Flavor Oyster’s

sets. 333 Biscayne Dr, 415.454.6450, rangecafe.net s $$ S Í C BLD º

THERESA & JOHNNY’S COMFORT FOOD

American A favorite with both the kids and the foodie set, this charming eatery serves food like Mom used to make. Drop by for eggs Benedict, tuna melts, coffee and some of the best milkshakes around. 817 Fourth St, 415.259.0182, theresaand-johnnys.com b $$ S Í BL BR

New VN NOODLE

& GRILL Vietnamese Located in Montecito Plaza, the restaurant’s robust menu features standard Vietnamese fare including a wide selection of rice plates, pho and of course, iced coffe. 421 Third St, 415.306.4299 $$ LD

YET WAH Chinese Named for the founder’s wife (“Yet” refers to the moon, “Wah” to brightness), this beloved mainstay has a traditional Chinese menu and daily dim sum. Expect live music in the Kung Fu Lounge. 1238 Fourth St, 415.460.9883, yetwahsanrafael.com s $$ S Í LD

SAUSALITO

ANGELINO

RESTAURANT Italian An authentic Italian restaurant with handmade pastas and seasonal antipasti, showcasing cuisine of the Campania region for over 20 years. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225, angelino restaurant.com s $$$ S BLD

COPITA Mexican Chef Joanne Weir serves up fresh Mexican fare in the heart of downtown Sausalito. The everchanging menu is gluten-free, and the in-house tequila bar offers over 100 varieties and fantastic cocktails. Dine at the bar or on the outdoor patio for great people-watching. 739 Bridgeway, 415.331.7400, copitarestaurant.com s $$ S Í LD BR

New

JOINERY

American The owners of Mill Valley Beerworks opened this rotisserie in the former Wellington’s Wine Bar space on New Year’s Day. The restaurant features craft beer, burgers and other hearty, seasonal fare in a communal setting. 300 Turney St, 415.766.8999, joineryca.com b $$ LD

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 Í LD

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 Í 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 Í 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 $$ Í LD

TASTE OF THE

HIMALAYAS Himalayan Popular for lunch and dinner, enjoy authentic food from a faraway region. 2633 Bridgeway, 415.331.1335, sausalitotasteofthe himalayas.com b $$ S LD

TOMMY’S WOK

Chinese Fresh ingredients, free-range chicken and traditional dishes fulfill the Chinese food craving with a nice atmosphere for dining in and great takeout for a night at home. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.332.5818, tommyswok.com b $$ S Í LD

THE TRIDENT Seafood Set in a turn-of-thecentury building constructed for the San Francisco Yacht Club, this waterfront restaurant is a shoe-in for date night. The restaurant, a famous 1970s hangout, is now known for supporting local farmers, fisherman and organic food producers. 558 Bridgeway, 415.331.3232, the tridentsausalito.com s $$$ S Í LD BR º

TIBURON

NEW MORNING CAFE

American Sit outside or in at this casual cafe. On a sunny morning, the place is filled with locals enjoying the sun and extensive breakfast menu; lunch is served as well. 1696 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.4315 S Í BL

RUSTIC BAKERY

California This location of the 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

KATHLEEN DUGHI JEWELER

HAND-FABRICATED FINE JEWELRY EXQUISITE CUSTOM DESIGNS BRIDAL

11 B ernard S treet M ill V alley 415.383.0462

www . kathleendughi . coM

Bevel Caroline Abram Francis Klein GRO Hapter JMM L Lafont Paris + more!

Love, Plated

Aphrodisiacs served at Nick’s Cove.

ASPARAGUS, WATERMELON AND chocolate number among the foods that stir desires, but for our money’s worth, there’s no better bet to whet your appetite for romance than oysters. Oysters are an intimate food. We slurp them. They are demanding, and successful shucking requires patience and a well-versed, steady hand. Their brininess and texture challenge us, but what they give in return is worth the effort. Over at Nick’s Cove in Marshall, chef Joshua Seibert works with these wondrous bivalves on a daily basis. Originally from New Market, Maryland, Seibert was attracted to cooking at a young age and at 14, he began working as a dishwasher. One day when a cook failed to show up, he filled in and was promoted to prep cook. In 2009, Seibert left the East Coast and enrolled in the California Culinary Academy – Le Cordon Bleu, in San Francisco. Upon graduation in 2011, he was hired as a prep cook at Mission Beach Cafe and swiftly made his way up to executive chef. Now at Nick’s Cove Restaurant, Seibert appreciates the amazing local ingredients and some of his favorite food producers, including the on-site farmer, Brendan Thomas. “This dish is really layered with flavors and textures and perfect for starting a memorable Valentine’s Day meal,” he says. “The oysters out here on Tomales Bay are beautiful, and I’m enjoying getting to learn and taste the differences between the various types.” nickscove.com KASIA PAWLOWSKA

RECIPE

Drakes Bay Oyster Orgasmica

SERVES 2

Special tools and equipment needed

Blender Cheesecloth 6 shot glasses or large shooter spoons

Ingredients

1 jalapeño pepper, seeded, chopped ½ bunch cilantro ½ cup water 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice Salt ¼ cup pepitas 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 large watermelon radish, julienned ½ cup fresh lime juice ½ cup champagne vinegar 6 Drakes Bay oysters (chosen for size and salinity), shucked 6 micro-cilantro sprigs 1 finger lime, sliced, with finger lime caviar scooped out and reserved

To Prepare

1 Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2 Blend the jalapeño, cilantro, water and lime juice until smooth. 3 Add salt to taste. 4 Strain the broth through a sieve lined with 4 layers of cheesecloth, pressing down on the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids. 5 Toss the pepitas with the olive oil in a bowl and spread on a rimmed baking tray. Roast in the oven until golden brown, 10 to 15 minutes. 6 While the pepitas are roasting, combine the radish, lime juice, vinegar, and a generous pinch of salt in a small bowl and let stand to macerate. Drain before using. 7 To assemble, place 1 oyster in each shot glass or shooter spoon. (Alternatively, arrange the oysters in a shallow serving bowl.) 8 Pour the broth around each oyster, leaving the top of the oyster exposed. Top with the pepitas and radish slivers and garnish with the micro-cilantro and finger lime caviar. 9 Serve immediately.

RECIPE EDITED BY LYNDA BALSLEV

the DISH

EAT, DRINK AND BE ENTERTAINED

In Japanese, Robata means “by the fieside” and refers to the grill-style cooking of northern Japanese fishermen.Our menu offers traditional as well as contemporary fare. Over 25 premium sakes. Come see why we’ve been Marin’s favorite Japanese restaurant for over 30 years.

ROBATA GRILL & SUSHI

591 Redwood Hwy, Mill Valley, CA 415.381.8400 robatagrill.com

Located in the heart of Mill Valley, Prabh Indian Kitchen is a cultural experience offering authentic Indian food in a traditional way. This casual yet stylish Indian restaurant is a cut above the rest, with an enclosed sunny porch for year-round dining with a view. Come enjoy a well-spiced lamb rogan josh or sizzling kebabs with us soon.

PRABH INDIAN KITCHEN

24 Sunnyside Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 415.384.8241 prabhindiankitchen.com

Serving Marin County since 1954, Marin Joe’s offers award-winning food, a full bar, live music and a classic ambience. Known for our Italian cuisine, we also serve up fan favorites: steak, cheeseburger and tableside Caesar salad. We have a festive banquet room available for parties.

MARIN JOE’S

1585 Casa Buena Drive, Corte Madera, CA 415.924.2081 marinjoesrestaurant.com Más Masa features seasonal dishes combining local produce with classic Central and South America street food dishes. The foundation of our menu is organic and non-gmo corn masa, which we cook and grind daily. Come enjoy salads, tacos and quesadillas for lunch or dinner on our patio with a glass of wine or beer. Gluten-free menu.

MÁS MASA

31 Bolinas Road, Fairfax, CA 415.529.5444 eatmasmasa.com

Consistently rated “Best of Marin”, Comforts offers finecity and homestyle food for breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch seven days a week. In addition, we offer our delicious food with take-out and catering services. Our menus change regularly to reflet what is fresh and in season.

COMFORTS

335 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, CA 415.454.9840 comfortscafe.com

Taco Jane’s is proud to announce the addition of a full bar. A neighborhood gem for over 18 years, we are well-known for our red snapper and wild salmon tacos. Our delicious Mexican seafood may now be enjoyed with various single estate tequilas and Mezcal drinks, along with great beer, wine and mixed drinks. “Where every day is like a vacation”.

TACO JANE’S

21 Tamalpais Avenue, San Anselmo, CA 415.454.6562 tacojanes.com