BEST of 2010 ----------------------------Il Davide
901 A St., San Rafael 454.8080 2ND Il Fornaio, Corte Madera 3RD Sorella Cafe, Fairfax
BEST JAPANESE RESTAURANT
++ Shah Bahreyni Boca Steak
Sam Ramadan Boca Steak
‘Alas! Either the locks were too large, or the key was too small.’
Latin Jazz (bittersweet chocolate with chili pepper) and the unofficial house specialty, vanilla honey lavender. Seasonal flavors include eggnog and organic pumpkin; several varieties are vegan-friendly. Even the waffle cones are made fresh on the premises! ----------------------------Fairfax Scoop
63 Broadway, Fairfax 453.3130 2ND Double Rainbow, San Rafael 3RD Woody’s Yogurt Place, Mill Valley
BEST INDEPENDENT COFFEE HOUSE AND BEST BAKERY “I have measured out my life with coffee spoons,” T.S. Eliot so eloquently said. And Marinites have been measuring their lives the same way for years at Emporio Rulli. The Larkspur favorite is the spot for county residents to idle over a cup of joe, write the great American novel or sit and contemplate life’s rich pageant. Rulli’s a sweet-smelling garden of freshly baked delights, served up with silky, robust cappuccinos, macchiatos, lattes and espressos blended from fresh-roasted beans. And Best of Marin coffee should always be paired with Best of Marin baked goods, so don’t be shy with Emporio Rulli’s fruit tarts, tiramisu, Amalfi (with pistachios and limoncello) or the—trust us on this one—dark Venetian Doge. ----------------------------Emporio Rulli
464 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur 924.7478 Coffee 2NDDr. Insomnia’s, Novato 3RDAroma CafÈ, San Rafael Bakery 2NDSweet Things, Tiburon 3RDBovine Bakery, Point Reyes Station
BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT With its numerous wins in this category,
readers and international food-lovers agree: Lotus Cuisine of India puts the “yummy” in biriyani and the “mmm” in masala, serving wholesome and satisfying contemporary North Indian cuisine created from traditional recipes. Lotus’ chef for the past 11 years, “Lal,” uses fresh, handpicked ingredients and organic produce wherever possible to enhance a plethora of meat and vegetarian dishes, as well as providing gluten-free and vegan options. And their affordable and abundant lunch buffet continues its popularity among downtown San Rafael diners. Lotus owner Pal Sroa has come a long way since making donuts as the son of grocers and has recently opened Anokha in Novato, adding to his family-owned consortium of scrumptiousness with Lotus in San Rafael, Cafe Lotus in Fairfax and the Old Town Bistro in Novato. ----------------------------Lotus Cuisine of India
704 Fourth St., San Rafael 456.5808 2ND Bombay Garden, San Rafael 3RD Avatar’s, Sausalito
Scott Whitman and Mitsunori Kusakabe, executive chefs at Sushi Ran, say the basis of their success is “the endless pursuit of trying to produce the best food and select perfect ingredients.” The result is not only one of the best Japanese restaurants in Marin, but in the country. Whitman, who trained at the California Culinary Academy, concentrates on the Western style aspects of the menu, which uses largely locally produced ingredients and organic vegetables from boutique farms, and sushi master Kusakabe brings Japanese artistry and expertise to traditional, classic dishes using the best fresh seafood that can be obtained. The menu is highly seasonal and always changing, which is just the way the creative chefs like it. ----------------------------Sushi Ran
107 Caledonia St., Sausalito 332.3620 2ND Robata Grill & Sushi, Mill Valley 3RD Taki, Novato
BEST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT Parents of squirmy tykes can vouch for the relief granted by Avi Bikszer and his kidtastic Easy Street Cafe. A father of five, Avi understands that sometimes it takes more than the usual “crayons and kids’ menus” that most restaurants provide to entertain the little ones during a sit-down meal. “My own experience is that kids need to go somewhere and parents need to feel comfortable.” So Avi built a special “kids section” in his cafe—an oversized dollhouse that takes up the center of the
restaurant and comes equipped with video screens and speakers—that’s also clearly visible to parents, as they dine at tables surrounding the area. About 90 percent of the staff are parents, and the menu for both kids and adults veers toward healthy international comfort foods, with lots of fruits and veggies, organic ingredients and vegetarian options. ----------------------------Easy Street Cafe
882 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo 453.1984 2ND Wipeout Bar & Grill, Greenbrae 3RD Sorella Cafe, Fairfax
BEST LOCAL WINERY “Grape juice, passion and alchemy” are what drives winemaker Paul Kreider and his award-winning creations at Ross Valley Winery. A winemaker since 1972, Kreider began utilizing grapes from a small family vineyard in 1987, then adopting a “Burgundian” stance—“intervening as little as possible”—when manufacturing his fermented juices, allowing the wine to make itself. Now specializing in singlevineyard, single-varietals, Kreider (along with two-year apprentice Kerry Kirkham) runs the winery operation in back, with the tasting room and retail boutique in front. Winemaking can be a tough business, but Kreider is committed to the pursuit, still finding fun in meeting new people and “creating something with nothing.” And it’s Kreider’s flavorful creations and expertise that inspired Kirkham to volunteer— although she admits winemaking is not what the movies depict it to be. “It’s very messy, not romantic,” she says, smiling. “I’m amazed at how much dedication it takes.” Also promoting sustainability, Ross Valley Winery is offering a “Lug-a-Jug” program for customers who bring clean glass wine containers with stoppers for Kreider to fill with one of several red or white 28 >
BEST ITALIAN RESTAURANT After 15 years in business, Il Davide has the recipe for a winning restaurant. Their extensive wine list, stocked with Italian and California selections, is designed to pair with the Tuscan-influenced menu. Claiming the largest selections of wines by the glass in Marin, customers have the benefit of choice. The constantly changing menu is extensive and diverse, offering diners a variety of pastas, fresh salads, seafood and innovative specials. The $10 lunchtime pasta and salad is renowned with 12 or 13 different dishes to choose from alongside a generous pile of crisp greens. Signature items such as Ravioli di Zucca and Calamari Dorati are perennial favorites. Il Davide would like to thank their loyal clients for all their support.
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Greg Maple High Tech Burrito
Mikyo Riggs Marin MMA
‘Come back!’ the Caterpillar called after her. ‘I’ve something important to say!’ MARCH 26 – APRIL 1, 2010 PACIFIC SUN 27