CAVALLO POINT REVITALIZED
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“We are living in and loving our dream home thanks to the excellent guidance of Jennifer Bowman and her dedicated team. My husband and I always dreamt of owning a home on the water, but never thought it possible. In stepped Jennifer who said, “You can’t make the dream possible unless you try!”
Jennifer knew exactly how to proceed, guiding us through the process with patience, kindness, and incredible knowledge. As a former contractor, Elliott’s review of the disclosures gave us confidence that the home was right for us. They helped us develop a strong offer, negotiated strongly on our behalf, and carried us confidently to the finish line.
We are deeply grateful for all they did to make our dream a reality. As professionals who lead with heart and a true understanding of how special owning a home is — we cannot recommend the Bowman Real Estate Group team highly enough! ”
Ann & Tim LaKose
The value of our business is measured in the quality of the relationships we build.
FEATURES
24
Cavallo Point at 20 years
Marin’s iconic hotel is a destination for visitors and locals alike to gather with friends and family.
30 Marin Transit
Four Marin locals share how they take advantage of public transportation.
SPACES
37 A Fresh Start
After losing their home to wildfire, a family rebuilds in Santa Rosa.
40 Pool Party
Channel the “American Riviera” with these classic summer swim season accoutrements.
44 Color Theory
Pastel and vibrant hues shape a midcentury Marin home with stunning views of Mount Tam.
52
Room to Grow
A century old Pacific Heights townhouse gets a modern makeover, transforming it into a functional, light-filled space.
maunakeabeachhotel.com
Currents
The Dipsea Runs again, New in Town: lunch spot, pancakes, waffles and more.
67
Travel: Tahoe
Summer at Lake Tahoe is like summer camp for all ages, with many options for dining, events and activities.
Calendar
A roundup of what to do in Marin and beyond. 71 Dine
An insider’s guide to dining and food in the Bay Area.
MARIN
Backstory
A young family’s Kentfield home is upgraded with a second story addition and an infusion of character.
Enjoy the best of Monterey on Cannery Row
Natural wonders abound in Monterey, and there simply is no better place to experience it all than with a stay on Cannery Row. Known for it’s picturesque charm and colorful history, guests to this fabled street can enjoy a unique combination of luxurious waterfront hotels, enticing restaurants and captivating boutiques. Come, slow down and enjoy the best of Monterey on Cannery Row.
InterContinental The Clement Monterey
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A legendary Kona resort reborn in Keauhou Bay
The Royal Huaka‘i Suite
HAPPY SUMMER!
This issue was especially fun for our team to put together — a mix of standout activities, irresistible food finds and road trip-worthy getaways.
At the heart of it all is our annual summer guide, created in partnership with our sister publication, Local Getaways This year, we added an exciting twist: We’re sharing the guide beyond Marin and the Bay Area with our neighbors in Los Angeles, Orange County and San Diego as an insert in The New York Times. Needless to say, these “extra eyeballs” — industry term — upped the excitement level in our little Sausalito office. And in looking at the region through the eyes of visitors, we were reminded all over again of the unique awesomeness of Northern California.
Innovation has always thrived in this part of the world, and we’ve got the museums, parks and historic sites to prove it.
From Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown to the tech museums of Santa Clara, our region has long been a place where imagination is fed and supported — eventually resulting in, yes, that phone you’re likely holding in your hand.
In our Street Smarts article, Spud Hilton and Jeanne Cooper explore what they call “teachable-moment destinations” — places that make learning feel like an adventure. Think Pinnacles National Park, Salinas for Steinbeck fans, the Petrified Forest in Calistoga for volcano lovers, the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento for history and rail buffs, and Marconi State Historic Park in Marshall for earlytech enthusiasts.
Our Digital Editor Jess Gliddon and I also explored some of our favorite “grand dame” hotels (ghost stories included). I’m admittedly a history geek, but I’d argue that anyone would find it pretty special to order a shot of whiskey at the National Exchange Hotel in Nevada City, just as Mark Twain might
have done long ago. And if none of these ideas speak to you, we challenge you to be bored after tackling even a fraction of the activities we’ve gathered in our six-page summer calendar.
Speaking of history, you might have noticed we’re celebrating Cavallo Point in this issue. The iconic Endicott-era luxury hotel and spa opened a year after Marin Magazine launched, and throughout the years, we’ve enjoyed a wonderfully symbiotic relationship. Back in 2007, Jim Wood introduced readers to the passion for sustainability and historic preservation that Mike Freed and his team at Passport Resorts brought to the property. Together, we’ve hosted many parties and events — perhaps you joined us for one of our White Parties or an America’s Cup celebration?
PUBLIC TRANSIT
“This month’s “On Board in Marin” feature speaks to the benefits and ease of public transportation in Marin. Every weekday, I take the Golden Gate Transit from San Francisco to our office in Sausalito.”
—
Helena Grant, Marketing Specialist
So when we heard Freed and his team were focused on bringing locals back to the property by reviving what we’ve always loved about it, we jumped at the chance to partner. Read about the updates on page 24, and join us for a kickoff-to-summer soirée on June 14.
June is also a SPACES issue, which means we’re showcasing gorgeous homes and design throughout the region. Both featured homes are stunning examples of design and flow, but my jaw truly dropped when I read Color Theory on page 44. Featuring Maja Kristin’s mountain retreat, the story includes a line from writer Theresa Gonzalez that says it best: “The house is a master class in emotional design.” Yes, it is. Did we leave out your favorite summer activity? We love learning from you.
The Marin Magazine team enjoys time aboard a Duffy boat rental
SLACKS
Marshalls, Nick The Greek, Panera Bread and over 55 other stores, restaurants and services
Rowland Blvd Exit, Highway 101
ShopVintageOaks.com
New Look This Month:
Our Farmers Market’s column in Marin Magazine highlighted the best finds at our local markets the past year: now we’ve compiled the recipes all into one article showcasing great things to cook year round. Check it out online at: marinmagazine.com/ farmers-market
Trending Story:
Our readers were excited to read about Mike Rowe last month. The Dirty Jobs host enlightened us about trades. Check out the article at marinmagazine.com/mike-rowe
Have something to say?
Email us at editorial@marinmagazine.com and be sure to include the town you live in. Letters to the editor may be edited for clarity and space.
@marinmagazine
World-class care. Closer than you think.
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Let’s get the conversation going at marincf.org/imprint
CURRENTS
The Dipsea Trail
The Ultimate Guide
What to Know
LENGTH: About 7 miles, depending on your route
AMENITIES: Restrooms, picnic tables, water fountains
PARKING: Street parking near Old Mill Park
KNOWN FOR: Being the oldest footrace this side of the Mississippi
DOGS: No
Weaving from downtown Mill Valley to the town of Stinson Beach, the Dipsea will treat you to views, but also make sure you’re getting a workout. You’ll start off with a climb up the 680ish stairs, and later find yourself crossing the Panoramic Highway. This year’s race will be on June 14 — more information can be found in our calendar, page 62. Or if you just want to learn more about the history, check out Looking Back on page 90.
BY EMMA ROBERTSON
Read the full guide here.
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New In Town
Eat & Drink
Located at the Mill Valley Golf Course, Porch1919 offers a full food and drinks menu with everything from burgers and salads to breakfast burritos and wraps. Convenient whether you’re spending the day out on the green, or looking for a new family lunch spot. 280 Buena Vista Ave., Mill Valley, porch1919.com
Marin resident and Luv & Yum owner
Gabriella Sarlo is giving two breakfast classics — pancakes and waffles — a refresh. Sarlo’s brand offers premium organic pancake and waffle mix made with only seven clean ingredients including cassava flour, apple cider vinegar powder and tigernut flour. Online, luvandyum.com
Beauty & Wellness
About a year ago, Pacific Crest Orthopedics Mill Valley joined the Pacific Crest Orthopedics group, and more recently, the Marin clinic welcomed orthopedic surgeon Dr. David Levinsohn and orthopedic spine surgeon Dr. Lauren Seo. 141 Camino Alto Unit 2, Mill Valley, pacificcrestortho.com/ locations-marin/mill-valley
Porch1919
Luv & Yum
Work & Play
Metta Yoga in San Rafael recently unveiled its new mural, which is intended to “inspire a vibrant downtown area” and celebrate the studio’s recent move to San Rafael. Created by artist Mae Wolf, the artwork features visuals of nature, including flora and fauna of San Rafael’s wetlands, plus a lotus flower to symbolize yoga. 851 4th St., San Rafael, mettayogastudio.com
Ballet Attitude Academy emphasizes the Vaganova method of ballet, an eight-level system of classical ballet training pulled from French, Italian and Russian practices. The academy is open to 5–15+ for the yearround program — or any age for the adult program — and also offers a summer camp. 151 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae, balletattitude.org
Using process-based artmaking Creative Practice Studio hosts a variety of programs to cater to different ages, mediums, interests and more. Process-based artmaking focuses largely on the act of creation rather than just the final result, which supports social-emotional learning through experimentation, play and autonomy. 5 Ross Commons, Ross, creative-practice.com
Metta Yoga
Creative Practice Studio
CAVALLO POINT
A Community Homecoming
BY JEANNE COOPER
KODIAK GREENWOOD
The award-winning Healing Arts Center & Spa integrates cultural healing practices into its spa treatments. The space is designed to be enjoyed for the day with a meditation pool, infrared sauna, Zen garden, relaxation lounge and outdoor Jacuzzis, showers and firepits.
By definition, hotels typically cater to travelers with limited time in the area, especially those in bucket-list locations like Sausalito. A few, though, become beloved by locals, offering opportunities to celebrate life’s milestones in style, reconnect with friends over dinner or just drop in for a post-work drink — think a combination of the Ahwahnee in Yosemite, Hotel del Coronado in San Diego and the bar from Cheers.
Cavallo Point, a Michelin two-key property, however, does it all while tucked away in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area’s Fort Baker. And nearly 20 years after the debut of its sustainably repurposed military facilities, this luxurious lodge is welcoming neighbors with renewed vigor as DiamondRock Hospitality, which purchased the property in 2018, partners with the original developers to bring back a restored sensibility and sense of place.
The desire to include those who have been part of the property’s identity from its inception comes in part from the man who helped build it.
“Without the community, Cavallo Point would not be as successful as it is,” says Mike Freed, co-founder and managing partner of Passport Resorts. In 2008 Freed and his team famously blocked a mega-Marriott plan to take over the space and instead, with a keen respect for the environment and preserving the original buildings, created Cavallo Point.
First stop: Farley Bar and Murray Circle — Chef Joseph Humphrey, who opened Cavallo Point and earned a Michelin star, is consulting with executive chef Michael Garcia to bring back favorite dishes. Mike Niemann will give interiors a refresh to ensure discreet, yet meaningful renovations to both. “Our goal is to bring back the sense of place of Murray Circle,” says Stephen Andrews, V.P. of Marketing
When renovating Murray Circle and Farley Bar, the property looked to the original memorabilia gifted to Freed by San Francisco Chronicle cartoonist Phil Frank.
A Sausalito houseboat resident in the ’70s and ’80s who later moved ashore, Frank used
to comb Fort Baker with a metal detector, turning up “insignia, old spoons from the mess hall, pieces of clothing and whatnot,” a ccording to Freed. These items, along with vintage photos of the for t and the local baseball teams that had played there in the early 1990s (which Frank’s wife Susan had framed), are now featured in the two new spaces. “We put them over the bar and put his cartoons up, and it was such an attraction,” Freed says.
“The bar honors Phil Frank, who passed away the year before we opened. Someone later made the decision to replace these artifacts with art, but it was like we lost the soul of the property when that happened . We’re going to bring th is type of history back — it’s an important part of what we do and important to the National Park Service.” Andrews adds that restoring the memorabilia and original Farley artwork is one way “to re-embrace the community.”
When visiting the Farley Bar, couples, families and groups can hang out in a new lounge around the h istoric fireplace, settle into club chairs with a Golden Gate Bridge view or choose from a range of high-top and bar seating “that maintains the Farley Bar’s energy and lively edge,” says Niemann. Over at Murray Circle, guests will find a dining room that features an “elevated” experience, through “added privacy, material warmth and a more intimate, comfortable space.
More changes, such as the relaunched cooking school, a wealth of wellness programs and a growing calendar of public events, provide even more reasons for locals to visit, no luggage required.
Origin Story
Ten years before opening its doors to the public Freed was living on Sausalito’s South Street when he took his Rhodesian Ridgeback on a walk in Fort Baker. He ran into a fellow dog walker, Jane Woodman, who told him Sausalito residents were concerned about the National Park Service’s proposed 350-room conference center on the former military post. “I said, ‘Count me in — I have this sustainablyfocused hotel company,’” Freed recalls. At the time, Passport Resorts’ portfolio included the Post Ranch Inn in Big Sur, which Freed and partner Peter Heinemann built, the Skylonda Lodge in Woodside and the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji, which he had transformed from backpacker accommodations into an ecoluxury destination. After learning this, Woodman responded, “We’ve been looking for you. You have to put in a request for qualification to make this conference center smaller,” according to Freed. He and Heinemann did, taking on Tom Sargent and John Clawson of ecofriendly Equity Community Builders in San Francisco as a partner. “Our attitude was, ‘Let’s come up with a plan that is economically viable but respects the national park and creates something not just for our guests but for the community,’” Freed recounts. Their resulting plans for just 142 guest rooms — split between rehabilitated officers’ quarters and new buildings on the footprints of non-historic structures — ultimately gained the support of the Golden Gate Park National Park Conservancy, the park’s revered General Superintendent Brian O’Neill and the local writers of “194 out of 200 letters” weighing in on the project, he notes.
More than a Comic Strip
Phil Frank’s Farley was a beloved Bay Area comic strip that turned local life into gentle, sharp-eyed satire. It began in 1975 as Travels with Farley, a nationally syndicated strip, before Frank reshaped it in 1985 into a locally focused comic for the San Francisco Chronicle. That change gave the strip its special flavor: instead of working weeks ahead, Frank could respond quickly to San Francisco and Marin County news, politics, personalities and absurdities.
The title character, Farley, was a reporter and sometime park ranger whose observations reflected Frank’s own curiosity, humor and affection for Northern California. The strip often featured Bay Area landmarks, civic debates, environmental themes and quirky local characters, making it feel less like a generic newspaper comic and more like a running conversation with the community. The Bolinas Museum noted that Farley became one of the country’s rare locally focused daily comic strips.
Frank lived in Sausalito and drew deeply from Marin’s landscape, history, and personalities. His work helped preserve a particular Bay Area voice: witty, outdoorsy, politically aware and slightly eccentric. Frank passed away in 2007 one year before Cavallo Point opened.
Ten Fun History Facts
ABOUT CAVALLO POINT
When the Golden Gate National Recreation Area was established in 1972, Fort Baker was designated for transfer to the National Park Service once the military no longer needed it. The last soldiers left in 2000, and the transfer from post to park became official in 2002 and the “post-to-park” transformation was completed in 2008. At this point, the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy identified Cavallo Point as the first national park lodge of the 21st century.
1 WHAT’S IN A NAME?
In 1775, Captain Juan Manuel de Ayala sailed his ship, San Carlos, into what is now Sausalito. Noticing the abundance of wild horses, he named a rocky point near today’s Fort Baker “Punta de Caballo” (translated as ‘H orse P oint ’ ) Over time, English-speaking settlers adopted the spelling and pronunciation “Cavallo,” and the name stuck.
2 COAST MIWOK LIVED HERE
Long before soldiers, officers, and hotel guests arrived, the Coast Miwok and their ancestors lived in the region for thousands of years. The National Park Service notes that Coast Miwok communities relied on seasonal hunting, fishing, gathering, kelp and shellfish, and that their descendants continue cultural restoration efforts today.
3 1866 THE U.S. ARMY ENTERS THE SCENE
The location was militarily valuable because it guarded the north side of the Golden Gate, the narrow entrance to San Francisco Bay. The U.S. Army acquired the site in 1866, decades before the Golden Gate Bridge existed, as part of a broader effort to fortify the bay.
4 TEE-TIME AT FORT BAKER
Many historic buildings that give Cavallo Point its character were built between 1901 and 1915 around Fort Baker’s 10-acre parade ground. It has also served as a horse arena and golf course.
5 ENDICOTT DESIGN TO ATTRACT SOLDIERS
Fort Baker was built during the Endicott Period (named for the Secretary of War at the time), when the Army modernized coastal defenses Its Colonial Revival-style buildings gave the post a familiar, orderly and distinctly American character. Buildings included modern comforts for the time, such as ventilation, indoor plumbing, a hospital, gymnasium, post exchange, lunchroom and even a bowling alley.
6 ORIGINAL TIN CEILINGS
Tin ceilings were used at Fort Baker, now Cavallo Point, for both practicality and durability. When practice guns were fired, the vibrations could loosen plaster and cause it to fall from the ceilings. The pressed tin helped hold the ceilings together while also adding decorative character to the Army buildings
7 JAIL TIME
During Cavallo Point’s free weekend history talk, guests may get a peek at the old jail. It was mostly used for rowdy soldiers returning from the bars in Sausalito. How many hotels can say they have a literal holding tank?
8 MESS HALL TO BALLROOM
The ballroom at Cavallo Point is part of the original Fort Baker post, where Army buildings supported daily military life, from gatherings and meals to recreation and official functions.
9 PINS UP!
Long before Cavallo Point became a lodge, Fort Baker had its own bowling alley — reportedly the oldest bowling alley west of the Mississippi. It is an old-fashioned, manual-style alley, the kind built before today’s automatic scoring and flashy entertainment centers. It was part of the Army’s effort to support soldiers’ health and morale. It’s open today for private parties
10 MODEL FOR SUSTAINABILITY AND PRESERVATIO N
Cavallo Point’s rebirth was not just about restoring old buildings. The project preserved historic structures, restored habitat, improved trails, supported the Institute at the Golden Gate, and created a LEED-certified lodge. Fort Baker’s revitalization is now seen as a successful example of how historic preservation, environmental stewardship and public access can work together.
Cavallo Point Lodge offers 142 rooms and suites, mixing historic and contemporary accommodations across Fort Baker’s 335 scenic acres.
ON BOARD IN MARIN
How four Marin locals take advantage of public transportation.
BY JENNIFER GENNARI
GETTING AROUND
If the last time you took a bus it was yellow or came with a tour guide, it’s time to consider this overlooked option. Taking the bus in Marin County is surprisingly easy and affordable to use compared to similar suburban and rural communities, Marin has good coverage.
There are 650 bus stops countywide, and Marin Transit operates 15 routes: nine fixed core routes; four community routes that serve neighborhoods; and two rural routes out to West Marin. In addition, Golden Gate Transit runs four regional and five weekday commute routes up and down US 101. Marin County’s population is aging, too, which makes it all the more important to invest in transportation choices.
We spoke with four Marin residents who rely on the bus system to find out the benefits (and the disadvantages) of regularly using this method of transportation.
KAI MCCARTHY
Kai McCarthy, 20, regularly rides routes 71 and 22 to the College of Marin, where she’s a second semester communications major. She’s a poet, writer and Senator of PR and Marketing for the Associated Students of College of Marin. “I rely on public transit,” she says. McCarthy likes the reach of the bus system, and rattles off cities she can get to easily — Larkspur, Mill Valley, Kentfield and San Francisco. “I love going to the city, getting a coffee, walking around,” she says. She’s able to ride for free with her student ID but also has a Clippercard.
She uses the Transit app, which allows her to “gamify” her experience; she has a competition with other local riders on the same route to improve her rank based on how many times she rides. “It’s a fake reward system,” she says. “It adds a little whimsy.”
Her only complaint is that she wishes the buses came more frequently, and that the bus stop was closer to her home. “I bike to a nearby market and lock it up there to avoid walking for 30 minutes,” McCarthy says.
Still, she uses the extra travel time to read, sketch and write stories. Riding the bus, she says, is highly underrated.
GLORIA BARRIOS
Canal resident Gloria Barrios, 49, relies on the 35, 36 and, sometimes, the 23 lines. She rides the bus three or four days per week to Novato, San Rafael and San Francisco for her work as a housekeeper. “Many times, I listen to music,” she says. “I see a lot of students and my neighbors on their way to work.”
Barrios and her husband share one car, which he often needs for work, and she’d rather not drive to the city, where parking is difficult. Traffic can make bus riding frustrating, though, especially when she misses a transfer. Far too often, Barrios has to walk long distances because the bus doesn’t go all the way to her destination. Recently, she was struck by a turning vehicle after just getting off of her bus. She’s recovering but her injuries have made driving difficult. “I depend on the bus, especially in the last five months,” she says.
To navigate the system, Barrios checks Google Maps to see when the bus is coming. Although transit use has its ups and downs, what brings a smile to her face is kindness from the bus drivers. “They are friendly,” she says. “They greet me when I get on and when I get off.”
“THE BUS GETS RID OF THE STRESS OF DRIVING, OF BEING STUCK IN TRAFFIC, BEING DROWSY IN THE EARLY MORNING, IN THE EVENING. IT IS SAFER AND MORE RELAXING.”
JASON BAYNE
Novato resident Jason Bayne, 44, walks to the downtown transit center to take the 101 or 154 to San Francisco. “Whichever I can catch,” he says. “I’m an early riser. I’m usually on the bus between 6 and 7 a.m.”
A Clinical Supervisor for a Catholic Charities program in San Francisco and a licensed marriage and family therapist, he takes the bus through Marin and transfers to MUNI to get to work. “It gets rid of the stress of driving, of being stuck in traffic, being drowsy in the early morning, in the evening,” he says. “It’s safer and more relaxing.”
Bayne receives commuter benefits from his employer to cover his transportation costs. The money is loaded onto his Clippercard, and he taps to pay the fare. His only complaint is with the inconsistent temperature inside the buses. The hotter it is inside, the more it activates his motion sickness. It’s one reason he prefers riding the 101. “The airflow
is better, the seats are more open, and the visibility is better so I can look out the window,” he says.
Bayne uses Google maps to see if the bus is on time, or looks up the schedule on his phone. “The drivers are friendly and helpful, and I love that the buses are always clean,” he says. “I have never had the experience of the bus being full and not being able to get on. You can rely on it.”
RAE HURLEY
Rae Hurley, a Sausalito resident, takes the bus to go grocery shopping. “I take the 17 when I want to go to Marin City and to the Safeway across from Tam High,” she says. At 97, her energy comes and goes. “One week I think I can make it and the next I can’t.”
It frustrates her that the 17 comes only once an hour, and there are some places she can’t get to without walking. “I haven’t figured out how to get to Trader Joe’s yet,” she says, which involves using a long pedestrian bridge over 101 to get to the southbound bus stop. “I’m not sure I will. The reason I take the bus is so I don’t have to do a lot of walking!”
She pays the bus fare with cash and looks up the schedule on her computer. “The worst part is I have anxiety about getting to the bus stop on time. I run late,” she says. If it doesn’t come when expected, she waits and waits. “Then I get another kind of anxiety!”
Hurley drove for over 50 years and only stopped six years ago. She liked driving but enjoyed it less and less because of worsening traffic.
“It’s inexpensive. That’s very important to me,” she says. “It only costs me one dollar.” The drivers are also always nice to her, she says, especially when she’s boarding with her walker, ‘Wheelie.’
Travel Like A Local
Our quarterly sister publication, Local Getaways Express inspires readers to experience the very best of the Bay Area — from unforgettable day trips and hidden gems to locally curated adventures. Whether you’re discovering familyand dog-friendly tasting rooms or scenic hikes with breathtaking views, we connect locals and visitors alike to the region’s most inspiring experiences. You may have spotted us on KRON 4’s Live in the Bay, yet the adventure goes deeper at localgetaways.com.
Now we’re bringing that same spirit of discovery to the Local Getaways Summer Guide Insert. You’ll learn a bit of history, plus find the best experiences, destinations, flavors and adventures that Northern California has to offer this summer.
Celebrate the arrival of summer with design that fosters a connection to the outdoors.
A Santa Rosa home features plenty of places to play, relax and dine outdoors.
Fresh Start
After losing
their
home to
wildfire,
a family rebuilds in Santa Rosa.
BY LOTUS ABRAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADAM POTTS
Born from loss, Shane Keck and Jamie Keck-Crozat’s new “forever home,” perched high in the hills of Santa Rosa, serves as a symbol of hope and resilience for the family. Within a span of three years from 2017 to 2020, Jamie and Shane, as well as Jamie’s mother and brothers, all tragically lost their homes in the Northern California wildfires.
When they could finally build a new home, the couple chose a location with scenic views and ample space to enjoy the outdoors. “Both of us grew up in Sonoma County on acreage, and we love the outdoors,” Keck-Crozat says. “When we found this particular lot, we fell in love with the West-facing view and its convenient proximity to town.”
To make their dream a reality — a home built for a life spent
outside as much as inside — the couple assembled a team that included Bassenian Lagoni Architects, Kimberly Oxford Interiors and Schalich Brothers Construction. The design evokes a Montecito-meets-organic-California-modernist aesthetic with a warm, natural material palette that includes oak cabinetry and ceilings, honed marble and muted plaster. Intentional window placement allows for ample sunlight and visual connections to the outdoors, while bypass and bifold doors enable an effortless indooroutdoor flow.
Downstairs, a covered loggia opens wide to the views. “We used two custom Buzzell Studios ceramic lights in this space and teak furniture, and all of the limestone was custom-made in Italy,” says Kimberly Oxford, principal at her namesake Sausalito firm.
The covered loggia is outfitted for outdoor dining.
“An heirloom fountain survived the 2020 fire — and now lives in our new home.” Jamie Keck-Crozat
A pass-through window from the kitchen makes it easy to dine outdoors. Directly above the loggia, another large outdoor living space is outfitted with a firepit and lounge furniture.
To ensure the exterior spaces were as thoughtfully planned as the inside of the home, Oxford collaborated with Sebastopol landscape design firm Merge Studio. “We knew from day one that we wanted a few key outdoor elements: an outdoor kitchen and entertaining area, infinity pool, fountains and firepit to prolong the evenings,” Jamie says.
The property’s multiple outdoor zones provide plenty of places to play, relax and dine. The lower level includes a bocce ball court and vegetable beds while the main level is home to a firepit area and the swimming pool. Opposite the firepit, an open-air cabana offers shade protection and
houses an outdoor kitchen fully kitted out with a barbecue, flat grill, wine chillers and a pizza oven, as well as a family room with a TV and fireplace. “All of the wood lintels are designed with Lutron screen shades that pull down to reduce the UV coming in, but you can still see out onto the beautiful pool area,” Oxford says.
While the property’s design honors the family’s optimism and strength through the challenges they’ve endured, it also honors their history. “One of the first outdoor punctuations for our home was an heirloom fountain that survived the 2020 fire of my childhood home,” Jamie says. “My mom was gracious enough to allow me to transplant it to our new home, and oddly enough, the fountain only required a new pump to function like new. It’s now a staple that serenades our auto court.”
Left: The outdoor areas are oriented to take in the views.
Below: An open-air cabana houses an outdoor kitchen and dining and lounging areas.
The Ritz-Carlton Bacara | SANTA BARBARA
The hacienda-style resort — located on a 78-acre property perched on a bluff between the Santa Ynez Mountains and the Pacific Ocean at the northern edge of the “American Riviera — was remodeled for its 25th anniversary in 2025 by interior design firm Meyer Davis, merging residential ambiance with relaxed elegance. ritzcarlton.com
BY LISA BOQUIREN
1 Pool Ring in sunshine yellow stripe; $29 at sunnylife.com
2 Garden Layers Diagonal Big Outdoor Pillow designed by Patricia Urquiola for Gan Rugs in Peach; $940 at lumens.com
3 Tuuci Ocean Master Classic Umbrella shown with aluma teak stem and ecru shade; inquire at terraoutdoor.com
4 Ona 46-ounce pitcher and Direction 9-ounce double oldfashioned glasses; $39.95 and $12.95 each at crateandbarrel.com
5 Soleil outdoor lounge chaise in silver; $849 at roomandboard.com
6 Gloster Deck Outdoor Ottoman; $9,235 at dwr.com
7 Arc Monaco Bar Cart; to the trade at summitfurniture.com or 310.289.1266 for the Los Angeles showroom
SFMOMA: Table Manners: A Feast for the Senses
Domestic dinnerware is elevated from everyday as part of SFMOMA’s current exhibit featuring tableware and drinkware by influential designers curated from the museum’s Architecture + Design permanent collection. The exhibit runs through August 2. sfmoma.org
Dining Tableau
Inspire dinner party conversation with gallery-worthy pieces inspired by an SFMOMA exhibition.
BY LISA BOQUIREN
1 Waves & Clouds Coupe Plates by Stefanie Hering and César Giraldo; from $307. heringberlin.us.
2 Basket Lounge Chair by Joe Colombo; $4,899 at gubi.com.
3 Collection of Glassware by Jacob Bang for Kastrup Glassworks; inquire at 415.355.1200 or almondandcompanysf.com.
4 Glass Chair No. 1 and No. 2 (2002) by Tobias Wong. Inquire with twentieth.net to purchase.
5 Cassina Olimpino Table by Ico Parisi; from $9,700 at cassina.com
6 Controversial Objects Cutlery Set by Virgil Abloh; $580 at alessi.com.
7 Cell Candle Holder by Zaha Hadid Design; inquire at Luminaire San Francisco, 415.674.9430 or luminaire.com.
Studio Lunarey
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© Jessica Brydson Photography
The pool deck features expansive views and resort-inspired seating.
COLOR THEORY
PASTEL AND VIBRANT HUES SHAPE A MID-CENTURY MARIN HOME.
BY THERESA GONZALEZ
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JONATHAN MITCHELL
Maja Kristin spent nearly a decade searching for her “last” home to downsize from a 7,200-square-foot Mediterranean estate in Marin County, when she discovered a mid-century “treehouse” with sweeping views of the bay and Mount Tamalpais. Her decision to make an offer wasn’t driven so much by the architecture as it was by the experience of walking into the home.
“ It has the feel of an inhale because of the beauty and color, but also an exhale. I can relax here. It holds me very well.” MAJA KRISTIN
“It felt like air,” Kristin says. “My previous home was very earthy — grounded and heavy. This one felt light and easy.”
With expansive sightlines, abundant glass, and blurred boundaries between indoors and out, the hillside three-bedroom, three-story home offered the perfect blank slate for a new chapter in the life of the retired lawyer and philanthropist.
Re-envisioned by interior designer Kristi Will and her team, the house is a masterclass in emotional design. The pastel-hued first floor evokes a sense of calm; the fiery, saturated palette upstairs reflects energy and passion; and the views that define life in Marin are celebrated throughout.
“Maja has a fun, spirited love of color and pattern,” Will says. “Not every client wants colorful rooms, but she really took note of how she wanted the colors to flow through her spaces.” That flow becomes the organizing principle of the house, guiding visitors through a gentle chromatic progression that mirrors Kristin’s daily rhythms.
“I love having my morning tea in my bedroom — it’s all air and sunrise,” Kristin says. “And in the evenings, I spend time in the cozy living room upstairs with the fireplace on, watching the sunset.”
Kristin’s elemental awareness became central to the design, as she and Will shaped the house around three primary moods: air, fire and water — each expressed through color, texture and placement. The first level, just above the garage, mud room and yoga room, establishes a serene, welcoming tone. Soft pastels wash the walls and Stark carpeting softens the concrete underfoot. “This is the calm side of the house,” Will says. “It’s very feminine in spirit, but grounded.”
The primary suite embraces that softness and femininity. Cabinetry is painted in Dimity by Farrow & Ball, a neutral peach hue that adds quiet warmth without overwhelming the space, while
Holly Hunt dining chairs and two bouclé swivel chairs let guests take in the home’s sweeping views from every angle.
Perched above the landscape like a modern treehouse, the home feels remarkably private despite its hillside neighborhood setting.
“Not every client wants colorful rooms, but she really took note of how she wanted the colors to flow through her spaces.” KRISTI WILL
Top Left: A Hellman Chang dining table grounds the airy dining and kitchen space, where the original cabinetry was refaced and updated.
Bottom left: The cozy family room pairs an A. Rudin sectional with rich Tai Ping rugs and a Heath Ceramics brick fireplace.
vintage Venetian ceiling lights that Kristin acquired during her travels, float overhead like sculptural clouds. “This color palette creates a sense of sky,” Will says.
Here, morning light filters through the oaks. Upstairs, the mood shifts dramatically. This level — home to the family room, office nook and entertaining area — embraces richer hues and deeper saturation. “She really wanted this kind of fire energy and vibrancy to it,” Will says. The family room centers on a fireplace clad in vivid red Heath Ceramics tile, pulling tones directly from Kristin’s contemporary art collection.
The collection — with pieces largely by women and emerging artists, like “Undivided Constellations” by Yuh-Shioh Wong and “Future Boy” by Ilhwa Kim — infuses every room with vibrancy and meaning. “Everything has color, and every color in my house looks good on me,” she laughs.
A custom A. Rudin sectional anchors the space, paired with Holly Hunt Lens side tables by McCollin Bryan in translucent purple, orange and golden yellow. Tai Ping rugs — durable enough for indoor-outdoor living — add softness and warm, playful color. “The family room has a lot of energy,” Will says. “She wanted it to feel lively.”
From the desk area, the view stretches north toward Mount Tamalpais, where the sun sets each evening. To the south, glimpses of the bay and even San Fran-
cisco peek through the trees. Despite neighboring houses on all sides, dense vegetation creates a remarkable sense of privacy — ideal for a home that celebrates an indoor-outdoor connection, most evident in the kitchen and dining areas, which open fully to a pergola-covered terrace via existing pocketing glass doors.
While the home’s original layout remained largely intact, the kitchen was fully refreshed: cabinetry refaced, new quartzite countertops installed, appliances upgraded and a sculptural plaster hood added by MatPel Builders. A glass mosaic tile backsplash in purple, amber and cream shades nods to the home’s mid-century roots while pushing the palette forward. Pendant lights by John Pomp, repurposed from Kristin’s previous house, were separated and re-engineered to suit the space.
The dining room features a custom Hellman Chang table with Holly Hunt chairs and a credenza from Sloan Miyasato. Another Tai Ping rug makes a statement in purple and peach tones. The round table seats five comfortably, a deliberate shift from the 10- to 12-seat formal dining room Kristin left behind. “This home is much more intimate, and that’s the right thing for me at this time of my life,” she says.
A nearby powder room introduces a Pierre Frey wallcovering from Kneedler Fauchère, its delicate pattern offering a
Middle: The light-filled entry sets the tone for the home’s breezy, architectural feel with a sculptural glass staircase connecting three levels.
Left: The serene primary bathroom renovation refreshed the existing cabinetry with new fronts painted in Farrow & Ball’s soft Dimity finish.
soft counterpoint to the home’s masculine-leaning mid-century architecture. Anchoring the space, a sculptural vanity crafted by MatPel Builders is carved from a single slab of onyx sourced from Da Vinci Marble.
“Kristi has the capacity to see the seeds of what I had in mind, but then offer me things that were beyond my thinking. She’s really brilliant and has a lovely team,” Kristin says.
Outdoors, rebuilt steel structures by MatPel Builders frame a barbecue area, bar counter and dining table adjacent to the pool and sauna. On warm days the entire home opens up, easily accommodating larger gatherings that spill from kitchen to terrace to pool.
While the finished interiors feel effortless, the renovation was anything but simple. “What looks like an easy cosmetic upgrade was actually a super complicated renovation,” Will says. The original home lacked air conditioning and modern heating, a serious issue in this sun-exposed location. New HVAC systems, radiant heating, updated electrical and solar panels were installed to ensure energy efficiency and year-round comfort.
An existing elevator was also converted to a hydraulic system, improving functionality — critical for aging in place. “Ease of living was really important,” Will explains. From the garage, groceries can be brought directly up into the mudroom and kitchen without navigating stairs.
An avid gardener, Kristin also shaped the landscape with intention, working within a wildlife corridor to create plantings that support deer, birds and native species but still remain manageable. Compared to her former master garden, this one is “warm, yummy and cozy,” she says, with far less upkeep needed.
Asked how the home feels now, she pauses. “It has the feel of an inhale because of the beauty and color, but also an exhale,” she says. “I can relax here. It holds me very well.”
Above: The powder room makes a playful statement with a sculptural onyx vanity from Da Vinci Marble paired with botanical Schumacher wallpaper.
Middle: Soft textures, warm neutrals and sunrise views make the primary bedroom feel like a true retreat.
Below: The vibrant pink and red office nook was designed as an energizing space for calls.
An outdoor seating arrangement is positioned to capture sweeping views of Mount Tam.
The family room now offers a seamless connection to the backyard.
ROOM to GROW
A century-old Pacific Heights townhouse gets a modern makeover — transforming it into a functional, light-filled space for a growing family.
BY CARRIE RUEHLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
BY CHRISTOPHER STARK
When Londoners Peri and Michael moved to San Francisco in 2014, they brought with them a deep appreciation for historical architecture. Having lived in a Regency-Victorian apartment in London, they knew they wanted to find a traditional townhome with the bedrooms upstairs, a formal dining room and unmistakable period character.
Eventually in 2019, they found a threebedroom Edwardian townhouse built in 1900. Located in Pacific Heights, it had great bones, tons of charm and a generous backyard.
The couple lived in the house with their toddler son for a couple of years before renovating, so they were able to learn the house’s many quirks. As is often the case with older homes, the 2,700-square-foot house was laid out in ways that didn’t quite work for modern family life. A half bathroom sat between the kitchen and family room, cutting off views to the backyard, which made it hard for Peri to keep an eye on her young son while cooking. What’s more, an awkwardly placed staircase bisected the family space, and the basement had square footage but no livable ceiling height.
Then came the pandemic in 2020, and suddenly Michael was working from a
Left: The rear of the home showcases a new guest suite at the top level; a generous deck on the main level; and the excavated basement, which houses the homeowner’s barre studio.
Top Right: Period details and statement lighting embellish the formal dining room.
Bottom Left: The primary bedroom’s design is inspired by a hotel suite.
Bottom Right: A second staircase in the home retains its historic character.
dark basement space with 7-foot ceilings off the laundry area, while Peri, a fitness instructor, was teaching remote classes from the spare bedroom. With family in England who often visit for extended stays and a second baby on the way, they knew they needed help, so they reached out to San Francisco architect Megan Rae Hannon of Rae & Heath Architects, whom Peri had known for many years.
The two primary goals of the renovation were to add space and open up the home to the backyard. The homeowners didn’t want a completely open floor plan, so they kept the formal dining and living room layout in the front of the house mostly untouched. They did, however, open up the wall between the dining room and kitchen to create better sightlines through the house. Hannon worked with the project’s builder, DKG Construction, to create an
archway between the rooms that mirrored an existing one between the formal living and dining room, even copying the original trim details.
The bigger moves involved re-envisioning the staircase and the basement. Moving the staircase from the center of the home to one side created space for a large, open family room off the kitchen and allowed for huge sliding glass doors to the backyard that pocket completely into the wall. They also raised the back deck to be level with the main living floor. Now when Peri is cooking in the kitchen, she can see the kids in the family room or out playing in the garden. “It’s really seamless,” she says.
Hannon also saw the staircase as an opportunity to bring more light to the basement, installing two new skylights overhead and a big window. “The stairwell now allows the basement to have a physical and visual connection to the rest of the house,” she says.
The team also excavated the basement down about 3½ feet to allow for the proper ceiling height. This turned unusable space into several highly functional rooms: a mud room; Michael’s office; and Peri’s lightfilled barre studio, which sits 5 feet below ground under the family room deck and looks out onto the backyard.
Upstairs on the third level, the team built out onto a large deck that was rarely used, creating a new guest suite with its own bathroom. The kids each got their own bedrooms with a shared bath. In addition, the primary bedroom got one of Peri’s favorite upgrades. Formerly, the huge room had almost no closet space, but Hannon refigured it to function more like a hotel suite, where one passes through a walk-through closet with floor-to-ceiling storage to enter. A library ladder provides access to the upper shelves. “I had this dream of a Carrie Bradshaw-inspired closet,” Peri says.
Above: The homeowner’s favorite spot in the house is the roll-top bath, which was sourced from the UK.
Left: The primary bedroom is entered through a walk-through closet with floor-to-ceiling storage and a library ladder.
The historic front of the house is painted white with black accents and gold detailing to create continuity with the more modern feel at the back.
“Having everybody sit around our kitchen island at breakfast time — those are the micro-moments that I really love.” Peri says.
The kitchen features custom cabinetry in Farrow & Ball’s Studio Green with Arabescato marble countertops.
On the exterior, the team painted the house white with black and gold accents, creating a high-contrast look that respects the historic facade while complementing the modern interventions at the back. “We wanted to give a nod to the idea that we’re retaining some of that historic character but also acknowledging the fact that houses have lives,” Hannon says. “They don’t live in 1900 anymore.”
The project, which expanded the house from 2,700 to about 3,700 square feet and from three bedrooms to six, wasn’t without its challenges. Getting approval from San Francisco’s planning department required multiple variances. The team also suffered a tremendous loss when their 32-year-old site superintendent, John Paul Mahoney, died suddenly of a brain aneurysm while on site. “We all took a step back and took some time to mourn,” Hannon says. “The team really came together.” The project is dedicated to his memory.
Now complete, the house functions exactly as Peri and Michael hoped. They hosted family from the UK over the holidays to great success. “Having everybody sit around our kitchen island at breakfast time — those are the micro-moments that I really love,” Peri says. Her favorite spot in the house: the roll-top tub in the primary bathroom. The project’s interior designer, Hana Mattingly of Innen Studio, sourced it from the UK.
The renovation took what was a charming but impractical Edwardian and turned it into a home that honors both the house’s 1900 roots and the way a young family lives today. “We want our kids to feel comfortable, and we want to host family and friends,” Peri says. “Now it feels like a warm, happy space where we can do all of those things.”
For Hannon, seeing her friend’s family thrive in the home has been the real reward. “I’ve known Peri for 10 years,” she says. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to see her business take off in a space that I helped her carve out of really nothing.”
Relocating the staircase opened up the entire living space, while large skylights and a window allow natural light to pour down to the basement level.
OPEN SPACE 100% LUXURY LIVING
WHERE LIVABILITY MEETS SUSTAINABILITY 85%
This live-work-play community will feature pickleball courts, an Event Center, parks, an Organic Farm and Golf Course in addition to miles of hiking and biking trails. Tour the 7 elegant model homes, tailored to your modern lifestyle. The tour begins at the Visitors Center, located at 200 Mount Royal Road in Vacaville. Follow @LagoonValley on social for the latest news & updates.
Photographed by Marisa Ishimatsu on-site at Lagoon Valley in October, 2025
AND
OUT ABOUT
Community Ongoings
Fairs, fests, performances and other excellent events.
Battle of The Dad Bands
CALENDAR
Summer has kicked off in Marin, and so has the season for fairs, festivals and outdoor concerts. Not to mention, events for Juneteenth, Pride and more.
EDITED BY LAYLA BAKHSHANDEH
Top June Events
JUNE 13
Mill Valley Juneteenth Freedom Festival
MILL VALLEY
The Freedom Festival is a celebration of African American Independence Day with live music, food, activities for all ages and more at Mill Valley’s Downtown Plaza. millvalleyrecreation.org
JUNE 14
The Dipsea Race
MILL VALLEY
The Dipsea is the oldest trail race in the country. The scenic 7ish-mile course from Mill Valley to Stinson Beach is considered to be one of the most beautiful courses in the world. The stairs and steep trails make it a grueling and treacherous race. The trail begins in front of the Depot Cafe and Bookstore, 87 Throckmorton Avenue. dipsea.org
JUNE 27–28
SF Pride
SAN FRANCISCO
In its 56th year, this festival is the largest LGBTQ+ gathering in the nation — over one million people, every June, in the heart of San Francisco. It brings together 200+ parade contingents and exhibitors. Start at Beale Street & Market Street, and end at Civic Center Plaza. sfpride.org
DANIEL NICOLETTA AND SAN FRANCISCO PRIDE
SF Pride
FESTIVALS AND FAIRS
JUNE 13–14
47th Annual Fairfax Festival
FAIRFAX
A long-time favorite summer fest, Fairfax’s weekend of activities includes a Friday family movie night, parade on Saturday morning and lots of groovy music and tie-dye amongst the redwoods. Downtown Fairfax. fairfaxfestival.com
JUNE 13–14
Novato Art Wine and Music Festival
NOVATO
This free event spanning several blocks of Grant Avenue in downtown Novato is the community’s biggest event of the year, with multiple vendors and plenty of live music from many Bay Area favorites. Along Grant Avenue in Downtown Novato. novatochamber.com
JUNE 18–21
Petaluma Fair
PETALUMA
This traditional festival held at Petaluma’s fairgrounds bridges the North Bay’s best two coastal counties with exhibitions, animal competitions, carnival-style rides and plenty of funnel cake. petalumafairgrounds.com/petalumafair
ARTS, LECTURES & THEATER
THRU JUNE 21
The Art of Form: Perspectives from The West SAUSALITO
The National Sculpture Society has teamed up with the Sausalito Center for the Arts to present this juried sculpture exhibition showcasing contemporary works from 24 accomplished sculptors across the western United States. sausalitocenterforthearts.org
JUNE 7, 13, 14 & 21
Mountain Play - The Wizard of Oz
MILL VALLEY
Follow the yellow brick road to Mount
Live Life In Full Bloom
Summer Sale through the month of June and see our new Summer jewelry collections featuring the work of designer Jorge Revilla from Spain and new handcrafted jewelry from our workshop in Marin. We also have curated collections of designer jewelry from Europe. Begin your own history with the collections at Stephan-Hill or create your very own custom design.
1226 Fourth Street • Downtown San Rafael • 415-459-5808 • stephanhill.com
Revilla
Tamalpais in this delightful stage adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s beloved tale, featuring the iconic musical score from the MGM film. The timeless tale, in which young Dorothy Gale travels from Kansas over the rainbow to the magical Land of Oz, continues to thrill audiences worldwide. Mount Tamalpais State Park, East Ridgecrest Boulevard. mountainplay.org
JUNE 19–JULY 19
As You Like It
SAN RAFAEL
Marin’s beloved Shakespeare Company kicks off its summer season with this reimagined production of Shakespeare’s joyous and romantic play, an enchanting music-filled adventure set beneath the redwoods at Forest Meadows Amphitheatre. marinshakespeare.org
JUNE 25
Comedy in the Plaza
MILL VALLEY
Kick back and get ready to laugh at the Mill Valley Downtown Plaza during this free comedy event. Five standups will rotate while attendees can soak up the long summer evening. millvalleyrecreation.org
MUSIC
JUNE 1
Yo-Yo Ma with the San Francisco Symphony SAN FRANCISCO
Yo-Yo Ma takes the stage with conductor James Gaffigan and the San Francisco Symphony for one night only. Written in the aftermath of World War I, Elgar’s Cello Concerto is an urgent elegy, a late-life affirmation of Englishness. Also heard on the program is Mozart’s final symphony, the majestic Jupiter. 201 Van Ness Avenue. sfsymphony.org
JUNE 7
Battle of the Dad Bands
LARKSPUR
Don’t miss this countywide Battle of the Dad Bands in Larkspur, where musicians from all over Marin take the stage for an afternoon festival that includes food trucks and a kids zone. Piper Park, 250 Doherty Drive. thelarkspurchamber.org
JUNE 12–14
Country Summer Music Festival
SANTA ROSA
Saddle up and head out to the Sonoma County Fairgrounds for this three-day fest headlined by Cole Swindell, Keith
Urban and Koe Wetzel. There’s even onsite camping so you can keep the good times rolling after the last encore. countrysummer.com
FILM
THRU JUNE 7
San Francisco DocFest
SAN FRANCISCO
This non-fiction film festival pushes the boundaries of documentary filmmaking, with a lineup of over 85 compelling, daring and sometimes weird shorts and features shown at the historic Roxie and Vogue theaters. sfdocfest2026.eventive.org
JUNE 6–27
The Films of David Lynch
SAN RAFAEL
Marin’s indie theater showcases the world of David Lynch with four of his films screening on consecutive Saturdays at 11 a.m., including Eraserhead , Mulholland Drive and more. rafaelfilm.cafilm.or g
JUNE 17–27
SF International LGBTQ+ Film Festival
SAN FRANCISCO
See stories from all around the world and through a variety of media at this long-running and widely recognized film festival for queer art. frameline.org
PAUL MANSFIELD; JASON BELL
70th Annual North Beach Festival
Yo-Yo Ma
EVENTS
JUNE 5
Concerts on the Green NOVATO
School’s out for summer, and Novato kicks off a summerlong concert series starting with fan favorite cover band, Git With It, happening from 6–8 p.m. at Novato Civic Green. visitnovato.com
JUNE 6
Mill Valley Pride in the Plaza
MILL VALLEY
Mill Valley kicks off a month of Pride celebrations with a party at the Mill Valley Depot Plaza. Expect live music, DJ sets, vendors, community organizations and a fun photobooth. millvalleypride.org
JUNE 6–7
Western Weekend
POINT REYES STATION
This annual event kicks off with a ‘Wild West’ Farmers’ Market and the chance to explore local shops in downtown Point Reyes. The two-day event additionally features the annual Barn Dance, live music, food and a parade with vintage cars, colorful floats and a lot more. Downtown Point Reyes Station. visitmarin.org
JUNE 13
San Francisco Juneteenth
SAN FRANCISCO
The city’s historic Fillmore District fills up with carnival games, a classic car show, activities and vendors of all sorts at this celebration of freedom and the Black community — the largest like it in the state. juneteenth-sf.org
JUNE 20–21
70th Annual North Beach Festival
SAN FRANCISCO
The festival spans 11 blocks through San Francisco’s “Little Italy.” Discover over 200 local vendors, outdoor bars, live entertainment across four stages, interactive art and family-friendly activities. Celebrate both Father’s Day and the daily Blessing of the Animals. North Beach, Columbus and Grant Avenues. sunsetmercantilesf.com
ROMAN TRATTORIA STYLE CAFÉ
Café Zoetrope is located in the majestic Sentinel Building, a San Francisco historic landmark in the heart of North Beach, and the home to Francis Ford Coppola’s American Zoetrope Studio (film production company where the origin of the Café name comes from).
The 2026 Summer Hit List
LAKE TAHOE
BY CHRISTINA PROCTOR
Summer in Lake Tahoe is one of life’s great pleasures; it’s like summer camp, or at least how summer camp should be. It’s also a great time to put down the phone, stop doom scrolling and reconnect, so go ahead and soak in nature at full strength. Build your Tahoe itinerary with old favorites combined with some new tastes, trails and spots.
BITE INTO SUMMER
Born from the minds and collaboration of long-time Incline Village locals Jordan Armstrong and Chef Cole Dunbar, Paxton’s Settlement , formerly Austin’s, is located across the street from the Hyatt Regency in Incline Village. Although the menu changes seasonally, a starter of cornbread flapjacks with honey butter is a constant that diners rave about, as well as the French onion burger with caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese and aioli. As beverage director, Armstrong is curating a cocktail and bar program to match the menus, “rooted in alpine spirit and seasonal balance.”
Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe and Clique Hospitality are diving fully into the lore of Lake Tahoe with Tessie’s Cocktails & Chords . Named after the mythical serpent said to live in the lake and designed by New York-based Celano Design Studio Co., the cocktail lounge and live music hub will open at the end of June. The venue will feature solo artists and duos seven nights a week, with full bands Thursday through Saturday. With an extensive craft cocktail, champagne, and rotating local draft beers, it’s well placed for a nightcap after the 2026 Summer Concert Series at the Caesars Republic Amphitheatre.
Mastro’s Steakhouse, the high-end chain founded in Arizona, opened its latest location in the Golden Nugget Lake Tahoe on May 14. Known for its live entertainment and signature warm butter cake, Mastro’s guests can experience the USDA prime steaks, wet-aged for 28 days, cooked in a 1,500-degree broiler that made the restaurant an icon across the American West.
Then there are the places that a trip to Lake Tahoe shouldn’t be without. Driving past Tahoe House Bakery & Gourmet, outside Tahoe City, without a stop is like passing up bliss. Chocolate chip cookies, pastries, fresh bread, deli lunch options and the “best coffee on the lake” are just a few reasons to enter this family-run-since-1977 gem in your GPS.
For breakfast, it doesn’t get much better than Squeeze In in downtown Truckee. The original location is the reason for the name, because the restaurant’s footprint literally requires you to “squeeze in,” and it’s known for its specialty omelets. Featured on Throwdown with Bobby Flay the restaurant is always popular, so plan on a wait.
TAKE IN THE AWE
In 2025, a team from the University of California, Irvine, used Lake Tahoe as their lab and found that among 1000 participants, 33% reported an increase in happiness from just two minutes of mindful appreciation of Tahoe. With the reopening of D.L. Bliss State Park, the awe-inspiring Rubicon Trail that hangs on the edge of the west shore is once again fully open to the public. The popular park was closed for the last three summers for infrastructure upgrades. While the Rubicon Trail is probably the most
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Below: Aerial view of Stateline, Nevada
well-known in the park, there is also a natural attraction worth the hike. Balancing Rock Nature Trail takes you to a geological marvel of 130 tons of granite balanced on a slender stone base. In the 1800s and early 1900s, it was the equivalent of a modern-day must-visit Instagram spot.
Clearly Tahoe, the original provider of clear kayak tours, is starting a new adventure this summer in Emerald Bay. Embarking from the Tahoe Keys Marina, the three-hour allinclusive trip includes a scenic cruise on the outfitter’s 46-foot tri-toon to Emerald Bay. The clear kayaks are launched directly from the boat for a guided tour of the bay’s famous blue-green depths. Get up close and personal with Fannette Island, the only island in Lake Tahoe, and view Vikingsholm, the Scandinavian-inspired castle.
Take up to 12 of your closest friends on the two-hour Boat Tahoe Murder Mystery Sunset Cruise. Set in 1959, guests follow the clues as they cruise to Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm and
Build your Tahoe itinerary with old favorites combined with some new tastes, trails and spots.
the Rubicon cliffs. At each location, guests hear the history, receive a recorded audio clue and photographic evidence to try to puzzle out the whodunit.
If you don’t want your vacation to slow down your gym routine, check out the new 64,000-square-foot South Lake Tahoe Recreation & Aquatics Center that opened in April. The building has an indoor multi-purpose pool, lazy river, cardio and strength training area, indoor track, and a multi-court gymnasium with drop-in times for pickleball, basketball and volleyball. $15 day passes are available for non-residents.
MAKE IT AN EVENT
Planned events for America’s 250th are sure to put Lake Tahoe at capacity this summer. Expedia data showed a surge in interest for the destination with 100 days out from July 4. But there are other events to attend: The American Century Championship, July 8–12 at Edgewood Tahoe, has already confirmed Steph Curry and Travis and Jason Kelce, plus a performance by comedian Nate Bargatze at the Tahoe Blue Event Center on July 11. The outdoor summer concert series at Caesars Republic Lake Tahoe includes Train, Jack Johnson’s Surfilmusic Tour, Lauren Daigle and country rock star Eric Church.
Or catch a Truckee summer tradition August 27–29 as the 52nd Truckee Pro Rodeo returns to the McIver Rodeo Arena with two days of CCPRA rodeo competition. Drill teams, barrel racing and extreme bulls and broncs are part of the spectacle. Tahoe summer camp season is right around the corner and it’s sure to be better than the latest TikTok trend. (Insider tip: Avoid the crowds by traveling midweek. Use public transit options, and check online for the latest in parking regulations. Sand Harbor requires a reservation May 1 -September 30.)
A hot air balloon soars above Lake Tahoe
Tessie’s Cocktails & Chords
Caesar’s Republic Lake Tahoe Summer Concert Series at Lake Tahoe Amphitheater
EAT & DRINK
Summer Superfood Recipes
BY LYNDA BALSLEV
Type the word “superfoods” into any search engine, and you’re likely to find numerous lists of foods we should all be eating that are beneficial to our health, especially as we age. So what exactly makes a superfood, well, super? Superfoods aren’t regulated, so there is no formal criteria, but most nutritionists agree that these foods tend to be plant-based and colorful, and are always extremely nutrient dense.
Luckily, summer’s bountiful harvest features some of these powerhouse ingredients, and we’ve put together a collection of four recipes that will make sure you get your fill. On the menu: Korean tofu Buddha bowls, chunky gazpacho, avocado panzanella salad and almond olive oil cake with summer berries.
DINE
CORTE MADERA
Burmatown Asian
Though the menu remains largely the same (that tea leaf salad! Those bao!) at this location down the street from the original, the addition of a grill boosts the menu with dishes like kalbi ribs or smoked salmon collars. A long bar on one side of the room serves wine and beer and the front windows slide open for easy access to a large patio. 18 Tamalpais Ave, 415.985.5060; burmatown.com
$
Flores Mexican
With an emphasis on regional Mexican dishes and avors sourced from family recipes, the menu is based on California seasonality and revolves around gluten-free masa. The daily-made tortillas are a highlight. 301 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.500.5145; oressf.com
BB HH
RH Marin American
Ride up the goldenhued elevator to the top oor restaurant bedecked in RH style and linger over a shaved vegetable salad, a tru ed grilled cheese sandwich on Panorama Bakery sourdough or a namesake RH Burger. This rooftop sunroom and outdoor lounge boasts
glass ceilings and walls for an epic view of Mount Tam and a feeling of oating above it all.
1750 Redwood Highway at The Village, 628.266.2040; rh.com
BB
Zinz Wine Bar
Californian
Locals pop by the petite wine bar for its cozy atmosphere and an eclectic array of boutique wines and craft beer, all available for takeout. A short menu of prosciutto-wrapped dates, charcuterie and cheese boards is perfect for enjoying during a Friday night tasting event. 207 Corte Madera Ave, 415.927.9466; zinzwinebar.com
$ HH
FAIRFAX
Barefoot Cafe
American Chef Tony Senehi’s all-day cafe is known for California-inspired dishes made from local, organic ingredients. Pear almond pancakes and eggs Benedict (ask for “the Brady” to get lox) are popular at breakfast, while a BBQ pulled pork sandwich is a hot seller at lunch. 1900 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.460.2160; barefootcafe.com
BB $
Fradelizio’s Italian
A perennial neighborhood gem, the cozy space welcomes all with daily specials (fresh local sh, housemade Meyer lemon fettuccine with salmon, cioppino, a Becker Lane organic pork cannelloni) and a Napa Valley wine from the barrel program. 35 Broadway Blvd, 415.459.1618; fradelizios.com
La Gastronomia
Italian Like the town it’s situated in, La Gastronomia is a lively and cozy restaurant best known for its authentic cuisine, fresh ingredients and warm atmosphere. Originally from a coastal town in Italy, owners Elena and her husband Gustavo curate a taste of the Italian coast in the California sun. 123 Bolinas Rd, Fairfax, 415.419.5465; lagastronomiadi porchetta.com
BB $
Sorella Ca e Italian
Run by sisters Sonia and Soyara, Sorella serves fresh Italian with a northern influnce. Favorites include the cioppino, butternut squash ravioli, pollo alla Sorella and the garlic bread. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520; sorellaca e.com
$
GREENBRAE / KENTFIELD
Gott’s Roadside
American At its only Marin outpost, Gott’s features the signature California-inspired dishes the restaurant is known for (burgers — regular, ahi and Impossible — shakes, salads and fries) as well as a 30-foot-long pine table for community-style eating and an expansive patio out front. 302 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae, 415.785.4233; gotts.com
$
Guesthouse
Californian Jared Rogers, the former executive chef of Picco, heads up the kitchen, partnering with restaurateur Dustin Sullivan on this 110-seat space. Look for well-executed California cuisine
with weekly specials like Prime Rib on Mondays and fried chicken on Sundays, plus killer cocktails — the Sunburn and Easy Money are local favorites.
850 College Ave, Kentfield, 415.419.5101; guesthousemarin.com
HH
Half Day Cafe
American Tucked away in a setting of intertwining ivy and large open windows, this cafe is the quintessential breakfast nook and is also open for brunch and lunch, including coffee drinks, pastries and much more. Enjoy a casual daytime meal inside or out on the patio. 848 College Ave, Kentfield, 415.459.0291; halfdaycafe.net
BB $
Sweetgreen Californian No matter if your order is one of the signature plantforward warm bowls like curry cauliflower, a super green goddess salad or chicken pesto parm (if meat is a must), all are packaged in a sustainable ready-to-go packaging that makes it easy to enjoy a fast and fresh meal inside, on the umbrella-shaded patio, or to-go. 284 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae; 415.874.0012; sweetgreen.com
$
LARKSPUR
Left Bank Restaurant
Rustic Bakery
Californian Organic bread and pastries baked fresh each morning and salads, sandwiches, and soups make this a staple. 2017 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.461.9900 and 1139 Magnolia Ave; 415.925.1556; rusticbakery.com
$
MILL VALLEY
Buckeye Roadhouse
Corner Bar
Mediterranean Corner Bar is downtown Mill Valley’s first cocktail lounge… ever! Bring a date or simply come to unwind in the sleek interior, which features two bars plus plenty of window space overlooking the town square. A menu of Mediterranean bites complement Corner Bar’s artfully crafted cocktails.106 Throckmorton Ave, 415.888.8001; cornerbarmv.com
Rio Rock Açai Café
Smoothies Açai bowls, like the Carmen Miranda with cacao nibs and peanut butter, and smoothies (don’t miss the Popeye with almond butter and spinach) are at the heart of an all-day café that serves up sandwiches (chicken pesto panini, lox bagel) and pastas, too. 860 College Ave, Kentfield; 415.747.8668; riorock acaicafe.com
$
Squared Pizza
Italian/American
This pizza place specializes in serving Detroit-style pies with crispy, caramelized cheesy edges and tender, airy crust, all thanks to the namesake shape. In addition to classic flavors such as cheese or veggie, there’s a “build-yourown” option. 140 Bon Air Ctr; 415.300.0353; squared-pizza.com
French This Parisianstyle brasserie by Chef Roland Passot has been serving the community for more than two decades. Whether on the patio, bar or in the elegant main dining room with a huge fireplace, it’s a fun experience. The menu features authentic French cuisine utilizing seasonal, local and organic ingredients. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331; leftbank.com
Perry’s on Magnolia American Perry’s on Magnolia has the same classic American cuisine, bustling bar and warm service and personality the San Francisco original has always been famous for. Plentiful outdoor dining options. Its bar is a perennial Best of the County winner. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.1877; perryssf.com
BB
American Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs, and chili-lime “brick” chicken are a few of the comfort-food menu items that have made this classic roadhouse a favorite since the ’30s. The dark-wood bar with red leather booths is a popular spot for cocktails, conversations or a light meal. Heated patio seating offers a moment’s respite with a fresh espresso and breakfast burrito from the weekday Buckeye Joe Coffee Kiosk. 15 Shoreline Hwy, 415.331.2600; buck eyeroadhouse.com
BB HH
Bungalow 44
American The bustling bar is ideal for savoring a seasonal cocktail or an order of the house’s famous kickin’ fried chicken. The one-dollar happy hour oyster program still operates from 5–6 p.m., Monday–Thursday and the heated outdoor patio is a town hot spot.
44 E Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500; bungalow44.com
HH
Piatti Ristorante and Bar Italian A fireplace lounge and open format concept invites lingering over refreshed menu items such as house made ravioli with lemon cream and citrus gremolata, roasted mushroom pizza with taleggio fonduta and black truffle oil or roasted salmon with artichokes and Calabrian chili. 625 Redwood Hwy, 415.380.2525; piatti.com
Playa Mexican Playa offers traditional dishes with modern flavors. A Little Gem salad sparkles with tomatillo dressing and enchiladas shine from a glossy coating of house made black mole and micro greens. The bar highlights tequilas and mezcals but the el Slushie and house margarita have legions of fans and are perfect for sipping on the large.
41 Throckmorton Ave, 415.384.8871; playamv.com
BB HH
The Speakeasy, Novato
OUTRIGGER Resorts Celebrate World Ocean Month with New Kauai Restaurant and Events Across Hawaii
BY JEANNE COOPER
JUST IN TIME FOR WORLD OCEAN
MONTH, Hawaii Regional Cuisine pioneer Roy Yamaguchi will debut his latest restaurant concept, The Ocean House, at OUTRIGGER Kaua‘i Beach Resort & Spa in June. Pairing well with Yamaguchi’s local seafood-driven menu is the hotel brand’s long association with ocean sustainability initiatives — from coral planting to beach cleanups and educational outreach — across the Pacific but especially in Hawai‘i, home to nearly two-thirds of OUTRIGGER’s 33 properties.
“The ocean has always been central to how we think about hospitality,” said Jeff Wagoner, President & CEO of OUTRIGGER Resorts & Hotels. “With Chef Roy at the helm, Ocean House becomes something truly special — a dining experience shaped by one of Hawai‘i’s most celebrated culinary voices, in a setting that reflects everything we value about this place.”
The ocean also inspires the new restaurant’s executive chef, Samual Taganeca, who trained at San Francisco’s Cordon Bleu and interned at Atelier Crenn and Michael Mina’s restaurant group before moving to Hawaii with his wife in 2016.
“Whenever people come out to Hawai‘i, when you ask them, ‘what do you want to eat,’ it’s always something local, something tropical, and something from the ocean.”
Taganeca and his wife take their girls to beach cleanups, similar to the one OUTRIGGER Kaua‘i will host on June 7. “They enjoy it,” Tagenaca said. “it’s our kuleana to take care of the planet, and when we leave, we should leave it better than we found it. When we find rubbish on the beach or the road, we pick it up.”
OUTRIGGER Kaua‘i General Manager Chris San Nicolas also endorses that
philosophy. “At OUTRIGGER, we love to make sure we’re protecting our ocean,” she said. “It’s important to take care of our land, our ocean and our reefs.”
The OUTRIGGER Reef Waikīkī Beach Resort will host a virtual-reality simulation in its lobby by Kuleana Coral Restoration, a local nonprofit that uses contemporary science and indigenous management practices to monitor Hawaiian coral reefs. A portion of the proceeds of a special “Coral Cocktail,” served throughout June at the resort’s Kani Ka Pila Grille, will benefit the nonprofit’s work.
OUTRIGGER OBSERVES
WORLD OCEAN MONTH
JUNE 7 Sunrise Beach Cleanup and Art Workshop at OUTRIGGER Kaua‘i Beach Resort After picking up plastic debris on Nukoli‘i Beach, guests can follow artist Allegra Scribner’s example in turning it into art. outrigger.com
JUNE 12 ReefTeach at OUTRIGGER
Kona Resort & Spa Guests and local volunteers learn about reef-friendly behaviors and supporting the marine monitoring efforts of nearby Kahalu‘u Bay. kohalacenter.org/reefteach
JUNE 27 OUTRIGGER Zone Day at the Waikīkī Aquarium Community nonprofits come together for ocean education, conservationthemed fun and games, and live music. waikikiaquarium.org
Samual Taganeca, Executive Chef
OUT AND ABOUT DINE
Sweetwater Music Hall’s Rock & Rye
American
The menu features South American and New Orleans-inspired dishes with a seasonal focus at Sweetwater Music Hall’s refreshed restaurant. An extensive collection of whiskeys and craft cocktails pays tribute to independent music venues and the 50-seat outdoor patio was redone. 19 Corte Madera Ave, 415.388.3850; sweet watermusichall.com
BB
Tam Tavern American
Previously known as Floodwater, this local favorite has been reinvented to deliver homely bites and a variety of beers on tap. There will even be some beer-infused cocktails for a unique twist on some classic drinks. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.843.4545; tamtavernmv.com
HH $
NOVATO
Ayawaska Latin
American An outpost of the Petaluma original fills the space that once housed Hilltop 1892. A menu of Peruvian classics includes lomo saltado and the country’s famous ceviches (try the a la Huancaina with the catch of the day). 850 Lamont Ave; 415.944.2066; ayawaskasf.com
BB HH
Perry’s Novato
tablecloths — expect all of those and more here at Perry’s northernmost location. 224 Alameda Del Prado, 415.506.4212; perryssf.com
BB
The Speakeasy American In addition to the 10 beers on tap, cocktails range from the 1920s to the 2020s. A shareable, tapas-style menu includes grilled maitake mushrooms, escargot and mini street tacos. 504 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.7793; thespeakeasy novato.com
$ HH
The Village Italian Restaurant Italian
A Novato staple for any occasion, the Village captures hearts with comforting Italian fare served in its spacious downtown locale. They’ve got something for everybody, with ample options for pasta, pizza, salad and entrees like chicken parm or piccata.
The carbonara? Che buono. Don’t miss the puffy, pillowy “pasta bread” — best eaten dripping in garlic butter. 1200 Grant Ave, 415.898.2234; the villageitalian restaurant.com
BB
Toast American
American Epic burgers and cocktails, excellent service, signature blue-andwhite gingham
chicken schnitzel and shrimp scampi. 5800 Nave Dr, 415.382.1144; toastnovato.com
$ Trailhead American Order breakfast, shareable snacks, paninis, salads, and Equator coffee drinks at the counter before grabbing a seat on the all-day café’s shaded patio. The baked goat cheese is a standout and pairs with the 10 local beers and two wines available on tap or from the craft can program. 127 San Marin Dr, 415.493.6902; trailheadnovato.com
$
SAN ANSELMO / ROSS
Comforts Cafe
American Established in 1986, Comforts has a cozy sit-down cafe, serving breakfast, lunch and weekend brunch. Besides the famous Chinese chicken salad, other winners are the stuffed pecan-crusted French toast, chicken Okasan (nicknamed “Crack Chicken” by fans), Korean BBQ flank steak and Wor Won Ton soup. 335 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.9840; comfortscafe.com
BB $
With outdoor dining and spacious inside seating at Hamilton Marketplace, large parties, families and everyone else dives in on comfort food favorites like corned beef hash, buttermilk pancakes and at dinner,
Creekside Pizza & Tap Room American
A perennial Best of the County winner known for their artisan pizzas, hearty sandwiches, flavorful pastas and fresh salads, Creekside offers plentiful glutenfree and vegan options too. Their copper
bar with a 40-handle selection of craft beer (including gluten-free beer), plus wine and kombucha on tap. 638 San Anselmo Ave, 415.785.4450; creeksidesa.com
Cucina sa Italian Open for lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner six nights a week, come by for homemade pastas, seasonal salads, and wood-fired pizzas that strike a balance between southern Italy and Northern California. Don’t skip the happy hour from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, either! 510 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.2942; cucina-sa.com
Flour Craft Bakery American Along with artisan gluten-free and an assortment of vegan pastries, breads, and special-occasion cakes, this petite cafe serves a lunch menu of so-called fancy toast and big green salads with seasonal flair. Customer favorites include oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, decadent cinnamon rolls, flourless hazelnut brownies, and the bakery’s signature granola. 702 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.3100; flourcraftbakery.com BB $
Kuro Nami Japanese Kitchen Japanese Kuro Nami, which means “black wave,” is a new restaurant from the team behind The Baan Thai Cuisine. There, you’ll find
inventive sushi rolls, premium sake and a menu of signature dishes that explore the depth of Japanese cuisine. It’s not just sushi — you can try picks like kani miso (grilled miso paste with crab), or their creamy pasta with tempura softshell crab. 69 Center Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.459.6969; kuro namimarin.com
Madcap Californian Chef Ron Siegel’s contemporary art-filled space is known for its urban edge. The vegetablecentric menu, available as a tasting menu, incorporates seafood and Japanese techniques in colorful dishes like trout with baby bok choy, purple daikon and dashi that are bold, balanced and bright. 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo, 415.453.9898; madcapmarin.com
Marché Californian
Into the former Marche aux Fleurs space, Marché’s owners Darren and Alicia Banks focus on seasonal ingredients in plates of avocado toast with Urfa chile, shishito peppers with togarashi, and house made gnocchi with shiitakes is Californian all the way. 23 Ross Common, Ross; 415.925.9200; marchemarin.com
The Baan Thai Cuisine Thai
Known for its mango sticky rice, crispy corn cakes and The Baan Thai salad, new menu
items like fresh spring rolls and steamed dumplings and old favorites such as the tom kha soup entice with fresh flavors and just the right amount of sweet heat. 726 San Anselmo Ave, 415.457.9470; thebaanthai cuisine.com
Valenti & Co.
Italian The bright yet cozy indoor space and warmly lit back patio are ideal environments for authentic Italian dishes made with local ingredients. The menu changes daily but look for the carpaccio of beef, the pan-seared Pekin duck and chef Valenti’s famous tower of triple chocolate love at dessert. 337 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.7800; valentico.com
SAN RAFAEL
Cafe Arrivederci
Italian Located in the heart of San Rafael for the past 27 years! Chef Tito is proud to serve fresh homemade pastas and dishes from all over Italy. Visit the expansive dining room, full bar, garden patio and private rooms for parties and events. 11 G St, 415.453.6427; cafearrivederci.com
Hot Italian Pizza & Panini Bar Italian
This modern Italian restaurant blends tradition and design into a dining experience that feels festive yet timeless. Founded by Maestro Pizzaiolo Fabrizio Cercatore,
Cucina sa is open for lunch and dinner 6 days a week, with private and semi-private rooms available for your parties! Lunch is served Tuesday-Friday 11:30am to 3pm. Brunch is served Saturday and Sunday from 11:30am to 3pm, and dinner is Tuesday through Sunday from 5-9pm, with Happy Hour 3-5pm. Outside dining on our parklet. Hope that you can join us soon! Please call for larger parties or special requests.
CUCINA SA 510 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo, CA 415.454.2942 cucina-sa.com
Hot Italian was created with a simple philosophy: pizza made with passion, organic ingredients, and Italian soul — presented in a fresh, urban style. 909 Lincoln Avenue, San Rafael, 628.285.8630, hotitalian.net
Humbowl
Californian With exciting flavor profiles ranging from Thai curry to breakfast fare, Humbowl’s offerings are hearty, healthy and made with fresh ingredients. Many of their menu items are even easy to turn vegan. 1016 Court St; 415.795.8922; humbowleats.com
$ N BB
Red Rooster Brick
Oven American Roasted in the brick oven, then brushed with sweet and spicy garlic sauce, Red
Rooster wings are a must-order at an allday Italian American restaurant with a sprinkling of Asian flavors. A thin crust pizza pulled from the brick oven is available at breakfast, too (glutenfree crust is available), and a changing menu of daily offerings. The buttermilk-fried chicken sandwich with house made chipotle aioli has a dedicated following and the Boston clam chowder might just convince a few New Englanders to relocate. 901 B St, 415.234.8414; redroosterbrick oven.com
$
SAUSALITO
Angelino Restaurant
Italian Multiple generations of the Ancona family create an authentic Italian eatery with handmade pastas and seasonal
Copita Mexican Co-owner Joanne Weir, along with Chef Aaron Sabido, presents fresh Mexican fare in the heart of Bridgeway. The everchanging menu is 100 percent gluten-free, masa is prepared and pressed in house for each and every tortilla, and the in-house tequila bar serves over 100 varieties, ideal for crafting your own margarita. Dine at the bar or on the outdoor patio for great people-watching. 739 Bridgeway, 415.331.7400; copitarestaurant.com
BB $ HH
whole crab, chowder and grilled fish. 588 Bridgeway, 415.332.9551; scomassausalito.com
antipasti that has showcased the cuisine of the Campania regionfor more than 20 years. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225; angelino restaurant.com
Barrel House Tavern Californian
Stop by Barrel House for a feeling of rising above it all where the soaring ceiling work reflects the restaurant’s name. The barrel-aged cocktails are worth a visit (try the Negroni) but dishes like maitake mushroom flatbread and tartare tacos reflect a locallyfocused ethos that is enhanced by the cool setting and fantastic bay and city views. 660 Bridgeway, 415.729.9593; barrelhousetavern.com
Poggio Italian Vitello sliced excruciatingly thin and topped with lemon and tonnato sauce is a singular dish in the hands of executive chef Benjamin Balesteri who creates Northern Italian fare using local and Italian ingrdients. 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771; poggiotrattoria.com
BB
Scoma’s of Sausalito Italian San Fransisco’s oldest seafood house has its own boat, berthed at Pier 47, that fishes seasonally and is approved for catching salmon and Dungeness crab, resulting in fresh seafood yearround. The menu at both the Sausalito and Fisherman’s Wharf locations were revamped in accordance with the environmentally responsible Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program and regularly features
Sushi Ran Japanese Sample innovative small plates just big enough to share before enjoying some of the best sushi the Bay Area has to offer; the prices don’t deter the herd of enthusiasts who line up nightly to partake. Just stopping by? The wine, cocktail and sake lists keep even the pickiest barfly satisfied. Reservations are a must in the main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620; sushiran.com
TIBURON
Caffe Acri Italian
The well-lit corner cafe in downtown Tiburon is a go-to for bikers, city commuters, and locals. Diners will find Italian roast espresso drinks, freshly baked pastries, and eggs for breakfast and a selection of soups, salads and paninis for lunch. A market stacked with pantry items and coffee operates inside the café and outdoor dining is available. 1 Main St, 415.435.8515; caffeeacri.com
BB $
Luna Blu Italian
Executive chef Renzo Azzarello serves Sicilian seafood and homemade pastas with a Californian touch. The seasonal menu incorporates fresh and organic produce, local naturally grown meat and poultry
from small farms. The restaurant complies with Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, so all the seafood is sustainable. A recent expansion tripled the size of the patio to accommodate more diners. In 2014, diners voted Luna Blu one of the Top 100 Neighborhood Gem restaurants in America. 35 Main St, 415.789.5844; luna blurestaurant.com
BB
Malibu Farm Californian
The latest SoCal-toNorCal culinary import features a homegrown and sustainable ethos in dishes like fennel-rubbed boneless half chicken and soy-ginger hanger steak. Look for yuzu butternut squash linguine with za’atar coconut cream, pizza with a zucchini crust, plus a lobster roll on a hot dog bun. 9 Main St, malibu-farm.com
BB
Petite Left Bank
French A smaller version of the Larkspur original features an all-day menu of French bistro classics. A notable wine list, artisan craft cocktail menu, and spirit-free beverages round out the lively experience. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with weekend brunch on Saturday and Sunday, and daily morning coffee and pastry service coming soon. 1696 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon; 415.910.1010; petiteleftbank
tiburon.com
$
Tiburon Tavern, Tiburon
Enchanting, Inviting, Delectable
Drink in expansive vineyard views while luxuriating on our outdoor terrace
Enhance any tasting experience with caviar, local artisan cheeses or charcuterie Indulge in our “Bubbles & Bites” elevated tasting experience, debuting a new menu inspired by the vibrant avors of the Caribbean paired with our Méthode Traditionnelle Sparkling Wines. Reserve your tasting experience today
Salt & Pepper
American
A locals favorite for classic American fare. From morning’s Bloody Mary and eggs Benedict through lunch’s clams bouillabaisse and hamburger to dinner’s crab cakes with jalapeño dipping sauce and skirt steak tacos. 38 Main St, 415.435.3594; saltandpepper tiburon.com
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Sam’s Anchor Cafe
American Sam’s boathouse feel and boat tie-ups with boatside service are part of its charm but most come for the spiffy white umbrellas and deck chairs on the expansive waterfront patio. All-day cocktails remain a fixture as does the signature cioppino, while offerings like crab toast, a roaming oyster cart, and a raw bar reflect
the menu’s enduring seafood focus. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527; samscafe.com
BB HH
Servino Ristorante
Italian
Chef and owner
Angelo Servino highlights organic ingredients in an array of rustic Italian dishes, including house-made pastas, wood-oven pizzas, and seasonal specialties. Located on Ark Row, Servino also prides itself on its extensive sustainable seafood program and deep Italian wine list. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676; servino.com
BB HH
Squalo Vino Wine Bar
American Fifteen wines by the glass, 90 by the bottle and a handful of local beers are available at an intimate wine bar and wine shop. Look
list that leans towards American, Italian and French offerings. Complimentary evening valet provided. 2000 Paradise Drive, 415.435.3400; the caprice.com
BB HH
The Caviar Co American Belvedere resident Petra Bergstein expanded her San Franciscobased business with a downtown shop and restaurant dedicated to the briny delicacy. Caviar flights, along with Champagne by the glass or bottle and small plates like grilled cheese with truffles, are available to enjoy in their tasting room or to take home. 46A Main Street, Tiburon; 415.889.5168; info.the caviarco.com
for rare and hard-tofind bottles to enjoy onsite at one of the bistro tables or from a comfy, velvet-lined club chair or to go. Cheeseboards featuring Rustic Bakery crackers and Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt Tam and a “fish and chips’ plate with caviar from nearby The Caviar Company are on hand. 34 Main St, Tiburon; 415.889.5585; squalovino.com
HH
The Caprice Californian Expansive bay views from every seat are just one of many charms after an extensive remodel. The revamped menu of well-crafted comfort food from land (bone-in filet mignon, Colorado lamb chops) and sea (gnocchi with crab, abalone dore), also features classic cocktails and a wine
to the ambience that teleports you right across the world. 1 Blackfield Dr, Ste 12; 415.888.9281; troyatiburon.com
BB N
Via Piccola Trattoria Italian Pedro and Maria Ulloa (formerly of San Rafael’s Arrivederci) serve dishes like veal saltimbocca and handmade pappardelle alla Abruzzese (gluten-free pasta is available) at lunch and dinner with tiramisu or key lime pie for dessert. Their petite restaurant at The Cove Shopping Center has a heated patio, shaded from the lights in the adjoining parking lot. 1 Blackfield Dr. #11 at The Cove, 415.388.9100; viapiccola.com
Tiburon Tavern Californian Food service at the Lodge at Tiburon is in the hands of Luna Blu’s Renzo and Crystal Azzarello who run the Tiburon Tavern bar, restaurant and other on-site eating opportunities. Executive chef Selvin Vicente is on board to handle the flow from breakfast and brunch through dinner. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.3133; lodgeattiburon.com
BB HH
Troya Restaurant Mediterranean Born out of SF, Tiburon’s Troya serves the same beloved TurkishMediterranean cuisine with brunch, lunch and dinner menus. The dainty yet modern Mediterranean interior design contributes
Rancho Nicasio
American Known for live music and an extensive menu featuring everything from crispy calamari to braised lamb shanks, Rancho Nicasio is open seven days a week, including brunch. Whatever you choose, the outdoor space welcomes all with plenty of shade and space between tables. 1 Old Rancheria Road, Nicasio, 415.662.2219; ranchonicasio.com
BB
Side Street Kitchen American
WEST MARIN
Nick’s Cove American
This historic, beloved escape and its cozy cottages recently underwent a refresh to maximize enjoyment of the picturesque views from its perch on Tomales Bay. Take a seat outside along the pier, at the boat shack over the water or in the waterfront lounge and enjoy barbecued local oysters, Dungeness crab mac ’n’ cheese and cocktails incorporating homegrown ingredients. The cozy bar and fireplace in the main dining room makes the most of fog-whipped and rainy days. 23240 Highway 1, Marshall, 415.663.1033; nickscove.com
The fine-casual eatery led by chef Aaron Wright serves favorites like rotisserie chicken, and pork-belly BLTs as well as wholesome vegetarian fare. This is one of the few spots in West Marin that serves gluten-free beer. 60 Fourth St, Point Reyes Station, 415.663.0303; sidestreet-prs.com BB
Luna Blu, Tiburon
words
1 96 pictures taken over fifty years that define thirty words
Marine Science for All Ages
Book
Passage Corte Madera
Thursday, June 25, 6 pm
From the streets of Llasa, Tibet to the steppes of Mongolia to the bright colors of India, author Jim Wood will share his unique perspective on life through photos he has taken over the last 50 years that define thirty words.
Jim Wood, Marin Magazine co-founder, is a frequent contributor and lives in Tiburon with his wife Nikki.
MARIN HOME
Leveling Up
BY LOTUS ABRAMS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL DYER
A young family’s Kentfield home is upgraded with a second story addition and an infusion of character.
The dining room features built-in cabinetry and an Alfred Newall table.
Though it wasn’t much to look at originally, a small, dated single-story home in Kentfield built in 1954 caught the attention of a couple seeking to move from Sonoma to Marin. The location was walkable to the nearby school, which was ideal for their young family, and it had a level front and backyard. Perhaps best of all, it was beautifully sited with views of Mt. Tam, so they decided to purchase the property. “Their backyard borders Corte Madera Creek, so nothing can be built there,” says interior designer Heather K. Bernstein, principal designer and owner of Kentfieldbased HKB Interior Design, who helped the couple transform their new home.
Before the homeowners could upgrade the dated, lackluster interior spaces, their first move was to tackle their spatial needs with the help of architect Keith Kirley, the managing and founding partner at
Larkspur-based Kirley Architects, who is also a close friend. “As new homeowners, they were interested in expanding the house, capturing the incredible views of Mt. Tam, and creating a stronger indoor-outdoor connection by opening the home to the backyard,” Kirley explains.
CONSTRUCTION
J&J Custom Builders
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
To achieve this, the team added a second level to the house, which encompasses a large primary bedroom with an ensuite bathroom; a sitting area with a bar and kitchenette; a smaller bedroom; and two decks — one covered and heated and one open — that take advantage of the views. The expansion brought the home from approximately 1,637 square feet, with three bedrooms
and two-and-a-half bathrooms, to nearly 2,700 square feet, with threeand-a-half bathrooms.
On the first floor, the team created a welcoming new front porch and entry, fully remodeled the kitchen and expanded its footprint, upgraded the existing bedrooms and bathrooms, and installed a series of sliding doors for a seamless connection with the outdoors. They also upgraded the exterior of the home with new siding, architectural millwork and windows, as well as completely redesigned landscaping by Larkspur firm Girvin Associates. “The owners wanted to modernize the home while preserving its original character and maintaining a scale that fits
Girvin Associates
Interior designer Heather K. Bernstein incorporated details like board-and-batten paneling, wainscoting and box beams into the design.
comfortably within the surrounding community,” Kirley says.
When it came time to focus on aesthetics, Bernstein looked to the outdoor environment for inspiration. “We pulled a lot of colors from nature — blues, greens, ivories — along with dark and light shades in the stone finishes,” she says. Bernstein also incorporated traditional elements like board-and-batten paneling, wainscoting and box beams into the design to infuse the spaces with character.
Unlike much modern home design, the kitchen isn’t fully open to the rest of the house — an intentional decision — though wide doorways invite movement and light. “The client told me, ‘I want a kitchen that’s beautiful but not open to everything so that if it’s a mess, I don’t have to think about it,’” Bernstein says. Details include cabinetry painted in De Nimes blue by Farrow & Ball, a dark-stained white oak island, zellige tilework, Calacatta marble surfaces, Lostine pendants and hardware by Ashley Norton.
The adjacent dining room presented Bernstein with a bit of a challenge. “The dining room was tricky because it was more square-shaped,” she says. “The homeowners needed storage, so we added built-in cabinetry with a stone ledge and installed bead board and fun sconces in the back. The table from Alfred Newall is almost a square.”
The team also updated the adjoining living room, centering the fireplace for better symmetry and flanking it with new built-in storage pieces. Furnishings in the space include the rug and coffee table by the Vintage Rug Shop in Berkeley.
Enhancing the connection to the outdoors, large sliding glass doors in the dining and living room area open to a heated patio in the completely redesigned backyard. Says Bernstein, “We did everything — new landscape, new trellis, new furniture but we kept it simple so that the creek and the trees beyond and Mt. Tam even beyond that would be the focal point.”
Above: Blue painted custom cabinetry and a dark-stained white oak island are complemented by Calacatta marble and zellige tilework in the kitchen.
Below: The new front porch.
Above: Built-in storage flanks the fireplace in the living room.
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70 Fox Drive, Inverness
The largest residential parcel available in Point Reyes / Inverness—20 acres on Inverness Ridge with sweeping views of Black Mountain and Olema Valley, adjacent to the National Seashore and just an hour from the Golden Gate Bridge.
A sun-drenched homesite curated by a visionary architect and Buddhist priest. Fully approved and ready to build: plans included, foundation underway, power, water, and a producing well in place.
Skip the entitlement process and bring your vision to life.
LOOKING BACK
81 Dipseas Ago
The Man Who Won the
BY JIM WOOD
“Hottest” Dipsea Ever
JUNE 14, 2026 MARKS THE 115TH RUNNING of the Dipsea. This means 1,500 men and women, ranging in age from 8–80, most of them Marin residents, will leave downtown Mill Valley beginning at 8 a.m. and climb up 680ish concrete steps, then run seven miles along some of Mt Tamalpais’ most rutted and steep dirt trails and finish in Stinson Beach near the Pacific Ocean. Sound like fun? It ain’t!
But for nearly every year since 1905, thousands of runners have insisted upon doing it. Only during two years of the Great
Who knows what the weather will be like for this year’s running of the Dipsea, but there’s one thing all of its runners will have to have in common — the ability to really withstand punishment.
Depression, four years of WWII and one year of the Covid pandemic were runners forced to stay home because the Dipsea had been cancelled. Yet, according to historian Barry Spitz’s 270-page book Dipsea, The Greatest Race, the weather — be it rain, fog or freezing cold — has never caused a cancellation. Nor has harsh heat ever halted Dipsea mania. As Spitz chronicles on page 63, “The 1940 race was held on an oppressively hot day, perhaps the hottest in Dipsea history, with morning temperatures above 90 degrees.” Obvious results of the high temperatures were the runner’s slow times. “The winner Ernie Marinoni’s time,” Spitz points out, “was the second slowest winning time ever.” And Marinoni (note the first five letters of his last name), pictured above, wasn’t your typical runner. “He fought 183 fights as a lightweight boxer named Johnnie Costello,” writes Spitz. “He could really withstand punishment.” Who knows what the weather will be like for this year’s running of the Dipsea, but there’s one thing all of its runners will have to have in common — the ability to really withstand punishment.
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