In Good Taste §

By Caitlin Hamer and Daniel Jewett

Cyrus

Find a truly unique approach to fine dining at Cyrus (www.cyrus restaurant.com), where dinnertime has been transformed into an unforgettable “Dining Journey.” With just 12 guests per seating, you’ll savor the intimate experience as much as you do the seasonal offerings. You’ll start the evening with canapes in the Bubbles Lounge; drinks are optional here, but we say splurge and purchase the beverage pairing. Next, proceed to the Kitchen Table to engage with chefs as they prepare the courses. And from there, head to the dining room to feast your eyes on views of Alexander Valley as you leisurely indulge in your meal at your table. The culinary adventure concludes with a stop in the Chocolate Room to receive a delicious parting gift.

275 Highway 128, Geyserville

Mamahuhu

When Mamahuhu (www.eatmamahuhu.com) opened its first Marin location in Mill Valley last year, fans of Brandon Jew’s cooking (he is most well-known for the boundarypushing Mister Jiu’s restaurant in San Francisco) got an affordable and approachable spot offering Chinese-American classics like kung pao chicken, wonton soup, egg rolls and sweet and sour chicken (a must-try). For this endeavor and its sister location in San Francisco’s Inner Richmond (a third location in Noe Valley opened earlier this year), the Michelin-starred chef partnered with Anmao Sun and Ben Moore, who opened Shanghai’s first seed-to-table restaurant, and the results are simple and satisfying. The menu at this counter-service-only restaurant is short and to the point, offering just five protein dishes (all meats can be substituted with vegetables or tofu), a sweet and spicy chicken sandwich and a stable of sides including the fan-favorite jasmine rice. “We want the food at Mamahuhu to resemble original Chinese-American dishes, and to exemplify the best versions of those classics,” says Brandon Jew. “For us, the clear road to that is using locally grown, organic ingredients.” 173 Throckmorton Avenue, Mill Valley

Marché

Alicia and Darren Banks’ journey to restaurant ownership actually began in 2013 when they bought a beachfront restaurant called the SandBar on the Caribbean island of Anguilla, where they were living. But when they heard that after 21 years, Dan and Holly Baker were ready to sell the popular neighborhood eatery Marche aux Fleurs in Ross, the couple moved back to Marin, where they first met, and, last October, reopened the restaurant as simply Marché (www.marchemarin.com). “We love the space. It’s a really great restaurant, the location is amazing and the building and patio area are so charming,” Alicia says. The Bankses have united with many of the old staff to put a new spin on the menu including making their own bread and Caribbean-inspired sauces and salad dressings. But some customer hits, like the Tuesday fried chicken special (now with an updated recipe), were too popular to leave off the menu. 23 Ross Common, Ross

Eco Terreno

What better place for Eco Terreno Wines & Vineyards (www.ecoterreno. com) to expand than San Francisco’s storied Jackson Square? Open seven days a week, Eco Terreno’s Urban Tasting Room has personalized wine tasting options as well as small bites by executive chef Joe Ball, while the second floor’s exhibition kitchen offers an immersive space for private events and wine club members. Below the Urban Tasting Room, the Lyon & Swan supper club (www.lyonandswan.com) is open five nights a week for dinner, cocktails and live entertainment.

The French Californian menu pairs perfectly with wine, cocktails and eclectic entertainment options like music, cabaret and comedy, all of which reflect the underground venue’s historic past and live up to the supper club’s “Food and Debauchery” tagline.

Urban Tasting Room, 140 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco; Lyon & Swan, 124 Columbus Avenue, San Francisco