JANUARY 2008
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CONTENTS
58
50
Features 50 life
Best Wishes
Creating a personal, authentic, perfect wedding day. story samantha schoech
58 home
My Fair Modern
Belvedere architect captures views from all angles. story p. j. bremier photos barbara ries
64 journey
Another Trek in the Wall
To Afghanistan and back with some help from Pink Floyd. story & photos vassi koutsaftis
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JANUARY 2008
7
CONTENTS
72 34
Departments 18
letters
22
at a glance
24
snap
32
trends
34
life style
37
fyi
Readers respond to Marin Magazine.
Hot tips day by day for the Bay Area.
Out and about, in and around Marin.
Engagement rings from local and national jewelers. by somer flaherty
Hansuke Yamamoto and Alexandra McCullagh share fashion thoughts.
Causes: The Women’s Initiative comes to Marin. Health: The incredible laser. Beauty: Preparing for the big day. Auto: Going the distance in a hybrid.
48 42 8
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
conversation Local fitness guru Eric Harr and his CARE challenge. by jim wood
garage : simplified
bedroom home office
family room media room utility area
Call today for a free in-home consultation 415.455.1200 | californiaclosets.com 610A DuBois Street, San Rafael
Ask about our New Year Special!
© 2007 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Each franchise independently owned and operated.
CONTENTS
Departments
154
72
go Romantic getaways in the 50th state. by m. l. lathan What’s new on Kaua‘i? by mimi towle
84 wedding resource guide
A comprehensive listing of vendors and venues.
104 books
Michael Krasny’s Off Mike. by samantha berry
108 calendar
A roundup of performing arts, events, galleries and more.
110 performing arts
Tiburon’s Ron McFarland goes beyond opera. by michal lev-ram
116 flavor
Marin’s new restaurant openings. by somer flaherty Pebble Beach food and wine. by mimi towle
138 microclimate Belvedere—beautiful views and homes. by jim wood
152 neighboring hoods Calistoga, that classic wine country town up north. by jim wood
154 dialogue
Dan Hicks by mimi towle
Columns The Cover
16
view from mount tam The creators of Marin Magazine welcome you to share their vision.
Ballast, by Marin artist Greg Martin. His work can be seen at Gallery Bergelli in Larkspur: gallerybergelli.com. 10
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
20
pov A glance back, a look ahead. by jim wood
Wedding Chic GUMP’S
PRESENTS THE
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Editorial editorial director Nikki Wood ext 105 nwood@marinmagazine.com
executive editor Jim Wood ext 106 jwood@marinmagazine.com
associate editor Mimi Towle ext 101 mtowle@marinmagazine.com
editor-at-large Tim Porter tporter@marinmagazine.com
departments editor Somer Flaherty ext 103 sflaherty@marinmagazine.com
copy editor/proofreader Cynthia Rubin
This Holiday Season Enjoy An Incredible Selection of Gifts Under $50
editorial contributors Samantha Berry, P. J. Bremier, Samantha Bronson, Vassi Koutsaftis, M. L. Lathan, Michal Lev-Ram, Doug McConnell, Anne Crump Ray
Including: Lavender Booties Hanky Panky Lingerie Scented Candles Hand Knit Scarves Cashmere Blend Gloves Designer Umbrellas Exquisite Jewelry
Art art director Anne Walzer anne_walzer@comcast.net
production manager Alex French ext 111 production@marinmagazine.com
production artist Stephen Spoja
contributing photographers
& Many More of Your Favorites!
Drew Altizer, Vassi Koutsaftis, Sheri Montgomery, Barbara Ries
web master
Free Gift Wrapping & Free Ground Shipping on Qualified Purchases Gift Certificates Hot Apple Cider & Plenty of Holiday Cheer!
Nancy Williams
Administration controller Maeve Walsh ext 104 mwalsh@marinmagazine.com Marin Magazine, One Harbor Dr, Ste 208,
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Sausalito, CA 94965, phone: 415.332.4800, fax: 415.332.3048, web: marinmagazine.com, e-mail: editorial@marinmagazine.com
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JANUARY 2008
©2007 Closet Factory. All rights reserved. CA Lic. # 602641
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Introducing Timeless Modern, one of several custom collections that artfully blends storage and style. The contemporary look is strong and sleek. Contrasting colors and clean lines make a dramatic statement accented with a touch of attitude. Find out how our modern minimalist look can make a maximum impact in your home.
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Advertising publisher Lisa Shanower 415.332.4800 ext 107 lshanower@marinmagazine.com
advertising director Courtney Q. Roberts ext 108 croberts@marinmagazine.com
account manager Michele Johnson ext 110 mjohnson@marinmagazine.com
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regional sales offices california media marin associates Lora Dinga 415.898.6400
new york couture marketing Karen Couture 917.821.4429
southeast tlc media Cindy Taylor 404.459.6578
hawaii destination marketing Debbie Joseph Shana Wong 808.739.2200
advertising art director Alex French ext 111 production@marinmagazine.com Volume 4, Issue 1. Marin Magazine is published in Marin County by Marin Magazine LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright©2008. Reproduction of Marin Magazine content is prohibited without the expressed, written consent of Marin Magazine LLC. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned. Marin Magazine reserves the right to refuse to publish any advertisement deemed detrimental to the best interests of the community or that is in questionable taste. Marin Magazine is mailed monthly to homes and businesses in Marin County. Subscription rates are $36 per year. Marin Magazine, One Harbor Drive, Sausalito, CA 94965. Phone 415.332.4800, fax 415.332.3048, e-mail editorial@marinmagazine.com, website marinmagazine.com.
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Marin
3FMBY 3FOFX ɨ F 4BODUVBSZ 4QB BU #BZ $MVC .BSJO 1BNQFS ZPVSTFMG ZPV EFTFSWF JU
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V I E W F R O M M O U N T TA M
OUR ANNUAL WEDDING ISSUE gets personal with the
photojournalist Vassi Koutsaftis crosses the border from
stories of four couples who navigated the prenuptial maze
Tajikistan into northern Afghanistan for a Himalayan
and made their wedding days perfectly theirs (even if
walkabout. Closer to home in FYI Auto, Bay Area
it did meaning walking down the aisle to the music of
Backroads host Doug McConnell pushes a Nissan hybrid
Travis Tritt). Samantha Schoech takes us from Maine to
to the limit, seeing how far he can get on a tank of gas.
St. Helena to Kauai to our very own Rancho Nicasio.
Utah, anyone?
Our Wedding Resource Guide provides you with six
We also engage in Dialogue with musician Dan Hicks,
pages of information about local dressmakers, bakeries,
have a Conversation with fitness guru Eric Harr, meet
caterers, jewelers and photographers. In FYI Trends,
Tiburon composer Ron McFarland, and hear the success
Somer Flaherty finds that diamonds are still a groom-to-
stories of Fairfax baker Maria Craft-Neto and Sausalito
be’s best friend when he’s buying that engagement ring,
event planner Nicole Irvin, both beneficiaries of Women’s
but wedding rings are adding color—diamonds, yes,
Initiative business training. Finally, Microclimate visits
but sapphires, amethysts and aquamarines, too. And for
Belvedere and finds that despite a bit of unadvertised
the big day itself, Lili Shahabi of Sausalito reveals her
fog, it’s a fine place to live.
wedding day makeup secrets in FYI Beauty. In Home, P. J. Bremier guides us through the angled rooms of a Belvedere home that served as architect Jean Fair’s tribute to the sleek openness of modernism—and her pact with the compelling views the home commanded. This month, two inveterate wanderers take us on
As always, our wish is for your good reading. Enjoy Marin Magazine, as we continue to celebrate this extraordinary place! Lisa Shanower, Publisher Nikki Wood, Editorial Director Jim Wood, Executive Editor
disparate adventures. In “Another Trek in the Wall,”
16
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
A TASTE OF
the MEDITERRANEAN
IN MORE WAYS
THAN ONE It’s not often travelers experience the grand history of Rome, the vibrant energy of Monte Carlo and the passion of Barcelona all in one voyage. It’s rarer still to have the privilege of cooking with Chef Gary Danko, one of the world’s top chefs and a James Beard culinary excellence award winner. But that’s exactly what AAA Travel and Holland America Line have come together to offer. This Mediterranean cruise aboard the luxurious ms Noordam features eight ports of call across Italy, Spain and exotic Tunisia. In between, you can enjoy exclusive cooking opportunities with Chef Danko, private wine tastings, plus special AAA Travel activities, receptions and gifts. It’s a taste of the Mediterranean like no other. Voyage begins September 14, 2008 from Rome, Italy.
10 DAYS from $2,269 * PER PERSON Call (800) 886-8551 t $MJDL AAA.com/voyage Visit your local AAA Travel office
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LE TTE R S
Readers respond I couldn’t agree more with Marin Magazine’s December POV article “Bring Back the Bustle: Keeping Marin’s Downtowns Alive and Well.”
Showcasing designer fabrics, wallpapers and trims from around the world for all to peruse. Fine linens, soft furnishings and more. Designers Guild
Mill Valley’s charming downtown area was a significant determining factor in my decision to move to Marin several years ago; today it is still quaint but has lost some of its appeal.
Cowtan & Tout
The same goes for Sausalito and Tiburon. As
Donghia
with the majority of Marin County residents, I
Brunschwig & Fils
would like to see our downtown areas grow.
Manuel Canovas
Michelle A. Clark, via e-mail
Bergamo Pollack
I had a strong reaction to the “Mind Your
Missoni Home
Manners” story in the November issue and
Larsen
want to share my observations. If someone
Jane Churchill
else uses your bread plate, you do not cor-
Henry Calvin Romo Nina Campbell S. Harris Holly Hunt
rect him or her at the table. It’s more polite to just go without saying anything. Regarding passing the salt and pepper: pass both the salt and pepper. I agree with that. When I was growing up I wanted to know why. Passing both salt and pepper together keeps them
Fortuny
from becoming separated so that another din-
Bonjour
er wanting both does not have to wait for two
Schlossberg
conversations to be completed to get them.
Isaac Mizrahi
Hopefully these insights, courtesy of my very
Pierre Frey
elegant mother and grandmother, are worth
Jim Thompson
considering. From an otherwise happy reader!
Bailey & Griffin
Teresa Rea, Mill Valley
Osborne & Little Mokum Lorca Houlès Perennials Mon. & Tues. by Appointment Wed. thru Sat. 10 - 6 1106 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur 415.461.6155 / collure.com
I totally agree with Jim Wood’s “Fall: The Season of Optimism,” (November). All of us should make an effort to be more ecologically friendly, improve access to West Marin and last but not least, help improve the Civic Center. Reading your article leaves me with optimism and hope. Thank you! Jacqueline Smith, Corte Madera Letters to the editor may be edited for clarity
Design Services / In-Home Consultations Added Discounts for Design Clientele and to the Trade
and brevity. Send letters to Marin Magazine, One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965. Or e-mail jwood@marinmagazine.com.
18
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
Local • Seasonal • Sustainable
Let us Season Your Next Event
All Seasons A
C A T E R I N G
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POV
A Glance Back, a Look Ahead Contemplating the end of one year, the start of another
BY JIM WOOD
failed to achieve that goal. It is not sustainable
the entire area. “Business is good,” says Leilani
and Marin is in danger of losing its human and
Martin, manager of the Marshall Store, a locally
economic diversity.”
popular oyster bar three miles south. “Typically,
Instead of adopting a plan that was innovative, progressive and courageous, Marin’s
people have lunch here, go kayaking or hiking, then have dinner at Nick’s.”
supervisors, after seven years of planning and
Regarding a similar, but even larger project,
preparation, took the path of just saying no. As
one of 2008’s Most Exciting Openings will be
a result, I maintain Marin is not only pushing
the completion of Cavallo Point—The Lodge at
its problems into the future, but we are also un-
the Golden Gate. This $90 million project in-
loading our shortcomings on surrounding coun-
volves the restoration of 28 red-roofed, Colonial
ties and local freeways. Marin’s carbon footprint
Revival barracks into a resort and conference
will continue to grow and our claims of sustain-
center at Fort Baker, just south of Sausalito.
ability ring hollow.
“In all, there will be 132 rooms, a 15,000-
On a more positive note, 2008’s Most
square-foot meeting center and a 100-seat res-
eeing that this is my Point of View—and
S
Anticipated Development is the comple-
taurant and bar with a demonstration kitchen
I like to get grim news out of the way
tion of the 101 Freeway expansion project.
that includes a wine and olive oil kiosk,” says
first—let’s start with 2007’s Biggest
“We’re on schedule to finish in December of
Mike Freed, managing director of Passport
Disappointment. It’s the Marin County Board
’08,” says Dianne Steinhauser, director of the
Resorts, the company that also oversees Big
of Supervisors’ adoption of a politically dic-
Transportation Authority of Marin. The expan-
Sur’s Post Ranch Inn, Jean-Michael Cousteau’s
tated Countywide General Plan. Here was
sion project involves adding a lane, which during
Fiji Islands Resort and Hawaii’s Hotel Hana-
Marin’s chance to show real leadership, to be-
rush hour becomes a commuter (HOV) lane as
Maui. Also housed at Cavallo Point will be the
come more sustainable and to lower its carbon
it passes through San Rafael. “This means buses,
Institute at the Golden Gate, a conference center
footprint—but by catering to environmental
van pools, and cars with more than a single oc-
bringing together groups, at discounted rates,
extremists, the supes missed the opportunity.
cupant will have an uninterrupted run through
to discuss the environment and sustainability.
The St. Vincent’s “compromise” was nothing of
Marin County,” Steinhauser says, “something
Cavallo Point is set to open in May.
the sort. The finally adopted plan was so load-
we’ve never had.” The project also includes add-
In closing, I’m drawn to the “three E’s” def-
ed with constraints that it remains to be seen if
ing an eastbound lane to the I-580 (Richmond
inition of sustainability: “A balancing of the
much needed senior housing, both affordable
Bridge) interchange. When completed, the proj-
environment, the economy, and the area’s so-
and market rate, will ever be built at this site.
ect will have cost $124 million and taken two
cial equity.” While environment and economy
Marin is already 80 percent open space and
years. Yet the question remains: will the new
are self-explanatory, social equity implies that
for 35 years the St. Vincent’s 1,100 acres have
carpool lane be used during rush hours?
the opportunity to live in Marin be open to the
been designated for “urban development.”
Now let’s celebrate some private sector vic-
largest possible segment of the Bay Area popu-
Donna Bjorn, president of Marin’s League of
tories. One of 2007’s Most Positive Outcomes
lation, regardless of income. I certainly agree
Women Voters, had this to say about the plan:
was the opening of Nick’s Cove on Highway 1
with that principle. I also believe a strong
“It’s nothing but environmental hypocrisy. Marin
between Marshall and Tomales. The $14 mil-
economy and a protected environment are not
already has ample protected environmental
lion restaurant, 12–cabin resort was eight years
mutually exclusive conditions. That’s my point
habitat. What we need is a viable habitat for
in planning and development and, after three
of view. What is yours?
the people who live and work here. This plan
months of operation, appears to have energized
20
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
E-mail jwood@marinmagazine.com
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
Our covers. Your walls. Now you can buy Marin Magazine covers for your home or office. Available in various sizes, framed or unframed, with or without the Marin Magazine logo, these professional quality prints are a beautiful addition to any wall. Visit marinmagazine.com/coverart today.
MARI N E X T R A O R D I N A R Y
L I V I N G
JANUARY 2008
MARI N E X T R A O R D I N A R Y
DECEMBER 2007
L I V I N G
NOVEMBER 2007
MARI N E X T R A O R D I N A R Y
L I V I N G
AUGUST 2007
MARI N E X T R A O R D I N A R Y
L I V I N G
MARI N E X T R A O R D I N A R Y
L I V I N G
MARI N E X T R A O R D I N A R Y
L I V I N G
MARI N E X T R A O R D I N A R Y
APRIL 2006
L I V I N G
MARI N E X T R A O R D I N A R Y
FEBRUARY 2007
JUNE 2007
MAY 2007
APRIL 2007
L I V I N G
AT A GLAN C E
EVE NT S I N MAR IN & B EYO ND
JANUARY JANUARY 1 New Year’s Day
JANUARY 8 A First in History
Make a resolution to fulfill in the upcoming year—quit smoking, get fit or just sit back and watch the Rose Bowl.
This day in 1790 George Washington gave the first State of the Union address in the United States.
THRU JANUARY Warmer Waters
JANUARY 10—13 Israel on Stage
JANUARY 11 B. B. King
Head out to the seashore to look for California gray whales as the gentle giants head south.
Comedian Iris Bahr’s awardwinning Dai: Israelis on the Brink brings the audience into the world of a bustling Tel Aviv cafe. JCCSF (SF). 415.292.1233, jccsf.org
Don’t miss the 14-time Grammy winner in this rare small-hall engagement with Marin’s own Tommy Castro. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800
JANUARY 18—21 Yoga Conference
THRU JANUARY 19 Solo Exhibition
The annual event features more than 100 classes for all levels taught by some of the top instructors in the world and a yoga marketplace. Hyatt Regency Embarcadero (SF). yjevents.com, 800.561.9398.
Jovi Schnell’s solo show Entwined with the Vine features themes of the evolutionary process and myths revisited. Gregory Lind Gallery (SF). 415.296.9661, gregorylindgallery.com
JANUARY 21 Martin Luther King Jr.
JANUARY 22 & 24 Marin Symphony
Recently the national holiday has meant a day of volunteer service for citizens in honor of Dr. King. Contact the Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership of Marin for ways to help. cvnl.org
Don’t miss a night of music by the great Russian composers performed by violinist Vadim Gluzman. Marin Symphony (San Rafael). 415.479.8100, marinsymphony.org
JANUARY 23—25 Winter Market
JANUARY 26 Environmental Fair
JANUARY 26 & 27 Garden Design
This interior design trade event features the latest in haute decor collections and reveals the desires of the luxury client. San Francisco Design Center (SF). 415.490.5800, sfdesigncenter.com
The event features over 100 exhibitors and workshops for educators and parents highlighting the latest in environmental education. Marin Civic Center (San Rafael). 510.657.4847, baeerfair.org
The symposium features expert garden designers, horticulturists and landscape architects. San Francisco Botanical Society (SF). 415.661.1316, ext. 354, sfbotanicalgarden.org
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MARIN
JANUARY 2008
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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SNAP SEARCH FOR THE CAUSE
Judi Shils, Kathy Lovold
Andrea Robbins, Jordanna Attias
Making a Change Once again, the Village at Corte Madera was the place for Search for the Cause’s annual “Under the Harvest Moon” benefit. The event featured local organic food and wine, vocalist Whitney Hood and host Sarah Clarke from Alice Radio. In San Anselmo Robin Wright Penn hosted an event for the EcoMom Alliance at the green living showroom of Green Fusion Design Center. The David and Kori Sturgeon
Whitney Hood
nonprofit inspires and empowers mothers to help create an environmentally, socially and economically prosperous and healthy
ECOMOM ALLIANCE
future for all. In Corte Madera chef and Food Network personality Michael Chiarello opened his NapaStyle store. Located in Town Center Corte Madera, the 3,500-square-foot store showcases the NapaStyle collection of specialty foods, cookware and home furnishings. At the St. Regis Hotel Nick Clooney hosted this featured the presentation of the Sarlo Foundation Distinguished Humanitarian Service Award. Proceeds from the event go to-
Robin Wright Penn, Sophia Balestreri
Katherine Elia, Jennifer Rego Stephanie Riley, Stacey Prince
ward the IRC’s work of serving refugees in 25 countries worldwide and in 22 cities across America.
IRC DINNER
Nicole McNaughton, Michelle Arthur
NAPASTYLE
Dawn Beck, Dava Graham
Sarah O’Hagan, Louisa Guzman, Christine Petrie Valentino Achak Deng, David Eggers
Michael Chiarello, Carmen Ferguson, Violet Marshall
24
MARIN JANUARY 2008
Nick Clooney
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
PHOTO CREDIT: SEARCH FOR THE CAUSE/JENNABETH PHOTOGRAPHY AND EVENTS; IRC DINNER/DREW ALTIZER
year’s International Rescue Committee Bay Area dinner, which
Stress Storage. isn’t work-related. The ultimate It’saphrodisiac. garage-related. Remember when life wasn’t and chaotic? Upgrade the junkyard. With premium Hold the Prozac. Stress relief issoa cluttered simple matter of organization. That means premium cabinetry, cabinetry, versatile storage, andofhundreds ways to organize versatile wall storage,wall striking floorstriking finishesfloor andfinishes hundreds cool waysoftocool transform the garage. thathandle avalanche of stuff.from We handle everything from theAnd 3D drawings to final installation. We everything inspiration to installation. the design consultation andAnd 3D the consultation is also on the house (or in this case, garage). Life minus junk equals joy. drawings are on us. Never underestimate the deep, calming effect of good storage.
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Calm. Cool. Very Collected.
SNAP MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL
Mark Fishkin, Laura Linney
Ang Lee
Charles McGlashan, Dennis Scremin
Michael and Roxanne Klein
Kishore and Lynda Kripalan
Parties Around the Bay Celebrities and Marinites headed to the Outdoor Art Club for the pre-opening party of the Mill Valley Film Festival. Both Ang Lee (Lust, Caution) and Laura Linney (Savages) had films premiering on opening night and were on hand to celebrate the festival’s 30th year. At Ben Soldinger, Christo Dimassis, Jennifer MacCready, Timothy Drury
MVFF AT CABANA HOME
James Schamus Michael and Leissa Snyder
Mill Valley’s Cabana Home, filmgoers celebrated the Marin Magazine sponsored flick Rails and Ties, which also premiered on opening night of the festival, with an evening of wine and hors d’oeuvres from All Seasons Catering. In San Francisco, the preview party for the San Francisco Antiques Show was a fundraising success and supports honorary chair Nancy Pelosi’s Enterprise for High School Students. The organization provides job referral services to students.
S.F. ANTIQUES SHOW
Velda and James Demmert
Alyssa Remington, Lynn Scott Ashley Schumacher, Rick Feist
MARIN JANUARY 2008
B. V. and Telly Hoimes
Elizabeth Thieriot, Daru Kawalkowski
Carole McNeil, Dirk Ivory
Shannon Koebel, Alia Meyer
Andy and Teri Goodman, Rick and Debbie Bocci
26
Sandra Whitman, Catherine Thompson
Karen Goss, Alexa Bruun Rasmussen, Nina Wedell-Wedellsborg
Jim Schneider, Paul Pelosi
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
PHOTO CREDIT: MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL & SF ANTIQUES SHOW/SHERI MONTGOMERY
Susan Snyder, Steven Sockolov
“The Fine Art of Fine Property” Tracy McLaughlin Specializing in Marin County Properties since 1997
Tracy McLaughlin 415/464-8686 www.marinfinehomes.com tracy@marinfinehomes.com
SNAP JOHANN PAUL JEWELERS
ANTHROPOLOGIE
Jackie Schmetterer, Sharon Doyle
Courtney Devenish, Andra Colunga
Amy Fierstein, Andrea Siegel
Susan and Donald Bull, Paul Comerford
Marinites Out in Style
Gloria Schlette, Johann deBlaauw
At Anthropologie in Corte Madera guests indulged in a night of eating, drinking, socializing and shopping, with a special sneak peek at the must-have pieces for the holiday season. Ten percent of the evening’s proLaurie Clark, Darryl Kral
ceeds were donated to Zero Breast Cancer.
Sarah Comerford, Tina Hawksley
In Greenbrae there was the grand reopening of Johann Paul Jeweler’s expanded show-
LARKSPUR LOCAL BUSINESSES
room. The celebration included a showing of new designs from Hearts on Fire and JBStar. In Larkspur local businesses Coquelicot, Swing and Rumors celebrated the season with a holiday open house. Across the bridge, Marina restaurant Circa was the destination for an intimate fashion show by European designer Oksana Mukha and Diamond Bridal Gallery with host “Mrs. California” Tracie Stafford. A portion of the evening’s sales supported the Make a Wish Foundation.
Adrianna and Nuria Sthymmel, Norm Weintraub, Montserrat Sthymmel
Carla Picasso
Deborah Shapiro, Candice Meier
Milana Ilina, Tracie Stafford, Sofia Van Royen
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Isabella and Charles Picasso
Kathy Kamei, Nicole Whitty, Collette Peters
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PHOTO CREDIT: MAKE A WISH FOUNDATION/JEANETTE VONIER
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Toast of the Town
SLIDE RANCH
In Mill Valley, the Slide Ranch Silver Trowel Award dinner was a success, with more than $85,000 raised for the environmental education and sustainable agriculture program at the ranch. At the Fairmont hotel in San Francisco, the Northern California chapter of the ARCS Foundation held its annual scholarship awards luncheon. Since its founding in 1970, the chapter’s 202 members have raised over $12.6 million for 1,970 scholars attending six Northern California universities. At the Mill Valley
Jon Krotinger, Torri Campbell, Diane Foug, Toni Schneider
Community Center a sold-out crowd for the Milley Awards recognized those who have made major contributions to the
DI ROSA
creative life of Mill Valley and who were born, lived or worked in the town. Milley recipients included Lonnie Barbach, Austin deLone, Suki Hill, Ivan Poutiatine, Kathleen Quinlan and Mary Turnbull. In Novato NH2 Salon held an “Evening of Beauty” benefit for local breast cancer patients and survivors. Novato Harriet Heyman, Laura Hartman
Stanford Hughes, Kathryn Reasoner, Valerie Wade
ARCS FOUNDATION
Mayor Jeanne MacLeamy and representatives from Bumble and Bumble were in attendance. Recently, the di Rosa Preserve held the sixth annual benefit art auction “Moon Proof Madness.” The event’s 230 guests raised a record-setting $311,000 for the
Rene di Rosa, Maxine Maas, Jock McDonald Cynthia Haueter, Joe DeRisi
Sheila Larsen, Sydnie Kohara
Gail DeMartini, Anette Harris
MILLEY AWARDS
Suzie Buchholz, Yoshi Tome
NH2 SALON Tom Lapinski, Cheryl Carter, Lesley and Austin deLone, Brian Donahue Kathleen Quinlan and Bruce Abbott
Nicole Hitchcock, Gabriella Bliss
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Iris and Phil Fath
Joan Murray and Jim Stephenson
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PHOTO CREDIT: SLIDE RANCH/JENNY PFEIFFER; ARCS FOUNDATION/KRISTEN LOKEN; DI ROSA/ISRAEL VALENCIA
preserve’s cultural and educational programs.
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FA S H I ON TRENDS
4 1
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a perennial fascination… The tradition of diamond engagement rings can be traced back to Roman times, when the wise man Pliny wrote, “A diamond baffles poison, keeps off insanity and dispels vain fears.” In the Middle Ages Italians said the diamond had the power to maintain harmony between husband and wife—and who can argue with that? Jewelers are reworking diamond engagement rings into unique pieces of art that still hold to tradition.
1. Fancy natural yellow diamond with a 1.50carat diamond ring by Jean-Louis VanDenBosch. $21,900 at Julianna’s Fine Jewelry (Corte Madera). 415.924.9711, juliannasfinejewelry.com
2
3. A radiant cut diamond ring by Simayof. Starting at approximately $2,550 for one carat at Simayof (SF). 415.391.0152, simayof.com 4. The Avenue platinum ring with square-cut diamonds by Kathleen Dughi Jeweler. $10,500 at Kathleen Dughi (Mill Valley). 415.383.0462, kathleendughi.com
5. Unisex ring with diamonds by Stacey Lorinczi. $800 to $6,000 at Lorinczi Jewelry (SF). 415.566.7394, lorinczi.com
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PH OTO: JULIA NNA’S FINE JEWELRY/ TIM PORTER
2. White gold set with 4.50 carats of diamonds by De Beers. Price upon request at De Beers. 888.376.9230, debeers.com
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and a flash of color 3
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Many brides are taking their cues from the world of fashion, ditching traditional rings for
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enchanting colored diamonds, rubies, spinels, sapphires and tourmalines, arranged into
PHOTO: ALIX AND C OMPANY/ TIM PORTE R; TIFFANY AND C O./ DAVID LAWRENC E
larger-than-life couture-like creations.
1. Pavé diamonds and amethyst ring by David Yurman. Price upon request at Shreve and Co. (SF). 415.421.2600, shreve.com
2. Fine green tourmaline with diamonds ring by Alix and Company. $21,000 at Alix and Company (Mill Valley). 5 415.380.0880, alixandcompany.com
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3. Diamonds with sapphire rings by Judith Ripka. $5,900 at Judith Ripka (SF). 415.399.1995, judithripka.com. 2
4. French enamel with diamonds and green tourmaline or garnet rings by Faberge. $4,850 to $6,930 at Amir Mozaffarian (SF). 415.391.9995, mozzafarian.com
5. A 14.50-carat emerald-cut aquamarine with diamonds ring by Jean Schlumberger. Price upon request at Tiffany and Co. (SF). 415.781.7000, tiffany.com by somer flaherty
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FA S H I ON
lifestyle Name: Hansuke Yamamoto and Alexandra McCullagh Home Mill Valley and San Rafael, respectively Occupation Dancers, S. F. Ballet Describe your personal style. HY: Simple. Easy. Comfortable. AM: Simple and feminine.
What are you wearing? HY: The jeans and T-shirt are from Uniqlo
and my jacket is J. Crew. A Phiten Titanium necklace. It’s supposed to improve circulation and reduce muscle stress. AM: A blue sweater from the Gap, black
pants from Urban Outfitters and black pumps from Nine West. My pearl necklace and earrings were a gift from my parents. Who are your fashion influences? AM: Everyone. My friends, coworkers and
even people I pass on the sidewalk.
To honor the upcoming 75th anniversary of San Francisco Ballet, company dancers
Favorite designers? HY: Uniqlo, the Japanese designer line. I like
it because it’s very cheap and comfortable! AM: I love the fun, feminine clothes by Marc
Jacobs and Betsey Johnson. Where do you love to shop in Marin? HY: The Town Center and the Village in
Corte Madera.
Hansuke
AM: I always find cute things at Red Dot in Mill
Yamamoto
Valley and Tiburon. I also like Anthropologie in the Village at Corte Madera.
and Alexandra both of Marin, share their attitudes on fashion.
What is always in your bag/pockets? HY: Keys, wallet, cell phone, Advil and my
PlayStation Portable. AM: Besides hairpins, I always have my
iPhone, snacks for in-between rehearsals, and I usually have dental floss and a needle for sewing my pointe shoes.
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P H OTO: BARBA RA R IE S
McCullagh,
What is your best cheapo secret? AM: I live with three other girls, so we share
everything from jewelry to leotards to evening dresses. What’s your fashion pet peeve? AM: Birkenstocks with socks!
What is your view of Marin style? HY: I think Marin style is simple, but refined. AM: Trendy, but casual and comfortable.
Where do you love to eat in Marin?
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HY: Gira Polli in Mill Valley (they have a
great roast chicken), Arawan Thai, Robata Grill & Sushi, and Stefano’s Pizza. AM: My favorite restaurants in Marin are
Insalata’s in San Anselmo, Guaymas in Tiburon and Comforts in San Anselmo.
I finally found the one investment advisor whose incentive based compensation is directly tied to my performance.
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Where do you go to pamper yourself? HY: I play golf! And also eat really good su-
shi or a big steak. Or I also really enjoy driving up Highway 1. AM: A homemade dinner at my parents’
house, or a long walk on Stinson Beach. And then sometimes what I really want is a spa day! How would your friends describe you? HY: Quiet, calm and serious. AM: Optimistic and warm. My friends tease
me for subscribing to Martha Stewart Living, but they all enjoy the cookies and scarves that I make for them as a result! What was the last book you read? HY: I just devoured Zipang, a navy story. AM: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled
Hosseini. If your life were a movie, what would be your theme song? HY: The theme song from Rocky, of course! AM: “Someday Soon” by KT Tunstall. It’s
a song about taking time to examine and
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C A L L for E N T R I E S
Get Covered! ATTENTION ARTISTS: Enter the Second Annual MARIN MAGAZINE Cover Art Contest. WINNERS: A winner for each of the following categories: painting, photography and illustration, will be featured in the May 2008 MARIN MAGAZINE. EXPOSURE: Each winner will be featured on the May 2008 impact cover unit and will display their work to the public at the opening of the MARIN ART SALON May 8, 2008. ENTER NOW AT: MARINMAGAZINE.COM/GETCOVERED
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WOMEN’S INITIATIVE CLIENT PROFILE
Helping Women Help Themselves Women’s Initiative comes to Marin BY SAMANTHA BRONSON
Average age is 41 78 percent are women of color 46 percent speak Spanish as their first or only language 29 percent are single parents 15 percent have a disability
MARIA CRAFT-NETO SELLS MEMORIES. Nicol Irvin organizes memorable occasions. Craft-Neto
has been in business 19 years, baking pies that remind her customers of lazy summer days or happy holiday gatherings. Irvin’s event-planning company is only a few years old, but its client list ranges from Stanford University to Wired magazine. Neither ended up where she is by choice. Craft-Neto had a family to feed and a baking partnership that went bust. Irvin was laid off from a corporate marketing job. They needed help—one to keep a young business alive, the other to make a longtime dream into a reality. That’s when they turned to Women’s Initiative, a 20-year-
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old program that teaches low-income women entrepreneurship and business skills. Women’s Initiative expanded to Marin last year following increased attendance by Marin women at its Oakland and San Francisco class-
“The whole package works. A diner can feast or nibble, drink or sip, come in cocktail dress or jeans. The bottom line depends on how much you order, but scott howard gives everyone the opportunity to eat upscale without the financial commitment, a way to taste around to find out what you really love.” —P ATRICIA UNTERMAN, S AN FRANCISCO E XAMINER OCTOBER 2007
es. Organization CEO Julie Castro Abrams, of Novato expects 1,000 women to attend the 10week series of classes, held in Terra Linda, in the first five years. Still, she says, that’s not enough: “if we could serve 500 women (this) year, we’d probably be starting to just scratch the surface.” Marin’s first graduates made plans to launch restaurants, photo studios, child care centers, cleaning services and clothing boutiques.
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Perhaps it’s surprising that here in one of the nation’s most affluent counties, such a service meets a demand. But the numbers show a
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need. Women’s Initiative says 22 percent of local
—MICHAEL B AUER, SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE 2006
of about $63,000 annually for a family of three.
households live below the self-sufficiency level Maria Craft-Neto fits the profile. She had been working in several restaurants part time to help make ends meet for her family, a husband and two children. In 1989, she put $10,000 into a bakery business with several partners. When the partnership fizzled, she focused on pies but knew she had to raise her business acumen to match her baking abilities. She enrolled in a Women’s Initiative program in San Francisco. “It was just perfect timing in that I needed to have that business savvy and support,” said Craft-Neto. Today, her business, Delicieux Fine Desserts in San Rafael, is doing well. She has three employees and sells, among other places, directly from local farmers’ markets. Buyers pay up to $25 for Craft-Neto’s pies (strawberry rhubarb is a favorite). And for that they get more than dessert: they also get those memories. “Nothing can transport you back in time like a good pie,” she notes. When Irvin found herself out of work in 2005, she had an MBA and years of corporate experience. But she had never owned a business and wanted more “tools in my toolbox” to
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make it happen. “The universe finally forced my hand,” she says. At first Irvin was skeptical about Women’s Initiative. Would the classes really help someone with her experience? But after she signed
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up and started making the twice-a-week trip to Oakland, she realized there was much to learn—setting a pricing structure, conducting market research, identifying ideal clients and other core business practices. “The program teaches not just the tangible items like figuring out the break-even point,” says Irvin, “but also how to build confidence that allows you to say to people, ‘This is how much it’s going to cost, this is how I see it unfolding.’ It teaches you how to be really comfortable in your own skin when it comes to being a businesswoman.” Irvin launched her Sausalito company, Signature Events, while still attending classes. Within months, she was handling several major events, including a 1,000-person dinner. Women’s Initiative has a simple goal: give women tools to build economic independence for themselves and their families. Students must meet only two requirements —have a business idea and a low income (less than about $51,000 for a family of three). Those who’ve completed the program now own catering companies, auto repair shops, web design firms and hair salons. Student fees never top $100 and are subsidized. The program costs about $1,450 per student, with foundations, donors and government agencies contributing to the organization’s $3.7 million budget to make up the difference. The results are impressive. Women’s Initiative says the average annual income of new participants is $14,000; two years after training, it leaps to more than $37,000. Of program alums, 70 percent have their own business within two years. The ripple effect from such success is wide: Women’s Initiative generates $23 for the local economy for every
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No compromises. No excuses.
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Marin, Abrams believes, there will be many more success stories like Craft-Neto’s and Irvin’s to tell. “In Marin,” she says, “we’ve got independent shops as well as lots of family-run businesses. What we’re looking to do is give qualified Marin women a helping hand, in order to become a thriving part of our community’s economy while at the same time financially taking care of themselves and their families.”
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www.nh2salon.com 415.897.8777
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F Y I H EA LT H
The Incredible Laser
W
hen Albert Einstein, a man better known for his grasp of physics than his aesthetic sense, theorized
back in 1917 about the process that makes lasers possible, we can be sure he wasn’t thinking how they could be used to improve eyesight, zap frown lines or vaporize away a few extra pounds. Today, though, lasers are a common medical and cosmetic tool that can take years off a patient’s appearance and give 20-20 vision to those who never had it before.
The best vision possible
Breakthroughs in technology have made lasers the ultimate tool for beauty and science. BY SOMER FLAHERTY
New York ophthalmologist Steven Trokel performed the first laser eye surgery in 1987. At first the procedure, called Lasik, could only correct the most common types of nearsightedness, but thanks to recent advances, Lasik can now remedy farsightedness and even astigmadure called IntraLasik, are more precise and hence less risky than ever, enticing previously wary patients to sign up. Marin ophthalmologist and Ross resident Gayle Shimokaji finally decided to have laser
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P H OTO: TIM P ORTER
tism. The latest techniques, used in a proce-
ser eye surgery two years ago after waiting for experts to perfect the technique. Shimokaji, an Ironman triathlon participant, wanted relief from the burden of wearing glasses during competition. She consulted Ella Faktorovich (photo at left), M.D., Director of the Pacific Vision Institute in San Francisco. Faktorovich, an ophthalmologist on the faculty of the department of ophthalmology at the UCSF VA Medical Center, is one of the first local doctors to offer IntraLasik. IntraLasik uses all-laser technology rather than incorporating a traditional surgical blade into the laser operation. In standard Lasik surgery, Faktorovich explains, doctors push a blade across the eye to create a thin fl ap that is folded back so the laser can go to work. With IntraLasik, doctors create the fl ap with the laser, which has proven more accurate than the blade. When patients visit her office, Faktorovich says, they’re looking to make their lives easier, and “glasses are the first to go.” The average fee ranges from $ 2 ,8 5 0 to $ 3 ,6 5 0 per eye.
Advances for the Skin Laser technology for resurfacing aging skin was discovered almost by accident: doctors treating
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acne scars by laser noticed that small wrinkles adjacent to the treated spots were also becoming less visible as a result. According to Peter Hilger, M.D., president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, laser resurfacing is an appealing option because “it treats fine wrinkles and pigmentary irregularities, and these are aging changes not addressed by face-lifts or blepharoplasty [ also known as eyelid surgery] .” As the boomer generation ages, the demand for the procedure has risen. Laser resurfacing was one of the top three fastest-growing categories of cosmetic procedures from 2 0 0 2 to 2 0 0 6 , according to the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. This popular procedure doesn’t come cheap: a full-face Fraxel laser treatment in Marin can cost $ 1 ,0 0 0 per visit. Several types of laser resurfacing techniques exist, each with different results and projected recovery times. Fraxel appeals to people who want sigificant results but have
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limited time to take off for healing. This type
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of laser passes through the outer skin surface, targeting the layer underneath. “Imagine your skin is a digital picture made up of thousands of spots,” says Laser Center of Marin Medical Director Susan Martling, M.D. “The Fraxel laser treatment is able to target single skin cells by using microscopic laser columns that are smaller than the width of a hair. The precise treatment eliminates old, damaged surface cells and penetrates deep into the inner
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layers of the skin to initiate and encourage the body’s own natural healing process. As healing begins, the damaged skin is replaced with fresh, healthy skin and new collagen is formed deep in the subsurface layers.” Fraxel is best, Martling says, for improving texture, tone and pore size or correcting melasma (hyperpigmentation), crow’s-feet or general sun damage. For more extensive skin repair, a CO2 laser may be the right option, says Diana Parnell, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at the Cosmetic and Laser Surgery Institute in Greenbrae. Before-and-after photos of her patients show them appearing decades younger after the procedure. Parnell says a CO2 laser emits a beam that removes the top layers of skin. During the healing process, new collagen is produced, making the skin tighter and smoother. Side effects like redness that can last up to three months (or in some cases longer)
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are more pronounced with this laser, but the results are more noticeable.
Cosmetic and Laser Surgery Institute (Greenbrae) Diana Parnell, M.D. Board-certified dermatologist 415.461.1036, cosmetic-lasersurg.com
Laser Center of Marin (Corte Madera) Susan Martling, M.D. Family practitioner and director 415.945.9314, marinlaser.com
Miguel Delgado, M.D. (Novato) Board-certified plastic surgeon 415.898.4161 sanfranciscocosmetic-surgery.com
(415) 446-5252
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•
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People who can’t afford that much down time but want to look “five or 10 years younger may want to try the ActiveFX,” says Parnell. This laser stimulates new collagen growth with
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just one pass of the beam, for a more superficial resurfacing.
Beaming Ahead Future laser potential will be endless if Scott Davison has his way. Davison is president of Raydiance, Inc., a Petaluma start-up developing an ultrashort pulse (or USP) laser that could have myriad medical and cosmetic uses. “The difference between this laser and all the lasers that have come before it is [it produces] a fundamentally different interaction between light and matter,” says Davison. “There is so much power in each pulse that it disrupts
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atomic structures.” Whereas other types of lasers remove matter by heating the molecules, he explains, the USP laser vaporizes matter by more fundamentally disrupting the molecular structure. “The pulses are so short, there is no heat involved.” And that means it could be used, for example, to remove tattoos without burning the skin or to kill cancer cells without hurting healthy ones. Other possible applications include liposuction, mole and wrinkle removal, and eye surgery. Since the laser can be activated at different depths, “I can focus it below the skin, so for liposuction it would be focused into the fat layer, instantly vaporizing fat,” says Davison. “You wouldn’t have to suction [fat] out of the body; if you vaporize the fat molecules, [they] will be absorbed by the body.” It will be a few years yet before the USP laser might be okayed for this type of use, though approval for cosmetic procedures could come as early as next year. The technology for the USP laser has existed for more than 20 years, says Davison, but his company has miniaturized it, making it more commercially viable. “It can target,
Robert H. Byers, MD Jon Goff, MD David H. Goltz, MD John C. Keohane, MD Irina L. Melnik, MD Michael J. Oechsel, MD Ernest H. Sponzilli, MD Michael S. Stock, MD Charles A. Stuart, MD Noah Weiss, MD
analyze, detect,” he says. “The laser will look at the target, decide what’s wrong and fix it. We see it as one of the biggest breakthroughs
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in 40 years.”
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F Y I B E AUT Y
WEDDING DAY BEAUTY SECRETS Marin’s professionals share their tricks of the trade BY SOMER FLAHERTY ure, after years of applying a coat of
S
makeup as part of the daily morning regimen, most women are adept at
concealing fl aws and enhancing assets, but the wedding day brings a host of added variables that call for a professional’s touch—or advice. Lili Shahabi, owner of Lili S. Salon in Sausalito, has over 2 0 years’ experience working on photo shoots, fashion and hair shows and over-the-top weddings. Shahabi’s biggest tip for future brides? “Don’t skimp on the pampering and beauty. The memory and photos of this special day will last forever.” The beauty industry veteran says brides should set aside a minimum of two hours in their packed wedding day schedule for hair and makeup, book an appointment at least a month in advance and test out the final look. “We always suggest a run-through appointment before the big day so the bride is able to try out the hair and makeup to make sure it is everything she always dreamed of,” says Shahabi, who adds that this also lets the bride address any changes or additions she’d like to make. In Mill Valley, Flying Beauticians owner Nona Daron says the key to wedding day beauty success is to “exfoliate really well with a nice scrub if your skin isn’t sensitive or use a glycolic treatment if it is. Then put a moisturizer on the skin to make it as smooth as possible.” Daron, who estimates she does makeup for over 3 5 brides a year, also says facial waxing on the day of the wedding should be avoided and if planning on having black and white photography, “don’t put any make up on that’s
Lili Shahabi works in her Sausalito salon to create a hairstyle and fresh look for a future bride in preparation for her wedding.
sparkly or shimmers”—it won’t come across well in the pictures. Professional tips aside, Marin’s Milvali salon makeup artist Liana Belli puts it simply. “Enjoy the day; it’s yours.”
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Try these local spots for beautiful bridal makeup: ■ Art of the Eye This company is solely dedicated to brow and lash design—so who better to paint your lids with eye-catching appeal for the big day ($100). 141 Bon Air Center (Greenbrae). 415.461.7500, artofeye.com
■ Bluemercury Founder Marla Malcolm Beck’s East Coast celebrity haunt has made its way to Corte Madera. The upscale specialty retailer offers bridal makeup consultations with trained artists using lines such as Laura Mercier and Trish McEvoy ($100). 1624 Redwood Hwy. (Corte Madera). 415.924.5400, bluemercury.com
■ Flying Beauticians A one-stop shop for brides looking to get waxed, plucked and painted; trained artists use Colorescience and Pretty Girl brand makeup for applications that can be done in their Marin location or at the wedding destination ($90). 18 E Blithedale Ave., Number 11 (Mill Valley). 415.381.8134, flyingbeauticians.com
■ Lili S Salon Industry veteran Lili Shahabi creates customized palettes to flatter any bride’s skin tone and eye and hair color ($100). 219 Caledonia St. (Sausalito). 415.332.8700
■ Milvali Enter this relaxed salon geared toward the about-town woman. Its signature crueltyfree and all-natural line of makeup has a loyal following—book early ($95 to $150). 3 E. Blithedale (Mill Valley). 415.388.0988, milvali.com
■ Wallett Cosmetics On a tight schedule? Veteran artist Wallett will travel to your location and use her own signature line of lip glosses plus products by Bobbi Brown, NARS and Dior to enhance your beauty in just one hour flat ($200). San Rafael. 415.218.8786, wallet.com
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F Y I AUTO
THE LONELIEST HYBRID
I’VE ALWAYS ENJOYED HOPPING IN THE CAR AND HEADING OUT
Area and climb-up the Sierra Nevada and then cross 20 mountain passes
to follow the open road across the vast expanses of the American West.
before reaching the Utah border about 600 miles to the east—that is, if
One of my favorite road trips leads eastward from the Bay Area and
we got that far. Along the way, we’d shoot a show for Backroads, which
traces the route of the Pony Express over the High Sierra and through
we’d later post on my new travel website, OpenRoad.TV,” the Traveler’s
the rugged basin and range landscape of Nevada, toward Utah and be-
Video Guide to the American West.”
yond. It’s a wonderful journey along what is now Highway 50, famously
I grew up in a family of automobile dealers, but sadly, I have abso-
known in Nevada as “the Loneliest Road in America.” It isn’t all that
lutely no mechanical skill or understanding. I can tell you how well a
lonely really, but it does pass through wild terrain and historic little
car drives and how I like it, but not how it works. Before heading out,
towns more oriented toward the 19th than the 21st century.
I asked a Nissan technician, Mark Perry, for a short explanation about
This past summer, I drove through Nevada’s past behind the wheel of our automotive future, a fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle. My goal was to see how far I could go on a single tank of gas. Nissan sponsors the television series I’ve hosted since 1993, Bay Area Backroads. For my Highway 50 trip, Nissan provided an Altima hybrid
how the hybrid functions. Here’s what he said: “Think of a hybrid system as a two-man crew rowing a boat. The electric motor starts rowing first. But, if you need to ‘sprint’ then both crew members need to start rowing. Because there are two crew members, the ‘boat’ can go farther and use less energy.”
sedan. I didn’t know what to expect from the Altima, but I did know
Although I’d been a passenger in various Toyota Priuses owned by
what the road had in store for me. My crew and I would leave the Bay
friends and liked them very much, I had never driven a hybrid. How
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MARINMAGAZINE.COM
P H OTO: M ICH A EL ROS ENTH AL
A long, long tank of gas BY DOUG McCONNELL
would it handle, especially at higher altitudes? How peppy would it be? And, of course, the big unknown: where along the Loneliest Road would we be on our final fumes of fuel? And so, off we went. I drove the Altima conservatively, but didn’t poke along. I found it had plenty of power, far more than I needed. Acceleration was excellent and the mountain passes posed no challenge. It was comfortable and spacious, though the trunk was a little small for all our gear. Besides watching the road and the passing scenery, I found myself completely entertained by the computerized accounting, in five-minute intervals, of our gas consumption. On steep uphills, we dropped to 2 0 miles to the gallon. Then downhill, we used almost no gas at all. On fl at straightaways, we averaged about 4 0 or just a little less. Traveling slowly through towns, we often cruised on our batteries, which had been recharged on our downhill runs. I had to get used to the silence of the car when it was propelled by its batteries, but in our otherwise noisy world, I came to covet the quiet. We took our time shooting stories across Nevada, and on our third day out we reached the Utah border on what the Altima said was near empty. I was pretty impressed and satisfied with that success, but we kept driving east, assuming we’d run out of gas at any minute. The problem was, we kept going… and going… and it started getting late. We needed to get back to Nevada to file a report and get up very early for a long shoot amid bristlecone pines and inside caves in Great Basin National Park. I stepped on the gas—so much for conservation. We flew across the desert and at last, just as the sun set, we finally and mercifully rolled to a silent stop by a farm, 1 0 5 miles into Utah. The coyotes howled their approval, nearly 7 0 0 miles from where we began with a latte at the Berkeley Marina. We’d aver-
A. Jaffe C R E AT E D W I T H PA S S I O N S I N C E 1 8 9 2
aged about 3 8 miles to the gallon. Returning home, with more downhill than uphill, we could have done even better. Global warming is real. Fuel efficiency and energy conservation are critical. I look forward to having more hybrids and low-consumption vehi-
1200 4th Street at “B”, San Rafael, CA (415) 453-3580 • www.rafaeljewelers.com
www.ajaffe.com
cles to choose from in the years ahead.
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C O N V E R S AT I O N
Hardy Eric Harr Marin fitness guru has a worldly goal
H
BY JIM WOOD
ere’s a cool job that pays $5 an hour. You can earn it by hiking the Bolinas Ridge on a Saturday morning; doing yoga at Bay Club Marin on Wednesday evenings; or swimming in a nearby pool whenever you have the time. As long as what you’re doing involves physical fitness, Fairfax’s Eric Harr—a published author, CBS fitness expert, and Ironman triathlete—will pay $5 for every hour you put in. What’s the catch? Well, ah, none, really. It’s just that you never see the money you earn. Instead,
once you log on to care.org/workout and record your time, Harr will donate that $5 for every hour you hiked, stretched, swam or whatever to CARE, the global poverty-fighting organization. “Through 2008 I’ve personally pledged $50,000, mostly from the sale of my books, to fight poverty and hunger around the world,” is how he summarizes this win-win campaign. “For every hour a person devotes to getting or staying fit, I’ll donate $5 to a CARE program that empowers marginalized women throughout the world.” In all, Harr has committed $1 million to CARE over the next five years. After attending White Hill Middle School, Harr won a scholarship to Marin Academy and graduated in 1987. He attended Franklin and Marshall College in Pennsylvania, where he captained the swim team and earned a degree in French literature; met his wife, Alexandra, while training in Boulder, Colorado; and returned to Marin. The couple has a five-yearold daughter, Vivienne, and lives in Fairfax’s Cascade Canyon. “Simply put, Eric is an entrepreneur,” his wife says. “He always has 12 things going at once.” In addition to authoring two best-selling books—Triathlon Training in Four Hours a Week (Rodale) and Goal Digger Fitness: A Breakthrough 14-Day Exercise Plan (Rodale)—he is a media adviser for Organic Food Bars, a fitness consultant on KPIX-TV’s (Ch. 5) Weekend Early Edition, and regularly competes as a professional in Ironman Triathlons.
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What led to your partnership with CARE?
wealth or education or political influence—she
into a walking regimen. It doesn’t matter what
A year ago, I was in New York for a book sign-
has none of that. Rather, Albertina is a stal-
you do or how far or fast you go—just do some-
ing and in JFK I saw a CARE poster captioned
wart 44-year-old living in a village outside
thing. When you feel fit and healthy, you’re bet-
“I Am Powerful.” The photo accompanying
Mozambique’s capital of Maputo. She’s taken
ter at everything you do.
those words was of a dignified, strong and yet
on the job of ensuring her community has ac-
If a person has fallen out of the exercise
graceful woman along with the message: “She
cess to clean water in nine different locations.
habit, how can he or she get it back? I
has the power to change her world; you have
She’s performing a job no one else would do,
believe that once you’re progressing toward
the power to help her do it.”
and she’s saving lives every day by doing it.
a goal, that’s what creates your inspiration.
That poster struck me like a thunderbolt.
When I walked with Albertina, and saw how
The real challenge is in overcoming inertia.
I stared at it for a while, then called CARE,
people react to her, I realized I was in the pres-
The hardest step—and most important one—
where Allen Clinton, their director of public
ence of an authentic power—definitely a force
is that first step. If it’s a three-minute walk
relations, took my call. I told him about my
for good. It was humbling.
with your spouse, that’s a fabulous start. The
background, a few meetings were held, and
The other component of the “I Am
three-mile run can come later; or maybe nev-
three months later I was a CARE ambassador
Powerful” campaign involves fitness back
er. And it doesn’t have to be walking or run-
on my way to Mozambique.
in America. Is there a real connection?
ning. If swimming, or dancing, or climbing
A CARE ambassador? Mozambique? I
This may sound cheesy, but I like to light a fire
trees once gave you joy, take a dip, dance a
believe there are five CARE Ambassadors:
in people wherever they live. In Mozambique it
bit, or climb a tree. Follow your bliss; do what
Meg Ryan, supermodel Christy Turlington,
was one way. Here at home, I believe we become
you did as a child—whatever it is that gets
Sarah Michelle Gellar of Buffy the Vampire
empowered when we exercise, live healthier
you moving. Then move a bit farther, may-
Slayer, Sheila Johnson, cofounder of Black
lives and become fit. So for every hour a person
be faster, and before you know it you’ll be-
Entertainment Television, and now me.
exercises, I’ve pledged to give $5 to CARE for
gin feeling fit. That will be your inspiration.
Mozambique is in West Africa, a 36-hour flight
projects like Albertina and clean water. Take a
And don’t forget the $5 an hour that goes to
away, and I was there for eight days. I sat with
five-hour hike on Mount Tam and $25 will go
CARE. These may be small steps for you, but
and looked into the eyes of a father whose
to CARE. Even the smallest amount makes a
if we all come together on this, it will be a gi-
18-month-old daughter had AIDS and then a
huge difference as CARE uses the funds so effec-
ant leap for marginalized women everywhere.
mother whose husband had given her AIDS.
tively and efficiently. I’d like people to set ambi-
And that could change the world.
The experience totally changed me.
tious fitness and health goals. Like losing 15 or
For more information on participating in
What impressed you the most? It was the
20 pounds, or running and walking next year’s
the “I Am Powerful Workout” program, go to
indomitable spirit of the people. I went pretty
Dipsea, maybe swimming some laps or getting
care.org/workout.
far into the backcountry. One morning I visited a tuberculosis ward. It was quite an experience for a boy from Marin who’d never been to Africa. These people, despite their tragedies, which include 16 years of civil war, are still going strong, still smiling and offering nothing but kindness to me. What do you, working through CARE, hope to accomplish with the “I Am Powerful” campaign? The funds generated, the $50,000 I’ve pledged, will be focused exclusively on the empowerment of women and girls. This is because women are the true catalysts for change in the emerging world. Once you empower women, CARE has found repeatedly, things begin to change for the better. Do you have an example? Yes, Albertina Francisco. To me, she’s one of the most powerful women in the world. Not because of her
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
What is CARE? It started over 60 years ago with CARE packages that included Spam, broth, coffee, raisins and chocolates going to refugees in war-torn Europe. CARE—originally an acronym for “Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe”—is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty and now places special emphasis on empowering women in emerging countries. Last year, CARE reached 55 million people through more than 900 projects in 66 countries around the world. Of funds raised for CARE, 91 percent goes to development programs and activities, and 9 percent goes to fundraising and support. Further information about CARE, including donation opportunities, is available at care.org. MARIN
JANUARY 2008
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BEST WISHES Different locations, different couples, different tastes with one shared goal: to create a personal, authentic, perfect day BY SAMANTHA SCHOECH
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Location and catering: Rancho Nicasio, ranchonicasio.com
Dana Ross & Todd Rogers
Wedding coordinator:
RANCHO NICASIO | JULY 29, 2007
kathrynkenna.com
W
hen she was a little girl
Kathryn Kenna,
Photographer: Suzy Clement,
growing up in Mill Valley,
suzyclement.com
Dana Ross told her moth-
Flowers: Leslie Grady,
er her wedding was go-
510.418.9118
ing to be a potluck in a
Music: Preston Turner
field, and that anyone who wanted to come would
and Pure Ecstasy,
be welcome. A couple of decades later, the details
jlachic.com/pe-411.html
had shifted, but the sentiment hadn’t changed
Video: Thomas Hughes,
much. “Neither Todd nor I likes fancy at all,” says
thomashughesvideo.com
Dana, who now lives in Boston and works as a mid-
Cake: Torino Baking,
dle school history teacher. “We love the outdoors.
torinobaking.com
We love to run. It is very important to both of us
Hair and makeup:
that we are doing good service in the world.”
Carrie L’Esperance,
Still, they looked around at some pretty spiffy places for their Marin wedding. “We wanted something rustic, but every place we looked at was really nice. Todd was pretty much resigned to getting married at a yacht club or something.” But then they considered Rancho Nicasio. “I had seen a great bluegrass band there,” Dana says, “but when I mentioned it to my mom she was like, ‘ no way!’” Once they started looking into it, however, her mother’s attitude changed. “It turns out they do a lot of weddings out there and once my mom saw the pictures, she was into it. It could look classy, but it could still feel like you were out in a field, which is what I like.” The wedding was a weekend-long affair. A barbecue at Dana’s parents’ house in Mill Valley kicked off fours days of celebrating, including a hike in Tennessee Valley, a rehearsal dinner at the Corinthian Yacht Club in Tiburon, and a post-wedding brunch at D’Angelo in Mill Valley. “Todd and I are very dedicated to staying in touch with our friends,” Dana says. “We both had friends from kindergarten in our wedding parties. We wanted our friends to meet and have a chance to hang out before the wedding so it would all be relaxed and comfortable.” The day itself refl ected the couple’s desire for warmth and simplicity. They walked down the aisle to Travis Tritt’s “It’s a Great Day to Be Alive” (“we’re both closet country music fans”); they dined on barbecued oysters and grilled veggies among tables decorated with wildfl owers. But the best part was the party. As dinner was ending, the four singers from the band started singing a cappella and leading everyone inside in one long line. “They danced us into the reception and the dance fl oor was packed for the rest of the night,” says Dana. “By the third song my dad had his tie around his head.”
zenobia.com Dress: Nicole Miller
Nicole Chagnon & Zachary Siswick ISLEBORO, MAINE | JUNE 22, 2007
Ceremony: Groom’s mother’s garden Reception: Islesboro Historical Society,
T
here was never a question for Nicole and Zachary where their wedding would take place. Zac grew up on a small island in Maine and the couple had spent many happy days there during their seven-year courtship. “Honestly, the entire inspiration for the wedding was where we
207.734.6733
were having it,” says Nicole, a Marin native who works as a media
Photographer:
relations manager for Macy’s West. “Isleboro is kind of similar to the
Alexandra Daley-Clark,
Northern California coast: not all smooth beaches and perfect—kind of
classicmainewedding.com
wild and rugged. We knew right away it was going to be there.”
Caterer and cake:
Once they had the location, all they really knew was that they want-
Trillium Caterers,
ed their wedding to be something that truly reflected their personali-
trilliumcaterers.com
ties. “We wanted it to be simple and a great party. And we wanted it to
Music: Pre-ceremony,
reflect island life, something that would make people understand why
processional and recessional: David Letellier,
it was so important for us to have it there.”
413.532.3026; reception:
They incorporated that sense of place into every aspect of the
an iPod playlist compiled
event—from serving seafood to saying their vows under an arbor that
by the groom plus an
Zac’s mom made from native cedar. “My mother-in-law weighs about
impromptu live jam ses-
100 pounds and she made this gorgeous arbor,” says Nicole. “She was
sion featuring Letellier and the bride’s father Invitations:
out in the woods with an ax and a chain saw. It was huge—it must have been nine feet tall.” The other details were equally homespun. Table linens were hand-
Zachary Siswick,
sewn by the bride and groom (“we had our own little sweatshop set
tank-tank.com
up in our house,” say Nicole). The bride’s sister did her hair and make-
Dress: Narciso Rodriguez,
up, and a family friend played music for the ceremony—“Beautiful” by
off the rack from
Gordon Lightfoot for the processional and the Beatles’ “Blackbird” to ac-
Loehmann’s
company the newlyweds back down the aisle. Planning a wedding in Maine from her home in Marin was the only difficult part. “Not only is there a time change,” Nicole says, “but there was island time. People work differently on island time.” Still, it all came together magnificently. “There were problems,” she allows. “It was hailing and raining the morning of the wedding, but for some reason it didn’t stress me out. I was in this weird ultra-blissful mood and I figured I can’t control it so I just let it happen.” The clouds parted in time for the ceremony in Zac’s mother’s backyard and the day was beautiful. “It’s hard to describe it,” Nicole says. “‘Fun’ is too simple. ‘Perfect’ is too cheesy. I guess it was authentic. Everything felt right. It was about everyone who was there, and it was just such a good day.”
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Anne Hiaring & Richard Hocking ST. HELENA | JUNE 9, 2007
A
nne Hiaring and Richard Hocking, who met through mutual friends while skiing in Sun Valley, Idaho, wound up having a much bigger wedding than they’d envisioned. “I thought there’d be 120 tops,” says Anne, an attorney in San Francisco. “But everyone we invited showed up. No one could believe he was finally getting married.”
At 59, Richard had been a lifelong bachelor. “He’s really handsome. He cooks. He skis. He
has a boat. He’s in great shape. He has wonderful friends. It was like, ‘what’s wrong with the picture?’” says Anne, laughing. “It turns out, absolutely nothing. In fact he’s just a great guy.” Because of their shared love of cooking and eating good food, they knew they wanted to have their wedding Location: Ceremony, First
in the Napa Valley. When they found the First Presbyterian
Presbyterian Church of St. Helena;
church of St. Helena and immediately clicked with
reception, M asked M an V ineyard,
Jonathan Eastman, the minister there, everything seemed
Calistoga; mintlocations.com
to fall into place. “We wanted a ceremony that reflect-
Photographer: Kay Field, Cotati,
ed the fact that we were both raised attending a church,
kayfieldphoto.com
but we didn’t want someone else’s ceremony foisted on
Caterer: Brannan’ s Grill, Calistoga
us,” says Anne. To keep it from being generic, they wrote
( owners of M asked M an V ineyard) ,
the whole thing themselves, incorporating plenty of mu-
brannansgrill.com
sic, and chose all the songs. “At one point the singer sang
Cake: Debbie Does Dessert, San
‘When I’m 64,’ but we changed the lyrics to 84, because,
A nselmo, debbiedoesdessert.com
you know, 64 is just around the corner.”
Flowers: Sue Tipp, St. Helena
Along with the playfulness, there was a sense of real
Music: Stephen Iverson, Lobacha
intention. “My favorite part was standing up in front of
( Cuban) ; Herb and his band
the church and holding on to Richard’s arm. We really
( Brannan’ s house blues band)
supported each other. It’s pretty amazing to get married
Invitations:
when you are older. You get to a point where you don’t
Diane M urray and John Hersey, hersey.com
really need anybody but you make that commitment to
Dress:
open up and be there for one another.”
Le Spose di Giò , ceremony;
For the reception the couple and their 200 guests
Proenz a Schouler, reception
drove over to a friend’s vineyard for dinner, dancing and good wine. “It was very elegant but very comfortable with lots of children. We wanted it to be family oriented,” Anne says. Between the family-style Tuscany-inspired menu featuring all seasonal and locally sourced food and the great bands (there were two), they got exactly the celebration they were hoping for. “I would say it was just great,” Anne concludes. “Everyone was dancing. Dads and daughters, all the husbands and wives who hadn’t danced together in years were dancing. You just couldn’t stay off your feet.” But the best part of all was seeing her two children, 16 and 20, enjoy themselves so much. “They were really happy for me. They love Richard; he’s been a great presence in their lives. The pie just got bigger, not smaller.”
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Lee Anne Ramsey & Christopher Weldon HANALEI, KAUAI, HAWAII | FEBRUARY 18, 2007
L
ee Anne and Chris are both from originally from the East Coast. They work in San Francisco as broadcast producers, and they share a passion for good food, travel and lazy weekends. But when you ask them what first brought them together as a couple after two years of friendship,
Location: Paniolo & Nalu
they mention none of this. “We have a mutual love of cheesy ’8 0 s mov-
Cottages, Hanalei Land Company,
ies,” Lee Anne says. Christopher corrects her. “I’d have a hard time say-
808.826.1454, hanaleiland.com
ing it wasn’t specifically Patrick Swayze movies.” She has to agree.
Photographer: Toby
Their wedding on Kauai last February embodied all their key in-
Burditt,tobyburditt.com
terests: it was a destination wedding, it had great food, it included a
Caterer: Contemporary Flavors,
weekend’s worth of events—many of them centered around eating—
contemporaryflavorscatering.com
and, of course, Patrick Swayze was there. In spirit, at least.
Flowers: Sally at Blossoms Kauai,
The couple had become engaged on Kauai’s north shore the previ-
blossomskauai.com
ous year and knew right away that’s where they wanted to get married.
Music: Slack guitar by Paul
What they didn’t want was a big hotel wedding, this wasn’t their style.
Togioka, paultogioka.com, during
“We wanted it to be at a house with a big lawn. We wanted a family feel,”
guest arrival and cocktail hour. Dancing tunes by Kustom Sounds
say Lee Anne. “There were only three places on the north shore that we
Kauai, kskauai.com
would consider,” Christopher says. With the help of a wedding planner,
Invitations: designed by Lotta
they found the ideal spot, a set of classic Hawaiian cottages fronted by a
Jansdotter, jansdotter.com; printed
huge lawn leading to the beach on Hanalei Bay.
by Elinor Nissley at Krank Press,
They were lucky enough to have many talented friends. Fabric de-
cloverfieldpress.com
signer Lotta Jansdotter did their invitations. Another friend designed the
Wedding planner: Deanna
save-the-date cards. Photography was provided by a commercial photog-
Schafer, I Do weddings,
rapher who normally doesn’t shoot weddings but agreed to shoot theirs
idoweddingskauai.com Dress: Joan Gilbert Bride, San Francisco, joangilbertbride.com
as a favor. A group of musically inclined friends played and sang during the ceremony. Their minister, who officiated barefoot, was a college roommate of the groom’s. “We didn’t want to feel like we were putting on a show,” Christopher says. “We wanted everyone to be part of it.” Lee Anne adds, “We didn’t really have an exact vision. We just took a leap of faith and let people do their thing. For two producers, [ that] was pretty incredible.” There was, however, one perfectly choreographed part, something the couple kept secret from everyone until the big moment. When it came time for their first dance together, a bubble machine let loose and “(I’ve Had) The Time of My Life,” a song forever linked in the minds of a generation to Baby Houseman and Johnny Castle, began to play. Christopher and Lee Anne proceeded to do the final dance from Dirty Dancing, step for step, to the whoops and cheers of their friends and family. And yes, they even did the lift.
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STORY P. J. BREMIER PHOTOS BARBARA RIES
Belvedere architect captures sweeping views from all angles on choice lot
my fair
MODERN THE HOUSE DESIGNED BY ARCHITECT JEAN FAIR IS MODERN marvelous and, in every detail, mindful. Slotted into a slope on a street-to-street lot on fashionable Belvedere Island, it offers views that are big and bold from its large windows and custom rolling glass doors. Nearly every room on both fl oors looks out onto the bay, with the dramatic sweep of the Golden Gate Bridge off to one side and the neatly gridded streets of San Francisco in the distance.
STORY P. J. BREMIER PHOTOS BARBARA RIES
How can an interior compete with so compelling a view? Only when every
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OPPOSITE : Natural
light filters through house from dawn to dusk. TOP : Living room flows from entry. BOTTOM : Pool cantilevers over slope in backyard and is situated for view of Golden Gate Bridge.
corner turned reveals something just as interesting. To achieve that, Fair used a design concept that emphasizes scale and the repetition of materials, colors and shape. “Everything [in the house] has a right or a 30-degree angle,” she points out. “There are no rounded edges at all and, whenever possible, I used horizontal rectangles or a rectangle in general.” And every line, whether structural or incorporated for design, is slender. Extensive cantilevering, a construction technique that relies on hidden support rather than visible columns or poles, gives the roof eaves, stair treads, fireplace benches and upper deck the ethereal appearance of floating. “Someone once told me the house looks like it’s going to take off,” Fair says. [The cantilevering] “ makes the house feel that light.” The floor plan is equally open. Only two walls enclose the living and dining rooms, kitchen and family room, all adjacent to each other. “I wanted even the rooms less utilized, like the dining room and living room, to be visually part of the house.” Fair thinks of it all as borrowed space. “You’re aware of the volume,” she points out. “You don’t have to be sitting on the deck to feel like you’re enjoying the view. You can be in any part of the house and the view is available to you from almost anywhere.” That’s helped in large part by a generous use of glass in the oversize windows, the uninterrupted deck railing and even the one-piece countertop in the powder room. The sense of volume is increased by the insistence on a seamless appearance. Jeff Jungsten of Caletti Construction, the Mill Valley firm that built the house, praises Fair for her willingness to allow the contractors to use creativity within her “brilliant” design. He was also impressed with the seamless look she created for the walls. “That paneling assembly is one of the special features of the home,” he says. “It has no visible fasteners on the
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woodwork. It’s like a big puzzle with lots of interlocking pieces that looks like one panel with reveals.” But then, he says, that’s only one surprise. “There is so much more to this house than what you see from the street. It unfolds even more as you go through it and out to the garden. It’s a really well-designed space.” For some, the element of surprise comes from an unexpected sense of warmth, uncommon to a modern-style home, and the luxurious feeling of open and plentiful space. Capitalizing on the volume involved turning down the visual clutter and hiding the mechanical underpinnings of day-to-day life. A wet bar is just a sleek countertop until a hidden sink is uncovered and a faucet unfolds from a wall cabinet. Books rest behind paneled cabinetry in the living room, office equipment and cables hide in office cabinets, blowdryers reside in vanity drawers equipped with electrical outlets and even hampers are disguised as dressing room chairs. “Everything is customized to conceal,” Fair says. “I’m not fond of looking at appliances. In the kitchen, the refrigerator is integral to the cabinets and so is the dishwasher. I don’t want to see buttons or controls.” She also hid the freezer, coffee unit, recycling center and trash compactor. Fair drew upon the view for her color palette: “San Francisco Bay offers a range of colors that I tried to utilize. They are constantly changing depending on the time or day. It can be violet one moment and rosy the next.” For the infinity-edge pool, she chose a cool topaz blue tone that closely mirrors the water of the bay. She selected a gray-green slate for the house’s roof in order to complement the surrounding trees and chose copper gutters and downspouts and a fawn-colored stucco to mimic the color of bark. Inside, she relied again on natural materials in natural tones. A rich quarter-sawn American cherry trimmed in zinc was used for flooring; plain maple and quarter-sawn maple, finished in a fruitwood stain, were picked for the paneling and cabinetry. The same South Bay quartz of the outdoor walkways, walls and planters was brought in to build the fireplaces in both family rooms. Crafted in an ashlar pattern of random squares and rectangles, they were finished in dragged mortar style to resemble dry-stacking. Fair continued the inside-outside theme with twin galleries, a terrazzo stone floor and an alder soffit. They run the length of either side of the kitchen, dining and upstairs family room and extend beyond the borders of the house. On the bay side, the terrazzo-and-alder combination extends past the glass doors and windows to form the upper deck and accentuates Fair’s “borrowed” view. Jungsten is pleased by how well the deck turned out. “That’s a big no-no for contractors,” he says. “It’s hard to waterproof the terrazzo, especially with that exposure, and it was challenging
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to create a fl ush look and still have a drainage plane. There’s a complicated assembly underneath
OPPOSITE , TOP : Jean Fair walks through light-
that terrazzo, but it worked and it’s beautiful.”
filled hallway. BOTTOM : Eating area in kitchen, where appliances are hidden and countertops are sleek. ABOVE : Family room adjacent to kitchen provides a warm environment for watching television or reading.
For furnishings, Fair chose some designer pieces, an Eames table, a Barcelona chair and Z chairs, but for the most part she designed the furnishings to the exact scale and shape she envisioned. Two staircases lead to the private quarters, which consist of a pair of bedrooms and adjoining baths, family and media rooms, an office and master suite. For privacy and minimal disturbance, the master bedroom was designed to be separate from the bath, dressing room and access-ways. From this fl oor, as from above, there is a view onto the gardens, which are soft and lush in contrast with the strict lines of the house. A terraced garden winds down the hill with swaths of lawn and borders of hydrangeas, roses and rhododendrons. A moon garden of white-fl owering plants is in front and an intimate garden lies just outside the office. It’s no simple achievement to create a home and garden that contrast so sharply but complement each other so well. Neither is it easy to build a house that plays with the view but can also stand on its own. For Fair, it was all a matter of paying attention. “For good design, you have to be mindful with every decision,” she says. “It makes a big difference when [ you’re] thinking through things.”
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
63
J O U R NEY
ANOTHER TREK IN THE WALL TO AFGHANISTAN AND BACK, WITH SOME HELP FROM PINK FLOYD
THIS PAGE : The writer’s shelter
for a brief time in no-man’s-land, Tank 124 at the border of Afghanistan and Tajikistan. OPPOSITE : Porters and merchants waiting to cross into Tajikistan for the Sunday bazaar.
64
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
PHOTOS & STORY VASSI KOUTSAFTIS
F
or shelter from the scorching midday sun, I am leaning in the shadow of a destroyed Russian tank. The number 124 is stenciled
on its side. I am just inside the Afghanistan border after crossing from Tajikistan—no-man’s-land—and “Comfortably Numb,” one of my favorite songs from Pink Floyd’s The Wall, is playing in my head. The hot metal from the tank feels like an oven on my back, but I am content, happy actually. This is what adventure travel should be. My guide is not here yet. Passersby, some carrying household goods, others guns, stare at me. No doubt they are wondering why I am here. I contemplate the question of how this tank, and another one next to it, ended up here. What happened to the crew? I’m sure it was not pleasant. Did they die fighting? Were they taken prisoner? The line between life and death is easily crossed in these parts of the world. MARIN
JANUARY 2008
65
Men wearing dismaals, the traditional Afghani scarves, ask me
The drive from Dushanbe into Afghanistan took nearly three days,
questions I do not understand. They do not seem threatening and I
much of it over bone-jarring roads. At the guesthouses en route, my
have traveled enough in strange places that I know eventually someone
choices for evening companions were rats, white scorpions (“they will
will show up and everything will work out. At the least, when dark-
not hurt you much,” said one innkeeper) or, if I slept outside, mosqui-
ness comes the military will want to make sure they know what I am
toes. I had been softened in recent years by five-star tent camping in
doing. For a microsecond, though, the thought crosses my mind: why
Africa and hotels in India with showers and had forgotten what a real
don’t I just vacation in Hawaii like most people? But it passes. I love
adventure was like. This trip restored that memory.
being here in the middle of the nowhere, all alone, leaning against a tank. This is bliss.
My guide finally arrives
My journey started in Mill Valley, then continued via Frankfurt to
I see someone running toward me shaking his hands—my very apolo-
Istanbul and Dushanbe, the capital of Tajikistan, where the whole trip
getic guide. Our first stop is a return visit to the Afghani immigration
almost collapsed because Tajik authorities said my visa was not cor-
office because the official there had not, my guide pointed out, stamped
rect and it would take two weeks to “fix it.” Time was something I did
my passport. Papers in order, we drive toward Ishkashim, the capital
not have. I was here for a short trek in Afghanistan’s Wakhan corridor
of a province in eastern Afghanistan of the same name. On the road,
and had to get back in a few days, so after the U.S. embassy told me
I see plenty of minibuses with a photo of Ahmad Shah Massoud on
it couldn’t help I spent two long days maneuvering through the Tajik
their windshields. He was the commander of the anti-Taliban Northern
bureaucracy in ways that would have made Agatha Christie proud (no
Alliance who was killed by a suicide bomber a few days before 9/11.
murders were involved) and I was able to get my visa “corrected.”
He is a hero here and locals say his name with respect in their eyes and
66
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
OPPOSITE : Crossing the Oxus river can be very challenging even
with four-wheel-drive. Top: Sunrise at the Wakhan. The young girl takes the goats out to the fields with the Hindu Kush in the background. LEFT : Going to school is something new for girls in Afghanistan after years of Taliban rule. The kids are eager to learn and sometimes walk for many miles to go to the classroom. ABOVE : Young Wakhi girls taking a rest from the harvesting to get a look at the foreigner.
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
67
voices. They call him Amer Sahib e Shaheed, “our martyred commander.”
the left. We reach an Afghani
In Ishkashim, I must register with the local police. The police station looks
military post, where we wait
like a fort, but the commander is friendly and insists I sit with him for tea
for hours for the senior officer
and a chat. I see two old army vehicles, an anti-aircraft truck hidden under
to arrive. I settle back to take
a tree and a rocket-launching truck parked with flat tires. May I take pho-
in the scenery, knowing that
tos, I ask? No, says the commander. Later, though, after a couple cups of
like so many things in Asia,
tea he tells me I can take all the photos I want. I love Asia!
this will work itself out. And
The next morning we drive east toward China and after an hour the
it does. After some small talk,
valley opens up to an incredible view of the surrounding mountains. The
apologies and a cup of tea, we
“road’’—and to call it that is a stretch—is extremely rough, dusty and
are back on our way.
slow going. As we go by, villagers wave and call out al salaam a’alaykum
Soon, we actually cross a
(“peace upon you”) and touch their hearts with their right hands as a
bridge, the only one we’ve seen
sign of respect.
so far in the area. An hour lat-
During the day we cross, recross and cross again the Oxus River, with
er we arrive at a village consisting of three mud homes. Immediately, the
the water at times halfway up the SUV doors. It takes nine hours to drive
villagers come out, smiling and greeting me with hugs like I am a long-
about 70 miles. We follow the riverbed, climbing slowly and bracketed
lost friend. They give me the best room in the house to spend the night
by spectacular mountains—the Hindu Kush to the right, the Pamirs to
in and while I am stowing my duffel bag there I hear a chicken scream
68
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
OPPOSITE : The writer’s host family cooks
dinner. opposite lower: Wall painting from the “Russian days” in Afghanistan. this page: Wakhi mother and her child leave their home.
its last scream. I know what dinner is going to be. We all eat
ahead and to the sides are three distinct mountain ranges—
together and I am asked to eat more and more even though
the Karakoram on the left, the Hindu Kush in the center and
I’m full—how can I say no to these smiling faces? Outside,
the Pamirs on the right. That night the moon is full, lighting
the moon is nearly full. The bright lunar light mixes with a
up the landscape brilliantly. I spend hours on a rock taking it
soft breeze coming down the valley, stirring the tips of the
all in and thinking how fortunate I am to be able to experi-
unharvested wheat. I’m reminded of being at sea.
ence wondrous places such as this.
The next day we drive only three hours, but it is all very
70
MARIN
rough. Our destination is Sarhad, another small village,
What’s for dinner?
where I spend the night before starting my trek. I am a very
“Shall I kill a goat or a sheep for you? Which one do you
seasoned Himalayan trekker, having done some of the most
like best?” the owner of the guesthouse says. I have just fin-
exotic treks—Dolpo, Snow Lake, K-2 and Kangshung Face.
ished the trek and after the requisite hugs and greetings he
Though this trip’s trek is not rigorous by Himalayan stan-
announces that as I am his honored guest — and one from
dards, it is one of the most rewarding because of the people
Greece at that (Alexander’s legendary status is still alive up
and the peaceful scenery.
here) — he will kill a sheep or a goat. It’s my choice. I plead
On the first day of the trek, we stop to rest at about
with him not to kill any animal, but he insists. Finally, I tell
13,800 feet. Behind me is the small hill we walked up;
him it’s my birthday (true) and as a gift I want to spare the
JANUARY 2008
Sarhad and the start of the trek with view of majestic Pakistan mountains in the background.
creature’s life. He agrees, but also says he needs to do some-
derstand what seems so unfathomable. Another verse from
thing special anyway. A few minutes later the sound of two
Pink Floyd surfaces in my head: The flames are all gone but
chickens in great distress fills the courtyard. At least it’s not
the pain lingers on.
a sheep, I think.
The next day, back in the car, we come upon a police
We spend the evening eating, drinking lots of tea and
checkpoint. The officials are quite upset about something
talking. After a discussion about history and the mythic
and they take all the gear out of the car, looking at ev-
feats of Alexander and Marco Polo, the conversation comes
erything and emptying my duffel on the ground. Then it’s
to the inevitable—the United States in Afghanistan, the
over. They apologize profusely and tell me that last night
Taliban and the future. The stories I hear this evening about
one of their soldiers got drunk and lost his Kalashnikov
the Taliban’s treatment of people in Kabul and other major
and they are looking for it. They tell me he’s imprisoned
cities keep me awake most of the night. I think of the eeri-
for the slip-up. I drive off thinking he’ll probably be there
ness of how they were told, the storyteller’s voice dropping
for quite a while.
nearly to a whisper, the tone low and serious. It is one of
Three days later I am in Dushanbe again, heading home.
those conversations that you do not want to hear more of
Like always after this kind of trip, I feel different, changed
but feel compelled to listen to nonetheless. I can’t sleep, so I
ever so slightly, but nonetheless irrevocably, by experiencing
go outside the small mud home, sit on a rock and try to un-
one of the world’s last true adventures.
MARIN
Geographic Expeditions will be offering a trekking tour of the Wakhan corridor in Afghanistan in 2008. For more information visit geoex.com. To view more photos from Vassi Koutsaftis’s travels, visit arclight-pictures.com.
JANUARY 2008
71
GO
weekend wanderings ROMANTIC GETAWAYS IN THE 50th STATE 72
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
BY M .L. LATHAN
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
T
he holidays are fun, but the hectic pace gets me fantasizing about remote tropical islands. Take Moloka‘i, for example, the
least populated of the Hawaiian island chain—sparse, white-sand beaches as far as the eye can see, plus historical sites like the monument commemorating Father Damien in the remote village
of Kalaupapa. Besides being a remote getaway, the island now has luxury accommodations—which is also part of my fantasy. On the other end of the spectrum, there’s Waikiki: easy to get to, same warm, gentle Pacific and tons of shopping and worldclass restaurants, all within walking distance. And then there’s my favorite hammock at the Big Island’s Kona Village Resort, overlooking Kahuwai Bay and its resident pod of honu, or green sea turtles. I can hear the tide rolling in and feel the warm trade winds pass over me as my husband I and swing back and forth in front of our private beach hale. To help fend off this year’s winter blahs, I asked a few kamaaina friends to give me some inspiration, in the form of tips on what they consider to be the most romantic spots on all the islands.
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
73
what to do
Pack a picnic ●
Paddle your own kayak up the Wailua River
Remote (romantic) hike ●
Old Pali Trail is short and steep (coming
to a romantic waterfall grotto. Most kayak
back). The first part is not remote, but once
tours include a picnic lunch.
you head off the main trail, Likelike Trail is
KAUA‘I
●
Catch the sunset
Waimea, before heading to a lookout in the
through waterfalls. Go at sunrise or sunset for
picturesque Waimea Canyon.
the best views of the Ko‘ olau Range and the
●
Positioned perfectly to catch the nightly
Grab lunch at the Shrimp Station in
show of pinks, oranges and possibly a fl ash of
a lush, uncrowded, narrow path that passes
windward coast; trailhead starts at the Pali
green. The Point at Sheraton Kaua‘i has been
O‘AHU
lookout.
serving up island-inspired cocktails and pupus
Catch the sunset
●
to swooning couples for decades.
●
For expansive views of Waikiki and beyond,
The Makapu’u Lighthouse hike is not
remote, since the trailhead is right off
Hop aboard a late afternoon boat tour to ex-
check out the Diamond Head Lookout. From
Highway 7 2 , but once you crest the hill after
perience unnamed shades of green and gold as
the parking lot at Diamond Head State Park,
a mile-long easy ascent, it’s just pounding surf
the sun sets on the majestic Na Pali Coast.
there is a short hike to the top.
and miles of blue sky.
●
●
Walk the beach at Hanalei on the north
●
Celebrate literary history at the Sunset
Pack a picnic Pick up a veggie sandwich or tuna melt
shore and if you’re lucky you might see the
Lana‘i Bar at the New Otani Kaimana Beach
●
infamous green fl ash.
Hotel. Word has it, Robert Louis Stevenson
at Kalapawai Market in Kailua, then head to
wrote poems here to the Princess Kaiulani,
Kailua Beach State Park, consistently rated a
the most western point in the United
under the shade of the hau tree fronting the
“Best Beach in the World” by coastal expert
States – Polihale Beach, which is also consid-
property. 8 0 8 .9 2 3 .1 5 5 5
ered a Hawaiian-style-Sahara with dazzling
●
white sand dunes, some rising 1 0 0 feet.
Terrace at the venerable Outrigger Canoe
and laid-back vibe, but it’s also a great place
Remote (romantic) hike
●
Watch the sun ease into the Pacific from
Perched to catch the very last rays, the Hau
Dr. Stephen Leatherman. ●
O‘ ahu’s North Shore is famous for big surf
Club has been a locals’ choice for sunset din-
to spend the day. Grab a grilled sandwich to
The Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast.
ing for decades. Located on the southern end
go at Ku Aina in Haleiwa, bring a towel and
Leave early (as in 6 a.m.) to avoid the hot sun
of Waikiki, this social club has reciprocity with
beach mat and head to the scenic Waimea
and crowds. Head to the secluded Hanakapi‘ ai
most yacht club memberships. 8 0 8 .9 2 3 .1 5 8 5
Bay. Even if the surf isn’t pounding, there will
beach about 2 .5 miles from the trailhead,
●
have a snack and then it’s another 2 miles to
sual; fl ip-fl ops and T-shirts (only if there’s a
Hanakapi‘ ai falls.
breeze). It’s hard to beat the cement patio and
MAUI
Romantic dinner
fold-out chairs for a front-row view of the sun
Catch the sunset
Ask for a window seat at the Bali Hai
setting behind the jagged ridge of the Ko‘ olau
●
restaurant located in the Hanalei Bay Resort,
range. Toast the day with a chilled Bud Light.
tail at the Barefoot Bar at Hula Grill on
8 0 8 .8 2 6 .6 5 2 2
Any mainland yacht club membership is recip-
Ka‘ anapali Beach, as the sun sets over the
●
●
The Kane‘ohe Yacht Club defines island ca-
be plenty of people-watching.
Grab a chair in the sand and order a cock-
Reserve a table for two on the terrace
rocal. 8 0 8 .2 4 7 .4 1 2 1
neighboring island of Lana‘ i. 8 0 8 .6 6 7 .6 6 3 6
of Café Hanalei at the Princeville Resort,
Romantic dinner
●
8 0 8 .8 2 6 .9 6 4 4
●
●
The Beach House in Poipu is an ideal spot to
Overlook all of Wailea Resort with views
Reserve a private dining gazebo right on
of Molokini and Kaho’olawe (and Lana‘ i on
the water at Hoku’s restaurant in the Kahala
a clear day) while dining at Capische at
watch surfers take the last wave of the day as
Resort on O‘ ahu. 8 0 8 .7 3 9 .8 8 8 8
Diamond Resort. 8 0 8 .8 7 9 .2 2 2 4
you enjoy a sampling of island cuisine and a
●
glass or bottle of wine. 8 0 8 .7 4 2 .1 4 2 4
have enjoyed the sunset and Diamond Head
●
●
Cozy into a beach-facing gazebo, order a
For the past century visitors and locals alike
Remote (romantic) hike Haleakala Crater, whether you opt for the
views and award-winning island-inspired
3 a.m. pickup for a sunrise hike, or just take
mango martini, and share fresh sashimi as
cuisine at Halekulani’s House Without a Key
one of the many trails, there is plenty of room
Hawaiian musicians serenade the sunset at
8 0 8 .9 2 3 -2 3 1 1
on this 1 0 ,0 2 3 -foot high dormant volcano to
the Aupaka Terrace sushi bar at the Kaua` i
●
Marriott Resort & Beach Club. Or plan ahead
Sea in Haleiwa, a casual indoor/ outdoor
●
and ask executive chef Guy Higa to prepare
setting. 8 0 8 .6 3 7 .6 2 7 2
7 Pools trailhead from the west side of the is-
a customized meal for two in a private sea-
●
For an oceanfront dining experience, Ola at
land, so leave early. Besides freshwater pools,
side cabana with a view of Kalapaki Beach.
the Turtle Bay Resort recently opened to rave
the trail passes through bamboo forests and a
8 0 8 .2 4 5 .5 0 5 0
reviews. 8 0 8 .2 9 3 .6 0 0 0
remote black sand beach.
●
74
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
Reserve a table at sunset at Jameson’s by the
find a scenic path for two. Just past Hana. It takes awhile to get to the
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
Your islands. Our home.
The moment you cross the cabin’s threshold you enter our home. After all, only one airline is Hawaiian. We offer genuine Island hospit a l it y, awa rd-w i n n i ng ser v ic e, w ideb o dy c om for t a nd complimentary meals. Plus, our website will show you our lowest fares to Hawai‘i from San Francisco and San Jose. Welcome to our home. Complimentary meals on every flight.
HawaiianAirlines.com H A W A I I S TA R T S H E R E
●
Seasons show off the new museum-quality art
●
collection with over 280 original works.
tors flock to Sansei for its award-winning
Romantic dinner
dishes. Two locations on Maui; Kapalua
Consistently rated one of the best restau-
76
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
Lunch or dinner at Ka’uiki Restaurant at
a bit of a drive from most hotels, but the scen-
Hotel Hana-Maui will be a meal to remember.
ery is gorgeous and well worth the effort.
800.321.4262
Chez Paul in Olowalu enjoyed recent
publicity when chef Patrick Callarec shared his
Pack a picnic
culinary talents with the “Romance Me Maui”
●
campaign. 808-283-9044.
11:30, before the crowds hit the Taco Truck.
●
Duo at the Four Seasons — dine by the pool
waterfall overlooking Wailea Beach.
www.visit-oahu.com
808.669.6286 and Kihei 808.879.0004.
rants in Maui, the Hailemaile General Store is
●
Get a FREE Romance Planner
Sushi for two? Locals and returning visi-
●
●
Keep you from this.
standby is too pricy and hyped, nobody seems to be listening….be sure to make reservations.
●
Don’t let this
Not an outdoor hike, but a romantic notion
for a stroll…docent-led art tours at the Four
Mama’s Fish House in Kuau Cove on Maui’s
North Shore While some say this longtime
Aim for getting to Makena Beach around
Located just where the road turns toward the beach, this white truck is popular among locals, who line up for the fish tacos and fish burritos. Once you’ve got your lunch, head
getting there Departure/Destination
ETD
ETA
Flight Days
Airlines
Oakland-Honolulu (Oahu)
8:20 am
12:00 pm
7 days
Aloha
Oakland-Honolulu
10:00 am
1:35 pm
7 days
ATA
SFO- Honolulu
8:35 am
12:00 pm
7 days
Hawaiian
SFO- Honolulu
9:00 am
12:30 pm
7 days
American
SFO–Honolulu
9:00 am
12:30 pm
7 days
United
SFO–Honolulu
1:40 pm
5:10 pm
7 days
United
SFO–Honolulu
4:10 pm
7:45 pm
7 days
United
SFO–Honolulu
3:15 pm
6:40 pm
7 days
NWA
Oakland–Kahului (Maui)
9:50 am
1:30 pm
7 days
Aloha
Oakland–Kahului
11:10 am
2:20 pm
7 days
ATA
SFO–Kahului
9:00 am
12:30 pm
7 days
United
SFO–Kahului
1:00 pm
4:20 pm
7 days
United
SFO–Kahului
6:00 pm
9:20 pm
7 days
United
Oakland–Lihue (Kauai)
6:00 pm
9:20 pm
Su, W, F
ATA
SFO–Lihue
9:15 am
1 :00 pm
7 days
United
SFO–Lihue
4:00 pm
7:45 pm
7 days
United
Oakland–Kona (Hawaii)
6:00 pm
9:20 pm
Thursday
ATA
SFO–Kona
9:00 am
12:20 pm
7 days
United
SFO–Kona
1:30 pm
5:00 pm
7 days
United
Above is a sampling of non-stop flights as of press time, flights and times subject to change.
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
●
On the way to Cove Park at Kihei Beach,
noon moderate hike along the Koloiki Ridge, which offers expansive views of the island
stop off at Da Kitchen (808.875.7782,
and the ocean and neighboring isles.
da.kitchen.com) in the Rainbow Mall in Kihei.
Romantic dinner
After sharing a box lunch of Korean chicken,
●
take a surf lesson offered on site.
Bay. Served at the dining table or most
In-room romantic dinner at Manele
often on the private lanai. Candles, flowers,
MOLOKA‘I
white cloth service.
Catch the sunset
Pack a picnic
●
A rocking chair on the lanai of any room at
the Lodge—they all face west. ●
●
Both Manele Bay and the Lodge pack pic-
nics for hikes, Jeep excursions or the beach.
While wading in the tidepools off Kaupoa
Beach at the Beach Village, search for medeka
HAWAI‘I
(minnows) and opihi shells.
Catch the sunset
Remote (romantic) hike
●
Huggo’s on the Rocks: Casual setting
Waikolu Valley. Depending on your fitness
serves up cocktails, Hawaiian pupus and
level, trek (or park near) the look-over to the
music right next to the iconic Huggos
forest reserve. Locals call it a truly untouched
Restaurant on the south end of Kona’s
●
otherworldly valley.
downtown. 808.329.1493
The most popular trail on the island (four
●
Any hammock-for-two on the Kohala Coast.
people a day) is Halawa Valley. This daylong
●
Watch the sun set as fishing boats return
hike will take you through a waterfall spilling
to Keauhou Bay and the coastline of Kailua-
into a large bubbly (think champagne) pool.
Kona lights up while at Crystal Blue, an in-
With soaring cliffs as the backdrop, the trail
door/outdoor cocktail lounge at Sheraton
●
ends at Halawa Bay where it’s said the first
Keauhou Bay Resort and Spa.
Polynesians set foot on Moloka‘i.
Remote (romantic) hike:
Romantic dinner
●
Meet up with the ancient Ala Kahakai
Reserve the intimate greenhouse on the
trail at the public access parking lot behind
grounds of the Lodge, for a private dinner
the new Waikoloa Beach Marriot Resort and
created by chef Erwin Kudoba.
Spa and head south. Wear sturdy shoes and
●
Wiggle your toes in the sand, at your own
hats and bring sunscreen; this is a long and
table with private service a the Beach Village.
potentially hot trek over lava to freshwater
●
Casual to formal, depends on your own style.
lagoons and a black sand beach.
Pack a picnic
●
Get existential about the meaning of life
NO COMMITMENTS
over to the Cove at Secret Beach.
NO STRESS
beach life. urban vibe.
®
Planning a wedding should be fun and stress free. The Aqua NO COMMITMENTS wedding guest accommodations program is guaranteed to relieve your planning pressures. NO contracts
as you hike through the trails at Hawai‘i
NO minimums
general store in Mauna Loa and head to Mile
Volcanoes National Park. nps.gov/havo
NO hassles
Marker 19: a remote white sand beach protect-
Pack a picnic
ed by a coral reef.
●
●
Pick up a prepared lunch at the Lodge or the
Waterfalls, lonely black sand beaches and
wild ginger are just a few sights to behold
LANA‘I
when hiking the famed Waipi‘o Valley. Stop
Catch the sunset
at the Waipi‘o Valley Artworks for a takeout
●
Veranda of Four Seasons Resort Lana`i, the
deli sandwich along the way.
Lodge at Koele. Overlooks the stables, and the
Romantic dinner
ocean in the distance below.
●
●
For a bit of the surreal, head to the Garden
Pahui‘a at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
opening. Aim for sunset when you make
formations change color with the setting sun.
reservations. Desserts include a daily soufflé
Remote (romantic) hike
and the pièce de résistance; their warm dark
Plan for an early morning or late after-
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
For more information visit www.aquaresorts.com/weddings.htm or call 808.687.7113
has been earning awards and accolades since
of the Gods, and watch the ancient red rock
●
No matter how diverse your guest list, one of our 10 Waikiki hotels is guaranteed to meet their needs. Your guests will enjoy lifestyle amenities without the luxury price tag...so you can enjoy your perfect day.
chocolate lava cake. 888.340.5662.
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
77
winter weekend getwaways O‘AHU
start at $299 a night with a minimum
Kahala Love Song
of four nights’ stay. 808.923.7311,
One three-course romantic dinner for two at
royal-hawaiian.com
Hoku’s, the resort’s award-winning signature
The 5000 Kahala Package
restaurant (alcoholic beverage not included),
Accommodations in either the presidential or
CD of Hawaiian love songs and champagne
governor suite. $400 daily activity credit for
and chocolate-covered strawberries. Package
use at the spa suites or Dolphin Quest and
rates start at $410 per night for courtyard
private limousine airport transfers or luxury
rooms. Minimum four-night stay. Package
Hertz rental car. Daily buffet breakfast for two
inclusions are valued at $320. 888.261.0068,
at Plumeria Beach House. Package is priced
kahalaresort.com
at $5,000 for two per night. 888.261.0068,
Royal Hawaiian (Pink Palace of the Pacific)
kahalaresort.com
“A Hui Hou – Until We Meet Again” at the Royal Hawaiian. The hotel will begin restora-
MAUI
tion on a new era of redefined luxury around
Hotel Hana-Maui
June 1, 2008. Hence from March through
Three nights, luxury accommodations. Daily
May 2008 guests will receive complimentary
full American breakfast for two in Ka‘uiki.
daily breakfast for two, an elegant memento
Welcome bottle of champagne on arrival. One
gift and a special room night gift certificate for
three-course dinner for two in Ka‘uiki, the
a return to the Royal Hawaiian in 2009. Rates
recent winner of a Wine Spectator Award of
THE SECRET TO WEDDED BLISS.
hawaii revealed at www.konavillage.com • 866-906-0454
78
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JANUARY 2008
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
s
Excellence. 60-minute massage for two (one
nature Banyan Tree Restaurant (once per
Return to a room scattered with orchid petals,
per guest) in a couples’ suite in Honua Spa.
stay), and the daily resort fee with a three-
flickering candles, and a drawn bath. Room rates
Rates start from $606 per night to $1173. This
night minimum. This package is available
start at $735 per night. Romantic Dinner on
package is available through December 23,
thru December 19, 2008, starting at $699 per
the Beach packages start at $550 for two. Call
2008, and does not include taxes and gratu-
night. 888.669.6200, ritzcarlton.com
888.340.5662 or visit fourseasons.com/hualalai.
ities. hotelhanamaui.com, 800.321.4262
Waikoloa Beach Marriot Resort & Spa
Sheraton Maui Resort
MOLOKA‘I
“Romance in a Box add-on Package” add $500
The Lodge at Moloka‘i Ranch
ovated oceanfront property on the Kohala
to the nightly rate for a romance package in-
Romance package includes a massage or
Coast and check out the new Mandara Spa.
cluding; a category room upgrade, breakfast
horseback riding for two, a private campfire, a
Luxurious accommodations starting from $489
in bed, a romantic dinner, champagne and
private dinner and a compact car. While you’re
with a two 50-minute treatments per day. Rate
strawberries on arrival, embroidered robes and
having dinner, your room will be adorned with
is per room, per night, exclusive of applicable
house slippers, bottled water, Aveda bath prod-
candles and flower petals and a bath will be
taxes and fees. Valid through February 29,
ucts, happily married/just married door hang-
drawn with Moloka‘i coconut salts. Three-night
2008. 877.359.3696, waikoloamarriott.com
ers, a keepsake wooden box, a sunset sail for
minimum $498 per night in a Lodge Luxury
Kona Village
two, and a cabana on the beach. Rates start at
room or $448 in a beachfront “tentalow” at
Bed, Breakfast & Beyond includes breakfast
$470. Sheraton-maui.com, 808.661.0031
the Beach Village. 808.660.2824, molokai-
and the many Kona Village amenities but gives
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua
ranch.com
guests the option of whether or not to include
The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua’s Pilialoha
Spa For Two Escape! Head to this newly ren-
lunch and dinner. Rates for BB&B begin at
(Romance) Package includes champagne
HAWAI‘I
$512 per night for two. Rates with all meals
and chocolate truffles on the night of arrival,
Four Seasons Haulalai
and the usual array of resort amenities begin
daily breakfast buffet for two in the Terrace
Couples looking for a romantic epicurean escape
at $660 for two per night. 800.367.5290,
Restaurant, a three-course dinner at the sig-
can arrange for a romantic dinner on the beach.
konavillage.com
No strings or roof attached. General admission to the Polynesian Cultural Center
Scuba Lesson at Aqua Zone Scuba Diving
Escape to Hawaii! Every Budget rental comes with our exclusive coupons worth hundreds of dollars. Enjoy all your favorite attractions– FREE! Free admissions, food and activities around the islands. Ask about our daily and weekly specials.
Child admission to Hawaiian Waters Adventure Park
For Reservations, call 1-800-527-0700 or visit us at www.budget.com Subject to availability and change without notice. Refueling, taxes, state and government surcharges, concession fees, vehicle license fees and optional items are extra and are subject to change without notice. Normal rental requirements apply. One free gift from each Budget coupon program participant per set of Budget car keys and rental contract. Coupons are available at Budget.com. We feature Lincolns, Mercurys and other fine cars and trucks. ©2008 Budget Rent a Car System, Inc. A global system of corporation and license owned locations.
Child admission to Bishop Museum
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
79
GO
What’s new on Kaua‘i
BY SAMANTHA BRONSON
Population 63,004 and counting BY MIMI TOWLE ver since Elvis Presley did his rendition of the white-man hula in Blue Hawaii amid the
ABOVE INSET : Artist
rendering of the RitzCarlton Residences, Kaua‘i Lagoons, 14 units slated to open in 2009 starting price, $6 million. ABOVE : 16th hole of the Jack Nicklaus’ Signature Kiele Course at Kaua‘i Lagoons.
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exotic splendor of the Coco Palms, Kaua‘i has been a coveted destination, especially for Californians. Voted “3rd Best Island in the World” by Travel & Leisure last year, it was
also deemed most popular destination by the Hawaii Business News last fall, in spite of economic downturns around the state. My family of four added to the hotel occupancy stats during a muchneeded escape to Poipu on the south side of the island. I didn’t notice any particular increase in fellow tourists, but I couldn’t ignore the proliferation of orange construction fencing, obscuring Caterpillars, mountains of rebar and half-built foundations. On an island known for its slow pace and open space—roughly 95 percent of the land here is zoned “conservation” and is undeveloped—does all this building mark a point of no return?
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
The good news is, regardless of the amount of new construction, local zoning law still holds that no building can be taller than a coconut tree (four stories), and Mayor Bryan Baptiste is currently fighting for a temporary moratorium on any new agricultural subdivisions. According to Leroy Laney, a First Hawaiian
On an island known for its slow pace and open space– roughly 95 percent of the land is zoned “conservation” and is undeveloped. Bank economics consultant, Poipu is the busiest place for building on the island in part because a number of projects that had been in the planning stages for years seemed to get final approvals simultaneously. These developments range from affordable time-share units to luxury projects such as Koloa Landing, a 2 5 acre oceanfront resort-condominium development sited on the southern tip of Poipu. Thankfully, the plumeria-infused trade winds carried the clatter of construction inland during our visit, so once we checked into our room at the Sheraton the prevailing sounds were those of rolling waves and a few squealing children. In years past we’ve stayed at the Kiahuna Plantation, an Outrigger property known as a “value” spot for families, with two-story condos clustered around a network of sprawling green lawns. When value isn’t an issue, there’s the Grand Hyatt Resort, with championship golf and tennis, an expansive, meandering saltwater lagoon,
Our guests call The Wyland Waikiki one-of-a-kind.
and connecting freshwater pools with a 1 5 0 -
We call it an original.
foot slide. The Hyatt has had their own re-
A cool, water-inspired oasis in the heart of
4 5 ,0 0 0 square feet. Speaking of pampering,
inspiration, and marine life art of renowned artist, Wyland. Immerse yourself in a world of art, nature and serenity.
another family favorite ResortQ uest’s Waimea
Free Night Free One-Category Upgrade Free Continental Breakfast Free Internet Access
Reservations 1 877-995-2638 •
ized treatments with local ingredients such as kava kava, blossoms, honey, seaweed, citrus TheWylandWaikikiHotel.com
400 Royal Hawaiian Avenue, Honolulu Hawaii 96815
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
Plantation Cottages has just completed a newly expanded Hideaway Spa, including custom-
Standard room rate from $205 per night based on single or double occupancy. 3 night minimum stay required. Effective now through December 21, 2008. Subject to availability and may be discontinued at any time.
82
build – the award-winning Anara Spa is now
The Wyland Special Waikiki. The Wyland Waikiki reflects the design
and more, plus a full-service beauty salon and beachfront yoga classes.
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
For this trip, however, we opted for the
forces to develop the entire 520-acre resort,
Kaua‘i’s apparent spike in popularity
Sheraton’s front-row access to the beach. It’s
spending upwards of $1.5 billion to enhance the
doesn’t surprise Stowe, who moved here from
easy to imagine the original hard-hatted devel-
property and add vacation homes and condos.
Arizona more than two decades ago. “Kaua‘i is
opers of this place back in 1968 standing on
And finally, this year the tony north shore
the most Hawaiian of all the islands,” he says.
the picturesque rocky point, looking over the
will welcome the first St. Regis Hotel (previous-
“I love the slow pace, friendly people and nat-
grounds and saying, “Let’s put the restaurant
ly the Princeville Hotel) after a multimillion-
ural beauty.” His even tan and easy smile tell
here for the best view of the beach and sun-
dollar rebranding effort that includes interior
the rest of the story.
rise, and let’s put the bar here, for the sunset.”
as well exterior space and a new spa.
Passengers mingled with mai tais in hand,
Despite a complete rebuild and sizable expan-
Once we’d spent enough time lolling
erupting in oohs and ahhs as we passed the
sion after 1992’s devastating Hurricane Iniki
around cabana 17 at the beach, we toured
ever-changing vistas of private coves, soaring
and the more recent room upgrades, the origi-
the island and decided to finally experience
cliffs and schools of flying fish. Stowe narrat-
nal open-air design has stayed intact.
the famed Na Pali Coast. I don’t usually do
ed with bite-size trivia: “Ni‘hau (visible on the
Another example of post-Iniki development
well on these types of open ocean voyages
horizon) only allows pure-blooded Hawaiians
is Kaua‘i Lagoons on the east shore, on the out-
(I can’t even sit in the back seat on the way
and interested qualified buyers onto its shores
skirts of Lihue. Created in 1987 by legendary
to Stinson), but after popping a little white
.…The Hawaiian spinner dolphins (at our bow,
über-developer Chris Hemmeter, the proper-
Bonine pill, I took my chances. Unfortunately
showing off impressive acrobatics) are one of
ty has previously included an 840-room hotel,
for the very understanding Japanese man
the smallest species in the Pacific...And the
five restaurants and one of his trademark gigan-
whose open camera bag took the brunt of my
Na Pali Coast, which rises thousands of feet
tic pools, all fronting the white sand beach of
daughter Natalie’s lunch, I didn’t give the pills
above sea level, is the second-fastest eroding
Kalapaki Bay, as well as a 38-acre lagoon and
to the kids. Hence, I spent the remainder of
coastline in the world.” Hmmm, I thought, as
two golf courses. The hotel is now thriving as
the trip feeling great, sitting next to Captain
the little white pills expanded my universe.
the Kaua‘i Marriott Resort & Beach Club, and
Chris Stowe of Blue Dolphin Charters, while
Change, it seems, is the one dependable con-
just last year Marriott and Ritz-Carlton joined
Natalie obediently stared at the horizon.
stant in this island paradise.
Aloha Airlines’ Winter Getaway
Enter to Win the Fly First Class Sweepstakes! If you’re the winner of our Fly First Class Sweepstakes, you and your travel partner will fly in first class between Oakland and Maui on Aloha Airlines. You’ll sit back in a wide, all-leather arm chair, enjoy a fine three-course meal served with the friendly Aloha Spirit and before you know it, you’re there. r: nte To E 1 Visit www.marinmagazine.com and click on the Winter Getaway link.
2 Complete reader survey and register to win two round-trip airline tickets courtesy of Aloha Airlines and a 4-night stay for 2 at The Westin Maui Resort & Spa situated along the spectacular Ka‘anapali Beach.
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
83
BRIDAL GOWNS & BRIDESMAIDS’ DRESSES Alexandra Bridal Salon
Marin Magazine’s Third Annual Wedding Resource Guide
251 Post St, 2nd Floor, SF Phone 415.951.0400 Web alexandrasalon.com
And Something Blue 2999 Washington St, SF Phone 415.409.0217 Web shopbrowneyedgirl.com/asb
Bridal Galleria 3 Embarcadero Center, SF Phone 415.362.2277 Web bridalgalleria.com
Dana Gail Couture 595 Bridgeway, Ste 4, Sausalito Phone 415.686.1768 Web danagail.com
You’re engaged!
Congratulations—this marks the start of an
exciting adventure together. The engagement period can seem overwhelming—there are suddenly so many details to plan and prepare before the big day. Marin Magazine’s third annual Wedding Resource Guide has been created to make the perfect day a feasible goal. Read on to find lists of some of the best bridal boutiques, caterers, bakeries, florists, photographers, jewelers and venues to reflect your individual style. Happy planning!
Jin Wang 111 Maiden Lane, 3rd Floor, SF Phone 415.397.9111 Web jinwang.net
Lea Designs 27 Ross Common, Ross Phone 415.461.4804
Lili Designs 7950 Redwood Dr, # 15 Cotati Phone 707.793.1100 Web grouplili.com
Marina Morrison 30 Maiden Lane, SF Phone 415.984.9360 Web marinamorrison.com
Neiman Marcus Bridal Salon 150 Stockton St, SF Phone 415.362.3900 Web neimanmarcus.com
Shadows 429 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo Phone 415.459.0574 Web shadowsjewelry.com
TUXEDOS Gene Hiller PH OTOS: LEAH McC ORM IC K
729 Bridgeway, Sausalito Phone 415.332.3636 Web genehiller.com
Louis Thomas 211 Corte Madera Town Center Phone 415.924.1715 Web louisthomas.com
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Selix Formalwear
Emporio Rulli
874 Fourth St, San Rafael Phone 415.455.0830 Web selix.com
464 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur Phone 888.887.8554 Web rulli.com
ACCESSORIES
Gerhard Michler
20/20 1127 Fourth St, San Rafael Phone 415.453.2020 Web 2020opticalinc.com
Betty Ann 869 Grant Ave, Novato Phone 415.892.2255 Web millvalleyhatbox.com
Mill Valley Hat Box 118 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley Phone 415.383.2757 Web millvalleyhatbox.com
Rims and Goggles 606 Strawberry Village, Mill Valley Phone 415.383.9480 Web rimsandgoggles.com
CATERERS All Seasons Catering
Fine European Desserts 950 Illinois St, SF Phone 415.861.5158 Web gerhardmichler.com
Sweet Things 1 Blackfield Dr, Tiburon Phone 415.388.8583 Web sweetthings.com
Victoria Pastry Co. 292 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae Phone 415.461.3099 Web victoriapastry.com
BEAUTY Acqua Med Spa 777 Grand Ave, # 203, San Rafael Phone 415.460.1204
Art of the Eye
201 Seminary Dr, Mill Valley Phone 415.383.9355 Web allseasonscatering.com
141 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae Phone 415.461.7500 Web artofeye.com
Alta Cuisine
Blue Mercury
1555 S. Novato Blvd, Novato Phone 415.898.3230 Web altacuisine.com
An Affair to Remember 196 Market St, San Rafael Phone 415.459.6505 Web remembercatering.com
Elaine Bell Catering Company 254 First St, East Sonoma Phone 707.996.5226 Web elainebellcatering.com
Michael Goldstein Catering PO Box 5175, Novato Phone 415.456.8806 Web mgccevents.com
Magnolia Avenue Salon
Stellar Spa
1133 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur Phone 415.461.9616 Web magnoliaavenuesalon.net
26 Tamalpais Dr, Corte Madera Phone 415.924.7300 Web stellarspa.com
The Bar Method
1624 Redwood Hwy, Corte Madera Phone 415.924.5400 Web bluemercury.com
Milvali 3 E. Blithedale, Mill Valley Phone 415.388.0988 Web milvali.com
208 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae Phone 415.461.4461 Web barmethod.com
Evo Spa
NewSkin Clinic
The Dailey Method
216 Strawberry Village, Mill Valley Phone 415.383.3223 Web evo-spa.com
Bay Club Marin, Corte Madera Phone 415.945.9555 Web newskinclinic.com
11 First St, Corte Madera Phone 415.927.1133 Web thedaileymethod.com
Flying Beauticians 18 E. Blithedale, Ste 11, Mill Valley Phone 415.381.8134 Web flyingbeauticians.com
Health Spa Napa Valley
Wallett Cosmetics NH2 Salon 208 Vintage Way, Novato Phone 415.897.8777 Web nh2salon.com
1030 Main St, St. Helena Phone 707.967.8800 Web napavalleyspa.com
Salon One Day Spa
Kamalaspa
Sen Spa
CAKES
240 Stockton St, SF Phone 415.217.7700 Web kamalaspa.com
1161 Gorgas Ave, SF Phone 415.441.1777 Web senspa.com
Branching Out
Lili S Salon
Smooth Operations
219 Caledonia St, Sausalito Phone 415.332.8700 Web lilissalon.com
822 D St, # 5, San Rafael Phone 415.710.9711 Web smoothoperationsmarin.com
Paula LeDuc Fine Catering 1350 Park Ave, Emeryville Phone 510.547.7825 Web paulaleduc.com
Corte Madera Phone 415.924.0198 Web branchingoutcakes.com
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
1 Blackfield Dr, Tiburon Phone 415.380.9111
624 Tamarack Dr, San Rafael Phone 415.218.8786
FLORISTS Bloomers of Larkspur 501 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur Phone 415.927.7422 Web bloomersoflarkspur.com
Bloomworks 518 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo Phone 415.453.2478 Web bloomworks.org
Catherine Scott Flowers San Rafael Phone 415.453.6354 Web catherinescottflowers.com
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85
Amir H. Mozaffarian
Lehrer Designs Jewelry
155 Post St, SF Phone 415.391.9995 Web mozzafarian.com
1137 Magnolia, Larkspur Phone 415.461.2212 Web lehrerdesigns.com
Arth & Co.
Mar-Chet Jewelers
210 Post St #1004, SF Phone 415.986.3660
326 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo Phone 415.453.8963
Ashley Morgan Designs San Francisco Phone 415.205.6228 Web ashleymorgandesigns.com
Old Gold 17 Main St, Tiburon Phone 415.789.9583 Web oldgoldjewelry.com
Bailey, Banks & Biddle 1728 Redwood Hwy, Corte Madera Phone 415.924.0494 Web baileybanksandbiddle.com
Rafael Jewelers 1200 Fourth St, San Rafael Phone 415.453.3580 Web rafaeljewelers.com
Bulgari 237 Post St, SF Phone 415.399.9141 Web bulgari.com
Ross Goldsmith 224 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo Phone 415.458.1770
Cartier 250 Post St, SF Phone 415.397.3180 Web cartier.com
Shreve & Co. 200 Post St, SF Phone 415.421.2600 Web shreve.com
David Clay Jewelers
Hearts and Flowers
Petite Paperie
1550 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon Phone 415.435.1972
643 E. Blithedale, Mill Valley Phone 415.381.3711 Web petite-paperie.com
La Fleuriste Flower Design Tiburon Phone 415.505.5601 Web lafleuriste.net
Popapery 228 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae Phone 415.461.0390 Web popapery.com
Passion Flowers 215 Corte Madera Ave, Corte Madera Phone 415.927.3983
Rafael Florists 831 Fourth St, San Rafael Phone 415.457.4711 Web rafaelflorist.com
Ram Print and Communications 601 Strawberry Village, Mill Valley Phone 415.383.4177 Web ramprint.com
Deleuse Jewelers 1771 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon Phone 415.435.2484 Web deleusejewelers.com
Gump’s 135 Post St, SF Phone 800.766.7628 Web gumps.com
Johann Paul Jewelers 272 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae Phone 415.461.1866 Web johannpauljewelers.com
The Wedding Shoppe 316 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae Phone 415.461.1802
INVITATIONS
Union Street Papery
Folio
2162 Union St, SF Phone 415.563.0200 Web unionstreetpapery.com
1118 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur Phone 415.461.0120
1872 Union St, SF Phone 415.922.4339 Web davidclayjewelers.com
John Atencio 1957 Union St, SF Phone 415.674.7750 Web johnatencio.com
Julianna’s Fine Jewelry
JEWELERS
The Village at Corte Madera Phone 415.924.9711 Web juliannasfinejewelry.com
Gump’s
Alix & Company
Lang Antiques
135 Post St, SF Phone 800.766.7628 Web gumps.com
55 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley Phone 415.380.0880 Web alexandriagallery.com
323 Sutter St, SF Phone 415.982.2213 Web langantiques.com
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Simayof 1934 Union St & 295 Geary St, SF Phone 415.929.6200, 415.391.0152 Web simayof.com
Spirits in Stone 585 Bridgeway, Sausalito Phone 415.332.2388 Web spiritsinstone.com
Stephan-Hill Jewelry 1226 Fourth St, San Rafael Phone 415.459.5808 Web stephanhill.com
Stuart Moore 1898 Union St, SF Phone 415.292.1430 Web stuartmoore.com
Tiffany & Co. 350 Post St, SF Phone 415.781.7000 Web tiffany.com
Union Street Goldsmith 1909 Union St, SF Phone 415.776.8048 Web unionstreetgoldsmith.com
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Natalie Sousa
E & O Trading Company
Headlands Center for the Arts
Alyssa Remington
San Rafael Phone 866.977.5300 Web nsphotography.com
2231 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur Phone 415.925.0303 Web eotrading.com
944 Fort Barry, Sausalito Phone 415.331.2787 ext 28 Web headlands.org
San Anselmo Phone 415.847.5598 Web alyssaremington.com
Artistic Weddings 96 Robinhood Dr, San Rafael Phone 415.460.1440 Web artisticweddingsphoto.com
Bruce Forrester Photography 809 Spring Dr, Mill Valley Phone 415.388.3686 Web bruceforrester.com
Gary Ferber Photography PO Box 193, Sausalito Phone 415.331.6262 Web garyferberphotography.com
Julie Mikos Photography P.O. Box 5762, Berkeley Phone 510.681.7616 Web juliemikos.com
Larry Dyer Photography 1414 Fourth St, Ste 200C, San Rafael Phone 415.721.7218 Web larrydyer.com
Leah McCormick Mill Valley Phone 415.927.2564 Web byleah.com
Linda Russell Photography
Perfect Circle Photography 8 Ashwood Ct, San Rafael Phone 415.819.3088 Web perfectcirclephoto.com
2014 Oakdale Ave, San Francisco Phone 415.720.6818 Web olivettidesigns.com
117 Shaver St, San Rafael Phone 415.455.8227 Web photographybypatricia.com
Steve Slater 264 Palima Place, Kihei, HI Phone 808.283.7800 Web sslater.com
Susan Adler Photography PO Box 150937, San Rafael Phone 415.457.7214 Web susanadler.com
Landmarks Art and Garden Center
201 Bridgeway, Sausalito Phone 415.339.0172 Web gaylords.com
841 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon Phone 415.435.1853 Web landmarks-society.org
Giorgio’s Ristorante
Lodge at Tiburon
300 Drakes Landing Rd, Greenbrae Phone 415.925.0808 Web giorgiosrestaurant.com
1651 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon Phone 415.435.3133 Web thelodgeattiburon.com
Guaymas 5 Main St, Tiburon Phone 415.435.6300 Web guaymasrestaurant.com
Lyford House at Tiburon Audubon Center 376 Greenwood Beach Rd, Tiburon Phone 415.388.2524, ext 101 Web tiburonaudubon.org
San Francisco Phone 888.450.8101 Web suzannekarp.com
Suzy Clement 1514 Bay St, Alameda Phone 510.814.0674 Web suzyclement.com
Tu Photography
469 Miller Ave, Mill Valley Phone 415.389.0609 Web lisaleighphotography.com
1560 Fourth St, Ste C, San Rafael Phone 415.455.9219 Web tuphotography.com
Michael Loeb Photography
VENUES
7 Hillcrest Ct, San Anselmo Phone 415.453.8755 Web loebphotography.com
Acqua Hotel
1609 Solano Ave, Berkeley Phone 510.528.8845 Web nanphelps.com
Gaylords
Suzanne Karp
Lisa Leigh Photography
Nan Phelps Photography
250 Entrada, Novato Phone 800.652.6565 Web innmarin.com
Photography by Patricia
Theresa Vargo Photography
224 6th St, SF Phone 415.863.1170 Web musephotostudio.com
1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael Phone 415.485.3328 Web falkirkculturalcenter.org
Peter Olivetti Photography
San Rafael Phone 415.459.3639 Web russellphoto.com
Muse Studios
Inn Marin Falkirk Cultural Center
11750 Alder Dr, Truckee Phone 415.388.9210
555 Redwood Hwy, Mill Valley Phone 415.380.0400 Web marinhotels.com
Casa Madrona 801 Bridgeway, Sausalito Phone 800.288.0502 Web casamadrona.com
Corinthian Yacht Club 43 Main St, Tiburon Phone 415.435.4812 Web corinthiancatering.com
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Sausalito Womans Club
COPIA
120 Central Ave, Sausalito Phone 415.332.2700 Web sausalitowomansclub.org
500 First St, Napa Phone 707.259.1600 Web copia.org
Scoma’s
Cornerstone Gardens
588 Bridgeway, Sausalito Phone 415.332.9551 Web scomassausalito.com
23570 Hwy 121, Sonoma Phone 707.933.3010 Web cornerstonegardens.com
Servino Ristorante 9 Main St, Tiburon Phone 415.435.4079 Web servino.com
Garden Valley Ranch 498 Pepper Rd, Petaluma Phone 707.795.0919 Web gardenvalley.com
Studio 333 333A Caledonia St, Sausalito Phone 415.331.8272 Web studio333.info
Gloria Ferrer 23555 Carneros Hwy, Sonoma Phone 707.996.7256 Web gloriaferrer.com
The Spinnaker 100 Spinnaker Dr, Sausalito Phone 415.332.1572 Web thespinnaker.com
Kenwood Inn and Spa 10400 Sonoma Hwy, Kenwood Phone 707.833.1293 Web kenwoodinn.com
Waters Edge 25 Main St, Tiburon Phone 877.789.5999 Web marinhotels.com
MacCallum House Inn
North/East of Marin
Purple Orchid
Auberge du Soleil 180 Rutherford Hill Rd, Rutherford Phone 707.963.1211 Web aubergedusoleil.com
Marin Art and Garden Center
Outdoor Art Club
Bayleaf
30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross Phone 415.454.1301 Web maagc.org
1 W. Blithedale, Mill Valley Phone 415.383.2582 Web outdoorartclub.org
2025 Monticello Rd, Napa Phone 707.257.9720 Web bayleafnapa.com
Mill Valley Inn
Peacock Gap Golf and Country Club
Beltane Ranch
165 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley Phone 415.389.6608 Web marinhotels.com
333 Biscayne Dr, San Rafael Phone 415.453.4940 Web peacockgapgc.com
Mountain Home Inn 810 Panoramic Hwy, Mill Valley Phone 415.381.9000 Web mtnhomeinn.com
11775 Sonoma Hwy, Glen Ellen Phone 707.996.6501 Web beltaneranch.com
B. R. Cohn Winery Pelican Inn 10 Pacific Way, Muir Beach Phone 415.314.5050 Web pelicaninn.com
Old St. Hilary’s
15000 Sonoma Hwy, Glen Ellen Phone 800.330.4064 Web brcohn.com
Esperanza Rd via Beach Rd, Tiburon Phone 415.435.1853 Web landmarks-society.org
Point Reyes Seashore Lodge
Christian Brothers Retreat and Conference Center
10021 Coastal Hwy 1, Olema Phone 415.663.9000 Web pointreyesseashore.com
4401 Redwood Rd, Napa Phone 707.252.3810 Web christianbrothersretreat.com
Olema Inn and Restaurant
Rancho Nicasio
Claremont Resort
10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Olema Phone 415.663.9559 Web theolemainn.com
1 Old Rancheria Rd, Nicasio Phone 415.662.2219 Web ranchonicasio.com
41 Tunnel Rd, Berkeley Phone 510.843.3000 Web claremontresort.com
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45020 Albion St, Mendocino Phone 707.937.0289 Web maccallumhouse.com
79 Clearstream Ct, Danville Phone 925.606.8855 Web purpleorchid.com
River Terrance Inn 1600 Soscal Ave, Napa Phone 707.320.9000 Web riverterraceinn.com
Sbragia Family Vineyards 9990 Dry Creek Rd, Geyserville Phone 707.473.2992 Web sbragia.com
Silverado Resort 1600 Atlas Peak Rd, Napa Phone 707.257.0200 Web silveradoresort.com
Sonoma Mission Inn 100 Boyes Blvd, Sonoma Phone 707.938.9000 Web fairmont.com/sonoma
The Lodge at Sonoma 1325 Broadway, Sonoma Phone 707.935.6600 Web thelodgeatsonoma.com
Tra Vigne 1050 Charter Oak Ave, St. Helena Phone 707.963.4444 Web travignerestaurant.com
Vintage Estate
Julia Morgan Ballroom
6481 Washington St, Yountville Phone 800.351.1133 Web villagio.com
465 California St, SF Phone 415.421.7730, ext. 310 Web mxbuilding.com
Vintners Inn
Legion of Honor
4350 Barnes Rd, Santa Rosa Phone 707.575.7350 Web vintnersinn.com
34th Ave & Clement St, SF Phone 415.750.3683 Web thinker.org/legion
Wine and Roses
Nob Hill Masonic Center
205 W. Turner Rd, Lodi Phone 209.334.6988 Web winerose.com
1111 California St, SF Phone 415.292.9155 Web masonicauditorium.com
Presidio Officers’ Club San Francisco Asian Art Museum 200 Larkin St, SF Phone 415.581.3500 Web asianart.org
Bimbo’s 365 Club 1025 Columbus Ave, SF Phone 415.474.0365 Web bimbos365club.com
Cliff House 1090 Point Lobos, SF Phone 415.386.3330 Web cliffhouse.com
Fairmont 950 Mason St, SF Phone 415.772.5000 Web fairmont.com/sanfrancisco
Forbes Island Pier 39, SF Phone 415.951.4900 Web forbesisland.com
Fort Mason Center Landmark Building A, Fort Mason Center, SF Phone 415.441.3400 Web fortmason.org
50 Moraga Ave, SF Phone 415.561.5444 Web presidio.gov
Scott Howard 500 Jackson St, SF Phone 415.956.7040 Web scotthowardsf.com
The City Club 155 Sansome St, SF Phone 415.362.6697 Web cityclubsf.com
The Huntington Hotel 1075 California St, SF Phone 415.474.5400 Web huntingtonhotel.com
The Ritz-Carlton 600 Stockton St, SF Phone 415.296.7465 Web ritzcarlton.com
W Hotel 181 Third St, SF Phone 415.777.5300 Web whotels.com
South of San Francisco Bernardus Lodge
Hotel Vitale 8 Mission St, SF Phone 415.278.3700 Web hotelvitale.com
415 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley Phone 831.658.3504 Web bernardus.com
InterContinental Mark Hopkins
Highlands Inn Park Hyatt Carmel
999 California St, SF Phone 415.392.3434 Web intercontinental.com
120 Highlands Dr, Carmel Phone 831.620.1234 Web hyatt.com
James Leary Flood Mansion
The Holly Farm
2222 Broadway, SF Phone 415.563.2900 Web floodmansion.org
9200 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Phone 831.625.1926 Web hollyfarm.com
The Holman Ranch
Tahoe
60 Holman Rd, Carmel Phone 831.659.6030 Web holmanranch.com
Chapel of the Bells
Mission Ranch 26270 Dolores St, Carmel Phone 831.624.3824 Web missionranchcarmel.com
Monterey Plaza Hotel & Spa 400 Cannery Row, Monterey Phone 831.645.4042 Web woodsidehotels.com
Pebble Beach Resorts Pebble Beach Phone 800.654.9300 Web pebblebeach.com
Quail Lodge 8205 Valley Greens Dr, Carmel Phone 888.828.8787 Web quaillodge.com
The Inn at Spanish Bay 2700 17-Mile Dr, Pebble Beach Phone 800.654.9300 Web pebblebeach.com
Ventana Inn and Spa Hwy 1, Big Sur Phone 831.667.4202 Web ventanainn.com
2700 Lake Tahoe Blvd, South Lake Tahoe Phone 800.247.4333 Web tahoechapelofthebells.com
Edgewood Tahoe Stateline, Nevada Phone 775.588.3566 Web edgewood-tahoe.com
Hyatt Regency Tahoe 111 Country Club Dr, Nevada Phone 775.832.1234 Web laketahoehyatt.com
Resort at Squaw Creek 400 Squaw Creek Rd, Olympic Valley Phone 530.583.6300 Web squawcreek.com
The Chateau at Incline Village 955 Fairway Blvd, Nevada Phone 775.832.1240 Web inclinefacilities.com
Thunderbird Lodge Incline Village, Nevada Phone 775.832.8750 Web thunderbirdlodge.org
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HAWAII VENUES
Maui at Wailea
WEDDING PLANNERS
Macy’s Union Square
Big Island
3900 Wailea Alanui, Wailea Phone 808.874.8000 Web fourseasons.com/maui
A Dream Wedding
170 O’Farrell St, SF Phone 415.397.3333 Web macys.com
The Fairmont Orchid 1 N. Kaniku Dr, Kohala Coast Phone 808.885.2000 Web fairmont.com/orchid
Four Seasons Resort Hualalai
Grand Wailea Resort 3850 Alanui Dr, Wailea Phone 800.888.6100 Web grandwailea.com
72-100 Ka‘upulehu Dr, Ka‘upulehu-Kona Phone 808.325.8000 Web fourseasons.com/hualalai/
Hyatt Regency Maui Resort
Mauna Lani Resort
Ritz-Carlton Kapalua
68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr, Kohala Coast Phone 808.885.1468 Web maunalani.com
1 Ritz-Carlton Dr, Kapalua Phone 808.669.6200 Web ritzcarlton.com
200 Nohea Kai Dr, Lahaina Phone 808.661.1234 Web maui.hyatt.com
Wailea Beach Marriott Resort Kona Village Resort Queen Ka‘ahumanu Hwy, Kailua-Kona Phone 800.367.5290 Web konavillage.com
Kaua‘i Grand Hyatt Kaua‘i
3700 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea Phone 808.879.1922 Web marriott.com
Westin Maui Resort and Spa 2365 Ka‘anapali Pkwy, Lahaina Phone 808.667.2525 Web westinmaui.com
1571 Poipu Rd, Koloa Phone 808.742.1234 Web kauai.hyatt.com
Moloka‘i
Kaua‘i Marriott
100 Maunaloa Hwy, Maunaloa Phone 808.660.2824 Web molokairanch.com
3610 Rice St, Lihue Phone 808.245.5050 Web marriott.com
Princeville Resort 5520 Ka Haku Rd, Princeville Phone 800.826.4400 Web princevillehotelhawaii.com
The Lodge and Beach Village at Moloka‘i Ranch
O‘ahu Halekulani Hotel 2199 Kalia Rd, Honolulu Phone 800.367.2343 Web halekulani.com
Lana‘i Four Seasons Resort Lana‘i at Manele Bay One Manele Bay Rd, Lana‘i City Phone 808.565.2000 Web fourseasons.com/manelebay/
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Resort 2424 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu Phone 808.923.1234 Web waikiki.hyatt.com
JW Marriott Ihilani Resort Four Seasons Resort Lana‘i The Lodge at Ko‘ele One Keomoku Hwy, Lana‘i Phone 808.565.7300 Web fourseasons.com/koele
Maui Fairmont Kea Lani 4100 Wailea Alanui Dr, Wailea Phone 808.875.4100 Web fairmont.com/kealani.com Four Season Resort
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92–1001 Olani St, Kapolei Phone 808.679.0079 Web ihilani.com
Napa and Sonoma Phone 707.579.5886 Web a-dreamwedding.com
Alison Events 2200 Broderick St, SF Phone 415.567.7605 Web alisonevents.com
Kathy Higgins Weddings Napa Phone 707.259.0434 Web kathyhigginsweddings.com
Neiman Marcus 150 Stockton St, SF Phone 415.362.3900 Web neimanmarcus.com
Nicole Grey & Co. 800 Redwood Hwy, Mill Valley Phone 415.383.4500 Restoration Hardware
Village at Corte Madera
Stanlee R. Gatti Designs
Phone 415.924.8919 Web restorationhardware.com
San Francisco Phone 415.558.8884 Web stanleegatti.com
Simon Pearce
WEDDING REGISTRIES
2223 Fillmore St, SF Phone 415.409.3700 Web simonpearce.com
Bloomingdale’s
Sur La Table
845 Market St, SF Phone 415.856.5300 Web bloomingdales.com
Cabana Home 238 E. Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley Phone 415.383.0201 Web cabanahome.com
David M. Brian 110 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae Phone 415.464.0344 Web davidmbrian.com
Gump’s 135 Post St, SF Phone 800.444.0450 Web gumps.com
425 Corte Madera Town Center Phone 415.945.0112 Web surlatable.com
Target 200 Vintage Way, Novato Phone 415.892.3313 Web target.com
Tiffany & Co. 350 Post St, SF Phone 415.781.7000 Web tiffany.com
Williams-Sonoma Village at Corte Madera Phone 415.924.6799 Web williams-sonoma.com
Macy’s 1000 Northgate Mall, San Rafael Phone 415.499.5200 Web macys.com
BUT WAIT…
THERE’S MORE!
Kahala Hotel and Resort 5000 Kahala Ave, Honolulu Phone 808.739.8888 Web kahalaresort.com
Turtle Bay Resort 57-091 Kamehameha Hwy, Kahuku Phone 808.293.6000 Web turtlebayresort.com
We have over 300 listings on our online version of the Marin Magazine Wedding Guide. Please check out: marinmagazine.com/weddingguide
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Gump’s 135 Post Street San Francisco, CA 800.444.0450 gumps.com
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ongratulations! Your engagement marks the start of an exciting time. The key to a stress free wedding is in the planning but most couples will attest that with out help this can be a challenge.
Let the professional and knowledgeable wedding consultants at Gump’s help you prepare for your future life together. Whether it’s an extravagant city affair or a small outdoor ceremony, for decades, our experienced staff has been guiding couples in developing a gift registry that will suit their needs and reflect their individual style. A personal registry makes it easy for family and friends to select the perfect gift. Gump’s offers a traditional registry where items are sent to the bride and groom as they are selected or couples can opt for the gift notification program, which alerts them as gifts are selected but ultimately lets the couple choose final selections and how they wish to redeem their account. Founded in 1861, Gump’s is a legendary shopping destination with an international reputation. We are committed to providing an unmatched level of personal service. The perfect day is an attainable goal. Let us help you create an unforgettable wedding and a lifetime of happiness.
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Julianna’s Fine Jewelry WE ARE A FAMILY, SO WE’LL TREAT YOU LIKE FAMILY. The Village Corte Madera, CA 415.924.9711 juliannasfinejewelry.com
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ulianna, along with her daughter, Judy, first opened Julianna’s Fine Jewelry at “The Village at Corte Madera” when the Mall was established 23 years ago. Julie, having been in the jewelry business for 20 years prior to that, brought her vast knowledge and business savvy to this venture.
Four years later, Jean-Louis joined this family venture bringing with him 13 years of experience in jewelry-making and design along with his knowledge of fine gems. Julianna’s specializes in creating fabulous one-of-a-kind pieces, (see the ring pictured above). The store also carries many beautiful high-end designers such as Ritani, Roberto Coin, Leslie Greene, Simon G., Mikimoto, and many more. The staff at Julianna’s will be very happy to sit down with you to create your own unique engagement ring. They carry the finest quality diamonds and offer them at very competitive prices. Julianna’s also carries the following fine Swiss made watches: Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Tag Heuer, Raymond Weil, and Ball, any of which would make an excellent Bride or Groom’s gift to commemorate your special occasion. Everyone at Julianna’s will strive to accommodate your every jewelry or watch need. Whether a small repair or a grand custom project, they will make sure that you receive superior service and quality.
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20/20 Optical FINE EYEWEAR 1127 4th Street San Rafael, CA 415.453.2020 181 San Marin Drive Novato, CA 415.892.2020 2020opticalinc.com
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our wedding moment surrounds you with a luxurious elegance that will be remembered forever.
At 20/20 Optical, we pay attention to the most important components of luxury; consistent and superior quality, uniqueness and exclusivity, valued by you and those you respect, all delivered in a way that makes you feel special. “Our passion is to give our customers the luxuries of the best service, sense of design, comfort and individuality in their eyewear” says David Schwartz, owner of 20/20 Optical. “Let us show you the largest selection of distinctive eyewear from around the world.” 20/20 Optical is a leader in the emerging market for luxury eyewear. “It’s not unusual to see eyewear made of precious metals, set with gemstones, fitted or inlayed with the fluid grace of beautiful and exotic woods, genuine buffalo horn, gold or silver. This new super-luxury eyewear from Gold & Wood® is no longer simply a functional item,” says Schwartz. Luxury eyewear is at the highest end of the market in terms of quality and value. Owning a pair of Gold & Wood eyewear provides a sensuous pleasure. Diamonds* or brilliant gemstones in white and black accentuate solid yellow and white gold styles. Styles can be customized with special colorations and limited-edition materials to provide truly singular pieces. They’re craftsmen created with a deep love for perfection. Let 20/20 Optical make you sparkle. Call us today. * Certified conflict-free.
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The Vintage Estate
elebrate your dream wedding in the heart of Napa Valley’s renowned wine country and culinary haven at The Vintage Estate in Yountville ~ northern California’s preferred, four-diamond luxury destination. From ceremony through reception and on into the evening, the lush garden areas of 23-acre Vintage Estate’s prestigious grand outdoor Pavilion and indoor yesteryear ambiance of the 136year-old, ballroom-style Historic Barrel Room provide an exquisite backdrop for festivities customized to perfection by our in-house catering team for ceremonies, rehearsal dinners and events of up to 1,000 guests.
YOUR DREAM WEDDING IN THE HEART OF NAPA VALLEY.
The Pavilion at The Vintage Estate, designed by renowned landscape architect Jack Chandler, presents 16,000 square feet of classic California-style garden event space. Twelve-foot high natural stone walls, wooden hewn wedding gazebos and arbors enclose the grounds, providing a sense of exclusive privacy. A central, 80-foot tiered-stone watercourse and fountains intersect lush green lawns, manicured to perfection. Red brick walkways create a perfect grand ceremony entrance for the bridal party. Evergreen, elm and flowering magnolia trees accent surrounding garden areas planted in roses, hyacinth, oleander and lavender. The adjacent Historic Barrel Room, once the wine maturation cellar for the former Groezinger Winery during the 1870’s, is a commanding brick structure that melds Napa Valley’s romantic charm of yesteryear with present day.
6525 Washington Street Yountville, CA 707.945.4549 villagio.com
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The Vintage Estate features two, premier hotels nestled amid verdant gardens and flowing waterways ~ the 112-room Tuscan-style Villagio Inn & Spa and the classically French 80-room Vintage Inn.
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Complexion Clinics PERFECTING YOUR SKIN 302 Caledonia Street Sausalito, CA 415.331.5060 complexionclinics.com
omplexion Clinics Medical Spa is the place to come for prewedding skin care solutions. Our inviting spa in Sausalito features water views and offers you all of the latest in advanced beauty treatments in a comfortable and inviting environment. Choose from a variety of treatments to enhance your natural beauty and guarantee that you look your best.
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Complexion Clinics Medical Spa’s staff provides outstanding customer service, excellent clinical practice, the use of environmentally correct products and a commitment to our community. Our team is comprised of experienced professionals who take pride in our work, have the most cutting edge industry knowledge, education and training. Our goal is client satisfaction. Enjoy a rejuvenating medical spa experience with services including: Botox™ Cosmetic, Photorejuvenation (IPL), ClearLight Acne Treatment, Restylane®, Perlane®, Juvéderm™, Laser Hair Removal, Medical Grade Peels and Facials, VISIA Complexion Analysis, and Personalized skin care including Obagi, SkinCeuticals and ColoreScience Minerals. Complexion Clinics Medical Spa offers top-rated medical care. Dr. Ronan serves as medical director. He is Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, was born in San Francisco, graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Physiology and received his MD at the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. Dr. Ronan served as Chief Surgical Officer at Columbia Hospitals for many years before returning to California. Make an appointment with us today and rest assured that your skin will be glowing and radiant on the big day!
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Union Street Goldsmith GLENDA QUEEN AND TERRY BRUMBAUGH lenda Queen and Terry Brumbaugh have been in the jewelry business so long they’re now creating wedding bands for the children of couples whose rings they made decades ago. With 40 years in the trade, their shop, with its big Dutch doors and friendly staff, is welcoming and unpretentious, and their collections fresh, contemporary, creative and fun. Each case bursts with jellybean colors – yellow diamonds, orange sapphires, pistachio-green pearls and other exotic gems, set in rose, yellow and white gold and, especially, in platinum. Glenda and Terry have an affection for combining simple, unfussy shapes and unusual materials to create fine jewelry that goes as well with Levi’s as it does with black tie. The shop also carries collections by designers from around the world.
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1909 Union Street San Francisco
Scott Howard Catering EXCEEDING YOUR EXPECTATIONS aunched in the fall of 2007, Scott Howard Catering will customize a menu for events of any size. Let our team of professionals introduce your group to a unique experience in San Francisco, Marin, the Peninsula and the East Bay. Scott Howard Catering provides our clients with the freshest possible menu options and extraordinary levels of client service every step of the way. We enjoy bringing our elegantly hip atmosphere to your event, and show you and your guests why the French, Spanish, and Asian inspired menu is such a buzz. We look forward to working with you to ensure that all of your expectations are exceeded. Email liz@scotthowardsf.com for details and more information.
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500 Jackson Street San Francisco, CA
415.956.7040 ext.10 scotthowardsf.com
415.776.8048 unionstreetgoldsmith.com
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Nan Phelps Photography
an Phelps is an artist and photographer who will capture the depth of feeling at your wedding. She is a craftsperson who uses a mix of color and black and white film in an extraordinary way. She is one of the few remaining photographers who takes the time to personally print her own silver gelatin prints.
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She personally oversees the quality and printing of every photograph and album she creates. Please contact Nan Phelps to view her work and to see how your exciting day can be recorded for many years to come.
1609 Solano Avenue Berkeley, CA
Rafael Jewelers YOUR FINE WATCH AND WEDDING RING STORE Rafael Jewelers has been a part of Marin since the 1930’s. Over the last 5 years, the owners, Mariette and Tony have pursued a goal to become a leading store in bridal jewelry in the Bay Area - and they have done just that! At last count, Rafael Jewelers has 9 beautiful bridal lines and counting. One of our featured offerings is Beverley K, a collection known for timeless, classic styles from the Edwardian and Art Deco period, all exhibiting the finest hand work of trained artisans who apply time honored techniques of milgraining, high relief hand engraving and micro-pave’. The finished jewels are heirloom quality and sure to be enjoyed, then passed down to the next generation. See our extensive bridal offerings, including the Beverley K. collection at Rafael Jewelers. Call today and ask for Tony or Mariette.
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1200 4th Street at “B” San Rafael, CA
415.453.3580 rafaeljewelers.com
510.528.8845 nanphelps.com
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Retromatic Studio TIMELESS PHOTOGRAPHY From vintage to contemporary, intimate to ghastly, a little bit naughty to down right holy, we customize our photography to meet your needs. We specialize in the timeless look of black and white while also capturing all of the vibrant colors of the day. At Retromatic Studio we create timeless images of your wedding day for many generations to cherish. PO Box 1544 Mill Valley, CA
Studio 333
415.846.1518 retromaticstudio.com
UNIQUE STUDIO FOR PARTIES & EVENTS Look no further for a unique venue for your wedding reception, rehearsal or other special events. Studio 333 gallery rental offers a distinctive and artistic ambiance. The expansive main floor has 28’ ceilings and over 3500 square feet accommodating up to 175 guests. We can help you coordinate your event and offer in-house catering, staffing and entertainment. Easy street parking and wheelchair accessible. 333a Caledonia Street Sausalito, CA
415.331.8272 studio333.info
Stephan-Hill THE ART OF JEWELRY TEPHAN-HILL – loves the art of jewelry making. With its own goldsmiths on the premises, Stephan-Hill has been designing and collecting award-winning jewelry for over 30 years. Experts in the field of diamond buying with two Certified GIA Gemologists, Stephan-Hill also collects rare and unusual colored gemstones from all over the world. Stephan-Hill has been awarded the prestigious national AGTA Spectrum Award for excellence in colored gem jewelry design. Being the only Guild Store Member of the American Gem Society in Marin County, Stephan-Hill is held to strict ethical standards and has been voted by the readership of the Pacific Sun Newspaper into its “Best of Marin Hall of Fame”. Take a moment and explore their gallery showroom where a very wonderful and rewarding experience awaits you!
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1226 Fourth Street San Rafael, CA
415.528.8845 stephanhill.com
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A DAY TO REMEMBER he Acqua Hotel in Mill Valley offers a contemporary design and captivating views which create a romantic and elegant setting for your wedding celebration. Imagine your special day on the expansive lawn with Richardson Bay glistening in the background and views of Mt. Tamalpais in the distance. The Richardson Room accommodates up to 120 guests and features hardwood floors as well as floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views. Enjoy your cocktail reception on the Bayside Patio with French-style doors opening directly into the dining hall for your sit-down dinner and dancing. Exclusive catering services are provided by D’Angelo’s Catering. Whether you would like your wedding to be formal or casual, grand or intimate, the staff at the Acqua Hotel is committed to exceeding your expectations in ambiance, service and food quality. 555 Redwood Highway Mill Valley, CA
415.380.0400 marinhotels.com
Smooth Operations MARIN’S PREMIER WAXING STUDIO Melanie Kessler, of Smooth Operations, is a certified Eyelash Extensionist using the NovaLash technology which allows clients to wear individual lash extensions that last up to two months. These lashes follow the natural shape of your own and unlike mascara, won’t clump, smear, cluster or cause allergies. Go swimming, surfing, or sun bathing, without fear of losing your fabulous new look. 822 D Street, #5 San Rafael, CA
415.482.6041 smoothoperationsmarin.com
Johann Paul Jewelers DESIGNER GOLDSMITHS Located within the Greenbrae Bon Air Center, Johann Paul’s philosophy is to provide the best product and customer service possible. They feature the most perfectly cut diamonds in the world from Hearts on Fire™ and invite everyone to personally experience each diamond’s 58 facets of brilliance. Their warm and friendly showroom was also recently expanded to include many more lines of designer jewelry. 272 Bon Air Center Greenbrae, CA
415.461.1866
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NewSkin Clinic GETTING CAMERA-READY After the dress, it’s all about the pictures that will last a lifetime. NewSkin Clinic’s gentle pulsed light safely and easily restores your skin’s youthful brightness and tone, erasing brown spots and red spots. Plump your facial lines with the most advanced dermal fillers and banish wrinkles with BOTOX. Fade away leg veins and any unwanted hair, too. Complimentary board certified M.D. consultation. Get the NewSkin glow. The Sanctuary Day Spa, Bay Club Marin 415.945.9555 Corte Madera Town Center newskinclinic.com
Lehrer Designs JEWELRY OF YOUR DREAMS Catering to your dreams with personal attention and superb craftsmanship, Glenn Lehrer designs traditional and custom jewelry at his artistic gem cutting studio. This world-renowned and award winning graduate gemologist features his work in platinum, white and yellow gold and offers designer wedding rings, diamond brokering, appraisals, repairs and pearl-restringing. Free consultation. 1137 Magnolia Avenue Larkspur, CA
415.461.2212 lehrerdesigns.com
Alix & Company FINE JEWELRY lix & Company is the gallery and workshop of jewelry designer Janet Alix. High ceilings with slow-moving fans, old wooden floors and beautiful display cases make this romantic showroom a delight to visit. Janet and her team of jewelry professional enroll customers in the selection process to ensure jewelry appropriate for both their budget and lifestyle. The staff works with gems and metals from the simple to the sophisticated. Perfection can be a classic design in an affordable price point, or a treasure out of Aladdin’s trove. For the staff at Alix & Company the joy is in being part of life-changing moments. “We want our customers to have jewelry they wear and love. We want our customers to shine in the jewelry we make for them.”
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55 Throckmorton Avenue Mill Valley, CA
415.380.0880 alixandcompany.com
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Vintners Inn hether planning a grand wedding or an intimate occasion for a select few, make it memorable at Vintners Inn. Located in the heart of Sonoma County’s wine country, Vintners Inn is nestled amidst 92 acres of lush vineyards and beautiful gardens. The Event Center is adjacent to the 44-room inn, as well as the famed restaurant, John Ash & Co., and The Front Room Bar and Lounge. From shower to rehearsal dinner, ceremony to reception to post wedding celebrations, we personally assist you with every detail to make your wedding an unforgettable experience: romantic, wine country setting; wedding space for up to 350 guests; award-winning catered cuisine; 44 luxurious rooms with king beds, private balcony or patio, many rooms with fireplaces and Jacuzzis; and a bottle of wine upon arrival.
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4350 Barnes Road Santa Rosa, CA
800.421.2584 vintnersinn.com
All Seasons Catering PREMIER, FULL SERVICE CATERING All Seasons Catering is a premier, full service catering company that has been creating memorable events for over 20 years. We are committed to providing the finest quality food and service. We offer custom menus for sit down dinners, buffets, family style or themed cooking stations. Our staff is dedicated to providing a menu that will compliment your style and budget! 201 Seminary Drive Mill Valley, CA
415.383.9355 allseasonscatering.com
Ram Print and Communications ALL YOU REALLY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRINTING Have you ever received a wedding invitation that perfectly reflected the tastes of the bride and groom? At Ram Print and Communications, we help you present the invitation that reflects your desires – whether for an intimate ceremony or a destination extravaganza. For 37 years we’ve been involved in the dreams of many brides; we’re local, woman owned and operated, and we’re eager to serve you. 601 Strawberry Village Mill Valley, CA
415.383.4177 ramprint.com
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HoneyLuna WHERE HONEYMOONS ARE THE PERFECT GIFT No more toasters! HoneyLuna’s honeymoon registry service provides online wedding registries for honeymoon travel. Create a gift registry of the items and activities of your dream honeymoon. Your loved ones can purchase pieces of your honeymoon and “gift” you memories that will last a lifetime! PO Box 1277 Sausalito, CA
Seafood Peddler
800.809.5862 honeyluna.com
MARIN COUNTY’S BEST FRESH SEAFOOD Situated dockside in central San Rafael, The Seafood Peddler Restaurant’s four distinct dining venues, including The Palm Ballroom, can beautifully accommodate parties from 45 to 220 guests. Our creatively prepared meals feature crisp locally grown greens, fresh seafood arriving daily, and steak, chicken, and vegetarian options. We look forward to working with you to provide a most memorable event. 100 Yacht Club Drive San Rafael, CA
415.460.6669 seafoodpeddler.com
Lang Antiques VINTAGE ENGAGEMENT RINGS hen you buy an engagement ring at Lang Antiques you receive more than a ring. Our expert staff will provide the best customer service possible while assisting you in the selection of a ring as unique as your love. • We have the largest collection of high quality true vintage engagement rings you will find anywhere. • Our friendly staff loves jewelry and there is nothing more satisfying than helping you find the perfect ring. Whether we help you in person, or online, we are there to answer all your questions and address all your concerns. • All our rings have been meticulously examined and appraised by a staff of expert appraisers specializing in period jewelry. • We guarantee all our diamonds to meet or exceed GIA grading standards.
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323 Sutter Street San Francisco, CA
415.982.2213 langantiques.com
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Simayof era Engagement Rings reveal distinguished designs that express true uniqueness. Each ring is beautifully handcrafted by Simayof ’s master jewelers, showcasing a variety of cuts, shanks and bases. All are available in 18k white gold and platinum and can be further customized to perfectly suit one’s taste. For over 75 years and spanning three generations, the master jewelers at Simayof have prided themselves in handcrafting each and every piece to exacting specifications. To this day, Simayof is remaining at the forefront of luxury jewelry through its continuous innovation in design and craftsmanship. The result is an unforgettable selection of fine diamond and gemstone jewelry of the utmost quality.
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1934 Union Street, San Francisco 295 Geary Street, San Francisco
888.SIMAYOF simayof.com
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415.461.8084 popapery.com
GUID E
HERA ENGAGEMENT RING COLLECTION
B OO K S
A LITERARY LIFE In Off Mike, his new memoir, Forum host Michael Krasny recalls a life full of books, interviews and many, many great conversations BY SAMANTHA BERRY BY SAMANTHA BERRY
F
or over three decades Marin resident Michael Krasny has been conducting interviews,
both on the radio and in front of live audiences. Name almost any important cultural figure of the 20th and 21st centuries and he’s probably had them on Forum, his in-depth interview show on KQED. Politicians? Yep. Scientists? Right again. Movie stars, novelists and Nobel Prize winners? Ditto, ditto, ditto.
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Over the course of his career he’s developed a reputation for being almost uncannily erudite on the wide-ranging subjects he covers, a perception he is quick to qualify. “I think of myself as a dilettante more than as someone who knows a lot,” he says. “But I like being curious about things and I’m like a black hole; I just absorb a lot.” Through his interjections, comments and observations during interviews, listeners have come to know him a little. He’s funny. He’s smart. He’s patient (but he doesn’t suffer fools). And, above all, he’s profoundly interested. But there’s still a lot we don’t know. For whatever information we’ve managed to glean, there is much that remains private about the man whose voice has become such a fixture in the Bay Area. With the publication of Off Mike: A Memoir of Talk Radio and Literary Life ($25, Stanford University Press), that has changed. Although the book is called a memoir and indeed contains many well-told chapters from Krasny’s life, it is also something more. It intersperses
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autobiography with descriptions of his most memorable literary interviews.
20/optical 20
It was Saul Bellow’s writing that inspired Krasny, who grew up in a working-class household in Cleveland, to try and become not only a man of le ers, but also “a good boy, a mensch.”
fine eyewear
In this way, we continue to see Krasny through the lens of the ideas and people he finds most interesting. And the list is an impressive one: David Mamet, Joyce Carol Oates, August Wilson, Umberto Eco, Studs Terkel, Grace Paley—the names go on and on, a who’s who of important writers. “I started out thinking I was going to write an autobiographical novel,” Krasny says. “I had good, colorful material…but I found myself focusing on literature because it’s been such a focus in my life.”
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What we find out first is that Krasny, as a young man, loved literature like other teenagers love baseball or pop stars. His idol was (and in many ways still is) the novelist Saul Bellow, author, most famously, of The Adventures of Augie March and Herzog. It was Bellow’s writing that inspired Krasny, who grew up in a working-class household in Cleveland, to try and become not only a man of letters, but also “a good boy, a mensch.” This idea of finding a moral compass and allowing it to guide one’s life is woven throughout his book. “I wanted to write about myself,” he says, “but I wanted to infuse it with what I have tried to do with my life. I’ve tried to be a public servant—and I think working in public radio is part of that—and to be a good
BOOKSELLERS RECOMMEND THEIR FAVORITE POLITICAL BOOKS
Bill of Wrongs by Molly Ivins ($25, Random House) “It’s just wonderful. She’s got this absolutely amazing way of being funny while she’s telling you something really horrible. The issue of the Bill of Rights was a burning issue for her throughout her whole life but ever since the George Bush presidency, she had become passionate about it. Her passion just pours through and her wit makes you keep going while you’re all riled up.”
—Sheryl Cotleur, Book Passage The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein
photo by jackcarroll.com
($28, Metropolitan Books) “Naomi Klein has written what is sure to be regarded as among the most compelling critiques of post–Cold War corporate globalization. She delivers a sharp and devastating riposte to the dogmatic conflation of free market capitalism with democracy—expressed most vocally by her implicit nemesis Thomas Friedman.”
—Stephen Bender,
Art, Gifts & Accessories Mon. - Sat. 10:30 am - 6:00 pm
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man. There is something in that that always felt right and ennobling to me.” So was he nervous about coming out from behind the microphone and exposing a more personal side of himself? “I’m well aware that I’m a public figure,” he says from his Marin home. “I’m authentic on air, but we do have private selves and public selves. Some of what’s in there will surprise—maybe even shock—people. It [writing a memoir] is either a very courageous or a very stupid thing to do. I haven’t decided yet.”
THE LOCAL TYPE La Suma de los Dias by Isabel Allende ($27, Rayo) For those lucky enough to be able to read Spanish comes a new memoir (the title translates as “The Sum of the Days”) from Marin County favorite Isabel Allende. English-only readers shouldn’t despair: a translation is sure to appear soon. Let the Northern Lights Erase Your Name by Vendela Vida ($14, Harper Perennial) From the co-editor of the immensely imaginative and fun-to-read literary journal The Believer and author of the novel And Now You Can Go, a sensitive and dark novel about loss and identity. Set partly in Sweden’s Lapland, it’s “a darkly witty and galvanizing tale of one woman’s search for the truth about her parentage.” It’s So You: 35 Women Write About Personal Expression Through Fashion and Style edited by Michelle Tea ($16, Seal Press) It’s So You explores the intersection between style and personal expression through lively essays by 35 female writers and artists, among them Jill Soloway, producer of Six Feet Under, who chops off her hair and then ponders her “hotness.” Local contributors include Beth Lisick, Laura Fraser and editor Michelle Tea.
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CAL E N DA R
JANUARY ARTS & EVENTS GUIDE original live music and a five-course dinner await. This season features Duffy Bishop, Michael Davis and Les Castors. Pier 29 (SF). 415.438.2668, zinzanni.org
COMEDY Tuesdays Mark Pitta and Friends The comic hosts an evening for up-and-comers and established headliners to work on new material. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.com
MUSIC
The Peking Acrobats perform at the Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium on January 27.
THEATER 4—February 3 Speed the Plow In David Mamet’s showbiz satire everything is on the line for Hollywood producer Bobby Gould, who has to choose between his friend and his stunning new secretary. American Conservatory Theater (SF). 415.749.2228, act-sf.org
10—13 Dai: Israelis on the Brink Comedian Iris Bahr’s award-winning show brings the audience into the world of a bustling Tel Aviv cafe. JCCSF (SF). 415.292.1233, jccsf. org 11—17 The Cocktail Hour Set in upstate New York, the play follows John, a playwright who returns home to get his family’s permission to produce a new play he’s written about them. But his stuffy upper-class parents have concerns, as does his sister— who wants a bigger role. The confrontation 108
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spills over into cocktail hour, when the martinis start to flow. Ross Valley Players (Ross). 415.456.9555, rossvalleyplayers.org
24—March 9 Curvy Window Cybill Shepherd stars in Bobby Goldman’s new comedy that follows the exploits of a widow whose modern adventures in Internet dating reveal unexpected truths about life, love and sex. Post Street Theatre (SF). 415.771.6900
31—February 24 Said Saïd Playwright Kenneth Lin’s political-thriller play jumps between two time periods as two combatants seek to reveal the truth about the mysterious and indecipherable writing that lined character Andre Saïd’s prison cell. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5208, marintheatre.org
Thru February 1 Teatro Zinzanni An evening of European cabaret, cirque arts,
9—13 San Francisco Symphony Composer Michael Tilson Thomas and soprano Deborah Voigt team up to perform the works of Richard Strauss. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org 11 B. B. King Don’t miss the 14-time Grammy winner in this rare small-hall engagement with Marin’s own Tommy Castro. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800
17—19 San Francisco Symphony Michael Tilson Thomas conducts Schubert’s Great C major symphony. Davies Symphony Hall (SF). 415.864.6000, sfsymphony.org 18—27 Contemporary Opera Marin Homegrown 2, works by Marin County composers, includes Broken Jukebox by College of Marin faculty member Tara Flandreau and Tamsen Donner and The Audition of Molly Bloom by Tiburon composer Ron McFarland. Fine Arts Building, College of Marin (Kentfield). 415.485.9460, contemporaryoperamarin.org 22 & 24 Marin Symphony Don’t miss a night of music from the great Russian MARINMAGAZINE.COM
composers performed by violinist Vadim Gluzman. Marin Symphony (San Rafael). 415.479.8100, marinsymphony.org
25 Old Saint Hilary’s Concert Bay Area native Steve Erquiaga has played with Joe Henderson, Les McCann, John Scofield, David Byrne and the Turtle Island String Quartet; Erquiaga now brings his guitar sounds to Marin. 415.435.1853, landmarks-society.org
The Season of the Silver Screen
27 Dominican Guest Concert Series The Alexander String Quartet performs with Zakarias Grafilo and Frederick Lifsitz on the violin, Paul Yarbrough on the viola and Sandy Wilson on the cello. The quartet will be accompanied by pianist June Choi Oh. The group is widely admired for its interpretations of Beethoven, Mozart and Shostakovich. The performance will feature the works of Haydn, Lou Harrison and Schumann. Dominican University (San Rafael). 415.257.0128, dominican.edu
RussianGreats
DANCE
Sunday, January 20 and Tuesday, January 22, 2008, 7:30pm Alasdair Neale, conductor • Vadim Gluzman, violin Stravinsky Divertimento from The Fairy’s Kiss Stravinsky Symphony in Three Movements Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto
12 Love2Dance Winter Performance Head
Sponsored by Taddei, Ludwig & Associates, Hoytt Enterprises, Four Points by Sheraton San Rafael and the Marin Independent Journal
to San Rafael to see 275 of Marin’s talented young dancers as they perform to a wide variety of music sure to please the entire family. 415.499.6800, marincenter.org
26 RoCo Dance on Stage High-energy moves have packed houses for over 14 years. Don’t miss this evening of progressive dance and entertainment featuring over 400 RoCo students. 415.499.6800, marincenter.org 27 The Peking Acrobats Hailing from the People’s Republic of China, jugglers, cyclists, and gymnasts bring a 2,000-yearold tradition of strength and concentration to the stage. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org
ScreenGems
Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto is featured in the soundtrack of the 1997 epic film Anna Karenina.
Pre-concert, hear film score composer and music supervisor team Marco & Terri D’Ambrosio talk with the Maestro about what makes good music-to-film chemistry (6:30pm). Then hear classical music excerpts from unforgettable films (7:30pm). Sunday, February 24 and Tuesday, February 26, 2008, 7:30pm Alasdair Neale, conductor Strauss “Sunrise” from Also Sprach Zarathustra (2001: A Space Odyssey) Mozart Overture to The Marriage of Figaro (Trading Places) Barber Adagio for Strings (Platoon) Beethoven First Movement from Symphony No. 5 (Immortal Beloved) Satie Deux Preludes posthumes et une Gnoissienne (Chocolat) Williams Theme from “Schindler’s List” (Schindler’s List) Dukas The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (Fantasia) Holst Mars, Venus, Mercury and Jupiter from The Planets (The Right Stuff) Sponsored by Montecito Plaza Shopping Center, Peter Levi Plumbing and Wells Fargo
MARIN CENTER, SAN RAFAEL Tickets $27/$50/$65 (students half price) at 415.499.6800
29—February 9 San Francisco Ballet The 75th anniversary season kicks off by paying homage to the legacy of Lew Christensen. Filling Station is a slice of Americana, brimming with humor, eccentric characters and exuberant dance. War Memorial Opera House (SF). 415.553.4658, sfballet.org MARINMAGAZINE.COM
W W W . M A R I N S Y M P H O N Y. O R G
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PER F O RMING ARTS
BEYOND OPERA A Tiburon composer’s rich and varied musical roots BY MICHAL LEV-RAM
T
iburon resident Ron McFarland
that I was dominated by this very demanding
has written everything from cho-
woman,” he explains.
ral music to symphonies to chil-
But after several years trying his hand at
dren’s songs. Yet people typically
both dancing and commercial art in the Big
think of him more as an opera composer. “I’m
Easy, he returned to music, his first love: “I’ve
definitely known for doing things for the
tried other things and even though I could
theater,” he says.
make a living at them, they weren’t fulfilling to
Two of McFarland’s short operas will be
me in the way that music is.”
performed at the College of Marin in Kentfield
This time, McFarland focused primarily on
this month as part of Homegrown 2, a program
composing. He moved to Tiburon in 1960 and
showcasing Marin composers’ opera works.
since then has written chamber music, choral
The first, The Audition of Molly Bloom, is based
pieces and symphonies as well as music for the
on the last page of James Joyce’s Ulysses; the
likes of San Francisco’s American Conservatory
second, Tamsen Donner, is an operatic rendi-
Theater and the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra.
tion of the famed Donner family’s final mo-
His work has been described as “fresh and
ments in the snowbound Sierra.
original” (by the Opera News) and “substan-
McFarland’s long career has included not
tial, varied, ambitious” (the Sacramento Bee).
just writing in other musical genres but per-
He also teaches piano and composition classes
forming as a pianist and teaching music as
regularly in his studio in Tiburon.
well. It began back in the 1940s when, as a
So what’s next? He’s considering several
young teenager, he became the protégé of leg-
projects to follow the Kentfield shows and just
endary concert pianist Ethel Leginska. Though
finished composing a trio. In his 70s, he has no
he also studied under the composer Arnold
plans of easing up anytime soon. “I’ve been in
Schoenberg, McFarland lived in an apartment
the limelight since I was a teenager,” he says.
adjacent to Leginska’s studio and spent so
“Music has been my life for a long time.”
much time learning with her that he became like part of her family. During this period, he was introduced to many of the great masters
Catch McFarland’s short operas
of 20th-century composition and started writ-
January 18 to 27 in the Fine
Leginska was a demanding teacher who
Arts Building at the College
pushed McFarland to enter many composi-
of Marin in Kentfield; 835
tion and performance competitions and essen-
College Ave., 415.485.9460,
tially make music his life. After six intensive years, he decided to spread his wings. In his early 20s, he left Leginska and music behind and wound up in New Orleans pursuing other
contemporaryoperamarin.org. Learn more about his music at mcfarlandmusic.com.
callings. “I realized I had no life of my own,
110
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P HOTO: CATHERINE BYRD
ing music of his own.
GALLERIES MARIN Aperture f64 Gallery Bridging the Bay, thru January 5. 635 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo. 415.482.0480
Claudia Chapline Gallery Ongoing work. 3445 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach. 415.868.2308, cchapline.com
Art Abloom Gabriella Spina Drake’s oil paintings on canvas and handmade surfaces in Vision and Virtue, thru January. 735 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.256.1112, artabloom.com
Edith Caldwell Gallery Director’s Selections. Vintage accessories juxtaposed with contemporary artwork by gallery artists, thru January. 819 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.331.5003, edithcaldwell.com
Artisan Art Gallery Ongoing work. 853 Fourth Street, San Rafael. 415.460.5208, artisansartgallery.org
Gallery Bergelli Ongoing work. 483 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.945.9454, gallerybergelli.com
Art Works Downtown Small Works Show This annual fundraiser for Art Works Downtown offers works for sale by gallery artists, thru January 5. 1337 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.451.8119, artworksdowntown.org
Gallery Route One After Hours/Secret Lives The hours between dusk and dawn are a time when many artists do their best creative work, unrestrained and unobserved. Gallery artists explore the mysterious world of after hours and the secrets that get revealed in their works, through January 13. 11101 Hwy One, Point Reyes Station. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org
Atrium Art Gallery Garden Inside An exhibit of paintings and monotypes by Katherine Warinner, thru January 11. 1350 South Eliseo Dr, Greenbrae. 415.925.7624
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
Marin Society of Artists Let’s Celebrate Mixed-media by member artists, January 13 thru February 3. 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 415.454.9561, marinsocietyofartists.org O’Hanlon Center for the Arts Annual Members’ Show Mixed-media works by gallery members, January 8 thru January 31. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org Robert Beck Gallery Ongoing work. 222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.456.7898 Robert Green Fine Arts Work by Jim Bird, Paul Jenkins, Ed Moses and Sam Francis. 154 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.8776, rgfinearts.com Sam the Butcher Tierra Desolada Photography by Edgar Angelone, thru January. 19 Ross Common, Ross. 415.902.1019
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Studio 333 Ongoing work. 333A Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.8272, studio333.info The Art Bar Ongoing work. 34 Main St, Tiburon. 415.435.3999, theartbar.us The Painters Place Gallery An exhibit of original art by Painters Place Gallery artists, thru January. 1139 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.461.0351, thepaintersplace.com
SAN FRANCISCO Berggruen Gallery Pinocchio As I Knew Him This Year, thru January 5. 228 Grant Ave, 415.781.4629, berggruen.com
Hearth & Home of Marin
Caldwell Snyder Gallery Ongoing work. 341 Sutter St, 415.296.7896, caldwellsnyder.com George Krevsky Gallery Anniversary Exhibit The gallery celebrates 15 years with works by Milton Avery, Arthur Dove, Ben Shahn, Thomas Hart Benton, and Jack Levine, thru January 26. 77 Geary St, San Francisco. 415.397.9748, georgekrevskygallery.com
Marin County’s premier fireplace showroom offers a wide array of beautiful, energy efficient, environmentally-friendly fireplaces, inserts and free-standing stoves. We offer full installation, including gas lines, by our licensed company owner. 902 Lincoln Ave., San Rafael • (415) 479-2876 • www.hearthandhomeofmarin.com Lic #847647
Gregory Lind Gallery Jovi Schnell’s solo show Entwined with the Vine features themes of the evolutionary process and myths revisited, thru January 19. 49 Geary St, 415.296.9661, gregorylindgallery.com Hackett-Freedman Gallery Drawing Space in Colour A solo exhibition of paintings by British modernist Patrick Heron, January 10 thru March 1. 250 Sutter St, 415.362.7152, hackettfreedman.com Hang Art and Hang Art Annex Ongoing work. 556 & 567 Sutter St, 415.434.4264, hangart.com Linda Saytes Ongoing work. Hunters Point Shipyard, Bldg 101, Studio 2120, 415.824.5756, saytesart.com Meyerovich Gallery Guy Dill: New Work Bronze and aluminum sculptures on display, thru January. Contemporary American Masters: Francis, Motherwell, Rosenquist, and Stella Unique and mixed media works on paper, thru January. 251 Post St, 415.421.7171, meyerovich.com
467 magnolia avenue, larkspur, ca 94939 415.924.2500
112
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Newmark Gallery Contemporary American and European artworks on paper, etchings, MARINMAGAZINE.COM
aquatints, pastels and prints by Toru Sugita, Marianne Mitchell, Larry Morace, Ilan Laks, Pierre Merkl and Anna Mir. Abstract works by West Coast and Western European artists, January 8 thru March 1. 251 Post St, Ste 412, 415.392.3692, newmarkgallery.com
OLD GOLD www.oldgoldjewelry.com
Tiburon
Rena Bransten Gallery Sculptures by Ruth Asawa, thru January 12. Works on paper by Rebeca Bollinger, thru January 12. 77 Geary St, 415.982.3292, renabranstengallery.com
415 789-9583 Mendocino 707 937-5005
MUSEUMS MARIN Bolinas Museum Sculpting the Land Work by Dan McCormick, photographs by Jack Welpott and works by Elia Haworth, thru February (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org Marin History Museum Riding the Rails Discover the fascinating story of trains in Marin County as this exhibition celebrates the railroad boom from the first tracks laid by the North Pacific Coast Railroad to the bustling days of the Northwester Pacific passenger and freight service, thru April 12 (San Rafael). 415.454.8538, marinhistory.org Marin Museum of the American Indian Masks of the Americas A combined exhibit of contemporary and traditional Native American and Southwest masks by the museum and California artist Becky Olvera Schultz, thru April 20 (Novato). 415.897.4064, marinindian.com
BAY AREA
The Niessing Ring® fabricated in gold or platinum. Two curved planes extend towards the center of the ring, simultaneously holding and protecting the diamond.
women’s clothing & accessories
Nanette Lepore Milly Twelfth Street Diane Von Furstenberg Paige Denim
Asian Art Museum Stylized Sculpture: Contemporary Japanese Fashion from the Kyoto Costume Institute Conceived by acclaimed artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, spotlights the essence of contemporary Japanese fashion through the works of Rei Kawakubo, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and others, thru January 6 (SF). 415.581.3500, asianart.org de Young Chim: The Photography of David Seymour Included in this exhibition are compelling portraits of Pablo Picasso, Peggy Guggenheim, Bernard Berenson, Arturo Toscanini, Ingrid Bergman, Kirk Douglas and Audrey Hepburn, thru February 24 (SF). 415.863.3330, thinker.org MARINMAGAZINE.COM
Ella Moss Splendid Rock & Republic Tibi Rachel Pally True Religion Hudson Michael Stars Sanctuary and more... www.shopkismet.net 601 San Anselmo Avenue San Anselmo . 415.454.2629
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CALL THE SHOT!
Legion of Honor Marie Antoinette and the Petit Trianon at Versailles Upon her accession in 1774, the Austrian-born queen of Louis XVI of France was given the Petit Trianon, a small château secluded in the park at Versailles. The exhibition gives a visual history of the château through 88 pieces of furniture, paintings and sculpture, thru February 17 (SF). 415.863.3330, legionofhonor.org Museum of Craft & Folk Art Change: Craft in our Future, Recent Alums from the California College of the Arts Faculty from the five craft departments at the college have selected recent graduates they feel best represent the most exciting contemporary craft being produced today, thru January 27 (SF). 415.227.4888, mocfa.org
Call the Shot has a simple premise: Tell us where this picture is and win a $100 gift certificate that can be used at Three Degrees restaurant in Tiburon.
How well do you kno w Marin?
To win, your answer must be specific. You have to do better than just name the city or the place. Give us an exact location and tell us what this is. Here’s a clue: you might see this while on your way to Stinson Beach. Here’s how to play: Go to marinmagazine.com, agree to the rules and submit your answer. Simple. We’ll choose the winner randomly from all the correct answers. Good luck! And the winner is: Arne Glasgow of Stinson Beach won November’s Call the Shot by identifying the gangway to the Sausalito Cruising Club near Dunphy Park in Sausalito.
di Rosa Preserve MFA Selections: A Salute to Bay Area Emerging Artists Continuing the tradition set by di Rosa Preserve founder Rene di Rosa for discovering and supporting new talent, the MFA exhibition showcases the work of eight artists who recently earned their MFA degrees at Bay Area schools, January 26 to March 15. Recent work by artist Gay Outlaw, thru January 5 (Napa). 707.226.5991, dirosapreserve.org 114
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Exploratorium The Search for Universals in Human Emotion Dr. Paul Ekman is one of the most influential psychologists of the 20th century. This Exploratorium-only exhibition focuses on his photographic study of human facial expressions which has had a powerful impact on the understanding of both our emotions and our evolutionary history. On display January 22 thru April 27 (SF). Exploratorium (SF). 415.561.0377, exploratorium.edu
SFMOMA Jeff Wall The Canadian artist is widely recognized as an innovator of picture making. This retrospective brings together more than 40 pieces, thru January 27 (SF). 415.357.4000, sfmoma.org
EVENTS Sundays Boomercize Classes This lowimpact fitness program features dance steps and music from the American Bandstand hit parade. Presidio Dance Theater (SF). 415.608.4503, boomercize.con Thru 25 Dream House Raffle Win a multimillion dollar San Rafael home or cash in this fundraising raffle to support Community Action Marin. Only 35,000 tickets will be sold. 800.431.5166, marinraffle.com 18—21 Yoga Journal Conference Over 100 classes and workshops with Rodney Yee, Ana Forrest and others. Hyatt Embarcadero (SF). 800.561.9398, yjevents.com 23—25 Winter Market This event looks toward the future, featuring the latest in haute decor collections and new perspectives on global trends. San Francisco Design Center (SF). 415.490.5800, sfdesigncenter.com 26 & 27 Garden Design Symposium San Francisco Botanical Garden Society and Horticulture magazine present a symposium with expert garden designers. 415.661.1316, ext. 354, sfbotanicalgarden.org MARINMAGAZINE.COM
NATURE WALKS/TALKS Ongoing Sonoma History Local actor George Webber morphs into Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, as he retells the history of Sonoma through Twain’s eyes; specific dates on website (Sonoma). 707.694.5097, georgewebber.com
RETAIL THERAPY Now Open Zipper Owners Steven Saden and Elizabeth Cashour have recently brought their Los Angeles modern design shop to the wine country. Zipper features objects such as jewelry, pottery, glass, home furnishings and fine art by artisans from around the world. Cornerstone Place (Sonoma). 707.996.7956, zippergifts.com
WINE COUNTRY 17 Phil Vassar Join the recording artist as he revisits the songs that first put him on the map. Wells Fargo Center (Santa Rosa). 707.546.3600, lbc.net
DOMINICAN Leadership Lecture Series in cooperation with Book Passage
Madeleine Albright With her newest book, Memo to the President Elect: How We Can Restore America’s Reputation and Leadership, former Secretary of State Albright offers a persuasive, wide-ranging set of recommendations to the next president by drawing on her extensive experience as adviser to two presidents and a key figure in four presidential transitions.
Thursday, January 24, 2008 • 7:00 p.m. Angelico Concert Hall Free lecture and book signing No RSVP necessary 415-485-3202 ILS@dominican.edu 50 Acacia Avenue, San Rafael, CA • www.dominican.edu
18 Worldwide Mustard Competition The Napa Valley Mustard Festival presents the 12th annual competition. Categories have included sweet-hot to classic Dijon. The competition is overseen by Barry Levenson, curator of the Mount Horeb Mustard Museum in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin. 707.938.1133, ext. 10, mustardfestival.org
19 & 20 Winter Wineland Celebration Enjoy two days of wine education along the Russian River wine road. Meet winemakers and taste limited-production wines. 800.723.6336 21 An Evening with Chef John Ash In this class John Ash will reprise recipes from his first book American Game Cooking, including roasted venison with wild huckleberries and a warm quail salad. Vintners Inn Event Center (Santa Rosa). 707.566.2619, vintnersinn.com 26—28 Santa Rosa Symphony Joseph Edelberg on the violin and conductor Bruno Ferrandis. Wells Fargo Center (Santa Rosa). 707.546.8742, santarosasymphony.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM
272 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae
(415) 461-1866 MARIN
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F LAVO R
Piatti’s re-opened in November after an extensive remodel
NEW DIGS IN TOWN New dining destinations from Sausalito to Greenbrae BY SOMER FLAHERTY
AFTER SIX MONTHS of extensive remodel-
North Sea Village restaurant sat empty for
City location in Corte Madera’s Town Center.
ing Piatti Ristorante and Bar unveiled their
five years before John and his wife Jill spent
The menu features the chain’s signature let-
much anticipated new look. Along with a re-
months giving the 2,400 square foot space
tuce wraps and items like oolong marinated
freshed décor, which includes a new patio
a much-needed facelift. “The place was a
sea bass and ginger chicken with broccoli.
for alfresco dining with views of the bay—
shell,” says general manager and wine direc-
The restaurant serves lunch, dinner and take
Piatti has recently formed partnerships with
tor Julie Henderson. The restoration project
out. 301 Corte Madera Town Center (Corte
Marin Organics and M.A.L.T. to support local
included refurbishing the original floors and
Madera). 415.413.9890, pfchangs.com
sustainable agriculture. Former Poggio chef
creating a custom bar made out of wine bar-
In Greenbrae, the former Pan American
Chris Fernandez has also come onboard to
rels. Although Wellington’s is John’s first bar
Airlines pilot (and Belvedere resident) Warren
lead the kitchen and reflect the new part-
in Marin, he isn’t new to the business. The
Simmons — known for the popular Chevy’s
nerships with regular menu changes coincid-
Brit wasn’t only born in a pub but grew up
chain — has brought his San Francisco Pier
ing with seasonal food from local producers.
working in the ones his parents owned. The
39 location of Wipeout Bar and Grill to the
Architect Chris von Eckartsberg’s modern
wine bar is winning over locals with a space
Bon Air Center. Simmons researched the
design includes recycled teak furniture from
that feels like a home away from home with
concept of Wipeout by taking his wife and
Marin’s Wooden Duck, a new community ta-
comfy couches, board games and coffee ta-
their three kids on a road trip to different
ble, poured concrete floors and views of Mt.
bles to relax and socialize around. The im-
beach towns along the coast. The result is
Tamalpais. 625 Redwood Hwy (Mill Valley).
pressive list features wines by the glass for
a surf-themed restaurant complete with all
415.380.2525, piatti.com
$5 to $20 and tasting flights of any three
its related paraphernalia. The location fea-
wines for $12. 300 Turney St (Sausalito).
tures a full bar, outdoor patio and features
415.331.9463, wellingtonswine.com
family-friendly items like sandwiches, salads
In Sausalito, British transport Jeremy John has opened Wellingtons, an expansive wine bar with a homey feel, views of the bay
After much adieu about where it would
and pizzas in a t-shirt and sandals atmo-
and a worldly cellar featuring affordable
be located, this past November P.F. Chang’s
sphere. 302 Bon Air Center (Greenbrae).
bottles and special reserves. The former
China Bistro opened in the former Circuit
415.461.7400, wipeoutbarandgrill.com
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JANUARY 2008
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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E YOUR WANDERLUS
CORTE MADERA BENISSIMO Italian Benissimo…means “really really good” in Italian. From margherita pizza to veal parmagiana to mocha mud pie, Benissimo serves a taste of Italy in a casual neighborhood venue. 18 Tamalpais Dr, 415.927.2316 benissimos.com CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN Cal/Eclectic Be prepared for chaos. Easy place to meet with kids; Mom/Dad can enjoy a tasty Thai crunch salad and decent glass of wine while the little ones feast on basic kid-size portions of pasta and pizza. 347 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.945.0401 IL FORNAIO Italian Sausalito’s Larry Mindel hit a home run with this upscale Italian 23-restaurant franchise. Besides the award-winning breads, pizzas and pastas, the menu boasts a variety of salads and noncarb entrées. 223 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.4400, ilfornaio.com IZZY’S STEAKS & CHOP HOUSE American The legendary San Francisco steak house has moved north. Known for great steaks and seafood as well as its fine wine selection, this is a great spot for a group or intimate dinner for two. 55 Tamal Vista, 415.924.3366, izzyssteaksandchops.com LA MAISON DE LA REINE Vietnamese A refreshing change amid the plethora of Italian, Mexican and Chinese options. The crunchy cabbage chicken salad with peanuts, fresh spring rolls, and combinations of pho are delicious. 346 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.0288 MARIN JOE’S Italian Pasta and other Italian dishes have been served up here for over 50 years. Pick from soup, salad, seafood mesquitegrilled or sautéed meats and over 10 pasta options guaranteed to satisfy. Have a drink and hear local musicians at the well-known piano bar. 1585 Casa Buena Dr, 415.924.2081, marinjoesrestaurant.com MAX’S CAFE American Located across from Town Center, Max’s is renowned for casual ambience and large portions. The menu changes with the season but features year-round favorites like matzo ball soup and BLTs. Besides decadent portions or comfort food and desserts, the menu also offers seasonable local produce and healthy items too. 60 Madera Blvd, 415.924.6297, maxsworld.com PACIFIC CATCH Pan-Asian This well-priced fresh grill eatery offers a bounty of Pacific Rim—inspired small or main plates, like the generously portioned wasabi bowls filled with rice (white or brown), veggies and your choice of fresh or raw fish, chicken or beef. 223 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.3474, pacificcatch.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM
SIP
DECEMBER 2OO7 – FEBRUARY 2OO8
S O N O M A VA L L E Y S AV O R
Please join us for special olive-seasoned events and lodging packages including The Blessing of the Olive, The Feast of the Olives, Martini Madness and more! Visit us at olivefestival.com
C E L E B R AT E
DECEMBER 2007 Olive Harvest Holiday Month JANUARY 2008 Taste of the Olive Month FEBRUARY 2008 Olive + Wine Month
phone 866-996-1090
info@sonomavalley.com
www.olivefestival.com Information and Tickets
The Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, 453 First Street East, Sonoma MARIN JANUARY 2008
117
FAIRFAX CAFE AMSTERDAM American-European The former Broadway Video store is now a cozy spot to enjoy live music, a weekend brunch, dining on the heated patio and a large selection of local beers on tap. 23 Broadway, 415.256.8020, cafeamsterdamlive.com DEER PARK VILLA Italian This “best place for a party” (Pacific Sun) sits on four garden acres; the Ghiringhelli family has been turning out Italian favorites here since 1937. Come for the famous veal parmesan—or your next big celebration. 367 Bolinas Rd, 415.456.8084, deerparkvilla.com
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IRON SPRINGS PUB & BREWERY American Grab a beer and a grilled portobello mushroom sandwich—which one Chronicle reviewer calls “the best mushroom dish I have ever tasted”—at the former Ross Valley Brewing Company. 765-A Center Blvd, 415.485.1005, ironspringspub.com SORELLA CAFÉ Italian Not only is the food satisfying and tasty; the service is friendly and the ambience is warm and inviting. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520
KENTFIELD HALF DAY CAFE American A tucked-away setting of intertwining ivy and great white windows makes the perfect breakfast nook. The setting is casual but elegant; the menu includes lattes, exceptional pastries and much more. Dine on the outdoor patio or inside where the view is just as divine. 848 College Ave, 415.459.0291
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WILLIE’S CAFE American Stop here for down-toearth atmosphere and reasonable prices. This cozy spot offers breakfast, lunch and dinner; favorites include corn pancakes and veggie frittata. 799 College Ave, 415.455.9455
LARKSPUR Complexion Clinics Medical Spa Stephen J Ronan MD, FACS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon 302 Caledonia St., Ste 4 Sausalito, CA 415-331-5060 complexionclinics.com
CAFE Z American A pleasant surprise in the Bon Air shopping mall. Dishes like grilled chicken pesto pianni and savory crepes have quickly made this intimate spot a local favorite, and inventive meals keep people coming back for more (Greenbrae). 282 Bon Air Center, 415.461-9444, cafez.com E & 0 TRADING COMPANY Southeast Asian Chef Edwin Cabriloa-Torres is keeping the restaurant’s innovative plates like Indonesian corn fritters and Thai seafood clay pot as tasty as ever. Without reservations, try a spot at the large communal table. 2231 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.925.0303, eotrading.com EMPORIO RULLI Italian Pastry chef Gary Rulli is renowned for his Northern Italian specialties and treats. The Larkspur location (there are three others) is a popular spot for lunch as well as coffee and a sweet. 464 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7478, rulli.com
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LARK CREEK INN American This flagship eatery for the Lark Creek Restaurant Group opened back in 1989 and was hailed by the New York Times as having “the best home cooking you can imagine.” It remains a perennial special occasion spot and is still known for inventive country cooking—as well as a cozy bar scene. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7766, larkcreek.com LEFT BANK RESTAURANT French Known for award-winning French cuisine and its lively brasserie ambience, this corner spot has rated high with local for well over a decade. Those with a petite appetite/budget can opt for happy hour (4–6 M–F) and enjoy appetizers, all priced under three dollars. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331, leftbank.com MARIN BREWING CO American Grab a cold beer made right on site and pair it with fish and chips—fresh cod dipped in Mt. Tam pale ale batter, served with steak fries and homemade tartar sauce. 1809 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.4677, marinbrewing.com
Wedding Invitations and Announcements Bella Ink Birch Checkerboard Crane Elite Envelopments Mara-mi Stacy Claire Boyd Sweet Pea R 228 Bon Air Center Greenbrae
PICCO California Chef and celebrated restaurateur Bruce Hill deserves the accolades he has received for this eclectic shared-plate heaven. Dishes like mini-burgers and seasonally driven menu items, along with risotto made every half hour, keep people coming back. The Picco Pizzeria and Wine Bar next door is cozy (not many seats) but already famous for its wood-fired pizzas, great wine selection and soft-serve Straus Family Creamery ice cream. 320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300, restaurantpicco.com
(in the Bon Air Shopping Center)
415.461.8084
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RUSTIC BAKERY California Organic mouthwatering pastries, breads, and sandwiches are on the menu here. The Meyer lemon mascarpone danish and the bacon, avocado and heirloom tomato sandwich with mesclun are perennial temptations. 1139 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.1556, rusticbakery.com
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TABLE CAFÉ Indian/American Indian-inspired cafe offers a unique menu featuring entirely organic ingredients. Dishes include seasonal salads, incredible soups and fresh juices. The specialty of the house is dosia, filled with a variety of ingredients and served with savory homemade chutneys. You can also take home a choice of three or four gourmet dinners freshly packed daily. 1167 Magnolia Ave 415.461.6787 RUSTIC BAKERY California Organic mouthwatering pastries, breads, and sandwiches are on the menu here. The Meyer lemon mascarpone danish and the bacon, avocado and heirloom tomato sandwich with mesclun are perennial temptations. 1139 Magnolia Ave, 415.925.1556, rusticbakery.com THE MELTING POT French Just across the street from the Larkspur Ferry terminal is a round red-brick haven for fondue fans. Share the “Big Night Out” feast featuring chef’s specialties, or design your own spread with cheese fondue, salad, choice of meat entrée and chocolate fondue dessert. 125 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.461.6358, themeltingpot.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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119
A LA CART E
New Venue on the Menu or the past 21 years food and wine
F
Cal Stamenov and Charlie Trotter as well as
enthusiasts have descended on the
superstars with Bay Area ties: Thomas Keller,
Highlands Inn in Carmel for the Masters
Gary Danko, Michael Mina and Charlie Phan.
of Food & Wine event, where culinary legends
And then there are the 200 wineries. “All of
such as Julia Child, Jacques Pépin and Eric Ripert
our wines are by invitation only,” says Weakley.
sautéed, steamed and strutted their way through
“Unlike at other large-scale events,” he adds,
the crowds. For most foodies, however, the
“attendees will be able to sample food [and
Masters, while considered better than most food
wine] from the weekend’s celebrity chefs in
festivals, could not match the granduer of the
the grand tasting tent on Saturday and Sunday.
Aspen Food & Wine Festival or the South Beach
No other event of this scale brings together
Wine & Food Festival in Miami; those two events
this quality of talent and allows this kind of
drew bigger crowds and had more prestige.
access for the guests.”
When it was announced the Masters would be
For the oenophiles, the lineup features
moving to, drum roll please…Argentina, Robert
events like “The Wines of Heidi Peterson
Weakley, former director of the event, and local
Barrett,” “A Complete Retrospective of Pisoni
entrepreneur David Alan Bernahl II jumped at
Estate” and “The Wines of Kosta Browne.” For
the opportunity to replace it with a new culinary
nostalgic oenophiles, the main event will be
confab. “Why not?” says Bernahl, who despite his
the uncorking of the Mondavi family’s newest
youth wears an ascot with aplomb. “Here we are
wine venture, Continuum.
in California, the breadbasket of the country, the
How much does it cost to partake?
wine capital and breeding ground for innovative
Considering an evening at the French Laundry
cuisine—California should have the best food
could put you back a cool grand—depending
and wine festival.”
on who’s ordering the wine—the Pebble
Within months, the pair had signed up the
Beach Food and Wine event could be seen as
likes of Lexus, American Express Publishing
an economical way to sample the offerings
and the shaved-truffle topper, Pebble Beach
of boutique wineries and talented chefs,
Resorts, to sponsor the Pebble Beach Food and
especially when you factor in the invaluable
Wine event, to be held March 27 through 30
commodity of face time. Packages that include
at four of the resort’s venues on the Central
up-close access to Thomas Keller or Gary
Coast. “I am humbled by the enthusiasm
Danko start at $995 per person and go up to
and excitement that has surrounded this
$4750. Room rates at the Pebble Beach Resorts
event so quickly,” Weakley says. “I think
range from $1,700 for three nights to $3,000
the magnitude of these sponsors shows the
for an executive suite.
strength of the Pebble Beach brand along with the history and quality of the Masters.” Apparently the enthusiasm has oozed over to the talent as well. Culinary celebs on board
120
MARIN JANUARY 2008
Pebble Beach Food And Wine, March 27–30, pebblebeachfoodandwine.com TOP: Pebble Beach Resorts will accomodate a
larger crowd. CLOCKWISE: attending culinary celebs
include Queer Eye foodie Ted Allen, Bravo’s
include Charlie Phan, Michael Mina, Thomas Keller
Top Chef judge Tom Colicchio, award-winners
and Tom Colicchio.
P HOTO: P EBBL E BEAC H : JOANN D OST
Pebble Beach Food and Wine replaces venerable Masters event BY MIMI TOWLE
YANKEE PIER American This family-friendly casual clam shack is harbored in a quaint house built in 1924 as a private residence. Though known for beer-battered fish’n’ chips, clam chowder and tasty salads, Yankee Pier serves fresh seafood delivered daily from both coasts with special dishes by renowned chef Anthony Bowman. 286 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7676, yankeepier.com
Original Vintage Jewelry from the 18th, 19th & 20th Centuries
MILL VALLEY BUCKEYE ROADHOUSE American Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs and chili-lime “brick” chicken are a few of the satisfying, comfort-food-type menu items that have made this classic roadhouse a favorite since the ’30s. The warm dark-wooded bar with red leather booths is a popular spot for cocktails, conversations or a light meal. 15 Shoreline Hwy, 415.331.2600, buckeyeroadhouse.com BUNGALOW 44 American Much like sister restaurant Buckeye Roadhouse, Bungalow 44 offers a mean dose of homey carbo- and lipidladen dishes, such as the burger, fried chicken and truffle fries, as well as a few lighter items. The bar is a neighborhood favorite, serving up tasty spirits and eye candy. 44 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500, bungalow44.com CACTUS CAFE AND TAQUERIA Mexican Recently under new management; the food is better than ever. They still offer the lunchtime bargain burrito, as well as fish tacos and Caesar salads with grilled chicken or shrimp. Be sure to opt for the diablo sauce on enchiladas and burritos. 393 Miller Ave, 415.388-8226
www.langantiques.com 323 Sutter St. San Francisco 415-982-2213
CAFE DEL SOUL California Beware of addiction. Once you stop in for the deliciously fresh Hummus Yummus wrap, you’ll have to come back to sample the chipotle Sunrise Rice Bowl; then it will be the Thai It Up wrap with peanut sauce washed down with ginger limeade that brings you back, and so on. Casual lunch spot, great for takeout. 247 Shoreline Hwy, 415.388.1852, cafedelsoul.net
P HOTO: P EBBLE BEAC H : J OANN D OST
DIPSEA CAFE Comfort One word: biscuits. This longtime breakfast spot has been serving up tasty pancakes and egg dishes with homemade biscuits since 1986. Try a biscuit with a poached egg, a biscuit with sausage –or just plain butter. Lunch specialties include BLTs and tuna melts and generous Cobb salads. Now serving dinner. 200 Shoreline Hway. 415.381.0298, dipseacafe.com EL PASEO French Keiko Takahashi, a prominent Tokyo chef known for her modern French cuisine, transports her flair to Mill Valley. With a cottagelike feeling, this fine dining restaurant serves meals that are nothing less than exquisite. Reservations recommended. 17 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0741, elpaseorestaurant.com
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FRANTOIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO Italian Known for its in-house olive press, superior olive oil and excellent Italian cuisine, this is a great location for large groups. Ask to sit in the press room for private parties. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.289.5777, frantoio.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM
216 Strawberry Village, Mill Valley, CA 94941 • www.evo-spa.com Call for Reservations 415.383.3223 Monday – Saturday 9am – 9pm • Sunday 10am – 7pm
MARIN JANUARY 2008
121
INDIA PALACE Indian Known as “that great restaurant in the Travelodge,” India Palace is a favorite among the takeout crowd; however, eating on site is a treat too. 707 Redwood Hwy, 415.388.3350
THEP LELA Thai This jewel is tucked away in the back of the new Strawberry Village. Diners come for the tasty kee mao noodles, pad thai, fresh rolls and extensive bar menu. It’s also a great place for lunch. 615 Strawberry Village, 415.383.3444
LA GINESTRA Italian A favorite family spot for over 30 years; getting a table or booth can take a while. While this old-school Italian eatery is known for traditional pastas, veal dishes, pizzas and dry martinis, the familiar wait staff is also part of the attraction. 127 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0224
VASCO Italian Whether you’re at a table, the bar or the back counter, you can expect an intimate and tasty dining experience at this one-room trattoria. 106 Throckmorton Ave, 415.381.3343
NOVATO
ORA Pan-Asian An inventive small and large plate menu mixed with an impressive wine list and original bar menu, including sake flights. It’s an easy place to pop in for a drink and bite to eat, but call ahead for large groups. 24 Sunnyside Ave, 415.381.7500. oramv.com
BOCA STEAK & SEAFOOD South American George Morrone, of Aqua and Fifth Floor fame, has been serving up an Argentinean-inspired menu in Novato with much ado. House specialties include provolenta, gambas al ajillo, and empanadas, as well as hand-cut (grass- and grain-fed) steaks. 340 Ignacio Blvd, 415.883.0901, bocasteak.com
PIAZZA D’ANGELO Italian It’s always a party at this long-standing hot spot. A great place to meet up with friends for a fresh plate of pasta, zuppa di pesce or pollo novello, or make some new friends at the bar. 22 Miller Ave, 415.388.2000, piazzadangelo.com
CACTI GRILL Southwestern A former bell tower church, the family-friendly restaurant now boasts a covered patio and serves a 21-day dry-aged steak and filet mignon enchiladas. 1200 Grant Ave, 415.898.2234, cactigrill.com
PIZZA ANTICA Cal/Italian Light and delicious thincrust pizza with toppings like fennel, spicy sausage, bacon, pesto and goat cheese, as well as a variety of fresh green salads and entrées. Acoustics are an issue; otherwise, a great meeting spot. Strawberry Village, 415.383.0600
CHRISTOPHER’S Italian/American A hidden place worth the effort to find in Bel Marin Keys. Christopher, the owner, offers a casual menu of innovative “Italian”-type fare. 8 Commercial Blvd, 415.382.8488
RAIN TREE CAFÉ American/Homestyle In the newly remodeled Strawberry Village shopping center wonderful American fare: soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and gourmet crepes. Savor the Mill Valley Crepe: smoked salmon, capers, spinach, and Dijon in a fresh warm wrap. Breakfast is served all day. 610 Strawberry Village, 415.380.8886, caferaintree.com
KITCHEN American Restaurateur Henry Hautau has succeeded in creating an intimate 45-seat restaurant in downtown Novato. The menu offers items like orange-and-spice-scented house-brined pork chop and star-anise-braised short ribs. 868 Grant Ave, 415.892.6100, kitchen868.com WILDFOX American Perched on the hillside off Highway 101, this rustic mesquite grill offers a menu full of comfort food and drinks, like the smooth cosmos, and seafood risotto, with bits of butternut squash. 225 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.9125, wildfoxrestaurant.com
SMALL SHED FLATBREADS California As a slow food chef, Ged Robertson uses only local, mostly organic ingredients. Crowd favorites include the Mt. Tamal-Pie, a delicious fresh salad atop a flatbread. 17 Madrona St, 415.383.4200, smallshed.com
CRAVING ITALIAN? ASIAN? FRENCH? VEGETARIAN? AMERICAN? ✦ GO ONLINE— OVER 300 RESTAURANTS LISTED IN DINE MARIN • NAPA • SONOMA MARINMAGAZINE.COM/DINE
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ROSS CAFE MARMALADE French This quaint oneroom coffeehouse is centrally situated near Ross Common. Get there early for the full selection of pastries to enjoy with fresh-squeezed orange juice. 22 Ross Common, 415.461.2205 MARCHÉ AUX FLEURS French This gem of a restaurant serves up locally farmed produce, wild and fresh seafood and free-range meats prepared with an artisan’s touch. 23 Ross Common, 415.925.9200, marcheauxfleursrestaurant.com TRATTORIA FRESCO Italian Every neighborhood deserves a one-room trattoria like this one. The service is friendly and the farmers’-market-fresh food is fabulous—especially the gnocchi. 13 Ross Common, 415.464.0915
SAUSALITO ANGELINO RESTAURANT Italian Father-andson chefs Pasquale and Alfredo Ancona offer handmade pastas and seasonal antipasti at this authentic Italian restaurant, which has been serving food from the Campania region for the past 24 years. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225, angelinorestaurant.com ARAWAN THAI RESTAURANT Thai Known for its consistently tasty Thai food and efficient, gracious service. For light fare try the imperial or Siamese rolls (vegetarian), or dig into the delicious pad thai noodles or garlic and pepper prawns. Arawan Thai has been a local favorite for over nine years. 47 Caledonia St, 415.332.0882 arawan.com CAFFÉ DIVINO Tuscan Sure, you’ll find great coffee drinks in a funky one-room setting, but locals also come for the tasty pastas and salads cooked by Tuscan-born chef Elana Fabbri. Free delivery in Sausalito. 37 Caledonia St, 415.331.9355, caffedivinosausalito.com FRED’S Coffee Shop A local hot spot for over 40 years. Don’t miss the famous deep-fried French toast or the traditional Swedish breakfast. Not a breakfast person? The bacon bleu cheeseburger on a sourdough roll with fries is delicious too. Open daily 7 to 3. Breakfast served until 2. 1917 Bridgeway, 415.332.4575, fredscoffeeshop.com GAYLORD INDIA Indian Rated a “Restaurant of Excellence” by Zagat, Gaylord’s new location in Sausalito also features million-dollar views of San Francisco and the bay. All the dishes including samosas, curries and tandoori are made with fresh local produce, seafood and artisan meats. 201 Bridgeway, 415.339.0172, gaylord.com KITTI’S PLACE Pan-Asian Watch out Comforts (aka the best chicken salad in town), Kitty’s serves up a delicious crunchy fresh chicken salad, as well as light tasty spring rolls too. Popular with the lunch and take-out dinner crowd. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.331.0390
POGGIO Italian A great place to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a night out. Executive chef Peter McNee cooks up delicious Northern Italian cuisine using fresh and local ingredients, including produce from the nearby Poggio chef garden. 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771, poggiotratoria.com SALSALITO TACO SHOP Mexican The menu features cheese enchiladas with mole, and fish and shrimp tacos with a spicy sour cream topping. Although they serve only wine and beer the wine margarita shouldn’t be missed. Authentic Mexican atmosphere and fare with outdoor seating and heat lamps. 1115 Bridgeway, 415.331-5595 SCOMA’S Seafood Whether it’s for the view of San Francisco or the historical background, visitors flock to this location for a romantic setting. The array of fresh seafood and meat dishes are appetizing as the Italian pasta dishes. 588 Bridgeway, 415.332.9551, scomassausalito.com SUSHI RAN Japanese Fresh, innovative small plates are just big enough to share, the traditional sushi is melt-in-your-mouth good and the wine, cocktail and sake lists keep the pickiest barfly well satisfied. Even the prices don’t deter the herd of sushi enthusiasts, who line up nightly to partake; reservations required in main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620, sushiran.com
SAN ANSELMO AVA California Chef Dan Baker, of Marché aux Fleurs in Ross, has another winner with AVA, which features a California-only wine list and a menu where nearly all the ingredients come from within 100 miles—if not the Marin County Farmers’ Market. The small menu includes seasonal flatbreads, pasta and six seasonal main dishes. 636 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.3407
Mom’s of the brides can turn heads too!
CUCINA RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR Italian Proprietor Jack Krietzman (of Pacific Heights’ Jackson Fillmore) has brought Milan to Marin with his 42-seat family restaurant. Relax with a glass of wine and have a slice from the to-die-for thin pizzas, topped with items like truffle oil and fontina cheese. 510 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.2942 DEBBIE DOES DESSERT Bakery Besides sweets, the menu offers tapas on weekends and savory dishes such as grilled duck aux pêches with lavender honey sauce on galette de mais. Lunch and brunch are served daily. 556 San Anselmo Ave, 415.721.2901, debbiedoesdessert.com FORK California This intimate spot was awarded “Top Food in the Bay Area” by Zagat for 2007. Opt for the five-course tasting menu or seasonal à la carte options. The three-course special for $20 is available during the first seating. 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.453.9898, marinfork.com INSALATA’S Mediterranean Award-winning chef Heidi Insalata Krahling offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes prepared with local organic produce and artisan meats. 120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.457.7700, insalatas.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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LOCOCO’S PIZZERIA Italian Worth driving to from all over Marin, and it’s an easy place to meet with friends and family. The pizza crust is divine as is the house salad. Easy spot to come with the entire family.Closed Mondays. 638 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.1238, lococossananselmo.com TACO JANE’S Mexican Named after the owner’s mother, this casual but colorful place welcomes the whole family. Don’t miss out on Jane’s handmade agave margarita or griddled plantains with Jane’s crema. 21 Tamalpais Ave, 415.454.6562, tacojanes.com
SAN RAFAEL BOMBAY GARDEN Indian Family-owned restaurant offering a large menu of richly flavored Northern and Southern Indian Cuisine. The fourcourse dinner for two is a good way to sample the array. There are often Bollywood movies or videos playing on a flat-screen TV to add a little entertainment to the meal. 909 Fourth St, 415.459.9555 dinebombaygarden.com CAFE GRATITUDE Raw The waiters might push the affirmations theme a bit too much, but the tasty (and healthy) food is worth it. Besides the knowledge you’re supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture, the raw food and vegan samosas are hard to resist. Best to bring a group and sample lots of items on the menu. 2200 Fourth St, 415.824.4652, withthecurrent.com
Firm thighs. Lifted seats. Flat abs.
CREPEVINE American Bistro/Creperie Offering casual dining, outdoor seating and a diverse menu of savory crepes (such as the Italian crepe filled with roasted peppers, eggplant, onions, artichoke hearts, tomato sauce and mozzarella). Sweet and savory crepes are available all day long, as is breakfast. 908 Fourth St, 415.257.8822 MULBERRY STREET PIZZERIA Italian Chef Ted Rowe won first place in the Food Network Television Pizza Challenge with his Mushroom Lover’s Pizza—sautéed mushrooms in a creamy garlic sauce atop a fresh pizza crust. Located across from the Smith Ranch Road movie theaters, it’s a great place to grab dinner and a movie. 101 Smith Ranch Rd, 415.472.7272, mulberry-streetpizzeria.com SABOR OF SPAIN Spanish Named Best Tapas/ Small Dishes restaurant in Marin by the Pacific Sun in 2006, this Spanish-wine bar is a great place for a date or a big party. 1301 Fourth St, 415.457.8466, saborofspain.com
“The best workout for a lean dancer’s body!” (as seen in Glamour Magazine, Yoga Journal and on Extra)
Childcare Available 208 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae (behind Mollie Stone’s) (415) 461-4461 www.barmethod.com 124
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SAN RAFAEL JOE’S Italian Guido and Theresa Farina are now running this Marin institution, which has been famous for serving up sophisticated yet casual Italian fare since 1947. 931 Fourth St, 415.456.2425, srjoes.com SEAFOOD PEDDLER Seafood A great place to seek out fresh seafood in a warm and inviting environment. Varieties of East and West Coast fish flown in daily. Dine indoors or out, or better yet, rent out the banquet room for a party. 100 Yacht Club Dr, 415.460.6669, seafoodpeddler.com
SOL FOOD Puerto Rican With south-of-theborder treats like yellow rice, beans, plantains and authentic Puerto Rican dishes, this tiny one-room eatery on Fourth Street just off Highway 101 can be hard to get into, but worth the wait. 732 Fourth St, and 901 Lincoln Ave, 415.451.4765 SUSHI TO DAI FOR Japanese Snagging a seat in this popular sushi spot can be a challenge, but patience will be rewarded with tasty and fresh sashimi, unique sushi rolls and great prices. 869 Fourth St, 415.721.0392
TIBURON GINZA Japanese The old Tiburon Tommie’s space on Main Street has been buffed and polished and reopend as a sleek, upscale sushi spot with the famous waterfront San Francisco views. This intimate setting offers menu items like sliced yellowtail, avocado, radish sprout, tobiko and spicy Ponzu sauce as well as a variety of tempura and terriyaki dishes. The double hamachi roll is not to be missed. 41 Main St, 415.789.5123, ginzasushi-tiburon.com Three Degrees in Tiburon GUAYMAS Mexican Situated right next to the Tiburon ferry terminal on the waterfront. The touch-it-you’re-so-close city views and outdoor seating makes it a great place to bring visitors on a warm summer night. Happy hour is 5 to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Menu includes specialties like puerco macho—pork loin chop with grilled plantain, topped with an ancho chile, garlic and onion sauce. 5 Main St, 415.435.6300, guaymasrestaurant.com ROONEY’S CAFÉ & GRILL American If you’re old enough to remember Cheers on prime time, this is your dinner spot. There’s not a long bar, nor a bartender named Sam (he’s across the street); however, there is an undeniable neighborhood feeling in this one-room cottage dining room. 38 Main St, 415.435.1911 SAM’S ANCHOR CAFE American Everyone knows Sam’s deck is the prime 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. Enjoy trans-fat-free calamari, fresh fish, seasonal salads and pastas. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, samscafe.com SERVINO RISTORANTE Italian With people like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates raving about his pizza, Angelo Servino is doing something right. Some people come for the spacious and popular bar; some people come for the great food and friendly service; the titans of industry, it seems, opt for the pepperoni. Spacious bar, and weekend music is also a big draw. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino.com THREE DEGREES California Opt for the outside patio, white tablecloths in the dining room, or the swank modern setting of the bar, and enjoy the local, seasonal menu options like grilled Niman Ranch New York “cowboy” strip steak or seasonal risotto. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, threedegreesrestaurant.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM
WEST MARIN DRAKES BEACH CAFE Local If you’re OK with the long drive, you can’t beat the view and the fresh local ingredients used to make the burgers, salads and soups at this casual spot (Inverness). Walk on the beach after lunch. 1 Drakes Beach Rd, 415.669.1297, drakesbeachcafe.com OLEMA INN California One of the most charming settings around, this inn and restaurant is a great destination lunch spot for a Sunday drive, or dinner Wednesday through Sunday. The menu includes tasty and imaginative combinations using regional and organic greens and artisan meats (Olema). 10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.663.9559, theolemainn.com PARKSIDE CAFE American Most people know it as the ultimate breakfast spot (think Guatemalan scramble or waffle with blood orange-strawberry compote and whipped cream, alfresco) but lunch and dinners are great here too. Choose from an array of organic locally grown produce and artisan meats and wild seafood (Stinson). 43 Arenal Ave, 415.868.1272, parksidecafe.com PINE CONE DINER American Just off the main road, Joannie Kwit has re-created the ultimate neighborhood diner. Vintage china and homemade curtains complement the eclectic but homey menu featuring local fare (Point Reyes Station). 60 Fourth St, 415.663.1536, pineconediner.com SAND DOLLAR American Originally built from three barges in Tiburon in 1921, the Sand Dollar Restaurant was floated to Stinson that same year and still exists today. Enjoy live music along with local barbecued oysters and New England clam chowder. Sunny deck for afternoon enjoyment (Stinson). 3458 Shoreline Hwy, 415.868.0434, stinsonbeachrestaurant.com
SURFER’S GRILL American The view doesn’t get better than this—nor does the surf salad. Built right out on Stinson Beach, this casual lunch spot offers up tasty fresh organic salads alongside corn dogs, burgers and fries (Stinson). Stinson Beach Park, Hwy 1, 415.868.1777, surfersgrill.com
SAN FRANCISCO AME Pan-Asian On the ground floor of the St. Regis Hotel, Ame Restaurant was designated “Best New Restaurant in 2007” by the Zagat guide. Known for raw treatments such as sashimi, crudo, tartare and carpaccio. Dinner only, reservations recommended. 689 Mission St, 415.284.4040, amerestaurant.com BOBOQUIVARI’S THE STEAK Steak/Seafood In the mood for surf and turf? Head out to Bobo’s and be sure to order the iron skillet-roasted mussels, Dungeness crab, and of course, the steak dry-aged for four to six weeks. The proprietors (also of the Stinking Rose) claim it’s the only one of its kind on the West Coast. 1450 Lombard St, 415.441.8880, boboquivaris.com BONG SU Vietnamese Brainchild of Tammy Huynh, executive chef and co-owner of the popular Tamarine in Palo Alto. The interior is a mix of the modern and traditional; silk, wood and steel elements such as a giant bong su (plumeria), and floating orchids in towering glass vases. Recently voted one of Esquire magazine’s top 20 in 2006. 311 Third St, 415.536.5800, bongsu.com CANTEEN Cali/French It’s not easy to get a seat in this nationally noted California-French restaurant, partly because of its reputation and partly because there aren’t many. Ever since the former Rubicon chef Dennis Leary turned a runMARIN JANUARY 2008
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down downtown coffee shop into one of the best spots in the city, people have been lining up to sample the goods. 817 Sutter St, 415.928.8870 HARRIS’ RESTAURANT Steak house A San Francisco institution for nearly a century. Wine Spectator ranked Harris’ as one of the nation’s top ten steak houses. 2100 Van Ness Ave, 415.673.1888, harrisrestaurant.com JONES RESTAURANT Comfort If you’re thinking of crossing the bridge, check out the brand new Jones Restaurant in the spot formerly occupied by the Marina Sports Bar. The bar manager, Tony Devencenzi, has created a menu featuring fresh ingredients and inventive takes on the classics. Don’t miss the muddled Cucumber-Basil Gimlet or the freshly squeezed 2400 Greyhound. 2400 Lombard, 415.440.2000, jones-sf.com
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We’ve Moved! Dr. Winfield treats the full range of skin problems, from acne to skin cancer to rare dermatological conditions. Dr. Winfield, a Tiburon resident, is a family dermatologist specializing in adolescent acne and cosmetic dermatology.
We are pleased to annouce that we offer: Medical Grade Microdermabrasion, Chemical Peels, Botox®, Collagen, Restylane®, Juvéderm™, Photorejuvenation with IPL, Personalized skincare and more. “All procedures performed by M.D. or Esthetic RN.”
Julie Anne Winfield, M D (415) 927-0990 • 770 Tamalpais Drive, Suite 402, Corte Madera 126
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MAMACITA Mexican Located in the former Cafe Marimba space, chef Sam Josi has made Mamacita a dining destination, drawing in locals with authentic Mexican cuisine and 100 percent pure agave tequila margaritas. The menu features a large number of small plates but save room for the churro dessert, served with a cup of Mexican hot chocolate. 2317 Chestnut St, 415.376.1629, mamacitasf.com MYTH Cali/French Innovative cuisine by chef Sean O’Brien, formerly of Gary Danko, has made this one of the most popular spots in town. Located in Jackson Square, the space was home to failed restaurant MC2 before Myth owner Tom Duffy scored a hit. 470 Pacific Ave, 415.677.8986, mythsf.com PERBACCO Italian The seasonal Italian menu focuses on the northern Piemontese region, featuring handcrafted charcuterie, homemade pastas and regional dishes such as quail with persimmon and apple salad. 230 California St, 415.955.0663, perbaccosf.com PRES A VI International/Small plates Known for a wine list that’s sure to please any oenophile, including a large selection of flights and by-theglass choices to pair with chef Kelly Degala’s shared small plates menu. One Letterman Dr, Building D, Ste 150, 415.409.3000, presavi.com PRESIDIO SOCIAL CLUB California Originally the barracks for enlisted men; menu features steaks, pork chops and fresh oysters. Throwing a party? Try the private room, which can accommodate 30 people. 563 Ruger St, 415.885.1888, presidosocialclub.com QUINCE California Book a reservation at least a month in advance to get a seat at one of the 15 tables in this tiny restaurant. The farmers’ market creations by chef Michael Tusk, formerly of Chez Panisse and Oliveto, are sure to please. 1701 Octavia St, 415.775.8500, quincerestaurant.com SCOTT HOWARD American The former chef/ owner of Fork in San Anselmo, Scott Howard packed up his talent and moved it to the big city, in the former location of the Cypress Club on Jackson Street. 500 Jackson St, 415.956.7040, scotthowardsf.com
I couldn’t think of anything.
Mill Valley’s Acqua Hotel
INSIDER’S GUIDE MARIN COUNTY
HOTELS CORTE MADERA CORTE MADERA INN Relax in the oversized swimming pool or one of the two whirlpool spas, practice on the professional putting green or hit the basketball court at this 110-room property. Rates start at $139. 415.924.1502, bestwestern.com
FAIRFAX FAIRFAX INN Owner Jay Papel built this quaint bed-and-breakfast in 1998. Each of the 12 rooms has a Jacuzzi tub and fireplace. Rates start at $120. 415.455.8702, fairfaxinn.com
INVERNESS MANKA’S INVERNESS LODGE Tucked in the hills of Inverness is a hunter’s paradise complete with flannel-covered couches and deer-head trophies. The post-fire (a fire in December 2006 destroyed many of the rooms) accommodations still include 10 rooms above the wetlands of Tomales Bay. Rates start at $285. 415.669.1034, mankas.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM
MARSHALL NICK’S COVE Pat Kuleto in partnership with Mark Franz brought back to life the long awaited funky quarters of Nick’s Cove. Most of the 12 seaside cottages feature an over-the-water or water-view deck, potbellied stove, fireplace, heated bathroom floors and copper bathtub. For dinner head to the 130-seat Nick’s Cove restaurant, with a glassed-in deck, mahogany bar and a 400-foot pier that extends off the restaurant deck and into the bay. Rates start at $295. 415.663.1033, nickscove.com
MILL VALLEY ACQUA HOTEL The hotel blends modern elegance with the surrounding natural environment. Design highlights include the nine-foot glass-and-wood doors and the serene lobby waterfall. All 25 junior suites feature large entry parlors, soaking tubs and private balconies with views of Mill Valley. The third-floor junior suites feature fireplaces. Rates start at $149. 415.380.0400, marinhotels.com
Come buy everything.
MILL VALLEY INN Tucked away in a redwood grove at the foot of Mount Tamalpais but still steps away from galleries, fine restaurants, boutiques and theaters, the location couldn’t be better. Ask for a room with a deck or one of the property’s cottages. Rates start at $199. 415.389.6608, marinhotels.com MOUNTAIN HOME INN Redwoods set the scene for hikes at this rustic (and romantic) retreat. No televisions so guests can test their Scrabble skills by the blazing fire in the property’s game room. Don’t miss a meal at the on-site organic cuisine restaurant. Rates start at $195. 415.381.9000, mtnhomeinn.com
Bryan’s Fine Foods Corte Madera Town Center
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MUIR BEACH THE PELICAN INN Stay in one of seven snug bedrooms and enjoy a pint and a game of darts in the attached English pub. Rates start at $208. 415.383.6000, pelicaninn.com
NOVATO BEST WESTERN NOVATO OAKS Relax on the hillside patio or in the heated pool and spa of this 107-room property. Extended-stay suites include a full kitchen and dining. Rates start at $129. 415.883.4400, novatooaksinn.com INN MARIN Owned and operated by the Marshall family, the inn is nestled on five acres, features a lodge-like setting and is pet friendly. Rates start at $119. 800.652.6565, innmarin.com
OLEMA
™
Thank you Marin for making us successful since 1989! Visit Our Showroom Choose from a wide selection of styles & designs
Custom Configurations, Fabrication and Installation Available
OLEMA DRUIDS HALL History buffs flock to this site, built in 1885 as a meeting hall for the Druids Association. An extensive renovation has added urban comforts, like an apartment-size suite and an on-site boutique, Vita Collage. Rates start at $195. 415.663.8727, olemadruidshall.com THE OLEMA INN Antique furniture, Ralph Lauren linens and down comforters make for ultimate relaxation in this six-room inn. When hunger calls, seek out the inn’s restaurant, a former San Francisco Chronicle top 100 choice. Don’t miss the included breakfast in the dining room—hot croissants, local cheeses, seasonal fruit, coffee and juice. Rates start at $145. 415.663.9559, theolemainn.com POINT REYES SEASHORE LODGE Looking for a little rest and relaxation? Take refuge in the lodge for a quiet evening in the country. Guests can play a game of pool or take a short walk to the Farm House Restaurant next door. The 23 rooms and two cottages all feature heated floors and down comforters. Rates start at $135. 415.663.9000, pointreyesseashore.com
SAN ANSELMO
1217 North McDowell Blvd. Petaluma 415.453.0236 • 707.773.2898 800.924.2614 fax empireshowerdoors.com License #683909 128
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SAN ANSELMO INN The inn’s French wine bar, Sunday afternoon tea session and easy access to downtown are sure to impress. Be sure to try the homemade scones at breakfast in the banquet room. Of the inn’s 15 rooms, 13 have private baths and the other two share a bathroom in the hall. Throwing a party? The banquet room can accommodate 60 seated guests and the property has a full commercial kitchen with a list of approved caterers. Rates start at $99. 800.598.9771, sananselmoinn.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM
SAN RAFAEL
FOUR POINTS SHERATON Work out in the fitness center or swim laps in the outdoor heated pool at this 235-room hotel. The Northgate Mall is within walking distance of the property. For long stays, the hotel’s guest laundromat makes traveling easy. Rates start at $145. 415.479.8800, starwoodhotels.com GERSTLE PARK INN The property may seem intimate with only eight rooms and four cottages but with the 2.5 acres of land owned by the inn, guests have ample room to explore. Fresh flowers, grazing deer in the garden and gourmet breakfasts (made to order) make it hard to leave. Try a night in a king suite, which offers a Jacuzzi tub and luxury linens. Rates start at $189. 415.721.7611, gerstleparkinn.com PANAMA HOTEL This historic bed and breakfast boasts a lively neighborhood restaurant with alfresco dining and jazz nights. No two rooms at the hotel are alike but sailors should feel at home in the Captain’s cozy nautical-themed room, while a bride and groom might opt for the Honeymoon Room, complete with claw-foot tub and a Victorian bed. Rates start at $100. 415.457.3993, panamahotel.com
SAUSALITO CASA MADRONA HOTEL AND SPA The hotel exudes the charm of a bed-and-breakfast with the amenities of a luxury hotel. When not indulging in a treatment at the 3,000-square-foot spa, relax in one of 63 rooms, all featuring wood-burning stoves and claw-foot tubs. Rates start at $199. 415.332.0502, casamadrona.com THE INN ABOVE TIDE Most rooms have private decks, fireplaces and oversize tubs, while the vista suite and penthouse offer entertainment centers and wet bars; cocktails, anyone? Rates start at $295. 415.332.9535, innabovetide.com
A WATERFRONT GETAWAY FOR ALL SEASONS
Imagine yourself minutes away from downtown San Francisco. Located on a historic dock along Tiburon’s picturesque Main Street, the Waters Edge Hotel’s intimate size will remind you of a more relaxed way of life. Many rooms feature private decks and vaulted wood ceilings. The San Francisco Bay can be viewed from the Grand Waterfront Deck. Enjoy complimentary in-room deluxe continental breakfast, evening wine reception and the best views in town.
d
25 Main Street, Tiburon, CA 94920 • marinhotels.com Phone: 415.789.5999 • Reservations: 877.789.5999 The Waters Edge Hotel is a distinctive Joie de Vivre Hotel. Join the Joy of Life Club and receive unique rewards. jdvhotels.com
Photos: Cesar Rubio, Marge Samilson
EMBASSY SUITES Each suite includes a private bedroom, spacious living room, two televisions, a refrigerator, microwave oven and coffeemaker. If there’s still work to be done try the hotel’s business center, which offers videoconferencing and meeting rooms. Rates start at $169. 415.499.9222, embassysuites.com
HANE Y
O R T H O D O N T I C S
We would like to invite you to become a patient in our family orthodontics practice. We welcome new patients of all ages, and look forward to caring for you and your family. Specializing in both braces and Invisalign®
TIBURON THE LODGE AT TIBURON Guests seeking a fullservice luxury retreat with shopping a stone’s throw away can look to the renovated Lodge at Tiburon. Set amid three acres of landscaped gardens, the hotel is surrounded by more than 40 shops, art galleries and restaurants. Rates start at $189. 415.435.3133, thelodgeattiburon.com WATE R S E DG E Located on a dock along picturesque Main Street and flanked by a bustling restaurant scene–the Caprice, Guaymas, Sam’s Anchor Café, Rooney’s and Servino—the hotel offers 23 guest rooms and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Rates start at $169. 415.789.5999, marinhotels.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM
1600 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. San Anselmo, CA 94960 www.haneyorthodontics.com
(415) 453-7880 p (415) 453-0602 f info@haneyorthodontics.com
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ADVE RT IS IN G P R OMOT ION
adl i b
MARIN ADVERTISERS SPEAK UP
Dr. Eric Haney
Darla Fisher
Doretta Boehm
Haney Orthodontics, San Anselmo
Koze, Tiburon
Bettina, Sausalito
Dr. Haney is a specialist in orthodontics, which
Koze, in the heart of downtown Tiburon, is a bou-
“Our philosophy hasn’t changed much in the 18
includes tooth movement and guidance of facial
tique for women of all ages. “We specialize in fine
years we have been in business,” says Bettina
development. After completing dental school, he
women’s apparel, jewelry and accessories from
owner Doretta Boehm. “We provide women with
practiced general dentistry in the U.S. Air Force.
leading and local designers,” says owner Darla
a perfectly edited collection of apparel and acces-
Later, he received three additional years of spe-
Fisher. “Our collections focus on apparel fit for
sories not readily available to department stores
cialty training in orthodontics at UCSF. “Our prac-
work, play or travel.”
or the mass market. We sell garments that are
tice’s top priority is to provide our patients with
modern and at the same time, well-made, invest-
the highest-quality orthodontic care in a friendly,
Describe your business philosophy.
ment-worthy additions to your wardrobe that
comfortable environment,” says Dr. Haney.
Our philosophy is clothes to live in. That means
will remain current for as long as you still like
you can have great style and still have comfort,
them.”
We are dedicated to creating a beautiful smile and an excellent bite for each of our patients. This is done utilizing state-of-the-art treatment methods, digital imaging, and comprehensive sterilization protocol.
versatility and value.
What is your competitive edge? I always hear how great my staff is and how nice
My little sister Bettina runs the Sausalito location.
we are.
She is always bossing me around.
Describe your dream client.
What were you going to be when you grew up?
Mothers and daughters who shop together. Just
A movie star, of course!
Describe your dream patient.
the other day a family of women representing
Patients of any age who would like to improve
three generations came into the store; each found
What is your favorite product you offer?
the health, function and aesthetics of their bite
something she loved.
Our signature line, Bettina jersey. The silhouettes
and smile.
are fantastic—chic, versatile and extremely easy
What makes you excel at what you do?
to care for. I have customers who purchase every
What were you going to be when you grew up?
Understanding my talents and putting them to
style because they are so amazing.
I wanted to be a dentist! My personal experience
work.
with my dentist as a teenager was such a positive
What makes your work worthwhile? From a business standpoint, who’s your inspiration?
The most sensational thing about our little stores
My husband, Jon Fisher, is a software entrepre-
Fashion is scary to some people. Others are just
What makes your work worthwhile?
neur. His commitment, passion and ability inspire
too busy. Most women are insecure about dress-
The opportunity to improve a person’s dental
me daily.
ing, although most of us know the importance of
health and self-image. It is amazing to see how a
What makes your work worthwhile?
the way in which we present ourselves. Bettina
person’s self-confidence improves after treatment
My customers, my staff and the ability to operate a
girls are stylists. When we get a woman who will
and they love to smile!
business in such a wonderful community.
trust us, try some new silhouettes, the results are
and inspiring one that I decided my future was a career in dentistry.
PHOTOS: SHERI MONTGOMERY
Your thoughts regarding working with a family member?
is we can quite literally change women’s lives.
amazing.
Dr. Eric Haney, Haney Orthodontics, 1600 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.453.7880,
Darla Fisher, Koze, 16 Main St, Tiburon,
Doretta Boehm, Bettina, 501 Caledonia St,
haneyorthodontics.com
415.435.1916, getkoze.com
Sausalito, 415.331.3389
PHOTOS: SHERI MONTGOMERY
Describe your business philosophy.
alyssa remington photography www.alyssaremington.com 415.847.5598
(516) 528-8845 NAN@NANPHELPS.COM
1609 SOLANO AVENUE BERKELEY, CA
studio333 fine ar t & fur niture galler y
Fine Ar t Custom Fur niture Giclee Printing Private Par ties Special Events
www.studio333.info 333a caledonia . sausalito, CA 415.331.8272
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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Hair Loss Concerns? Feel in control again! Specializing in custom full cranial and partial hair replacements
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THE BROW AND LASH BAR
W
elcome to Art of the Eye. Come in and experience professional, personalized brow and lash design that opens your eyes for a fresher, younger look. Relax and Enjoy! We are perfect for special occasions – holidays, girlfriends, weddings.
BRAND NEW ON THE MARKET! The answer to a breathable vacuum hairpiece, worn by our client pictured below. Designed by Charle to look as natural as a vacuum piece with the benefit of being cooler and more comfortable. Sensitive solutions for hair loss due to: Alopecia Areata/female hereditary thinning/Chemotherapy/radiation treatments/Trichotillomania Offering human hairpieces for women, men and children Toll Free: (888) 680-HAIR (4247) (Northern CA) San Rafael
For appointments call 415.461.7500 or go to www.artofeye.com Walk-ins Welcome
(415) 472-6369 (Southern CA) San Diego
141 Bon Air Shopping Center, Greenbrae CA, 94904
(760) 753-9060
(behind David M Brian)
chdewitt@aol.com www.charle.com
A New You For The New Year
Smooth Operations
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Private & Professional Licensed Esthetician Appointments Only Child Friendly • Parking Melanie Kessler
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DESIGNS
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elebrate your dream wedding in the heart of Napa Valley’s renowned wine country and culinary haven at the 23-acre Vintage Estate in Yountville ~ northern California’s preferred, fourdiamond luxury destination.
Our 30th Anniversary
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residential interior design
STEPHANIE CANNELL. PROOF YOU CAN LOVE AN INSURANCE AGENT. SM
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415-388-7979
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Wedding & Bridal In Salon
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On Location
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Cellex – C Jan Marini
Hair
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BOX CANYON BUILDERS MILL VALLEY, CA TELLURIDE, CO 415-710-7843 SINCE 1989 www.boxcanyonbuilders.com ca lic. #890728
Artistry in Wood
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furniture~homes~boats~wood solutions 35+ years solving problems big & small to high standards. michael childs ~ sausalito 415.460.0129 michaelchilds.com (newly revised)
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Kunst Bros. Painting Contractor Inc. www.kunstbros.com, (415) 456-4044 phone, (415) 457-6261 fax 76 Belvedere Street, San Rafael CA Lic. #256121
MARIN JANUARY 2008
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Award-Winning Mobile Electronics & Home Theater Systems
Marin’s Original Reclaimed Wood Company
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wide plank flooring, siding and beams www.blacksfarmwood.com San Rafael Showroom By Appointment 415.454.8312
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Flavor, Friends and Fine Authentic Italian Dining 931 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA 94901 456-2425
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MI CR OCLI MAT E
BELVEDERE Beautiful views, beautiful homes and prices to match BY JIM WOOD PHOTOS TIM PORTER
“Beautiful Belvedere is now the most popular
However, 25 years prior to the land company’s fog-free
resort and town on the bay of San Francisco.
claims, something already smelled a little fishy — literal-
It is but thirty minutes’ ride, by ferry, over the
ly — in this bucolic locale. In 1864, sailing ships from the
most picturesque part of the San Francisco Bay,
north Pacific started bringing their massive catches of cod to
into a most wonderful climate as compared with that of San Francisco. Belvedere is entirely free from cold winds and fogs.”
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the southern shores of Belvedere, where a shrewd entrepreneur named Israel Kashow employed more than 100 Chinese immigrants in a fishery whose primary products were — hold
“ENTIRELY” FOG FREE? Hardly. Regardless,
your noses — dried codfish and cod liver oil. Kashow’s fishery
those words were the opening salvo of an
lasted until 1937.
1892 sales brochure distributed by the San
“It was in 1935 that my grandfather bought the Belvedere
Francisco–based Belvedere Land Company. At the time,
Land Company,” says Jim Allen, current president of the firm.
Belvedere had more affinity with San Francisco than with
“The purchase included a number of apartments, office build-
Marin because roads were poor to nonexistent in its location
ings and about 200 acres of land, half of which was a hill with
at the end of a long peninsula. The county’s other cities were
about 150 homes already built and a nine-hole golf course.
too far away and too difficult to reach.
Basically, the other half of the property was mud.”
JANUARY 2008
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
OPPOSITE : Belvedere Lagoon. THIS PAGE , TOP : Belvedere home with views
of Richardson Bay and Mount Tamalpais. MIDDLE : The SS China Cabin, a maritime monument, maintained by the Belvedere-Tiburon Landmarks Society. BOTTOM : Homes on the Belvedere side of Corinthian Island.
Allen says most of his grandfather’s contemporaries advised strongly against the purchase. “Think of it,” he says. “The Depression was on, World War II was threatening, the property had no sewers and little water, and there was no Golden Gate Bridge.” What did Allen’s grandfather pay for what is today some of the most expensive real estate on the planet? Allen smiles sheepishly. “It was in the $200,000 range. It was a huge risk and, for those days, a lot of money.” With the transaction completed, the Belvedere Land Company set about converting the “swamp” of its land into a serene lagoon with views of the surrounding hills, including Mount Tamalpais. “Construction on the Belvedere Lagoon started in 1937,” Allen says, “but during World War II it just sat there.” Most of what you see now in Belvedere was built in the ’50s and ’60s and ’70s. “Things don’t change much around here,” he notes. At last count Belvedere (incorporated as a city in 1896) had 2,125 residents and hardly any land for building more homes. However, two bay-view lots—Belvedere is Italian for “lookout”—on Belvedere Avenue, each more than an acre in size, are reportedly available, one for $12 million, the other at $10 million. What puts Belvedere land in such low supply and high demand? Some say it’s the (relatively) fog-free weather: “compared with the city, which is only a 20minute ferry ride away, we’re a veritable Palm Springs,” one resident boasts. Others point to a relaxed lifestyle, low crime rate and light traffic. “The San Francisco Yacht Club is still pretty much Belvedere’s social center,” says Corinne “Connie” Wiley, who’s lived in the community nearly 50 years and was twice Belvedere’s mayor while serving eight years on its city council. “And during the summer we have fabulous concerts in Belvedere Park, which is a year-round gathering spot for our younger families.” Also on the Belvedere parade of hits are the Friday Nights on Main gatherings in neighboring Tiburon, wherein Main Street is closed to cars once a week in warmer months for outdoor feasting and festivities. “And this year,” Wiley says, “we’re having an afternoon and evening event—every neighborhood will be having its own block party; it’s a great way for new homeowners to meet their neighbors.” Which begs the question: what does it cost to become a “new neighbor” in Belvedere?” Bill Smith, a realtor with Frank Howard Allen and a former mayor, says the city’s lowest-price home last year sold for just un-
away. The priciest home sold in Belvedere in 2007 went for $15.5 mil-
der $1.5 million. “That was for a small house on a small lot,” he says.
lion. “That was for an 8,000-square-foot, five-bedroom, newer home
Belvedere’s “entry-level” larger home on a larger lot is probably “a tad over $2 million,” he says. And from there prices go up, up and
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
on a large lot, with spectacular views of the city, the Golden Gate Bridge and Sausalito.”
MARIN
JANUARY 2008
139
-
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6YUih]Zi` 6iYbU J]ghU This five bedrooms, three bathroom home is located within a short walk of Corte Madera’s town park, Neil Cummins elementary school, Corte Madera Town Center and numerous local hiking and biking trails. Interior features include French limestone, tumbled limestone, Calcutta marble, designer carpets and custom paint. Exterior finishes include custom paint on shingle and lap siding; a level brick patio, covered front porch, fenced rear yard and professionally landscaped and irrigated gardens. Outstanding finish details are evi-
dent throughout this property.
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:UVi`cig 7fUZhgaUb This home is centrally located on Corte Madera’s Christmas Tree Hill and enjoys Spectacular views of the Bay, Richmond Bridge, and East Bay hills from nearly every room. In addition, this custom five bedrooms, two and one half bathroom home includes, a chef’s kitchen and great room, formal living and dining rooms, wine cellar, oversized project room and more. T remendous a ttention to detail was used to create this m a s t e r p i e c e c o nv e n i e nt ly located within minutes from all of Corte Madera’s fabulous shops and restaurants.
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AU[b]ÑWYbh AUXfcbc 11 Madrono Avenue is located on one of the best lots in all of Corte Madera. It’s over one third-acre lot, with South and West facing orientation, includes a level lawn sited within a cul-de-sac location offering all day sun amidst total privacy. Inside, this four bedroom, three bathroom home are all of the features one would expect. From exotic uses of stone and marble, to walnut laminate flooring, to custom cabinetry, this home has it all. This stunning estate property is located within the desirable Hidden Valley neighborhood of Corte Madera, just minutes from the best shopping in all of Marin County, San Francisco and wine country!
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visionrealtors.com Wherever you are, any time of the day, any day of the year, we give you the facts. We have now made available to everyone real estate data that we had originally only provided to clients and the news media. Our website has the latest Marin County real estate facts and resources including:
t sales statistics t demographic information t school rankings t personalized home search Not only will you get all the latest facts on the single– family and condominium markets, but also recent sales of homes in your neighborhood including sales price information.
Go to www.visionrealtors.com and register at the home page for The Marin Report ®. We are proud to be able to provide this valuable information as a service to our clients and the community.
Focusing on Marin The beauty of its landscape, the charm of its towns, the value of its neighborhoods, the commitment of its people, the reputation of its schools. We know Marin and the market. Go to www.visionrealtors.com and register at the home page for The Marin Report®.
VISION REAL ESTATE MARIN’S ECO-FRIENDLY BROKERAGE
Ron Parks Founder, Broker and CPA 415.297.9000 rparks@visionrealtors.com
Stunning New Mediterranean with
Sweeping Bay Views
Tiburon - Exceptional and luxurious, this majestic Mediterranean villa demonstrates a true modern symbiosis between a newly built
custom home (completed 2007) with classic Mediterranean influenced features. The house is sited on 1.5+ acres in the crest of the live oak studded hill for exclusivity and absolute privacy. Designed for optimum indoor-outdoor enjoyment and entertainment, the opulent soaring 11’ ceilings are counterbalanced with elegant and spacious room proportions, gracious public formal rooms, superior quality finishes, and enriched by expansive sweeping bay views throughout most of its nearly one hundred windows. Five bedrooms, five bathrooms, four fireplaces (two gas, two wood-burning), the two-chef kitchen/great room expansiveness, a second family room (or media room, or 6th bedroom), are all perfectly placed for enjoying the large vista views. The upstairs master suite wing with a “Romeo and Juliet” view balcony is a retreat within the home. Every room in the villa is wired for CATV high-speed digital imaging. Enter from the three-car garage via the personal elevator to the main floor. A wrap-around stone terrace and courtyard extends outdoor living enjoyment toward the uninterrupted glorious views and dramatic skies. A truly splendid property offering the ultimate in levels of luxury and comfort.
Offered at $5,500,000
www.141Taylor.com
World Class Experience Julia Bivins
510.507.8484 JBivins@McGuire.com www.JuliaBivins.com
The M ar i n G r o up Unique knowledge of properties BEFORE they hit the market. Representing all of Marin’s major real estate brokerages.
Link Allen 415.302.8877
Brian Byers 415.602.7915
Michael Cohen 415.602.9969
Chris DeNike 415.250.8052
Bob Donlan 415.717.1096
Lynette Forbes 415.250.9137
Casey Goltermann 707.775.2525
Ty l e r G r o s s m a n 415.686.4451
Barr Haney 415.847.7347
Chelsea Hardesty 415.300.6881
Dierk Herbermann 415.309.5454
Dana Johnson 415.794.8851
Elizabeth Kilgore 415.517.1577
Blaine Morris 415.971.3232
Natasha Najafi 415.218.4303
Kim Piro 415.699.3866
Whitney Potter 415.640.8671
Steve Ragghianti 415.308.4616
Mark Rushford 415.290.2408
Zamira Solari 415.509.1479
Martine Swain 415.497.2861
Ginger Wilcox 415.847.1199
R o b e r t Yo u n g 415.407.7775
Exposure Through Networking Special thanks to Cal Land Title for their support of the real estate community.
Kentfield, California This magnificent estate home exudes classic old-world Italian charm and sophistication. Situated on over an acre of award winning grounds in prestigious Del Mesa, this expansive and opulent villa offers a combination of seclusion and privacy amid a setting of resort-style living. Incredibly designed, the warm and welcoming atmosphere incites casual indoor/outdoor living while also encouraging grand entertaining. The spacious outdoor loggia with full kitchen invites alfresco dining and sunset cocktails with a commanding view of Mt. Tamalpais. This stunning property offers five bedrooms, including an intimate master suite with verandah, gourmet chef’s kitchen, library, office, billiards room, plush home theater, artist studio, wine cellar with tasting room, separate guest cottage with private drive and garage parking for five cars.
Lei Ann Werner Residential Marketing Specialist (415) 710-0117 lwerner@pacunion.com www.tuscanvillamarin.com www.pacunion.com/leiannwerner
NEW CONSTRUCTION - Stunning contemporary Sausalito home located just minutes from the Golden Gate Bridge. World-class views that include San Francisco, the Bay Bridge, and Treasure Island, Mt. Tamalpais, Richardson Bay, Tiburon, Belvedere, and the Sausalito harbor. Custom-built, and two and one-half years in the making, this masterpiece enjoys top-ofthe-line amenities and design features. Highlights include: Four bedrooms, four baths plus office; radiant heat color-stained concrete and solid cherry hardwood floors; gorgeous soapstone counters; Italian fixtures and glass tiles; soaring ceilings throughout which include a barrel vault ceiling in the family room; dramatic living areas; floor-to-ceiling windows; gallery walls; nine foot French doors; fabulous kitchen; romantic master suite; impressive, large guest suite; two-car garage. Perfect for outdoor entertaining, the backyard is appointed with an oval shaped in-ground spa, fire pit, built-in barbeque, modern plaster benches, and patio. This streamlined and modern home, located on a street-to-street lot, is minutes from a city park, with a short commute to San Francisco.
Offered for $4,995,000
For more information and photographs, please visit: www.MarilynRich.com.
Marilyn Rich
415.464.3741
Morgan Lane Marin - The Fine Art of Fine Property
Find out what’s going on in your community! Visit:
www.kentfieldandrossonline.com Compliments of:
Susan Bowman 415/448-1111 www.morganlane.com sbowman@morganlane.com
BUILDING WEALTH THROUGH MORTGAGE PLANNING.
Jesse Caveney 415.454.7378 jesse@premier-equity.com
Are you effectively managing your real estate equity? Mortgages are a large part of your investment portfolio; financial instruments that can help you create and augment your wealth. At Premier Equity Resource Corporation, we work together as a team drawing on each other’s experience and knowledge to help manage your mortgage and provide you the greatest opportunity to increase your net worth. Become part of our family of clients who with our help, have created their own arbitrage, taking the next step toward their financial freedom.
John J. Sutherland 415.454.7379 john@premier-equity.com
Jake Bordessa 415.454.7376 jake@premier-equity.com
Premier Equity Resource Corporation 10 F Street, Downtown San Rafael 877.454.PERC (7372)
www.premier-equity.com Real Estate Broker - CA Dept. of Real Estate Lic #01811655
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MARIN JANUARY 2008
Robert Bradford 415.454.7375 robert@premier-equity.com
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A Heartfelt Thank You
Judy LeMarr FRANK HOWARD ALLEN REALTORS 415-380-4642 jlemarr@fhallen.com www.marindreamhome.com
. . . To all of my many clients who allowed me to assist in buying or selling your home in 2007. May the New Year be filled with Health, Blessings and Prosperity.
Service
Experience Results
What returns do I need?
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
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N EI G H BORING ’HOODS
CALISTOGA Napa’s city at the top of the valley BY JIM WOOD PHOTOS TIM PORTER
“ONE GOOD THING about Calistoga—you won’t find a fast-food outlet on every corner,” declares
the town’s mayor, Jack Gingles. “In fact, there isn’t a fast-food place anywhere in Calistoga.” When asked where Calistogans go for a quick bite, Mayor Gingles happily offers, “For barbecue it’s Buster’s, and the Home Plate Cafe has a terrific hamburger.” And if the name Gingles tickles your fancy, meet Eden Umble and Olga Cream; both are players in the tight-knit Calistoga community. Cream owns the property on Tubbs Road where, as she puts it, “the Old Faithful Geyser of California erupts every 40 minutes, sending a plume of 350-degree water 60 feet in the air.” Intriguingly, she asserts that when the eruptions become less frequent, an earthquake is imminent. “A seismologist from Carnegie Tech analyzed my records,” Cream adds emphatically. “My claim is valid.”
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OPPOSITE : Mustard in the vineyard, downtown Cal-
istoga. THIS PAGE : Mustard, Mud and Music event
Umble manages Calistoga’s visitor center. “Yes, our attractions are exotic spas and colorful wineries,” she says. “But this is a real community. We just raised $1 million for our schools, we are building a pool in the center of town and several exciting developments are in our new urban plan.” Umble is also proud of Calistoga’s three community events: the Holiday Tractor Parade in December; the Mustard, Mud and Music Festival in March; and her favorite, the Napa County Fair and community parade on the Fourth of July. Calistoga’s 5,200 residents are clustered along Lincoln Avenue between State Highway 29 and the Silverado Trail, the famous address of many of the Napa Valley’s most cel-
tion. “It’s an easy pedal to the town’s many
$500,000s, and newer, larger homes are in
ebrated wineries. Healdsburg is 15 miles to
boutiques, bookstores and cafes,” says Solage
the $800,000-to-$900,000 range.” As for
the northwest; St. Helena a similar distance to
sales manager Jackie Almond.
properties with acreage on the outskirts of
the southeast. A recent addition to the town is
As for a more permanent stay, Bob Beck
town, Beck references a recent sale of $2.8
Solage Calistoga, an 89-unit green resort on
of Beck and Taylor Realtors reports, “Close
million for a ranch home on 3.4 acres. “In
the Silverado Trail that provides two cruiser
in to Calistoga, townhomes start in the mid-
2007,” he recalls, “we had a total of four
bikes with every studio-style accommoda-
$400,000s, small, older homes in the mid-
sales each over $2 million.”
*UST A FEW MINUTES NORTH OF THE 'OLDEN 'ATE YET A MILLION MILES AWAY IS 3EADRIFT AT 3TINSON "EACH &OR OVER YEARS 3EADRIFT #OMPANY HAS BEEN THE EXPERT IN 2EAL %STATE SALES AND PREMIUM VACATION RENTALS IN 3TINSON "EACH AND THE PRIVATE GATED COMMUNITY OF 3EADRIFT #ALL US TODAY TO RESERVE YOUR BEACH HOUSE FOR A WEEK A SUMMER OR A LIFETIME
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JANUARY 2008
153
D I A LO GUE
Dan Hicks
BY MIMI TOWLE
You could live anywhere. Why Marin? I’ve always enjoyed being a “Northern Californian.” This is God’s country and I find Marin to be the home of sanity. What makes you happy in Marin? Knowing I’m in the right place. What gets on your nerves here? It gets on my nerves here and it gets on my nerves everywhere: blatant cell phone abuse. What’s your personal idea of luxury? Bury me in a couch with a clicker in my hand. What do you value every day? That my “job” is doing creative things on my own schedule and that I’m married to the absolutely most right person. What person has influenced you the most? I can’t single out anyone; maybe it’s me.
F
or the past two decades, Dan Hicks and the
What’s been the most fulfilling moment in your work? I get appreciation for what I do, and that is fulfilling.
Christmas Jug Band have been a fixture at Mill Valley’s Sweetwater, where they cheered and
jeered the crowd into the Christmas season. With the closure of that venue last fall, Hicks took his show on the road, touring the entire USA with “Holidaze in Hicksville ’07.” Yet while hits like “Santa Lost a Ho” and “Plant a Santa” were an annual listening rite every self-respect-
What’s a Marin stereotype that works? You can move at your own pace here. What stereotype doesn’t fit? The over-yuppied yuppie know-it-all cookie-cutter waste-of-space. What’s your desert island book or album? Well, it’s not a rhyming dictionary, that’s for sure. Perhaps the sound track to the movie Taxi Driver.
ing Marinite held dear, Hicks is best known as leader of Dan Hicks & the Hot Licks, whose lively, ahead-of-its-
Do you have a favorite Marin view? No.
time fusion of folk, blues, jazz and swing drew an enthusiastic cult following from the late ’60s and early ’70s on. Twice featured on the proverbial cover of Rolling Stone, he’s made 10 CDs for Warner Bros, Sony and
What do you like about yourself? That I’m six foot three. What is your favorite journey? Going to the post office to check my mail.
Universal Records, and his 2002 CD/DVD compilation with the Surfdog label earned him the immortal blessing from the Chronicle’s Joel Selvin: “As so few truly
Do you have a New Year’s ritual? For New Year’s I’m usually in our villa in the South of France sipping virgin mai tais and tending to the llama farm.
should be a national treasure.”
Do you ever make resolutions? Why fix it if it ain’t broken?
Now for the big question. If Sweetwater is resurrected, will they play? “The Christmas Jug Band will accommodate any crowd,” says Hicks. “We have a saying: ‘just
154
Are you planning to make one this year? Say what?
show us the money!’”
How do you want to be remembered? “He was a ‘people person’ who loved animals.”
MARIN JANUARY 2008
MARINMAGAZINE.COM
PHOTO: BARBA RA RIES
original voices exist in pop music,” he wrote, “Dan Hicks
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Anna K. Pennington-Boucher Luxury Home Specialist McGuire Real Estate 415.860.1399 anna@worldclassproperties.com www.worldclassproperties.com
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