent, you need to be more direct and proactive and get the person to a hospital, or if you cannot do that, engage the help of police. For more details about what to do, call the crisis hot line at 415.499.1100 or take a course with the North Bay Suicide Prevention Project. BARBARA NELSON, MA, LMFT, SAUSALITO

Correction

In our Private School Guide (September, 2014) we incorrectly listed the student-to-faculty ratio for St. Vincent de Paul High School in Petaluma as 30:1. The correct ratio is 11:1.

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.

You own a business. You face some crucial financial decisions. We help you make them. You live your dream.

Personal, powerful wealth management

The Private Ocean Business Owner Services team (L to R): Greg Friedman, Bill Bockwoldt, Richard Stone, Susan Dickson, Frank Jones, Fred Dopfel, Chip Pyfer, Justin DeTray

In Marin

CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE, PLACES AND CAUSES OF THIS UNIQUE COUNTY

HEALTHY HALLOWEEN

Local sweet treats you can feel good about.

BY CALIN VAN PARIS

BEFORE YOU BUY that bulk candy, we suggest a trip to SweetE Organic, a candy boutique that values all things natural, homemade and local. “At SweetE, everyone is a kid in a candy store — kids enjoy satisfying treats, and their parents feel good about it,” says Elana Turchon, owner of the Strawberry Village shop. “The products we carry prove that organic candy can be fun and delicious.” Stop by the store November 1–5 for the Halloween Swap and Drop, where you can trade your kid’s candy for a healthier selection. Here are a few of our favorites, straight from SweetE’s shelves. sweeteorganic.com

NATURAL CONFECTIONS

SECRET PERUVIAN CRUNCH BAR

Instead of: Mounds

Ingredients: Organic dark chocolate (organic cocoa mass, organic coconut crystals, organic cocoa butter), organic coconut Price: $3.75

Based in: Mill Valley

NUT BRITTLE

Instead of: Hawaiian Host Ingredients: Chocolate base (raw organic cacao, organic maple crystals, organic raw Tahitian vanilla, Himalayan salt), raw organic Hawaiian macadamia nuts Price: $8.95

Based in: Novato

NEWTREE LAVENDER CHOCOLATE BAR

Instead of: Hershey’s Ingredients: Pure cocoa butter, cane sugar, agave fiber, skimmed milk powder, cocoa mass, lime blossom extract, lavender flavor, non-GMO soy lecithin, vanilla flavor Price: $6.75

Based in: San Anselmo

MIGHTY LEAF CHOCOLATE MINT TRUFFLE TEA

Instead of: Hot chocolate Ingredients: Rooibos leaves, spearmint, cacao nibs, natural flavors Price: $9.99 (serves 15)

Based in: San Rafael

Instead of: Rocky Road

Ingredients: TCHO Dark Chocolate , TCHO Milk Chocolate, Guittard white chocolate, marshmallows , sugar decorettes Price: $6.95 (serves 3)

Based in: Mill Valley

IMAGES BEHIND THE MUSIC

This October, eschew spooky ghosts and celebrate the Grateful Dead instead. Live Dead, the new retrospective from photographer Bob Minkin, is an unparalleled collection of intimate photographs chronicling every conceivable band moment, from live shows to backstage. The book also includes unheard tales from the road — journey to Red Rocks, Radio City and even post-Dead-era concerts with Furthur and Phil Lesh & Friends. “I feel my photographs communicate the essence and some of the magic of the Deadhead experience; I can look at these pictures and vividly remember being 18 and traveling across the country to see the Dead at Winterland,” Minkin says. “They bring it all back, not only for me, but hopefully for others too.” Live Dead hits shelves this month — grab a copy and bring the band back to life. minkindesign.com C.V.P.

COCONUT

DIVINE ORGANICS HAWAIIAN MACADAMIA

SWEET NIMO MARSHMALLOW POPS

Bob Weir and Phil Lesh perform at Sweetwater Music Hall (above). Vintage Jerry Garcia (right).

8 QUESTIONS FOR

John Korty

It seems fitting to shine the light on West Marin filmmaker John Korty this month, as he was an honoree at the very first Mill Valley Film Festival back in 1978. An award-winning director and documentary filmmaker, the 78-year-old Korty has enjoyed an impressive 60-year career creating everything from live-action animation films to features and made-for-TV movies. He is also credited with inspiring the young directors Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas to make films here in the Bay Area. When he’s not working on film projects from his home in Point Reyes Station, Korty can be found on Tomales Bay in his recently refinished 14-foot classic Whitehall rowboat. MARC HERSHON

Filmmaker POINT REYES STATION

1

Why a Whitehall? The Whitehalls were used as water taxis in New York Harbor in the olden days when passenger ships would come in and they’d take people to shore. I saw this beautiful boat at a boat show in Sausalito and asked the builder, Ray Speck, if he’d build one for me too.

2

How was that first festival? I thought it was great, especially because we lived in Homestead Valley and could walk to all the programs. It was an honor to have three or four films featured. Little did I know what Mark Fishkin was planning and what he would make it into.

3

Can you share a few specific memories from your 1977 Oscar win for directing Who Are the DeBolts? And Where Did They Get Nineteen Kids? The moment when I won the Oscar, I was in a New York hotel room, folding my underwear. I was directing a film for Paramount and we were in the middle of shooting. A day of shooting back then was $50,000, so even for the Academy Awards we couldn’t afford to shut down just so I could fly to Los Angeles for a day.

4

What was special about The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman? Miss Jane Pittman was a two-hour TV movie (three years before Roots) based on a book about a black woman born into slavery. I think the mid-’70s were the best time to make these types of movies; it seemed the audience and sponsors were interested in quality. We had 50 million people watch the first night on air and Xerox, our sponsor, gave up two of its commercial spots to let us have enough time.

5

When did you come to Marin? I came out from Brooklyn Heights, New York, in the winter of 1963, and landed in Stinson Beach. So I’ve been in Marin since the beginning. I worked out of the house for a while, then rented a studio space in the center of Stinson Beach that’s now that surf shop that sells clothes and so forth.

6

How did you make films here in Marin early on? We did everything in that studio. We put up plywood walls to make offices and that’s what Francis Ford Coppola and George Lucas saw when they came out to look at my setup in 1969. Coppola saw all the equipment we had going and said, “If you can do it, we can do it.” And the next week we were looking for a place for American Zoetrope.

7

In retrospect, what are your favorite projects?

You’re asking me to choose my favorite children. But if I have to, The DeBolts was a special project. I thought it would be a home run right away, but every network turned it down, saying that people didn’t want to watch a story about handicapped kids. But Charlie Haid from Hill Street Blues saw it and said I should show it to Henry Winkler. He loved it, called the president of ABC at home and said, “You have to put this film on the air.” And that did it. Then a film nobody knows much about is one I did for the American Short Story Series, based on John Updike’s The Music School. Strange story — I only had one line of dialogue in eight pages. It was a very special cinematic challenge. And Crazy Quilt still works very well — I’m still selling copies of the movie after 48 years.

8

Are you still pursuing projects? Oh, yes! Like everybody in the business, I’ve got a drawer full of scripts and ideas. I think my next project is going to be called Older, Wiser, Alive and Kicking. It’s a documentary about active seniors. So much stuff that’s being made about seniors is all about death, and disease, and medical histories, and insurance. There’s just an awful lot more to being a senior citizen. m

MADE BY MARIN

Della Terra Oils

THERE’S OLIVE OIL, and then there’s olive oil. Della Terra Oils sells the latter, due in great part to its origins — the small-batch oils are crafted and manufactured in California, but inspired by Northern Italy. Founder Judi Ratto (pictured right) grew up visiting her Italian family, cultivating an appreciation for authentic food made with seasonal, local ingredients. After Ratto met partner Jean Lozano (pictured left), a shared love of good food led to travel in Tuscany, where they spent time with Ratto’s family and began to learn the basics of making olive oil: crush, rack and blend fruit to create a grassy, fruity and/or peppery product — and Della Terra Oils was born. The collection includes uniquely flavored versions plus a Cask 25 Aged Balsamic vinegar direct from Italy. PHILOSOPHY If you’re looking for a mission statement, it’s all in the name — Della Terra translates to “of the earth” in Italian. “The olives are sourced in small batches from select trees in Corning, California (the olive capital of the country), and from my family’s orchard in Orland,” Ratto says. “All of the olives are organically grown and harvested at just the right time each year to get the perfect flavor and color profile.” THE SCOOP Della Terra products can be found at Rustic Bakery, Mill Valley Market, Woodlands Market and Andronico’s in San Anselmo, as well as online. The balsamic vinegar starts at $35; the oils range from $13 to $16. A Gourmet Gift Set is available for around $45. BEYOND MARIN While the oils are crafted and manufactured in California, the cask-aged balsamic is straight from Modena, Italy. Ratto and Lozano traveled all around the region before settling on this particular vinegar, boasting Madeira and port undertones, which they recommend drizzling over ice cream, strawberries, grilled peaches, avocados and salads. WHAT THEY SAY the world over tasting oils and balsamic and have brought the best quality and selection home to Marin,” Ratto says. “We want our products to look beautiful sitting on the coun ter and enhance every meal — buon appetito.”

GOURMET GIFT SET, FROM $45

BODY

Beat the holiday season with the self-described “Best Workout in the World” at 1 Barry’s Bootcamp, which now boasts a San Francisco location — intense cardio and strength training will ensure holiday indulgences are guilt-free; barrysboot camp.com. If you’re in need of a new exercise wardrobe, Athleta has a new Corte Madera store; athleta.com

NEW IN TOWN

CREATE

Hosting a party? Enlist

2 The Booth Bus, a vintage Volkswagen/photo booth, to give your guests a moment worth remembering; theboothbus.com

If you fi nd yourself in Point Reyes Station, make sure to swing by 3 Ink.

Paper.Plate. The unique art studio is open to visitors and features classes, workshops and a retail space; inkpaperplate.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).

GREEN EAT

Juice Girl has taken over Jamba Juice’s Mill Valley location and serves an array of fresh, seasonal cold-pressed juices and smoothies; juicegirlmv. com 4 Nekter has also joined the Marin juicing community with a Strawberry Village location; nekterjuicebar.com. If it’s non-drinkable botanicals you seek, Tiburon’s

5 Lush Bubble offers eyecatching succulents and more to bring the outside indoors; lushbubble.com.

Fairfax recently welcomed Taste Kitchen & Table, a new bakery and cafe offering breakfast, lunch and snacks; tastekitchenand table.com. Toast is now Kitchen Sunnyside, under new ownership in the same downtown Mill Valley location. San Rafael favorite Terrapin Crossroads has a new chef — Jason Arbusto; terrapincrossroads.net San Francisco’s Bio French Organic Crêperie has opened a Sausalito location; biologiquesf.com

DECOR

Prince Estate Jewelry in Sausalito is home to a wearable collection of diamonds, gold and platinum for decking out any out fit; princeestatejewelry. com. For pleasing wall decor, check out Seager Gray ’s new Throckmorton location — new gallery, new look; seagergray. com. Expecting company during the holidays? Give your home a face-lift with furnishings from Calico, now open in Strawberry Village; calicocorners.com

New in Town is an ongoing bulletin on new businesses throughout the Bay Area. To be considered for future listings, email cvanparis@marinmagazine.com.

EXPERT ORTHOPAEDICS - WHERE SPORTS AND SCIENCE MEET

Our Physicians

Thomas Sampson, MD

Hip Arthroscopy

Leonard Gordon, MD Hand & Wrist Surgery

Elly LaRoque, MD Shoulder & Knee

Nicholas Colyvas, MD Shoulder & Knee

The physicians at Post Street Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine form an elite group of specialists with particular expertise in hip arthroscopy, complex hand and wrist problems, foot and ankle conditions, and shoulder and knee reconstruction. All of our patients, whether world-class athletes

or recreational enthusiasts, receive individualized care and attention. Our physicians share your passion and dedication to achieving a return to full performance.

Catherine Cheung, DPM

Foot & Ankle, Podiatry

Kristin Wingfield, MD Sports Medicine

Youjeong Kim, MD Spine

Piers Barry, MD Shoulder & Knee

• online

Connect WITH US

Let’s Be Social

Want to learn about the latest store opening, controversial topic in Marin or best Dine Out deal? We share topics like these and much more via social media channels : Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn and Google+. Join us and join the conversation. marinmagazine.com/letsbesocial/

YouTube Fun

Our standingovation tribute to Robin Williams got nearly 300 views on YouTube, but did you know there’s much more? Each month managing editor Dan Jewett and executive editor Mimi Towle give our readers a sneak peek at the upcoming issue via a short YouTube video Subscribe to our channel to get notifications alerting you each time we post something new. youtube.com/user/marinmagazinevideos

• in person

Popcorn Please

Considering that five of the last six Best Picture–winning films were screened at the Mill Valley Film Festival, there’s a good chance a few Oscar contenders will be showing during the MVFF October 2–12. To enhance your experience of the festival, we have created Marin Magazine’s Ultimate Guide to the 37th Mill Valley Film Festival, where you will find history, schedules, interviews and insights. Will you be attending? Let us know by tagging @marinmagazine and using the hashtag #MVFF37

Meet the Winner

With so many great entries, it wasn’t easy to choose our My Marin GoPro Video summer contest winner. But in the end Roque Mozingo’s free-flying video titled “Marin from Above” got the most votes, earning him a robust GoPro package. Second place went to Jackson Weber for a video titled “MarInspire,” featuring shots of Stinson Beach starring his golden retriever. Third went to Gianluca Pompanin for “GoPro Marin,” documenting the good times available to all around the county. Go to marinmagazine.com/winningvideos/ to view the winning videos.

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

[UPCOMING EVENTS]

BEWITCHING MAGICAL BALL: AN EVENING OF EERIE ELEGANCE

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO

November 1; 6 p.m. cocktails and silent auction; 7:30 p.m. dinner and live auction; 9 p.m. dinner and lounge

Marin Civic Center, Exhibit Hall, San Rafael

Guests will enjoy an elegant dinner and bewitching decor by McCall’s Catering and Events of San Francisco. Doug McConnell is the master of ceremonies and Kenn Cunningham will lead the high-spirited live auction. The fun continues with dancing until midnight to the Brian Cline Band. Hospice’s annual ball is its most important fundraising event of the year. Funds raised enable hospice to continue to provide the highest quality hospice care and grief counseling daily to more than 370 patients and their families, and to ensure access to hospice care for all who need it.

SEVENTH ANNUAL ART BY THE INCH FUNDRAISER

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST FIND OUT MORE

October 25, 5–8 p.m.

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, 500 Palm Drive, Novato

The talented artists of MarinMOCA will be creating a fabulous 100-foot mural inspired by the theme “gone wild.” Guests are invited to come select their favorite section to cut out and take home. The mural will be sold for $1 per square inch and guests can choose any section or size they like. This year, artists have drawn inspiration from rescued animals at the San Rafael–based wildlife rehabilitation center WildCare, which will be represented in the mural. A silent auction will also be available for browsing. Wine, tasty hors d’oeuvres and desserts will be served. This evening supports the Marin Museum of Contemporary Art’s ongoing exhibitions and community events. Free, donations accepted 415.506.0137, marinmoca.org

WOMEN AT WORK

COST

FIND OUT MORE

$250, sponsorships available 415.526.5500, hospicebythebay.org

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO COST

FIND OUT MORE

October 14, 4–7 p.m.

Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley

Women at Work invites you to an afternoon of meeting fabulous women from all over Marin. The event was created to bring women together to connect, shop, support and just have fun. The Mill Valley Community Center is a wonderful open venue to meet friends, taste a little of Marin and support your local businesswoman. This is a great opportunity to meet new business partners, reconnect with neighbors and support a great cause at the same time. It’s all about bringing women together — everyone is welcome. A portion of funds raised will be donated to the local nonprofit Image for Success.

$5 415.747.9200, karen@fortyandsavvy.com, marinwomenatwork.com

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

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Damon Connolly

BY JIM WOOD • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

IN TODAY’S POLITICAL world, it’s rare when a challenger defeats an incumbent. But this June, that’s exactly what Damon Connolly did by ousting Susan Adams, a 12-year member of the Marin County Board of Supervisors. And he did it by capturing an impressive 60 percent of the vote in Marin County’s District One, which consists primarily of San Rafael, Santa Venetia, Lucas Valley and Marinwood.

For Connolly, 51, a practicing attorney who’s long aspired to and lived a life of public service, the win means he’ll now devote almost all his waking hours to serving the community — and get paid for it (county supervisors earn about $107,000 a year plus benefits). No stranger to civic engagement, Connolly spent seven years on the San Rafael City Council (two years as vice mayor) and is current chair of the Marin Clean Energy board, where he was a founding director.

Connolly met his wife, Dawn, while attending UC Berkeley School of Law and went on to serve as a California supervising deputy attorney general before opening his own private law practice and becoming a professional mediator. The couple, who live in Terra Linda, have two daughters: Brette, a junior at NYU, and Darin, an incoming freshman at California College of the Arts in Oakland.

Let’s start with family. You’ve been so involved with community service, it might surprise many readers that you have a family. How are things at home? Ahh, well, there’s no question that a schedule like mine puts a strain on a family — but I think we’ve handled it well and, overall, it’s been rewarding. Normally, I probably work a 70-hour week, and during the campaign it was even longer. But my wife, Dawn, knew whom she was marrying, and now our family has really been behind my community involvement. Dawn works hard with a family law practice here in Marin, so we’re both busy people. Yet over the years, it’s

been gratifying; we’ve all managed to function quite smoothly together. And, knock on wood, our daughters have turned out fi ne. Although neither one appears interested in pursuing a career in law or politics, I think their exposure to both has been positive. The girls grew up walking door to door (lots of laughter) and, even though they didn’t like it at the time (more laughter), I think they now realize it’s been for the good. And during the recent campaign, Brette, our oldest daughter, came home from NYU to work on the phone bank and she was really good at it, so that was fun. And now, with Darin off o college, we’ve suddenly become empty nesters. And that’s going to bring changes to our family dynamic; so, overall, I think my involvement with the community has all been for the good.

Where does this drive to serve the community originate? I really credit my grandparents for inspiring me to pursue a career in public service. My grandfather was appointed postmaster of San Lorenzo by President John F. Kennedy, and that got me started; my grandfather was a great example for me.

As for the recent supervisorial campaign, what in your opinion contributed the most to your rather significant victory? In Marin, the school’s constituency is huge and I tapped into that with my four years on the Dixie school board. Also, neighborhoods are important and I had support from that group of voters after serving seven years on the San Rafael City Council. And in 2007, before

communities, and a lot of them came together in my recent campaign for county supervisor. Another key to my election was getting endorsements from respected Marin political leaders of the past as well as present. People like Marin Congressman Jared Hu ff man and San Rafael Mayor Gary Phillips, both now in office, and former Marin County Supervisor Gary Giacomini and retired State Assemblyman Bill Bagley, and there were dozens more. It all contributed to a successful campaign; it was all very gratifying.

coming on the city council, I’d developed good relations with its existing members and Mayor Al Boro, so I was able to come in and shake things up in a positive way. And even before any of this, while working in the attorney general’s office, I was very involved with energy matters. So in 2008, I was asked to be a founding board member of the Marin Clean Energy Authority and have been its longest-serving member as well as its chairman following the untimely death of MCE’s original chairman, Charles McGlashan. So I’ve had experience with a number of Marin’s varied

Your stance opposing high-density housing during the campaign seems to many to be in opposition to your pre-campaign rhetoric — was it? If you look at my record on the San Rafael council, I think you’ll find I’ve been fairly consistent in relation to housing and high density. In Marin, there is a strong ethos of environmental protection and, shall we say, (long pause) a desire to make sure there is not overdevelopment in the community. So the Priority Development Area debate in San Rafael was where all of these issues came to the fore. We all recognized we have to provide a range of housing to people so that they can live in the community and, ideally, live close to where they work. By the same token, we were very concerned about making sure that existing neighborhoods were preserved. At the Civic Center SMART station, we decided, the people’s concerns over high density were legitimate, so we voted against a high-density designation. And instead, with a tremendous amount of community input, we came up with a station area plan with some mixed use and involving better circulation. So, it’s not like nothing will be built there; it’s just that what will be built there will be more compatible with the existing zoning. Now, the downtown SMART station is still a Priority Development Area, and I think there the city has done a good job with in fi ll housing, and there is, relatively speaking, some more density. Also, there is talk of a signi ficant

If you look at my record on the San Rafael council, I think you’ll find I’ve been fairly consistent in relation to housing and high density.

seniors’ project at Whistlestop near the SMART station that I believe will get support, and I think that’s good.

Do you think SMART, the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit, will be successful? I’m for SMART; I think it will be a viable transit option and we have to keep it fi scally in line. But I don’t think that in voting for it, the citizens of Marin intended it to be a means for overdeveloping the community.

Do you have concerns about the Association of Bay Area Governments, or ABAG? And the Metropolitan Transit Commission, or MTC? If so, what kinds of concerns are they? I think the one-size-fits-all approach that was being advocated by virtue of how the Priority Development Areas, or PDAs, were being presented to the communities raised a lot of legitimate questions. And the more we delved

It is very important for residents of Marin to feel that they — through their elected representatives — are the ones making the local planning decisions.

into it, the more we saw there were uncertainties that weren’t being answered to our satisfaction about what really was the intent. There again, it is very important for residents of Marin to feel that they — through their elected representatives — are the ones making the local planning decisions.

When you take office in January 2015, what will be your top priorities? In addition to transportation and environmental issues, during the campaign I committed to reforming the Community Services Fund process. We really need to make count y finances transparent and aboveboard. So I opposed the Community Services Fund, which the Marin County Grand Jury said was operating akin to a “slush fund.” Look, there are a lot of worthwhile projects out there, so let me know about them, let’s build the coalition you’ll need and let’s evaluate them through the ordinary budgetary process. So I’m dedicated to reforming it.

Wasn’t Marinwood Plaza a contentious topic during the campaign, and won’t that be a top priority? Definitely, everyone agrees something has to be done there. It is a dilapidated shopping center, although there is a nice market there now. Based on community input during the campaign I think we should hit the reset button on the current proposed plan. The surrounding neighborhoods engaged in a vision process in the mid-2000s that provides a benchmark. That vision called for more of a retail emphasis and being sure there’s a community gathering place. Other issues are the overall scale of the project and environmental impacts, including that there’s now a state order that it be cleaned up. Finally, legitimate concerns were being raised about the impact of the project on local school finances. Those are issues I want to work through with the community and I’m looking forward to getting started. m

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY LYNDA BALSLEV

ibrance piceVS+

Dare we say that fall is the loveliest season in Marin? Clear skies dabble in brilliance, and the air is soft and warm, like a pat of silken butter. The tilt of the turning earth shrouds us in a gauzy glow of sunshine, while shadows creep and days shorten, ushering in cool and crisp evenings. Outdoor time is at a premium now, and there is no reason to stop entertaining alfresco. Invite a group of friends over for an end-of-day cocktail, light the fire pit and candles, supply a pile of wraps and throws, and have a sensational party in the golden evening light. These appetizers will feed a small crowd, maybe even stand in for dinner. Spicy, warming and fresh, they make good use of local Marin ingredients while complementing the fall season with vibrance, spice and heat.

Fall cocktail parties demand good drinks and even better appetizers.

Curried Butternut Squash and Apple Soup Shots

INGREDIENTS

1 medium butternut squash, about 2 pounds

Extra-virgin olive oil

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, cut into ½-inch chunks

1 tablespoon curry powder

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon ground coriander

¼ teaspoon cayenne, or to taste 3 cups chicken stock

1 cup apple cider

1 tablespoon light brown sugar

1 to 2 teaspoons salt, to taste ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Crème fraîche for garnish

DIRECTIONS

Heat the oven to 375°F. Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Lightly brush the exposed flesh with olive oil. Place squash, cut side down, on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake until the flesh is fork tender, 50 to 60 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and set aside. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened without coloring, 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently. Add the apple, curry powder, cumin, coriander and cayenne. Cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the roasted squash and chicken stock. (There should be just enough stock to cover the squash and apples. If needed, add additional stock to cover.) Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover and simmer until the apples are very soft, about 20 minutes. Carefully puree the soup in batches in a food processor (or with an immersion blender). Return to the pot. Add the apple cider, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Warm thoroughly over medium-low heat and taste for seasoning. Serve warm in small glasses or espresso cups, garnished with a small spoonful of crème fraîche.

MAKES ABOUT 18, DEPENDING ON THE SIZE OF GLASSES

A small dollop of crème fraîche adds a cooling contrast to the warm and spicy soup.

Spicy Moroccan

Lamb

Meatballs with Yogurt Sauce

This recipe may easily be doubled. Serve with toothpicks for spearing and dipping.

INGREDIENTS

Meatballs

1 pound ground lamb

2 garlic cloves, minced

¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

1 teaspoon sweet paprika

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cayenne

½ teaspoon black pepper Olive oil

Whole mint leaves

Yogurt Sauce

1 garlic clove, minced

¾ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons finely chopped mint leaves

2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil

2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

1 teaspoon harissa paste (or hot sauce)

¼ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS

Combine all the meatball ingredients except the olive oil in a large bowl. Mix to combine without over-mixing. Form into 1 ½-inch meatballs, then flatten slightly. Arrange on a plate, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight. Whisk together the yogurt sauce ingredients in a bowl. Refrigerate until use. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs in batches without overcrowding. Cook until brown on both sides, turning as needed. Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel and keep warm. Repeat with remaining meatballs. (Alternatively, thread meatballs on presoaked bamboo skewers. Brush with olive oil and grill over direct heat until brown and cooked through.) Garnish with mint, serve warm with toothpicks and yogurt sauce for dipping.

MAKES ABOUT 18 MEATBALLS

Quick Pickled Autumn Crudités

Feel free to mix and match your favorite vegetables for pickling and try a variety for a colorful presentation. When using cucumbers and zucchini, be sure to pre-salt the pieces for 30 minutes, then wipe off the excess moisture before brining.

INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

Wash and trim the vegetables into spears or bite-size pieces. Tightly pack them into heatproof-glass jars. Add 1 to 2 dill sprigs to each jar. Bring the brine ingredients to a boil, stirring until the sugar and salt dissolve. Remove from heat and pour the brine over the vegetables. Cool to room temperature, then close the jars. Refrigerate at least 24 hours and up to 1 week. The flavors will develop with time. To serve, remove from brine and arrange decoratively on plates or in small bowls. Garnish with fresh dill.

These potatoes are a little timeconsuming to prepare, but well worth the effort. The stuffed potatoes may be assembled up to 2 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes before broiling.

DIRECTIONS

Heat the oven to 450°F. Trim the potatoes: Slice a small tip from the base of each potato to create a stable bottom to prevent rolling or tilting. Slice about ¼ off of the top and discard tops. Place the potatoes and oil in a bowl and toss to coat. Arrange on a parchment-lined baking sheet, top-side down. Bake until tender, about 30 minutes. Remove and cool. Using a teaspoon, scoop out the centers of the potatoes without piercing the bottoms. Place the potato flesh, garlic, sour cream, cheddar, butter, horseradish, salt and pepper in a bowl. Using a fork, mash until well combined. Carefully spoon the filling back into the potato shells. Arrange, stuffed side up, on a baking sheet. Sprinkle with parmigiano. Broil until the cheese is melted and golden, about 2 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with thyme leaves or chives.

Warm Smoked Salmon Tartare and Kale Wraps

Kale and smoked salmon are a great flavor pairing. As an alternative to kale, the salmon may be served on sliced baguette.

MAKES 18 TO 20

INGREDIENTS

Tartare

8 ounces warmed-smoked salmon, flaked ¼ cup finely chopped red onion

¼ cup chopped fresh dill

¼ cup whole-milk Greek yogurt or sour cream

2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 teaspoons capers, chopped ½ teaspoon Tabasco, or to taste

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Ka le

8 thin lacinato kale leaves, stems intact

Finely chopped chives or dill for garnish Freshly squeezed lemon juice for serving

DIRECTIONS

Combine the tartare ingredients in a bowl. Mix with a fork to thoroughly combine. Cut the kale leaves crosswise into 2-inch pieces. Spoon the salmon mixture into the leaves and gently press the leaves around the salmon. Arrange on a serving plate. (The wraps may be prepared up to 2 hours in advance to this point. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate.)

Before serving, add a few more drops of fresh lemon juice over the salmon and garnish with chives or dill.

Rye Crostini with Beets, Goat Cheese and Pistachios

For the rye crisps, use locally produced Anna’s Daughters’ Copenhagen Crackers. Alternatively, use Swedish or Finnish crispbread and trim to desired size.

UP IN SMOKE

Why medical marijuana is so hard to find in one of the Bay Area’s most liberal counties.

BY NATE SELTENRICH • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

IN MAY OF this year, a Marin storefront shut its doors and quietly marked the end of an era. Marin Holistic Solutions was the last medical marijuana dispensary left in a county whose voters supported Proposition 215, the landmark 1996 state law that legalized marijuana for medical use, by a ratio of 3 to 1.

In the 18 years since Prop. 215 was passed, despite federal laws that still consider it illegal, 32 more states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana in some form. Another two, Colorado and Washington, lifted prohibition entirely in 2014. (Next month, Alaska and Oregon will also put full legalization before voters.) National polls show support for legalizing medical marijuana at 81 percent and for recreational use at 46 percent.

But California, in many respects the nation’s most progressive state, remains oddly stuck in limbo. In 2010, a more general legalization measure, Proposition 19, fell a few percentage points short of passing, and subsequent efforts for 2012 and 2014 failed due to in fighting, funding shortages and logistical challenges. (Some, however, would argue that because medical marijuana identification cards are easy to get in California, the current law functions as a cover for legalized recreational use for people willing to play by the rules.)

Meanwhile, Marin, one of the state’s most liberal counties, has essentially reverted to a pre–Prop. 215 environment, even though, taking into account national trends, an even greater percentage of Marin voters likely now support legalizing medical marijuana than in 1996.

“You have 80 percent of Marin in favor of medical marijuana, but no one wants it in his or her backyard,” says Scot Candell, a San Rafael–based attorney who has represented more than 100 dispensaries in Northern

California, including some in Marin. “Everybody votes for it, but then the city councils pass bans.”

Since 2008, when as many as eight dispensaries operated in the county, many of Marin’s 11 cities and towns — including Corte Madera — have forced out existing dispensaries and enacted moratoriums. In others, an apprehensive or fearful stance toward medical marijuana storefronts and the recent federal crackdown on some Bay Area operations, including Fairfax’s Marin Alliance for Medical Marijuana, has kept landlords from hosting tenants that would otherwise be legal under state and local law.

“One of our concerns about medical marijuana for young people is that it legitimizes it, and it makes it more accessible,” says Bob Ravasio, Corte Madera councilman and Twin Cities Coalition for Healthy Youth co-chair. “I totally agree with the therapeutic uses of marijuana, but I don’t think the dispensary system is how it should be distributed. I think it should be treated like a prescription drug and sold through drugstores.”

Meanwhile, the Marin County Board of Supervisors, which has direct jurisdiction over unincorporated areas of the county, has stayed silent. Until now. After years of playing a cautious game of wait-and-see, including ignoring the findings of an August 2013 grand jury that scolded the county for failing to ensure safe access to medical marijuana, the supervisors have decided to act.

Earlier this year, with the closure of Marin Holistic Solutions looming on the horizon, they announced a plan to develop a new set of rules for permitting dispensaries in unincorporated parts of the county. A public workshop was scheduled, and a fi nal draft should be in place by the end of the year, according to District 1 board aide Susannah Clark.

You have 80 percent of Marin in favor of medical marijuana, but no one wants it in his or her backyard.

“At least three members of the board are very concerned that we have no legal safe access to medicine in Marin County,” Clark says. “They’re committed to seeing it come before the board this year.”

Supervisor Susan Adams, whose term ends next month, is one of them. Like Clark, she serves on the board’s medical marijuana subcommittee. After watching a former colleague benefit from cannabis while battling pancreatic cancer, she took a personal interest in ensuring safe access to the drug, she says. Still, she believes, the county’s hesitant and somewhat reactionary stance has been justi fied.

“This is an issue that has been extremely challenging for local governments, because the state has pretty much been MIA in terms of offering guidance,” Adams says. “We run the risk of losing our federal dollars if we have permissive legislation that allows [dispensaries] to operate.”

That’s why Marin is now studying recent, more permissive ordinances in San Francisco, Santa Cruz and Sebastopol that thus far haven’t led those cities into con fl ict with the federal government. In fact, she says, the cities have proven they can actively cooperate with the feds on the issue. Now Marin is hoping to follow their lead, Adams says.

Current guidelines for unincorporated parts of the county are based on state regulations: no dispensaries are permitted within 600 feet of schools, and dispensaries must operate as nonprofits. Beyond that, approval is up to landlords’ discretion. Yet without the county’s stamp of approval, no landlords currently appear to be willing to house one.

be as high as 1.14 million people, or about 3 percent of the total — to drive an hour or two round-trip to neighboring counties to visit a dispensary. Others avail themselves of the services of a small handful of unregulated operations that deliver marijuana directly to users’ doors, though some patients and advocates consider this a less safe option that is better suited to less ill, more experienced users who know what they want and have less speci

“We deal with gravely ill, homebound, chroni cally ill patients every day who don’t want to deal with delivery,” says Corinne Malanca, who in 2011 launched the Greenbrae-based medical marijuana resource United Patients Group after cannabis helped her father survive a bout with cancer. “You just don’t know what you’re getting until they’re at your door. ... Every single one of our clientele is severely affected by not having access here in Marin.”

Brian Bjork agrees the county needs storefront dispen saries, even though he directs one of the county’s busiest medical marijuana delivery services. Marin Gardens is one of five or so such services based in Marin (although others based outside county lines may also reach local residents), and Bjork says its employees frequently field calls from new patients hoping to visit in person. That’s been particularly true since May, when Marin Holistic Solutions shut its doors.

“I think a lot of patients would like the convenience of being able to see the medicine and to be able to interact and ask questions,” he says. “There’s only so much you can do over the phone. You can describe it as best you can, but still they’d like to see it. And also some people don’t feel comfortable asking too many questions over the phone.”

This situation leaves potentially thousands of local patients — advocacy group California NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws) estimates the state’s medical cannabis patient population to

Marin Gardens has been on the search for a storefront for three years, Bjork says, but has yet to find a willing landlord. He hopes that action by the Board of Supervisors will encourage landlords and Marin’s other municipalities to ease their resistant stance.

Opener and opposite: The strain known as “gasoline.” This page, from top: One-eighthounce supplies; the strain “Lamb’s Bread.”

I think a lot of patients would like the convenience of being able to see the medicine and to be able to interact and ask questions.

Marin County District Attorney Edward Berberian says that if this happens, he will respect state law and only take up a case against a dispensary if it targets or endangers juveniles, abuses public resources or becomes associated with firearms.

Board aide Clark suggests that in order to ensure ease of access, ideal locations for new dispensaries on unincorporated lands in Marin would be along the Highway 101 corridor and Sir Francis Drake Boulevard in West Marin’s San Geronimo Valley. But it’s too early to tell how many would be permitted or what the final rules might look like, she says.

Alex, who didn’t want his last name used, has been CEO of San Rafael–based Delta Delivery, another of the county’s nonprofit delivery services, for almost three years. With 17 full-time employees, Delta by Alex’s estimate serves about 5 percent of Marin County’s medical marijuana patients. He too laments the county’s current lack of dispensaries. Without a storefront, it can be difficult to serve newer patients or those seeking treatment advice, he says.

“A lot of people who have never used cannabis in their entire lives, and they’re in their 50s or 60s and they get cancer, their doctor prescribes cannabis and they don’t know what to do from there,” he says. “If someone calls who’s just been diagnosed with cancer, which happens quite a lot, I’ll meet with such people in person and try to fi nd what’s going to be best for them.”

Like Bjork at Marin Gardens, he’s hopeful the Board of Supervisors’ pending plan will yield positive results for patients. “Sooner rather than later we’ll start seeing dispensaries in Marin County, and we’ll open a storefront as soon as we can get a permit,” he says. “I’ve got to applaud the supervisors for getting around to agreeing that we need access for Marin County.”

Partly in anticipation of improved (or, essentially, renewed) access to medical marijuana in the county, attorney Candell launched a website earlier this year designed to educate newbies, and perhaps skeptics, on visiting or opening dispensaries, buying or growing specific strains of cannabis, and treating ailments

from anorexia to arthritis. In 12 online classes — streaming videos that range in length from 20 to 90 minutes and are available for free at cannabismatters.com — a host of medical marijuana experts, all doctors, expound on various therapeutic uses for cannabis as well as the underlying science. Cannabis is currently prescribed to treat more than 50 different ailments, including AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, migraines, epilepsy, bipolar disorder and multiple sclerosis.

“As this is becoming mainstream, there are people who haven’t been involved in this industry or didn’t really understand it who are now getting interested,” Candell says. “What we found was lacking was an educational resource for people who are interested in learning about it from a patient’s perspective, for people who are interested in growing their own medicine and for people who are interested in doing their own dispensary.”

Candell himself teaches a few of the online classes, including “Medical Marijuana for New Patients,” intended for people who have a health condition that may be helped by marijuana but who have never used the drug, don’t know where to find it or how to use it, and may be worried about getting into trouble. Featuring nothing more than a straighttalking Candell before a black backdrop, the 25-minute video is basic and pragmatic in approach.

Others are a bit more advanced, like Sher Ali Butt’s 40-minute “Lab Testing and Analysis for Cannabis,” full of complex chemistry and scientific language. A biochemist by training, Butt spent two years at Oakland’s cannabis research facility Steep Hill Lab, processing 500 to 600 marijuana samples a day. Suffice to say it wasn’t your stereotypical stoner he had in mind when discussing cannabinoids and chromatography.

A lot of people who have never used cannabis in their entire lives, and they’re in their 50s or 60s and they get cancer, their doctor prescribes cannabis and they don’t know what to do from there.

Another class, “Advanced Medical Cannabis,” is taught by Dr. Jeff rey Hergenrather of Sonoma County, chair of the national Society of Cannabis Clinicians, wearing a shirt and tie and shoulder-length ponytail. “A lot of people have been involved in this science for many years,” he says in an interview, “and I think we are collectively able to tell the story and shed some light on the utility of cannabinoids and cannabis in the management and treatment of many di fferent diseases.” All without any tie-dye in sight.

Indeed, some of the tension over medical marijuana in Marin likely does stem from the legacy of recreational use and back-to-the-land counterculture of the 1960s. But before the hippies, and even before marijuana was made illegal by the Marijuana Tax Act of 1937, doctors were prescribing cannabis. In fact, the American Medical Association opposed the 1937 act. “How far it may serve to deprive the public of the benefits of a drug that on further research may prove to be of substantial value, it is impossible to foresee,” the organization asserted in a letter to Congress.

Nearly eight decades later, the issue remains unresolved. Nowhere is that more true than in California, and certainly in Marin, where voters helped launch a national movement to legalize medical marijuana in 1996 but in many cases still lack reliably safe access to it.

That’s motivation enough for Dale Gieringer, director of the marijuana advocacy organization California NORML, which ultimately aims to repeal prohibition altogether. “There absolutely has to be an ability to access marijuana for every medical marijuana patient in California,” he says, “no matter where they are.” m

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Cannabis is currently prescribed to treat more than 50 different ailments, including AIDS, chronic pain, spasticity, glaucoma, migraines, epilepsy, bipolar disorder and multiple sclerosis.

SECOND IS BEST

BY ANN WYCOFF

Opening spread, clockwise from left: Wine Country log cabin; oceanfront at Honua Kai; Martis Camp modern.

Some Northern California residents have found their alternate version of paradise tucked into the forest above Lake Tahoe, on a hilltop in wine country or along the western shores of Maui.

Wine Country Log Cabin

WHY HERE “Christopher and I moved from Manhattan six years ago and we knew we wanted a weekend place, but weren’t sure where. While attending a Fourth of July parade in Sonoma, we realized it was the perfect all-American town, but an updated version. It was the most diverse place we had ever been — young, old, gay, straight, black and white — an amazing scene with everyone celebrating together. Sonoma is so close and it’s the perfect size. There’s something magical in the air — you feel instantly relaxed.”

DESIGN “Originally it was a dark log cabin with tiny windows built in the ’90s that should have been in Tahoe,” Paul says with a laugh. “But when we saw it, we knew we could turn it into a big white open barn. That was our goal. I have always wanted to have a lacquered white house that shows all the cracks and crannies of the logs.” With Christopher’s creativity as a stylist and Paul’s talent as a designer and decorator, the couple oversaw the massive remodel. “Rustic modern was the theme throughout. There’s this great juxtaposition throughout the whole place — like really sleek countertops yet leather handles for all doors,” Paul says. “I stayed with a clean neutral palette — browns, white, a little black and woven pieces for texture. We wanted it to feel completely calming when we walked through the door on the weekend.”

DETAILS “We found this great place — Heritage Salvage in Petaluma — where they take 100-yearold beams from old buildings and slice them into flooring. We like the uneven feel. We also integrated lots of natural elements like woven chairs and an old tree stump as a side table.”

FAVORITE ELEMENTS “Firstly, it’s the lacquered logs — all the great characteristics of the wood were brought out by painting it white. You notice all the knots and cracks. I also love the oversize French doors. We made six sets, so you can open both sides of the house. It’s truly indoor/outdoor living. Finally, as a kid growing up in the ’70s, I had a hanging swinging chair, so I had to put a pair on the deck.”

PERFECT DAY “We like to cook all day and stay put. We even have a vineyard that will deliver to us. We sip wine at sunset on the front porch, overlooking a beautifully backlit grove of twisted old oaks. There’s no reason to ever leave.”

OWNERS

Paul DeMartini and Christopher Downs LOCATION Sonoma, California

SETTING

A lofty hillside perch above the vineyards with views all the way to the San Francisco Bay DISTANCE FROM MARIN 45 minutes door-to-door

LAYOUT

3,700 square feet; 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, office and pool on 3 acres

Martis Camp Modern

OWNERS

Randy and Cynthia Bigony

LOCATION

Martis Camp in Truckee, California

SETTING

A 2,177-acre private luxury community located in the Martis Valley on the backside of Northstar California Resort, 15 minutes from the shores of Lake Tahoe

DISTANCE FROM MARIN 3 hours with no traffic

LAYOUT

3,800 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, office and loft on 2 acres

WHY HERE After 20 years of renting vacation homes in beach towns and ski resorts, the Bigonys got tired of airplanes, packing up and leaving the dogs at home. “With the kids grown up and our weekends free of soccer, swim team and volleyball, we were ready for a second home, so we scouted Lake Tahoe and fell in love with Martis Camp,” says Randy.

DESIGN The Bigonys were involved in planning every inch of their custom mountain home, working with architect Claire Walton and designer Sara Jones. Eschewing traditional mountain home design, they favored a contemporary modern style. “We wanted to build a house that would bring the outdoors in, so when we opened our eyes in the morning, it felt like we were waking up in the forest.” The house is a marvel of stone, steel beams and glass. “We started with one point of view of the mountains through the trees and built the house around it. The whole house is centered around a great room where everybody congregates.”

DETAILS Crema Mar fi l granite from Spain’s Monte Coto quarry, a light interior palette with splashes of black granite, leather and mahogany; five custom fi replaces; a fi re pit; and the home’s exterior wa s fi nished with clear cedar, hot-rolled steel and Montana granite to blend naturally with the surrounding pine forests of the Sierra Nevada.

FAVORITE ELEMENT “My wife had fallen in love with a smaller lot on a creek, as she loved the sound of the babbling brook. And while at a spa on Kauai we discovered a fantastic in fi nity-wall fountain, so we decided to re-create it on this lot. Now we have a mountain home with a beautiful fountain that mimics the sound of the stream and provides a nice visual from the great room.”

MARTIS CAMP PERKS In addition to the tennis pavilion, private ski lodge, Camp Lodge with restaurants, workout facilities, a spa and a Family Barn that hosts concerts, wine dinners, bowling and movies, Martis Camp also has its own Beach Shack on the shores of Lake Tahoe for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and casual dining. Families can navigate Emerald Bay on the camp’s 35-foot Formula Cruiser.

PERFECT DAY “During summer it’s an 8 a.m. tee time on the Tom Fazio golf course, lunch at the Camp Lodge and then an afternoon of singletrack mountain biking on the trails behind our house. In winter, we head to the private ski lodge at the backside of Northstar and hop on the lift, or we go cross-country skiing, as there are tons of groomed trails that head back into the pristine forests of the Sawtooths. Everything is right out the door — it’s just spectacular.”

Oceanfront at Honua Kai

WHY HERE “I have been dreaming of owning a place in Hawaii ever since my husband and I honeymooned there 45 years ago. We explored every island and, in the end, I just loved Maui,” says Jill. “I wanted something right on the ocean with a good swimming beach. I liked the idea of it being brand new because we live in an old house and know the problems of old things, so it’s just perfect for us. We have two children and grandkids and they love it as well.”

DESIGN “Our oceanfront three-bedroom came furnished with lovely contemporary Hawaiianstyle furnishings and a designer kitchen. The living room is fi lled with light and sea breeze. I love the NanaWall accordion doors — glass doors that open up and disappear, so it feels like the ocean comes right into our second-floor unit. There’s only one wall that touches another unit and that is in the kitchen, but the construction is so solid that we never hear anyone. We face the ocean, not the pool area, so it’s very quiet. At night we leave the doors open so the waves can lull us to sleep.”

DETAILS “Travertine flooring in all the common areas, marble in the baths, granite countertops, beautiful wood cabinetry and all Viking kitchen appliances. While the place came furnished, I did change the existing artwork to add my own personal touch. I am especially fond of Hawaiian art and have been collecting work by Pegge Hopper and Terry Hallam, to name a few.”

FAVORITE ELEMENTS “I love the wraparound deck — it’s huge, with an outdoor kitchen area that includes a barbecue, small refrigerator and sink. The deck extends all the way to our master bedroom, so we have access from our room. We have stunning views of the gorgeous islands of Lanai and Molokai in addition to the ocean, where we often see whales breaching and playing.”

HONUA KAI PERKS “There’s a great family pool with waterslides that my grandkids can go down 100 times a day and not get bored. Duke’s Restaurant, right in front of the resort, sits at the edge of the ocean, so it’s a beautiful setting.”

PERFECT DAY “We enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling right out the door from Honua Kai. Then we might take a hike, especially up by Kapalua and through the lava fields. And we try not to miss great dining at romantic Merriman’s or divine French at Gerard’s in Lahaina.” m

BY SOMER TEJWANI

Vinyasa in the Vineyard at Domaine Carneros.

This page, clockwise from left: Foraging at the Farmhouse Inn; Archetype; The Restaurant at Meadowood. Opposite, clockwise from top left: chef Bryan Jones; eggs from Farmhouse; cooking at Vignette.

AS THE VINTNERS, restaurants and small businesses pick up the rubble in Napa Valley after the 6.0 earthquake last month, we wanted to shine a light on what’s new and worth investigating in the region. In the past decade this agrarian hub has attracted passionate new culinary talents, giving rise to restaurants that rival San Francisco’s foodie destinations and events that draw attendees from around the world. “The level of restaurants, the shopping experience and winery and vineyard practices have all been elevated,” says Dick Grace, proprietor of cult winemaker Grace Family Vineyards. “Nonetheless, we have kept intact the sense of community and a welcoming environment that makes the Napa Valley a most warm and nourishing experience.” Ready to explore the newer, better wine country?

Where to Eat

Pat Stotesbery, proprietor of Ladera Vineyards and the past president of the Napa Valley Vintners Association, con fi rms the wine country has seen considerable change in recent years, especially with the renewal of downtown Napa and the opening of more new restaurants and hotels than ever. T hat culinary vibrancy isn’t contained to downtown, he adds: “Local restaurants have attracted superstar talents, and the area boasts perhaps the densest concentration of three–Michelin

Star chefs on the West Coast with French Laundry and The Restaurant at Meadowood.”

In downtown St. Helena, famed architect Howard Backen’s French Blue has been renamed Archetype and is now helmed by chef Ryder Zetts of Michelin-starred Solbar. The menu includes über-local fare — some of it foraged by Zett’s brother in Napa. Try the flu ff y lemon ricotta pancakes with blueberry syrup and almond butter at brunch or the chilled sweet pea soup with grated wasabi to start your dinner. Don’t leave without taking a sel fie in the award-winning interior; Archetype was named one of the 10 most beautifully designed new restaurants by Architectural Digest. 1429 Main Street, St. Helena, 707.968.9200, archetypenapa.com

The coming months are prime time to snag a table at the iconic French Laundry. For its 20th anniversary, the three–Michelin Star Yountville restaurant closed and underwent a major renovation. As of press time the construction schedule wasn’t fi nalized, but the restaurant is expected to reopen in late 2014. Changes include an expanded kitchen and garden, new office space and a rearranged parking lot. But the hardest-to-get reservation in town will still be just as hard — the dining room’s 62-seat capacity won’t change. 6640 Washington Street, Yountville, 707.944.2380, frenchlaundry.com

In Sebastopol, chef Mark Hopper (formerly of Farmshop Marin) is stepping out on his own to helm the new restaurant Vignette ,

showcasing the craft of Neapolitan-style pizza, from traditional Margherita to a clamchowder-inspired Manhattan complete with San Marzano tomatoes, chopped clams, garlic, mozzarella di bufala, oregano and chili oil. Vignette is housed in a freestanding, industrial-style modern barn at T he Barlow artisan community, w it h floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive openings to the patio; in contrast to pricier neighboring Napa restaurants, every item on the menu is under $20. 6750 McKinley Street at The Barlow, Sebastopol, 707.861.3897, vignettepizzeria.com

Casual local dining options are decidedly on the rise: Long Meadow Ranch ’s new cafe is open at 7 a.m. for Stumptown coffee, Bouchon Bakery pastries and house-made yogurt

parfait; Charles Krug’s new trattoria-style deli Cucina di Rosa , open Friday through Sunday, serves picnic paninis, antipasti and dishes made with recipes from winery matriarch Rosa Mondavi; and in Cairdean Estate ’s new food and wine village in St. Helena, guests can buy picnic fare at Butterscots Deli and Bakery to enjoy on the estate’s 58 acres at the base of Spring Mountain. longmeadowranch.com, charleskrug.com, cairdeanestate.com

Where to Play

Wineries are increasingly focusing on directto-consumer marketing and “have significantly raised the bar with regard to their hospitality programs,” Ladera’s Pat Stotesbery says, which, combined with more winery choices, has

“enhanced the Napa wine country experience in terms of both wine and facility quality.”

Eileen Crane, founding winemaker of Domaine Carneros, concurs: “Napa has long been noted for landmark wineries; however, the real change is in what those wineries offer as experiences. From the old-days ‘belly up to the bar’ tasting to the modern, highly personalized hands-on winemaking experience and much in between, wine country visits are new again.”

Domaine Carneros, for instance, now offers Vinyasa in the Vineyard — a private yoga class for guests on the chateau’s terrace followed by a sparkling wine tasting and brunch overlooking the vineyards; another resort program, Making Scents of Wine, includes a class on the relationship between wine and fragrance. “These experiences have enabled us to captivate and excite both old and new fans of the winery,” says Crane. 1240 Duhig Road, Napa, 707.257.0101, domainecarneros.com

Revamped offerings at the Winery at Starmont include Sunday Fundays (next one is October 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.): Enjoy the wide-open spaces of the winery’s Carneros vineyards and courtyard while sipping Starmont wines and savoring local favorites like Napa’s Filippi’s Pizza and Three Twins organic ice cream, along with live music and face painting for the kids. There’s plenty of space to roam; bring the dogs. 1451 Stanly Lane, Napa, 707.968.3414, merryvale.com

One of wine country’s (and perhaps the world’s) preeminent charity chef and vintner events is back December 5–20 for its seventh year. The Twelve Days of Christmas, which benefits two Napa Valley charitable organizations — the Holly Cranston Foundation and Napa Emergency Women’s Services — returns to Meadowood Napa Valley. Hosted by Michelin three-star chef Christopher Kostow and James Beard Award–winning restaurant director Nathaniel Dorn, the gathering pairs 11 in fluential culinary stars from around the world, each of whom cooks in collaboration with one of 12 legendary vintners (who go deep into their cellars to impress the intimate gathering with can’t-get-it-anywhere-else vintages). This year’s lineup includes chefs from Denmark, France, Peru and London and cult wines like the 100-point Dana Estates, Colgin and Bond. 900 Meadowood Lane, St. Helena, 707.967.1712, meadowood.com

Hotels, too, are stepping up their offerings beyond traditional lodging. Sonoma’s Farmhouse Inn and Calistoga Ranch take animal interaction to a new level with on-site chicken coops: At the Farmhouse Inn, guests can meet with the chef in the coops to help gather farm-fresh eggs for their three-course breakfast; Calistoga Ranch guests can likewise collect from the chickens in a shabby-chic reclaimed-wood coop that mimics the woodshingled exterior of the property’s guest suites — complete with chandelier — for a made-toorder omelet in the Lakehouse Restaurant. And in another sweet deal, Sonoma’s Fairmont Mission Inn and Spa’s newish apiary supplies honey for the Michelin-starred Santé. farm houseinn.com, calistogaranch.aubergeresorts. com, fairmont.com/sonoma

Meanwhile, Calistoga Ranch just opened an in fi nity-edge family pool overlooking the resort’s vineyards, and the kids’ fare comes in throwback metal lunch boxes illustrated with characters like Superman. Silverado Resort and Spa is hosting the PGA Tour as it heads back to Napa for the fi rst time since 1980; 144 players will compete for a $900,000 prize. The Frys.com Open, the season-opening event on the tour’s 2014–15 schedule, is October 6–12. Johnny Miller, a World Golf Hall of Fame member and one of Silverado’s owners, redesigned the North Course, a par-72 layout

with water crossings and elevation changes. calistogaranch.com, silveradoresort.com

Not to Miss

Before you leave Napa, don’t miss saying hello to new St. Francis Winery and Vinyards executive chef Bryan Jones, who brings a decade of experience from wine country favorite Girl and the Fig to what’s been voted the No. 1 restaurant in America by users of OpenTable. Jones is already putting his passion for fresh produce to work in the property’s two-acre garden, picking zucchini each morning for his locally caught halibut sous vide. 100 North Pythian Road, 707.833.0242, stfranciswinery.com

And if you can get an appointment to taste at Bryant Family Vineyard, give Bettina Bryant your regards. The label’s new president is making the business of winemaking as interesting as the business of drinking; her background, atypical for a winery head, includes working a s a fi lm producer, art curator and American Ballet Theatre dancer. She and the Bryant team developed the new wine Bettina ($425 per bottle), a proprietary Bordeaux blend using grapes from three David Abreu grand cru vineyards. In her new position she will supervise the vineyard’s special projects, including its winery expansion. Bryant Family Vineyard, 1567 Sage Canyon Road, St. Helena, 707.963.0483, bryantwines.com m

New and Notable

Modern gastropub The Farmer and the Fox opened at the Cairdean Estate in St. Helena. Specialties includ e h earty fare such as traditiona l S cotch eggs, freshly baked popovers, game pie a n d a n ightly roast fro m t h e r otisserie. cairdeanestate.com

Get your sushi fix at Eikos’s Seafood Market and Sushi Bar ’s new location at Oxbow Public Market in Napa. Five Dot Ranch Cookhouse is also new at the market , serving sandwiches and Five Dot Beef hot dogs with all the fixings. oxbowpublicmarket.com

Rutherford’s St . S upér y E state and Vineyard s has completed the landscaping and design of its on-site culinary garden, whose produce will appear in many of the wine and food pairings. stsupery.com

At Napa’s 1313 Main , the new Sunday brunch is served dim sum style. No need to wait for the chef to cook your order; select from the roving trays of small plates. 1313main.com

Winery at Starmont. Below, from top: Honey dishes at Santé; Bettina Bryant.

Sebastopol

TOP DIGS Travel + Leisure — the magazine widely accepted as the authority on just that — has awarded two wine country lodging options top honors. Auberge du Soleil (top) in Rutherford comes in at No. 12 (just under Marin’s Cavallo Point Lodge at No. 11), and Yountville’s Bardessono Hotel and Spa (bottom) grabs the No. 21 spot in T+L’s annual readers’ choice awards for top resorts in the continental United States.

SOMER TEJWANI

Go Barreling

To really gain an understanding of the essentials of winemaking, ditch the tasting room for the barrel room. Here are three places where you can learn what happens after the harvest. S.T.

1 Raymond Vineyards

(Saint Helena) Enjoy a barrel tasting program that lets you experience the di fference between wines still maturing in tightly grained French oak and make side-by-side comparisons with their fi nished counterparts from earlier vintages. Barrel tastings are available daily. Tours are $30 per person. 707.963.3141, raymondvineyards.com

2 Ladera Vineyards

(Angwin) The new barrel tasting experience includes a tour of the 1886 ghost winery (a winery built between 1860 and 1900) and then an in-depth barrel education, wherein you’ll learn what role the different barrel types play in enhancing the overall flavor and structure of wine After the tour, enjoy tasting four current-release wines. Available daily by appointment. Tours are $45 per person. 707.965.2445, laderavineyards.com

3 Del Dotto Vineyards

(St. Helena/Napa) The Estate Tour and Barrel Tasting program in the St. Helena location’s Venetian Cave lets guests taste eight wines directly from the barrel to better appreciate the differences between wines produced in oak from different forests, including side-by-side comparisons. After exiting the caves, enjoy house-made nibbles. Barrel tastings are available daily. Tours are $60 per person. 707.963.2134, deldottovineyards.com

MIX IT UP There’s a new wine-based aperitif on the block. Sonoma’s Jardesca , just launched by Marin-based master mixologist Duggan McDonnell, is a balanced blend of sweet and dry white wines (including Viognier from Alexander Valley) and an eau de vie — double distilled and brightened with 10 different botanicals, among them California bay, pink peppercorn and grapefruit. Drink it chilled, over ice, with a sprig of your herb of choice — mint, basil, lemon verbena or thyme works well. S.T.

Liquid Gold

Olive oil may not be the box-office draw in wine country, but a handful of properties are offering tours and tastings dedicated to it. As in wine tasting, olive oil is evaluated in three steps — the nose, palate and throat — but this type of sampling doesn’t get you tipsy and is open to the whole family. Here are three producers to visit. S.T.

LONG MEADOW RANCH This ranch has some of the oldest olive orchards in Napa; the owners discovered the orchard hidden among taller trees. No appointment is necessary to visit the St. Helena location (a restored 1874 farmhouse) for a flight of the ranch’s estate-grown and organic olive oils. 707.963.4555, longmeadowranch.com

ROUND POND The second generation of the MacDonnell family still owns and operates Round Pond Estate. The Rutherford farm and winery specializes in wines but is known for its olive oil mill experiences. Book an appointment for a guided tour of the estate’s mill and a tasting of olive oils and red wine vinegar blends, along with a selection of breads and cheeses. 888.302.2575, roundpond.com

MCEVOY RANCH Only after buying the 550acre Petaluma property did Nan McEvoy discover it was strictly zoned for agriculture. The philanthropist planted 3,000 Tuscan olive trees, and today the property is one of the country’s largest organic estate olive oil producers. On the recommendation of the ranch’s olive oil consultant, McEvoy imported what’s been called the “Maserati of olive oil mills,” now used as part of the coldprocess production technique. The ranch is a private residence, so tours are limited; for private tours the minimum charge is $500. 707.769.4138, mcevoyranch.com

inspired choices for wine country experiences

Healdsburg. Nestled around a century-old town plaza, surrounded by 5-star restaurants, stylish boutiques, art galleries and tasting rooms…local hospitality meets San Francisco chic in this charming Sonoma wine country town. Start your journey at healdsburg.com

Voted best spa in Sonoma County for 17 years Osmosis is the perfect oneday spa getaway. Experience deep calm within our authentic Japanese gardens on a secluded 5-acre retreat. Rejuvenating cedar bath, expert massage and organic facials. 707.823.8231, Freestone, osmosis.com

Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, Come and experience one of the iconic pioneers of Chardonnay in the Russian River Valley on 400 beautiful acres with a view of world class croquet courts from our terrace. Tastings and tours are available with reservations Thursday through Monday. 707.237.3489, sonomacutrer.com

THE FOODIE’S GUIDE TO

BAJA

Good eats in Tijuana, Ensenada and Guadalupe Valley.

BY ANN WYCOFF

INVARIABLY WHEN THE San Diego foodie crowd

I belong to begins to talk culinary adventure, discussions lead to the border and points south. While San Diego has its share of interesting chefs and cutting-edge restaurants, the cross-cultural exchange between local chefs and their Baja amigos, along with the exciting epicurean scene in Tijuana, Ensenada and Guadalupe Valley, is what sparks passionate discourse. I am one such food lover, always on the hunt for the secret garden, the perfect meal and the next great culinary character. So I am adamant when I say there’s something utterly amazing brewing in Baja California these days, a culinary revolution of sorts. Did you know there’s a wine country 15 minutes inland from Ensenada that evokes Napa circa 1960, with more than 75 vineyards and a slew of farm-to-table progressive eateries dotted along the dusty countryside lanes? That Ensenada is home to world-renowned seafood carts, timeless Parisian pastries and captivating craft beers? And thankfully, now that the ominous cloud of the cartel wars has lifted, Tijuana is emerging as a creative culinary and artistic hub. A whole new world awaits beyond the surf’s-up-fish-tacos-cervezas-tequila-shots-till-you-drop road trips of days past. So disregard all those negative things you’ve been hearing about Mexico and head south of the border with your appetite. It’s safe and the food scene will blow your mind.

Tijuana

Sure, Tijuana’s had a bad rap for a while now, and rightly so, deterring most of us from braving its cluttered streets, but for seasoned travelers and the intrepid, a stop here offers an edgy adventure with great eats. After breezing through the San Ysidro border, head into the center of town, aka Zona Centro, where you’l l fi nd sublime duck tacos at chef Miguel Angel Guerro’s sophisticated La Querencia ( Av. Escuadrón 201, #3310) or Baja comfort-style fare and craft beers at the funky La Justina Gastrobar ( Ave. Revolucion 3ra & 4ta), the latest culinary home of San Diego

chef Chad White. And no trip to the bustling border city is complete without sampling the epicurean offerings of Javier Plascencia: The respected chef with movie-star good looks grew up spending time in his father’s restaurants, which include pizzerias and the revamped Hotel Caesar’s, purported birthplace of the famed salad. Today the forwardthinking prodigy is leading the charge to revitalize Tijuana as a culinary destination. Hands down, he’s succeeded with Misión 19, a modern gem in TJ’s only LEED-certi fied building, where his composed plates present locally raised or caught ingredients in playful combinations. His scallop “parfait” is a sundae-style seafood stack with avocado meringue, Meyer lemon caramel, Persian cucumbers, chiles and pork crackling for a crunchy fi nish on top.

Tijuana-Ensenada Toll Road

Those who find Tijuana too daunting can simply cross the border and follow the signs to Playas de Tijuana Ensenada (Highway 1), circumnavigating the city altogether. After you pass the urban sprawl and gra ffitied decay, the coastal road unfolds and hugs the shore. You’ll pass Fox Studios, home to the Master and Commander ship, half-built towering beachfront condos and cerveza shacks. About 37 miles south of the border (Km 59) I like to take a little liquid break at La Fonda, the somewhat dilapidated surfer-friendly hotel on the cliff, famous for margaritas and movie-star hideaway status in the day. After imbibing a little of Mexico’s fiery spirit in a giant birdbath vessel, carry on to Ensenada, Baja’s oldest city.

Ensenada As you crest Highway 1, the port city appears with its glistening boat-dotted bay. A good way to take in the soul of Ensenada is to stroll the harbor-side promenade and Mercado Negro Fish Market (Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas), where a bounty of so-fresh-it’s-still-moving daily catch is displayed on endless beds of ice. No-frills taco

Clockwise from top left: El Rey Sol; pastries at El Rey Sol; assorted dishes; views from Encuentro; Hacienda de Guadalupe in Guadalupe Valley; more innovative dishes.

Below: Infinity pool at Encuentro. Opposite: Haute cuisine south of the border.

stands line the nearby streets, the aromas of grilled meats, chiles and salty brine sailing through the air. Seafood carts and street food are all the rage, and locals line up early at the famed La Guerrerense cart ( Alvarado and López Mateos) for ceviche tostados with piquant house-made salsa. Uni fans should try owner Sabina Bandera’s take on sea urchin, jazzed up with peanut-chile salsa. With Ensenada being the epicenter and inventor of fi sh tacos, a quick jaunt to Tacos Mi Ranchito El Fenix ( Ave. Espinoza and Calle Sexta) is required for batter-dipped fried fi llets of shark with salsa fresca, cream sauce and cabbage. Personally, as a carnivorous carne asada connoisseur, I also gravitate to Mk Tacos (Blvd. Costero 1564), known for its colorful setting and delish grilled meats.

While a debate exists as to the exact birthplace of the margarita (another Ensenada claim), I think it’s only fair to frequent both spots boasting the bragging rights. While the 1930s icon Riviera de Ensenada (Blvd. Lázaro Cárdenas, #1421) is now a cultural center rather than a glam hotel and casino, its famed Andalusian Bar remains, beckoning visitors for a frothy marg on its bougainvillea patio. A few blocks away, raucous Hussong’s Cantina ( Ave. Ruiz 113), circa 1892, also claims to have fi rst concocted the tequila drink. Regardless of who’s right, belly up to the bar (preferably not when the cruise ship is in town) so you can raise a glass with the locals and jig a little to live norteño, toe-tapping Mexican folk music that makes you appreciate the accordion. Truly.

For sweet cravings, El Rey Sol ’s sidewalk cafe serves divine melt-in-your-mouth pastries as authentic as those in Paris; the original owner attended Le Cordon Bleu in the 1940s and her expertise lives on.

Venture into craft beer culture at Cerveceria Wendlandt (El Sauzal ), at either the new seaside brewery offering tours and excellent hops-forward samples or the eponymous brewpub (Blvd. Costero #248) with such gastropub fare as pork-belly sliders and gourmet flatbreads. And fi nally (admittedly my favorite) there’s Manzanilla (Teniente Azueta 139), where handlebar-mustached chef Bonito Molina, godfather of modern Baja cuisine, makes hook-tofork magic with the briny wonders of abalone, bluefi n tuna and house-smoked oysters with tarragon butter and chiles, all in an eye-popping setting — a converted boat warehouse with a massive wooden bar, neon pink chandeliers and splashes of modern art.

Guadalupe Valley

On No Reservations, when Anthony Bourdain explored the wine country here inland from Ensenada, he likened it to Tuscany: “It’s the great undiscovered wonderland. Rolling hills, grape arbors and great chefs,” he said, “cooking very forward, very subtle, very local, very good food.” La Ruta del Vino (Highway 3) meanders through Guadalupe Valley, a 14-mile pastoral patchwork of vineyards and farmland, dotted with boulders and cradled by beautiful mountains. Dusty dirt roads lead to the unexpected — hidden haciendas, bougainvillea-draped hillsides, architecturally striking wineries, lavender fields and alfresco eateries with soul-stirring views. The Mediterranean climate and fertile soil are conducive to varietals like cabernet, merlot, tempranillo, nebbilo, malbec, cab franc, chenin blanc and sauvignon blanc. The area’s oldest vineyard, Santo Tomás, was established south of Ensenada in 1888, but only recently has the valley made its mark as a destination for American oenophiles. Thirty-five-year veteran vintner Hugo D’Acosta, who worked in Napa, Italy and France, is a leading force here today; besides establishing his own thriving vineyards (Casa di Piedra and Parallelo), in 1988 he opened La Escuelita (the Little School), an educational center and crush facility for anyone interested in viticulture and oenology. His in fluence has permeated the valley, now home to more than 75 vineyards, each with its own distinct personality.

Enjoy fine reds and an artistic little Eden at Sol y Barro; a leisurely lakeside picnic and tastings at Monte Xanic; floral whites and epic views at eco-friendly Las Nubes; horseback riding through the vineyards of Adobe Guadalupe; and scintillating chards and flirty red blends at El Cielo. Other notable stops include Hacienda La Lomita, Chateâu Camou, Baron Balché, Vinas de Garza and Bibayoff, to name but a few.

What’s impressing palates even more these days is the progressiveness and creativity of the local cuisine. If you bypassed Tijuana, thankfully another chance to savor chef Javier Plascencia’s farm-fresh fare awaits at Finca Altozano (Highway 3, Km 83). This rustic outdoor eatery, with decks and overhangs made from reclaimed wood, overlooks his family’s vineyards and calls for a leisurely wine-infused lunch of mesquite-grilled fare like beef cheek tacos or roasted suckling pig with heirloom tomato salad, or lighter ahi tostadas and tuna ceviche. In your post-Plascencia euphoria, wander over to the giant wooden barrels and climb to the pillowed banquettes on top, a lovely perch for sipping the family wines and drinking in the vineyard and valley views. fincaltozano.com

Lovely Laja (Highway 3, Km 83) sits just down the lane — a rustic stone cottage surrounded by gardens bulging with produce that lands on the plate. Here a slow-paced meal involves freshly baked breads, garden salads and dishes like seared yellowtail with polenta or oven-roasted local rabbit with vegetable risotto. The pri x fi xe multicourse menus with thoughtful wine pairings are curated by former Four Seasons chef Jair Téllez and respected enologist Andrés Blanco, early ambassadors for the Guadalupe Valley terroir and flavors. lajamexico.com

On the eastern side of the valley, groovy eco-pod hillside hotel Encuentro now features respected chef Flor Franco and Convivia Cantina . Small plates feature LatinJapanese fusion, organic produce, seafood, custom house wine by maestro Hugo D’Acosta and craft libations by San Diego mixology experts Snake Oil Cocktail Company. Kick back on the patio for the afternoon with a Love on the Rocks (mescal with cedar infusion, plum, orange, agave nectar and shaved bitter chocolate) and mingle with the locals who gather to share ideas and good food and drink. The Snake Oil gents have also dreamed up “anti-raspados,” potent Mexican shave-ice libations that make great antidotes to hot valley days, available in whimsically fl avored versions like bubblegum with lavender, mint and white rum. encuentroguadalupe.com

Travel the long and winding road to La Villa de Valle , a Tuscan villa–style estate owned by former rock ’n’ roll producers Phil and Eileen Gregory. At their imaginative winery Vena Cava, giant upside-down recycled fishing boats jut from the hillside, serving as roofs for the wine cellar and tasting room; the award-winning reds are some of the best in the valley. Wander past the lake through the lavender fields and over to the restaurant Corazón de Tierra , housed in a glass-box terrarium made from a recycled container that cantilevers over the organic garden. Affable chef Diego Hernandez, whose mismatched eyes of green and brown appropriately seem to represent

land and sea, creates nightly four-course meals (think scallop sashimi with arugula or pan-roasted duck over white bean puree) expertly paired with Vena Cava wines. Just another feast for the senses in this mesmerizing, continuously evolving place called Guadalupe Valley. lavilladelvalle.com m

TIP When traveling through Baja, inconspicuous is the way to go, so leave the Range Rover or Beamer at home. Ask your hotel for a Fast Pass or stay on Highway 3 and cross the border in Tecate for a greatly reduced wait time when entering the United States.

WHERE TO STAY

LA VILLA DEL VALL E  This stunning six-bedroom Tuscan-style villa has a yoga studio, stylish pool, lavender fields, lake and excellent winery. lavilladelvalle.com

ENCUENTRO Eco-friendly cabins planted on stilts sit high on the hill with decks, kiva fireplaces and epic views. You will also find an infinity pool, networks of hiking trails, gardens and orchards. encuentroguadalupe.com

HACIENDA GUADALUPE Colonial-style 12-room hotel boasts a waterfall pool, hot tub, on-site vineyards and sweeping vineyard and mountain views. haciendaguadalupehotel.com

CUATRO CUATROS Luxury platform tents reminiscent of an African safari, set in a cropcircle-style vineyard and oak tree grove. cuatrocuatros.mx/en

Out & About

CALENDAR / ON THE SCENE / DINE

Under the Spell of Mount Tamalpais

THEATER

THRU OCT 12 The Fox on the Fairway This comedic show presented by Ross Valley Players turns the traditional country club scene on its head with mistaken identities, slamming doors and overplayed romantic shenanigans. The Barn Theatre (Ross). 415.456.9555, rossvalleyplayers.com

Calendar

OCT 30–NOV 2 Arguendo New York–based company Elevator Repair Service presents Arguendo, a staging of the 1991 Supreme Court oral argument in Barnes v. Glen Theatre, where a group of exotic dancers used the First Amendment to challenge a ban on public nudity. Z Space (SF). 866.811.4111, zspace.org

DANCE

COMEDY

TUESDAYS Mark Pitta and Friends The comic hosts an evening for up-and-comers and established headliners to work on new material. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmorton theatre.com

THRU

OCT 18 Lovebirds

Performer Marga Gomez portrays a crew of wacky lovers as they chase their hearts’ desires. Gomez alternates between a macho maitre d’, a singer with a tin ear, an academic with insomnia, an ageless nightclub photographer and more. The Marsh (Berkeley). 415.282.3055, themarsh.org

THRU OCT 19

Pippin

Enjoy the classic story of a young prince on a quest to fi nd the meaning of life. A Broadway hit since premiering in 1972, this rendition features choreography by Tony Award nominee Chet Walker and acrobatics by Gypsy Snider of the Montreal-based company Les 7 doigts de la main. Golden Gate Theatre (SF). 415.551.2050, shnsf.com

OCT 1–19 Do I Hear a Waltz? Enjoy this Richard Rodgers/ Stephen Sondheim/ Arthur Laurents collaboration starring Broadway’s Tony nominee Emily Skinner as an American tourist who fi nds romance in 1960s Venice. Eureka Theatre (SF). 415.255.8207, 42ndstmoon.org

OCT 3–11 Untamed Dance Series Smuin Ballet starts off ts 21st season with a series featuring the West Coast premiere of Serenade for Strings, Objects of Curiosity — choreographed by Amy Seiwert — and Frankie & Johnny. Palace of Fine Arts Theatre (SF). 415.912.1899, smuin ballet.org

OCT 18–19 Trolley Dances Audiences are taken out of the theater and into the streets as dancers perform eight- to 15-minute sitespeci fic pieces around the city to draw attention to both art and neighborhoods in need of aid. Various locations (SF). epiphanydance.org

OCT 15 The Pump and Dump Comedian and mother Shayna Fern teams up with coach and mother MC Doula for a parentally incorrect show featuring audience participation, inappropriate music, swearing and commiseration. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweetwater musichall.com

MUSIC

OCT 2 Dark Star Orchestra The Grateful Dead tribute band perform a variety of unique set lists compiled from the Dead’s many albums and tours. Dark Star Orchestra’s seven members capture the sound, energy and overall feel of a classic Dead show. The Regency Ballroom (SF). the regencyballroom.com

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

OCT 2 Elton John The legend and his band return to the Bay Area as part of a 10-city tour. Enjoy classics and a selection of songs from John’s recently released 40th anniversary album, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. SAP Center (San Jose). golden voice.com

OCT 2 Films and Interludes The Left Coast Chamber Ensemble presents "Films and Interludes," featuring silent fi lms accompanied by live performances of scores from Debussy, Boulanger and Bodin. 142 Throckmorton (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, throck mortontheatre.org

OCT 3–4 An Evening With King Crimson King Crimson alumi Mel Collins, Robert Fripp, Gavin Harrison, Jakko Jakszyk, Tony Levin, Pat Mastelotto and Bill Riefl in — who individually

have worked with bands ranging from the Rolling Stones to Talking Heads — reunite to perform their favorite material. The War field (SF). 415.345.0900, the war fieldtheatre.com

OCT 9 Guitar Pull No. 40 Celebrate the 40th Appleberry Jam guitar pull, a showcase of area singers and songwriters. The Sleeping Lady (Fairfax). 415.485.1182, sleepinglady fairfax.com

OCT 10 Poor Man’s Whiskey This Bay Area quintet boasts an eclectic sound and lively energy and both acoustic and electric instruments. The band’s songs center on the trials of everyday life. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

OCT 14 Reckless in Vegas Kiddo!’s fall music series continues

to the stage in 2012. The War field (SF). 415.345.0900, the war fieldtheatre.com

GALLERIES

MARIN

Art Abloom Studio and Gallery Classes for artists. 751 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.256.1112, artabloom.com

Art Works Downtown Sculpture as Metaphor A juried exhibition, October 3–November 14. 1337 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.451.8119, art worksdowntown.org

Atrium Gallery The American Car: A Family Portrait Works by Gale McKee, October 6–January 2. 1350 South Eliseo Drive Ste. 140, Greenbrae. 415.454.1411

Hwy One, Point Reyes. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org

Marin Society of Artists Fresh Art 2014, through October 12. 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 415.454.9561, marinsocietyof artists.org

Mine Gallery Early Fall 2014 Works by various artists, through October 19. 1820 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Fairfax. 415.755.4472, gallerymine.com

O’Hanlon Center for the Arts Under the Spell of Mount Tamalpais A juried joint show with the Marin Society of Artists, through October 23. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org

Room Art Gallery

Works by both Bay Area artists and major masters; housing the largest collection of Picasso, Chagall and others in Marin County. 86 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.380.7940, roomartgallery.com

Seager Gray Gallery

Facsimile Work by Lisa Kokin, October 1–30. 108 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.384.8288, seagergray.com

Smith Andersen

North Greenfield on Greenfield Photographs by Peggy Greenfield, through October 13. 20 Greenfield ve, San Anselmo. 415.455.9733, smithandersen north.com

• OCT 2–26

The Whale Charlie, a 600-pound man who has just survived a heart attack, decides to reach out to his estranged teenage daughter. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5200, marintheatre.org

with Reckless in Vegas, a rock ’n’ roll trio specializing in contemporary renditions of classic favorites from Frank Sinatra, Sonny and Cher, Johnny Cash and more. All proceeds benefit Kiddo! Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

OCT 16 Preston Reed Percussive fi ngerstyle master Preston Reed transforms a typical acoustic guitar into a di fferent instrument entirely. Reed pioneered the two-handed integrated progressive

technique starting in 1987 and stops by Mill Valley as part of his U.S. tour. 142 Throckmorton (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, throckmortontheatre.org

OCT 18 Matisyahu This chart-topping reggae artist has been making music since his fi rst album, Live at Stubbs, was released in 2005. Matisyahu will perform old favorites, as well as new hits from his most recent release, Akeda The War field (SF). 415.345.0900, the war fieldtheatre.com

OCT 26 Fodfest Music in Common — a nonprofit organization that aims to strengthen and empower communities through music — presents Fodfest, a free community concert and jam session featuring a variety of musicians. Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley). 415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

OCT 30 King Diamond Experience some heavy metal from one of the most recognizable artists in the genre. A favorite of bands like Metallica, King Diamond returned

Claudia Chapline Gallery and Sculpture Garden Contemporary sculpture by John Bucklin, Sylvia Goodman, Giuseppe Palumbo and Italo Scanga. 3445 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach. 415.868.2308, cchapline.com

Falkirk Cultural Center Annual fall juried exhibit, through October 25. 1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael. 415.485.3328, falkirk culturalcenter.org

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

Gallery Route One Candace Loheed: Orangeland Works by the artist, through November 2. 11101

Robert Allen Fine Art Color and Abstraction A group exhibition of works on canvas and panel, October 2–November 28. 301 Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.2800, robert allenfineart.co

Robert Beck Gallery

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

Robert Green Fine Arts Abstract expressionist paintings by Sam Francis, John Grillo, Paul Jenkins, Jim Bird and more. 154 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.8776, rgfineart.com

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

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

Studio 4 Art Work by local artists, classes and workshops with materials included. 1133 Grant Ave, Novato. 415.596.5546, studio4art.net

The Blissful Gallery

3-D works by local artists. 3415 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach, 415.868.2787, the blissfulgallery.com

SAN FRANCISCO

ArtHaus An intimate presentation of diverse works in various styles and mediums by New York and Bay Area artists. 411 Brannan St, 415.977.0223, arthaus-sf.com

Caldwell Snyder A Few Days a Lifetime Recent works by David Bromley, through October 20. 341 Sutter St, 415.392.2299, caldwellsnyder.com

Electric Works Works by David Schubert. 1360 Mission St, 415.626.5496, sfelectricworks.com

Fouladi Projects Proud to Be a Hero New satirical works by Laurina Paperina, through October 18. 1803 Market St, 415.621.2535, fouladi projects.com

Gregory Lind Gallery

Barbara Takenaga

A series of paintings by the artist, through October 18. 49 Geary St, 415.296.9661, gregory lindgallery.com

Hackett-Mill Rare works from the 1950s and 1960s. 201 Post St, 415.362.3377, hackett mill.com

John Berggruen Gallery Figures and Landscapes Works by David Park, Richard Diebenkorn, Nathan Oliveira and Manuel Neri, through October 18. 228 Grant Ave, 415.781.4629, berggruen.com

Meyerovich Gallery

Modern and contemporary works in the mediums of painting, paper and sculpture. 251 Post St, 415.421.7171, meyerovich.com

Pier 24 Photography Works from the Pilara Foundation Collection.

Pier 24, 415.512.7424, pier24.org

Rena Bransten Projects Robb Putnam: Foundling, through October 25. 1639 Market St, 415.982.3292, rena branstengallery.com

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

MUSEUMS

MARIN

Bay Area Discovery Museum Come in costume for Goblin Jamboree, October 19. (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, baykidsmuseum.org

Bolinas Museum A collection of works in various mediums by J.B. Blunk, Harry Bowden, Linda Connor and more (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinas museum.org

Marin History Museum An Afternoon in a Victorian Parlor A display of an old-fashioned sitting room in the historic Boyd Gate House (San Rafael). 415.454.8538, marinhistory.org

Marin Museum of the American Indian Explore Native American history, languages, art and traditions (Novato). 415.897.4064, marin indian.com

Marin Museum of Contemporary Art Fall national exhibition, through October 5 (Novato). 415.506.0137, marinmoca.org

BAY AREA

Asian Art Museum

Enter the Mandala An exhibit featuring works focused on cosmic centers and the mental maps of Himalayan Buddhism, through October 26 (SF). 415.581.3711, asianart.org

STM_MM_Aug2014_resize_print.pdf 1 8/29/14 10:11 AM

2014/15 evening series

OCT 28, 2014

PLAYING BIG: FIND YOUR VOICE, YOUR MISSION, YOUR MESSAGE

Dynamic speakers Inspiring conversations Delicious and elegant receptions in the company of remarkable women

Join us for our 2014/2015 season of inspiration, education and fun!

"Thanks so much, for everything Speak To Me is doing for women, our communities, and the world at large. A phenomenal season of fun and inspiring evenings out."

Tickets at www.speaktomeevents.com

Premier SponsorSeries Sponsors

Tara Sophia Mohr | Author of "Playing Big", groundbreaking expert on women’s leadership and the implementation of practical skills to make real change in oneself and the world.

JAN 27, 2015

TOXIC BODIES: THE UNHEALTHY TRUTH & WHAT WE CAN DO TO PROTECT OURSELVES Ken Cook | Co-founder of Environmental Working Group, creator of the online consumer database Skin Deep and successful lobbyist considered one of the most influential 20th Century leaders and change-makers in the world.

MAR 10, 2015

DIGITAL GENERATION: HOW TECHNOLOGY IS SHAPING OUR YOUTH

Jim Steyer | Founder of Common Sense Media, author of several books including "Talking Back to Facebook" and "The Other Parent" and one of the most respected experts on issues related to children's media and education in the U.S.

APR 28, 2015

SECRET LIVES OF WOMEN: THRIVING AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE

Also check out our Lunch & Learn Series focusing on Health/Wellness and Inspiring Local Leaders.

Iris Krasnow | Journalism & Women's Studies Professor at American University, expert in the field of“female generational angst" and best-selling author of several books including "Sex After..." and ”The Secret Lives of Wives."

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

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

Contemporary Jewish Museum Hardly Strictly Warren Hellman Works celebrating the legacy of Warren Hellman and the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, which he founded in 2001; starts September 18 (SF). 415.655.7800, thecjm.org

de Young Anthony Friedkin: The Gay Essay Photographs chronicling gay communities in Los Angeles and San Francisco from 1969 to 1973, through January 11 (SF). 415.750.3600, deyoung.famsf.org

Exploratorium Ongoing interactive exhibits exploring science, art and human perception (SF). 415.397.5673, exploratorium.edu

Legion of Honor Matisse and the Artist Book Works from seven books of original illustrations by Henry Matisse, presented in conjunction with Matisse from SFMOMA, through October 12 (SF). 415.750.3600, legion ofhonor.org

Museum of Craft and Design Jennifer Crupi: A Display of Gestures The fi rst presentation of the celebrated metalsmith artist’s work, through October 5 (SF). 415.773.0303, sfmcd.org

Oakland Museum of California Judy Chicago: A Butter fly for Oakland, through November 30 (Oakland). 510.318.8400, museumca.org

San Francisco Botanical Garden Cloud Forest

A colorful jungle of flowering plants representative of typical cloud forest plant communities in southern Mexico and throughout Central America, through December 31 (SF). sfbotanical garden.org

Cruisin' for Chicks by Gale McKee at Atrium Gallery, Greenbrae

Sonoma Valley Museum of Art Realism, Really?

Today’s Contemporary Realists Works by California artists, through October 26 (Sonoma). svma.org

The Walt Disney Family Museum Leading Ladies and Femmes Fatales

Works by Marc Davis, through November 3 (SF). 415.345.6800, waltdisney.org

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts Bay Area

Now 7 Works by Bay Area artists highlighting the region's cultural ecosystem, through October 5 (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org

EVENTS

OCT 4–26 St. Vincent’s

Pumpkin Patch The

Godmothers of Timothy Murphy School present St. Vincent’s Pumpkin Patch, with all proceeds benefiting the boys. St. Vincent’s (San Rafael). 415.507.4229, godmothers.org

OCT 8 TNDC

Celebrity Pool Toss

The Tenderloin Neighborhood Development Corporation’s 22nd annual celebrity pool toss features techies and city celebrities, live auction and a lot of fun, all to benefit TNDC youth and family programs that serve more than 3,000 of the lowest-income individuals in the Tenderloin and surrounding neighborhoods. Phoenix Hotel (SF). 415.358.3906, tndc.org

OCT 11 MOAD Sacred Journeys Join Willie Brown and Brenda Wright as the Museum of the African Diaspora celebrates with its annual gala. Four Seasons Hotel (SF). moadsf.org

OCT 11 Sunny Hills Road Ride Cruise for the kids of Sunny Hills’ San Anselmo campus. Enjoy breakfast at Toast in Novato followed by a scenic ride through Marin and Sonoma with the Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club. Toast (Novato). 415.457.3200, sunnyhillsservices.org

animals from more than 100 local shelters and rescue centers. Visitors will also enjoy a petting zoo and appearances from Splash Dogs and Tillman the skateboarding bulldog. Marin Center (San Rafael). bayareapet fair.org

OCT 14–15 Culture Collide The festival visits the Bay Area for the fi rst time, bringing a wide range of international musicians to San Francisco for two days of music. The Mission (SF). culturecollide.com

d'oeuvres, an open bar, special guests and music from Dirty Cello. The Box SF (SF). calautism.org

OCT 18 Creole United Festival Take in zydeco music and the rich Creole culture with a lineup of awardwinning musicians, delicious food and drink, activities for all ages, dance lessons and exhibits. Dunphy Park (Sausalito). creole unitedfestival.com

OCT 19 Autistry Faire

and other neurodevelopment challenges.

Autistry Studios (San Rafael). 415.454.1037, autistry.com

OCT 19

MALT Day at the Pumpkin Patch

Enjoy the ultimate in pumpkin patch experiences with cheese making, locally sourced snacks, Marin wine and beer and, of course, the opportunity to pick an organic pumpkin.

Nicasio Valley Farms (Nicasio). 415.663.1158, malt.org

OCT 11–12

Bay Area Pet Fair and Adoptathon

The Marin Humane Society presents the largest pet adoption fair in the Bay Area, featuring more than 1,000

OCT 17 California Autism Foundation Fundraising Gala Celebrate the 31st anniversary of the California Autism Foundation with hors

The third annual Autistry Faire has an eco-technology theme, with student projects and activities available for all attendees to enjoy. Proceeds support Autistry Studios, a nonprofit serving teenagers and adults with autism

19 The Milley Awards

OCT

The 2014 Milley Awards recognize Gage Schubert, longtime contributor to the arts in Marin through donations to the Mountain Play Association, the Marin Theatre Company, Italian Street

Painting and more. Community Center (Mill Valley). milleyawards.org

OCT 26 Run 10 Feed 10 Join Women’s Health Magazine, the FEED Foundation and thousands of participants to run a 10k and provide 10 meals per runner for those going hungry in local and surrounding communities. Enjoy freebies, giveaways, appearances from special guests and more. Crissy Field (SF). run10feed10.com

FILM

OCT 1 Two Gentlemen of Verona The Royal Shakespeare Company presents Two Gentlemen of Verona, which tells the story of Valentine and Proteus as they

travel to Milan only to fall in love with the same woman. This production was recorded live, and is presented on-screen. Smith Rafael (San Rafael). 415.454.5813, ca fi lm.org

OCT 10–12 Mill Valley Film Festival Check out the 37th annual 11-day festival that launches new fi lms and fi lmmakers. Enjoy screenings, Q&As with directors and actors, concerts and much more. Various locations (Mill Valley). mv ff.com

OCT 11 Macbeth Watch an operatic version of Shakespeare’s Macbeth recorded live at the Metropolitan Opera. The Lark Theater (Larkspur). 415.924.5111, larktheater.net

NATURE WALKS & TALKS

ONGOING Sausalito Walking Tours Take a one-hour walk through Old Town and learn about its history. Vina del Mar Plaza (Sausalito). 415.331.3791, travelswithteri.com

ONGOING The San Francisco Gourmet Chocolate Tour A threehour walking tour from the San Francisco waterfront to Union Square with seven stops and generous tastings at each. Justin Herman Plaza (SF). gourmetwalks.com

3 The

OCT

Four Desires Author and teacher Rod Stryker examines what he calls the four

Red Funnel II 2014 by Barbara Takenaga at Gregory Lind Gallery, S.F.

keys to happiness and a balanced life: Creating a Life Purpose, Happiness, Prosperity and Freedom. Stryker discusses how to use these ideas to become who you truly are in his new book. Book Passage (Corte Madera). 415.927.0960, book passage.com

OCT 4 Flora and the Penguin In a followup to Flora and the Flamingo, which centered on ballet, author Molly Idle presents Flora and the Penguin, a wordless picture book about ice skating and friendship.

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

OCT 6 Zero to One

Peter Thiel, cofounder of PayPal and an initial

investor in Facebook, discusses the futureoriented perspectives outlined in his new book Zero to One and shares lessons from Silicon Valley about how to solve tough problems and innovate. JCCSF (SF). 415.292.1233, jccsf.org

OCT 7 The News Sorority Author Sheila Weller examines the careers of Diane Sawyer, Katie Couric and Christiane Amanpour, three women who successfully in fi ltrated the male-dominated field of television journalism.

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

OCT 8 Steven Pinker

Harvard psycholinguist Steven Pinker, who

regularly appears on lists of the world’s top 100 speakers, discusses The Sense of Style: The Thinking Person’s Guide to Writing in the 21st Century, a fascinating analysis of the ways in which skillfully chosen words engage the mind. JCCSF (SF). 415.292.1233, jccsf.org

OCT 9 Senator Kirsten Gillibrand The New York senator opens the fall 2014 Leadership Lecture Series — in partnership with Book Passage — with a discussion about her new book, Off he Sidelines: Raise Your Voice, Change the World. Dominican University (San Rafael). 415.927.0960, book passage.com

OCT 11 B.J. Novak Writer, actor, producer and director B.J. Novak discusses his fi rst children’s book, The Book With No Pictures — a text-only “picture book” that introduces young children to the power of the written word. JCCSF (SF). 415.292.1233, jccsf.org

OCT 11 Peak Hike for Prevention Partake in the 19th annual fundraising hike and healthy living expo as a solo hiker or with a team. Choose a sevenor 11-mile trek followed by a healthy living expo featuring entertainment and an organic lunch, all to benefit Breast Cancer Fund. Mount Tamalpais State Park (Mill Valley). 415.321.2914, breast cancerfund.org

OCT 16 Waterfront Walk Enjoy this tour of the historic sites of San Francisco’s waterfront neighborhood, including the Audi ff red Building and the One Market building. Part of the Commonwealth Club’s historic San Francisco walking tour series. Various locations (SF). 415.597.6705, commonwealthclub.org

OCT 17–19 Bioneers

Conference This annual, three-day event now in its 25th year features interactive group discussions on topics like climate change, social justice, alternative energy and medicine. Marin County Fairgrounds (San Rafael). 505.986.0366, bioneers.org

OCT 19 Headlands Fall Open House Explore the various buildings of Headlands Center for the Arts, visit artists in their studios, see their new work and enjoy performances, hear readings and more. Headlands Center for the Arts (Sausalito). 415.331.2787, headlands.org

OCT 25 Get to Know WildCare After a brief hike through Gerstle Park, head to WildCare’s campus to meet non-releasable ambassador animals, learn about the hospital and the general mission of the organization. Gerstle Park (San Rafael). 415.456.7283, wildcarebayarea.org

Dine

• 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

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

BLUE BARN GOURMET

American The first Marin outpost of the S.F.–based Sustainable Restaurant Group, 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

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 sa ff ron fettucine and tomato braised short ribs. The restaurant also hosts one of the best happy hours in town. 55 Tamal Vista Blvd, 415.924.3366, brickandbottle.com

IL FORNAIO Italian

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

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 generously portioned wasabi bowls fi lled with white or brown rice, veggies and your choice of chicken, beef or fi sh (cooked or raw). Paci fic Catch is successfully modeled after the Paia Fish House on Maui, down to the chalkboard menu and Hawaiian music. 133 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.3474, pacificcatch.co

Asian Chicken Salad

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

• TONY TUTTO PIZZA Italian Tony has been pouring his passion for pizza into his daily dishes for two decades and his menu now includes family recipes. Expect creative, artisan-style pizza featuring the best imported, natural and local organic ingredients. Take out or dine in; mostly outdoor seating, so dress accordingly. 246 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.383.8646, tonytuttopizza.com

SEA THAI BISTRO

Asian SEA stands for Southeast Asian, and co-owner and executive chef Tony Ounpamornchai infuses his cooking with Thai and other Asian flavors to create innovative dishes. The menu features sustainable and local ingredients and is accompanied by an extensive wine list. 60 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.8333, seathaibistro.com

THE COUNTER

California/American The folks at the Counter have taken the “have it your way” motto to a whole new level. Known 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

VEGGIE GRILL California This restaurant is a welcome addition for anyone who enjoys a plantbased diet. Snacks like crispy cauli flower and chargrilled corn are the perfect prelude to vegetarian salads, bowls and sandwiches. Tempeh and veggiemade proteins are also available to create a satisfying meal. 100 Corte Madera Town Center, No. 147, 415.945.8954, veggiegrill.com

FAIRFAX

123 BOLINAS California

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

FRADELIZIO’S Italian

Family-owned for 15 years, Fradelizio’s blends Northern Italian cuisine with California-inspired healthy fare using fresh ingredients. The gnocchi is a crowd-pleasing favorite. 35 Broadway Blvd, 415.459.1618, fradelizios.com

SORELLA CAFFE Italian Run by sisters Sonia and Soyara, Sorella — which means “sister” in Italian — serves up fresh Italian food with a northern in fluence. Customer favorites include the cioppino, butternut squash ravioli and Pollo alla Sorella. Another highlight is the giant wheel of Grana Padana cheese, which is passed around from table to table. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520, sorellacaffe.co

STEAKHOUSE GRILL & BAR American This steakhouse at Deer Park Villa has been around nearly a century, making it more than your typical steak spot. The longtime gathering place features a daily happy hour, live entertainment and

a large, heated deck. Events include Draft Beer Night, Prime Rib Weekends and a champagne brunch on Sunday. 367 Bolinas Rd, 415.456.8084, deerpark steakhousegrill.com

KENTFIELD

AMBROSIA Italian This family friendly Italian joint serves traditional pizzas and homemade pastas, with one of the best wine-by-the-glass programs in Marin. Owner Mark Leslie is bringing his pizza, pasta and passion for good wines by the glass to Kent field— check Facebook for details. 800 College Ave, 415.454.9292

HALF DAY CAFE

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

LARKSPUR

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

FABRIZIO RISTORANTE

Italian This restaurant was opened by Italian transplant Fabrizio in the early ‘80s. Swing by for traditional Italian dishes and an extensive wine list featuring bottles from all over Italy. Outdoor seating makes the experience even more special. 455 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.3332, fabrizioristorante.com

FARM HOUSE LOCAL California Downtown Larkspur’s newest gem is sure to please with simple, healthy food in a warm, cozy atmosphere — both inside and outside on their covered patio. 25 Ward St, 415.891.8577, farm houselocal.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, farmshopla.com

LEFT BANK

RESTAURANT French

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

MARIN BREWING

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

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

PICCO California

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

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

THA SIAM Thai Tha Siam — conveniently located in the Marin Country Mart — specializes in authentic Thai cuisine. Try the famous pad Thai, or choose from a lengthy list of chef-suggested dishes including zesty tilapia and basil lamb. 1813 Larkspur Landing Cir, 415.461.0198, thasiam.net

THE MELTING POT

French This round brick haven for fondue fans is just across the street from the Larkspur Ferry terminal. Share the “Big Night Out” feast featuring chef’s specialties, or design your own meal with cheese fondue, salad, meat entrée and chocolate fondue dessert. 125

E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.461.6358, themeltingpot.com

YANKEE PIER American

This family-friendly, casual clam shack is harbored in a quaint house built in 1924. Known for beer-battered fi sh ‘n’ chips, clam chowder and tasty salads, Yankee Pier serves fresh seafood delivered daily from both coasts. 286 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7676, yankeepier.com

MILL VALLEY

AVATAR’S PUNJABI

BURRITOS Indian A small and friendly place with only a few tables, but myriad Indian-inspired

burrito dishes to choose from. Try the curry chicken or Jamaican jerk wrapped in warm naan. Cash only, but well worth the trip to the ATM. 15 Madrona St, 415.381.8293, enjoyavatars.com

BALBOA CAFE MILL

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

BOO KOO Asian

Authentic Asian street food is now available for $10 or less.

The restaurant offers options for every eater—vegans, glutenfrees, vegetarians and carnivores alike. Menu items include chicken pho, vegan summer rolls, pad thai and five-spice pork satay, all made with organic, locally sourced veggies and proteins. 25 Miller Ave, 415.888.8303, eatbookoo.com

BUCKEYE ROADHOUSE

American Oysters

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

light meal. 15 Shoreline Hwy, 415.331.2600, buckeyeroadhouse.com

BUNGALOW 44

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

CANTINA Mexican

The popular family restaurant offers traditional Mexican fare including soups, salads, sandwiches and sizzling fajitas at lunch portions and prices. An outdoor fi re pit provides

the option of alfresco dining, while the lively atmosphere indoors makes for a fun outing. Stop by for happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. M-F for drinks and appetizers $5 and under. 651 E. Blithedale, 415.381.1070, thecantina.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

EXTREME PIZZA

American Pizza by the slice or pie — including gluten-free options. Come up with your own creation or choose one of the restaurant’s favorites, like the Mr. Pestato Head: homemade pesto sauce, potatoes, red onions, feta, fresh basil and mozzarella. 393 Miller Ave, 415.569.4134 , extremepizza.com

FRANTOIO RISTORANTE

ITALIANO Italian Known for its in-house olive press, superior olive oil and excellent Italian cuisine, this spot is a great choice for an intimate dinner, celebration and anything in bewteen. For special occasions and private parties, reserve the olive-press room.

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

HARMONY Chinese

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

LA

GINESTRA Italian

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

MILL VALLEY

BEERWORKS American Known for handcrafted beers, imported and local microbrews and house-made kombucha and root beer, this popular downtown Mill Valley neighborhood brewery recently doubled its space and expanded its food and beverage menu. 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 rabbit con fit.

173 Throckmorton Ave, 415.888.8218, mill valleybeerworks.com

NOURISH GRILL American This restaurant for the Club at Harbor Point is situated on the waterfront and open to the public. Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, it serves classics like grilled shrimp, and an all-American clubhouse burger. 475 E Strawberry Dr, 415.381.4400, nourish.harbor-point.com

PEARL’S PHAT BURGERS

American

Dubbed a silverspoon alternative to a

greasy-spoon diner by The New York Times, Pearl’s has a loyal following for the big juicy all-natural patties (vegetarian, turkey, beef, bu ffalo or grilled chicken) served up with tasty sides such as garlic or sweet potato fries, shakes and seasonal smoothies. Take out or eat in, if you can get a seat. 8 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.381.6010, pearlsdeluxe.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

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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

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

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

CHIANTI CUCINA

Italian This cozy eatery features an array of Italian and American choices, including a long list of pasta options; try the house-made ravioli cooked up by chef Chris Harman. 7416 Redwood Hwy, 415.878.0314, chiantinovato.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 peoplewatching inside the always-bustling cafe. 823 Grant Ave, Ste E, 415.879.5181

HILLTOP 1892 California

Situated on a historic estate in Novato with sweeping views, Hilltop 1892 offers classic favorites with a California flair. Open lunch through dinner, as well as Sunday brunch. 850 Lamont Ave, 415.893.1892, hilltop1892.com

LEFT COAST DEPOT

American Located in Old Town Novato, this eatery serves breakfast, lunch and dinner prepared by chef Mike Garcia, formerly of Toast. Menu items include sticky ribs, roasted beet and cauli flower salad and old-fashioned

RUBEN KALRA, MDRICHARD SHINAMAN, MD WILLIAM LONGTON, MD

meatloaf. Ask your server about the nightly three-course Depot Dinner Meal. 807 Grant Ave, 415.897.7707, leftcoastdepot.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

SONOMA LATINA

GRILL Mexican The menu includes standbys like tacos, burritos and enchiladas (all prepared with local and organic ingredients) plus a list of favorites from the original Sonoma location. In keeping with the unprocessed theme, tortillas are made by hand with natural and organic whole grains. 5800 Nave Dr, Ste D, 415.883.2662, sonomalatinagrill.com

TOAST American

Sister to the popular Mill Valley location, Toast Novato features outdoor dining and

contemporary architechture by Stanley Saitowitz. The spacious restaurant is ideal for large parties and families looking for a large plate of comfort food. 5800 Nave Dr, 415.382.1144, toastnovato.com

WILDFOX American Perched on the hillside off ighway 101, this rustic eatery with a mesquite grill features a menu full of comfort dishes, like seafood risotto with butternut squash. In the mood for a cigar? The restaurant has a lengthy list of options. 225 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.9125, wildfoxrestaurant.com

SAN ANSELMO

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

BUBBA’S DINER

American Kids and adults will be begging for seconds at this hopping local hangout that offers burgers, shakes, fries and homemade apple pie. 566 San Anselmo Ave, 415.459.6862, bubbas-diner.net

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

•

MARCHÉ AUX

FLEURS French A local gem known for cuisine showcasing locally farmed produce, wild and fresh seafood and free-range meats prepared with an artisan’s touch, accompanied by a lengthy wine and beer list. 23 Ross Common, 415.925.9200, marcheauxfleurs restaurant.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 Owners Bruno Denis and Olivier Souvestre of Le Garage fame offer a menu most Francophiles would

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

LA LOGGIA Italian

Inspired by an Italian culture that celebrates local, artisanal food and wine, this cafe and vinoteca is a community gathering place serving delicious, fresh food. Dishes include ragu Bolognese on polenta and braised pork shoulder sliders. 500 San Anselmo Ave, 415.234.8698, laloggiasa.com

LINCOLN PARK WINE

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

organic food and wine.

198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.453.9898, lincolnparkwine.com

MARINITAS Mexican

The sister restaurant of Insalata’s, Marinitas continues to flourish as a bastion of creative Latin cuisine in Marin. It may not be as lowpriced as most Mexican restaurants in the area, but this is not your typical south-of-the-border spot. The festive atmosphere and funky decor complement the excellent food for a classy, lively experience. This place gets packed, so make reservations. 218 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.454.8900, marinitas.net

VALENTI & CO. Italian

This bright and cozy space is the ideal environment for a sampling of authentic Italian cuisine from Chef Valenti, a Milanese transplant. Though Valenti sticks to his culinary roots,

the dishes at his Marin restaurant make use of local ingredients. A seat at the vinobar offers a prime view of the open kitchen. 337 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.7800, valentico.com

SAN RAFAEL

AMICI’S EAST COAST PIZZERIA California

The wide array of thincrust pizza includes the Siciliano, an enticing mix of mozzarella, slow-roasted garlic, sausage, broccoli and crushed red pepper fl akes, sans tomato sauce. Gluten free crust is available. 1242 Fourth St, 415.455.9777, amicis.com

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, arizmendibakery.org

BROKEN DRUM BREWERY & WOOD GRILL American O ffering a wide array of eats, handcrafted and local beers and live music, the Broken Drum is a hot spot for Rafael Theater patrons (10 percent off entire bill with your ticket stub), passersby and regulars. You’ll fi nd live music Friday and Saturday nights, tacos on Tuesdays and Bloody Marys all day on Sundays. 1132 Fourth St, 415.456.4677, brokendrum.com

CREPEVINE American Bistro/Creperie Choose from a diverse menu of savory crepes, with favorites like the Italian crepe, fi lled with roasted peppers, eggplant, onions, artichoke hearts, tomato sauce and mozzarella. Sweet and savory crepes are available all day long, as are all breakfast items. 908 Fourth St, 415.257.8822, crepevine.com

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

IL DAVIDE Italian A large selection of both Italian and California

wines by the glass, along with the tiramisu, have kept locals coming back for years. Don’t leave without sampling the limoncello. 901 A St, 415.454.8080, ildavide.net

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

LOTUS RESTAURANT

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

MULBERRY STREET

PIZZERIA Italian Chef Ted Rowe won fi rst place in the Food Network Television Pizza Challenge with his For the Love of Mushroom pizza — sautéed mushrooms in a creamy garlic sauce and a red wine reduction atop a fresh pizza crust. Be sure to try other unique pies, like the spicy Three Beer pizza and the clam and garlic pizza, as well. 101 Smith Ranch Rd, 415.472.7272, mulberry-streetpizzeria.com

NAPOLI Italian This family-owned-andrun restaurant boasts a special craft beer program: They keep the prices down and the libation s flowing,

Summer Vegetable Tian

and about 45 wines and 25 beers (including some from Marin) are on the list at any given time. The pizza and pasta are East Coast Italian, with Marin and Bay Area accents. Gluten-free pizza and pasta available. 869 Fourth St, 415.459.3315, napolirestaurant.biz

PANAMA HOTEL RESTAURANT

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

PIZZA ORGASMICA

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

RANGE CAFE American

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

RISTORANTE LA

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

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, srjoes.com

SOL FOOD Puerto Rican Fast becoming a Marin legend, Sol Food whips up traditional Puerto Rican dishes just like the ones owner Sol Hernandez grew up eating. Favorites include the bistec sandwich, mofongo and fried plantains, but anything tastes good with a dash of the eatery’s signature hot sauce, which is for sale by the bottle (as is the lemon-garlic salad dressing). 901 Lincoln Ave, 415.451.4765, solfoodrestaurant.com

SUSHI TO DAI FOR Japanese Snagging a seat in this popular Fourth Street sushi spot can be a challenge, but patience is rewarded with tasty

• BIO French Enjoy fresh crepes and a bevy of fresh, gluten-free options at this casual eatery. Stop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner to sample omelets, galettes, duck confit or beef bourguignon. 2633 Bridgeway, 415.324.7080, biologiquesf.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

and fresh sashimi, unique sushi rolls and great prices. 816 Fourth St, 415.721.0392

TAJ OF MARIN Indian

Delicious North and 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

VIN ANTICO American

This resurrected restaurant offers seasonal market-inspired cuisine like stone oven-baked fl atbreads, handmade pasta and organic salads. The kitchen is open to the dining room, so try to snag a seat at the chef’s counter. 881 Fourth St, 415.721.0600, vinantico.com

WHIPPER SNAPPER RESTAURANT California/Caribbean

Owner and chef Bill Higgins serves reasonably priced and delicious tapas. Save room for deliciou s fi sh tacos and yummy chocolate bread pudding. On Sundays, try the $3

glasses of sangria. 1613 Fourth St, 415.256.1818, whipsnap.biz

YET WAH Chinese Named for the founder’s wife (“Yet” refers to the moon, “Wah” to brightness), this beloved mainstay offers a traditional Chinese menu accompanied by daily dim sum. Expect live music in the Kung Fu Lounge. 1238 Fourth St, 415.460.9883, yetwahsanrafael.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

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

CIBO Cafe Located in a historic brick building on Sausalito’s main drag, Cibo is a great place to a sip a quick cup of coffee outdoors. Husband-and-wife team Alfredo and Tera Ancona offer a menu of tarts, croissants, cookies, paninis and soups. Every dish is made from scratch with local and seasonal products. 1201 Bridgeway, 415.331.2426, cibosausalito.com

COPITA Mexican Chef Joanne Weir serves up fresh Mexican fare in the heart of downtown Sausalito. The ever-changing menu is always 100% gluten-free, and the in-house tequila bar offers over 30 varieties, available blanco, reposado or añejo. Enjoy your meal at the bar or on the outdoor patio. 739 Bridgeway, 415.331.7400, copita restaurant.com

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 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

French Toast with Berries

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, caffedivinosausalito.co

PIZZERIA ROSSETTI

Italian A small array of appetizers and salads augment an impressive pizza menu, with options like the Boscaiola (tomato sauce, mozzarella, wild mushrooms and Molinari spicy sausage) and Gruviera (Gruyère, carmelized onions, pancetta and thyme). 45 Caledonia St, 415.887.9526, pizzeriarossetti.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

CASH IN

Dungeness crab, housemade kettle bread served with Straus butter and sizzling iron skillets of mussels in a casual, whimsical ambience 1200 Bridgeway, 415.331.3226, salitoscrabhouse.com

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

SEAFOOD PEDDLER

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

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, himalayaca.com

Roasted Mt. Lassen Trout at Valenti and Co. in San Anselmo

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 in 1898 for the San Francisco Yacht Club, this waterfront restaurant is a shoe-in for date night. Executive chef James Montejano — known for supporting local farmers, fi shermen and organic food producers — prepares dishes like Sugar Spice Grilled Loch Duart Salmon and Trident Cioppino. 558 Bridgeway, 415.331.3232, thetridentsausalito.com

WELLINGTON’S California British transplant Jeremy John and his wife, Jill, have created an expansive (2,400-square-foot) wine bar with a homey feel including comfy leather couches, board games, views of the bay and a worldly cellar featuring a ffordable bottles and special reserves. The menu offers wines by the glass for $5 to $20 and tasting fl ights of any three wines for $12. 300 Turney St, 415.331.9463, wellingtonswine.com

TIBURON

CAPRICE California Book the private party room for large groups, or just relax in this romantic dinner spot. Take advantage of the

restaurant’s well-priced three-course dinners for less than $25, and don’t miss Prime Rib Mondays. 2000 Paradise Dr, 415.435.3400, thecaprice.com

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

GINZA Japanese

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

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

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

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NEW MORNING CAFE

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

SALT & PEPPER

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

SAM’S ANCHOR CAFE

American Everyone knows Sam’s deck is the prime spot for brunch on a lazy sunny Sunday, and its bar is the town’s historic watering hole, but Sam’s is also a great place for lunch or dinner. Enjoy transfat-free calamari, fresh fi sh, seasonal salads and pastas. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, samscafe.com

SERVINO RISTORANTE

Italian Executive Chef Massimo Covello comes to the kitchen via Frantoio and Piazza D’Angelo; here, he cooks up an array of rustic Italian dishes, including house-made pastas, wood oven pizzas and seasonal specialties. A member of Marin Organic and one of Marin’s fi rst eateries to become certi fied as a

green business, Servino uses fresh, local and organic ingredients whenever possible. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino.com

TIBURON TAVERN California The atmosphere here is truly enchanting, with two outdoor patios, two indoor fi replaces and candlelit tables at dinner. No item is more than $25, including the steak, with entrées falling in the $14 to $18 range. Happy hour is 4 to 6:30 p.m. M–F. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, tiburontavern.com

WEST MARIN

THE LUNCH BOX American Spending the day on the coast? Stop by this modern day mom and pop deli

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

NICK’S COVE American Large windows provide picturesque views of Tomales Bay and Hog Island. The 130seat eatery’s menu consists of fresh local seafood, oysters and bounty from nearby West Marin farms (Marshall). 23240 Hwy 1, 415.663.1033, nickscove.com

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

PARKSIDE CAFE

American Perfect for a sit down, alfresco meal or for grabbing a burger to enjoy on the beach. Choose from an array of organic, locally grown produce, artisan meats and wild seafood (Stinson). 43 Arenal Ave, 415.868.1272, parksidecafe.com

PINE CONE DINER

American You ca n fi nd this ultimate neighborhood diner just off he main road. Vintage china and homemade curtains complement the eclectic but

homey menu featuring local fare. A favorite for locals as well as tourists (Point Reyes Station). 60 Fourth St, 415.663.1536, pineconediner.com

RANCHO NICASIO

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

SAND DOLLAR

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

SIR & STAR AT THE OLEMA California

The historic inn has reopened as a roadhouse-style restaurant featuring rustic decor and a delicious yet a ffordable menu. Try the housemade bread and honey butter, the kale Caesar and the stu ffed quail, or take the plunge and sample the entire menu — the majority of items are $20 or less (Olema).

10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.663.1034, sirandstar.com

STATION HOUSE CAFE

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

SAN FRANCISCO

AQ RESTAURANT & BAR California AQ

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

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

BOULI BAR American/ Mediterranean Head to Boulettes Larder’s new bar and dining room for the savor y fl avors of spicy lamb, feta and mint or the bittersweetness of salad topped with barberries, bulgur and pomegranate, all in a setting of handsome wood tables and an open kitchen. 1 Ferry Building, 415.399.1155, bouletteslarder.com

BOXING ROOM Cajun

The Southern comfort of Louisiana, updated to fit the polished elegance of the city. Indulge

American Red Snapper at El Paseo in Mill Valley

in authentic Cajunstyle eats and fresh California seafood. 399 Grove St, 415.430.6590, boxingroom.com

BUN MEE Vietnamese

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

CAPO’S CHICAGO

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

FRANCES California

San Francisco elegance meets comfort food.

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

HAKKASAN Chinese

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

KIN KHAO Thai Fullfl avored Thai: From spicy curries to crab sen chan (a fresh seafood pad thai) to off-the-wall

cocktails designed by Bon Vivants, this new San Francisco eatery is sure to impress. 55 Cyril Magnin St, 415.362.7456, kinkhao.com

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

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

NAMU GAJI Korean A clean and natural design in a streamlined setting, where a shiitake mushroom dumpling and an eightounce Korean-accented burger are among the many options to discover. 499 Dolores St, 415.431.6268, namusf.com

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

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Anyone Can Cook

IF YOU’VE VISITED San Anselmo recently, you may have noticed Ross Valley Kitchen, the familyfriendly eatery that opened its doors earlier this year. Helmed by chef Christopher Douglas, the restaurant features dishes that highlight local ingredients. Douglas’ grandparents can be credited with inspiring a lifelong love of cooking. The two grew herbs and produce — which Douglas’ grandmother often would preserve for winter use — and the fish and game that kept his grandfather busy always ended up on a dinner plate. Douglas began his career garnishing plates in his hometown of Aspen, but soon found himself back in Marin (he attended San Rafael High for two years), where he worked at esteemed Bay Area eateries like LuLu before opening a string of restaurants with chef Reed Hearon: Rose Pistola, Black Cat and Rose’s Cafe. After a few years at Foreign Cinema and one more restaurant opening (Kitchen in Novato), Douglas says Ross Valley Kitchen is a culmination of all his culinary learning, a process he believes should remain ongoing for all chefs. “I like to look at a recipe as a guideline, especially for savory dishes,” Douglas adds. “I encourage friends to substitute ingredients that inspire them (or that they have better access to) and to try different cooking techniques.” If you’re in the mood to experiment, put your personal stamp on Douglas’ seared tuna — or just listen to the expert. rossvalleykitchen.com CALIN VAN PARIS

Seared Rare Yellowfin Tuna

SERVES 4

Ingredients

¼ cup cumin seed

¼ cup fennel seed

¼ cup whole coriander seed

1 medium-size shallot, diced

1 ounce red wine vinegar

4 hard-boiled eggs

¼ tablespoon Dijon mustard

½ bunch chives, chopped

½ bunch tarragon, chopped

¼ cup capers, drained and chopped

¼ cup cornichons, drained and chopped

1 cup extra-virgin olive oil

4 fingerling potatoes

1 handful yellow wax beans

4 Early Girl tomatoes

2 pounds yellowfin tuna Italian parsley for garnish Salt and pepper to taste

To Prepare

For spice mix 1 Heat a small skillet over high heat. 2 Add cumin seed, fennel seed and whole coriander seed. 3 Shake pan and toast seeds for about one minute. 4 After allowing seeds to cool, combine in spice blender. 5 Pour mix in bowl and set aside. For sauce gribiche

1 Place shallots in shallow bowl; cover with vinegar and a pinch of salt. 2 Let set for 10 minutes. 3 Slice hard-boiled eggs in half, reserving all whites and two whole yolks. 4 Roughly chop egg whites. 5 In a small bowl, combine shallots, mustard, herbs, capers, cornichons and yolks and mix well. 6 Add olive oil and egg whites to sauce. 7 Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. 8 Store at room temperature. For potato, yellow beans and tomato 1 Preheat oven to 500°F with baking sheet inside. 2 Drizzle skinned potatoes with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. 3 Place potatoes on pan and reduce heat to 425°F; roast for about 20 minutes. 4 Slice horizontally into coins. 5 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add beans and blanch until tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. 6 Place beans in ice bath to stop cooking. 7 Score skin of all four tomatoes. 8 Repeat blanching process with tomatoes, this time cooking for 30 seconds. 9 Submerge in ice bath, then remove and peel skin from tomatoes and cut into quarters. For tuna 1 Heat sauté pan on medium high. 2 Butcher tuna into logs, season with salt, and roll in spice mixture until well coated. 3 Lightly sear, turning occasionally, until evenly rare. 4 Slice into coins. Assembly 1 Arrange tomatoes, potatoes and beans on plate as desired. 2 Lay three or four slices of tuna on top of mixture. 3 Drizzle with sauce gribiche and garnish with parsley.

Chef Chris Douglas of Ross Valley Kitchen encourages you to play with your food.

PADRECITO Mexican

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

RICE, PAPER, SCISSORS

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

RICH TABLE California

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

ROKA AKOR Japanese

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

STATE BIRD PROVISIONS American

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

TOWN HALL American

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

VERBENA

California

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

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

Marin

Open House

Photo by Jennifer Skinner

On the Scene

• OPENING RECEPTION FOR SNOWDON KINNEY

Snowdon Kinney’s new exhibit, Land Sea Sky, was the main attraction at an opening reception September 6 at the 19 Ross Common Art Space.

• ATHLETA GRAND OPENING

Guests enjoyed wine, hors d’oeuvres and DJ music at the August 28 grand opening of the new Athleta store in Corte Madera’s town center.

• GRAND OPENING OF NEW SEAGER GRAY GALLERY

Artist Chris Gwaltney helped open the new Seager Gray gallery with an exhibit. Guests also enjoyed art and music at the new space at 108 Throckmorton Avenue in Mill Valley.

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

MO DELONG (ATHLETA, SEAGER GRAY); DEBRA TARRANT (SNOWDON KINNEY)

Snowdon Kinney and Elizabeth Gorek

Amanda Hendlin, Hooman Khalili, Susan Hauser and Liz Tausend

Debbie Kiraly, Stephanie Phelan and Sara Thompson

Stan Hoffman and Thomas Malvino

Suzanne Gray McSweeney, Chris Gwaltney and Donna Seager Liberatore

Bio – the only creperie in Sausalito offers a wide array of gluten free and vegan foods. A casual French organic breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner services. Stop in for a balanced children’s school lunch or pick up macaroons, beignets, sandwiches, salads and much more. See you soon!

Bio 2633 Bridgeway 415.324.7080 Sausalito, CA biologiquesf.com

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

F3 is a modern Sausalito restaurant and bar that dreams up Frenchkissed versions of American classics. It’s fast food the French way – civilized, elegant, and only as fast you want it to be. Open every day 11:30AM -10:00PM. Free Delivery to Sausalito residents and businesses!

Fast Food Francais 39 Caledonia St 415.887.9047 Sausalito, CA eatf3.com

Consistently rated “Best of Marin,” , Comforts offers fine city and home-style food. Enjoy breakfast or lunch in our sit-down cafe, or choose from a wide array of seasonal dishes in our take-out for an easy family dinner! Open 7 days.

Comforts Cafe 335 San Anselmo Ave 415.454.9840 San Anselmo, CA comfortscafe.com

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

Seasonal Fall Flavors Turned Up a Notch. Executive Chef Bob Simontacchi’s new menu includes Herbed Ricotta & Spinach Ravioli, Padron & Gypsy Pepper Pizza, House Smoked Pacific Salmon, New York Strip and more. Chef Bob’s house-ground beef burger is #mfdelish. Daily Happy Hour, 4:30-7:00pm. Wednesday Half-off wine bottle special with dinner.

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

Cathleen Daly

Sales and Rentals

Fort Mason Center

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

sfmoma.org/visit/artists_gallery Gallery Hours Tuesday through Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Large watercolors Available at the

BY LAURA HILGERS • PHOTOS BY TIM PORTER

Sobanski had looked at 40 properties when their realtor, Courtney Whitaker, learned something. “We’d already made several offers,” says Whitaker, “before Sobanski said, ‘I want something that’s unique in some way. I don’t know what it is, but I want something special.’ ”

Hearing this, Whitaker showed the couple a house atop Miwok Ridge that had been lingering on the market and was slightly out of their price range. It was also completely unique.

The home, which the couple bought last February, was built in the 1940s as three separate structures. The original owners thought it would be fun to have the living room, bedroom

and dining area in separate buildings — like camping — until rainy season changed their minds. After that, they linked the buildings with a few hallways, the result being a nontraditional layout that most modern homebuyers “couldn’t wrap their heads around,” Whitaker says.

The San Francisco newlyweds, however, saw the home’s charms immediately, starting wit h fi replaces in each of the original buildings, as well a s a fi replace in the master bedroom that was added in the late 1990s. Rockers and Sobanski were immediately taken with the home’s nods to the past, like the alcove off he dining room where a tiny kitchen once stood, with an interior window that looks out on a stone-step hallway — steps that were, at one time, outdoors.

The dining room also offers a whimsical ode to marriage. At one end of the dining room there’s a white wooden cabinet with 12 grooves, which once held the original owner’s extensive ri fle collection. At the other end is a built-in secretary desk, which his wife demanded in exchange for having to look at guns at dinner. The cabinet now displays Polish pottery, reminiscent of Sobanski’s upbringing in Communist Poland.

The living room is also steeped in history, with soaring cathedral ceilings, exposed ceiling beams and wide-planked oa k floors. It once held an enormous, lodge-style fireplace, replaced years ago. But the 98-inch brick hearth still juts out about a third of the way across the floor.

If the past is always present here, so too is a sense of peace. Often the only sounds heard throughout the ridgetop house are birdsong, providing a respite from the couple’s corporate city jobs. “Quiet was important to us,” Rockers says. “We didn’t want to move to a place just as noisy as San Francisco.” Nor did they want a cookiecutter home. They were willing to wait for, and fall in love with, something all its own. m

KERRY ROCKERS AND Witek

They were immediately taken with the home’s nods to the past, like the alcove off the dining room where a tiny kitchen once stood.

Opposite page, from left: The elegant dining room; an old-fashioned barrel hot tub. This page, clockwise from left: The lodge-style living room fireplace; Rockers and Sobanski; a light-filled hallway; the dining room alcove; the front door; the kitchen; a sweet reminder.

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 Strawberry. DEBRA TARRANT

WHERE THEY LIVE

SQUARE MILEAGE 1.3 square miles POPULATION 5,393

WALKABILITY SCORE 63 out of 100 (somewhat walkable, some errands can be accomplished on foot)

HIGHEST-PRICE HOME SALE WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS $4,500,000

LOWEST-PRICE HOME SALE WITHIN THE LAST SIX MONTHS $850,000

SCHOOL DISTRICT Mill Valley School District: Strawberry Point Elementary School (Edna Maguire Elementary School is close by), Mill Valley Middle School, Tamalpais High School

NEAREST SHOPPING CENTER

Strawberry Village Shopping Center. Marinites call it Marin’s “buy local” shopping haven. Retailers include fashion, health and beauty, home decor and specialty stores, anchored by Safeway, as well as eateries, spas and alfresco restaurants.

Home

Food and restaurants. You can’t go wrong when you go to get a coffee or a sandwich at The Plant.

The people make Strawberry a great place to live. Everybody knows everybody.

Love the climate. The fog seems to burn off first here in Strawberry.

Julie Knight, resident

prices provided by Tina Stauffer at Alain Pinel Realtors in Mill Valley.

Heather Tasselmyer, Pure Barre instructor

Andrew Quill, lifeguard at Strawberry Pool

RESIDENTS SAY ...

Spanning 74+ acres, Meadowbrook is one of Marin’s top equestrian estates with five arenas, six pastures, quarter-mile track, multiple barns, five wells and workers quarters. A seasonal creek, three ponds, and wooded trails make Meadowbrook the ideal equestrian retreat. This magnificent property also features a Cliff May showcase home with pool, tennis court, and breathtaking views of the Nicasio Valley. Prepare to be enchanted by the country ambiance and natural beauty of this magical West Marin Estate. MarinEquestrianEstate.com

KENTFIELD New Price

Originally built in 1939, this four bedroom, three and one-half bath estate is ideally sited on approximately 1.7 acres in Kent Woodlands. The manicured grounds include English style gardens, putting green, secluded hot tub, greenhouse, vegetable garden and bridges over a seasonal creek to the pool and guest house. The main house, which has been recently remodeled, has a large formal living and dining room, family room, private master bedroom with remodeled bath and views of Mt. Tamalpais, plus a remodeled gourmet kitchen with top-ofthe-line appliances and amenities. Public rooms open to the gardens and lawns, making it great for indoor/outdoor living and entertaining. 233Woodland.cbrb.com

BELVEDERE BLISS

BELVEDERE Offered at $5,500,000

This custom built steel and glass home is located on a long expanse of the prestigious Belvedere Lagoon across from the Bay with Mt. Tam and Angel Island views. The living room ceiling was raised to approximately 18 feet by renowned architect Sandy Walker. Spacious gardens and patios will grace the lagoon side while you enjoy sunsets from the upstairs family room overlooking Richardson Bay and Mt. Tam.

Jason Lewis

415.971.6868

jason@jasonknowsmarin.com JasonKnowsMarin.com CalBRE #01317685 KENTFIELD IN THE FLATS

KENTFIELD Offered at $3,250,000

Welcome to one of the best locations in Kentfield. 136 Hillcrest Avenue is close to shopping, restaurants, and trails, and is located in the highly desirable Kentfield School District. This spacious four bedroom, split-level home was designed by its original owner for his family and has been lovingly cared for. Enjoy the private lot, gorgeous lawn, deck, hot tub, office and ample storage.

136HillcrestAve.com

Daunielle Cutting 415.378.8472 daunielle.cutting@gmail.com CalBRE #01188450 MarinCounty4Sale.com

NOVATO

Offered at $1,699,000

Located in desirable Black Point, this lovely five bedroom, four and one-half bathroom, three-story home boasts approximately 4,250 square feet and sits on nearly four private acres. The outdoor living space offers a pool, hot tub, changing room, patio and lawn. Comfortable living and formal dining room; kitchen with Viking range, island bar and breakfast nook; game room with pool table & bath. Three-car garage and one bedroom guest quarters.

ROSS

Offered at $5,475,000

Exquisitely detailed 1940s mid-century design with dramatically executed renovations in 2014. A masterful foyer flows into a spacious living room and 12 foot ceilings embrace the view of Mt Tamalpais. Gracious modern wood and stone details enhance this refurbished gated estate with its grand public spaces from the elegant stone kitchen to five new bedroom suites in country-quiet privacy.

Coldwell Banker Proudly Announces

KATE HAMILTON

As Managing Broker of its Greenbrae and Larkspur Offices

When it comes to Marin County real estate, Kate Hamilton is a professional that people know, love, respect and admire. Kate has enjoyed a 21-year real estate career with Coldwell Banker, during which time she’s been a top producing Marin Agent, highly successful Managing Broker of the Southern Marin office and most recently, an esteemed Regional Vice President for Coldwell Banker San Francisco Bay Area. Throughout her career, Kate has been instrumental in providing stellar service and improving the lives of those around her, including her clients, the Agents in her offices and the Managers in Coldwell Banker’s San Francisco Bay Area company. We’re proud to welcome Kate home to Marin County. Whether you’re looking for real estate assistance or looking to make a career change, Kate can gladly help. Give her a call today.

We Are Delighted to Welcome C.J. Nakagawa & Susan Hewitt

The active members of a three-generation real estate family

Susan and C.J. personally participated in representing clients for the following transactions * in the last year:

• 42 San Carlos, Sausalito, CA - $4,995,000

1 Berke Ct., Tiburon - $4,467,500

• 139 Edgewood, Mill Valley - $3,410,000

• 133 Madrone, Larkpur, CA - $2,800,000

• 116 Montford, Mill Valley - $2,730,000 87 Oakmont, San Rafael, CA - $2,650,000

• 49 S. Oak, San Anselmo - $2,450,000

• 41 Hillcrest, Larkspur, CA - $1,975,000

• 1967 29th Avenue, San Francisco - $1,800,000 201 Brookside, San Anselmo - $1,770,000

• 267 Evergreen, Mill Valley - $1,505,500

• 1324 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo - $1,315,000

• 84 Bret Harte, San Rafael, CA - $868,000

1 Andrew Drive, #58, Tiburon - $853,000

• 346 Laverne, Mill Valley - $827,000

“Working with Susan and C.J. was a total pleasure. They are a delight to be with and their incredible professionalism made the process of selling my house and buying a new one remarkably easy, fast, and stress-free. I highly recommend them to anyone buying or selling in Marin County.”

—$2.8M Larkspur seller

With experience in single transactions up to $20,000,000 Susan and C.J. love to work with all levels of clientele saying, “We add substantial value to every transaction, regardless of price range.”

Susan Hewitt | 415.407.8349 | susan.hewitt @ sothebysrealty.com C.J. Nakagawa | 415.407.2151 | cj.nakagawa @ sothebysrealty.com

475 Bridgeway, Sausalito

Offered at $ 9,800,000

Luxurious contemporary home, completely renovated and updated in 2014, with spectacular panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline and Bay.

The top level boasts a stunning master suite, a state-of-the-art bathroom with soaking tub and immense shower, study, viewing decks, and additional ensuite. Main level offers gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, bay windows looking out at Angel Island, Alcatraz, and San Francisco. Formal dining room, spacious living room with fireplace, full bar and family room, 1 ensuite, powder room, 2 large decks to enjoy breathtaking views. Entry level has an au pair suite, media room, laundry room, 4 car garage, additional storage, and elevator to all levels.

475Bridgeway.com

Kouros Tavakoli 415.518.2439 k.tavakoli @ deckerbullocksir.com

Tiburon Dreams Do Come True!

VIEW VIDEO

AT

In Tiburon, It’s All About the View! $2,750,000 33MarkTerrace.com

The long private driveway leads you to this home where you will enjoy sweeping views of the Bay, downtown San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito. This property features a formal living room with fi replace, dining room with shimmering city lights and expansive decks. This exquisite custom home is situated on a very private 25,000 sq. ft. lot with postcard views and 36’ swimming pool. Gourmet kitchen/family room with bay views and granite fi replace. Four bedrooms and 4 full baths with additional powder room, and two romantic fi replaces. Coveted Reed School District.

A. Dean Jones 415.609.9000 adean.jones @ sothebysrealty.com

• Au-pair/in-law

Country Club Estate with Water Views

255 Margarita Drive, San Rafael Offered at $4,200,000

Commanding excellent water views of San Pablo Bay, hills and Mt Tam from this prominent Country Club location. It is the first time offering in 75 years of this enchanting classic custom designed estate on 1.6 acres with Southern exposure, full sun and the ultimate in privacy. Terrace overlooking swimming pool. Ideal for outdoor entertaining. 3 car garage with extra parking. 255margaritadr.com

1644 Grand Ave in San Rafael Offered at $3,750,000

“The Alioto House,” an historical San Rafael Mansion built in 1906. This estate resides at the heart of the Dominican neighborhood and offers quick access for commuting, shopping, schools and restaurants. This home has been lovingly cared for, renovated and restored. Please visit video tour at GrandHomeMarin.com

The Resort-like grounds include pool, pool house and large lawn with play structure, possible room for a tennis court, mature landscaping, and second driveway. Patios, decks and exterior entertaining areas surround the home. This home resides in one of the most sought after neighborhoods in Marin at the radius center of the best private schools in Marin. This home is a tremendous relative value purchase opportunity in a county where few exist. 1644GrandAve.com

Presented by The DuPont Group

Rick Trono

415.515.1117 rick.trono @ sothebysrealty.com

This is a spectacular 5 bedroom, 6.5 bath, approximately 6000 sf luxury residence on a grand scale that translates to an inviting feeling of volume and space. The meticulously executed build features custom finishes and appointments throughout that will simply astonish. The residence is sited on 86 sun-drenched acres, in which 60± acres are level. Stunning pastoral views and beautiful hillside vistas are the scenes of the day. The resort-style pool setting with guest quarters are everything one would expect in a property of this stature. 201SanAntonioRoad.com

AVAILABLE

• 12719SFDrake.com

• 2400NicasioValley.com

Approx. 2,763 sf, 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, plus study and AV room. Clear horizontal cedar siding. Bronze anodized windows. Ipe decking and high-end appliances. White oak floors. Private yard with level lawn. Truly amazing unobstructed views of the Bay and Mt. Tam. $2,495,000

Coming soon; call for details. 109 Via La Paz, Greenbrae

Brian Byers 415.602.7915 brian.byers @ sothebysrealty.com BrianByers.com

2 Throckmorton Lane, Mill Valley

and verdant views create the perfect setting for entertaining or relaxing. This level also features a charming bedroom with additional loft area (has also been used as a 3rd bedroom), full bathroom, and large walkin closet. A two-car attached garage, lots of storage, and a wonderful setting complete this very special property. Two Throckmorton Lane is located in close proximity to hiking trails, schools, the Mill Valley Library, and all that downtown Mill Valley has to offer. Don’t miss this jewel! 2ThrockLane.com Ken Dara 415.425.3626 ken.dara @ sothebysrealty.com

Resort-Like Living

Surrounded by hills and sited on a park-like large, sunny lot at the end of a cul-de-sac, this three bedroom, two bath Craftsman style home will envelope you in peace and serenity. From its pillared entry, the open layout allows each room to fl ow one to the other with most rooms opening through French doors to the outdoors.

Finished with hardwood fl oors throughout the living spaces, this home features a family room, formal dining and living rooms, cook’s kitchen with Viking stainless appliances, separate family room, and offi ce.

Beautifully landscaped, the grounds are reminiscent of a small resort with swimming pool surrounded by a large slate patio with built-in fi re pit, barbecue, and outdoor wet bar, making this the perfect place to play or entertain. Offered at $1,200,000 25Rancho.com

4320 Paradise Drive, Tiburon $1,195,000

Fabulous opportunity to improve or expand a mid-Century 3 bedroom and 2 bathroom home on a 30,210 sq ft lot. Located on Paradise Drive with entrance on coveted Old Landing Road. Improved it could be a starter home in Tiburon or there is significant expansion potential to

IN ESCROW

Architecturally Stunning Peacock Gap Home

63 San Marino Drive, San Rafael

$1,248,000

Located atop Peacock Gap in San Rafael, this one level home is one of a kind. The main living area offers an open floor plan with high cathedral ceilings, stone fireplace, and beautiful Anderson sliding doors that lead to a private deck and backyard with Mt. Tam and hillside views. The kitchen with a separate pantry has high end stainless steel appliances and opens to the great room. The highly desirable floorplan includes a master suite, has sliding doors leading to the backyard, and is completely separate from the other 4 bedrooms and 2 baths. 63SanMarino.com

build a dream home. The property has ample light, open space, a pool, orchard and some views of the San Francisco Bay. The privacy and sun this property affords makes it truly a piece of land! Existing home can be improved up to 5,000sf. The architectural rendering does not include any plans. 4320ParadiseDrive.com

SOLD

Multiple Offers

33 Bonnie Banks, San Rafael $1,590,000

Located in the highly desirable East San Rafael neighborhood of Loch Lomond, this colonial home has long been revered as one of the true jewels of the area. The home is sited above the Marina with views of the San Francisco Bay and Mt. Tam. It is a quintessential family home with rooms for every inspiration. 33BonnieBanks.com

Christine Christiansen, MBA 415.259.7133

christine @ sothebysrealty.com christinechristiansen.com

JUST LISTED

Astonishing luxury and resort-like amenities in this gated, entirely private, and newly-refinished, approximately 14,000 square foot residence on approximately 1.4 level acres. The living quarters comprise the five-bedroom, five full and three half-bath main residence; the separate two-level, one bedroom, one and one-half bath guest house with kitchenette; and the separate one bedroom, one bath au pair apartment. The luxurious amenities include the curved pool, spa, sauna and steam room, tennis court, large level lawns and manicured gardens, recreation/media room with adjacent wine cellar, elevator to all levels of the main residence, four-car enclosed garage, three-car carport and large circular motor court. The stunning main residence provides exciting entry doors and impressive foyer with grand staircase and chandelier, large formal living and dining rooms, paneled library and dream-like kitchen/family area. The en-suite bedrooms are large with generous closet space and the master suite offers a huge lounge and fireplace. The sweeping views from this property include Mount Tamalpais, Sausalito, Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco and the East Bay. Few homes in Marin County can

Relax with a glass of wine and the San Francisco skyline from this contemporary four bedroom, six bath masterpiece, just minutes from Golden Gate Bridge. High-end architecture by prominent San Francisco architects, Porter & Steinwedell. The 6,093± square foot, elegant property sits on two hillside parcels providing unobstructed, breathtaking vistas from almost every room. The views are elegantly framed by the majestic oak trees of the gardens custom designed by the renowned planner and landscape architect Fred Warnecke. Corner luxurious master suite features his and her master bathrooms & two walk-in closets. Other features include 2700 bottle wine cellar, gym, secluded patio, terrace, 2 two-car garages plus a detached house with kitchen & half bath. This home will be both refuge and sanctuary, both a world apart from and a part of the vibrancy of the city just on the horizon. Photography by Steven Poe.

Julia Bernardini (415) 225-0468

A MAGICAL GATED ESTATE IN FAIRFAX

Chance of a lifetime to own this gated estate on over an acre of magical mainly level grounds. Cobble stone driveway leads to a vaulted sky lighted entry & open floor plan. Three fireplaces, spacious living room with wet bar, formal dining room, four bedrooms and four baths, game room, bonus room, a separate au pair unit with a private entrance. A lovely wine cellar and tasting room. New large Ipe deck, gorgeous pool, outdoor kitchen, three-car garage. Close to Meadow Club. Marin dream home!

offered at $1,875,000

BETH SASAN (415) 990-7186

A COASTAL RETREAT ~ MUIR BEACH

Privacy and a spectacular setting are what set this property apart from the rest. A beautiful open floor plan features a wonderful public room that expands out to the incredible deck and yard space. On a large usable parcel with a legal second unit, this spacious home is perfect for entertaining, with a nice dining and sitting areas, two fireplaces, and views that seem to extend out forever. The property creates a wonderful, serene, and welcoming atmosphere that cannot be matched. The second unit is legal and would make a great office or guest house.

offered at $1,495,000

BRUCE BERLINGER (415) 269-1666

CLASSIC SAN ANSELMO GATED HOME

Gated, light-filled, large home in the flats, ideally situated close to both Fairfax & San Anselmo downtown areas. South-facing main entry deck has hill views and a retractable awning. Inside includes; a formal living room with gas fireplace, formal dining room, updated eat-in kitchen with island seating & a large pantry. Grilling deck off kitchen also opens to in-law/au pair 1BR/1BA. Street level boasts four bedrooms, full bath, Master Suite and private deck with hot tub and large family room with fireplace and a cool, shady deck. Backyard has another deck, mature landscaping, vegetable garden and play structure.

offered at $1,475,000

ROBERT BRADLEY (415) 314-1314

COME HOME TO SAN ANSELMO

Unique and spacious view home in great San Anselmo neighborhood. Features three bedrooms, three bathrooms and includes cathedral ceilings, an open, updated kitchen and large master suite. Plus a great hang out loft, new hot tub on deck with amazing Mt. Tam views, and a step down living room with cozy fireplace. Peaceful and totally private, yet only minutes to town. Great commute location. Detached 2 car garage. Tons of storage and expansion potential. Award winning schools. A winner.

offered at $1,075,000

ERIC GELMAN (415) 686-1855

• FIVE BEDROOMS • FOUR BATHROOMS • POWDER ROOM • EAT-IN KITCHEN • MASTER SUITE • FAMILY/MEDIA ROOM • LAUNDRY ROOM • STORAGE • TWO EXPANSIVE DECKS • TWO-CAR GARAGE • TWO FIREPLACES

SQUARE FOOTAGE Livable 3395 square feet Garage 477 square feet Total 3872 square feet Decks 837 square feet

&

Drake’s Cove Court - $2,300,000 27 DRAKES

1:00 TO 4:00 PM

Drake’s Cove Court - PENDING

Drake’s Cove Court - $2,788,000

Nuvera Homes is pleased to announce four extraordinary custom-crafted homes nestled atop the lovely Larkspur Hills at Drake’s Cove, outfitted with the finest finishes and showcasing stunning views of San Francisco Bay and Mt. Tamalpais.

Immediately available is a five bedroom, 3400 square foot home at 27 Drake’s Cove Court. Entry is through a gracious foyer that opens to an expansive grand room of living and dining areas with unobstructed southerly views of the San Francisco Bay. Grand 12’ ceilings with crown moldings, fireplace, Artisan hand scraped floors and natural interior light contribute to the warmth throughout this level. A wall of windows and sliding glass doors maximizes the water views and allows easy access to a tiled deck that spans the length of the home.

The grand living/dining area extends to the kitchen, which is well-appointed for entertaining large parties, with Thermador double ovens & 6-burner range, side-by-side refrigerator, two dishwashers, and a 75 bottle wine cooler, yet comfortable for day-to-day living. A large center island and pristine white Shaker cabinetry blends with the Caesarstone counters and backsplash of tumbled travertine weave tile. An adjacent alcove with picture windows on three sides is ideal for family meals.

The master bedroom suite on the entry level also enjoys water views, has a fireplace, 10’ ceilings and sliding glass doors to the deck, and a large walk-in closet. The master bathroom has a double vanity of marble, a Hydro System tub, and separate glass enclosed shower with stone and decorative tiles. An adjacent bedroom with a bathroom en-suite can also be used as an office.

On the lower level, a versatile family/media room provides a center of activity and relaxation separating a lovely guest bedroom with a bathroom en-suite and two additional bedrooms that share the fourth bathroom. The media room and two bedrooms open to the deck on this level. Extra storage and a spacious laundry room complete this floor.

Vanguard Properties & The Bowman Group Welcome Elliott Fink

“It’s not every day that I can join an exciting new company, as well as one of the most successful Marin teams within that company! The Bowman Group has nearly a half century of combined experience in Marin County Real Estate, an impeccable reputation and a solutionoriented approach that makes serving our clients a pleasure.”

Elliott Fink

Susan Bowman direct 415.710.0208 susan@vanguardmarin.com

Jennifer Bowman direct 415.717.8950 jennifer@vanguardmarin.com

770 Tamalpais Drive, Suite 306, Corte Madera, CA | T: 415.886.8171

Vanguard Properties is the exclusive representative for Leverage Global Partners in San Francisco, Marin, and Sonoma Counties in California, USA.

www.BowmanGroupMarin.com

Elliott Fink direct 415.758.6817 elliott@vanguardmarin.com

www.vanguardproperties.com

Vanguard Properties is a member of Who’s Who in Luxury Real Estate and our listings are featured on: www.LuxuryRealEstate.com

Stylish, contemporary Greenbrae Home. The home you’ve been looking for! This three bedroom/two bath home has hardwood floors, skylights, sunny rooms, custom closets, upgraded kitchen and baths, 2-car garage with ample built-in storage, and a landscaped backyard complete with mature trees, rose garden, entertainment areas, swimming pool, patio, and view deck. The bedrooms are up a short flight of stairs, providing separation between living and sleeping areas. A bonus room on the lower level is perfect for an office or studio. Excellent school district, walking distance to shopping and parks. Ideal location for commuting by car, bus, bicycle or ferry.

Downtown Inverness

BY JIM WOOD

JUDGING BY THE clarity of this photo, one could think, “How nice: a modern-day reenactment of life in the early 1900s.” Not so. “This is the real McCoy,” says Laurie Thompson, librarian at the Marin Free Library’s Anne T. Kent California Room. “This photograph of Attilio Martinelli’s Inverness Store was taken in 1909, and that’s Attilio himself, in the foreground, talking to an unidentified occupant of the horse-drawn buggy.” According to West Marin historian Dewey Livingston, the Inverness Store opened in 1900, collapsed in the 1906 earthquake, and was rebuilt and “reopened

That’s Attilio himself, in the foreground, talking to an unidentified occupant of the horse-drawn buggy.

for business within a couple of months.” Note the front porch sign indicating that a telephone, newfangled at the time, is available inside. “Mr. Martinelli’s building in Inverness still stands,” Livingston adds, “and the street in front of it is today’s Sir Francis Drake Boulevard.” Why is this photo so clear? “It’s from a glass plate negative donated to the library by history a ficionado Jeff raemer,” Thompson says, “and we developed it on our Epson fl atbed scanner.” m

Is this a reenactment, or the real thing?