December 2012

Marin Entertaining For

Holidays

the Recipes and Inspirations From Kuleto’s Executive Chef

What Goes Up… Great Locations for Helicopter Skiing Getting Published Anne Lamott, Catherine Coulter and Others Share Their Path Santa Claus Highlights From 35 Years of Wearing the Red Suit

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You’ve found Marin. Now let’s find your Home.

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www.deckerbullocksir.com | 415.381.7300

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Photos, clockwise from top: Michael O’Neal & Sarah Peet, Kodiak Greenwood, Ken Viale

‘Tis the Season to Celebrate!

Savor the Holidays

at Cavallo Point Lodge

Celebrate the holidays at Cavallo Point – always a great place to gather.

Besides our traditional breakfasts and dinners, this year there’s something new to savor: an expansive holiday buffet in our grand Callippe banquet room. We’ll serve you at five food stations, including prime rib, a raw bar, pasta, salads and more. 12–6:30 pm, $85 adults / $30 kids Ring in 2013 with us and stay the night. Our festivities include New Year’s Eve Dinner & New Year’s Day Champagne Brunch – with seating preference given to those who spend the night.

FOR DETAILS, VISIT: cavallopoint.com/holidays 601 MURRAY CIRCLE

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FORT BAKER

SAUSALITO, CALIFORNIA 94965

LODGE RESERVATIONS: 1 888 651 2003

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HONORED “BEST CLOTHING STORE FOR MEN”

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i S i t a r t ? | 5 5 x 7 1 i n c h e S | o i l o n c a n Va S

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Contents

decemb er 2012

Features

50 Niñas No More The realities of life in the Canal.

58 The New Art of Publishing So you’ve written the next great American novel — now what?

tim porter

42

42 Holidays With the Helstroms Seasonal recipes from Kuleto’s executive chef.

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THE NORTH FACE STORE THE VILLAGE AT CORTE MADERA

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THENORTHFACE.COM PHOTO: BOONE SPEED

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CLIENT > The North Face | JOB > Fall 2012 Retail Holiday| PUB > Marin Magazine | FINAL PRODUCT > Full Page Ad

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Contents

DECEMB ER 2012

101

36 In Marin

34 Q&A The young local star of Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker.

36 Conversation Meet the San Anselmo man who wears the red suit.

Destinations 63 Go Helicopter ski trips open up new territory for adventure seekers.

66 Travel Buzz Air in Idaho, ice in Arizona and more.

69 Calendar A roundup of what to do in Marin and beyond.

78 Dine An insider’s guide to restaurants and food in the Bay Area.

69

Marin Home 101 Backstory A family of four finds its style in Kentfield.

COLUMNS 16 View From Marin 18 POV 114 Looking Back

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Out & About

63

TIM PORTER (TOP LEFT, RIGHT); TONY HARRINGTON (BOTTOM)

27 Currents Holiday lights, San Rafael’s Fourth Street, writing groups, new products, apps that rock.

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Editorial Editorial Director Nikki Wood executive Editor Mimi Towle Managing Editor Daniel Jewett senior writer Jim Wood Editor-At-Large Tim Porter Copy Editor Cynthia Rubin

Mill Valley Say “Hello” to a Brand New Style

Editorial Assistants

Melissa Gardner White, Sophie Shulman, Calin Van Paris contributing writers

Somer Flaherty, Carol Pott Contact editorial@marinmagazine.com

Showroom 383 Salon in Mill Valley

Art Art Director Veronica Sooley Production Manager Alex French

ext 111 | production@marinmagazine.com Contributing Photographers

Mo DeLong, Nike van der Molen

Administration Controller Maeve Walsh ext 104 | mwalsh@marinmagazine.com Office Manager Sophie Shulman ext 100 | sshulman@marinmagazine.com

Web Web/IT Manager

Peter Thomas ext 120 | pthomas@marinmagazine.com

383 Miller Avenue Mill Valley, CA 94941 showroom383.com 415.384.8440

Sloan Levesque Carly Phillippie Gaelan Neal Sarah Duran

Beauty + Sustainable Products

Volume 8, Issue 12. Marin Magazine is published in Marin County by Open Sky Media. All rights reserved. Copyright©2012. Reproduction of Marin Magazine content is prohibited without the expressed, written consent of Open Sky Media. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned. Marin Magazine reserves the right to refuse to publish any advertisement deemed detrimental to the best interests of the community or that is in questionable taste. Marin Magazine is mailed monthly to homes and businesses in Marin County. Subscription rates are $12 per year. phone 415.332.4800, fax 415.332.3048, email editorial@marinmagazine.com, website marinmagazine.com.

Ma r i n ( U S P S 02 4 - 8 9 8) i s pu bl i s he d mont h l y by O p en S k y Me d i a , O ne H a r b or D r i ve, Su it e 2 0 8 , S au s a l it o, CA 9 496 5 .

Per iod ica ls Post age Pa id at Sausa lito, CA , a nd at add itiona l mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Marin Magazine, One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965.

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Give an Evo Spa Gift Card Live today.” ~ Richard Bach

10/31/12 4:05 PM

Advertising Advertising Director Michele Geoffrion Johnson

ext 110 | mjohnson@marinmagazine.com

senior Account Manager Leah Bronson

ext 109 | lbronson@marinmagazine.com Account Manager Dana Horner ext 107 | dhorner@marinmagazine.com

Advertising Art Director Alex French

ext 111 | afrench@marinmagazine.com marketing intern Mackenzie Mock

Dine Out / OptLOCAL Account Manager

Matt Clifford ext 113 | mclifford@marinmagazine.com 415.370.9464

Regional Sales Offices Wine Country

Tognetti & Associates | Wendy Tognetti 707.544.3643 Southern California

Leah Bronson ext 109 | lbronson@marinmagazine.com New York

Couture Marketing | Karen Couture 917.821.4429 Hawaii

Destination Marketing | Debbie Anderson 808.739.2200

Marin Magazine Publisher Nikki Wood ext 105 | nwood@marinmagazine.com

Marin Magazine One Harbor Dr, Suite 208, Sausalito, California 94965 ph 415.332.4800 fax 415.332.3048 web marinmagazine.com e m a i l advertising@marinmagazine.com TO SUBSCRIBE marinmagazine.com/subscribe

member of the BPA WorldWide

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HOLIDAY CHEER BEGINS AT THE VILLAGE Photos with Santa | November 17 - December 24 Located between Sundance and Giggle

Black Friday at The Village | November 23

Visit VillageAtCorteMadera.com/Events for store events, sales and hours.

Paul Revere and The Raiders Holiday Party and Tree Lighting Ceremony November 30, 6:30PM in Center Court

Santa Breakfast | December 1, 9:00AM-10:00AM at The Cheesecake Factory $7/person. RSVP to The Village Concierge at (415) 924-8921.

Macy’s, Nordstrom and more than 50 specialty stores & restaurants Paradise Drive Exit off the 101 | 415.924.8588 VillageAtCorteMadera.com

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P R O M OT I O N

View From Marin

From left: Mimi Towle, Nikki Wood, Dan Jewett

Bay Area events you’ll want to attend

Readers get a chance to go behind the scenes and grab a seat at the table with the longtime executive chef of Kuleto’s.

WHEN WHERE WHY YOU SHOULD GO

COST FIND OUT MORE

December 1, 5–9 p.m.

Cowell Theater, Fort Mason Center, San Francisco The San Francisco premiere of the film Wonder Women!

The Untold Story of American Superheroines by Kristy Guevara-Flannagan is featured. The evening begins with a wine tasting reception by women-owned and -operated Handcraft Artisan Wines and a silent auction featuring crafts donated by artists from the Women’s Building’s 34th annual Celebration of Craftswomen.

The film starts at 7 p.m., followed by a post-screening discussion with GuevaraFlannagan. Enjoy dessert, tea and coffee after the film. $25 650.615.6838, celebrationofcraftswomen.org

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

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

W

E’VE GOT THE holiday

spirit here at Marin Magazine this month.

We start off our features section with an invitation to a special party. Readers get a chance to go behind the scenes and grab a seat at the table with the longtime executive chef of Kuleto’s, Robert Helstrom, and his wife, Denise. Join the holiday party and save the recipes we’ve included; they may help you prepare your own special meal. We’d love to see your success stories, so post your results to our Facebook page.

Next up, editor-at-large Tim Porter returns to the Canal in San Rafael to check in with some of the children he interviewed for a piece called “Sueños de Niños,” dreams of children, four years ago. He talks to six of them, all young women now, about the challenges they have seen and overcome living in a mostly Latin American immigrant community.

We wrap up our features with an answer to a question many struggling writers in Marin have asked: How do I get published? Author Carol Pott talks to Anne Lamott, Catherine

Coulter, Christine Bronstein and others about how they’ve tackled that very challenge.

Up front we have a look at the ultimate holiday lights display — share your displays with us on Facebook — as well as stories on writers’ groups, a new TED book, a GPS tracker for your bike and locally made apps that rock. You’ll also find more holiday flavor as we talk to a Santa Claus stand-in and a young Nutcracker star.

In the back, we meet a Marin native who operates a helicopter skiing business, taking clients to far-flung regions full of virgin snow.

We hope you enjoy our December issue and the holidays; we are already looking forward to bringing you all the great stories we have planned for 2013.

Marin Magazine Staff Editors

MO DELONG

CELEBRATION OF WOMEN AND FILM

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p r omot i o n

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

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

[upcoming events]

ICB Winter Open Studios #44

The Tour de Noel WHEN December 8, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.

WHEN December 1–2, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

WHERe St. John’s Episcopal Church, 14 Lagunitas Road, Ross

WHERe Industrial Center Building, 480 Gate 5 Road, Sausalito WHY YOU Don’t miss a beat. See the art of shouLD more than 80 artists working GO in all media including painting, sculpture, photography, digital media, jewelry, printmaking, fiber arts and much more, riffing on the musical theme of 4/4 time. A group show in Gallery 111 called “Rhythm and Hues” highlights the influence of music on art and incorporates materials from the world of music. Live acoustic music from youth groups will fill the halls with art for the ears. Explore the creative process and find the perfect gift.

COST Free FIND OUT 415.331.2222, MORE icbartists.com

Tom Steel Clinic Annual Fundraiser WHEN December 5, 6 p.m.

WHERe Room Art Gallery, 86 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley WHY YOU Attendees will enjoy a reception shouLD with wine, hors d’oeuvres GO and music while celebrating World AIDS Day and learning about HIV/AIDS in Marin and advances in medicine and care.

The nonprofit clinic relies on the continued generosity of donors and community partners for the funding that allows it to provide compassionate HIV care.

WHY YOU “Opening Homes and Hearts shouLD for the Holidays” celebrates GO its 26th year with a tour of five lavishly decorated homes in both Ross and Kentfield. Come tour these beautiful residences via private shuttle van or walk if you choose, stay for lunch, and shop in a holiday boutique brimming with homemade gifts. There is plenty of parking available and all proceeds benefit charities in the community. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes.

COST $40 a.m.; $30 p.m.; optional luncheon $15; boutique is free all day FIND OUT 415.456.1102, MORE stjohnsross.org/tour

COST $100, suggested donation FIND OUT 415.383.6623, MORE tomsteelclinic.org

Want to see all the images from our RSVP Hot Ticket events?

Visit marinmagazine.com/hotticket for the latest.

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POV

Now that we’re well into the 21st century, let’s reorganize local government. By Jim Wood

H

opefully, our political

Let’s scrap Marin’s 11 independent cities, many of which were created in the horseand-buggy days, and let the county handle everything.

election battles are over for now, and it’s time to listen to new concepts. Here’s a doozy.

Retired San Rafael real estate broker Pat Burke, foreman of the Marin County grand jury in 2005 and a 40-year county resident, is proposing we create the “City and County of Marin.” This would mean we govern the area much the way San Francisco is now governed. Currently, Greenbrae, Marinwood, Point Reyes Station, Strawberry and Kentfield operate as unincorporated areas. Why shouldn’t all of Marin do likewise?

“I’ve lived in Kentfield for many years,” Burke recently told me. “We aren’t an incorporated city, yet we have excellent civic services — roads, police and fire.” Basically, Burke is saying, let’s scrap Marin’s 11 independent cities, many of which were created in the horse-and-buggy days, and let the county handle everything.

Burke’s concept would realign the entire county — cities, towns and unincorporated areas alike — into 11 county districts, each with approximately 23,000 residents. “As best as possible, each district would conform with historical city boundaries,” he explains.

“So you’d still have a Larkspur, a Mill Valley, a Novato, a San Rafael and so forth. You just wouldn’t have 11 city administrations that, more often than not, duplicate each other.”

Under Burke’s envisioned plan, a single Marin County Police Department would operate out of existing stations; likewise, a Marin County Fire Department would have three divisions: north, south and west Marin; and an expanded Marin County Public Works could handle all of Marin’s road and maintenance issues.

For the most part, Marin already has a countywide library system, a county parks department, and a county recycling center and water district (actually, two districts serve Marin). Why can’t those models be duplicated? As for zoning and planning, Burke, who has considerable knowledge in that field, is recommending that each of the 11 county districts have its own planning advisory commission empowered to make land use decisions. “This is what really matters to residents,” he says.

Regarding Marin’s 19 different school districts, Burke sees them being merged into a single Marin County School District with written assurance of two aspects: Children will always be able to attend the school within their historic district, and all existing support foundations will be maintained.

Regarding sanitation districts, don’t get him started. “Why do we need dozens of offices and countless elected officeholders just to get rid of our waste?” he asks.

As a closing argument, Burke cites the many part-time elected officials making poor decisions regarding pensions and other employee and union issues. “Consolidation of our city governments into a single bargaining unit would avoid all this,” he says. “Voters could then focus on electing 11 full-time, professional supervisors.”

More than 160 years ago, Marin was one of the first counties created in the fledgling state of California. To say much has changed since then is the height of understatement. To continue administering civic matters as usual simply because that’s the way it’s always been done is the height of backward-thinking conservatism. No doubt it would take years to make the changes outlined above. But let’s at least enter them into our public mind and conversations. That’s my point of view.

What’s yours?

Email pov@marinmagazine.com.

Barbara Ries

A New Marin for the New Year?

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Contributors

Carol Pott

is a writer, the founder and editorial director at Editorial Girl and the lead singer for the French yé-yé revival band Rue ’66. In 1994, she witnessed the genocide in Rwanda and coedited Genocide in Rwanda: A Collective Memory. She is also the editor and contributing author of the best-selling The Blue Pages: A Directory of Companies Rated

by Their Politics and Practices. Her work has been featured in the Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle and New York Times.

Somer Flaherty

has been writing about the good things in life — fashion, travel, design and wine — for almost 10 years. When she’s not following advice from her new tome The Book of Styling, she’s planning her forthcoming Calistoga wedding and enjoying the warmer weather following a recent move from San Francisco to Corona del Mar. Her articles have appeared in Sunset, Teen Vogue, Bespoke Magazine, Montage Magazine and regional publications throughout California.

Tim Porter

is Marin Magazine’s principal photographer and editor-at-large. Tim has a diverse background in print and digital journalism, working as a photojournalist, reporter and editor. He was the assistant managing editor for news and the editor of examiner.com at the Hearst San Francisco Examiner. With grants from the Ford and James S. Knight foundations, he has worked on journalism management, innovation and diversity issues with Northwestern University, USC and San Francisco State.

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POV

the center of it all!

Your Letters Gettin’ It Done

cheers!

Sephora | Party City | Bath & Body Works | Macy’s Furniture Men’s Wearhouse | Starbucks | See’s Candies | Costco Target | Marshalls | Old Navy | Sports Authority

www.shopvintageoaks.com Over 50 stores and restaurants, conveniently located off of Highway 101, Rowland Boulevard exit.

I’m a 12-year-old who goes to Kent Middle School. My mother gave me your October column (POV) and suggested I let you know how my brother Jamie and me and a bunch of our friends in Greenbrae are getting the job done. A year ago, my brother and I were complaining to my mom about the basketball court in the old Greenbrae School Park. As it turns out, the court hasn’t ever been updated since it was installed almost 30 years ago. The hoops are crooked and bent and if you fall on the blacktop, it’s so rough, you’re sure to get scraped — it was a mess. So my mom suggested we start raising money to have it repaired. So, that’s what we started doing. We talked to City officials in Larkspur and they gave us the go ahead. They also told us what it would cost so we knew how much to raise. We’re about onethird of the way there, but we have some ideas on how to get the rest of the money raised.

Right now, the kids in the neighborhood are selling raffle tickets and we have some great prizes that have been donated. We’re also going to look into some partnerships and see if we can get some of the materials donated. It’s a big job, but we’re determined to get it done.

JACK EVERSHED, LARKSPUR

Fun for Kids

I am responding to the letter in your October issue (Your Letters) from a reader in Mill Valley who fi nds basketball hoops in neighborhoods offensive to her sensibilities and compares them to Richmond and then asks Marin to “show some class.” She digs her hole deeper and says that an article on hoops doesn’t belong in a “classy, sophisticated magazine.” Really? This is the most lowbrow, snobby attitude I have ever encountered in my 50-plus years living in Marin. A basketball hoop, freestanding in the street or otherwise, is not a “monstrosity, eyesore or disgrace.” It brings neighbors together, it gets kids away from the computer and TV and it allows them to run around, make new friends and have fun. She is exactly the kind of stereotypical person that gives Marin a bad

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OSKA MILL VALLEY

153 THROCKMORTON AVE CA 94941 | 415-381-1144 OSKA-MILLVALLEY.COM name. It makes me thankful for our wonderful neighbors in Glenwood and particularly for the basketball hoop on our street. CAROL BRANDT, SAN RAFAEL

Friday Night Read

It’s Friday night, after dinner and a couple glasses of a zinfandel, when I turned to read the November issue of Marin Magazine. I like the magazine; I read every issue and even take it on business trips to New York City. Marin Magazine is exhibit one when we explain to friends why we would never move to New York. We have lived in Mill Valley since 1970; we will never leave. I have an issue with your Dine section. I read through every listing,

matching the brief comments with our personal experience. We have eaten in and like every Mill Valley restaurant you listed, but I was shocked that you omitted La Ginestra.

Let’s face it; La Ginestra probably is older and more established than all of the 21 entries. It is Mill Valley. Why would you not even mention it? I don’t understand how can you purport to issue “an insider’s guide” and not mention La Ginestra? L. THOMAS TOBIN, MILL VALLEY Eds.: La Ginestra is on our Dine list. The guide is very large, and we can’t run every listing in every issue, so not every restaurant write-up appears every time. Visit marinmagazine.com/ dine for the complete list.

ONLINE, WE ASKED YOU

What is your favorite place to dine in Marin for a special occasion?

101

NEW YORK 311 COLUMBUS AVE 10023

CHICAGO 660 N WABASH ST 60611

PASADENA 13 dOUgLAS ALLEy 91103

COPENHAGEN ILLUM OSTErgAdE 52

“Melting Pot.” Paula Neese

LONDON “Buckeye for sure.”

Shelly Markel O’Sullivan, San Rafael

70 dUkE Of yOrk SqUArE SW3 4Ly

PARIS 133 rUE VIEILLE dU TEMPLE

VIENNA

“Home.”

Kathryn Keats

BAUErNMArkT 11-13

BERLIN OrANIENBUrgEr STrAßE 84 BLEIBTrEUSTrASSE 42

“Picco and Sushi Ran.” Lisa Brookes Kift, Mill Valley

“Picco, Murray Circle, Buckeye and El Paseo.”

Caroline Nelson, Kentfield

FRANKFURT OPPENHEIMEr LANdSTrAßE 34

HAMBURG gÄNSEMArkT 24

MUNICH fÜNf HÖfE MAffEISTrAßE 6

M A R I N DEC E M B E R 2 0 1 2 23

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POV

Your health care, close at hand.

Wine Oversight?

In reading your article about Marin wineries (“On Home Turf,” October 2012), I was surprised that you didn’t mention one of the pioneers of the Marin wine industry.

The Point Reyes Vineyards is the first winery and tasting room in Marin since Prohibition. It is one of the first true growers and winemakers in the county. Steve Doughty, Point Reyes Vineyards

Just the Facts

Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation doctors offer personal primary and specialty care in more than 50 neighborhood locations. And, as part of the Sutter Health network, you’ll have convenient online access to view medical records, renew prescriptions, check lab results, e-mail your doctor and book appointments – even same day visits. To experience health care on your terms, find a Sutter Pacific doctor near you by calling 1-888-699-DOCS (3627) or visit sutterpacific.org.

I was very disappointed with the Looking Back piece (“A Big Move”) in the November issue of Marin Magazine because it had several errors of fact: Dr. Lyford came to S.F. a bachelor in 1866 and married Hilarita Reed, whom he met here while caring for her mother, in 1872; Dr. Steinhardt was not retired in 1957, and though he did help save the house, it was Caroline Livermore, founder of the Marin Conservation League, who arranged the transport by barge; Mrs. Livermore and famous Marin County naturalist Mrs. Terwilliger convinced Rose Verrall to donate her land before the house was moved, at which time it became the Audubon Center; Rose is only rumored to have had a romantic affair with John Paul Reed, and he sold the land to her before he died. As archivist of the Landmarks Society, I have lots of historical information when the subject is the Tiburon Peninsula and I am always available to help. With regard to the history of Richardson Bay and the Lyford House, I spent more than a year creating a documentary about the topic called Turning the Tide, DVD copies of which are available at several Marin County libraries. Give it a look sometime; the whole story

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No One Wants Temporary Weight Loss is quite fascinating. David M. Gotz, Archivist, Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society

Eds.: Thanks for the offer, David. We obviously strive for accuracy here at Marin Magazine and regret the error.

Launched by Stanford-trained physicians in 2007, our experts in medicine, nutrition, fitness and psychology have transformed the lives of 9,000 Bay Area men and women… for good.

Where Did They Find That?

I always enjoy looking at the homes in your Backstory section and picking up home decorating tips. I especially loved a piece of artwork in the home featured in the October issue. It’s the California Republic print on what looks like weathered wood. Is there any way to find out where the owners purchased this art? I would love to have a piece like this in my home. kristin sobditch, corte madera

My Holiday Wish List

1. World Peace

2. Vacation in Fiji

3. Fast & Healthy Weight Loss that Lasts!

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4. Never having to make a weight loss New Year’s Resolution again!

tim porter

Eds.: The art is from the Los Angeles–based artist Parvez Taj, parveztaj.com. 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.

Marin Grand Opening New Bon Air Location!

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CALL TOLL-Free 1-855-586-7782 for PPO insurance billing assessment and offer details. Holiday Discount expires 12/15/12 – call for details. © Copyright 2012 Jumpstart Medicine. All rights reserved.

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Thank You! To my loyal clients and friends, thank you for making 2012 another successful year.

Best Wishes for a Joyous and Healthy Holiday Season

Judy LeMarr

2012 Secretary, Marin Association of REALTORS 415.793.5030 judy@marindreamhome.com MarinDreamHome.com DRE #1242589

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In Marin

ce l e b r at i n g t h e peo pl e , pl ace s a n d c au s e s o f t h i s u n i q u e co u n t y

10,000 Points of Light

H

oliday traditions, like family recipes, seem to get sweeter and more meaningful with age. So when Sylvia Costello’s husband, Dan, died in May at age 81, the longtime Mill Valley resident had a difficult decision to make about the holiday lights display they’d put on for the last 25 years: to continue, or not? Her Marin neigh-

tim porter

bors and large family (four children, seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren) have come to count on the holiday extravaganza, which has grown to cover not only her Harbor Point front yard in Strawberry, but the yards on either side as well — an estimated 10,000 lights in all.

“We decided the show must go on,” Costello says. “It’s what Dan would have wanted.” MELISSA GARDNER WHITE

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In Marin / currents

Fourth Street, San Rafael

The most urban of Marin’s main streets, Fourth Street has a mélange of traditional businesses with long community wanderings roots and newer stores that embrace the changes in the city. Here are some of our favorite stops. TIM PORTER

• The Folk Art Gallery

Gamescape (North)

Enter and step into Mexico, Africa, India and other corners of the world. Retablos from Peru. Wooden alebrijes from Oaxaca. Ivory Coast masks. Known for its Day of the Dead altar and selection of muertos items. 1321 Fourth Street, thefolkartgallery.com

Before Wii, PlayStation or app were even words, games were played by hand. At Gamescape they still are. Huge collection of nonelectronic board, role-playing and strategy games, as well as puzzles and military game figures for kids and adults. 1225 Fourth Street, gamescape-north.com

The Folk Art Gallery

Marelli Bros.

Old-school shoe repair.

Opened in 1921 by the grandfather of the four Marelli brothers, who run it today. If it’s made of leather or has a zipper, they can fix it. Shoes, purses, luggage, motorcycle chaps, wet suits, whatever. 1318 Fourth Street, 415.454.3831

Viva Diva Boutique

T&B Sports

• T&B Sports If your kids play organized sports in Marin, odds are they’re wearing a hat, a helmet or a uniform from T&B, which has been selling team and individual sporting gear on Fourth Street since 1946. 1345 Fourth Street, tandbsports.com

Amy Anderson opened her shop in 1997 and still operates it with the stylish eye and good cheer she had on day one. Daytime casual, young contemporary, boots, belts and bags.

Marin taste at non-Marin prices. 1327 Fourth Street, vivadivaboutique.com

Viva Diva Boutique

bands. Also: CDs by the thousands. Don’t miss the punk posters. 894 Fourth Street, reddevilrecords.net

Art Works Downtown San Rafael’s creative center, this labyrinthine

building houses 35 art studios, several galleries, a frame shop and more. Visit to buy art, take classes or snoop politely in the artists’ studios. 1337 Fourth Street, artworksdown town.org m

• Red Devil Records Owner Barry Lazarus stocks thousands of vinyl LPs, 45s and 78s, from jazz classics worth hundreds to tons of cheaper platters, as well as new records from today’s

Red Devil Records

• Rileystreet Art Supply

Fine art supplies, acrylics to watercolors. Extensive selection of paints, canvas, printmaking paper and brushes. Hobbyist to professional grade.

Classes in painting and drawing. Demos every Saturday. 1138 Fourth Street, rileystreet.com Rileystreet Art Supply

tim porter

Gamescape (North)

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In Marin / currents

Just Write Your mom always said you had a way with words; perhaps now is the time to join a writing group to help you get those words out of your head and onto a page.

If you want to then make those words into a book, check out this month’s article about getting published, on page 58. But let’s start with getting those thoughts down — here are some local groups to set you on your way. CALIN VAN PARIS

• San Francisco Writers’ Grotto An open community for working writers, sfgrotto.org

• The Writing Salon A creative writing school for adults 18 and up, fresh-brewed coffee included, writingsalons.com • Green Windows Creative workshops for writers of all ages and backgrounds, greenwindowswriters.org • San Francisco Writers Workshop A weekly

• San Francisco Writers Community Writers, editors, publishers and booksellers exchanging resources and ideas to help market each other’s work, sanfrancisco writerscommunity.com

• California Writers Club: Marin Branch One of the country’s oldest professional clubs for writers with groups for poetry, kid-lit and even writing moms, cwcmarinwriters.com • Shut Up and Write! A venue to work in the company of other writers, meetup.com/shutupandwritesfo • A Band of Wives Writing Group Weekly meetups and many opportunities to share material, abandofwives.ning.com • The Tuesday Night Writers Pints and Prose in Fairfax An open-mic forum to read your stuff or listen to others’, perisbar.com

forum to share work and get feedback, sanfrancisco writersworkshop.com

A Big Brain Mill Valley’s Tiffany Shlain is debuting her latest film project this month, Brain Power: From Synapses to Hyperlinks, exploring the parallels betweens a child’s brain and the global “brain” of the World Wide Web. This 10-minute film and TED Book — part of a short-form e-book series published by the nonprofit TED (Technology, Entertainment and Design) Conference — is the latest installment in her Let It Ripple series, which assembles video and other content submitted via the web from people across the globe.

This release marks the first time a film and TED Book are released together. letitripple.org C.V.P. m a r i n dec e m b e r 2 0 1 2 29

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In Marin / CURRENTS

MADE BY MARIN

EO

F

ORGANIC HAND SANITIZER SPRAY, $1.99 Hand sanitizer spray with organic lavender

ORGANIC REFRESH BREATH SPRAY, $2.99 Mint-flavored organic breath spray

FRENCH LAVENDER BODY LOTION, $8.99 Nourishing and protective moisturizer

EVERYONE SOAP, $9.99 Lavender and aloe plantbased soap

REVITALIZING SHOWER GEL, $12.99 Grapefruit and mint shower gel

SULFATE FREE SHAMPOO, $8.99 Coconut and hibiscus sulfatefree keratin shampoo

PHOTO CREDIT

OUNDED IN 1995, EO is a family-owned and -operated certified organic manufacturer of body care products. PHILOSOPHY Believing consumers should know what ingredients are in their products, founders Brad Black and Susan Griffin-Black created a product line made with essential oils and free of harmful chemicals. With the motto “love life, live clean,” EO strives to help people and the environment stay healthy and beautiful. IN MARIN EO formulates, makes, packages and ships all products from its Marin headquarters. The area’s natural beauty and health-minded community inspire the products and business practices. IN THE COMMUNITY EO partners with local nonprofits such as Homeward Bound and the Haight Ashbury Free Clinic and donates products to those in need. EO’s first and only retail store, opened last month on Throckmorton Avenue in Mill Valley, offers bulk refill stations, workshops, exclusive items not found anywhere else and a place for those interested in living a chemical-free life to get information. THE GOODS Each product, packaged in EO’s signature environmentally friendly blue bottle, is made with the highest proportion of organic plant-based ingredients possible to use without compromising quality. The most popular item, lavender hand soap, appears in spas, hotels, restaurants and public restrooms. The sanitizers, bubble bath, lotions and holiday gift sets are also top sellers. New products include Certified Organic Deodorant Spray and a natural line of pet products such as shampoo, conditioner and deodorizing spray. All products are sold at natural food markets and pharmacies across the country, online and in the new retail store.

WHAT THEY SAY “We are happy leading the way for all personal care companies to produce products that are good for our bodies and good for our environment,” Black says. “Making products that do both is possible.” theeoexchange.com SOPHIE SHULMAN

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In Marin / currents

Hot to Handle When Sausalito’s Woody Tate noticed cyclists attaching Garmin mileage and time monitors to their bikes with rubber bands, he invented the Bar Fly, a plastic mounting piece that attaches the electronic tracker to a bike (usually the handlebars).

According to Hawley USA, a large cycling products distributor, the Bar Fly was the new item most requested by independent bicycle shops in 2012. Ride on. tatelabs.com SOPHIE SHULMAN

Marin Country Club

The Exclusive Event Experience

500 Country Club Drive, Novato www.marincountryclub.com • 415.382.6714

Corporate Meetings Holiday Parties Bat/Bar Mitzvahs Weddings Charity Events Reunions Golf Tournaments Accessible from Wine Country, North Bay and the City

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Apps That Rock Here’s a short list of (mostly) Apple apps developed right here in Marin that can meet almost any digital need. Watch for Android versions coming soon. S.S. Rock: Songnote

Play: The Bored Game

Based on the idea of communicating through music, this app allows users to send love songs to significant others or songs that spark special memories to friends. facebook.com/getsongnote

This app is an iPhone and iPad version of a board game that helps players decide which activity to do next. For children ages 7 and up, activities include monster drawing, Simon Says and cootie catcher. theboredgamecompany.com

Print: PRINThipsta Turn iPhotos into custom pieces of art (pictured left) by sending them to PRINThipsta. Your photo will be printed on an 8-by-8 inch canvas and delivered to your home. printhipsta.com

Park: VoicePark

Bark: Welcome Home New Puppy Train your dog with this Android or Apple app created by a professional dog trainer. Instruction includes how to get your house ready for a new puppy, toys and play, bite inhibition and sit-down-stay. k9gamesonline.com

k at h l e e n d u g h i j e w e l e r

tim porter

Save time and gas with this app that locates the closest available parking spot — on the street or in a garage — in San Francisco in less than a minute. voicepark.org

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In Marin / currents

8 questions for

Paige Shaw In celebration of Marin Ballet’s 50th anniversary, we’d like to introduce our readers to Paige Shaw, aka Clara in the company’s 2012 performance of Nutcracker. Scored by Tchaikovsky, the traditional holiday ballet has been staged Ballet Dancer by Marin Ballet for five decades and is being performed this year at the Marin Veterans’ terra linda Memorial Auditorium in San Rafael. More than 175 dancers ages 8 to 18 will appear, along with such guest artists as Memphis Ballet’s Travis Bradley and Diablo Ballet’s Robert Dekkers. Catching up with the busy teenager isn’t easy: Not only is Shaw a highly dedicated ballet dancer, she’s also in her senior year (with a 4.7 GPA) at Terra Linda High School, participates in the Miss Marin County Scholarship Organization’s Outstanding Teen program and is one of only 1,000 students in the NASA INSPIRE program. MIMI TOWLE

1

How old where you when you started dancing? I was 3 when I started dancing in Signe Lando’s pre-ballet class. In our pink leotards, we danced with multicolored chiffon scarves to the “Waltz of the Flowers” from Nutcracker.

2

Good recollections of your Marin Ballet experience? In 2008, when I lost all my possessions in a house fire, I came to ballet the next day, and the girls gave me shoes, tights, leotards and everything I needed to get through the difficult time.

3

What other sports have you participated in? I was the stunt flyer on a competitive cheerleading squad.

I broke my ankle in a stunt, which is when I decided to stick to ballet — it was the only year of Nutcracker I have missed in the past decade.

5

Favorite shoes? If you’ve ever seen my feet you’d know to give me closed-toed shoes, preferably a pair of red Durango boots.

6

Favorite pizza place in Marin?

Amici’s has the best thin-crust pizza in Marin.

7

Do you have any siblings? Yes, I am the middle child. I have a younger sister, Piper, and an older brother, Parker.

8

Favorite family holiday tradition? Every year, my family piles into the van with dinner in hand and we drive all over beautiful Marin admiring the festive holiday lighting. m

What is your secret for being so disciplined? I really try to make every minute of my day count.

I don’t view anything as a sacrifice and I wouldn’t give up anything in my busy life.

tim porter

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In Marin / conversation

H

oliday historia ns cite “A

Santa Claus?

Marin’s Bill Permar has stood in for the jolly holiday guy for almost 35 years. By Jim Wood • Photos by Tim Porter

Visit from St. Nicholas,” an 1822 poem by New Yorker Clement Moore, as the impetus for the American Santa Claus myth. Drawing on European biblical history, Moore wrote the poem primarily for his family’s enjoyment.

In fourth-century Europe, St. Nicholas was known as the saint of gift giving to the poor.

But in the 16th century during the Protestant Reformation, when saints fell widely out of favor, Nicholas was all but forgotten — except in Holland, where he became known as Sinterklaas.

Do you see where this is going? In 1823, the poem Moore wrote for his family was published in a New York newspaper with a catchier title, “The Night Before Christmas”; meanwhile, as the legend of Sinterklaas made its way to America, the name morphed into Santa Claus.

In 1862, on the cover of Harper’s Weekly, political cartoonist Thomas Nast depicted Moore’s St. Nicholas as a rotund, rosycheeked, white-whiskered gent in a red suit with his arms full of gifts. Coca-Cola ads from the 1930s and ’40s and artist Norman Rockwell did the rest.

Over the past 30 years in Marin, one of the more prominent portrayers of the jolly holiday figure has been 65-year-old Bill Permar, owner of a San Anselmo tax accounting firm.

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Which name do you prefer, Santa Claus or St. Nick? Santa Claus, definitely. And the Santa I portray is the Santa from the 1930s and ’40s.

Your Wealth is Well cared for...

How so? First off, my beard and mustache are snowy white and both are naturally mine and they never itch like a fake beard does. No paste-on whiskers for this Santa. And until I recently lost 50 pounds for health reasons, I didn’t need any artificial padding. My costume cost me $450 and it’s first-rate; under it I wear a red turtleneck so I can take my jacket off and still be in character. Also, I wear high-top black boots, no shiny black cover-ups over street shoes — kids can spot that phony stuff right away. When I’m working, I drive my convertible from gig to gig and if it’s nice I put the top down; people always smile, honk and wave.

Where will you be appearing this season? Every year I do private parties in Ross, the Children’s Center in Fairfax and several child care facilities throughout Marin. I haven’t done any malls, but I’d like to, even though they don’t pay too well. I charge $75 to $150 a booking depending on the size of the gathering — and that doesn’t include travel time. Playing Santa Claus is not a way to get rich, but I enjoy doing it.

Is it always enjoyable? Funny you ask. One year I did a party in a huge house in Napa owned by a real estate lawyer. I arrived in costume and found only adults, no children.

So I started walked around but nobody paid any attention to me; I got bored. They were all drinking and having a good time, and I

No shiny black cover-ups over street shoes — kids can spot that phony stuff right away. never drink on the job. Then I unknowingly opened a door to the garage and found about 20 children, all apparently related to the serving staff. They were in their pajamas and they screamed and laughed when they saw me. So I closed the door and asked the hostess if we could invite them in and she thought it was a wonderful idea. Everyone went into the study

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Your Plumbing Experts.

In Marin / conversation

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Pipes & Pumps As a mother and Vice President of Marin Roto-Rooter, Mendy Calegari knows how to meet demands. She also knows how to juggle birthdays, board meetings and desperate calls for emergency repairs.

Under her direction, Marin RotoRooter sponsors local school and sports programs. Mendy personally holds memberships in diverse professional groups, such as Marin Builders Association, Northern California Engineering Contractors Association, and Novato Chamber of Commerce.

She actively participates in fundraising efforts for many worthy organizations including Sunnyhills Services, Marin Humane Society, Family Giving Tree, Boys & Girls Clubs of Marin and Southern Sonoma Counties, and the Susan G. Komen for the Cure San Francisco Bay Area, dedicating a percentage of company profits during breast cancer awareness month.

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Our first holiday sponsorship is to the Family Giving Tree, which helps local families in need. For a list of all of Roto-Rooter’s holiday giving, please go to our Facebook page

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and gathered around the fireplace and I did my routine with one child at a time sitting on my lap and telling me what he or she wanted for Christmas. It was right out of a Macy’s window.

Many said it was the highlight of the party.

Over your years as Santa, have kids asked for pretty much the same stuff? I’ve never met a girl, regardless of what year it is, who didn’t want either a Barbie or a Bratz doll. And I never met a boy who had too many toy trucks.

But more and more I’m getting requests for iPhones, even iPads. I always ask children if they’re helping their mom around the house, like taking care of a little brother or sister.

Do kids ever ask for selfless gifts? You’d be surprised. A few years back I had a really sad request. A little 6-year-old boy sat on my lap and said, “Will you make sure my sister goes to heaven?” I was taken aback and asked, what had happened? “She just died of cancer,” the boy said. To comfort him, in a hushed voice I told him that a loved one of mine had recently died of cancer. And before I could say anything more, the boy threw his little arms around me and said, “Don’t worry, she’ll be OK.” The next few kids had to deal with me crying.

Any other touching requests? Every year I get a few requests along the lines of “please tell my parents to stop fighting.” Or to “help get Daddy out of jail.” When kids seem to be asking for too many toys, I ask them if they are putting away the toys they have. If they hesitate to answer or say no, I tell them, “Perhaps,

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then, you have too many toys already.”

Another time I was playing Santa and saw a bunch of little boys sneaking pieces of candy out of a big bowl. I didn’t say anything but I

At Financial Connections we align your investments with your values.

Playing Santa Claus is not a way to get rich, but I enjoy doing it. coughed and took out a memo pad and pretended to be writing their names down. They suddenly got these shocked looks on their faces and not only stopped taking candy out of the bowl, but began emptying their pockets.

Do you have a personal Christmas story? I used to do the Sausalito Yacht Club’s party, and one year my 9-year-old daughter begged me not to do it anymore and I couldn’t figure out why. It turns out she’d seen me handing out all these presents to children — presents their parents had actually bought for them.

But my daughter thought I was buying the gifts and giving them away and it was cutting into our family’s Christmas budget.

Is there anything you’ve added to the legend of Santa and Christmas? No, not really. I just take pride in being the best Santa I can be. m

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Holiday Gift Guide

adv e rt i si ng pro m ot i o n

inspired choices for

amazing gift giving Find the right gift for your special someone. We’ve uncovered the best and latest for everyone in your life from moms and dads, to pets, kids and co-workers. Make this holiday season your best.

Emporio Rulli, an Italian pastry, caffe and wine shop in downtown Larkspur boasts an array of Italian treats; including traditional breads, delicate candies, artisan chocolates, stunning dessert and breakfast pastries, gelati and sorbetti and delectable panini.

415.924.7478, Larkspur, rulli.com

Union Street Goldsmith The Client + The Design Team + The Craftsman. It all happens here. This collaboration facilitates the creative atmosphere. The result is evident in our work. 415.776.8048, San Francisco, unionstreetgoldsmith.com

Stephan-Hill Jewelry Designers.

S.A. Elite by Sports Authority Give the gift of warmth, comfort and durability with a Denali Fleece Jacket by The North Face. 415.927.1464, Corte Madera Town Center, saelite.com

Give the iconic gift of a Mt. Tam pendant to those who love Mount Tamalpais as much as we do. “Made in Marin” and available in yellow gold with diamonds or Sterling with white sapphires. 415.459.5808, San Rafael, stephanhill.com

A Band of Wives. Ever wish you were a published author? Then My Story, a customized version of best-selling anthology Nothing But the Truth So Help Me God, is for you. Add your story or artwork to create a personalized book for yourself or to give as gifts. nothingbutthetruth.com

V I E W G I F T G U I D E L I S T I N G S O N L I N E A T M A R I N M AG A Z I N E . C O M / G I F T G U I D E

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Tutu School.

Have visions of sugar plum fairies been dancing through your head? Give the gift of dance and introduce a little person in your life to Tutu School in Larkspur. Gift certificates available upon request.

Andrew Weeks Photography.

415.419.5610, tutuschool.com

The Laser Center of Marin. Utilizing advanced technology to provide non-surgical, aesthetic treatments in a professional environment. Serving Marin for over 9 years.

Services include Fraxel Resurfacing, Botox, Dermal fillers, Laser Hair Removal, Body Contouring lasers.

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Holiday Gift Guide

adve rti si n g prom oti on

Rustic Bakery. Celebrate the holidays with old fashioned organic baked goods from Rustic Bakery.

Lavish gift assortments, handmade cookies and granola jars are all delicious ways to give the very best this holiday season. Larkspur 415.925.1556, Novato 415.878.4952, MCM 415.461.9900, rusticbakery.com

Johann Paul Jewelers. Elliott Chandler’s incredible earring and necklace suite are 18kt yellow gold and reminiscent of cascading lily pads with diamonds giving the impression of water drops. Manufactured and designed in Milan, Italy, exclusively at Johann Paul Jewelers. 415.461.1866, Greenbrae, johannpauljeweler.com

Kathleen Dughi Jeweler provides custom made, hand fabricated and one of a kind, sophisticated works of art. Above are the KDJ signature stackable bands: colored sapphire, ruby, and diamond in 22kt yellow gold.

415.383.0462, Mill Valley, kathleendughi.com

V I E W G I F T G U I D E L I S T I N G S O N L I N E A T M A R I N M AG A Z I N E . C O M / G I F T G U I D E

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Holidays with the Helstroms The longtime executive chef of Kuleto’s and his wife share seasonal recipes.

Photo Credit

By Mimi Towle Photos by Tim Porter

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Photo Credit

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R

obert a nd Denise Helstrom have been entertaining friends and family for nearly two decades in the same hillside Fairfax home where they raised their son Kyle. But ever since they remodeled their kitchen with a few professional amenities, the dinner party experience has become even better for both hosts and guests. “We designed this kitchen to serve as a place for everyone to hang out while I’m cooking,” Robert says. “We added a peninsula counter, island workstation, separate bar, separate dish station, walk-in pantry and all new appliances.”

As executive chef of Kuleto’s in San Francisco since 1987 (minus a few years spent traveling around the country), Robert has created some pretty spectacular recipes. His 1995 cookbook Contemporary Italian: Favorite Recipes from Kuleto’s Italian Restaurant includes many of his most popular dishes, such as lamb sausage and grilled radicchio wrapped in pancetta. Denise has also been in the restaurant business for years and today works as a controller at the Real Restaurant Group in Sausalito. Needless to say, an invitation to the house for dinner is an offer no true food lover can turn down.

The guests for this holiday feast ran the gamut from school friends to industry colleagues. First to arrive were Susan and Jonathan Pey, of Pey-Marin Vineyards. While Susan has been wine director of the Il Fornaio restaurant group for more than a decade, she met the Helstroms only a few years ago, at school fundraisers; meanwhile, the Helstroms have become big fans of Pey-Marin wines. With a case and a few extra bottles in hand, Jonathan immediately opened a bottle of 2010 Riesling for everyone to sample.

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Maureen Moulton, principal’s assistant at White Hill Middle School, became fast friends with Denise through the PTA; she came over the night before to help decorate the house and set the table. Patrick and Rachel Coll also met the Helstroms through school functions as well as through the restaurant world: Patrick, an industry veteran who worked with Denise at Real Restaurants, is now a partner in both Marinitas in San Anselmo and Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen in Berkeley. Rachel, formerly assistant pastry chef at Harrah’s in South Lake Tahoe and chef at the now-closed PJ’s Oyster Bed, has since embarked on a nursing career.

When you make your own salumi, as Robert does, it’s good to know the nearby ranchers. When he first heard about the high-quality livestock raised at Mark and Myriam Pasternack’s Devil’s Gulch Ranch in Nicasio, he wasted no time becoming a customer and is now also their friend; he buys pigs, lamb, quail and rabbit raised on the 65-acre farm. And rounding out the guest list, Pete Sittnick, managing partner of Waterbar in San Francisco, has been friends with Robert ever since they worked together at Kuleto’s in the 1980s.

The evening’s menu included chestnuts roasted on the stove top, house-made salumi, a fig bruschetta toasted in the outdoor pizza oven, squash soup served in cups to make them easy to eat while standing, pheasant pâté (Robert shot the bird at Black Point off Highway 37), a winter salad, and a roasted leg of lamb served with roasted root vegetables gathered that day at the local farmers’ market. Enjoy making these dishes at home from the recipes on the following pages or go to marinmagazine.com/holiday for the complete set.

Above, left to right: Mark and Myriam Pasternack, Rachel Coll and Maureen Moulton.

Below: Chef’s menu.

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Needless to say, an invitation to the house for dinner is an offer no true food lover can turn down.

Clockwise from top left: Hosts Robert and Denise take a moment to pose for the camera; the wine is ready to serve; Robert’s homemade salumi; root vegetables roast in an outdoor oven; sage and ginger soup toppings; persimmons on display.

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Roasted Chestnuts Serves 6-8

Chestnuts: Lay the chestnuts on a cutting board with the flat side of the nut down. Using a sharp knife, score an X into the shell without cutting too far into the nut. Roasting over open coals is optimal; if that’s not doable, cook over a gas stove in a pan cut with holes so the flames gently touch the shells, or roast on a baking tray in an oven preheated to 425°F until the shells have pulled back from the meat, about 15–20 minutes. Remove nuts from the oven and wrap them in a kitchen towel for a few minutes to steam and cool. Peel away the shells before serving and enjoy.

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Bruschetta with Pickled Dates Serves 6-8

Ingredients

1 cup minced dates 1 cup sugar 2 cups champagne vinegar 2 tablespoons fennel seeds 4ž-inch-thick slices of ciabatta or rustic sourdough 2 fresh whole garlic cloves 1 wheel of Cowgirl Creamery Mt. Tam cheese Directions

Dates: Mince the dates, put into a small bowl and set aside. Mix sugar and vinegar in a small sauce pot, place over high heat, add the fennel seeds and turn heat down to medium. Let seeds steep in syrup for about 5 minutes (or to taste). Pour syrup through a strainer over the dates and discard the fennel seeds, let dates cool in the syrup and, when cool, strain out the syrup and place in the pot on the stove again over medium-high heat; reduce syrup until it starts to thicken and turn golden brown.

Remove the pot from the flame and place immediately in a bowl of ice water to stop the syrup from caramelizing.

Finish: Place thick slices of cheese on bread (rubbed with olive oil and toasted on a grill or in the oven until brown, finished with a garlic rub on both sides) and pop back in oven to slightly warm cheese. Top each piece with a little spoonful of the pickled dates and a drizzle of the syrup. m a r i n dec e m b e r 2 0 1 2 47

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Roasted Butternut Squash Soup Serves 6-8 Ingredients 1 2-pound butternut squash 2 tablespoons olive oil salt and white pepper ½ cup bacon, diced 1 onion, diced ¼ cup fresh ginger, peeled and minced 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped 2–3 cups chicken broth peeled ginger fresh sage leaves 1 cup heavy cream

Directions

Soup: Preheat the oven to 375°F. Peel the squash and cut in half lengthwise. Scoop the seeds out with a spoon and dice the squash into 1-inch squares. Place diced squash in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to evenly coat. Place the squash on a baking tray and roast in the oven until tender, about 15 minutes. In a medium sauce pot, sauté the bacon over medium heat until lightly brown. Add the diced onion, ginger and chopped sage and continue cooking until onions are soft. Add 2 cups of the chicken broth and the roasted squash and bring to a simmer for about 15 minutes. In small batches, ladle the squash and broth mixture into a blender and puree until smooth. Do not fill the blender more than L full, and use the slowest speed to start. Add broth as necessary for desired consistency. Check and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Finish: Thinly slice the peeled ginger; sauté a couple of slices at a time in olive oil in a small pan over medium heat until lightly brown. Remove from pan and place on a paper towel. Repeat the process until you have a couple of ginger “chips” per person. Separate the sage leaves and sauté over medium heat in olive oil until lightly browned.

Transfer the leaves to a paper towel and set aside.

Whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. Heat the soup in a small pot and ladle into bowls or cups; top each with a dollop of whipped cream, then a couple of ginger slices and a sage leaf, and serve immediately.

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Roast Leg of Lamb Serves 6-8

ingredients

1 7-pound leg of lamb with bone 2 tablespoons olive oil 6 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped 1 tablespoon coarse sea salt 1 tablespoon black pepper Directions

Lamb: Preheat oven to 400°F. Score the lamb with a sharp knife with marks about 1 inch apart and about ¼ inch deep. In a small bowl combine the olive oil, garlic and rosemary. Use your hands to rub the mix evenly over the surface of the meat. Season with salt and pepper, place in a roasting pan, and roast in the oven for 30 minutes. Reduce temperature to 275°F and cook for about an hour. Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the leg to check for doneness. For rare, pull the lamb out of the oven at 125°F; for medium, remove at 145°F. Let the lamb rest 20 to 30 minutes before carving.

Roasted Root Vegetables Serves 6-8 Ingredients

4 large rainbow carrots, peeled 4 large parsnips, peeled 1 large rutabaga, peeled 2 tablespoons olive oil salt and pepper Directions

Vegetables: Cut the vegetables into 1-inch pieces and place in a medium-size bowl. Add the olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss vegetables to evenly coat. Place vegetables in a shallow roasting pan and roast in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until forktender. Serve immediately. m a r i n dec e m b e r 2 0 1 2 49

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Four years later, the dreams of children meet the realities of life in the Canal.

NiĂąas No More

Photo Credit

Story and Photos

by Tim Porter

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Photo Credit

e

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“I like a lot of things. I just don’t know how I’m going to get to them.”

D

are to dream big, we tell our children. Reach for

the stars, raise the bar, shoot higher.

And they do. They dream of being doctors, of owning businesses and maybe even, as a 12-yearold Hispanic girl from San Rafael said a few years ago, of becoming the “first bilingual woman president.”

As they grow, the glow of youthful innocence dims beneath the demands of adolescence and adulthood. These young dreamers learn something we didn’t tell them: There’s no road map in life, no secret password that opens doors of opportunity, no abracadabra or ruby slippers or pixie dust that makes dreams come true.

It’s a tough lesson — for any of us — but even harder for those born brown, bilingual and below the poverty level, as so many children are in the calles of the Canal, a crumbling, crowded wedge of Latin American immigrants cut off from the affluent

— Iridian Rico, 16, San Rafael High School

economic pie of Marin. There, amid the sagging apartment complexes, queues of day laborers and a culture of relentless need, a blossoming teenager might suspect that dreams of a brighter future are something for other kids to have, those from the leafier enclaves of Ross and Kentfield and Mill Valley.

Four years ago, I spoke with a group of boys and girls enrolled in a Canal Alliance education program about their future. Their stories and their pictures ran in this magazine under the headline “Sueños de Niños,” dreams of children.

Recently, I talked with six of them again, all young women now, some in high school, some in college, one already a mother. Their dreams have changed and so have they.

Everyone Needs a Push In 2008, Ericka Ayala was a 16-year-old attending San Rafael High School who talked about being a nurse. Now,

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Brenda Ayala, 18 Humboldt State University, freshman “I still do love babies, but I don’t know if I want to be a nurse. At first I wanted to study marine biology, but now I don’t know. There’s just so much to choose from.”

2012 2008 “Someday I’d like to become a nurse.

I love babies.”

I wanted to go far from this kind of place, but I didn’t want to go too far. It’s five hours away. It’s driveable. And it’s different. It’s completely different, right? And I love that.

— On why she choose Humboldt

she’s plugging away at her dream of having a professional career, taking classes at the College of Marin and planning on transferring to a state university next year to study psychology and criminal justice.

The oldest of four siblings, Ayala pays her own way by working in a retirement home as a certified nursing assistant, a position she trained for in vocational school. Her schedule is testament to her desire. “I work full-time and I go to school full-time. It’s hard. I go to school from 8 to 2:30 and then I work from 3 to 11 at night. It’s OK.” The long days carry lessons Ayala wasn’t taught in school.

“I’ve learned to push myself more,” she says. “I’ve always set small goals for myself, and I’ve learned to push those and aim higher. We all make mistakes. As long as I try my hardest, there is always going to be someone there to help me out.”

Grasping that helping hand and finding the necessary motivation is what Monica Rivera, a 17-year-old senior at San Rafael High, says propelled her onto a college-bound trajectory. She, too, uses the word “push” when she explains how she and her peers beat the odds.

“Everybody needs an extra push,” Rivera says. “A lot of us, growing up in the Canal, we don’t get that extra push we need.

We have to find it. We have to find what we need in order to get where we want to go.

“I got my extra push when my nieces were living with me because we had a family issue going on and I wanted to be a role model for them,” she says. “I wanted to be someone they could look up to, so I did what I had to do. I helped my mom out whenever she needed it. I got the grades I needed.”

Rivera’s older sister, Alexis Rodriguez, 21, was thinking about being an immigration attorney four years ago. Now, she’s the mother of a new baby, Victoria, born in September, and is hoping to finish her studies at the College of Marin in three semesters and continue on to become a probation officer.

Since high school, Rodrig uez has worked at Canal Alliance, been enrolled part-time in community college and, because of the financial demands of her single-parent family, grown up faster than she expected.

“When I moved out of my mother’s house, that’s when I saw reality hit me,” she says. “I had bills to pay. I had to pay for m a r i n dec e m b e r 2 0 1 2 53

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Monica Rivera, 17 San Rafael High School, senior Aims to get into college and study nursing and Latin American studies. “I want to help children with cancer.”

2012 2008

Growing up in the Canal, it seems some people want us to fail. I’ve learned to make what’s happened to me a strength for me.

“I’d really like to help the kids in Africa, or become the first bilingual woman president.”

school. I had to pay for a car. I didn’t even know how to write a check to pay for rent.

“Maturity was forced upon me. I learned really young how to be a mother because my mother had custody of three nieces. My mother worked in San Francisco … I had to be here for my three nieces, for school, for doctor appointments, to pick them up.

“I grew up very fast — and now I’m pregnant [eight months at the time of this interview],” she says. “There’s a lot to handle.”

What advice does Rodriguez have for girls, like her nieces, growing up in the Canal today?

“Life isn’t really easy,” she says. “There are things to overcome. There are things that you have to deal with. You don’t choose to deal with them, but you have to deal with them even though you may not know how.”

The Importance of Education Having to work to contribute to the family. Having to help at home. Having a baby. These are common stories in the Canal, where income and education levels are lower and household

density is higher than anywhere else in Marin, conditions that present formidable impediments to higher education.

Canal Alliance, the social-service and advocacy organization most closely connected to the neighborhood, attempts through its youth scholarship program to equip students with skills needed to overcome those obstacles and to change the values of local immigrant families, many of whom come from countries where the need for work today is more important than the promise of education tomorrow.

“We’re educating students on the value of higher education,” says Raquel Saunders, director of the program. “For many Latino students it seems like a luxury. They are thinking about the short-term benefits of being able to get a job right away and start contributing to their family. Yes, perhaps going on the education path means there is an income loss for those couple of years, but in the long term the benefit will be much greater. So it’s really shifting the perspective not of just the students, but of the parents as well.”

St a r t i ng w hen k id s a r e i n m idd le s c ho ol , C a n a l A l lia nce of fers t utor ing , teaches st udy sk i l ls, f inds internships and, as students get older, helps with college

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preparation. About 120 students participate in the scholarship programs annually.

“Our goal is for them to graduate college,” says Saunders.

“And we work with them to be as college-ready as they can be, given their English skills. ... If they go to community college, they won’t have to start at the remedial level.”

Getting to College In a county as educated as Marin, where more than half the adults graduated from college and nearly a quarter hold an advanced degree, simply making it out of high school with the academic achievement necessary to apply to a state university might not seem like much of an accomplishment.

Indeed, some 66 percent of white Marin high school graduates in 2011 were college-ready, meaning they had completed a set of prescribed courses that satisfy the application mandates of the California State University and University of California systems.

Hispanic graduates from these same high schools, however, are far less likely to be ready for a four-year college. Only 23 percent graduated in 2011 with enough academic preparation to apply to a CSU or UC campus.

Many factors contribute to this disparity. Some are obvious, such as having to learn English while simultaneously trying to master high school math. The most exigent, though, is the economic pressure borne by many students from the Canal, a neighborhood where the median personal income in 2010 was $21,272 — less than half the countywide average, says Kit Pappenheimer, principal at San Rafael High.

At her school, 59 percent of students are Hispanic, and 57 percent are considered socioeconomically disadvantaged by the California Department of Education.

“If their parents, or whomever they ’re living with, aren’t working, when they graduate high school there is pressure to help support the families, especially if they’re immigrant families,” she adds. “That’s a lot of economic pressure to go to work.”

Nearly as challenging is the lack of educated role models in the Canal, where fewer than half of adults age 25 or older graduated from high school. (By comparison, more than 80 percent of the adults in Ross have a college degree.) “Do kids have relatives or siblings or parents who have experience with the infrastructure around applying for college?

The system can be incredibly daunting,” Pappenheimer

2012

Joselyn Hernandez, 16 San Rafael High School, junior “I’m thinking of becoming a pastry chef. I like making cakes. I like the smells of the kitchen.”

I think more about the difference between what’s good for me and what’s not good for me.

2008 “I’d like to go to Mexico to visit my aunties — my mom’s sister — and my cousins.”

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2012

Alexis Rodriguez, 21 School: College of Marin, part-time Work: Administrative assistant, part-time Wants to become a probation officer. “I’m very interested in criminal justice.”

Life isn’t really easy. There’s things to overcome. There’s things that you have to deal with. You don’t choose to deal with them, but you have to deal with them even though you may not know how. You have to accustom yourself to deal with them.

2008 “I want to be an immigration lawyer. I want to help my own community.”

2012 Iridian Rico, 16 San Rafael High School, junior “I still like little kids.” Laughs. “I was a little kid when I said that, and that makes it funnier.

I like a lot of things. I just don’t know how I’m going to get to them.”

2008 “I hope to make it into college and study hard to be a pediatrician.”

Change happens slowly and you don’t even realize it. I do feel different. I’m more secure about who I am.

I feel like I’m going to learn more about myself in the future.

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Ericka Ayala, 21 School: College of Marin, full-time, transferring in 2013 to a four-year school Work: Certified nursing assistant, full-time

Plans to study psychology and pursue a minor in criminal justice. “I want to work with troubled teenagers. I always knew I wanted to do things to help other people. I just didn’t know exactly how. What I’m going for now is helping them earlier on so they don’t make those mistakes as adults.”

2012 2008 “I want to study to be a nurse, then continue to study to get a doctor’s degree.”

I’ve learned to push myself more. I’ve always set small goals for myself, and I’ve learned to push those and aim higher. Not to put too much pressure on myself. We all make mistakes. As long as you stand up again … As long as I try my hardest, there is always going to be someone there to help me out.

says. “If you’re walking into it as a 17- or 18-year-old with no one supporting you, it’s almost insurmountable. But, that being said, a lot of these kids do it on their own and that’s just remarkable. I feel like if they can get themselves into college, they can handle college.”

Students who succeed against these odds share one trait: perseverance.

“Some of our kids are in crowded houses, working parttime to help support their families, walking to school or riding the bus, taking care of their siblings, cooking for their families, and sometimes they’re on sports teams and getting tutored after school,” Pappenheimer says. “They’re in these community partnerships working on their college applications while they’re in rigorous high school classes with a lot of homework. It’s crazy. I’m not sure I could do it in this day and age. I have so much respect for the kids who make it. I have so much respect for the kids who try — and the majority of kids at our school try. This is an amazing school community.

Really dedicated kids.”

One of them is Monica Rivera, the San Rafael High senior who four years ago dreamed of being the “first bilingual woman president.” A year from now she hopes to be at the University of San Francisco or Sonoma State, studying nursing and Latin American affairs. She knows what it takes to make that journey. “Don’t let the bad overcome the good,” she says. “Get up every day, smile, put all that negative stuff down and say you will succeed.” m • Get Involved Help members of Marin’s low-income immigrant populations develop self-sufficiency and leadership skills through Canal Alliance’s health and social services, youth development, economic security and citizenship programs. Find out more at canalalliance.org/get-involved/give-to-canal-alliance.

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The New art of

publishing So you’ve written the great American novel — now what?

Photo Credit

By Carol Pott • Photos by Tim Porter

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First it was television, then the Internet, then e-books — there is no doubt the publishing world has seen changes come faster than the double cross in a best-selling spy novel. Publishing a book and navigating the industry with those changes in mind can be a daunting task, for first-time writers, experienced hacks and prolific best-selling authors alike.

For writers just starting out, pursuing a publishing contract often seems fruitless. The “big six” North Atlantic publishing firms — Hachette, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Penguin, Random House and Simon & Schuster — don’t want to read even a page unless you have the notoriety of a Sarah Palin or are a blogger with a new big idea and an even bigger following. Even if you get a publisher’s attention, the hefty six-figure advance for a debut novel seems a thing of the past.

There are the fantasy scenarios that do come true, wherein small-town nobodies sell millions of e-books and sign huge publishing contracts — Amanda Hocking, who wrote the My Blood Approves vampire romance series and got a $2 million, four-book contract with St. Martin’s Press, and Khaled Hosseni, the Afghan-American author of The Kite Runner, who received a $475,000 advance. But the reality is that few writers are so blessed. Some debut fiction authors have had luck with younger protagonists: university writing professor Anton DiSclafani was paid a million-dollar advance for her first novel, The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls; Karen Thompson Walker’s The Age of Miracles was picked up by Random House; and Hannah Kent sold her historical novel Burial Rites to Little, Brown. Still, most writers don’t have this kind of success or aren’t writing the kind of material that would instantly guarantee it.

The publishing industry, after stumbling briefly in the new technological landscape, has quickly moved to meet consumer demands. With book sales largely on the rise for the last 20 years, young adult readership increasing, and library circulation and membership at an all-time high, most of the industry news is good. Even in the 2010 recession, consumers still purchased books without fail. The electronic book market has seen even more impressive increases, though e-books still represent a small share of the overall book market — an estimated 8 to 10 percent. According to e-book publisher PublishGreen, in 2010 an estimated 114 million e-books were sold; in 2011, e-book sales came in at just under 970 million — a 117 percent increase from 2010. Comparison confirms the trend: John Grisham’s

The Confession, simultaneously released as a hardcover and e-book, sold 160,000 copies in hardcover the first week; the e-book version sold 70,000. E-books may not kill on-paper printed publishing, but consumers continue to flock to electronic versions at astonishing rates.

Facing the new marketplace, many authors turn to a literary agent to sniff out a willing publishing partner and perhaps set the stage for a big advance. Literary agents typically earn most of their income from book manuscripts and proposals, not magazine articles, so the old formula of writing first for the big glossies and then moving into books no longer prevails. In fact, many agents say it’s easier to sell a book rather than pursue magazine or short story work since publishers are still willing to compete for the rights.

The Agent

Kimberley Cameron and Associates’ Tiburon-based literary agency handles both fiction and nonfiction, representing many authors in the mystery genre. Working with debut as well as published authors, Cameron is persistent in pursuing the big six, but focuses on finding the best home for her authors’ manuscripts. She says it’s an exciting time in publishing: “You won’t hear gloom and doom from me. I am encouraged by the market. There are still bidding wars and the book business is very healthy. Now that the stigma is gone from self-publishing and there are truly no gatekeepers, it is an exciting time to be a writer.”

Cameron encourages writers to know their genre and to use resources like the online Publishers Marketplace to find agents who specialize in their niche. “Spend time writing an excellent proposal and query letter and hire an independent editor,” she recommends. “I look for voice first and story second. I want you to hook me in the first two sentences so that I find myself completely caught up in the story and my curiosity propels me.” Otherwise, it is in the bin.

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WHAT YOU WANT ARE READERS, THE MORE THE MERRIER; HOW YOU GET THEM IS IRRELEVANT. Indeed, even having a unique voice and story, marketability and a clear demographic are not enough if those things are not reflected in an exceptionally memorable, polished proposal. Many books and websites give advice on crafting the perfect submission, but the running theme seems to be “Slap ’em hard across the face and make ’em think.” An agency’s acquisitions editor sits and reads hundreds of proposals every day; those that fail to impress will definitely be tossed aside. The thought of an editor making a judgment on a partial reading of a submission isn’t a new idea. Some writers aim to hook the reader in the first 100 words: Tolstoy managed to mention the Antichrist and the Bonaparte family in the first paragraph of War and Peace. The world may have changed, but it will always be important to catch your reader’s attention and hold it.

The Best Sellers

Even successful writers have seen dramatic changes in their interactions with publishing houses and agents.

Smaller advances are one thing, but promotional budgets are shrinking too. Writers are now not only expected to do a lot of their own promotion but foot the bill: While the publishers still manage distribution and attend book fairs, the authors are expected to have their own list of press contacts and endless energy to pursue them. Local best-selling author Anne Lamott, with seven novels and five nonfiction works under her belt, takes the long view.

“When Hard Laughter was published in 1980, publishing was about the magical miraculous world of stories, brilliance and imagination,” says Lamott, whose book Help, Thanks, Wow: The Three Essential Prayers is due out from Riverhead this month. “Now, sad to say, most publishing houses are owned by huge corporations that are all about profit.” Still, she sees opportunities for new writers today.

“E-books, the Internet and social networking are the way of the future,” she says. “If you can’t find an agent, figure out how to publish and promote an e-book.”

Local suspense and thriller writer Catherine Coulter likewise has an amazing track record — 60 New York Times best sellers out of 68 published books — and also views self-publishing as a positive. Today’s writers “now have the advantage because they have options — they can self-publish and actually get their books out there for everyone to see, buy and read,” she says. “Self-publish” might have had a negative connotation 10 years ago, “but really, now, who cares? What you want are readers, the more the merrier; how you get them is irrelevant.”

The Innovator

Chris Colin is the author of two books, a regular contributor to The New York Times, and a contributing writer at Afar magazine. He makes no attempt to glorify the working writer’s life — “writing is not a great way to make money” — but thinks this is an interesting, inspiring and freeing period for authors, with more options on the table. “There is just a ton of wildly neat publishing stuff happening out there,” he says, “with lower bars to entry than ever before.” Colin published his most recent book, Blindsight, as an e-book through the Atavist, a media and software company focusing on richly entertaining stories. Departing from traditional publishing was an easy choice; his book is interactive and includes maps, timelines, audio and video. “The Atavist was willing to take a risk on a deeply fascinating, nonformulaic story,” Colin says, “one that had a good amount of faith in its readers. And it totally paid off.”

Blindsight has been well received and was ranked one of Amazon’s Best Books of 2011. A longtime member of the San Francisco Writers’ Grotto, Colin is a believer in utilizing all resources at hand and thinks the Bay Area is particularly fertile literary ground. “Support fellow writers and don’t get caught up in conversations about whether new publishing models are the death of traditional ones,” he suggests. “Better to just write and seek out ways to get your writing out there if that’s your thing, or seek out ways to pay the bills if that’s your thing. Those aims may not harmonize, but that’s OK.”

SAM LAMOTT (FAR LEFT)

This page, left to right: Writers Anne Lamott, Catherine Coulter and Chris Colin. Opposite page, left to right: Writer and publisher Christine Bronstein and publisher Nion McEvoy.

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The ‘Why Wait?’Author

For those weaned on the Internet and reality TV, traditional publishing can indeed seem mired in a stodgily outdated schedule. With the e-book and self-publishing, it is no longer necessary to wait a year for a “fast-track” book or send away your life’s work and endure two years of silence before receiving your printed book in hand. Christine Bronstein, founder of the women’s social network A Band of Wives, was moved by the power and quality of the writing on her site’s forums and blogs and wanted to compile the essays and artwork into an anthology. When it was ready, she discussed it with several publishers. “They wanted us to wait two years before they would publish the book,” she says. “The essays are powerful now and, even though they address timeless topics, it just didn’t make sense to wait.”

Convinced that some of the subject matter made it important to publish the book in time for this month’s presidential elections, she decided to work with Amazon’s CreateSpace and start her own imprint to deliver it on schedule. “My father was the cofounder of Borders Books, so I’ve seen fi rsthand what happens when you don’t keep up with new technology and changing consumer demands — it isn’t pretty,” Bronstein says. “The world is moving so quickly that I thought I would let go of the prestige around traditional publishers and try something more innovative.” The result: Nothing But the Truth So Help Me God was just released by Nothing But the Truth, LLC.

The New Old Guard

Nion McEvoy is unable to contain himself when describing his love of books; his eyes sparkle when he recalls the smell of old libraries or reading a favorite book for the first time. The

chairman and CEO of Chronicle Books, he started with the company in 1986 when it had only 15 staffers and published 25 books a year. He also runs McEvoy Media, publishing 7x7 magazine and California Home Design, and published Spin magazine until its sale in July 2012. To remain competitive in the changing market, Chronicle tightened its book list and embraced technology and niche publishing early on.

“Only the quick survive,” McEvoy notes. “Publishing used to be a more forgiving business; now you really have to manage it crisply.” For Chronicle, that meant eliminating fiction from the lineup and focusing on projects that have multiple markets and basic appeal: cookbooks, craft books, lifestyle and pop-culture works. “We’ve stayed close to the nonfiction market and, rather than just thinking in terms of bookstores, we look for publishing opportunities that bring us out into gift shops and nontraditional book retailers,” McEvoy says.

“Focusing on those less traditional markets has been a good strategy for diversifying and sustaining Chronicle.”

Just Write

The changes in publishing have created a market that is more open and active than ever. It’s no longer the exclusive terrain of academics and experts — anyone can inexpensively selfpublish or assemble the right team with hopes of breaking into the majors. Having a best-selling book may no longer make a career or guarantee a six-figure income, but most writers don’t write because they expect to get rich. No matter how the future of publishing shapes up, writers will continue to write. Diarist Anaïs Nin summed it up now and forevermore when she reflected, “If you do not breathe through writing, if you do not cry out in writing, or sing in writing, then don’t write, because our culture has no use for it.” m

NOW THAT THE STIGMA IS GONE FROM SELFPUBLISHING AND THERE ARE TRULY NO GATEKEEPERS, IT IS AN EXCITING TIME TO BE A WRITER.

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THe searcH is over stay & sKI FRee staRtING at $139

1-800-786-8259 sunvalley.com/deals

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Destinations

t h e l at e st lo c a l t r av e l d e a l s a n d g e taways plu s j o u r n e ys a ro u n d t h e g lo b e Tucker Patton skis Mix Master powder in Cordova, Alaska.

Uncharted Territory An extreme ski and board experience starts in the sky.

By Somer Flaherty photos by tony harrington

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Destinations / go

W

hat goes up must come down.

For a skier or snowboarder seeking an off-the-track experience — one that’s reserved for the true adventure junkie —heli-skiing could be the ultimate thrill.

“There is nothing more exciting than walking out of your cabin to find a helicopter on its launchpad, ready to take off and carry you over the most beautiful scenery of high alpine glaciers and forested valley glades,” says Sausalito’s Sandy James. “It’s a great feeling to land on a little knoll at the top of a mountain where you’ll spend the day skiing through the most unbelievable powder with only a few other humans around.”

Heli-skiing isn’t new. Almost 50 years ago Hans Gmoser, an Austrian immigrant to Canada, figured it might be kind of interesting to transport skiers to the backcountry of the Rockies via helicopter. He set up shop in an abandoned lumber camp at the base of British Columbia’s Bugaboos and flew skiers to peaks beyond the reach of a typical overland tour. The helicopters could also ferry skiers to untracked descents where the ocean-of-white views take your breath away quicker than the altitude does. In Gmoser’s first year in business, he had just 18 fearless takers. But now heli-skiing is available in places ranging from Chile to Russia and from New Zealand to the Himalayas — almost anywhere there is virgin snow.

Tucker Patton’s path to helicopter skiing and guiding began early. Growing up in Ross, he “always had a hard time sitting still and constant motion has dictated my career,” the

Left: Getting dropped off in the Chugach Range of Alaska. This photo: Patton is the last to drop in on the Tapas and Illusions run.

professional adventure guide says. “Starting from an early age I was rafting Ross Creek, mountain-biking the legendary trails of Mount Tam and surfing the waves of Fort Cronkhite.” Those formative experiences led to the kind of career that’s sure to spark envy in cubicle-dwellers everywhere, complete with stints as a lifeguard in Fiji, a fly-fishing guide in Fall River Mills, a freestyle ski coach in Squaw Valley and an Alaska heli-ski guide — the latter an activity, Patton says, that combines beauty and solitude with the excitement of flying into the mountains, landing on a peak and skiing fresh powder.

That solitude is novel for anyone who’s only experienced skiing as the act of carving down a mountain while dodging groups of recent bunny-hill grads after standing in a long and winding line just to get on the chairlift. “The places we go are remote and untouched. You won’t see another person or helicopter all day,” Patton says. “You can’t find that remoteness in many places on earth. That kind of solitude just doesn’t exist. When the

helicopter flies off, the magnitude and beauty of such a magnificent place really set in. You’re removing yourself from work, traffic, you name it, and you have a chance to really slow down and focus.”

Patton today leads Triple Point Expeditions, a heli-skiing adventure outfitter he founded last year that takes people on trips using outlets such as Points North Heli Adventures. His clients choose the sport for a number of reasons: the challenge, excitement, camaraderie and time with family and friends; the exhilaration of skiing and riding untracked powder all day; the simple pleasure of just riding in a helicopter. Most outfitters require participants to be, at minimum, strong intermediate skiers or snowboarders, and guides help choose the appropriate terrain for different skill levels.

“It’s fine to ski an open bowl and do beautiful S-turns, but you’re in the backcountry here; it isn’t necessarily resort skiing,” says James, who chose trips with Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing to celebrate her husband

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Destinations / go Left: Patton “managing his sluff” in Cordova, Alaska. Below: Patton and crew returning home after another great day.

If You Go • Alpine Heliski offers helicopter skiing and boarding throughout New Zealand’s Southern Alps. alpineheliski.com

Geoff’s 40th birthday and later hers. “It’s not like you can sit in a chairlift and take a rest — you are out in the elements all day long. It’s definitely extreme and not for the fainthearted.” Despite the stringent physical requirements, in the seven seasons Patton has led groups, he’s seen participation widen well beyond extreme athletes who might star in a Warren Miller video: “The terrain hasn’t changed; it’s just been opened up to more people and more ability levels.”

The Alaska heli-ski option attracts about 50 clients a week in a three-month season that runs from February to April. Patton personally guides four to five participants at a time, a group size determined by the capacity of the helicopter. Generally, heli-ski packages aim to reach a minimum number of vertical feet or do a minimum number of runs during a singleday or multiday outing. Trip length depends on location, but the Alaska all-inclusive is a Saturday-to-Saturday package. Clients fly into the rural town of Cordova, Alaska, via Anchorage and sleep in a lodge nestled on the

water’s edge of Prince William Sound. They spend the days traveling in a shiny new AStar B2 helicopter, visiting what Patton calls the most spectacular terrain on the planet.

What about those nightmare-inducing, heart-pounding dangers like avalanches, helicopter crashes and free falls? Safety is the most important aspect of the business, Patton insists, and it dictates everything operators do: “My job is to mitigate the risks and keep my clients safe.

It’s supposed to be fun, safe and enjoyable. If you have the right guide and the appropriate skills for the situation and the conditions are right, you will have a great experience.

“That being said, you have to build up to it,” he adds. “It’s not a ski resort. Nothing is marked and there are no boundaries. It takes time, awareness and experience to ski the bigger lines because there are consequences if you make a mistake.” But the reward for the risk, he says, is worth it — the moment when the skier exits the helicopter, the chopper flies off and all that’s left is the wondrous rush of cruising down thousands of vertical feet of untouched snow. m

• Canada Mountain Holidays was founded by the father of heli-skiing, Hans Gmoser, and operates in 11 ski areas throughout the remote mountains of British Columbia — territory equal in size to about one-third the square mileage of Switzerland. canadianmountainholidays.com • Eagle Pass Heliskiing takes clients through thousands of pristine acres within Canada’s Monashee Mountains’ Gold Range. eaglepass heliskiing.com • Mike Wiegele Helicopter Skiing sets up home base for skiers in a handcrafted wooden lodge along Canada’s Blue River. From there, helicopters transport them to remote areas of powder snow in the Cariboo and Monashee ranges. wiegele.com • Pacific Crest Heli-Guides introduces clients to remote gems hidden deep in the Tahoe backcountry. pacificcrestheliguides.com • Triple Point Expeditions Patton leads trips to Alaska in partnership with Points North Heli Adventures. triplepointexpeditions.com • Wasatch Powderbird Guides has been taking travelers on heli-ski adventures through Utah’s mountains for almost 40 years. powderbird.com

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Destinations / travel buzz

Arizona on Ice

This fall, W Scottsdale transformed its pool deck into the ultimate winter wonderland: a 1,600-square-foot synthetic ice skating rink. Made with a recyclable, eco-friendly polymer-compound surface, it also features a faux-snow machine and a rink-side bar with specialty cocktails, plus live music on weekend evenings during the holidays. A “Chill Out” hotel room package starting at $239 a night through January 6, 2013, includes drink tickets and unlimited skate rentals. wscottsdalehotel.com SOPHIE SHULMAN

Mushroom Adventures Veteran foragers know there’s no better place to hunt for porcinis, chanterelles and candy caps than Monterey County and, when there, many like to stay at the Bernardus Lodge. Bernardus takes mushrooming seriously, offering a number of fungi-fixated amenities and activities in the winter. Enthusiasts are invited to enjoy group foraging trips to Big Sur, mushroom-infused cocktails, “Funguy & Girl” spa treatments and a mouthwatering mushroom-centric menu at Marinus restaurant in December. bernardus.com CALIN VAN PARIS

Photo Credit

Catch Air in Idaho In celebration of its 77th winter season, Sun Valley Resort in Idaho has introduced an enhanced snow park on Dollar Mountain. The improvements include an Olympic-size superpipe, 76 rails and innovative cross courses fit for the entire family.

The resort has also created a new adventure trail system on Bald Mountain. Stay at Sun Valley Inn and ski free between January 3 and March 31, with rooms starting at $139. This includes one night’s lodging and one daily lift ticket per person. sunvalley.com MIMI TOWLE

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St. Nick At Nick’s Cove Who says Santa Claus only leaves the North Pole on Christmas Eve? The man in red will be making an appearance at Nick’s Cove in Tomales Bay on December 16, by way of a water sleigh.

Visit from 3 to 5 p.m. and enjoy seasonal treats, donate canned goods to the Marin Food Bank and tell Santa what you want for Christmas. nickscove.com C.V.P.

At the edge of the lake and the verge of perfection.

Now $20 million closer to ideal.

Guestrooms and meeting space stylishly re-created.

Restaurants refreshingly redesigned, from the awardwinning lakefront Lone Eagle Grille to the lodge-like Sierra Café. Come experience the transformation.

To experience: laketahoe.hyatt.com or 888 510 0529.

Hyatt. You’re More Than Welcome.

ROOM RATES FROM

169*

SKI PACKAGE RATES FROM

239*

Photo Credit

HYATT REGENCY LAKE TAHOE RESORT, SPA AND CASINO *Valid thru 04/15/13, per room/night, weekends higher, based on dbl. occ. Ski package rate based on one night stay and lift tickets for two people. Blackout dates apply. Subject to availability. © 2012/13 Hyatt Corporation

60_5103 Marin Magazine December Smith + Jones, Inc. 10/17/12 gG CMYK, 2/3 Page5.125 x 9.625” PDFX-1a

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Sterling silver charms from $25

412 Corte Madera Town Center Corte Madera, CA 94925 866.924.2210 www.meadowlarkfinejewelry.com

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Out & About C A L E N DA R / o n T H E S CE N E / D I N E

eat this now

Un Ballo in Maschera at Lark Theater, Larkspur

Brigitte Lacombe

Theater

Un Ballo in Maschera listing on page 70

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Calendar

T h e at e r / Co m e dy / M u s i c / G a l l e r i e s / M u s e u m s / E v e n t s / F ILM

ed i ted by S o p h i e S h u l m a n

Thru DEC 23 The White Snake A classic romance from Chinese legend about a bride who must reveal her magical powers to save her love. Roda Theatre (Berkeley).

510.647.2949, berkeleyrep.org Thru DEC 24 A Christmas Carol The holiday chestnut for all ages featuring a lively cast and colorful costumes. American Conservatory Theater (SF). act-sf.org Thru DEC 30 The Book of Mormon A performance featuring lyrics by the Emmy Award–winning creators of South Park.

Curran Theatre (SF).

888.746.1799, shnsf.com Thru JAN 13 The Lion King The popular music returns, featuring a score by Elton John and Tim Rice.

Orpheum Theatre (SF). 888.746.1799, shnsf.com

Music DEC 1 Arturo Sandoval The six-time Grammy Award–winning Cuban trumpeter performs. Herbst Theatre (SF). sfjazz.org THEATER Thru DEC 15 A Christmas Carol The Charles Dickens classic with music by Andrew Klein and Blanca Florido. Novato Theater Company Playhouse (Novato). novatotheatercompany.org

Thru DEC 16 You Can’t Take It With You An off-the-wall comedy by George Kaufman and Moss Hart. Barn Theatre (Ross). 415.456.9555, rossvalleyplayers.com Thru DEC 16 Pal Joey The story of Joey Evans’ climb to the top of the nightclub business, starring

well-known Bay Area actress Deborah Del Mastro. Eureka Theatre (SF). 415.255.8207, 42ndstmoon.org Thru DEC 16 It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play In the 1940s, George Bailey learns that “no man is a failure who has friends.”

Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5208, marintheatre.org Thru DEC 18 Sleeping Beauty Young Performers Theatre’s take on the children’s tale. Fort Mason (SF).

415.346.5550, ypt.org

DEC 6 A Child’s Christmas in Wales A local theater troupe reads and performs the holiday tale with music.

Falkirk Cultural Center (San Rafael). marinpoetrycenter.org DEC 8 Un Ballo in Maschera A dramatic story of jealousy and vengeance. Lark Theater (Larkspur).

415.924.5111, larktheater.net

DEC 9 Songs and Stories from an Actor’s Life Peter Gallagher, the actor from TV’s The O.C., sings about his life and career with songs from the Great American Songbook. Fairmont (SF). 415.392.4400, bayareacabaret.org DEC 15 Sophie and the Enchanted Toyshop A tale of gypsies and magicians with a Dickens-style street scene presented by Marin Dance Theatre.

Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael).

415.473.6358, mdt.org

DANCE DEC 1–2 The Nutcracker Stapleton Ballet’s performance of the classic Christmas tale. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (SF). 415.473.6358, stapletonschool.org DEC 7–28 The Nutcracker An international cast of world-class dancers performs the holiday ballet. War Memorial Opera House (SF). 415.865.2000, sfballet.org DEC 14–23 The Christmas Ballet A holiday celebration with ballet, tap, swing and international dance. Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (SF). 415.912.1899, smuinballet.org DEC 15 Dance with Sherry Studio’s Tapcracker A quirky version of the yuletide

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PROGRAM

2

2 0 1 2 –13

Romantic Passions

Sonoma’s 22-year-

60 th

SEASON

NI GEL AR M STRONG — vi o l i n

old Nigel Armstrong reached international acclaim as Fourth Prize-winner in the 14th Tchaikovsky International Competition .

ballet. Showcase Theater (San Rafael).

415.473.6358, dance withsherrystudio.com

Comedy DEC 28 Shaquille O’Neal’s All Star Comedy Jam A lineup of acclaimed comedians including DJ Spinderella and Gary Owen. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). goldenvoice.com

MUSIC DEC 1 Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir Holiday Concert The 18th annual version of the vocal celebration. Paramount Theatre (Oakland).

510.465.6400 DEC 1–2 Holiday Concerts by Candlelight A singalong with the Marin Symphony Chamber Chorus. Church of Saint Rafael (San Rafael). 415.479.8100, marinsymphony.org

DEC 2 Deck the Hall Children’s Holiday Concert and Party A magical stage show for children ages 3 to 10 with members of the cast of Beach Blanket Babylon, San Francisco Boys Chorus and more.

Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org DEC 6 Glide Annual Holiday Jam The Glide Ensemble, Eoin Harrington and special guests perform to benefit Mo’s Kitchen and Glide programs. The Warfield (SF). 415.345.0900, thewarfieldtheatre.com DEC 7–8 Winter Tales The Mayflower Chorus celebrates its 35th year.

Showcase Theatre (San Rafael). 415.491.9110, mayflowerchorus.org

P HOTO © DF P HOTOGR AP HY

Ruffle No. 2 by Peggy Osterkamp at Room Art Gallery, Mill Valley

JAN 20 & 22

SUN @ 3:00PM TUES @ 7:30PM

Bay Area native and young virtuoso Nigel Armstrong offers a youthful take on Bruch’s ever-popular First Violin Concerto. Tchaikovsky’s last symphony takes us on a hyper-emotionally charged journey that scales the heights and plumbs the depths like few other works in the repertoire.

Glinka Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 in G Minor Tchaikovsky Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, “Pathétique”

Subscribe to 3 or 4 concerts. Call 415. 479.8100 or purchase at marinsymphony.org Single tickets for Romantic Passions and all season concerts are on sale now.

Call the Marin Center Box Office, 415.473.6800, purchase in person, or order online.

Concert Sponsors: Kaiser Permanente, Montecito Plaza Shopping Center

/marinsymphony • 415.479.8100 • marinsymphony.org

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Out & About / calendar

• Robert Allen Fine Art Seasonal Landscapes A group exhibition of works on canvas and paper, through January 31, 2013. 301 Caledonia St, Sausalito.

415.331.2800, robertallenfineart.com

DEC 9 Night Music Left Coast Chamber Ensemble continues its 20th anniversary season with a concert of compositions inspired by nocturnal themes.

142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley).

415.383.9600, 142throckmorton theatre.com DEC 10–12 Colors of Christmas Peabo Bryson, Marilyn McCoo and Billy Davis Jr., James Ingram and Stephanie Mills perform Christmas favorites with the symphony. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org

DEC 13 Michelle Schmitt Rock out to Michelle and her band that includes Ricky Fataar, George Marinelli, Drew Zingg, John Burr and Marc Levine. All proceeds and CD sales go directly to Meals on Wheels.

142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley).

142throckmorton theatre.com DEC 14 STAR 101.3 Jingle Ball Featuring performances by Adam Lambert and One Republic. The Warfield (SF). 415.345.0900, goldenvoice.com DEC 14 Divine Feminine: Women in Holiday Song The 14-voice women’s vocal ensemble Musea performs. Old St Hilary’s Landmark (Tiburon).

415.435.1853, landmarks-society.org DEC 15 Le Jazz Hot The quartet of the Hot Club of San Francisco returns with French gypsy jazz performed on string instruments.

Herbst Theatre (SF). sfperformances.org

DEC 15–16 Marin Oratorio A presentation of Claudio Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610. James Dunne Theatre (Kentfield).

415.485.9385, marinoratorio.org DEC 16 ‘Tis the Season … Silver Bells, Dreidels and More Seven youth and adult choral ensembles perform seasonal favorites in celebration of SingersMarin’s 25th anniversary. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.473.6800, marincenter.org DEC 19 Judy Collins with the San Francisco Symphony The folk and pop vocalist and songwriter performs her hits and holiday songs.

Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org DEC 21 Narada Michael Walden Holiday Jam 2012 The Grammy Award–winning producer, drummer and hit songwriter performs with a few of his friends.

142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley).

142throckmorton theatre.com DEC 30–31 Primus The American rock band performs on its 3-D tour. The Warfield (SF). 415.345.0900, goldenvoice.com DEC 31 Tainted Love The high-energy '80s cover band performs.

The Regency Ballroom (SF). 888.929.7849, goldenvoice.com DEC 31 New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball with the San Francisco Symphony An evening of music by the Martini Brothers and Super Diamond, with complimentary masks, wine and desserts to enjoy while counting down to the New Year.

Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org DEC 31 The Tubes featuring Fee Waybill The band performs a New Year’s Eve bash.

George’s Nightclub (San Rafael). 415.226.0262, georgesnightclub.com

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, fineartetc.com Gallery Bergelli Winter Group Show New work by gallery artists. 483 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.945.9454, bergelli.com

Vineyard Daydream by Victoria Ryan

DEC 9 Joyful Sounds of Christmas The St. Stephen’s Choir and instrumentalists from American Bach Soloists perform traditional Christmas songs. St. Stephen’s Church (Belvedere).

415.435.4501, ststephenschurch.org

artworks by Marin artists, through December 14. 1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael. 415.485.3436, falkirkculturalcenter.org

DEC 31 New Monsoon A New Year’s Eve celebration with a special dinner prepared by chef Gordon Drysdale, complimentary champagne at midnight and a performance by rock quintet New Monsoon.

Sweetwater Music Hall (Mill Valley).

415.388.1100, sweet watermusichall.com

GALLERIES MARIN Art Abloom Studio and Gallery Oil paintings by Gabriella Spina Drake and classes for artists. 751 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.256.1112, artabloom.com Bubble Street Featuring genres of fantastic art, imaginary realism, steampunk and neo-Victorian. 565 Bridgeway, Sausalito.

415.339.0506 Falkirk Cultural Center Falkirk’s 100 Annual auction preview exhibition featuring 100 small

Gallery Route One Wild Book Show Benefiting GRO’s Artists in the Schools program, through December 23. 11101 Hwy One, Point Reyes Station. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org LB Studios Gallery Illumination Glass sculptures by Latchezar Boyadjiev. 5498 Nave Dr, Novato.

415.883.2025 Marin Society of Artists 85 Years A nonjuried member show celebrating the MSA’s 85th anniversary, through December 10. 3501 Civic Center Dr, San Rafael. 415.454.9561, marinsocietyofartists.org Mona Lease Gallery Sculpture by Deborah Childress and art by gallery artists, through December. 39 Greenbrae Boardwalk, Greenbrae. 415.461.3718, monalease.net O’Hanlon Center for the Arts Spirit A juried show. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org

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Text “FAMOUS4” to 90947

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Hearth and Home of Marin

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Nourish Grill on Strawberry Point

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Alfons Skin Care MORTGAGE Alfons Skin Care Text “yarn” to 90947

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Out & About / calendar

Studio 333 Ongoing exhibition featuring more than 40 Bay Area artists’ work in different mediums.

333A Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.8272, studio333.info

San Francisco Songs and Stories from an Actor’s Life with Peter Gallagher at the Fairmont, S.F.

Robert Green Fine Arts American Masters Group exhibition by gallery painters Sam Francis, John Grillo, Paul Jenkins and Gustavo Rivera, through

February 2013. 154 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.8776, rgfinearts.com

Room Art Gallery Peggy Osterkamp Woven silk pieces. 86 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.747.8139, roomartgallery.com

ArtHaus Candid Moments New encaustic paintings

by Jhina Alvarado, through December 22. 411 Brannan St, 415.977.0223, arthaus-sf.com

T:7.875”

Berggruen Gallery Art by Tom McKinley, through December 9. 228 Grant Ave, 415.781.4629, berggruen.com Caldwell Snyder Art

by Heiner Meyer. 341 Sutter St, 415.392.2299, caldwellsnyder.com Gregory Lind Gallery Art by Jim Gaylord, through December 22. 49 Geary St, 415.296.9661, gregorylindgallery.com Rena Bransten Gallery Hung Liu: Happy and Gay Paintings by Hung Liu, through January 12, 2013. 77 Geary St, 415.982.3292, rena branstengallery.com

MUSEUMS MARIN Bolinas Museum Slapstick Vintage Hollywood photographs from the collection of Robert Flynn Johnson (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org Marin History Museum Justice and Judgment Three-part exhibition about Marin’s law enforcement and judicial system, through June 2013 (San Rafael). 415.454.8538, marinhistory.org Marin Museum of Contemporary Art Art by the Inch A MarinMOCA fundraiser (Novato).

415.506.0137, marinmoca.org

James Gallagher

Smith Andersen North Art by Mark Citret, through January 12, 2013. 20 Greenfield Ave, San Anselmo.

415.455.9733, smith andersennorth.com

T:4.75”

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BAY AREA California Academy of Sciences Nightlife Enjoy music, creatures and cocktails for adults only and take some time to explore the exhibits and aquarium displays every Thursday night (SF). 415.379.8000, calacademy.org Chinese Historical Society of America Remnants: Artists Respond to the Chinese American Experience Works from five artists that highlight personal narrative, memory and family, through December 15 (SF).

415.391.1188, chsa.org Conservatory of Flowers Boomtown: The Barbary Coast A garden railway exhibition celebrating San Francisco’s

Gold Rush boomtown era and Barbary Coast neighborhood, through April 14, 2013 (SF).

415.831.2090, conserv atoryofflowers.org Contemporary Jewish Museum The Radical Camera: New York’s Photo League, 1936–1951 An exhibit exploring the New York Photo League’s history, artistic significance and culture, through January 21, 2013 (SF). 415.655.7800, thecjm.org de Young The William S. Paley Collection: A Taste for Modernism Paintings, sculpture and drawings from the late 19th century

through the early 1970s, through December 30 (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 Gifts from the Gods: Art and the Olympic Ideal Featuring ancient Greek and Roman coinage, sculptures, antiques and textiles, reflecting the 2012 Summer Olympic Games, through January 27, 2013 (SF). 415.750.3600, legionofhonor.org

Museum of the African Diaspora Desert Jewels North African jewelry and photography from the Xavier Guerrand-Hermes Collection, through January 21, 2013 (SF). 415.358.7200, moadsf.org Oakland Museum of California Ken and Melanie Light: Valley of Shadows and Dreams Presenting 31 black and white photographs of California’s Central Valley (Oakland).

510.318.8400, museumca.org SFMOMA Six Lines of Flight: Shifting Geographies in Contemporary Art An exhibit by artists from six cities

around the world (SF). 415.357.4000, sfmoma.org The Walt Disney Family Museum Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs: The Creation of a Classic More than 200 works of conceptual art, model sheets, layouts and animations, through April 14, 2013 (SF). 415.345.6800, waltdisney.org

EVENTS Thru DEC 16 The Guardsmen Holiday Tree Lot A winter wonderland of trees and ornaments. All proceeds benefit S.F. Bay Area programs for atrisk youth. Fort Mason (SF). 415.856.0939, guardsmentreelot.com

Thru DEC 23 The Great Dickens Christmas Fair and Victorian Holiday Party Feasting, dancing, shopping and performances in a lamplit "city" evoking Charles Dickens’ London.

The Cow Palace (SF). 800.510.1558, dickensfair.com DEC 1 BelvedereTiburon Landmarks Holiday Art and Craft Sale Jewelry, glass, gloves, blankets, pottery and more, all made by local artists. Art and Garden Center (Tiburon).

415.847.4209, landmarks-society.org

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Out & About / calendar

• DEC 8–9 The Nutcracker Marin Ballet premieres its 50th-anniversary season with a show featuring more than 175 dancers and extravagant sets. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael).

415.473.6358, marincenter.org

artists. Union Street (SF). 800.310.6563, sresproductions.com

DEC 1 Union Street Fantasy of Lights Get in the holiday spirit with juggling elves, pony reindeers, face painters and balloon

DEC 1–2 Celebration of Craftswomen Shop for handmade glassware, furniture, rugs, fine art, jewelry, clothing and more, all made by

women, to benefit the Women’s Building and other programs. A wine and film gala also

takes place on December 1.

Fort Mason (SF).

650.615.6838, celebrationof craftswomen.org

DEC 1–2 ICB Winter Open Studios #44 More than 80 artists display their work, including painting, sculpture, photography, jewelry and fiber arts. ICB Building (Sausalito).

415.331.2222, icbartists.com DEC 1–2 Mount Tamalpais Artists Holiday Faire An exhibition and sale of paintings, photographs, sculptures, woodwork, jewelry and furniture by local artists. Muir Woods Park Community Association clubhouse (Mill Valley). mounttamartists.org DEC 1–2 Muir Beach Quilters Holiday Arts Fair A family-friendly event with work by more than 30 local

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artists, a gingerbread attic and a quilters’ class. Community Center (Muir Beach).

415.383.6762, muirbeach.com DEC 3 Fiction Writing Workshop: The Short Story A class for those interested in exploring the craft of short fiction writing. O’Hanlon Center for the Arts (Mill Valley). 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org DEC 5 Tom Steel Clinic Fundraiser A reception with wine, hors d’oeuvres and music in celebration of World AIDS day.

Room Art Gallery (Mill Valley). 415.383.6623, tomsteelclinic.org

DEC 6 Noe Valley Holiday Wine Walk Meander down 24th Street, sip wine and taste special treats. Noe Valley (SF). 800.310.6563, sresproductions.com

during the holidays.

Exhibit Hall (San Rafael). 415.473.6800, goldengateshows.com

Dahlia at the KPFA Crafts Fair at the Concourse Exhibition Center, S.F.

DEC 15 Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run/Walk A costume contest, team tailgate party, kids’ elf run and a longer route for runners, walkers, wheelchairs and strollers to benefit the Arthritis Foundation.

Lagoon Park (San Rafael). jinglebellrun. kintera.org

DEC 6 Jingle and Mingle Bid on handmade wreaths and enjoy cocktails, music and bites to benefit Children of Shelters.

Golden Gate Club (SF).

925.935.9938, cos-sf.org DEC 8 The Artisans Ball A gala benefiting the Bayview Opera House–Ruth Williams Memorial Theater restoration and community programs. War Memorial Veterans Building (SF). artisticlicense.org

DEC 8 Tour de Noel Holiday House Tour Featuring five unique homes decorated for the holidays and showcasing turn-of-the-century architectural styles of Marin. St. John’s

Episcopal Church (Ross). 415.456.1102, stjohnsross.org DEC 8–9 KPFA Crafts Fair Shop unique handcrafted gifts for the holidays. Concourse

Exhibition Center (SF).

510.848.6767, kpfa.org DEC 8–9 Marin Indoor Antique Market’s Annual Christmas Show Enjoy an old-fashioned shopping experience

DEC 26–28 Winter ZooCamp Includes zoo tours, animal visits, crafts, games, songs and stories.

Oakland Zoo (Oakland).

510.632.9525, oaklandzoo.org

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Dine e dite d by mimi towle

restaurant features a large bar area, an outdoor patio and family-friendly dining. 55 Tamal Vista Blvd, 415.924.3366, brickandbottle.com

Bianco Verde Pizza at Tavola in Novato

Champagne Bakery French This casual bakery displays freshly made pastries, croissants, tarts, cookies and cakes, to be enjoyed indoors or out on the patio. Brioche French toast and French dip sandwich with Swiss cheese are among the many menu options.

Catering is also available. 103 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.5470, champagnebakery.com Il Fornaio Italian Sausalito’s Larry Mindel hit a home run with this upscale Italian restaurant franchise.

Besides the awardwinning breads, pizzas and pastas, the menu offers a variety of salads and noncarb entrées.

223 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.4400, ilfornaio.com

• Tavola Italian Kitchen Italian A neighborhood

gathering place for friends and family, Tavola Offers locally sourced and sustainable produce, meats and decor. Traditional favorites like heirloom tomato and zucchini Panini and minestrone soup pay homage to its Italian roots. Open for Sunday brunch. 5800 Nave Dr, 415.883.6686, tavolaitaliankitchen.com

Corte Madera Brick & Bottle California Sourcing local and artisanal ingredients, executive chef Scott Howard brings simple California cuisine to Corte Madera’s Brick & Bottle. The

La Maison de La Reine Vietnamese A refreshing change amid the plethora of Italian, Mexican and Chinese options. The crunchy cabbage chicken salad with peanuts, fresh spring rolls and combinations of pho are popular menu items.

346 Corte Madera Town Ctr, 415.927.0288 Marin Joe’s Italian Authentic Italian dishes have been served here for over 50 years. Pick

from soup, salad, seafood, mesquite-grilled or sautéed meats and more than 10 pasta options guaranteed to satisfy. Have a drink and hear local musicians at the well-known piano bar. 1585 Casa Buena Dr, 415.924.2081, marinjoesrestaurant.com Max’s Cafe American Located across from Town Center, Max’s is known for casual ambience and large portions.

The menu changes with the season but features year-round favorites like matzo ball soup and BLTs. Besides heaping helpings of decadent comfort food and desserts, the menu includes healthier choices and dishes made with seasonable local produce. 60 Madera Blvd, 415.924.6297, maxsworld.com Pacific Catch PanAsian The well-priced menu here offers a bounty of fresh-grilled items and Pacific Rim—inspired small or main plates, including generously portioned wasabi bowls filled with rice (white or brown), veggies and your choice of chicken, beef and cooked or raw fish. It’s 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.com

Debra Tarrant

A n i n s i d e r ’ s g u i d e t o r e s ta u r a n t s a n d G o o d F o o d i n t h e b ay a r e a

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The Counter California/American The folks at the Counter have taken the “have it your way” motto to a new level. Mostly known for all-natural Angus beef, turkey, chicken or veggie burgers, the restaurant also offers options like a bowl (all the ingredients without the bun) or salads. And if you want a martini with your burger, no problem; there’s a full bar.

201 Corte Madera Town Center 415.924.7000, thecounterburger.com

Fairfax 123 Bolinas California Known for farm-fresh, organic cuisine, 123 Bolinas was created by four friends who aimed to showcase seasonal fare in a relaxing, intimate environment.

Enjoy locally brewed beer and small-production wines as you take in the view of Bolinas Park through the floorto-ceiling windows. 123 Bolinas St, 415.488.5123, 123bolinas.com Iron Springs Pub & Brewery American Grab a beer and a grilled portobello mushroom sandwich — which one Chronicle reviewer calls “the best mushroom dish I have ever tasted.” 765 Center Blvd, 415.485.1005, ironspringspub.com Steakhouse Grill & Bar American Celebrating its 90 year anniversary, this steakhouse at Deer Park Villa is more than just a restaurant serving signature Angus steaks and prime rib. It is a gathering place with daily happy hour, live entertainment and a large heated deck. Events include Ladies’ Night, Prime Rib Weekend

and the Redwood Music Series. 367 Bolinas Rd, 415.456.8084, deerparksteakhousegrill.com

Greenbrae Bistro Vis à Vis California This Bon Air Shopping Center eatery features the cooking of Michelin-star-rated chef Mike Fredsall. 282 Bon air Ctr, 415.925.4370, bistrovisavis.com Wipeout Bar & Grill American The familyfriendly hot spot has surfboards hanging from the ceiling, funin-the-sun music, a full bar and large televisions displaying surfers riding waves. Menu includes fish tacos, salads and burgers.The only thing missing is the sand at this surf-style, upbeat eatery. Kids eat free on Tuesdays with each purchase of an adult entrée. 302 Bon Air Ctr, 415.461.7400, wipeoutbarandgrill.com

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Kentfield Half Day Cafe American A tuckedaway setting of intertwining ivy and large open windows makes a perfect breakfast nook that’s also open for brunch and lunch. Dine on the outdoor patio or inside. 848 College Ave, 415.459.0291, halfdaycafe.com Pacific Cafe Seafood For 37 years, customers have been coming to this 115-seat casual restaurant for the fresh seafood and customer service.Another perk is the complimentary glass of wine while you wait for a table. $8. 850 College Ave, 415.456.3898

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Out & About / dine White Sangria at Whipper Snapper in San Rafael

Larkspur El Huarache Loco Mexican Bringing authentic Mexico City dishes to Marin, chef Veronica Salazar’s menu has gained quite a following. 1803 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.925.1403, huaracheloco.com Emporio Rulli Italian Pastry chef Gary Rulli is renowned for his Northern Italian specialties and treats. The Larkspur location (there are three others) is a favored spot for lunch as well as coffee and a sweet. 464 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7478, rulli.com Marin Brewing Co American Grab a cold beer made right on site and pair it with fish and chips — fresh cod dipped in Mt. Tam pale ale batter, served with steak fries and homemade tartar sauce.

1809 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.4677, marinbrewing.com Picco California This has been a popular place ever since opening in 2005. Dishes like miniburgers and seasonally driven menu items, along with risotto made every half hour, have kept people coming back. 320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300, restaurantpicco.com Rustic Bakery California Organic mouthwatering pastries, breads and sandwiches are on the menu here, including Meyer lemon mascarpone danishes and a bacon, avocado and heirloom tomato sandwich with mesclun. 1139 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.1556, rusticbakery.com

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The tavern at Lark Creek American The next chapter in the 1888 Victorian Murphy House, formerly known as Lark Creek Inn, is being written by chef Aaron Wright. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7766, tavernatlarkcreek.com The Melting Pot French Just across the street from the Larkspur Ferry terminal is a round red-brick haven for fondue fans. Share the “Big Night Out” feast featuring chef’s specialties, or design your own spread with cheese fondue, salad, meat entrée and chocolate fondue dessert. 125 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.461.6358, themeltingpot.com

Mill Valley 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 pan-roasted Alaskan halibut and risotto and burgers. 38 Miller Ave, 415.381.7321, balboacafe.com Beerworks Brewery and Beer Cafe American With a beverage menu of handcrafted beers made on site, imported and local microbrews and house-made kombucha and root beer, this Mill Valley brewery is set to keep the local palate pleased. Don’t miss the small beer hall selection of pretzels, salumis and cheeses.

173 Throckmorton Ave, 415.888.8218, millvalleybeerworks.com

Boo Koo Asian Finally Mill Valley has an Asian street food restaurant and best of all, dishes are $10 and less. The menu offers something for every eater — vegan, gluten-free, vegetarian, carnivore. Menu items include chicken pho, vegan summer rolls, pad thai and five-spice pork satay — all made with organic, locally produced veggies and proteins from vegetarian-fed, sustainably raised sources. 25 Miller Ave, 415.888.8303, eatbookoo.com Buckeye Roadhouse American Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs and chili-lime “brick” chicken are a few of the satisfying, comfortfood 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 Champagne Bakery French Enjoy a croque-monsieur alfresco, linger over a flaky, buttery croissant with a cappuccino, or pick up chocolatedipped strawberries for your dinner party.

41 Throckmorton Ave, 415.380.0410, millvalley.champagne bakery.com Frantoio Ristorante Italiano Italian Known for its in-house olive press, superior olive oil and excellent Italian cuisine, this spot is a great location for an intimate dinner, large groups and anything in between. Owned

by Roberto Zecca and chef Duilio Valenti,

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Out & About / dine both from Milano, the kitchen uses local and organic ingredients.

For special occasions and private parties, reserve the olive-press room. The popular happy hour starts at 4:30. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.289.5777, frantoio.com

Seafood Stew at Servino in Tiburon

• Servino Ristorante Italian Executive Chef Massimo Covello comes to the kitchen via Frantoio and Piazza D’Angelo, where he cooks up an array of rustic Italian dishes, including house-made pastas, wood oven pizzas and seasonal specialties. A member of Marin Organic and one of Marin’s first eateries to become certified as a green business, Servino uses fresh, local and organic ingredients whenever possible.

Check the website for the live music schedule. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino.com

Hawk’s Tavern American Pop into this country-style tavern for a quick snack —a freshbaked pretzel or sautéed red kale — or settle down for a farm-to-table meal. The 18 dishes on the menu include bangers and mash (here done with organic pork sausage and buttermilk mashed potatoes) and Scottish salmon with black-eyed peas and garlic aioli. A private dining room is available for parties of 12. 507 Miller Ave, 415.388.3474, hawkstavern.com India Palace Indian Known as “that great restaurant in the Travelodge,” India Palace is a favorite among the takeout crowd; however, eating on site is a treat too.

707 Redwood Hwy, 415.388.3350, india palacemillvalley.com Harmony Chinese Dishes here are an infusion of many flavors. The barbecue pork bun is filled with house-made roasted meat in a savory sauce; fresh mussels are accented with red chili and Thai basil. Pair your pick with wine, beer or tea. Strawberry Village, 415.381.5300, harmonyrestaurant group.com La Ginestra Italian A favorite family spot for over 30 years; getting a table or booth can take a while. While this

old-school Italian eatery is known for traditional pastas, veal dishes, pizzas and dry martinis, the familiar wait staff is also part of the attraction. 127 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0224 NOURISH GRILL American Open for brunch, lunch and dinner, Nourish offers a variety of classic seafood like fish ’n’ chips as well as American grill fare like the Niman Ranch black ’n’ bleu burger.

The establishment is also the restaurant for the Club at Harbor Point and is situated on the waterfront and open to the public. Many ingredients are locally

sourced and organic.

475 E Strawberry Dr, 415.381.4400, nourish. harbor-point.com Pearl’s Phat Burgers American Dubbed a silver-spoon 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, buffalo or grilled chicken) served up with tasty sides such as garlic or sweet potato fries, shakes and seasonal smoothies. Eat in if you can get a seat, or take out. 8 East Blithedale Ave, 415.381.6010, pearlsdeluxe.com

Piatti Ristorante and Bar Italian The staff prides itself on capturing the warm and welcoming atmosphere of a traditional Italian trattoria. Try for a table at the window for a truly exceptional view right on the water. Take a peek at the impressive collection of Italian wines to go with your rustic seasonal Italian meal. 625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525, piatti.com

order your own sushi or entrée from the menu. 591 Redwood Hwy, 415.381.8400, robatagrill.com

Organic, Seasonal and Sustainable. 19 Corte Madera Ave, 415.388.3850, sweet watermusichall.com

Super Duper Burger American “Fast food burgers, slow food values” is this burger joint’s motto. Prepared with 100 percent all-natural beef that’s ground fresh daily. 430 Miller Ave, 415.380.8555, superdupersf.com

Robara Grill & Sushi Japanese Robata translates as “by the fireside”; fittingly, food here can be cooked on an open fire and served in appetizer-size portions. Or simply

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,

Tamalpie Italian Traditional pizzas from a 1,500-year-old recipe, with organic ingredients gathered from the farmers’ market twice weekly. Sit indoors or out; enjoy starters like creamy polenta, salads, and pies with names like Hoo-kooE-koo and Railroad Grade. 477 Miller Ave, 415.388.7437, tamalpiepizza.com Thep Lela Thai This jewel is tucked away in the back of Strawberry

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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 at this one-room trattoria. Try one of the restaurant’s pasta dishes or thin-crust 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 penne pesto described by one Yelp contributor as a “hot creamy bowl of heaven.” Another standout menu item is the house-made ravioli cooked up by chef Edgar DeLon. 7416 Redwood Hwy, 415.878.0314, chiantinovato.com Golden Egg Omelet House American Previously called the Old Town Bistro, this Novato favorite is back by popular demand with its original name and menu. Open for breakfast and lunch, with an assortment of organic and locally grown foods and 101 different types of omelets. 807 Grant Ave, 415.897.7707, goldeneggnovato.com

Hilltop 1892 California Situated in a historic estate in Novato, with sweeping views, Hilltop 1892 offers traditional favorites with a California flair.

Open from breakfast through dinner, as well as Sunday brunch. 850 Lamont Ave, 415.893.1892, hilltop1892.com Muscio’s Italian Inspired by the tradition of family dinners, Muscio’s is a new restaurant serving traditional Italian food.

Meals include Mom’s Fettuccine with Prawns (gluten-free rigatoni available), My Sister’s Minestrone Soup and Pesto Chicken Pizza.

The kid’s menu encourages the whole family to spend an evening at Muscio’s. 1200 Grant Ave, 415.898.2234, muscios.com Rickey’s Restaurant & Bar American Besides a full service restaurant and bar (with banquet/ meeting rooms) this comfort food classic offers poolside dining and a garden patio overlooking green lawns. During the summer, dine while listening to jazz by the pool from 6:30–9:30 p.m. 250 Entrada Drive, 415.883.9477. rickeysrestaurant.com Rustic Bakery California Organic mouthwatering pastries, breads and sandwiches are on the menu here, including Meyer lemon mascarpone danishes and a bacon, avocado and heirloom tomato sandwich with mesclun. 1407 Grant Avenue, 415.878-4952, rusticbakery.com

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Out & About / dine Carne Asada at Wipeout Bar & Grill in Greenbrae

San Anselmo Bistro 330 French In the heart of San Anselmo, Bistro 330 features simple French cuisine: steak frites, mussels, crème brûlée and more. 330 San Anselmo Ave, 415.460.6330 Comforts Cafe American This cozy spot features local ingredients and serves breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch.

Be sure to try the Philly cheesesteak and Chinese chicken salad, both classics.

335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840, comfortscafe.com Insalata’s Mediterranean Awardwinning chef Heidi Insalata 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 It’s the second Marin restaurant for the team behind Le Garage Bistro in Sausalito.

Owners Bruno Denis and Olivier Souvestre are offering a menu most Francophiles would be proud of, complete with items like smoked herring, bone marrow and cassoulet de legumes.

636 San Anselmo Ave, 415.256.9884, lappartresto.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-theborder spot. The festive atmosphere and funky decor complement the excellent food for a classy, lively experience. Finish with the rich tres leches cake.

This place gets packed, so make reservations.

218 Sir Francis Drake

Blvd, 415.454.8900, marinitas.net

San Rafael Amici’s East Coast Pizzeria California The array of pizzas includes gluten-free crust options and the new Siciliano, an enticing mix of mozzarella, slowroasted garlic, sausage, broccoli and crushed red pepper flakes, sans tomato sauce. 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. Known for the famous wolverines and cheese rolls, it also cooks up an assortment of muffins, pastries and sourdough bread pizzas. 1002 Fourth St, 415. 456.4093, arizmendibakery.org Broken Drum Brewery & Wood Grill American Offering a wide array

of eats, handcrafted and local beers and live music in one place, the Broken Drum is a hot spot for Rafael Theater Patrons (10 percent off entire bill with your ticket stub), passersby and regulars. 1132 Fourth St, 415.456.4677, brokendrum.com Il Davide Italian A large selection of both Italian and California wines by the glass along with the dolci menu’s tiramisu have kept locals coming back for years. Don’t leave without sampling the limoncello. 901 A St, 415.454.8080, ildavide.net Lotus Restaurant Indian Lotus Restaurant has earned Hall of Fame kudos from Pacific Sun readers for nearly a decade. Family owned and operated, it serves up North Indian cuisine with vegan and vegetarian options in a casual pink-tablecloth setting. 704 Fourth St, 415.456.5808, lotusrestaurant.com

Mulberry Street Pizzeria Italian Chef Ted Rowe won first place in the Food Network Television Pizza Challenge with his Mushroom Lover’s Pizza — sautéed mushrooms in a creamy garlic sauce atop a fresh pizza crust. Located across from the Smith Ranch Road movie theaters, it’s a great place to grab dinner and a movie. 101 Smith Ranch Rd, 415.472.7272, mulberry-streetpizzeria.com San Rafael Joe’s Italian Guido and Theresa Farina run this Marin institution, which has been famous for sophisticated yet casual Italian fare since 1947.

Great for large parties, the dining room holds 240. The Pacific red snapper meunière and roast sirloin of beef are standouts. 931 Fourth St, 415.456.2425, srjoes.com 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 4th Street, 415.459.9555, tajofmarin.com Theresa & Johnny’s Comfort Food American Cooking 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

Tomatina Italian Inspired by the “La Tomatina” festival in Bunol, Spain, Tomatina offers fresh pizza, pastas and more. For a classic Italian dish, try the five-cheese pizza, or think outside the box with eggplant parmigiana. 5800 Northgate Mall, 52, 415.479.3200, tomatina.com Whipper Snapper Restaurant California/Caribbean Owner and chef Bill Higgins serves delicious tapas, fish tacos and chocolate bread pudding. On Sundays, try the $3 glasses of sangria. 1613 Fourth St, 415.256.1818, whipsnap.biz Vin Antico Italian Chef Ed Vigil uses only seasonal ingredients that are organic and locally sourced. The weekly changing menu includes oysters, fresh salads, handmade pastas, seafood and carefully crafted red meat dishes. Local artists’ work is featured each month on the walls. Happy hour is 5 to 6 weekdays. 881 Fourth St, 415.454.4492, vinantico.com Yet Wah Chinese Named after the founder’s wife (“Yet” refers to the moon, “Wah” to brightness), this beloved mainstay offers dim sum daily along with the traditional Chinese menu. Groove to live music in the Kung Fu Lounge. 1238 Fourth St, 415.460.9883, yetwahsanrafael.com

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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 featuring cuisine of the Campania region for the past 24 years. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225, angelinorestaurant.com Aurora Ristorante & Pizzeria Italian The three-year-old Aurora Ristorante in Novato finally has a counterpart in southern Marin. Aurora offers traditional Italian food, a full bar and friendly service. Great for families, groups, dates and

V I N E Y A R D

sports enthusiasts, who can keep up to date on the game via large flatscreen TV. 300 Valley St, 415.339.8930, aurorasausalito.com Avatar’s Indian Looking for “the best meal of your life”?

Let owner Ashok Kumar order for you.

One-room casual dining for lunch and dinner. 2656 Bridgeway, 415.332.8083, enjoyavatars.com Bar Bocce American Food tastes better, your company becomes funnier and issues of the day seem trivial when you’re dining on a bayside patio with fire pits and a bocce ball court.

Throw in sourdough bread pizzas and a glass of wine, and you’ll see why this casual eatery,

T O U R S ,

whose co-owner and executive chef is Robert Price of Buckeye and Bungalow 44, has become a local favorite. 1250 Bridgeway, 415.331.0555, barbocce.com Caffé DiVino Tuscan Locals come for the tasty pastas and salads as well as coffee drinks, served in a funky one-room setting. 37 Caledonia St, 415.331.9355, caffedivinosausalito.com Cibo Cafe Husbandand-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. And now Marinites no longer have to drive

W I N E

C A V E S ,

over the bridge to get famous Blue Bottle coffee. Located in the historic brick building at 1201 Bridgeway.

415.331.2426, cibosausalito.com Dario’s Pizza Italian Opened in 1972, Dario’s continues to dish up traditional family-style Italian calzones, pasta and pizza. Join the online coupon program for monthly bargains and delivery specials like Monday’s 2-for-1 deal. 2829 Bridgeway, 415.332.6636. dariosrestaurant.net Feng Nian Chinese Busy at lunch and dinner, this spacious hangout has been a popular spot for wonton soup, pot stickers and daily specials for nearly two decades.

E S T A T E

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W I N E

For an indulgent treat order the Szechwan crispy calamari or honey-glazed walnut prawn. Free delivery. 2650 Bridgeway, 415.331.5300, fengnian.com

Try weekly specials like the Thai Toast: crispy sliced baguette topped with shrimp and chicken.

3001 Bridgeway, 415.331.0390, kittisplace.com

Fish Seafood It is all about the fresh catch here. You can dine at one of the picnic tables or purchase fish to cook at home. Casual, and bring cash (lots of it!). 350 Harbor Dr, 415.331.3474, 331fish.com

La Hacienda Bar & Grill Mexican Get your Mexican food fix any time of day: This festive 23-table new location with a well-stocked bar is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Owner Jose Sahagun recently decided to set up in Sausalito after years in the business (he also owns La Hacienda Taqueria in San Rafael).

Check out the $7.99 lunch special, complete with a soft drink. 2633 Bridgeway, 415.332.1677

Kitti’s Place Thai/ California Known for the tasty Chinese chicken salad and spring rolls. Owner Kitti Suthipipiat was the cook at Comforts in San Anselmo for many years.

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Out & About / dine Le Garage French Escape the touristy Sausalito spots and grab brunch right on the water. The atmosphere is animated with light French music (think Amélie). The Kobe Burger, though not as Parisian as the other menu items, is to die for.

And the much-adored croque-monsieur is under $10. Opt for indoor or outdoor seating. 85 Liberty Ship Way, 415.332.5625, legaragebistrosausalito.com Lighthouse American Blueberry pancakes, omelets and Danishinfluenced dishes are the draw here.

It’s a small space, so be prepared to wait or get there early.

1311 Bridgeway, 415.331.3034, light house-restaurants.com Murray Circle American Enjoy the sun on the deck of this Cavallo Point restaurant. Locals say they come back for the fresh seasonal specials like wild sturgeon and Wolfe Ranch quail. 601 Murray Circle, 415.339.4750, cavallopoint.com

Napa Valley Burger Company American Serving local all natural and organic meats, produce and wines, this burger joint offers classic burgers (glutenfree buns available), fries, salads, tacos and root beer floats. With outdoor and indoor tables, the space can accommodate up to 100 people. 670 Bridgeway, 415.332.1454, napavalleyburgercompany.com Pizzeria Rossetti Italian Traditional Italian fare made with locally sourced organic ingredients, including organic San Marzano tomatoes and Giusto flour. With a small offering of appetizers and salads, Pizzeria Rossetti has a wide pizza menu with options like the traditional Margherita and the burrata pizza.

45 Caledonia St, 415.887.9526, pizzeriarossetti.com Plate Shop California If the seasonal menu and 14 large vegetable beds outside the kitchen door aren’t telltale signs, the menu is — the Plate Shop is all about fresh, local and all-organic

Basil Spaghetti at Vin Antica in San Rafael

cuisine. Choose from an extensive wine list and an assortment of cocktails. 39 Caledonia St, 415.887.9047, plateshop.net Poggio Italian A great place to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a night out.

Executive chef Peter McNee cooks up delicious Northern Italian cuisine using fresh and local ingredients, including produce from the nearby Poggio chef garden. 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771, poggiotratoria.com Salito’s Seafood In a well-known location on Richardson Bay that was most recently home to Paradise Bay, Salito’s features a new look and casual ambience. Enjoy a Nick and Nora’s Cocktail Special or a signature dish, including whole roasted Dungeness crab, house-made kettle bread served with Straus butter and sizzling iron-skillets of mussels. 1200 Bridgeway, 415.331.3226, salitoscrabhouse.com

Saylor’s Restaurant and Bar California/Mexican Marin’s first tequila bar offers over 100 tequila options. Nightly meal specials include chicken potpie, roasted salmon, baby back ribs and traditional meat loaf.

If you’re up for wilder entertainment there are frequent events like margarita night and flight night tequilatasting parties. 2009 Bridgeway, 415.332.1512, saylorsrestaurantand bar.com Scoma’s Seafood Whether it’s for the view of San Francisco or the local history, visitors flock to this iconic spot. The fresh seafood and meat dishes are as appetizing as the Italian pastas. 588 Bridgeway, 415.332.9551, scomassausalito.com SEAFOOD PEDDLER Seafood A great place to seek out fresh seafood in a warm and inviting environment.

Varieties of east and west coast fish are flown in daily. 303 Johnson St, 415.332.1492, seafoodpeddler.com Seahorse Italian The spacious dining area, stage and dance floor make Seahorse perfect for both small and large celebrations. Enjoy a modern twist on classic Tuscan coastal cuisine while shaking your booty to the nightly live music and entertainment.

305 Harbor Dr, 415.331.2899, sausalitoseahorse.com

Spinnaker Seafood Chef Phil Collins excels at preparing seafood, and it shows in the beautiful plate presentations.

Set right on the water, this romantic spot is great for an evening occasion. 100 Spinnaker Dr, 415.332.1500, thespinnaker.com Sushi Ran Japanese Fresh, innovative small plates are just big enough to share, the traditional sushi is melt-in-your-mouth good, and the wine, cocktail and sake lists keep the pickiest barfly well satisfied. Even the prices don’t deter the herd of sushi enthusiasts who line up nightly to partake; reservations are required in the main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620, sushiran.com Sweet Ginger Japanese Owner and chef Edna and Wayne Chiang know their way around good sushi.

Try fresh sashimi, the classic Dragon Roll, 49er’s Roll or Rock ’N Roll, or be adventurous and have Wayne whip you up something off the menu. Good sake and a comfortable setting round out the reasonably priced meal. 400 Caledonia St, 415.332.1683, sweet gingersausalito.com Taste of the Himalayas Himalayan Born in the foothills of the Himalayas, siblings Pemba, Dawa and Pasang serve up favorites from Nepal, Tibet and India. The restaurant focuses on blending different cultures and cuisines: spices from India, spirituality from Tibet, hospitality from Nepal and the

freshness of ingredients from California. 2633 Bridgeway, 415.331.1335, himalayaca.com Tommy’s Wok Chinese Scrupulously fresh ingredients and free-range chicken make the yellow coconut milk curry here divine. Nice atmosphere and good takeout. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.332.5818, tommyswok.com THE TRIDENT Seafood Originally a turn-ofthe-century building constructed in 1898 for the San Francisco Yacht Club, this waterfront restaurant reopened in October after a remodel. Executive chef James Montejano, known for supporting local farmers, fishermen and organic food producers, prepares dishes like Hawaiian mahi mahi fish tacos and grilled swordfish. 558 Bridgeway, 415.331.3232, thetridentsausalito.com Wellington’s California British transport Jeremy John and his wife, Jill, have created an expansive wine bar with a homey feel, board games, views of the bay and a worldly cellar featuring affordable bottles and special reserves. The menu offers wines by the glass for $5 to $20 and tasting flights of any three wines for $12. 300 Turney St, 415.331.9463, wellingtonswine.com

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Barbecue Pulled Pork Sandwich at Toast in Mill Valley

Tiburon Caprice California Book the private party room for large groups or just relax in what one Yelp reviewer called “the perfect romantic dinner spot.” Midweek take advantage of the restaurant’s wellpriced three-course dinners for less than $25. 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 house-made pesto. 114 Main St, 415.435.0400, donantoniotrattoria.com Ginza Japanese Whether you simply go for the volcano roll or indulge in the eight-course Omakase meal, the fresh ingredients coupled with the tremendous view of San Francisco keep this place busy, so make reservations

or get there early. 41 Main St, 415.789.5123, ginzasushi-tiburon.com Guaymas Mexican Situated right next to the Tiburon ferry terminal on the waterfront.

The touch-it-you’reso-close city views and outdoor seating make it a great place to bring visitors on a warm summer night. Happy hour is 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Menu includes specialties like puerco macho — pork loin chop with grilled plantain, topped with an ancho chile, garlic and onion sauce. 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. A good place to take the kids — or catering option for your next birthday party. 1 Blackfield Dr, 415.388.9100, tiburonmilano.com New Morning Cafe American Sit outside or indoors at this casual cafe. On a sunny morning, tables will

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Out & About / dine be filled with locals enjoying the sun and extensive breakfast menu; lunch served as well. 1696 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.4315

Fava Bean Bruschetta marketbar, san Francisco This tapas-style appetizer is a simple and delicious start to a spring meal.

MarketBar uses Marin Star Route Farm’s young, tender fava beans. Because of the simplicity of this dish, use a good-quality sea salt and extra-virgin olive oil.

1 pound fava beans, shelled

Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil over

1 clove garlic, minced

high heat. Blanch the fava beans for 5 minutes, then

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice 1⁄ 2

extra-virgin olive oil, plus

2 tablespoons teaspoon sea salt, plus more

for sprinkling 1⁄4

drain and plunge into an ice-water bath. Once the beans are cool, peel them by pinching off the skin.

tablespoon minced fresh thyme

1⁄4 cup

1⁄ 2

teaspoon freshly ground

1 sweet or sourdough baguette

V Peeling Fava beans X Fava beans, also called broad beans, have been cultivated in Southwest Asia and the Mediterranean for thousands of years. The

Put the beans in a food processor. Add the garlic, lemon

beans are eaten fresh when picked early in

juice, and thyme and pulse for several seconds until the

the season, or as a dried bean when allowed

beans are coarsely chopped. With the machine running,

to mature on the vine. To cook fresh favas,

add the 1⁄4 cup olive oil until well combined. Stir in the 1⁄ 2

teaspoon salt and the pepper. Set aside.

pepper

shell the beans from the spongy pods. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and blanch the favas for 3 minutes. Drain the

Preheat an oven to 350°F. Cut the baguette into 1⁄4 -inch

beans and refresh with cold water. Peel the

diagonal slices. Using a pastry brush, coat both sides of

beans by pinching the dark green ridge on

the bread slices with the 2 tablespoons olive oil. Place the

the round side of the bean and pulling open

bread in a single layer on a baking sheet and toast in

the skin. Slip out the bright green bean and

the oven for 10 to 15 minutes, until light golden brown.

discard the skin. One pound of fava bean

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Using

pods will yield 1 cup of shelled beans.

a butter knife, spread 1 teaspoon fava bean puree on each toast. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt and serve at room temperature.

Makes 30 to 35 bruschetta

Organic Marin recipes from land to table

Written and photographed by Tim Porter and Farina Wong Kingsley, and produced by Marin Magazine, this seasonal cookbook celebrates the organic farmers and ranchers of Marin County, and the local restaurants who have provided over 40 delicious recipes that use these organic ingredients. The book can be purchased for $29.99 at local bookstores or by going to marinmagazine.com/organicmarin

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Salt & Pepper American This sunfilled, hardwood-floored one room restaurant with blue-checkered tablecloths is a local favorite. Popular items on chef Abraham Monterroso’s menu include scallops, rib-eye steak, a beef burger and traditional crab cakes with jalapeno dipping sauce. 38 Main Street, 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 fish, seasonal salads and pastas. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, samscafe.com Tiburon Tavern California The atmosphere here is truly enchanting, with two outdoor patios, two indoor fireplaces and candlelit tables at dinner. No item is more than $20, including the steak, with entrées falling in the $14 to $18 range. Happy hour is Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m.

1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, tiburontavern.com

West Marin Drakes Beach Cafe American If you’re OK with the long drive, you can’t beat the view and the fresh local ingredients used to make the burgers, salads and soups at this casual spot (Inverness). Walk on the beach after lunch.

1 Drakes Beach Rd, 415.669.1297, drakescafe.com Nick’s Cove American Large windows open the 130-seat eatery to the picturesque Tomales Bay and Hog Island.

Menu consists of the freshest available local seafood, oysters and bounty from nearby West Marin farms, including Bodega Bay Dungeness crab cake and Tomales Bay clam chowder (Marshall). 23240 Hwy 1, 415.663.1033, nickscove.com Osteria Stellina California Whether it’s to cap off a day of hiking or celebrate a romantic anniversary, Osteria Stellina suits any occasion. The menu is Italian-inspired using organic, local ingredients. If you’re looking for something unusual try the goat shoulder, a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Don’t leave without indulging in the standout lemon ice cream sandwich (Point Reyes). 11285 Hwy 1, 415.663.9988, osteriastellina.com

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Parkside Cafe American Most people know it as the ultimate breakfast spot (think Guatemalan scramble or waffle with blood orange–strawberry compote and whipped cream — served alfresco) but lunch and dinners are popular here too.

Choose from an array of organic locally grown produce and artisan meats and wild seafood (Stinson). 43 Arenal Ave, 415.868.1272, parksidecafe.com Pine Cone Diner American Just off the main road, Joannie Kwit has re-created the ultimate neighborhood diner. 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 burgers to walnut-crusted goat cheese, Rancho Nicasio is open seven days a week. Be sure to stop by for happy hour, 4–6 p.m. 1 Old Rancheria (Nicasio) Rd, 415.662.2219, ranchonicasio.com

Sand Dollar American Originally built from three barges in Tiburon in 1921, the Sand Dollar Restaurant was floated to Stinson that same year and it’s still there today. Enjoy live music along with local barbecued oysters and New England clam chowder. Sunny deck is great in the afternoon (Stinson).

3458 Shoreline Hwy, 415.868.0434, stinson beachrestaurant.com Station House Cafe American Fresh local homegrown foods, served when available, are showcased on the chef’s menu.

Stop in on weekends for the live music and enticing wine and beer lists. 11180 State Route One, 415.663.1515, stationhousecafe.com Surfers Grill American The view doesn’t get better than this — nor does the surf salad. Built right out on Stinson Beach, this casual lunch spot offers up tasty fresh organic salads alongside corn dogs, burgers and fries.

Stinson Beach Park, Hwy 1, 415.868.1777, surfersgrill.com

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Chianti Cucina, a family friendly Italian restaurant in Novato, welcomes you to our family, where great food, service and atmosphere await you. We invite you to our table, offering a casual and memorable experience. At Chianti Cucina, you’ll feel like a neighborhood regular.

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Angelino Restaurant specializes in bringing the taste of Southern Italy to Sausalito. When you dine at Angelino Restaurant you experience the flavors of authentic Italian fare. We try to capture the beauty of Italy in every bite.

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Gather Together for the Holidays! Traditional to chef-inspired, join us for a locally-harvested dinner with your family and friends. Enjoy cuisine stations celebrating the season, vegan selections, and Chef Scott’s family recipes for dessert. The table is set, no dishes to be done. Call for details and reservations and book your holiday party!

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

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Come celebrate Deer Park Villa’s 90th year at our new Steakhouse Grill & Bar. Marin’s most tender certified Angus steaks & prime rib, 150+ wines, artisan cocktails, outdoor dining and entertainment in our historic redwoods - have a deliciously good time. Real Food. Real Friends. Real Marin.

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The Napa Valley Burger Company brings a taste of Napa Valley to Sausalito. We offer fine wines, fresh gourmet burgers and gluten free options in one of Sausalito’s oldest brick buildings. Come down, grab a bite and compete in our Name that Burger Contest!

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The Napa Valley Wine Train is one of Napa’s most distinctive restaurants. Enjoy gourmet dining, exclusive Napa Valley winery tours, and special wine events all aboard beautifully restored antique rail cars.

Lunch trains leave at 11:30 am and return at 2:30 pm. Dinner trains leave at 6:30 pm and return at 9:30 pm.

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. Book our private Harbor View banquet room for any occasions.

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Amici’s offers a taste of the Northeast’s distinctive Italian fare, including authentic thin-crust pizzas, and freshly made pastas and salads. Amici’s offers dine-in and takeout as well as delivery of their entire menu to local homes and businesses. A Gluten Free menu is also available at the San Rafael location.

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Richard Simon “THOSE WHO LIVE THEIR LIVES WILL LEAVE THE STUFF THAT IS REALLY ART.” www.masterworkskidsart.com

415.945.7945

Simon Insurance Agency 3020 Kerner Boulevard, San Rafael 415-457-1020 www.simoninsurance.net

©2012 The Travelers Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. The Travelers Indemnity Company and its property casualty affiliates. One Tower Square, Harford CT 06183

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Home Office Corporate Crossfit Private Gyms & Studios

Marin’s finest pre-owned clothing boutique

Now accepting Winter Consignments Open Monday-Saturday 10 am-5 pm Consignments taken from Tuesday thru Saturday 10 am-3 pm

415 456-7309 11 Mary Street, San Rafael Next to Whole Foods & Peet’s Coffee

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p r omot ion

adlib

m a r i n

a dv e r t i s e r s

s p e a k

u p

Tony Cox, owner of Colour Bar

Hollywood hair team that created

Colour Bar is a full-service hair salon specializing in color application,

honor. We planned for the best

current haircuts and styling trends. We offer organic and ammonia-free color

costume award to be presented

services as well as vegan styling products free of parabens and sulfates.

in a fashion catwalk format. Also,

Oscar history was a huge

working on the sets of Frasier

When did Colour Bar open in Marin?

Colour Bar opened on September 1, but I’ve been working as a hairstylist and salon owner in Marin and San Francisco since 1999. The idea for Colour Bar came about after more and more of my clients told me that they were consistently receiving compliments on their hair color. Personalized

and Seinfeld (I’m in one episode of Seinfeld, so keep your eyes peeled) was so much fun.

color treatments are a specialty of mine, so I decided to open a salon

What is your business philosophy?

dedicated to filling that niche in Marin. As a regional art director for Unite, I

Simply put, it is a place where

get to stay up-to-date on current fashions and trends in the industry.

the focus is on hair color, as well as the current fashions in haircuts and styling. It’s a place where

What do you do at Colour Bar? I have many clients who come to me for everything including cut, color and style, but the Colour Bar’s prime focus is to find that specific color best suited to each individual client. I have many clients who love the way their current stylist cuts their hair, but come to me to see if their color could be improved.

you can come and be treated with respect and receive the full service that each of us expects when we visit any establishment serving the public. I have reduced the use of harmful substances as best I can, and in return my clients and all at Colour Bar can enjoy the benefits of a healthy environment. Health over profit has always been my driving goal, and the healthy success of my business. Life is beautiful; simply add color.

What are the highlights of your career in the hair industry?

Being selected to work backstage at the Oscars in 1996 as part of the

Bonnie Wells,

COLOUR BAR, 208 REDWOOD AVENUE, CORTE MADERA, CA 94952, 415.891.3571, COLOUR-BAR.COM

What did you want to be when you grew up?

owner of Material Grace

As a child I was fascinated by the story of Helen Keller. She wrote, “We can

We offer a unique

Which product or service that you offer is your favorite?

selection of fine

I’d have to say our textiles. I’m a textile designer and I grew up surrounded

textiles, ceramics,

by this medium.

do anything we want to do if we can stick to it long enough.”

wood and glass for both home and

What makes you excel at what you do?

personal use. We

I was trained in both art and design and that background has instilled in me

feature the work of

a kind of discerning eye with regard to material culture.

designers who bridge the gap between craft and design in fresh and creative ways, deepening the connection we all have to the everyday objects of our lives.

Briefly describe your business philosophy.

Two things come to mind. First, the Golden Rule. Second, a quote from Paul Hawken: “Be fun and engaging and strive for an aesthetic outcome.”

What is the funniest thing that’s happened recently in your business?

My husband forgot how to use the credit card machine. The customer unknowingly left without paying and he paid with his own card so the woman wouldn’t notice.

Five years from now, what changes will your business experience?

I hope five years brings us organic and sustainable growth, a deeper

What is your competitive edge?

understanding of the community we are serving and many new friends

I care about the quality of interaction with our customers, beyond the

in the process.

basics of financial exchange. I’m building relationships that I hope will last for years to come.

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MATERIAL GRACE REDESIGN, 11 THROCKMORTON AVENUE, MILL VALLEY, CA 94941, 415.380.1834, MATERIALGRACE.COM

11/7/12 2:13 PM

A Local Approach To Lending.

Terra Mortgage Banking John Wilson, Larkspur (415) 968-5000 Terra Mortgage Banking Larkspur Headquarters (415) 925-9900 FHA lender Super-Jumbo Loans to $5 Million TerraMortgageBanking.com

In only three short years, Terra Mortgage Banking has grown to be the largest independent residential lender in Marin County. How? By taking a local approach to real estate lending.

That’s John Wilson in the picture above. John is the newest addition to our team of Mortgage Advisors.

John and his team at Bay Area Loans Direct joined Terra because he believes local borrowers should have access to a local direct lender. Terra works with local appraisers, offers genuine loan approvals and quick closing times, and our rates meet or beat those of the national mega-lenders.

Our five Marin branch offices are staffed with experienced, nationally accredited Mortgage Advisors who live in Marin and understand the local market. Like John.

If you are purchasing a new home, or refinancing your present one, we invite you to contact us today to discover the advantages of a local approach to lending.

Mill Valley • Larkspur • Greenbrae • San Rafael • Novato • Petaluma • Santa Rosa • Sonoma Terra Mortgage is licensed by the CA Dept. of Real Estate, Real Estate Broker license 01458652 and NMLS 235584.

John Wilson CA DRE #00838971 | NMLS #295251. Equal Opportunity Lender.

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Marin Home fro m to u r s a n d m a k eov e r s to d eco r at iv e d e ta i l s a n d r e a lto r i n s i g h t s

A door opens to a large deck with views of Mount Tam.

Make Mine Modern A family of four finds its style in Kentfield.

by PJ Bremier • photos by Tim Porter

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The Ures worked with Ruby Living Design in Mill Valley to furnish their home. Inset: Palm trees stand at the home’s entrance.

W

hen Matthew and Elizabeth Ure decided to move to Marin from their San Francisco home of 18 years, they had three good reasons: better schools, a sense of community and the weather.

“It was really tiresome not to be able to go outside and barbecue or ride bikes in the cold weather,” says Matthew, a sales representative for Oracle.

At the same time that they were trying to sell their home in the Marina District, they began looking for a new one in Marin, and at one open house, they met realtor Jimmy Wanninger.

The couple described what they were looking for — a four-bedroom modern-style home near good schools with an active community — and Wanninger immediately insisted they visit a house for sale in the Laurel Grove area of Kentfield.

The recently remodeled wood-and-glass home on a flat lot had it all: four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths, a great community and proximity to good schools.

“It was north of our price point but Jimmy urged us to check it out,” Ure recalls. “We made the open house just before 4 o’clock and the minute we walked in the door, we fell

in love with it — the palm trees in front, the views of Mount Tam, the saltwater pool, the modern architecture.”

There was just one hitch. Before the Ures could make their offer, the owner accepted a lease-option offer from another couple. “We were dejected,” Ure admits.

“We really loved the house.”

When the Ures’ home in the Marina finally sold, Wanninger helped the family find a temporary rental home, just blocks from the home they loved in Laurel Grove.

“There is truly a sense of community here; it’s so welcoming,” says Elizabeth, who soon became involved in her children’s Kentfield classrooms and serves as a Girl Scout leader. “I wanted a home close to everything so it could be a hub for friends and we wanted good schools.

We can walk to ours in just five minutes.”

Then they got the good news. The leaseto-own option on the home they wanted wasn’t exercised and Wanninger negotiated the sale for the Ures.

“In my line of work, we should be living in Silicon Valley,” Matthew says. “It was a sacrifice moving to Marin because I spend quite a bit of time in my car to live here, but we like everything Marin has to offer in terms

of weather, beauty, the proximity to San Francisco, Napa and Tahoe, and we have a large concentration of friends here.”

Within six months of their move to Marin, Elizabeth says, she wondered why they didn’t move sooner. Matthew agrees: “I thought leaving the city would be the hardest thing to do,” he says. “We had a great time there, but now, I wouldn’t go back.” m

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Marin Home / backstory

the details Where they purchased Kentfield/Laurel Grove What they bought A modern-style home with a saltwater pool Listing agent Judy Smith, Frank Howard Allen Selling Agent Jimmy Wanninger, Pacific Union International Stats Average cost per square foot for homes in neighborhood: $800 Clockwise from top: The master bedroom; Matt and Elizabeth with children Annabella, 9, and Ryder, 7; a floating staircase; the kitchen with Miele ovens; the master bathroom tub.

We made the open house just before 4 o’clock and the minute we walked in the door, we fell in love with it.

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Marin Home / details

Light It Up

It’s that time of year again. Time to grab the ladder and every extension cord you own and light up that house — or the whole street.

Email a photo of yourself standing by your lights to letters@marinmagazine.com and we’ll choose one or more submitted photos to run in the next issue.

Photos by Tim Porter

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JoanKermath.com

415.233.3031

444 Eldridge Avenue, Mill Valley

233 Ricardo Road, Mill Valley 85 Marin View Avenue, Mill Valley ACTIVE $1,295,000 www.233Ricardo.com

ACTIVE $1,695,000 www.85MarinView.com

18 Topside Way, Mill Valley

283 E. Strawberry Drive, Mill Valley

75 Monterey Drive, Tiburon

70 Century Drive, Mill Valley

49 Bellevue Avenue, Belvedere

16 Escalon Drive, Mill Valley

ACTIVE $1,399,000 www 444Eldridge.com

SOLD $1,949,000 www.18Topside.com

SOLD $2,895,000 Represented Buyer

SOLD $2,550,000 www.StrawberryWaterftont.com

SOLD $1,925,000 Represented Buyer

SOLD $2,825,000 www.75Monterey.com

SOLD $1,561,000 www.16Escalon.com

111 Richardson Drive, Mill Valley 8 Greenfield Court, Mill Valley 221 Richardson Drive, Mill Valley SOLD $1,400,000 www.111Richardson.com

SOLD $1,399,000 Represented Buyer

SOLD $1,225,000 Represented Buyer

JOAN L. KERMATH - MBA MARIN LUXURY PROPERTY PROFESSIONAL

415-233-3031 • jkermath@pacunion.com

A Member Of Real Living

*Marin Platinum Group (MPG) “Top Agent Network” (TAN) Extraordinary Sevice, Integrity & Results. DRE. 01308538

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a p r. c o m

Where we live, life is about living with substance and style.

Explore apr.com and make your move.

CORTE MADERA 415.755.1111 | ROSS 415.755.1111 NOVATO 415.798.8111 | TIBURON 415.889.2000 | MILL VALLEY 415.384.1111

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a p r. c o m

ap

Nobody can do Everything, but Everyone can do Something Did You Know?

One in four Marin County children and one in five Marin County adults are at risk of hunger. 90% of these people have at least one employed adult in the family.

Approximately 23% of Marin County households live below the basic self-sufficiency level, equating to approximately 40,000 Marin County residents.

Uni wit hou gar hol

That is why now through December 31st, all Alain Pinel Realtors of Marin County will be accepting donations of non-perishable food, as well as new or gently-used coats and other clothing items in support of the Marin Community Food Bank, The Ritter Center, and our neighbors in need this holiday season. Donations can be made at any of our five Marin County offices or at any of our Sunday Open Houses across the county.

For more information about this program, please call 415.755.1111 or email our Marin office manager, Steve Dickason, at sdickason@apr.com.

Laurel Grove Avenue, Ross

Walnut Avenue, Ross

Mariposa Court, Tiburon

Beautifully updated, south-facing, brown shingle estate with 5bd/5.5ba. Stunning Mt. Tam views, exquisite architectural details and superb floor plan on 1.41+/-acres. Guest cottage and lap pool.

4bd/3.5ba plus guest/office suite on a cul de sac and in a most-desired location. Gated, south-facing, brown shingle with large level lawn and outdoor fireplace. Near schools and trails.

Elegant, Mediterranean-style home designed for indoor/outdoor entertaining and to maximize the world class views. Custom built home with a sauna, library and gymnasium.

4 bedrooms, 6 baths (4 full, 2 half). 5280+/-sf.

117LaurelGrove.com $8,950,000

30Walnut.com $4,200,000

7Mariposa.com $3,900,000

Donna Goldman 415.509.2427

Donna Goldman 415.509.2427

Toni Abruzzo-Ramirez 415.827.8280

Square footage, acreage, and other information herein, has been received from one or more of a variety of different sources. Such information has not been verified by Alain Pinel Realtors.

If important to buyers, buyers should conduct their own investigation.

CORTE MADERA 415.755.1111 | ROSS 415.755.1111 NOVATO 415.798.8111 | TIBURON 415.889.2000 | MILL VALLEY 415.384.1111

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His bed ope mu

ned to uilt um.

-sf.

a p r. c o m

What Our Clients are Saying. . .

“Our APR agent was excellent – extremely Prestwick Court, Novato Unique, 3bd/3.5ba, 3900+/-sf, custom home with history and elegance. 700+/-sf guest house, beautiful landscaping, pool, golf cart garage. End of a cul-de-sac, surrounded by holes 5, 6 and 7 of the Marin Country Club.

33Prestwick.com $1,999,000 Lorraine Watkins 415.328.6797

knowledgeable, patient and respectful.

And when he was out of town, everyone else was very helpful and friendly.”

Willow Avenue, Ross Reduced! Year round in Provence. Stunning, 3bd/3.5ba in a most desirable Ross location.

Mediterranean pizzazz, large living room with impressive fireplace, well-planned kitchen, floor-to-ceiling windows, flat yard and pool.

50WillowAve.com $1,975,000 Diana Hammer 415.259.7007

Grove Street, San Rafael

Bridge Road, Kentfield

44 Cable Roadway, Sausalito

Historic English Country Estate with eight bedroom suites plus beautiful living areas all opening to exquisite grounds. Fabulous for multi-generation compound.

This 4bd/3ba, 1906 era home has been remodeled without compromising its historical authenticity. Chef’s kitchen with family area, formal living and dining rooms and a lovely den/study. Kentfield schools.

Single-level condo with amazing views of San Francisco/Bay, Berkeley Hills, the Bay Bridge and Belvedere Island. Large living room and no HOA dues. The perfect lock and go lifestyle.

GerstleParkInn.com $1,890,000

9BridgeRoadKentfield.com $1,795,000

SausalitoViewHome.com $1,395,000

Lindy Emrich 414.717.4005

Susan Van Liere 415.302.7173

Jenn Pfeiffer 415.302.3198

Square footage, acreage, and other information herein, has been received from one or more of a variety of different sources. Such information has not been verified by Alain Pinel Realtors.

If important to buyers, buyers should conduct their own investigation.

CORTE MADERA 415.755.1111 | ROSS 415.755.1111 NOVATO 415.798.8111 | TIBURON 415.889.2000 | MILL VALLEY 415.384.1111

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128 Winding Way, Ross • $ 3,150,000 128WindingWay.com Harking back to a time of by-gone elegance, this 5 BR/4 BA home has been remodeled to seamlessly integrate modern amenities for today’s living. It strikes a perfect note of casual elegance with its gracious entertaining spaces, cozy family room and indoor and outdoor spaces with stunning Mt. Tam views.

Sylvie Zolezzi Frank Howard Allen Realtors 415.505.4789 • Sylvie@YourPieceofMarin.com YourPieceofMarin.com • DRE #01780238

9 Leona Drive, San Rafael • $1,995,000 Enjoy breathtaking views of the valley & Mt. Tam from this 5BR/ 4.5BA luxury estate. The home of approx. 4,000 s.f. combines a sophisticated interior w/ traditional exterior and fabulous yard.

Wishing You a Joyous Holiday Season and a Happy, Prosperous 2013 Many thanks to all our clients for your continued support and referrals.

There’s never been a better time to invest in real estate.

We’re here to help!

Lisa Garaventa 415.925.3267 lgaraventa@fhallen.com FineMarinLiving.com DRE: #01399273

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Serving Marin since 1977

415.518.1930 | afalla@fhallen.com | AlvaFalla.com

11/8/12 11:22 AM

Stunning Coastal Retreat in Bolinas • Price upon request bgbates.com An exceptional country residence in an extremely private setting is surrounded by some of the most magnificent seaside parkland anywhere. Located on 13.25+/- acres, this property opens to sweeping views of West Marin’s coastline, the Pacific, the rolling hills of Mt. Tamalpais, San Francisco and beyond.

A beautiful home, barn, guest quarters, and extensive grounds that include woodlands, meadows, a pond, orchards, a vegetable garden, and a playground.

Hidden in a corner of Bolinas known as Dogtown, this extraordinary property is less than an hour’s drive from San Francisco.

BG Bates 415.706.1026 • BG@BGBates.com bgbates.com DRE #00968254

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Waterfront Living in Larkspur 270 Riviera Circle

$1,685,000

Incredible waterfront property in Larkspur Marina with private deep water 30’ boat dock with access to San Francisco Bay. Remodeled single level home with 3 bedrooms (all en-suite baths) and one half bath. New double paned windows throughout.

Abundant natural light, great water views, and private entry off street. Paddle board, row, motor, or sail from this year around vacation style home. Great schools, quick freeway access, and short distance to downtown Larkspur.

S

M

Re

S

www.270Riviera.com

Mark A. Millstein

415.601.9240

mark.millstein@sothebysrealty.com marinpremierhomes.com

M

Re

7 Los Cerros Dr. Exquisite 4BD/3.5BA Greenbrae residence with pool, formal dining, family room and many custom details.

7LosCerros.com Offered at $2,329,000

125 E. Sylvestris Dr. Incredible potential in this large view home on over 10 acres. Totally off the grid, private, open floor plan.

125ESylvestris.com Offered at $1,549,000

Sa

Re

Coming Soon in San Francisco Chic, modern style home with 4 BD/3BA, 2 halfbaths, open floor plan, decks, yard, garage.

Call for Information.

Kimberly Strub 415.218.4255

Sa

Re

Kimberly.Strub@sothebysrealty.com

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00

ina ess me half out. ate sail eat nce

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12 11:47 AM

SO LD

Mill Valley

SO L D OV E R A SK I N G

$3,800,000 Mill Valley

Represented Seller. 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths.

SO LD

Mill Valley

$1,895,000 Sausalito

Represented Buyer. 5 bedrooms, 3.5 baths.

SO L D OV E R A SK I N G

$1,189,000 Sausalito

Represented Buyer. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths.

SOLD

Sausalito

SO L D OV ER AS KING

SO L D OV ER AS KING

$979,000 Sausalito

Represented Buyer. 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths.

SO L D

$1,375,000

Represented Seller. 3 bedrooms, 3 baths.

SO L D OV ER AS KING

$985,000 Mill Valley

Represented Buyer. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths.

$1,495,000

Represented Buyer. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths.

$843,000 Corte Madera

Represented Seller. 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths.

SOLD OVE R A S KI NG

$838,000

Represented Seller. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths.

SO L D OV ER AS KING

Nadine Greenwood 415.203.7050 Sausalito

$749,000

Represented Seller. 3 bedrooms, 1 bath.

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n.greenwood@deckerbullocksir.com

www.nadinegreenwood.com

Sausalito

$625,000

Represented Seller. 2 bedrooms, 2 baths.

11/5/12 11/6/12 11:37 9:35 AM

Some Kind of New Year’s Party The late Phyllis Diller’s visit to San Quentin. By Jim Wood

A

re you planning a New Year’s party? If so, you’ll

have to go a long way to top what San Quentin State Prison did one year. According to San Quentin, Established 1852: 150th Anniversary Commemorative Book, the institution asked the venerable comedienne Phyllis Diller to entertain at its annual New Year’s show (year not given, believed to be the late 1960s).

And, as the above photo attests, attired in her trademark dress and boots, she gave a show that had inmates laughing. Over the years, according to the same book, such notables as Muhammad Ali, Clint Eastwood, Mother Teresa, Rev. Billy Graham, Johnny Cash and the entire crew of 60 Minutes appeared within the guarded gates.

Diller — who started her illustrious career in 1952 in the Bay Area with a TV show called The Homely Friendmaker — passed away from natural causes on August 20, 2012. She was 95 years young.

“She died peacefully in her sleep,” says her manager Milton Sachin, “with a smile on her face.” A smile presumably not unlike the ones she left on the faces of the San Quentin inmates she visited. m

As the above photo attests, attired in her trademark dress and boots, she gave a show that had inmates laughing.

San Quentin, Established 1852: 150th Anniversary Commemorative Book

Looking Back

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Mortgage rates change daily,

good advice lasts a lifetime.

From left to right: Melanie Victor-Smith, Nolan Misitano, Marian Jung, Marc Herrenbruck, Judy Stern, David Wilson, Karen Burrous, Jeff Smith

We work with you to be confident in your mortgage decision for today as well as for your future.

Mortgage rates have an impact on your family’s long-term financial

Call us today.

415.526.4460

planning. Our approach to mortgages not only considers interest rates but how a specific loan will affect your overall financial objectives such as your childrens’ education, your lifestyle and planning for retirement.

1100 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 108 Larkspur, CA 94939 www.opesadvisors.com

Help when you make the most important financial decisions of your life.

Opes Advisors is licensed by the CA Dept. of Real Estate, Real Estate Broker License 01458652 and NMLS 235584. Equal Opportunity Lender. Opes Advisors is a registered investment advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Advisors Shown DRE 01490862 NMLS 296842, DRE 00957141 NMLS 237059, DRE 01009554 NMLS 285939, DRE 00977567 NMLS 299111, DRE 01352808 NMLS 304076. ©2012 Opes Advisors, Inc.

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