marin living november 2023 by marin living

ENTERTAINING & HOLIDAY GIFTING ISSUE

A Legacy Coastal Farm & Equestrian Center in Bolinas

ADDRESS PROVIDED UPON REQUEST Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

$8,595,000 • High-End Equestrian Arena & Stable • Heritage Hay Barn & Dairy Barn • Charming Main House & Guest Cottage • Expansive Pastures with Stunning Views • 65 Acres with Extensive Road System • Recording Studio

Nick Svenson nick@marinsfhomes.com (415) 505-7674 marinsfhomes.com DRE 01918616

Alexander Lurie alexander@luriegroup.com (415) 696-0288 luriegroup.com DRE 01952347

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www.five19brandstudio.com five19 | publishing includes Marin Living magazine and five19 | brandstudio Contact Jessica Cline at 707.302.0850 or jessica@marinlivingmagazine.com to get started

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Your Local Lifestyle and Real Estate Specialists BowmanRealEstateGroup.com @THEBOWMANGROUP

MARIN MATTERS Providing Marin families more of what they want

WE ARE SUPER THANKFUL “Finding the perfect realtor is a hard task that affects whether or not you find your dream home. We feel very lucky we found Jennifer and Elliott. We were extremely impressed with our initial meeting with them. They sat down with us and took the time to really go over our needs and wants when it came to finding our perfect home. They even gave us resources to help us better understand the process. Throughout the process, Jennifer was extremely flexible, meeting us last minute at any time of the day to work with our busy schedules. They were honest with us and really understood what we were looking for. Once we found our dream home, they were able to help us seal the deal. They both made the process extremely easy, smooth, and enjoyable. We couldn’t be happier! We would recommend them to any and all close friends and family. We are super thankful they helped us find our forever home.” -Steph & Wilson

The value of our business is measured in the quality of the relationships we build.

BOWMAN REAL ESTATE GROUP | 415.755.1040 Team@BowmanRealEstateGroup.com DRE# 01933147

JESSICA CLINE

CO-FOUNDER, CEO

jessica@marinlivingmagazine.com 707.302.0850

DINA GRANT

CO-FOUNDER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

dina@marinlivingmagazine.com 707.238.2030

ADVERTISING Marketing Strategy Consultant & Wine Country Specialist Chet Klingensmith chet@marinlivingmagazine.com, 707.216.1780 Marketing Strategy Consultant, Hawaii Meredith Low meredith@marinlivingmagazine.com, 808.388.2644 Marketing Strategy Consultant Kim McGinnis kim@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.640.4504 Marketing Strategy Consultant & Local Business Specialist Carrie Moler carrie@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.271.3080 Marketing Strategy Consultant Courtney Roberts courtney@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.720.3752

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casey@marinlivingmagazine.com

DANIEL JEWETT

CO-FOUNDER EDITORIAL AND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR dan@marinlivingmagazine.com

EDITORIAL Editor Caitlin Hamer Contributing Designers Roberto Avalos, Madeleine Hannes, Gregory Odendahl, Kathryn Saffell, Ronald Sequeira, Britney Trezzo Contributing Writers Christina Cavallaro, Casey Hatfield-Chiotti, Annie Geiser Copy Editor Cynthia Rubin

Client Services Director Lauren Winsett lauren@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.300.0908

Mailing Address Marin Living PO Box 2104 Mill Valley, CA 94941 Office phone: 707.302.0850

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Volume 4, Issue 09. Marin Living® magazine is published in Marin County by Five19Publishing, Inc., Mill Valley, CA 94941. All rights reserved. ©2023 Five19Publishing, Inc. Marin Living® is a registered trademark of Five19Publishing, Inc. Reproduction of Marin Living is prohibited without the expressed, written consent of Five19Publishing, Inc. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned. Marin Living is mailed 10 times a year to homes and businesses in Marin County and San Francisco.

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FROM FINDING THE IDEAL H O U S E TO T R A N S F O R M I N G I T I N TO Y O U R H O M E — L E A V E T H E D E TA I L S T O U S .

Brad Krefman | BK Interior Design

Eric McFarland |

415.384.4209 | www.bkinteriordesign.com

917.685.8369 | www.eric-mcfarland.com

@bradkrefman

@ericmatthewmcfarland | DRE #01897874

Vanguard Properties

A MODERN MASTERPIECE IN SAUSALITO UNMATCHED LUXURY AND DESIGN

69 MONTE MAR DRIVE 4 BD | 3.5 BA | 3,539 Sq Ft | $5,998,000 www.ModernSausalito.com In Sausalito lies this modern gem – meticulously renovated with unrivaled luxury. Set on a private half-acre, this home offers unparalleled views of the Bay & Angel Island from nearly every room. Designed with clean lines and luxury finishes, it effortlessly merges indoor with outdoor living, boasting expansive decks, patios and a BBQ area. Inside, the heart of the residence is the open-concept Great Room with a state-of-the-art chef’s kitchen, European LEICHT cabinets, Caesarstone counters and Miele appliances. The primary bedroom on the main level captivates with its en-suite bath’s spa-worthy amenities. Downstairs, 3 spacious bedrooms offer flexibility and privacy. Added features include radiant floor heating, custom hardwood flooring, Fleetwood sliding doors, and advanced networking. Nestled in the renowned Sausalito hillside, this residence epitomizes contemporary elegance. Listed by Nadine Greenwood & Camara Scremin Team

SAUSALITO PARADISE WITH SPECTACULAR VIEWS & PRIME “BANANA BELT” LOCATION

110 CENTRAL AVENUE 3 BD | 2.5 BA | 5,170 Sq Ft | $5,800,000 Exceptional San Francisco and Bay views from nearly every room combine with magnificent gardens for pure enchantment! This rare, newer construction home is located in the highly desirable Banana Belt neighborhood and enjoys unparalleled privacy and luxury detailing. From the decadent Primary Suite to the lower level Guest Suite and interior-connected two car garage you will be impressed with both the functionality and beauty of this home. Designed to encompass both elegance and casual warmth, this home is meant to be lived in and loved.

NADINE GREENWOOD & CAMARA SCREMIN TEAM IN TE G R IT Y. E XPERT I SE. E XCEPTIO NA L RESULTS. Nadine Greenwood

REALTOR® 415.203.7050 nadine.greenwood@compass.com NadineAndCamara.com DRE 01332210

Camara Scremin

REALTOR® 415.902.7183 camara.scremin@compass.com NadineAndCamara.com DRE 01270273

Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.

TABLE OF CONTENTS. NOVEMBER 2023

spotlight marin. 18 news.

Holiday festivities return to the Bay Area, a fundraiser for Maui, the Napa Valley Film Festival, Union Square Ice Rink and more!

30 local splurges.

going places. 80 land & sea.

Hostess gifts for almost any get-together you attend this season.

32 eat & drink.

Get to know the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors and its work.

Gluten-free beer that will turn even the most diehard beer drinkers into fans.

82 new digs.

36 local getaways. 40 take note.

Designers extraordinare Applegate and Tran offer some entertaining tips to get us through the season with ease.

84 voyager.

Jeff Wells’ showstopping historical guitar collection.

Mexico’s Riviera Maya is made for family fun.

44 game changers.

90 about last night.

Cardii is about to transform the tried-and-true gift card forever.

Two events in San Francisco bring the design community together.

96 drawn together. Music producer Daniel Lanois is showing his visual artist side.

from the team.

84 10 november 2023 marin living.

14 from the ceo. 16 from the creative director.

Top to bottom: Jak Wonderly; Josh Maddox; Jess Laird

Geyserville just might be Wine Country’s best-kept secret.

Photo: Christopher Stark

www.applegatetran.com info@applegatetran.com (415) 487-1241 San Francisco, CA

FEATURES.

The Holidays Are Coming

Unique (and fun) gift ideas for everyone on your holiday list.

You Are What You Eat

Linda Shiue’s recipes are both healthy and delicious — and they are doctor approved.

58 Cheers to the Season

Jeff Burkhart’s tempting cocktail recipes paired with Lori Eanes’ creative images are the perfect mix.

Whether you enjoy the occasional cocktail or are a teetotaler, these beverage recipes have something for everyone; photo by Lori Eanes

12 november 2023 marin living.

Lori Eanes

On the Cover

Belinda Wickwire Jewelry A curation of fine antique jewelry & old world gifts. 526 & 528 San Anselmo Avenue San Anselmo, CA 94901 415.785.7519

from the

CEO

encounters are the moments that breathe life into my days. I am deeply thankful for each one of you. While I savor the delectable feasts and festivities, what I anticipate most is the opportunity to decelerate and savor uninterrupted moments with my cherished family and friends. During that time emails and phones momentarily recede into the background, and I treasure every minute of it. I hope each of us can discover a way to detach from our screens for a few hours and enjoy the time we share together. As we approach Thanksgiving, I urge you all to embrace gratitude and shower your love upon those who hold a special place in your heart. With heartfelt appreciation and the warmest of holiday wishes ...

JESSICA CLINE, CEO AND CO-FOUNDER

WE FIND OURSELVES amid a momentous cultural shift and a profound reconsideration of our priorities. Our company built its foundation on the bedrock of mutual respect, bringing aboard a talented team who cherish both their freedom and their voices. Gone are the days when work consumed our lives entirely. We are unique individuals with vibrant personal lives, encompassing spouses, children, grandchildren, aging parents and cherished friends with a penchant for wanderlust. The linchpin to harmonizing it all is our commitment to a meaningful mission and every individual’s needs. With Thanksgiving on the horizon, my deepest gratitude extends to this remarkable team. Our journey has unfolded as nothing short of awe-inspiring, particularly in the face of formidable challenges. The joyful gatherings, shared dinners, memorable events and those serendipitous face-to-face 14 november 2023 marin living.

Portrait by Becca Teal Batista; www.stock.adobe.com/Jasmina (below)

GRATITUDE IN MULTITUDES

Design + Build in Los Angeles and Marin County This woman-owned company is coming to Marin to provide collaborative and innovative design solutions and transform your living space. Working With Sam Meet Samantha Harris

Samantha Harris

With over 30 years of expertise in California’s real estate and design industry, Samantha Harris is the clear choice for individuals seeking their French-European-style dream home. Her deep understanding of architecture, engineering and design enables her to guide clients through remodels and rebuilds comprehensively. Samantha engages directly with each client, fostering a collaborative approach to design that aligns with their lifestyle. Remarkably, she assumes the role of project manager for every project she undertakes. www.harrishouse.design • 310.926.8617

“Sam gave us exactly what we wanted but, even better, the outcome was way more than we ever thought could be achieved and it added serious value to our property.” “Sam gave us a choice of three contractors, came up with a budget and followed the budget exactly, even adding beautiful touches that were unexpected.”

from the

creative DIRECTOR about spending the holidays abroad (there’s still time!), we can’t recommend Mexico’s Riviera Maya enough. It’s a place close to my heart and I can tell you firsthand, it is wonderful during the holidays. As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, I hope you can find a little time to slow down. Maybe send a holiday card to someone you haven’t spoken to in a while or anonymously buy a coffee for someone behind you in line. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way, especially at the holidays.

CASEY GILLESPIE CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER

SPREADING HOLIDAY CHEER

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Léon & George’s plant delivery service is a thoughful gift for the plant lover in your life.

Portrait by Becca Teal Batista; courtesy of Léon & George

HERE WE ARE, FOLKS! The holiday season is well and truly upon us now. There will be no mistaking it as you flip through the pages of this issue. We are definitely going hard on holiday cheer this year and we have a sneaking suspicion that you will be, too. Holiday parties, dinner parties, cocktail parties — these are my favorite parts of the season. I’ve been shopping for velvet and sequin outfits since September (OK, August). And so of course, we want to help you prep — in these pages you’ll find hostess gift ideas, expert cocktail recipes and recipes for at-home meals, entertaining and potlucks. You won’t want to miss our annual gift guide either: this year it is a mix of items from local retailers as well as some over-the-top experiences anyone on your list will love. We spoke with local design experts Vernon Applegate and Gioi Tran and they offer up some top-notch entertaining tips for your next holiday get-together. And if you are thinking

spotlight marin.

CALLING ALL CREATIVE KIDS The Bay Area Creative Foundation (www.bayareacreativefoundation.org) is awarding $100,000 to high school students across the Bay Area through the 2024 Creative Youth Awards. Submissions are open until December 13, and artists from all nine Bay Area counties may submit work in writing, dance, film, music, photography and visual art to enter. The event has been encouraging creativity and artistic expression in students since its inception in 2021. 18 november 2023 marin living.

Courtesy of Bay Area Creative Foundation

“Self-Restraint” by Natalie Z

IN FAIRFAX

Pioneering the Future of Fitness with 360° of Boutique Offerings

Nestled in the heart of Fairfax, FITLAB stands as a beacon of innovation in the world of fitness. With its forwardthinking approach and comprehensive range of services, FITLAB has firmly established itself on the cutting edge of the industry, bringing together 360° of boutique fitness experiences. At FITLAB, fitness enthusiasts have access to an array of personalized training options tailored to meet individual needs. From intimate one-on-one sessions to small group training of up to eight participants, the team of expert trainers ensures that every client receives the attention and guidance they deserve. Whether you’re a fitness aficionado or a beginner taking your first steps toward a healthier lifestyle, FITLAB is the ultimate destination. Experience the future of fitness at FITLAB and unlock your true potential today! www.fitlabstrong.com | 415.785.3026

news. by Caitlin Hamer

California Festival conductors Rafael Payare, Esa-Pekka Salonen and Gustavo Dudamel (left); GLIDE’s Vernon Bush (below)

GLIDE’s annual Holiday Jam (www.glide.org) is taking place November 9 at the Masonic in San Francisco. The benefit concert celebrates Rev. Cecil Williams’ 60th anniversary at GLIDE. The San Francisco Symphony is participating in the California Festival: A Celebration of New Music (www.cafestival.org) November 3 to 19. The statewide music initiative features curated programs at over 80 California venues. BroadwaySF (www.broadwaysf.com) is hosting three major events this month. First, DEVO: The Farewell Tour — Celebrating 50 Years comes to the Golden Gate Theatre on November 5 and 14. The

national tour of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse Live in Concert soars into town on November 10. The film screening will be accompanied by live musicians playing music from the film. John Cusack comes to the Curran Theatre with Unscripted: John Cusack, which features a screening of High Fidelity on November 18 and Being John Malkovich on November 19, followed by an after-show conversation with the actor himself.

SKATING SEASON

SEE THE STARS DarkSky West Marin (www.darkskywestmarin.com) is set to apply to DarkSky International for designation. A key step in the process is getting the county to pass an ordinance to reduce light pollution. “The ability to view the night sky in this biodiversity hot spot has diminished by 7 percent per year, and DarkSky West Marin wants to fix that,” says Peggy Day, co-facilitator of DarkSky West Marin. “Fixing light pollution and preventing 99 percent of lighting from escaping into outer space will save birds, reptiles, mammals and insects now struggling to feed, migrate and mate.”

20 november 2023 marin living.

The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente (www.union squareicerink.com) makes its return November 1 and is open daily until January 15. The rink is featuring popular events like Drag Queens on Ice, Flashback Fridays and the Polar Bear Skate. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Clockwise from top left: Boris Allin; Alain McLaughlin; www.stock.adobe.com/Ghen; www.stock.adobe.com/Julija; www.stock.adobe.com/Ghen

SOUND OF THE CITY

news. by Caitlin Hamer

JETTING OFF

An experience like no other swings into San Francisco for one night only on November 18. Held at The Foundry, Circus Freaks (www.thecircusfreaks.com), crafted by former Cirque du Soleil star Christopher Childers, blends burlesque, drag and aerial artistry and showcases performers who defy the limits of the human body. A portion of proceeds will go to the Castro Country Club, an LGBTQ+ organization with a focus on facilitating sober recovery.

DEFYING LIMITATIONS

HOME GOODS FOR HAWAII Luxury home decor brand NOHO HOME by Jalene Kanani (www.noho homehawaii.com) recently created and launched a special print in support of Maui Strong. For the next five years, 100 percent of profits from the sale or licensing of any product featuring the Maui Strong print, including the Maui Strong square pillowcase and table runner, will be donated to support Maui residents affected by the wildfires. 22 november 2023 marin living.

Clockwise from top: courtesy of French Bee; image of Johanna Sapakie/courtesy of Circus Freaks; courtesy of NOHO HOME

French Bee (www.frenchbee.com), the first affordable airline to fly from San Francisco to the South Pacific, is offering a luxury escape from SFO to Tahiti. Basic fares start at $361 one way, but for $40 guests can purchase the Instant Duo à la carte meal, which includes two bottles of Nicolas Feuillatte Champagne and two plates of warm canapés.

Cassie Zampa-Keim, CEO and founder of Innovative Match, a concierge matchmaking firm, offers tips for holiday gift-giving. How should singles handle gift-giving during the holidays?

How do you communicate love during the holidays if your love language is not gift-giving?

After more than three decades spent matchmaking and providing expert guidance on relationships, I have found that the best way singles can approach holiday gift-giving is to focus on thoughtful, personal gifts. Choose presents that reflect your partner’s interests, hobbies or needs.

In addition to choosing a gift for your partner, express love during the holidays through your primary love language. If yours is words of affirmation, offer genuine compliments or write a letter to them expressing your feelings. For quality time, plan special moments with your partner, like watching holiday movies or taking a walk together. If you speak your love through physical touch, demonstrate your affection with hugs, hand holding or cuddling.

How should you cater to your partner’s love language if you don’t know them well? If you don’t know your partner’s love language just yet, consider gifts like a heartfelt, handwritten note, a small bouquet of flowers or making a meal together. These gestures show thoughtfulness and can appeal to most love languages. Be sure to use the time leading up to the holidays to also engage in conversation that will reveal more about your partner’s interests and preferences.

What unique opportunities do the holidays hold for singles? The holidays give singles time to focus on personal growth and strengthening relationships. Without the pressures of a romantic partner, singles can engage freely in self-care, honor timeless traditions and create special memories with friends and family. As the festivities unfold, so too will unexpected opportunities to discover romance.

Innovative Match, Ross | 415.259.8714 | www.innovative-match.com

news. by Caitlin Hamer

FILMS AND FOOD Cinema Napa Valley has once again partnered with the Culinary Institute of America at Copia for A Taste of the Napa Valley Film Festival (www.napavalleyfilmfest. org) on November 11 and 12. Guests at this fundraising weekend event will have access to film screenings, Q&As, parties and food and wine experiences.

STREAMLINED PERMIT PROCESS Instant online permitting from the County of Marin is now available for minor nonstructural remodeling of kitchens and bathrooms (www.marinbuilding permits.org). “That is a popular home improvement for Marin property owners, and I imagine it will be well-received,” says Bill Kelley, deputy director of the Community Development Agency.

24 november 2023 marin living.

From top: Jason Merritt/Radarpics/Shutterstock; www.stock.adobe.com/ImageFlow

The stars of Lamborghini: The Man Behind The Legend

RAISING THE

ROAD

Caltrans is embarking on a plan to elevate Highway 37 onto a causeway before the road becomes regularly inundated due to rising sea levels. The total project, which will be conducted in two phases, is estimated to cost $1.6 billion, with a projected finish in 2049. Construction on the first phase, a rebuild of the Novato Creek Bridge, should be finished by 2029 and is expected to cause delays and two weekend closures.

WINTER

Tiffany Zabala/courtesy of Filoli

WONDERLAND The historic Filoli estate in Woodside (www.filoli.org) is welcoming the Bay Area to Holidays at Filoli November 18 to January 7. While the estate is open during the day for events and experiences full of festive cheer, evening visits showcase a bright and merry display in the Garden, which includes 3,600 strands of light that stretch more than 25 miles, as well as a 210-foot-long light tunnel.

news. by Caitlin Hamer

“Nevermore” by ICB artist Claudia Cohen is at the de Young

Marin Theatre Company’s Fall Benefit (www.marintheatre.org) is taking place November 5 at San Francisco’s Verdi Club. The fundraising event includes food, drinks, music and a silent auction. VIP sponsorship perks include luxury shuttle transportation from Mill Valley to the benefit and back. Eleven artists from Sausalito’s artist collective ICB ART (www.icbart.com) have been selected to exhibit their work at the de Young Open 2023, which runs until January 7 in San Francisco. ICB’s Winter Open Studios returns December 2 and 3, with an opening night preview December 1. The free event will be held at Sausalito’s historic ICB Building.

26 november 2023 marin living.

Courtesy of ICB ART

ALL ABOUT MARIN

Enjoy the wonder of Marin Ballet’s Nutcracker on December 9 and 10 Clara’s Christmas eve dreams come to life in this sumptuous performance with 125 dancers in exquisite Victorian costumes and stunning sets. Purchase tickets for the 1pm or 5pm performance by scanning the QR code.

NUTCRACKER TICKET

MARIN BALLET

Use Phone Camera to Scan

Marin School of the Arts Theater 625 Arthur Street, Novato, CA 94947

28 november 2023 marin living.

By Caitlin Hamer

NORTH BAY CHILDREN’S CENTER For 35 years, North Bay Children’s Center has been providing quality child care and early education, ensuring even the most vulnerable children have access to critical early learning experiences to prepare them for success. The nonprofit’s award-winning Garden of Eatin’ program, along with its new Living Curriculum lesson plan, instills healthy habits in preschool children. www.nbcc.net

MOONSTONE SKIN & BODY CARE This spa is the first spot in Marin to offer JetPlasma facial treatments, which brighten and tighten your skin without the downtime or pain of surgery. In addition to other treatments that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, Moonstone Skin & Body Care also offers online skin care consultations and virtual spa parties. www.moonstoneskincare.com

FITLAB STRONG If the new year drawing closer is inspiring you to set fitness goals for yourself, then FITLAB Strong might be the place for you. Looking for a little extra guidance as you begin (or return) to your exercise journey? Treat yourself to the Elite Shared Personal Training add-on, which now offers unlimited monthly access. www.fitlabstrong.com

All images courtesy of the brands

the LIST

A look at special offers and new products from some of Marin’s favorite businesses.

Home Connection & More

Experience Verandah, where your expansive three-story home treats you to breathtaking views, inspiring exploration and infinite possibilities. Immerse yourself in Downtown Novato’s vibrant scene, with tempting dining and retail choices, while nearby hiking trails and nature preserves invite you to connect with the great outdoors. Love the view at Verandah.

3 BEDROOMS • 2 .5 – 3 BATHROOMS • UP TO 1,770 SQ. F T. • ROOF TOP DECKS* C LO S E TO S M A R T S TATI O N • FO OTH I LL VI E WS* • VI R T UA L TO U R S AVA I L A B LE Townhomes from the High $700,000s Visit Verandah Today 230 Verandah Avenue, Novato, CA 94945

LandseaHomes.com © 2023 Landsea Homes US Corporation. LANDSEA® and LIVE IN YOUR ELEMENT® are federally registered trademarks of Landsea. *Not all plans have rooftop decks. No rooftop or foothill views are guaranteed. Plans, pricing, product information, square footage, amenities and community/neighborhood information are subject to change without notice or obligation. Photographs and floor plans are for representational purposes only. Home shown does not represent actual homesites for sale. Square footage is approximate. Some features and options shown may not be offered in your community. Please see the signed purchase agreement for additional information, disclosures and disclaimers relating to your home. All rights reserved and strictly enforced. This is not an offering where prohibited by law. No information contained herein shall be deemed to constitute a representation or warranty of any kind. Please consult a Landsea Homes sales representative for details. Landsea Real Estate California, Inc. CA DRE #02030520.

(415) 493-8818

local splurges.

HOSTESS WITH THE MOSTESS ‘Tis the season for dinner parties and festive get-togethers! And if you are still wondering what to bring for the host, here are a few ideas that are sure to spark joy. By Casey Gillespie

1. For your friend who loves all things food related, you can’t go wrong with gourmet kitchen staples. This delicious Ancient Olive Extra Virgin Olive Oil should do the trick. Available at Anthem San Francisco (Corte Madera Town Center) and www.anthemsf.online, $26 2. When it comes to presents, a candle is always a good idea and the beautifully scented Hudson Grace Signature Scented Candles (shown here in Aspen Fir) are a winner in our book.

Available at Hudson Grace (Marin Country Mart) and www.hudsongracesf.com, $68 3. While this Double Leather Wine Carrier makes an impressive gift, it is also the perfect item to give to yourself. And it is guaranteed compliments at holiday dinner parties. Available at Gump’s (250 Post Street, San Francisco) and www.gumps.com, $98 4. Gifts for the home are thoughtful, but a personal gift for the lady of the house

is a step above. Keep her cozy in these Sweatshirt Socks (shown here in Army), made from French terry sweatshirt material, by The Great. Available at The Great (Marin Country Mart) and www. thisisthegreat.com), $38 5. Chic holiday decor never goes out of style and we can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t want to add these Carson Tree Wood Serving Bowls to their collection. Available at Crate and Barrel (Corte Madera Town Center) and www. crateandbarrel.com, $199.95

All images courtesy of the brands

30 november 2023 marin living.

DISCOVER. NURTURE. CHALLENGE.

eat & drink.

BYPASSING BARLEY San Francisco–based Otherwise Brewing is dispelling the notion that gluten-free beer has to taste like you’re missing out on something.

WHEN AARON GERVAIS AND STELLAR CASSIDY first set out to make a gluten-free beer, there was one thing on their minds: the final product needed to taste good. “It’s not good enough to just be gluten-free,” says Gervais. “The gluten-free aspect is just a value added on top of that.” It’s clear to anyone who’s tried the brewery’s beers that the pair understood the assignment. They’ve been creating their gluten-free brews in San Francisco under the name Otherwise Brewing (www.otherwisebrewing.com), steadily 32 november 2023 marin living.

gaining a fan base that goes beyond the gluten-free crowd. The brewery was born out of a desire to create more glutenfree drinking options, as Gervais has several family members who don’t consume gluten, and as Cassidy noticed a growing demand for this type of beverage when she was working in San Francisco beer establishments. Between the two of them, they had enough home brewing and beer industry knowledge to feel confident that this was something they could accomplish. They co-founded Otherwise

Bethie Martin

By Caitlin Hamer

Savings wrapped in Savings in love love Open aa youth account account today! Open today! Giveyour yourchild childaa gift gift that that keeps keeps on on giving Give giving long long after afterthe theholiday holiday season ends with a teen checking and savings account. Need season ends with a teen checking and savings account. Needaagift gift for someone younger—we also offer youth savings accounts too! for someone younger—we also offer youth savings accounts too! Earn dividends on balances of at least $10 Earn dividends on balances of at least $10 Access to free financial resources, games, and more Access to free financial resources, games, and more Debit card for teens with daily limits Debit card for teens with daily limits

Get started at redwoodcu.org/youth or call 1 (800) 479-7928 Get started at redwoodcu.org/youth or call 1 (800) 479-7928

Federally insured by NCUA.

eat & drink.

34 november 2023 marin living.

Otherwise Brewing founders Aaron Gervais and Stellar Cassidy

planning for a San Francisco location to start slinging their suds. In addition to prioritizing highquality flavors in the awardwinning beers, Otherwise is also dedicated to what they call “climate-resilient brewing.” “The gluten-free nature of our beer also comes with sustainability, because the grains that we use have a much smaller carbon footprint than that of barley,” says Cassidy. Barley, in addition to being a less sustainable crop, contains gluten, which is why Otherwise uses gluten-free (and drought-resistant) crops like millet and buckwheat. The team quickly discovered that using alternative grains made for a brewing process that’s quite a bit different from the traditional one. “Beer is possible because of a couple of happy accidents with nature that line up at specific temperatures in barley, and those accidents don’t happen with other grains,” says Gervais. “So, we had to find ways to make it happen.” But they did, managing to produce beer that tastes like “normal” beer. And as “normal” beer drinkers themselves, Gervais and Cassidy can vouch for their own brews hitting the right marks. “Everyone should be able to drink delicious craft beer,” says Cassidy. And people with gluten intolerance (and everyone else) are thankful Otherwise is making that possible. Cheers!

Starr Kutchins (above); Bethie Martin (below)

in 2019 and spent the next year perfecting a recipe until they were able to debut Calrose Crisp, a rice lager made with malted Calrose rice, a world-renowned (and glutenfree) sushi rice. Paired with German hops, it makes for a classic, easydrinking pale lager. Since then, they’ve successfully brewed up stouts (Hella Nibs), sours (Meringue & Tang, Guava Fresca and Péché de Pêche), IPAs (30,000 Feet, IFLS and Sonic Bloom) and a pale ale (Western Addition). And the demand for their gluten-free brews is there, evidenced by the map on their website, which updates hourly to show which bars, restaurants and retailers are carrying their beers throughout California (in Marin, that’s everywhere from The Monk’s Kettle to Sushi Ran). You can buy directly from their website, too, and the company just recently expanded to nationwide sales and shipping. But what Gervais and Cassidy are especially excited to get started on is an eventual taproom. While that’s still in the early stages, the team is

Demonstrating a dedication to improving the quality of life and professional standards of those in his community.

Vanguard Properties is honored to have one of our valued agents, Joe Burns, in a leadership role as the President-Elect of the Marin Association of REALTORS® (MAR) and a Director of the California Association of REALTORS®. He has served on the Sausalito City Council, where he later assumed the role of Mayor, and has worked tirelessly with numerous local, regional, and state committees, all with the goal of improving the lives of those around him. We extend a heartfelt gratitude to Joe for his selfless commitment to serving others.

VA N G U A R D P R O P E R T I E S . C O M

DRE# 01486075

local getaways.

A G EYSERVIL L E

Geyserville is a small town with a big reputation for incredible wine. Situated between Healdsburg and Cloverdale, the town’s “downtown” is a block long and offers multiple options for dining, wine tasting and bars where you can mingle with the convivial locals. While it is very quick drive to Healdsburg, Geyserville — originally known as Clairville Station — is a quieter, more intimate experience. Here is a guide to get you acquainted with one of Wine Country’s best-kept secrets. By Casey Gillespie

36 november 2023 marin living.

Jak Wonderly (this page); Aaron Leitz (ooposite)

GETAWAY

RESIDENCE AT SKIPSTONE 2505 GEYSERS ROAD

www.skipstonewines.com If you are looking for the perfect house that will sleep up to 10 for your next family holiday, this is the property that can make that dream come true. Originally home to Skipstone proprietor Fahri Diner, it encompasses 8,344 square feet, with five bedrooms, six-and-a-half bathrooms and has sweeping views of bucolic Alexander Valley and the Mayacamas Mountains. The Residence offers plenty to do, with a game room, private swimming pool, two outdoor fire pits, an outdoor kitchen and a very well-stocked wine cellar. A concierge service is available before and during your visit and can arrange anything you can think up. Picturing a dreamy Christmas getaway with all the extras? The staff will handle everything, from the tree you’ve always wanted to private chef experiences and more. The new on-property winery will be finished in spring 2024, but you can plan “at-home” tastings to sample the exceptional wines during your stay — and you’ll want to do just that. Rates start at $6,000 per night

CYRUS 275 HIGHWAY 128

www.cyrusrestaurant.com

If you want to experience this Michelin-starred gem but didn’t make a dinner reservation, consider popping in to the Bubbles Lounge (Thursday–Sunday, 5–9 p.m.) for the A Taste of the Lounge experience ($95). It includes a glass of André Clouet “Grande Réserve” Brut Grand Cru and a selection of delicious dishes to choose from. That’s a “yes” from us!

marin living. november 2023 37

local getaways.

FRANCIS FORD COPPOLA WINERY 300 VIA ARCHIMEDES

www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com

Another downtown mainstay, Diavola is actually much more than a pizzeria, also offering delectable seasonal dishes like octopus and spaghettini with pork cheek ragu (there are also gluten-free options). The historic building the restaurant is situated in only adds to the small-town charm. FERMATA COFFEE GEYSERVILLE 21001 Geyserville Avenue www.fermatageyserville.com Every town needs a homey coffee shop and Fermata is that and then some. The best part is that you feel like you are in the middle of the country, but with all the designer coffee options we know and love. Fermeta also has an abbreviated but worth-thestop-in food menu. 38 november 2023 marin living.

The Francis Ford Coppola Winery is a destination in itself. Not only is it a largescale wine production site, it also houses some of the most exciting Coppola Hollywood memorabilia, a bustling restaurant, Rustic, and a pool that has already made our must-visit list for summer 2024. A great family activity.

CATELLI’S 21047 Geyserville Avenue www.mycatellis.com A favorite among locals, Catelli’s in downtown Geyserville serves California-style Italian comfort food in a charmingly rustic setting. Weather permitting, ask for a table on the outdoor patio — you won’t be disappointed. GUN CLUB BAR & LOUNGE 21025 Geyserville Avenue www.geyservillegunclub.com This is your pre- or post-dinner cocktail spot: locals swear by it, the decor is cozy and echoes the rural surroundings, and you get

the feeling this has just become your new favorite spot as soon as you walk in. Did we mention there is live music? TRIONE VINEYARDS AND WINERY 19550 Geyserville Avenue www.trionewinery.com Winemaking has been in this family’s blood for generations and it is noticeable in everything from the superb wine to the congenial hospitality. Schedule a tasting or book the bocce courts and make an afternoon of it. The tasting room received a major upgrade this summer and it’s more welcoming than ever.

Blake Bronstad

DIAVOLA PIZZERIA 21021 Geyserville Avenue www.diavolapizzeria.com

Dee’s Organic for the Holidays

Let this local catering company take the stress out of the holidays. This season we want to give our customers the chance to order a complete Thanksgiving dinner from us, or maybe just the side dishes, and use that time toward other holiday fun. We are also going to bring back our very popular holiday pie selection. Please visit our website or social media platforms to see the whole holiday menu

and pricing. Oftentimes, Thanksgiving or holiday dinners that are offered are difficult to customize to your particular needs. For instance, Dee’s Organic will be offering dinners that accommodate a variety of guest sizes. Additionally, if a client only wants to order several side dishes for a smaller party, then we can accommodate that,

415.312.0790 • info@deesorganic.com • www.deesorganic.com

take note.

Jeff Wells with some of his collection.

IN TUNE

San Anselmo’s Jeff Wells has what just might be one of the rarest historical guitar collections in the world.

JEFF WELLS WAS A CLASSICAL guitar musician with a master’s degree from the S.F. Conservatory of Music that he put to use gigging at the Mark Hopkins and the Redwood Room in San Francisco, when something happened that changed his song forever. He had been accepted into the Ph.D. program at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins when the head of the department, the legendary guitarist Aaron Shearer, abruptly left. Not wanting to study under Shearer’s protégé, Wells decided not to go. Soon, a chance opportunity led him to a big left turn and the world of finance, where he made his career. But he never gave up his love of guitar. “I’m a collector guy and I had about 15 modern-era guitars from some great makers,” Wells says. But a purchase he made on a lark in Switzerland shifted his emphasis for good. “I bought a German-made, 1820 Joseph Rieger guitar for no other reason than it looked exotic with its bridge mustachios, unusual tuning machines and smaller size.” 40 november 2023 marin living.

Wells was hooked. Semi-serious collecting followed until he met James Westbrook, a leading authority on historical guitars, and began focusing his collection on instruments “in the main line of evolution” from the 1600s, 1700s and 1800s. The result is the 61-piece Austin-Marie Collection (named after his son and daughter), all documented in a recently released book (www.austinmarie guitars.com) filled with lush photographs and descriptions. Wells says that what attracts him to these guitars is their beauty and histories. “I have a few Spanish guitars from the Peninsular War that are one-of-a-kind,” he says. “The only way they were salvaged was because British officers brought them back to London after the war; they wouldn’t have made it otherwise. Things like that I found fascinating; it’s been a great history lesson.” He says another unique thing about these ornate and finely crafted guitars is how they look. “It shows how, regionally, even within Europe, whether it be Vienna, Paris, London or Madrid, how much different guitars were,” he

Courtesy of Jeff Wells

By Daniel Jewett

Help Bring Our Veterans Home! Let’s march together to reach the goal of ending veteran homelessness in Marin County! We’re in the final stage of a journey to welcome 24 veterans into “forever homes” with supportive services and affordable rents. Learn more at hbofm.org.

“

I was in a bad place. I hate to think about what could have happened without Homeward Bound, because I had given up. — GORDON J., A VETERAN WHO RECENTLY MOVED TO HOUSING

”

Add Your Hero to Our Honor Wall! Make a gift of any size to honor a veteran in your life. We’ll add their name of the “honor wall” installed in our veterans housing before the Grand Opening next year.

hbofm.org/donate

take note.

From top: c. 1834 C. F. Martin with scroll-shaped headstock and in-line tuners encased with an engraved metal plate; c. 1625 Sellas embellished with ivory, ebony, tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl.

“

says, although the building of train systems in the early 19th century led to more standardization. “I am attracted to the whole evolutionary journey of the guitar and how they experimented to get to the modern era — utilizing different string configurations going from four courses [sets of double strings] to five courses to five individual strings to six individual strings, and so on.” For his collection, valued at a few million dollars, storage is obviously very important. He keeps the guitars in a climate-controlled space but says that Marin, because of its low humidity, is actually a great place to house a collection like his. And although he tries to buy guitars that don’t require a lot of restoration, he does have a guy, local luthier Alan Perlman. “He’s the top guy to go to whether you have a Stradivarius violin or a high-end musical instrument,” says Wells. Replacing bridges is the most common repair: “You can’t have a bridge that lasts 300 or 400 years. It’s impossible.” Wells love of music has trickled down: often, the whole family will often jam together. His son “shreds” rock music and his daughter has made a career of performing and writing songs for people like Beyoncé and other major artists. But the person he’s most needed buy-in from is his wife. “When you pay over $100,000 for an instrument, it begs the conversation,” he says; luckily, she has been very supportive and interested in the collecting process. “And, you know, these things are not getting any cheaper.” 42 november 2023 marin living.

David Bishop/courtesy of Jeff Wells

I am attracted to the whole evolutionary journey of the guitar and how they experimented to get to the modern era.”

Felicia Romero ‘A Career That Cares’ Felicia tried many different jobs before she found her true calling. Her first job in support services was a group home for adolescent girls. She had a deep personal connection because she had lived in this home from age 14 until 17. Drawn to this work because she knew all too well how difficult the lives of those young women were and Felicia wanted to make sure that they knew that there are people who care. She decided that she was most fulfilled by helping others and would later lead her into supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). In October of 2011, Felicia started as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) with Lifehouse. She worked the evening shift at the organization’s Marinwood home, as well as the Intermediate Care Facilities (ICF) providing intensive personal care and medical support to individuals with multiple disabilities. This forged the start of her long and successful career with Lifehouse. Felicia excelled as a DSP and in 2012 she was promoted to Assistant Manager, and earned her stripes as a Program Manager from 2021 to 2023. Showing great dedication and excellence, Felicia was most recently promoted to Associate Director of Program Services. “Everyone is unique. Helping a person feel comfortable with who they are is a great way to support someone. You can empower them to become independent and be their true self. Growth happens by putting in the work little by little, each day and over time varying degrees of independence can become a reality for the person supported,” says Felicia. This is a challenging ambition because of the stigmas that people with I/DD often have to overcome. Felicia continues to enjoy the company of many of the people that she has supported. Once a month she visits David Friedlander. They work on a puzzle while they chat about his day, or his needs and goals for himself. Felicia engages with David to best support him at his level, in an environment that he feels safe. She has continued to show just how much she cares and remains steadfast helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in their journey to lead a full life. For almost 70 years Lifehouse has been dedicated to ensuring that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are accepted, have a place in our community and are able to lead full lives. www.lifehouseagency.org 415.5265300 @lifehouseagency

Donate

game changers.

THE

GIFT

THAT GIVES Cardii has changed the gift card giving tradition into a fullblown experience.

IF YOU OPENED YOUR WALLET right now, how many unused gift cards from years past would be looking back at you? Wasted mementos from birthdays long forgotten haunting you forever. Until now. Welcome, Cardii: a new way to give gift cards that uses zero plastic and personalizes the deal with the help of augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). A present from Cardii is like a digital gift card on steroids (or maybe something a little more hallucinogenic) where the gift recipient is inside of the experience. Cardii CEO and founder Du Nguyen envisioned the idea after one of his son’s birthday parties — when they went to put his gifts away, Nguyen discovered a shoebox full of unused gift cards, just sitting there. He had his eureka moment and realized “there has to be a better way.” 44 november 2023 marin living.

A few years later the better way has come to life. When you receive a gift card through Cardii, you are immediately part of a special event. With AR, your phone screen becomes an interactive game, letting you pop balloons, beat a piñata, place a cake down on your dining table. Then, the gift, personalized note and photo appear in celebration, usually surrounded by falling confetti. “On average people are in the experiences for about 95 seconds,” Nguyen says. “In the world of TikTok and Instagram, 95 seconds is a long time to have engagement.” “That’s where Cardii has a chance to change the game on engagement,” says Cardii’s acting CMO, Karen Steele. “People want to be spoken to in a personalized way that’s meaningful to them.” By utilizing AI, Cardii can help you write more personalized notes to the

recipient and even add photos. Notably, if you receive a gift card for a place you don’t shop at, you can swap the amount for use at any of the other stores Cardii partners with, which include Starbucks, Amazon, Nike and Home Depot. “We believe that by creating better experiences there is going to be a shift in usage to experiences that are digitally tangible,” says Nguyen, explaining that the oxymoron of “digitally tangible” is possible with AR, where the laws of physics do not apply. This, of course, also solves a huge plastic waste problem in the industry: gift cards through Cardii are stored in the cloud and in the Cardii app. With the holiday season afoot, Cardii is here to be the sustainable gift with 100 percent more personality than a plastic card and it is sure to keep the relatives entertained — at least for 95 seconds.

Courtesy of Cardii

By Annie Gieser

the

holi

days are www.stock.adobe.com/Mari Ka

BY CAITLIN HAMER AND DANIEL JEWETT

Courtesy of Léon & George

TIME TO GO GREEN Holiday plant delivery direct to your giftee’s home — need we say more? Léon & George ships its entire collection of plants big and small nationwide. And the best part? Customers also get lifetime access to personalized Plant Doctor support to ensure their greenery stays healthy. The plants are hand-selected, California-grown and picture perfect upon delivery. Choose plants that come potted in one of the gorgeous stoneware ceramics for a festive finishing touch. www.leonandgeorge.com, starting at $59

marin living. november 2023 47

NEED FOR SPEED Do you know someone whose dream it is to hop into a supercar and take a few laps around Sonoma Raceway’s 12 challenging turns? Well, after a brief instructional course, your speedster can crank up a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Corvette, Dodge Challenger Hellcat or Nissan supercar and tackle the course sans speed limits. And if they aren’t quite ready for that type of adventure, they can ride shotgun with a professional driver to learn how the pros tackle those turns. Sonoma Raceway, www.thextremexperience.com/ tracks/sonoma-raceway, starting at $249, drivers need $39 insurance

Now the whole family can enjoy the ability to tackle hills and go longer distances when they put their child on a new made-just-for-kids (perfect for 8- to 11-year-olds) Bluejay WILD electric bike. It’s the transportation mode they (and Mom) have been waiting for: safe, adjustable and with a low maximum speed of 12 mph. The bike includes five power levels, Shimano 10-speed external gears, ultra-safe Tektro hydraulic brakes, pedal assist, and a light, bell and reflectors. www.bluejaybikes.com, $1,995

Courtesy of Xtreme Xperience and Bluejay Bikes

POWER TO THE KIDS

HIT THE SLOPES

Courtesy of Diptyque; Jack Morris

COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS Elevate a beloved tradition with Diptyque’s Advent calendar. While you’ll need to give this gift early enough for it to be enjoyed in the days leading up to Christmas (trust us, no one will mind), it’ll leave a lasting impression with each day revealing a delightful new surprise. The limited-edition offering includes several of the brand’s fragrant candles that are sure to create a festive atmosphere, a set of holiday decorations, and scented beauty indulgences like perfumes, shower oil, soap and hand lotion. Diptyque, Marin Country Mart, www.diptyqueparis.com, $510

Is there someone on your list who loves to ski and plans to hit the slopes more than a few times this winter? Well then, the Epic Pass is the ideal gift. This coveted pass has different tiers to accommodate just about anyone: the die-hard who wants to ski all over the country and Canada all the way to the person who is looking for downhill fun whenever they want (excluding peak days) with a nice pass discount for Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Tahoe. www.epicpass.com, prices vary depending on pass and purchase date

marin living. november 2023 49

Caroline Lizarraga is an in-demand San Francisco–based decorative artist steeped in Old World tradition who honed her plaster and painting skills in Italy — and she wants you to share the same experience. Caroline and her husband, Riccardo, joined by local experts, lead a one-week, one-ofa-kind escape to Italy for culture-curious adults. The Curiosare Italia experience combines ancient painting techniques, cooking classes and a curated exploration of the Puglia region into one epic getaway for adults. www.curiosareitalia.com, $7,300 single occupancy/week ($6,300 double)

50 november 2023 marin living.

Courtesy of Curiosare Italia

ITALIAN ART GETAWAY

ALL THAT GLITTERS

Courtesy of Cast jewelry and Sandra Jordan

You simply can’t go wrong giving the gift of elegance with Cast jewelry’s statement pieces. Our picks? The Iced Icon Wristlet and the Aspen Flip Ring. The wristlet, a 14K gold chain bracelet linked together with white pavé diamonds, will make her feel like a million dollars. And the ring stylishly morphs to match any outfit — 18K gold surrounds a fluidly rotating center that allows you to mix and match black onyx, white pavé diamonds and black pavé diamonds. Cast, The Village at Corte Madera, www.castjewelry.com, Iced Icon Wristlet, $16,000; Aspen Flip Ring, $12,500

‘TIS THE SEASON TO SNUGGLE UP Soft, luxurious and sustainably created, a bespoke alpaca throw from Sandra Jordan Prima Alpaca is the gift that will keep giving year after year. Plus, you can feel good about the brand’s production process, which is low impact and creates jobs for herdsmen and textile workers in Peru. It’s as easy as choosing a fabric in a solid color or plaid, picking a sumptuous texture, selecting a size and last of all choosing the stitching details. It takes four to six weeks to be made, so shop early! Order at Shears & Window (101 Henry Adams Street, Ste. 452, San Francisco) or www.sandrajordan.com, starting at $700

marin living. november 2023 51

YOU ARE WHAT YOU ro

By C h

r ist

ina

Ca v

la al

EAT

THIS CULINARY MEDICINE PHYSICIAN WROTE THE BOOK ON HOW HEALTHY EATING CAN GIVE PEOPLE POWER OVER THEIR OWN HEALTH.

Portrait courtesy of Hachette GO

As we head into a change of season it’s all about finding new ways to stay healthy. Sure, an apple a day might keep the doctor away — but apples every day? Boooring. Thanks to San Francisco culinary medicine physician Dr. Linda Shiue, MD’s, cookbook, Spicebox Kitchen: Eat Well and Be Healthy with Globally Inspired, Vegetable-Forward Recipes (Hachette Go), boring is not on the menu. In page after colorful page of globally inspired, vegetable-forward recipes flavored by powerfully healing herbs and potent spices that feel like a passport to the world, Shiue takes readers on an exciting journey to eating well.

Shiue herself is anything but dull. Her career accomplishments read like a bucket list. She knew she wanted to be a doctor when she was in kindergarten and took her first French cooking class at 7 years old. As if graduating from Brown University and working as a practicing internal medicine doctor in the Bay Area for more than two decades weren’t enough, she took a year off to attend cooking school and then found time to work in the San Francisco Michelin-starred kitchen Mourad. Shiue says of her unconventional path, “Food was there as my hobby and personal passion.” But she never thought it would become a part of her career until she attended a medical education conference in Napa at the Culinary Institute of America at Copia called “Healthy Kitchens, Healthy Lives.” “And that was it,” she remembers. “I literally thought ‘this is what I need to do.’ ” She taught her first class the very next week. At the time she was working at a medical foundation and started teaching on the side wherever people would have her. She eventually started a healthy cooking program for patients at a medical center in San Francisco. Those early classes focused on subjects like low-sodium cooking for people with hypertension. She has since created classes for survivors of cancer and stroke and those struggling with IBS. And she’s always being asked to cover more topics. Shiue believes the best medicine is prevention, and her recipes and classes showcase seasonal produce, accented with health-promoting spices and fresh herbs. Spicebox Kitchen cookbook was born out of a desire to share her knowledge with more people, like those who might not be able to take one of her classes. As Shiue explains it, no medical technology will make a person feel better in terms of wellness. “No drug can do that. It’s how you take care of yourself that will make you feel better immediately.” “That’s powerful,” she says. “And it puts that power back into a patient’s hands.” marin living. november 2023 53

GOOD HEALTH STARTS IN THE KITCHEN

These physiciancreated recipes are fun, delicious and just what the body ordered. Excerpted from SPICEBOX KITCHEN: Eat Well and Be Healthy with Globally Inspired, Vegetable-Forward Recipes by Linda Shiue, MD (Hachette Go).

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat oven to 400°F. Line two

INGREDIENTS

• 1½ pounds of assorted root vegetables, such as sweet potato, delicata squash, and parsnip (about 2 small potatoes, 1 delicata, 1 parsnip) • 2 tablespoons of olive oil • pinch of salt • 1 bunch curly green kale, center rib removed

DRESSING

• 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • Pinch of salt • freshly ground black pepper

GARNISHES

• ¼ cup raw hulled pumpkin seeds (pepitas) • ¼ cup pomegranate arils • 2 tablespoons thinly sliced red onion

baking sheets with parchment paper. Peel root vegetables, as desired (no need to peel delicata), and then cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch-thick slices. Toss with olive oil and salt in a bowl, then arrange in a single layer, with some space between vegetables, on prepared baking sheets. Cook until tender, about 20 minutes, flipping over at 10-minute point. When vegetables are light brown around edges and you’re able to pierce them with a fork, remove from oven and allow to cool.

2. Thinly slice or tear kale into

bite-size pieces and place in a salad bowl. Massage kale with your hands for about a minute, or until it has softened and is glossy and darker green.

3. Prepare dressing Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and whisk, or pour into a jar, tightly close lid and shake until combined. Pour dressing onto prepared kale and toss to cover.

4. Toast pumpkin seeds for garnish Place in a single layer

All images reprinted with permission from the publisher.

in a small, dry skillet and heat over medium-low heat, shaking often, until pumpkin seeds puff up a bit and change from green to tan. This will take 30 to 60 seconds. Remove from heat and allow to cool.

Thanksgiving Kale Salad With Roasted Root Vegetables SERVES 12 Yes, even on Thanksgiving, I serve my family and friends kale salad. This is a vibrant and robust taste of fall, full of hearty, seasonal root vegetables, a hint of maple syrup and the crunch of pumpkin seeds. You’ll “eat the rainbow” when you eat this salad, which is hearty enough to make a meal for your vegetarian guests with a side of quinoa or farro. marin living. november 2023 55

Baghrir With Orange Flower Water Honey Syrup MAKES 15 CREPES One of the special items at our Moroccan breakfasts were these crepes (baghrir), which are typically served with butter and honey. They are made with semolina (ground durum wheat), which brings a slight, pleasant crunchiness to the batter, and because they are yeasted, they have many tiny holes that soak up whatever you top them with. To bring in one of my favorite sweet flavors from Morocco, I combined these elements with orange flower water in a syrup. This seems slightly decadent as a breakfast and wouldn’t be wrong as dessert.

• 1½ cups semolina • ¼ cup all-purpose flour • 1½ teaspoons instant yeast • ½ teaspoon salt • 2 cups warm water, about 110°F • 1 tablespoon baking powder • unsalted butter, for pan

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Place all ingredients, except butter, in

a blender and blend until smooth, about 1 minute. Keep covered and allow to rest for 30 minutes.

2. After resting, blend batter for another second before cooking.

ORANGE FLOWER WATER HONEY SYRUP Makes about 1 1/2 cups syrup

INSTRUCTIONS

3. Heat an 8-inch nonstick, lightly buttered skillet (use an omelet pan, if you have one) over medium-low heat. Pour ¼ cup of batter into pan — it should spread immediately into a circle almost fitting the diameter of the pan. Cook until the surface is covered in holes, about 30 seconds. Cook only one side. Err on the side of underdone — if the sides start to curl up, you’ve overcooked the baghrir and it will be tough. Its underside should be at most lightly golden. Keep warm on a plate covered with a clean, dry towel until ready to serve. Repeat with remaining batter.

saucepan over low heat and whisk until smooth.

4. Serve hot with butter and honey or jam,

INGREDIENTS

• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter (substitute Miyoko’s Vegan Butter to make vegan) • ¾ cup honey • ½ to 1 teaspoon kosher salt • 2 to 4 teaspoons orange flower water, to taste

1. Melt together first three ingredients in a small 2. Stir in orange flower water and serve warm.

56 november 2023 marin living.

or Orange Flower Water Honey Syrup (recipe at left).

Excerpted from SPICEBOX KITCHEN: Eat Well and Be Healthy with Globally Inspired, Vegetable-Forward Recipes by Linda Shiue, MD. Copyright © 2021. Available from Hachette Go, an imprint of Hachette Book Group Inc.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 red bell peppers, or 1 (7-ounce) jar roasted red peppers, drained • 1 cup of walnuts • 3 garlic cloves, minced • juice of 1 lemon • 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses • 1 teaspoon ground cumin • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • salt

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Roast bell peppers, if using fresh Preheat oven to 450°F.

Place whole bell peppers in a baking dish and bake for about 30 minutes, rotating once or twice for evenness, until their skin has blackened and peppers are soft to touch. Remove from oven and put right away into a small resealable plastic bag and seal tightly. Let rest for about 5 minutes, then remove from bag and quickly peel off skin (be careful, peppers will still be quite hot). Remove seeds, then cut peppers into long strips and set aside until ready to use.

2. Toast walnuts Preheat oven

to 350°F. Spread walnuts on a baking sheet and toast in oven for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden and aromatic. Alternatively, toast in a dry skillet over low heat.

All images reprinted with permission from the publisher.

3. Combine roasted peppers, walnuts, garlic, lemon juice, pomegranate molasses, cumin and red pepper flakes in a food processor and process until mixture is smooth. Then with motor running, add oil gradually so it can emulsify rather than separate. Transfer muhammara to a bowl and add salt to taste. Serve at room temperature with pita.

Muhammara MAKES 2 CUPS DIP

I first came upon a recipe for muhammara when I was asked to bring three dips to a Thanksgiving potluck. I remember wanting to impress, as my hosts were sophisticated cooks who also happened to have published several cookbooks. (No pressure there!) Although I had never had muhammara before, when I saw the recipe for it, I knew it would be a winner. With its base of red peppers, muhammara gets its creaminess from walnuts, and a little bit of sweetness and tanginess from pomegranate molasses (if you can’t find it store-bought, the book includes pointers for making your own). marin living. november 2023 57

C 58 november 2023 marin living.

H TO THE

E art credit

Local bartending luminary Jeff Burkhart has created a few cocktail recipes to start your holiday season off right — best enjoyed with friends!

S E SEASON

Recipes by Jeff Burkhart Photography by Lori Eanes

Holiday entertaining is about style, and if James Bond could change every ingredient in his martini and still call it a martini, then we can do the same with a negroni. Easy to make (and easy to batch), this cocktail is sure to up the ante at any gathering. Smoky, clear and less bitter, but not sweet — one wonders why it took us so long to get here.”

DRY MEZCAL NEGRONI

ingredients

1 ounce Santo Spirit Mezquila 1 ounce Luxardo Bitter Bianco 1 ounce Lo-Fi Aperitifs dry vermouth or Vya Whisper Dry 1 blood orange wheel

directions

Combine the first three ingredients in a mixing beaker with ice. Stir and strain over a large-format ice cube in a rocks glass and garnish with an orange wheel. Make a nonalcoholic version by substituting Free Spirits “Spirit of Tequila” (for the Santo Spirit Mezquila), Free Spirits “Spirit of Amaro” (for the Luxardo Bitter Bianco) and Fever-Tree tonic (for the dry vermouth).

marin living. november 2023 61

CHERRY CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO MANHATTAN ingredients

1½ ounces Hanson of Sonoma Double Barrel Whiskey (or Moylan’s) ¾ ounce Hanson of Sonoma Espresso Vodka 2 dashes King Floyd’s Cherry Cacao Bitters 1 Tillen Farms Bada Bing stemmed all-natural cherry

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directions

Combine first three ingredients in a beaker with ice. Stir and strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with the cherry.

Using seasonal ingredients like Hanson Espresso Vodka certainly amounts to more than just holiday seasoning. The holidays are always about just a little bit more. If they weren’t, they would just be ‘days.’ This combination of coffee and whiskey will make even the Irish green with envy. With the proverbial cherry on top!”

Bright and refreshing as it is lovely, this regal take on a French 75 literally puts the violet in any violet hour (dusk, or as we in the bar business like to say: Happy Hour). Making a nonalcoholic version is as easy as substituting Free Spirits “Spirit of Gin,” upping the simple syrup to half an ounce and topping with sparkling water. Use berry flavored sparkling water if you are feeling adventurous.” 64 november 2023 marin living.

DEEP BLUE SOMETHING 75 ingredients

½ ounce Alamere Spirits “makrut lime and lemongrass” gin ½ ounce dried pea flower tendrils ¼ ounce simple syrup (50 percent water/50 percent dissolved sugar) ½ ounce fresh squeezed Meyer lemon juice 3 ounces chilled Domaine Carneros Ultra Brut sparkling wine 1 blue edible flower

directions

Place pea tendrils in a mixing glass and add gin. When the gin has reached the desired shade of blue, strain into a mixing glass. Add simple syrup and stir. Pour into the bottom of a champagne flute. Add lemon juice, being careful not to mix. Slowly top with sparkling wine to create a multilayered look. Garnish with edible flower.

Jeff Burkhart is both an award-winning journalist and an award-winning bartender. He has been voted “best bartender” seven times in the North Bay. His two books, Twenty Years Behind Bars: The Spirited Adventures of a Real Bartender and its sequel, Twenty Years Behind Bars Volume 2: Parole Denied, have both been bestsellers. He is also the host of the popular Barfly Podcast. Otherwise, he can be found still manning the stick at a popular Marin County restaurant or online at www.jeffburkhart.net.

PROMOTION

Community Minded Banking for People, Not for Profit At Redwood Credit Union, we love to help you succeed. We’re focused on you and our community. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, RCU was founded on the idea of people helping people. That philosophy continues to drive everything we do. From no-fee checking, to lower rates on loans and credit cards, to an array of financial services delivered with kindness and respect, we’re here to help you succeed. If you’re ready to bank differently, we’re ready to help. You belong at Redwood Credit Union. Redwood Credit Union www.redwoodcu.org | 1.800.479.7928 Novato, San Rafael and Mill Valley Federally insured by NCUA

Are you ready to find the perfect match? Innovative Match founder and owner Cassie Zampa Keim is a woman on a mission. She heads a company that empowers eligible singles to live fuller lives by helping them usher in love and companionship. Supporting others in their search for romance by marrying her innovative spirit with her personal tried-and-true online dating techniques has made Cassie a household name nationwide. Responsible for pairing couples over more than three decades as a matchmaker and coach, she provides her private clients with round-the-clock conciergestyle services including coaching and refining dating techniques. Innovative Match, Ross www.innovative-match.com | 415.259.8714

Celebrating 30 Years of Sonoma-Grown Skin Care KM Herbals is excited to celebrate three decades of handcrafting plant-based skin care for its Sonoma County community. Founded by pioneering herbalist, Kim Manley, this women-powered line was originally inspired by family — the birth of Kim’s daughter, Bonnie Rose, and a need for clean baby products. Today, this mother-daughter team works side-by-side to craft luxurious skin care and wellness products, made from locally grown herbs and wildcrafted ingredients, that nourish the body and enliven the spirit. KM Herbals Skincare www.kmherbals.com | shop@kmherbals.com 707.878.2980 | @kmherbals

Health, Wellness + Beauty Innovators Marin Living is thrilled to honor the Bay Area’s top health, wellness, fitness and beauty innovators. In the pages that follow we provide an inside look at the people and businesses that have made a significant impact in the Bay Area through innovative practices, treatments and products. These businesses and individuals are pioneers in their respective fields.

HEALTH, WELLNESS + BEAUTY INNOVATORS PROMOTION

// IMPROVE YOUR LOOK AND SKIP THE SURGERY Mabrie Facial Institute What is your unique approach to beauty that sets you apart in the industry? Mabrie Facial Institute, led by facial plastic surgeon, Dr. David C. Mabrie, specializes solely in dermal fillers and BOTOX. For over 20 years, we have perfected nonsurgical treatments to enhance your unique features, ensuring a refreshed, natural look — never overdone. We offer unparalleled expertise that is not just beautiful, but anatomically harmonious. How are you disrupting your industry? “Surgery is no longer required to refresh your appearance. Dermal fillers and neuromodulators like BOTOX or Dysport can not only revitalize a tired appearance, they can create contours, define and enhance your looks. I find that fillers can often achieve better, more natural, predictable results than surgery.” – David C. Mabrie, M.D.

What do you want people to know about your business? We’ve created a one-of-a-kind office space where every corner, every detail and every element is designed for your comfort and happiness. Our space is more than a clinic; it’s an experience. We also put together a team of exceptionally trained and deeply passionate personnel that love what they do. From the moment you contact us, expect to be treated with warmth, understanding and five-star care. We understand that your aesthetic journey is deeply personal and we are dedicated to helping you achieve amazing results.

MABRIE FACIAL INSTITUTE 166 Geary Street, Ste. 1300, San Francisco, CA 94108 415.445.9513 hello@drmabrie.com www.yourfaceinourhands.com @mabriefacialinstitute

DR. FAYE JAMALI // BELLE MARIN

HEALTH, WELLNESS + BEAUTY INNOVATORS

Get that healthy glow and natural looking results.

What do you want people to know about your business? Belle Marin Aesthetic Medicine is led by Dr. Faye Jamali, who envisioned a concierge medspa offering today’s leading services. The end result of her vision is Belle Marin — an elegant space complete with state-of-the-art aesthetic care and a stellar team of providers. Belle Marin offers the newest noninvasive technologies to create a customized plan for each patient. Our goal is to make our patients feel like the best versions of themselves. How are you disrupting your industry? At Belle Marin, we create very personalized treatments for every one of our patients. We offer complimentary consultations and are not pushy when it comes to selling. Our staff is here to create a warm and welcoming experience for every patient that comes through our doors, and it is our mission to make you feel truly cared-for in a beautiful setting. We go above and beyond to make you feel at home with us at Belle Marin. Whether it’s your first time getting aesthetic treatments or you are a seasoned patient, we welcome everyone as they are with no judgement, and create a plan that suits your needs, budget, downtime restrictions and lifestyle.

PROMOTION

Are there any new treatments that clients should be aware of? We offer the Tixel treatment, it is the first and only Thermal Mechanical Action technology for superior skin resurfacing results on all skin types. Tixel is not a laser or microneedling. It is an innovative new treatment modality that was recently approved in the U.S. by the FDA. We are now also offering the SkinVive treatment that creates long-term hydration in the skin by injecting a series of micro-droplets of hyaluronic acid without adding fullness or volume.

BELLE MARIN AESTHETIC MEDICINE 415.887.8718 250 E Blithedale Avenue, Ste. B Mill Valley, CA 94941 hello@bellemarin.com

HEALTH, WELLNESS + BEAUTY INNOVATORS

ANNE GREY // VIVALON Helping seniors live healthy and engaged lives with dignity.

What is it about your business that makes it a health and wellness expert? For nearly seven decades, Vivalon has been the beacon of health and wellness in Marin. Our mission is to advance independence, health and quality of life for older adults and people living with disabilities. As champions of aging gracefully, we tackle the unique challenges our community members encounter — be it isolation, nutrition gaps or financial hurdles. With holistic solutions at our core, we empower seniors to age with dignity.

gaps and financial burdens. Here at Vivalon, we offer a beacon of hope: the Healthy Aging Campus. This multifaceted campus in downtown San Rafael opens in early 2024 to meet the pivotal needs of our older adults: human connection, cost-effective meals and affordable homes.

PROMOTION

What is your unique approach to health and wellness? As the largest nonprofit providing healthy aging services in Marin, we offer a unique suite of services, encompassing medical appointment transportation, nourishing meal delivery and a vibrant Healthy Aging Center. Why is now the best time to focus on healthy living? The landscape of our community is changing. With nearly one in three residents now over 60, Marin is the fastest aging county in the Bay Area, and our community faces the escalating challenges of isolation, nutrition

VIVALON 999 Third Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 415.456.9062 communications@vivalon.org www.vivalon.org/open @VivalonMarin

AMY GREYWITT, TEMPLE SCHAUBLE & CARLA HERZENBERG // METTA YOGA STUDIO

What is your unique approach to yoga that sets you apart? We created Metta Yoga and Cloudbreak Yoga to bring boutique, community-focused yoga studios to Marin that are dynamic and creative, yet still deeply rooted in yoga tradition. Metta Yoga offers a truly diverse set of teachers and class environments to meet everyone where they are ... from Steady and heated Fiery Flow offerings to Flow and Restore and Candlelight Yin classes. Are there any new classes that clients should be aware of? We are always looking for innovative ways to support our local community. In Summer 2023, we opened Metta Mama, a yoga community to support new and expecting mothers and families. Metta Mama offers prenatal yoga and postnatal

mom+baby yoga classes daily in San Rafael, along with a kids’ yoga series. What new service do you offer? We offer multiple special events every weekend, including Crystal Bowl Sound Baths, Live DJ Yoga classes, Yoga Therapeutics, Reiki + Restorative and more. Our special events take our offerings to the next level. What do you want people to know about your business? We are local women-owned-andoperated. Our mission is to create community in beautiful yoga spaces. We hope to meet you on the mat soon!

METTA YOGA STUDIO Corte Madera, San Rafael and Sausalito 415.868.3569 hello@mettayogastudio.com www.mettayogastudio.com /@mettayogamarin

Photo: Olga Trofymets

PROMOTION

HEALTH, WELLNESS + BEAUTY INNOVATORS

Explore your edge, transform your body and mind, nourish your soul.

JENNIFER BRINN // REIKI OF MARIN You can achieve a more powerful life balance.

PROMOTION

HEALTH, WELLNESS + BEAUTY INNOVATORS

What is your unique approach to wellness? Our work at Reiki of Marin focuses on soothing and resetting your nervous system. A healthy nervous system is the root of well-being. Are there any new practices that clients should be aware of? Here at Reiki of Marin, we’ve grown to over seven highly skilled practitioners. In addition to Reiki healing, we offer acupuncture, massage therapy, kids reiki and yoga, community meditation classes, cancer coaching, cacao ceremonies, reiki trainings, sound baths and tarot readings. Why should clients consider you for their next wellness treatment? We view wellness through a holistic lens which helps our clients identify physical and emotional imbalances. What new service do you offer? One of our practitioners, Leslie Purchase, M.D., offers a Cancer & Cacao Coaching series where she helps women acquire skills to calm the fear of a cancer diagnosis.

REIKI OF MARIN 300 Valley Street, Ste. 202, Sausalito, CA 94965 415.430.5813 reikimarin@gmail.com www.reikimarin.com @jenniferbrinnreiki

ANGELA DESALVO // TRANSFORMATIONAL SOUL WORK Realign your internal compass.

What is your unique approach to wellness that sets you apart in the industry? As a published author, detailing my childhood trauma to liberated adult, I guide you to experience your own remarkable outcome.

TRANSFORMATIONAL SOUL WORK Novato 415.640.0370 angela@angeladesalvo.net www.angeladesalvo.net /@angelacdesalvo /transformationalsoulwork

Why is now the best time to focus on wellness? With the pandemic behind us, life remains challenging with many unknowns in the realm of climate, politics, economy and job security. These external factors may have left you feeling anxious, overwhelmed and stuck. In my work we take care of the one thing you have control over: YOU. The wellness you experience is learning how to navigate your life from an internal compass. The method is paced, gentle introspection that allows you to address the anxious, overwhelming, grieving aspects of your life. My intuitive and channeling ability offers a “unique guidance that is really a gift,” as one client said.

MICHELL KAWAJA // THRIVE GIRL INC. Joy-filled, therapeutic movement classes, private parties, drop-in silent discos and more!

HEALTH, WELLNESS + BEAUTY INNOVATORS

THRIVE GIRL INC. www.thrivegirl.com www.thrivegirlinc@gmail.com Instagram: @thrivegirlinc

What is it about your business that makes you a health and wellness expert? Movement comes naturally for me and joy is my innate gift. My childhood grasp of movement paved the way for an early career as a professional ballerina. Following my graduation from Juilliard, I dedicated myself to training in The Nia Technique and the Tamalpa Life/Art Process, focusing on movement-based expressive arts therapy. I’m passionate about the deeply felt joy and wisdom we have access to through movement. What is your unique approach to health ? I believe that once people give themselves permission to move in spontaneous and playful ways, health and wellness inevitably follow. Why should clients consider you for their next wellness class? My JoyLab Journey classes are FUN! Yet I have intentionally designed each section with specific therapeutic goals. Clients leave my classes surprised that 45 minutes of movement can achieve more than countless hours of therapy. They report, and people notice, their inner glow lingering for hours, even days.

SHERI LANGER LMFT, PSYD // ART HEALER Overcome trauma and experience positive growth.

PROMOTION

What is it about you that makes you a health and wellness expert? I started a marriage and family therapy practice in Beverly Hills, California 28 years ago. Through years of experience I have developed a deep understanding of different approaches to effectively help my clients move forward with less effort, achieving more satisfying results. We work together to clarify and understand the source of discomfort and successfully build self-supporting strategies. What is your unique approach to wellness? Having a results oriented philosophy, I recognize the power of guided imagery, and how it creates a place where people can let go of their stress, anxiety and defenses, allowing deeper self-reflection and understanding. Using art in therapy assists in non-judgmental exploration, allowing clients to acces hidden information about themselves, in a non-threatening way. These are only two of many approaches. It is you that determines the course of therapy.

SHERI W. LANGER Art Healer arthealer@me.com 415.680.6573

MARTINE LANGSAM // MARTINE LANGSAM TRICHOLOGY CLINIC Healthy hair you can be proud to show off.

PROMOTION

HEALTH, WELLNESS + BEAUTY INNOVATORS

What is it about you that makes you a health and beauty expert? Hair is the pride and glory of everyone. As a certified trichologist and licensed cosmetologist, I specialize in the disorders of the hair and scalp, such as psoriasis, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium and female and male pattern hair loss.

MARTINE LANGSAM, IAT, WTS TRICHOLOGY CLINIC 880 Las Gallinas Avenue, Ste. 4, San Rafael, CA 94903 415.453.9792 martinelangsam@gmail.com www.martinelangsam.com

What is your unique approach to health? I have a homeopathic approach and treat each person as an individual. When a client comes in, I look at all factors internal and external, this would include hair and scalp health, diet, blood work, nutrient levels, lifestyle, environmental exposures and stress. What new product do you offer? Polarized Microscopy Hair Analysis is a wonderful new service. This is a way to see what is happening beneath the skin within the hair follicle, how it is affecting the health of the anchor system of the hair, the hair strands and much more.

// MOONSTONE SKIN & BODY CARE This team has years of experience addressing challenging skin care conditions. What is it about your business that makes it a health, wellness and beauty expert? Collectively the team at Moonstone has more than 30 years of experience in the health, wellness and beauty industry. Our clients value our veteran experience in addressing challenging skin care conditions like rosacea, sun damage, glycation, acne, psoriasis or unwanted hair.

MOONSTONE SKIN & BODY CARE 415.898.0426 1129 First Street, Novato, CA 94945 www.moonstoneskincare.com @moonstoneskincare

Why is now the best time to focus on health? The darker, cooler days in the fall and winter are a great time to give your skin more intensive treatments and prepare your skin to look glowing for the holidays. We recommend our clients address sun damage, hyperpigmentation or other major skin care concerns with a series of advanced treatments like chemical peels, Jet Plasma, microcurrent — or a combination of all three for the ultimate skin transformation.

KELSAY ELIZABETH MYERS // DIALOGICAL PERSONA HEALING ARTS For bold hearts on the road to transformation, embodiment and self-expression.

HEALTH, WELLNESS + BEAUTY INNOVATORS

What do you want people to know about your business? My business focuses on personal empowerment. We create brave sanctuaries focused on inner healing and wholeness, trauma resolution and the embodiment of dialogues between different facets of yourself, using creative practices like mindfulness, self-reflective writing, drawing and intuitive movement to help you live with a deeper sense of purpose. Why should clients consider you for their next wellness treatment? Beauty is a way of being connected in the world and sensing what feels good to your whole system. Why is now the best time to focus on health, wellness and beauty? I work with a new generation of people facing uncertainty, complexity and disconnection in our world who want to be fully capable in all the areas of their life. Now is the time to put your wholeness of self and wellbeing at the top of your priorities, so you can realize more of your potential this year.

DIALOGICAL PERSONA HEALING ARTS kelsay@dialogicalpersona.com www.dialogicalpersona.com @/dialogicalpersona /dialogicalpersona

// OSMOSIS DAY SPA SANCTUARY A pioneer in the Bay Area spa world since 1985.

PROMOTION

OSMOSIS DAY SPA SANCTUARY 707.823.8231 209 Bohemian Highway Freestone, CA 95472 www.osmosis.com reservations@osmosis.com /osmosisdayspasanctuary /@osmosisdayspa

What do you want people to know about your business? There is nothing like jumping into the biologically generated heat of our Cedar Enzyme Bath to increase circulation and metabolism. Thriving with billions of micro-organisms, the bath warms you to the core plus vitalizes your internal and external microbiome. This powerful detox melts stress away and settles emotions. Guests are transformed every day, calm, relaxed, radiant and elated. Combine with heart-centered massage and skin care at our six-acre secluded sanctuary with authentic Japanese gardens. Do you have any new treatments clients should be aware of? KPS is a medical-grade organic skin care program fueled by enzymes, designed for results and driven by science. Try our facial and see for yourself.

HEALTH, WELLNESS + BEAUTY INNOVATORS PROMOTION

VIVIAN POOLE // VITALITY FOR LIFE – POWERED BY VASPER Vasper — the coolest 21-minute workout.

What is Vasper? Vasper is a revolutionary approach to health and fitness for individuals of all ages and abilities. Utilizing a recumbent crosstraining bike, it combines compression, cooling, and high-intensity interval training to build muscle without the risk of injury or joint wear and tear in a highly effective, low impact 21-minute workout. What makes Vasper unique? Vasper is designed to safely and efficiently achieve anaerobic exercise benefits, burn fat, strengthen muscle, and improve sleep quality. The software is customizable to fit your level of fitness and goals. Who uses Vasper? If you can benefit from exercise then you will benefit from Vasper. Regular exercise can extend life, delay chronic diseases, and reduce cognitive decline. Regular Vasper sessions may curb the effects of diabetes, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, obesity and more. Choosing a regular exercise regimen like Vasper is crucial to our life’s vitality and longevity.

VITALITY FOR LIFE – POWERED BY VASPER 21 Tamal Vista, Ste. 196, Corte Madera, CA 94925 415.891.3144 vivian@vitalityforlife.org www.vitalityforlife.org /vflpoweredbyvasper /@vitality_for_life

Tell Your Story DECEMBER ISSUE: Wine, Dine & Gift Guide In the December issue, Marin Living will showcase Bay Area retailers, wineries, producers and restaurants that offer holiday solutions for gifting and entertaining. This advertorial feature will provide readers with an inside look at the unique holiday products and service providers, while spotlighting what sets them apart from their competitors. We will enhance your exposure by promoting your profile in a linked sponsored article on our website for one year, newsletter sponsored promotion to 17,000 opted-in email subscribers as well as social media posts.

Contact Jessica Cline for more info: jessica@marinlivingmagazine.com follow us on social @marinlivingmag + subscribe to our newsletter at www.marinlivingmagazine.com/newsletter

www.marinlivingmagazine.com

Courtesy of the Fairmont Mayacoba

going places.

78 november 2023 marin living.

THE ART OF ENTERTAINING Holiday entertaining tips with Applegate Tran; a family-centered getaway to Mexico’s Riviera Maya; meeting the folks behind BAADS; and an art exhibit for music lovers.

The Fairmont Mayacoba is an oasis for families traveling together.

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land & sea.

C O M E SA I L AWAY

Every weekend, San Francisco Bay welcomes the Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors, proving that everyone can find some wind in their sails.

KATHI PUGH’S INTRODUCTION TO THE Bay Area Association of Disabled Sailors (BAADS, www.baads.org) was a blend of excitement and humor. “My world was forever rocked,” she says, recalling her first sail with them. And then there was the fact that the organization’s mascot is a pirate with an eye patch and a hook: “The original disabled sailor!” The idea for BAADS was formed in the late 1980s, when participants in the Lake Merritt Adapted Boating Program in Oakland expressed interest in sailing on the San Francisco Bay. Today, BAADS operates out of San Francisco’s South Beach Harbor. Pugh and her husband joined the organization in 1992, and she currently serves as BAADS’s commodore. While she had long been an active, outdoorsy

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person, a snow skiing accident in college left her paralyzed from the chest down. “For somebody with my disability, there’s so few recreational opportunities out there, especially ones that challenge you, that are outdoors,” says Pugh. But BAADS reintroduced her to the sporting lifestyle she’d missed and has created new possibilities for countless other members over the years. BAADS’ fleet includes several Hansa “small boats” in double- and single-seat versions, all specifically designed for people with disabilities; some of the boats are also equipped with servomotors, which can allow people with severe physical disabilities to sail solo. The rest of the fleet is made up of a handful of large keelboats, each specially rigged and

All images by Josh Maddox

By Caitlin Hamer

All of BAADS’s fleet is designed for people with disabilities and some boats even have servomotors, which can allow for solo sails.

equipped with adaptive features. The volunteer-run organization strives to accommodate everyone, regardless of experience level, and with all forms of disabilities. “I have a disability where my arms and legs don’t work at all, and I drive my chair with a chin control,” says Cristina Rubke, who has been sailing with BAADS since 2007. “They were like, ‘We can put that feature on a boat and you can sail by yourself.’ ” Though

she didn’t quite believe them, within a few months BAADS had adapted a boat for her. Now she not only sails recreationally, but races on a national and international level. “I’ve been sailing with other organizations, but it’s nice to be in a place where it’s not about my disability; it’s about my sailing and what we can do to make it work in any circumstances,” says Rubke. While Rubke and Pugh both love the challenge of sailing, Pugh also views the activity as something that all people can appreciate: “Once you’re on the water, looking out at the city, you never look at the bay the same way,” says Pugh, who controls the boats with a joystick. “You see dolphins, harbor seals, sea lions and the last couple years people have seen whales. It is so magical.” BAADS operates year-round, weather depending, with small boat sailing on Saturdays and keelboat sailing on Sundays. For anyone unsure if physical limitations might impede ability to participate, Pugh says, it’s worthwhile to try: “It’s a whole new world out there.”

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new digs.

LIFE OF THE PARTY Entertaining friends and family during the holidays should be a joyful experience, but as we all know it can get very stressful very quickly. We turned to San Francisco–based designers and frequent hosts Vernon Applegate and Gioi Tran to guide us through the ins and outs of how to make holiday gatherings happy for everyone — including the ones hosting.

California is known for its indoor-outdoor lifestyle and this is particularly wonderful when entertaining; how do you keep guests warm on terraces and in gardens? Vernon: A fire pit is always a great idea because it gives off some heat, but I probably would lay beautiful alpaca throws on chairs and sofas. Standing heaters can be really bulky and block views. 82 november 2023 marin living.

What is your favorite cocktail to serve during the holidays? Vernon: I’m not an eggnog kind of guy so we usually serve something like a Paloma or greyhound, which is grapefruit with either vodka or tequila for the holidays. And I would dress it up with either dried cranberries or dried blood oranges to give it more of a Christmas feel. Gioi: Yes, I agree. I love a greyhound or anything with mezcal.

Christopher Stark

By Casey Gillespie

Candles and flowers make any tablescape both beautiful and inviting.

www.stock.adobe.com/Anneleven

Here’s a controversial topic: guests’ shoes on or off in the house? Vernon: It’s really up to the host, but I would make sure that my guests know before they come if it is a shoes-off location. I would also make sure that I had some really stylish slippers or moccasins that people could slip on. That would be fun. They should fit the theme of the party, so for a holiday party I would make sure they are festive. It also opens people up for wearing really fun socks. Then it would be a conversation starter instead of “oh my god, you’ve ruined my outfit.” Gioi: I would order colorful slip-ons made in Morocco in various sizes and colors so each guest could take them home as a gift. Any tips on getting the holiday tablescape right? Vernon: Over-the-top centerpieces are beautiful, but sometimes impractical. However, you can leave them as people sit down so it looks festive, but just before you plate the meal they might go onto a buffet or a table nearby. Gioi: You can never go wrong with lots of candles and fresh flowers. What is the best way for people to enjoy their own party instead of spending the whole time in the kitchen? Gioi: There is nothing pretentious about hiring a chef to make your guests feel

special for the holidays or simply ordering dinner to be delivered. It is about the presentation and celebrating friendships. Vernon: It depends on your budget and what you want to spend. But I think preparing as much as you can ahead of time, thinking about the menu and saying, OK, how can I have something that’s elegant and special? But also something where I’m not tied down preparing it all while my guests are here. So yes, go ahead and order from a restaurant, then just heat it up and present it on beautiful dinnerware in a beautiful setting. It doesn’t matter if you have a five-course meal by a Michelin-star chef as long as it is something that makes your guests feel special. marin living. november 2023 83

voyager.

Hotel Xcaret Mexico is located in Playa del Carmen.

CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE The challenge of planning a trip for multiple family members is made easy in Mexico’s Riviera Maya.

WE WERE QUITE THE GROUP walking along a sliver of white crescent beach dotted with heaps of red algae and lapped by aquamarine waters. My father, still wiry and fit even though he had turned 70 the year before, walked ahead with our affable guide, Pascual. My husband and 84 november 2023 marin living.

pregnant sister were beside me as we waited for my 6-year-old son, Wylie, who scampered along the sand. When we checked into Hotel Esencia (from $1,570 a night; www.hotelesencia.com), 30 minutes northeast of Tulum, the concierge told us about the family of manatees

Courtesy of Hotel Xcaret Mexico

By Casey Hatfield-Chiotti

Hotel Esencia (right and below) is located between Cancun and Tulum.

talking about a multigenerational spring break trip to Mexico a year before. The planning would largely be left to me, the travel aficionado in the family, and I was nervous. My sisters and I had eight children between us; where would a group age 3 to 70 be entertained? We settled on the Caribbean coastline known as the Riviera Maya. While Cancun and Tulum have become more adult and nightlife-focused, resorts along the quieter stretch in between have made a conscious effort to welcome families with kids’ clubs, complimentary children’s meals, help with child care and large suites that can accommodate groups.

Courtesy of Hotel Esencia

living in a cenote — the Yucatán Peninsula is known for the natural sinkholes exposing groundwater — near the hotel. It was possible to see the gentle marine mammals with a guide. Everyone else in our group had gone earlier in the week and told us how magical it was swimming with the creatures. Pascual led us through an unused hotel property destroyed by Hurricane Wilma in 2005, next to Esencia; the jungle had reclaimed it with trees growing up through crumbling former hotel rooms. When we got to the lagoon, Pascual gave us snorkel gear and pulled out paddleboards from beside a wooden dock. We searched for the manatees in the calm blue water and looked below every tangle of mangrove. “Sometimes the family goes out into the ocean,” said Pascual apologetically. “Usually, the mom and the baby stay behind, but they don’t seem to be here today.” We still had a packed itinerary and plenty to look forward to. My mom had started

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voyager.

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Maroma (above and below) recently reopened after a renovation.

William Jess Laird

Two new properties offer refreshing takes on family-friendly hospitality. Maroma, A Belmond Hotel (from $1,095 a night; www.belmond.com), reopened following a renovation in August on 200 acres of lush jungle along a silky white sand beach. It has just 72 rooms, villas and suites done up in local materials and artisanal patterns, like handwoven textiles from Oaxaca and traditional glazed Saltillo floor tiles from Guadalajara. The residential-style rooms, particularly the one- and two-bedroom beachfront suites with direct beach access, are comfortable for families, who can visit a sea turtle sanctuary, go snorkeling and stargaze — Maroma has been deemed an ideal place to stargaze by the United Nations World Tourism Organization. Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection (from $999 a night; www.aubergeresorts.com), which opened in 2021, has a modern Mexican restaurant and a highly curated contemporary art collection, but it also has a club where kids can make sandcastles and piñatas and has two swimming pools.

It’s hard to imagine a hotel could be more family-accommodating than Hotel Esencia. The former home of an Italian duchess is understated and posh, but nothing felt too precious to touch. Kids could run on the wide lawns and splash in the family pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea. The property’s wildlife: two resident peacocks, lizards sunning themselves on the grass, turtles living in a small cenote and coatis hopping through the trees endlessly entertained the children. Family-friendly events happen throughout the year, like the upcoming Thanksgiving dinner with a Mexican twist (think roast turkey with mole and apple tacos for dessert). Daily children’s activities included mask decorating and jewelry making. The large suites slept four comfortably with two queen-size beds, and the hotel helped arrange sitters so we could enjoy a sushi dinner at Taiyo or grab a mezcal margarita in the hotel’s speakeasy bar. Still, the point of the trip was family time. We geared up for a full day at Xel-Há (www.xelha.com), a cenote water park 20 minutes from the hotel. In a

Courtesy of Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection

A guest room at Etéreo, Auberge Resorts Collection

lagoon beside the sea, and I was impressed by the sheer number of activities and the park’s natural beauty. While we passed on swimming with dolphins, we were happy to snorkel in the lagoon, cliff jump, float through a mangrove forest and zip-line over the water. When the older kids decided they wanted to do the towering lighthouse waterslide, I took my 3-year-old — the only one too young to go — on an adventure through a tree obstacle course. We were all tired but ravenous that night, and we ate at Beefbar, Hotel Esencia’s steakhouse beneath a giant palapa. After the kids devoured lobster tacos and brickoven pizza, they built forts using pillows in the grass while the adults chitchatted over glasses of rosé and bourbon cocktails. Later in the week, a small group decided to go on a day trip to UNESCO-protected Chichén Itza (www.chichenitza.com), the ruins of an ancient Mayan city that are Mexico’s most-visited archaeological attraction, while others decided to stay at the hotel for spa treatments and more pool and ocean time. The key to planning a

successful multigenerational trip, it seemed, was setting up easy moments together but leaving enough room for spontaneity and exploring in smaller groups. On our last morning at Esencia, we met Pascual at 8 a.m. As I paddled on the water again, I worried that a manatee sighting wasn’t in the cards. Soon after, Pascual pointed at what looked like white spotted rocks below. “That’s the mom and the baby,” he said in a hushed voice. He instructed us to put our snorkel gear on and slip into the water quietly. The manatees began swimming and we followed along. Pascual said it was all right to touch the baby — who was curious and friendly — if he was close enough. We watched as they dove down and swam back up to the surface with a swish of their fan-like tails. My father held his breath and dove as deep as they were. At one point, the baby swam close enough to my son so he could gently stroke its back. The manatees would forget us soon after we’d gone, but for our family, the outing was unforgettable. marin living. november 2023 87

voyager.

A guest room at the Fairmont Mayacoba (left); a scenic spot at Hotel Xcaret Mexico (below)

MORE FAMILY FUN Here are more ideas for a family-friendly Riviera Maya vacation, an area that will be even easier to explore when a new train route debuts in December.

The Fairmont Mayakoba (from $255 a night; www.fairmont.com) has five palm-fringed pools, 10 dining venues with kids’ menus (children 5 and under eat free, and kids 6 to 12 dine for half price), freshwater canals that families can tour by boat and 240 wild acres of mangrove forest teeming with exotic monkeys, coatis and macaws. The resort also puts on fun cultural events, such as Mexican fiestas and kids’ carnivals.

While Chichén Itza gets all the attention, the Mayan ruins of Coba, 45 minutes northwest of Tulum, are equally interesting. With a fraction of the visitors, it’s easier for families to explore, and there are bikes and rickshaws to rent so the whole gang can see impressive pyramids and other sites without hearing the dreaded “Are we there yet?” The local cenotes are fun to explore, too.

At all-inclusive Hotel Xcaret Mexico (from $830 a night; www.hotelxcaret.com), a large resort in Playa del Carmen, there’s a watery playground that has a kids’ pool with octopus-shaped slides, a waterfall and a small rock-climbing wall. Families can play together in the Family Club with pool tables, a minisoccer table and air hockey.

88 november 2023 marin living.

The luxurious Rosewood Mayakoba (from $1,309 a night; www. rosewoodhotels.com) resort, built along winding lagoons and a milelong arc of beach, has renovated suites with plunge pools, butler service and garden showers. Kids can also participate in Rosewood Explorers, a children’s program where daily activities include yoga, eco boat tours with a biologist, scavenger hunts and Spanish lessons.

The expansive Xcaret (www.xcaret.com) nature park is part zoo, part cultural attraction. Families can swim in underground rivers, pet sharks and see Mayan ruins.

Courtesy of theFairmont Mayacoba and Xcaret

party.

01 03

ABOUT LAST This intimate event was both a celebration and an exploration of Riggs Distributing’s luxury offerings. While chef Michael Priest wowed attendees with his culinary creations, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars provided the exquisite wine. Revelers were taken on a journey discovering all that Sub-Zero, Wolf and Cove kitchen appliances can do.

NIGHT. MARIN LIVING DESIGN EVENT WITH RIGGS DISTRIBUTING

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

07 01. Joy Chopra and Rishi Chopra 02. Anita Kung, Jack Kyle and Carlyn Wahl 03. Chef giving a presentation on appliances. 04. Jack Hotho, Jasmine O., Omar Sinada and Jordan Guthrie 05. Gracie Mendoza 06. Alia Crook 07. Chefs Michael Priest, Ivan Dubriwny and Taylor Jones 08. Steve Saude and Carrie Moler

90 november 2023 marin living.

Natalie Schrik for Drew Altizer Photography

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party.

ABOUT LAST The evening was a tribute to distinguished Bay Area designers, makers and builders whose dedication and creativity have played a pivotal role in shaping our community. Poliform San Francisco hosted the event at its incredible showroom, which is nestled in the heart of the Design District. Bites were prepared by Poliform’s in-house chef, while wines were provided by Patz & Hall.

NIGHT. MARIN LIVING BAY AREA DESIGN EVENT WITH POLIFORM OCTOBER 4, 2023

01. Maria Almirantearena, Jennifer Hale, Cita RojasSila, Marianne Bauer and Amy Friedberg 02. Alex Vong and Annie Shao 03. Gioi Tran and Vernon Applegate 04. The evening’s decor 05. Chef Danny Villan 06. Partygoers in the Poliform showroom 07. Food provided by chef Danny Villan 08. Milla Petrolino, Samara Geller and Margaret Ruffo

08 06 07 92 november 2023 marin living.

Jessica Monroy for Drew Altizer Photography

rooted in mill valley.

MEET

THE Jim Wickham is a fourth-generation resident focused on community who has served as mayor twice. By Daniel Jewett

When did you become mayor and what is your history of public service in Mill Valley? I was elected to the city council in 2015 and served as mayor in 2019–2020 and 2022–2023. My council term will end in December 2024. I’ve served on numerous community boards and committees and I worked 37 years for the Mill Valley Police Department. I’ve lived here my entire life, over six decades. I met my late wife, Suzanne, here; we married at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church and raised our five beautiful children in Mill Valley. What has made this a good place to raise a family? Mill Valley is home and all five of my children love returning or even living here. Today, we have one of the best elementary

94 november 2023 marin living.

and middle school systems in Marin, and Tamalpais High School has the appearance of a college campus. Our city parks and thousands of acres of natural beauty surround us. Within minutes you can find yourself on the hundreds of trails hiking past waterfalls, shorelines and grasslands. Why is Mill Valley a good place for small businesses? The heart of our community is the retail businesses that make up part of our identity. The city is constantly working with our business community, looking at ways on how we can streamline permitting as we partner with our chamber on the right strategy to market Mill Valley as an art designation. We recently completed a multimillion-dollar infrastructure improvement which

included more pedestrian and bicyclefriendly experiences. How are location, size and climate important to Mill Valley and its businesses? Mill Valley’s proximity to the rest of the San Francisco Bay Area provides access to a large customer base, as well as opportunities for collaboration with other businesses in the region. What distinguishes the community and lifestyle in Mill Valley? Mill Valley thrives on community involvement — there’s a passion of interest for everyone. Mill Valley is known for its vibrant arts scene, including galleries, theaters and music festivals. What are Mill Valley’s challenges as it heads into the future? Our city’s infrastructure is at risk for significant decline within the next 15 years. The city council has appointed a temporary study committee to review infrastructure reports and funding options and make a recommendation to the council. We need to address those areas sooner rather than later.

www.stock.adobe.com/Chris (left); courtesy of Jim Wickham

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THEART OF

WHEN SOLSTICE GALLERY (www.solsticegallery.com) was looking for an artist to kick off the first show of the fall season, one that would play into the theme of blending art and music, gallery director Julie Greene knew just the person to call — longtime friend and legendary producer and musician Daniel Lanois. That’s because the producer, well known for his work with U2, Neil Young, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Peter Gabriel and others, had another side to his creativity that few people knew about. “This is really the first big U.S. debut of his visual art, which I think is really exciting, because one of our missions is to show that artists aren’t just one-trick ponies,” Greene says about Lanois’ abstract photography projects that he produces on his phone. “I love to inspire people to think outside the box.” “It’s convenient to expect the same thing from an artist and that’s fine. But I think it holds true with artists that their energy bleeds into other formats and 96 november 2023 marin living.

SOUND

Solstice Gallery brings the art (and music) of Grammy Award– winning producer Daniel Lanois to Mill Valley. By Daniel Jewett

territories,” says Lanois (www.daniellanois.com), who explains that he has been taking photos since he was a kid but the iPhone offered a new way to produce, filter and collage images together. “I’ve always been visually driven. It’s just the way I work in the studio.” As for Solstice, the trick was to take these phone-size images and make them shine in the gallery. They did that by using their framing expertise to set the images (sometimes in diptychs or

large-scale triptychs) off in fields of black to create a floating effect. The images, which are for sale as signed pieces through November 30, are even more magical because they are paired with a two-hour sound track of unreleased music that Lanois put together specifically for the show. Lanois knows what it’s like to help other creative people realize their potential. “Lucky for me I got a chance to work with some really great artists. And I was able to slip into their thing and ride away with them for a while,” he says about his production work. “My job at that point was to make sure that they flourished as much as possible and for me to maybe see something in them that hadn’t come out yet.” Lanois is treating this show like any other artistic challenge and opportunity. “I had a conversation with a friend last night. I said, ‘Why do we do what we do? We could just sit on the back porch and play a little guitar and not be worried about too much,’ ” he says. “We do what we do because we have received the gift and we have a responsibility to the gift, which is to make something significant and beautiful with it.”

Courtesy of Daniel Lanois; middle image from a still by Marthe Vannebo

Daniel Lanois’ digital art from left to right: “Crossing,” “Carolina” and “Sudden.”

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