
15 minute read
Flavor Salmon
Gone Fishing
This Sausalito restaurant serves seafood you can feel good about eating.
“W HAT’S GREAT ABOUT being part of the Scoma’s family is having a soapbox to talk about responsibility,” says chef Gordon Drysdale. Drysdale, of Gordon’s House of Fine Eats and Bacchus Management Group fame, has been Scoma’s culinary director for nearly two years; the responsibility he’s referring to is environmental. Since the beginning of his tenure he’s been committed to serving seafood that follows the guidelines of the Seafood Watch Program, helping the iconic Bridgeway restaurant stay relevant in the process. “The Scoma’s boat is approved for salmon and Dungeness crab and fishes seasonally, going out from Pier 47,” Drysdale says. “Millennials are concerned about where their food comes from,” but so are others, he adds, noting that diners today are more knowledgeable in general. Scoma’s is famous for being a longtime family-run business: In 1969, partners Al and Joe Scoma and Victor and Roland Gotti purchased the site that became Scoma’s Sausalito, and the collaboration between the families continues to this day, with second- and third-generation members running the show. This recipe for fresh salmon tail and chimichurri is an example of the revamped fare under Drysdale’s leadership. scomassausalito.com KASIA PAWLOWSKA
RECIPE
Salmon Tail and Chimichurri a la Scoma
SERVES 1–2 PEOPLE
Ingredients
3 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced 6 tablespoons fresh peeled ginger, minced ¾ cup rice vinegar 4 teaspoons Red Boat fish sauce (or other quality brand) 2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 teaspoons fresh black pepper 1 cup gently packed chopped cilantro or parsley 1½ cups gently packed chopped mint 1 cup gently packed thin-sliced scallions (equal amounts white and green) 1 cup rice oil ¼ cup water 2 limes 1 salmon tail, cut about 3 inches up into the meat Ligurian olive oil (to coat) Maldon sea salt (to taste) Seasonal farmers’ market vegetables (baby
Nantes carrots, French breakfast radishes, pickled ramps, baby turnips with tops) 1 lemon, sliced
To Prepare
For chimichurri 1 Add garlic and ginger to the vinegar, fish sauce, salt and pepper; let macerate for one hour. 2 Add cilantro or parsley, mint, scallions, rice oil, water and zest of two limes. 3 Stir well and adjust seasoning if necessary. 4 Cover tightly and place in the refrigerator. For salmon tail 1 Take salmon tail, rub lightly with olive oil, sprinkle with sea salt, and reserve refrigerated until one hour before serving. 2 Prep vegetables: wash everything thoroughly and carefully, and dry as much as possible; the vegetables could be the ones pictured or any mix of fresh, pickled, sautéed or steamed vegetables that go well with salmon. 3 Just before serving time, light a fire in the grill; let fire burn down to a medium-hot level so salmon skin doesn’t burn or stick. 4 Clean grates thoroughly, then oil them well. 5 Add the salmon tail and cook about 5–7 minutes first side. 6 Flip and cook about 4–5 minutes on second side. 7 Let tail rest for 5 minutes, then plate it surrounded by lemons, vegetables, chimichurri and olive oil and serve.

a California flair. There’s a private banquet room for special events. 850 Lamont Ave, 415.893.1892, hilltop1892.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD BR º
MARVIN’S RESTAURANT
American Voted “Best Breakfast in Novato,” this spot is known for serving up generous portions of Americanstyle breakfast and lunch fare at a great value. The corned beef hash, benedicts and superb service attract a consistent crowd all year round. 1112 Grant Ave, 415.892.4482 $ s ∞
RUSTIC BAKERY
California Organic pastries, breads, salads and sandwiches are on the menu here, including daily seasonal specials. Try the Marin Melt — Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt. Tam and Point Reyes Toma cheeses grilled on honey whole wheat, served with dressed baby greens and crisp apple slices. 1407 Grant Ave, 415.878.4952, rusticbakery.com b $$ s ∞ BLD BR
THE SPEAKEASY
American There’s nothing like the comfort of a solid burger and beer when you’re kicking back and watching the game, and the Speakeasy provides you with just that. In addition to the 10 beers on tap, you can go beyond traditional pub grub with treats like a deconstructed salmon salad. 504 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.7793, thespeakeasynovato.com b º
SAN ANSELMO
COMFORTS CAFE
American Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down patio and serves breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. A large take-out section offers fresh bakery items, seasonal salads, soups, sandwiches and even entrees for dinner at home. Besides the famous and popular Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stuffed pecan-crusted French toast, flavorful scrambles, Chicken Okasan ( nicknamed “Crack Chicken” by fans) and wonton soup. 335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840, comfortscafe.com b $$ s ∞ BL BR
L’APPART RESTO
French French specialties, local favorites and a $35 three- course prix fixe menu are served up in an energetic yet sophisticated environment. Check out the live music on Thursdays. 636 San Anselmo Ave, 415.256.9884, lappartresto.com b $$ s ∞ LD BR
M.H. BREAD AND
BUTTER California This one-stop shop offers everything from coffee and pastries to artisan bread and braised meats. High-quality ingredients and a comfortable atmosphere make MH worth checking out. 101 San Anselmo Ave, 415.755.4575, mhbreadandbutter.com $$ s ∞ BL BR
VALENTI & CO. Italian This bright and cozy space is the ideal environment for authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients. A seat at the chef’s table gives a prime view of the open kitchen. 337 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.7800, valentico.com b $$$ D SAN RAFAEL
GREEN CHILE KITCHEN
Mexican Don’t let the name fool you; while green chilies are present on the menu, many other varieties are also featured. From the organic, house made, blue corn tortillas to the red chile chicken wings, this restaurant located in downtown San Rafael offers a cornucopia of hues and flavors. 1335 Fourth St, 415.521.5691, greenchilekitchen.com b $$ s LD
FLATIRON American The remodeled Flatiron is where refined American bar food lives happily in its ideal environment – among a bevy of craft beers. Owned by the Strickers, a husband and wife duo, this polished sports bar offers food like chili lime cauliflower, classic sandwiches, as well as truffle and waffle fries in a space that also features classic arcade games. 724 B St, 415.453.4318, flatironsanrafael.com s $$ LD º
IL DAVIDE Italian The large selection of innovative and classic Tuscan dishes and house-made pasta has kept locals coming back for years. Ingredients are organic and locally sourced where possible, and there’s a vast selection of both Italian and California wines by the glass. Don’t leave without trying the limoncello. 901 A St, 415.454.8080, ildavide.net s $$$ s ∞ C LD
RANGE CAFE American With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the grand Peacock Gap lawns, the Range Cafe is the perfect place for comforting American classics with an elegant twist. This inviting lunchtime cafe with its ice-cold lemonade and refreshing chardonnays makes a great dinner spot once the sun sets. 333 Biscayne Dr, 415.454.6450, rangecafe.net s $$ s ∞ C BLD º
VIN ANTICO American Vin Antico, “where passion meets the plate,” serves seasonal marketinspired cuisine like stone-oven-baked flatbreads, handmade pastas and organic salads, all innovatively prepared. The kitchen is open to the dining room and there’s a full bar with artisan cocktails. 881 Fourth St, 415.721.0600, vinantico.com s $$ s C LD º
SAUSALITO
BAR BOCCE American Food just tastes better on a bayside patio with fire pits and a bocce ball court. Order one of the sourdough bread pizzas and a glass of wine and you’ll see why this casual eatery, overseen by Robert Price of Buckeye and Bungalow 44, has become a local favorite. 1250 Bridgeway, 415.331.0555, barbocce.com s $$ s ∞ LD
BARREL HOUSE
TAVERN California Stop by Barrel House for great local food enhanced by fantastic bay and city views. The relaxed urban setting is a perfect match for the barrel-aged cocktails. 660 Bridgeway, 415.729.9593, barrelhousetavern.com s $$$ s ∞ LD º
I‘iwi © Jack Jeffrey Photography
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
Opening of Hawai‘i Island Coast to Coast Birding Trail
Guest speakers including Dr. Sam Gon III (The Nature Conservancy of Hawai‘i)
Guided field trips on land and sea
Trade show for outdoor and birding equipment
Bird-themed arts and crafts fair
Photography and painting workshops

For more information and registration: hawaiibirdingtrails.com
FOLLOW HAWAII ISLAND BIRDING TRAIL ON
Mama’s Spaghetti and Meatballs

DAVEY JONES DELI
American Stationed in the New Bait Shop Market, Davey Jones Deli offers houseroasted sandwich meats, healthy condiments and local, organic vegetables; the deli serves sandwiches, veggie-wiches, wraps and salads with vegetarian, vegan and meat-lover options. Because the sandwiches are so generous, this easy stop is great during a day of boating, biking, hiking, and general adventuring around Marin. Gate 6 Rd, 415.331.2282, daveyjonesdeli.com b $$ s ∞ L
F3/FAST FOOD
FRANCAIS French Owned and operated by the owners of Le Garage, F3 serves brunch, lunch and dinner featuring “Frenchified” American comfort food. A rotating menu includes items like the Luxe burger (Diestel turkey, brie, lettuce and a fried egg topped with truffle aioli). Enjoy with a side of Brussels sprout chips or pommes dauphines (tater tots). 39 Caledonia St, 415.887.9047, eatf3.com s $$ s ∞ LD BR
KITTI’S PLACE Thai/ California This homestyle family restaurant has been in Sausalito 20 years and features favorites like lettuce cups, soft spring rolls and weekly specials. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.331.0390, kittisplace.com b $$ s ∞ LD
LE GARAGE French Escape the tourist crush for an indulgent Sausalito brunch right on the water. The • TOMATINA Italian Tomatina takes a modern approach to traditional Italian recipes. Offering housemade pasta, pizzas and signature piadine: fresh, hot flatbreads topped with cool salads, ready to fold and eat. 5800 Northgate Mall, 415.479.3200, tomatina.com s $$ s ∞ LD º
atmosphere is animated with light French music (à la Amélie), and the much-adored croquemonsieur is under $10. Indoor or outdoor seating. 85 Liberty Ship Way, 415.332.5625, legaragebistro sausalito.com b $$$ s ∞ BLD BR
MURRAY CIRCLE
American Cavallo Point’s acclaimed restaurant features local seasonal fare by executive chef Justin Everett, with pairings from an extensive wine list and tempting desserts. Stop by Farley Bar for cocktails with a view. 601 Murray Circle, 415.339.4750, cavallopoint.com s $$$ s ∞ C BLD BR
POGGIO Italian Executive chef Benjamin Balesteri creates Northern Italian fare using fresh and local ingredients. Private dining rooms above the restaurant can accommodate larger parties (10 to 150 guests). 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771, poggiotratoria.com s $$$ s ∞ C BLD
SCOMA’S OF
SAUSALITO Italian The Scoma’s boat fishes seasonally, going out from Pier 47 and is approved for salmon and Dungeness crab resulting in fresh catches year-round. The menu regularly features whole crabs, chowders, grilled fish and house specialties. 588 Bridgeway, 415.332.9551, scomas sausalito.com s $$ C LD
SUSHI RAN Japanese Sample innovative small plates just big enough to share before enjoying some of the best sushi the Bay Area has to offer; the prices don’t deter the herd of enthusiasts who line up nightly to partake. Just stopping by? The wine, cocktail and sake lists keep even the pickiest barfly satisfied. Reservations are required in the main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620, sushiran.com s $$ ∞ LD
TIBURON
CAPRICE California Book the private party room for large groups or just relax in this romantic dinner spot. Take advantage of the restaurant’s wellpriced three-course dinners for less than $25, and don’t miss prime rib Mondays. 2000 Paradise Dr, 415.435.3400, thecaprice.com s $$$ D
RUSTIC BAKERY
California The newest location of this beloved bakery offers the same menu as the other locations as well as outdoor dining. Enjoy a wide selection of fresh salads, sandwiches and pastries on the boardwalk. 1550 Tiburon Blvd, 415.797.6123, rusticbakery.com b $$ s C BLD BR
SALT & PEPPER
American This sunfilled one-room restaurant, featuring hardwood floors and blue-checkered tablecloths, is an area favorite. Popular items include scallops, ribeye steak, a beef burger and traditional crab cakes with jalapeño dipping sauce. 38 Main St, 415.435.3594 b s ∞ LD
SAM’S ANCHOR CAFE
American Sam’s deck is a popular spot for brunch on a lazy sunny Sunday, and its bar is the town’s historic watering hole, but Sam’s is also a great place for lunch or dinner. Sample a seasonal menu served all day, every day. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, samscafe.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD BR º
SERVINO RISTORANTE
Italian Chef and owner Angelo Servino highlights organic ingredients in an array of rustic Italian dishes, including house-made pastas, wood oven pizzas, and seasonal specialties. Located on the bay in Tiburon, Servino also prides itself on itsextensive sustainable seafood program. Savor la dolce vita on the waterfront patio. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD BR º
WEST MARIN
NICK’S COVE American Nick’s Cove offers a coastal escape on Tomales Bay, serving famous barbecued local oysters, Dungeness crab mac ’n’ cheese and cocktails using home-grown ingredients. Large windows in the 130seat restaurant provide picturesque views of Tomales Bay and Hog Island. (Marshall). 23240 Hwy 1, 415.663.1033, nickscove.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD BR
OSTERIA STELLINA California Whether it’s to cap off a ay of hiking or celebrate a romantic anniversary, Osteria Stellina suits any occasion. The menu is Italian-inspired and features local, organic
Beignet at Salito’s, Sausalito
ingredients. If you’re up for something unusual, try the goat shoulder, a hit with both tourists and locals (Point Reyes). 11285 Hwy 1, 415.663.9988, osteriastellina.com b $$ s LD

PARKSIDE CAFE
American Perfect for a sit-down alfresco meal or for grabbing a burger to enjoy on the beach. Beautiful patio garden seating, ocean views, and private wood-fired dinners make this café a relaxing retreat. If you’re on the go, check out the new market and bakery. Choose from an array of organic, locally grown produce, artisan meats and wild seafood (Stinson). 43 Arenal Ave, 415.868.1272, parksidecafe.com s $$$ s ∞ C BLD
RANCHO NICASIO
American Known for live music and an extensive menu featuring everything from Dungeness crab cakes to garlic-rosemary lamb medallions, Rancho Nicasio is open seven days a week. Be sure to stop in for happy hour, 4 to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday. 1 Old Rancheria (Nicasio) Rd, 415.662.2219, ranchonicasio.com s $$$ s ∞ C LD BR º
SAND DOLLAR
American Originally built from three barges in Tiburon in 1921, the Sand Dollar Restaurant was floated to Stinson that same year. Enjoy live music along with barbecued local oysters and New England clam chowder. The sunny deck is great in the afternoon (Stinson). 3458 Shoreline Hwy, 415.868.0434, stinson beachrestaurant.com s $$ s ∞ LD
STATION HOUSE
CAFE American Fresh local homegrown foods are showcased for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Stop in on weekends (5 p.m. on Sundays) for live music and wine, beer and cocktails (Point Reyes Station). 11180 Highway 1, 415.663.1515, stationhousecafe.com s $$ s ∞ C BLD BR º
SAN FRANCISCO /EAST BAY
AQ RESTAURANT
& BAR California AQ takes seasonal to a new level, not only adapting the menu but also transforming the decor of the entire venue to match the weather outside. 1085 Mission St, 415.341.9000, aq-sf.com s $$$ ∞ D
BENU Asian/French Plan on a formal and sophisticated evening. The compositions on the tasting menu provide a full experience of this restaurant’s unique Asian fusion cuisine. 22 Hawthorne St, 415.685.4860, benusf.com b $$$ C D BOULI BAR American/ Mediterranean Head to Boulettes Larder’s bar and dining room for the savory flavors of spicy lamb, feta and mint or the bittersweetness of salad topped with barberries, bulgur and pomegranate, all in a setting with handsome wood tables and an open kitchen. The dining room can be reserved for small private parties of up to 24 on request. The views of the Bay Bridge punctuate an unmistakably San Francisco setting. 1 Ferry Building, 415.399.1155, bouletteslarder.com s $$$ s ∞ C BLD BR
CLIFF HOUSE California Great food, beautiful view and lots of history — what else could you want? An awardwinning wine list? They have that too. Not only does Cliff ouse boast a popular Sunday champagne brunch, it also focuses on local, organic, sustainable ingredients and seafood on its everyday menu. 1090 Point Lobos, 415.386.3330, cliffhouse.com s $$ s BLD
MICHAEL MINA
Japanese/French Michael Mina has clearly mastered the fine line between award-winning art and Alaskan halibut. Each brilliantly crafted dish gives diners a delicate blend of flavors that add up to a distinctive, luxurious dining experience. 252 California St, 415.397.9222, michaelmina.net s $$$ LD
NAMU GAJI Asian/ California A clean and natural design in a streamlined setting, where housemade shiitake mushroom dumplings and succulent grilled beef tongue are among the many options to discover. 499 Dolores St, 415.431.6268, namusf.com s $$ s LD BR º
NOPA California The easy California menu shows off oasted chicken and pork chops, with a bouquet of appetizers to set the mood. Although this S.F. destination is busy almost every night (a good sign), the wait at the legendary bar is half the fun. 560 Divisadero St, 415.864.8643, nopasf.com s D BR
PERRY’S American Perry’s, for over 45 years an institution on Union Street in San Francisco, is known for its classic American food, its warm personable service and its bustling bar. Signature dishes include traditional Cobb salad, prime steaks and, of course, the renowned hamburger. Perry’s also serves a weekend brunch. Hotel Griffon, 155 Steuart St, 415.495.6500, perryssf.com s $$ s ∞ C D º
PIKANHAS BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE
Steakhouse This all-you-can-eat steakhouse located in Point Richmond offers different cuts of beef, pork, lamb and chicken that are slowly cooked with special grills to preserve all the natural juices and flavors. 25 W. Richmond Ave, Richmond 510.237.7585, pikanhassteak house.com b $$ s LD
KEY TO SYMBOLS
s b $ $$ $$$ s ∞ C BLD BR º Full bar Wine and beer Inexpensive ($10 or less per entree) Moderate (up to $20) Expensive ($20 and over) Kid-friendly Outdoor seating Private party room Seating: Breakfast, lunch, dinner Brunch Happy hour
For even more local restaurant listings, vistit us online at marinmagazine.com