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MARI N E X T R A O R D I N A R Y

L I V I N G

NOVEMBER 2007

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CONTENTS

Features 60

think Marin Recycling Center Ranks number one in the state in pounds recycled per person. story peter ﬁmrite photos tim porter

home Under a Tuscan Tower Marin home designed for easy living by Nahemow Rivera Group. story p. j. bremier photos barbara ries

journey Adventures in Turkey Exploring, shopping and ballooning in Istanbul and beyond. story & photos vassi koutsaftis

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

CONTENTS

Departments110 34

letters

at a glance

album

snap

fashion trends

Readers respond to Marin Magazine.

Hot tips day by day for the Bay Area.

Knarr she blows. by tim porter

Out and about, in and around Marin.

Cocktail dresses for an evening out. by somer ﬂaherty The chic clutch companion. by somer ﬂaherty

38 life style Sausalito’s Blake Kuwahara shares thoughts on living in Marin.

home decor

fyi

Watching movies and other media at home.

Etiquette: Proper table setting for entertaining. by somer ﬂaherty Entertaining: Holiday hosting 101. compiled by mimi towle People: How chef Michael Mina doesThanksgiving. by mandy behbehani

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

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76 CONTENTS

Departments

162

54 conversation

Multi-committed attorney Doug Ferguson. by jim wood

go Winter beaches. by samantha bronson Boonville bound. by kendra smith

92 play

Carving the skate parks of Marin. by pat judah

96 books

James Tipton’s Annette Vallon. by samantha berry

100 calendar

A roundup of performing arts, events, galleries and more.

112

flavor Favorite mashed potato recipes. by mimi towle Dine Out: An insider’s guide to Bay Area restaurants.

136 microclimate

The unique community of Point San Quentin Village. by jim wood

162 dialogue

Marine scientist John McCosker. by mimi towle

Columns The Cover Fall Bounty, by Marin

view from mount tam The creators of Marin Magazine welcome you to share their vision.

photographer Barbara Ries. Her work can be seen at barbararies.com. 10

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

pov Fall: the season of optimism. by jim wood

Editorial editorial director Nikki Wood ext 105 nwood@marinmagazine.com

executive editor Jim Wood ext 106 jwood@marinmagazine.com

associate editor Mimi Towle ext 101 mtowle@marinmagazine.com

editor-at-large Tim Porter tporter@marinmagazine.com

departments editor Somer Flaherty ext 103 sflaherty@marinmagazine.com

copy editor/proofreader Cynthia Rubin

editorial contributors Samantha Berry, P. J. Bremier, Samantha Bronson, Pat Judah, Vassi Koutsaftis, Anne Ray

Art art director Anne Walzer anne_walzer@comcast.net

production manager Alex French ext 111 production@marinmagazine.com

production artist Steve Mak

contributing photographers Drew Altizer, R. Gary Ferber, Sheri Montgomery, Matthew Patterson, Barbara Ries

web master Nancy Williams

Administration controller Maeve Walsh ext 104 mwalsh@marinmagazine.com

Lighting and Furnishings from Lunaria Marin Magazine, One Harbor Dr, Ste 208,

Interior Design by Jessica Hall Associates

Sausalito, CA 94965, phone: 415.332.4800, Tel 415.461.0588

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fax: 415.332.3048, web: marinmagazine.com, e-mail: editorial@marinmagazine.com

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

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Advertising publisher Lisa Shanower 415.332.4800 ext 107 lshanower@marinmagazine.com

advertising director Courtney Q. Roberts ext 108 croberts@marinmagazine.com

account manager Michele Johnson ext 110 mjohnson@marinmagazine.com

account manager Genevieve Luckel ext 109 gluckel@marinmagazine.com

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southeast tlc media Cindy Taylor 404.459.6578

hawaii destination marketing Debbie Joseph Shana Wong 808.739.2200

advertising art director Alex French ext 111 production@marinmagazine.com

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Volume 3, Issue 11. Marin Magazine is published in Marin County by Marin Magazine LLC. All rights reserved. Copyright©2007. Reproduction of Marin Magazine content is prohibited without the expressed, written consent of Marin Magazine LLC. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned. Marin Magazine reserves the right to refuse to publish any advertisement deemed detrimental to the best interests of the community or that is in questionable taste. Marin Magazine is mailed monthly to homes and businesses in Marin County. Subscription rates are $36 per year. Marin Magazine, One Harbor Drive, Sausalito, CA 94965. Phone 415.332.4800, fax 415.332.3048, e-mail editorial@marinmagazine.com, website marinmagazine.com. marin magazine is printed on 30% post consumer waste paper member of the bpa worldwide: fsc-certified products originate from well-managed forests.

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

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V I E W F R O M M O U N T TA M

USING—AND REUSING—the resources of the earth has

attitude) Pat Judah’s introduction to local skateparks. But

never been more important. Fortunately, Marin County is

don’t leave home without reading Fashion Trends for the

home to the one of the nation’s most successful recycling

latest update in cocktail ensembles and the chic clutches

programs. In Think, writer Peter Fimrite and photogra-

to go with them.

pher Tim Porter take us backstage at the Marin Recycling

The holidays are nigh upon us and we’re here to help

Center, where more than three quarters of what we throw

you survive the entertaining season. Kathleen Mailliard

out is turned into something useful again.

Rende from Gump’s teaches us (very politely) the proper

In Home, P. J. Bremier tells us how a San Rafael cou-

etiquette of table setting; four Marin caterers go back to

ple managed to get some Tuscan sunshine to fall on their

basics with holiday hosting 101; and Mandy Behbehani

5,200-square-foot home—complete with an imposing

makes her debut in the magazine with a Thanksgiving

stone tower—overlooking San Pablo Bay.

profile of Novato chef-entrepreneur Michael Mina.

Travel writer and photographer Vassi Koutsaftis finds

Also in this issue, we engage in Conversation with

his muse under the Turkish sun, where he wanders the

attorney Doug Ferguson about his lengthy involvement

alleyways of Istanbul savoring sweet pastries, renews

with nonprofits and with filmmaker George Lucas, ex-

a family connection, cruises the Aegean Sea aboard a

plore the hidden community of Point San Quentin Village

traditional two-masted gulet, and balloons more than

in Microclimate and have a Dialogue with marine scien-

a mile in the air to survey the lunar terrain of Turkey’s

tist John McCosker.

volcanic uplands. Those who need to get away, but have less time to do so, will enjoy Kendra Smith’s tour of Boonville and

MARIN

As always, our wish is for your good reading. Enjoy Marin Magazine, as we continue to celebrate this extraordinary place!

the Anderson Valley; local travel agents’ guide to beach-

Lisa Shanower, Publisher

es that provide welcoming respite from the coming win-

Nikki Wood, Editorial Director

ter; and (for those with the right mix of balance, age and

Jim Wood, Executive Editor

NOVEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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LE TTE R S

Readers respond Supervisor Charles McGlashan came across as intelligent, articulate and passionate (Conversation, October), but I have a couple of problems with his vision of a car-free Marin. I can hop in my PTV (personal transportation vehicle) and do errands, play golf and visit friends and family in minutes. How would my life change if I had to rely on public transportation to do all this? Supervisor McGlashan cites the example of Delft and other European cities that have embraced public transit. These places are not Marin County, and their residents don’t lead our lives. We live in an increasingly frenetic society where personal time is at a premium, where we travel long distances to work, shop and play. Except for moving masses of job-holders in the morning and evening, how does public transit address these real needs? I would like to know. Ken Sablik, Novato I just returned from vacation and saw the current Marin Magazine. It looks beautiful! I was delighted to see Jim Shay’s art on the cover. Jim is on our board and a longtime MAC member, not to mention a terrific artist! Thanks for a great magazine. Keep up the good work. Jeanne Bogardus, executive director Marin Arts Council Correction: In the September 2007 issue of Marin Magazine, the Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa’s rack rates mentioned in Go, page 124, “Ch, Ch, Changes,” are incorrect. Rack rates are from $499 to $800 for guest rooms and $750 to $5,800 for tower suites. Letters to the editor may be edited for clarity and brevity. Send letters to Marin Magazine, One Harbor Drive, Suite 208, Sausalito, CA 94965. Or e-mail jwood@marinmagazine.com.

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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POV

Fall: The Season of Optimism Three dreams for Marin’s not-too-distant future

BY JIM WOOD

Wright’s existing Civic Center structures, and im-

imagining that the next time Marin’s footprint is

proved ingress and egress from the 101 Freeway.

measured (autumn of 2010) we’ll slip easily into

So what if the measure means residents pay a

“something less than a size 20.”

hundred dollars extra a year in taxes? Marin is

Let’s unify Marin County: In the 1970s,

one of the nation’s most affluent counties, but

plans were afoot to turn Sir Francis Drake

when it comes to getting together as a commu-

Boulevard into a freeway as it crossed the coun-

nity, we’re a tad impoverished.

ty into West Marin. Obviously, that did not and

Let’s reduce Marin’s ecological footprint:

should not have happened. However, fall’s lon-

Marin residents talk a good environmental talk,

ger shadows have me thinking there’s a middle

but so far we aren’t walking it. I envision that

ground. Let’s be honest: Although Marin is one

changing someday soon. Our current eco-foot-

county, it often feels like two. West Marin, a set-

print is a clodhopper. Statistically, each of us

ting of intense beauty, has two national parks,

all energizes my mind. The crisp, clear

requires 27.4 acres of the world’s usable land

several state park locations, miles of windswept

air cranks up my optimism. I imagine

and water to support the way we live. Italy and

desolate beaches, numerous lodges and inns,

Marin being all that it can be. Are you

France leave far smaller eco-footprints. Worse,

incredibly good restaurants, historic commu-

with me? This autumn as I drive, bike and hike

Marin’s eco-foot size is one of the biggest among

nities and spectacular opportunities to camp,

around the county, here’s what I visualize hap-

the nine Bay Area counties. So for starters, this

kayak and hike. Yet the taxpaying residents of

pening in Marin’s not-too-distant future:

fall let’s voluntarily refuse plastic bags whenever

Marin are often disinclined to visit this part of

Let’s have a place to come together: In

they’re offered and instead produce a reusable

their county when faced with the narrow, curv-

1957, architect Frank Lloyd Wright said of the

bag at the checkout counter. Increasingly, I’m

ing, long, and often-potholed road many must

county Civic Center he was designing: “It’s

seeing that happen. Thin plastic bags are a by-

take in order to get there. However, talks have

hoped that Marin’s citizens, cognizant of this

product of oil, they don’t decompose and can-

recently started regarding an $7 million project

significant contribution to their lives, will work

not be recycled (they belong with garbage, not

to widen Sir Francis Drake as it passes through

together toward the completion of this entire

in the recycling bin), and each one will exist for

Samuel P. Taylor State Park and adding top-

master plan.” Now, 50 years later, it’s time to

more than a hundred years, many as litter—the

quality bike lanes as part of the package. It’s a

do just that. This will probably mean propos-

stuff that kills wildlife, clutters our highways

five- and-a-half mile segment that would go a

ing and passing a $250 million bond measure.

and fouls the environment. Yes, that flimsy plas-

long way toward unifying Marin County, mak-

Nevertheless, in these heady days of autumn, I

tic you are given (and accept) at the market or

ing West Marin more accessible to the bulk of

believe it’s possible. The bond would result in a

drugstore does all that. And while rejecting plas-

its population. On these bright sunny morn-

2,500-seat modern auditorium for concerts, per-

tic, let’s all make our next car a hybrid, put more

ings, I imagine the concept will sail through

formances and the perennially sold-out Marin

solar panels on more roofs, buy renewable ener-

the environmental processes and become a

Speaker Series. The project would also include

gy for our homes, use energy-saving light bulbs,

reality by 2009.

adequate rooms and halls for Marin organiza-

create cleaner air and healthier kids by utilizing

tions to host luncheon and dinner meetings,

Marin’s Safe Routes to Schools program and,

permanent facilities for year-round farmers’

whenever possible, walk or bike rather than

What’s yours?

markets, lawns and landscaping complementing

firing up the family SUV. These days, I’ve been

E-mail jwood@marinmagazine.com.

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

Of course this is all wildly optimistic, but it’s fall and that’s my point of view.

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

A Vineyard Oasis Called Home

INTRODUCING THE ORCHARD RESIDENCES AT THE CARNEROS INN, A PLUMPJACK RESORT

Surrounded by the Carneros vineyards, T H E O R C H A R D is a community like no other. A special destination designed to celebrate the good life, provide an escape from the ordinary and transport visitors to a more simple time and a slower pace. T H E O R C H A R D is a perfect balance of modern design, old world ambiance, rural charm and luxury resort. A place where relaxation and indulgence are priorities but authentic connection to the land and rich, social experiences are equally important. A casual, serene retreat in the heart of Napa – less than one hour from San Francisco, yet a world apart.

Fractional ownership starting under $300,000. To learn more about this limited opportunity, call 888.PlumpJack or visit TheOrchardatCarneros.com This invitation is not intended to be an offering in any jurisdiction other than in California. In particular, this invitation is not intended to be an offering in any jurisdiction (other than in California) if such invitations are subject to qualification, registration or other regulation.

AT A GLAN C E

EVE NT S IN MAR IN & B EYO ND

N OVEM BER

NOVEMBER 2 Pitcairn in Concert

NOVEMBER 2 Modern Dance

At this Marin Symphony benefit, hear violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn in concert at a private Marin home; fine wines and hors d’oeuvres will be served (Belvedere). 415.479.8100, marinsymphony.org

Innovative dance ensemble Pilobolus performs its signature moves, in which bodies entangle in ever more creative ways. Marin Center (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org

THRU DECEMBER The Great Turkey

NOVEMBER 3 Hospice Ball

Bring canned food and visit the 16-foot-tall talking turkey, built by John Lister and the folks at Lucasfilm. Donations benefit the Marin County Food Bank. Corte Madera Town Center (Corte Madera).

Doug McConnell emcees this gala, which includes a seated dinner, dancing and auction to support Hospice by the Bay Foundation. Marin Center (San Rafael). 415.526.5621, hospicebythebay.org

NOVEMBER 4 Barbershop Chorus

NOVEMBER 6 Voting Day

Marin Golden Gate Barbershop Chorus’s annual show is a tribute to old-time radio and the days of the mystery show and soap opera. Showcase Theater (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marinbarbershopchorus.org

Head to the polls to cast your vote in the Marin Uniform District Election. For more information and polling locations contact the county registrar of voters. 415.499.6456, marinvotes.org

NOVEMBER 11 Veterans Day

NOVEMBER 15 Dinner for a Cause

In honor of those who have served our country, enjoy music, military exercises and a brief address in front of the war memorials. Marin Veterans’ Memorial Auditorium (San Rafael).

Head to the Lark Creek Inn, Yankee Pier and other selected Marin restaurants, which will donate 20 percent of their dinner proceeds to Homeward Bound of Marin. 415.455.5680, hbofm.org

NOVEMBER 15 James Cotton

NOVEMBER 17–25 Heath Sale and Tour

NOVEMBER 22 Thanksgiving

The Grammy Award–nominated harmonica player, singer and songwriter has performed with Muddy Waters and has toured with Janis Joplin. Larkspur Cafe Theater (Larkspur). 415.924.6107

Annual sale features custom Heath Ceramics tableware and vintage buttons, pendants and necklaces. On the 17th and 18th, meet the owners for a guided tour. Heath Ceramics (Sausalito). 415.332.3732

What better way to accompany the turkey (or Tofurky) than with the perfect side, mashed potatoes? Marin chefs share their secrets for mouthwatering spuds on page 112.

MARIN NOVEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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M A R I N ALBUM

Knarr She Blows! BY TIM PORTER “There is nothing — absolutely nothing — half so much worth doing as simply

MESSING ABOUT WITH BOATS, some quite small and some overly large, is something

that happens regularly on San Francisco Bay, providing juxtapositions like this one—a trio of sailboats dwarfed by an incoming container ship. What’s unusual about this image, though, is the type of sailboat you see. It’s a knarr (don’t pronounce the “k” unless you’re reading this in Norway), and they’re found (mostly) in just

messing about in boats.”

three places in the world—here in the Bay Area, Denmark and the aforementioned Norway.

—WATER R AT

other, rotating the contest between the three locales. This year was the Bay Area’s turn,

K E N N ET H GR A H A ME,

and the Belvedere-based San Francisco Yacht Club hosted the 39th International Knarr

THE WIND IN THE WIL LOWS

Championship during the ﬁrst week of September. More than two dozen knarrer (yep,

The 30-foot boats are so rare that their owners travel around the globe to race each

that’s the plural) took to the bay, and a San Franciscan held off last year’s champion, a test shifts to Norway next year. Several Marin knarr owners, including some with suspiciously Scandinavian-sounding names, such as Knud Wibroe and Sean Svendsen, acquitted themselves well in their knarly craft. (Couldn’t let the pun opportunity pass, but bet you k-new that was coming.)

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTO: PETER LYONS

Dane, to win it all. He has bragging rights as the world’s best knarr skipper until the con-

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S NA P SAUSALITO ART FESTIVAL

Joseph Lillis, Marge Josephson

Joe Betz, Marian Olan, Dan McCall

Dan O’Connor, Cheryl Popp Lisa and Brian Bacino, Mark Keller

Bruce and Stephanie Pratt, Joan Olsen, Tom Factor

Darren and Heather Huber

Marin’s Annual Art Festivals At the gala preview for the 55th annual Sausalito Art Festival,

TIBURON ART FESTIVAL

artists and locals walked the grounds, sipped libations and got a sneak preview of featured art. The crowd wore a hodgepodge of black-tie ensembles and groovy vintage prints, which matched the ’60s music Big Band Beat performed. Ark Row was the place to be for the ﬁrst annual Tiburon Art Festival. San Francisco

SAUSALITO ART FESTIVAL/TANYA JOHNSEN; TIBURON ART FESTIVAL/SHERI MONTGOMERY

Chronicle art critic Kenneth Baker and Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco’s European art curator, Dr. Lynn Federle Orr, selected the contemporary art for the festival, which also featured live music by Katie Knipp, Gumbo West Band and Mindy Canter. The launch party, at the San Francisco Yacht Club, welcomed the seJaleh Etemad, Allison Massari

Stetler TomPaula Wright, Katie Knipp Connie Wiley, Tom Gram

lected artists and Marinites, giving them a chance to mingle over cocktails while taking in views of the city.

Soni Desimone and Anthony Desimone

Asher and Diane Rubin

Dennis Kwalski, Anne Davis

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

MARIN NOVEMBER 2007

SNAP LULULEMON ATHLETICA

Alyssa Jorgensen, Tosca Bonardi, Lacey Norton, Megan Donaldson

Pete Guthlein, Jeff McMullen, Melissa and David Fairbrother

Fabulous Launches in Marin

Ashley Schumacher

At the Grand Opening of Lululemon Athletica in Corte Madera, guests like new store manager Kathleen Dahlen and Jill Dailey of the Dailey Method enjoyed food by Carrie Dove and a performance by local yoga instructors who, acting as ambassadors for the athletic brand, treated the audience to a yoga demonstration to the beats Mira Kanter, Lisa Rueff

of DJ Urn. Joyce Raffo and Paige Rodgers recently unveiled Fabkins, a line of eco-friendly cloth napkins for kids. The launch party eve-

Mindy Ariowitsch, Doug McIntosh, Jill Dailey

ning was a success, attended by 60 Marin moms, who picked up the bright–colored napkins that feature design themes like “prima ballerina” and “sports fan” to include in their children’s lunch boxes in place of paper napkins.

Jennifer Ginsburg, Kirsten Beckwith

FABKINS

Joyce Raffo Megan Devlin, Fred Fox, Pilar Maas, Sharon Lucheta Amy Lyman, Fanya Seabrook, Paige Rodgers

MARIN NOVEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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Karen Caldwell, Adrianna Pope Sullivan

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San Francisco Style What better way to celebrate Cartier’s move to 250 Post Street than with a stylish private opening–night party? Select guests even received the special invitation—a series of cards detailing the night’s festivities and stacked in a gold box, tied with a red Cartier ribbon—by delivery via a sleek Cartier page. Cartier CEO and

Brian Hunt

Frédéric de Narp

North American president Frédéric de Narp was on hand to mingle with guests at the stylish soiree, which was designed by Stanlee

BURBERRY

Stacey and Linda Schneller

Gatti with catering by Paula le Duc. The evening featured an ice bar where caviar was served, an outdoor lounge and music by DJ Earworm, who stood on a 12-foot-high platform specially built for the occasion. Sales from Cartier Love bracelets raised money for the Forbes Norris MDA/ALS Research Center at California Paciﬁc Medical Center, the J. David Gladstone Institutes at UCSF and the Pritzker Center at UCSF. At San Francisco’s downtown Nordstrom, Burberry creative director Christopher Bailey made an in-store appearance to promote the Burberry Prorsum collection. At the grand

Alan Morrell, Christopher Bailey

opening of the new Kiehl’s store in the Westﬁeld Centre, Grammy Award–winning singer Joss Stone and Kiehl’s vice president of sales

Casey Johnson, Aaron Eddy

Ed Fox were on hand to announce the company’s partnership with VH1 Save the Music Foundation. For one year, 1 percent of proceeds from the store will go toward creation of a music program at a local

Sarah Hinckle, Nick Coso

Kelly Gillooley, Susie Dempsey

KIEHL’S

Joss Stone, Ed Fox

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Jennifer Franks, Roberta Economidis

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Around Town At this year’s International Knarr Championship, sailors from Denmark and Norway traveled to the San Francisco Yacht Club in Tiburon to compete against U.S. skippers in a weeklong regatta, Mimi Chen, Jeffrey Palladini, Abby Crome, Jerry Jameson

Timothy Weldon, Eric Harr

which is rotated each year among the three countries. The week’s highlights included a performance by Sons of the Beach, a singing group composed of locals who perform at Knarr events. American Chris Perkins and the 2006 defending champion from Denmark, Soren Pehrsson, fiercely pursued first place, but after the week’s races Perkins came out on top by just two points. Marin skippers Rick Fisher, Knarr admiral Larry Drew and Sean Svendsen all fin-

Mark Yang, Peter Kaye, Vince Genovese

Natalie and Nick Calder, Jessica Potter

ished in the top ten. In downtown San Rafael, Crome Architecture hosted the opening of The Fundamental Forces, an exhibition of paintings by nationally recognized Marin-based artist Jeffrey

ACCESS

Palladini, in the business’s stunning new space. In southern Marin, Lili Shahabi, owner of Lili S Salon on Caledonia Street, hosted the Sausalito Chamber Mixer, an evening where local business owners met and mingled. In Novato, Access held its third annual “Hearts, Clubs and Aces” poker and golf tournament at StoneTree Golf Club. Access provides a grief support network for victims and sur-

Brad Burlingame, Heidi Snow, Gary Plummer, Rachel Courtney

Joe Fisher, Greg Murphy, Eric Hutchinson, Scott Shaw

MARIN NOVEMBER 2007

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Lili and Saeed Shahabi

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FA S H I ON TRENDS

STYLISH

EVENING

OUT It’s that time of year again, when philanthropic benefits, dinner parties and holiday festivities make the evening cocktail dress de rigueur. Whether adorned with sequins, lace or satin, it heralds in this time of year.

1. The Innocent Colleen dress by Velvet and Graham & Spencer, $253 at Kismet (San Anselmo). 415.454.2629

2. The Free Spirit Nightingale dress by Diane von Furstenberg, $850 at Pearl (Larkspur). 415.464.1808, pearlwonderfulclothing.com 3. The Sophisticate Loop Collar Little Black Dress by gr.dano, $380 at Betty Ann (Novato). 415.892.2255

4. The Femme Fatale Long-sleeve cocktail dress by Burberry, $3,050 at Burberry (SF). 415.392.2200, burberry.com

5. The Knockout Sequined dress by Yoana Baraschi, $420 at Neiman Marcus (SF). 415.362.3900, neimanmarcus.com

by somer flaherty

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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FA S H I ON TRENDS

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THE CHIC CLUTCH COMPANION This season, bid adieu to the bulky bag. What better to pair with a cocktail dress than the timeless clutch? It offers just enough room for the essentials, which

in itself is part of the allure. It’s not just a purse but a partner for that special evening.

1. The Holiday Honeycomb clutch by Mary Frances, $160 at Duarteau boutique (San Rafael). 415.258.0313, duarteau.com

2. The Opera D’Abo Metallic Ayers Snakeskin clutch by Kotur, $388 at Number 5 (Ross). 415.925.9555

3. The Beneﬁt Monogram Limelight Lamé Clutch by Louis Vuitton, $1,275 at Louis Vuitton (SF). 6

415.391.6200, louisvuitton.com

4. Girls’ Night Out Dark gold leather with light gold hardware evening bag by Gucci, $795 at Gucci (SF). 415.392.2808, gucci.com

5. A Party Panthère Art Deco purse by Cartier, $1,220 at Cartier (SF). 415.397.3180, cartier.com 6. Six-Course Dinner Limited–edition antique coin pochette by Bulgari, $16,600 at Bulgari (SF). 415.399.9141, bulgari.com

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

by somer flaherty

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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FA S H I O N

lifestyle Name Blake Kuwahara Home Sausalito Occupation creative director, Base Curve Eyewear Describe your personal style. It’s a bit conﬂicted. In general, I’m a modernist—I love the purity and “zen” of minimal-

After Kuwahara

ism. I’m an admirer of Tadao Ando and John

earned a doctor-

Pawson, but I am also very much attracted to

ate of optometry degree from the University

old things with soul and character. What are you wearing? [HAIR] I like to think of hair as a built-in ac-

cessory. I thank my dad for my hair, but I

of California at

thank Rick at Posh for the cut. [GLASSES]

Berkeley and a

A prototype of an upcoming style for John Varvatos Eyewear. [NECKLACE] An antique

B.S. in psychobiol-

silver and coral rosary from the 26th Street

ogy with Phi Beta

Flea Market in New York. [JACKET] Royal

Kappa and magna cum laude distinctions from UCLA, he worked

Flash, bought in Tokyo. [T-SHIRT] Bought at L’ Eclaireur in Paris. [BELT] Custom designed by L.A. designer Henry Duarte. [JEANS] Levi’s Black Label, bought in Tokyo. [BOOTS] Drone from Instinct by Midwest in Osaka. [UNDERWEAR] Dolce & Gabbana—you’ll have to trust

as an optometrist

me on this one.

until he was drawn

Who are your fashion inﬂuences?

into the world of

My chic 91-year-old grandmother, who still

eyewear design. Does he look familiar? Perhaps

wears heels and chunky jewelry of her own design and carries an alligator purse she’s had for years that beats anything by Prada. She knows what looks good on her and wears it with conﬁdence.

you’ve seen him on E!, MSN.com,

Favorite designers? and of course, John Varvatos.

or at Fred’s in Sausalito.

Where do you love to shop in Marin? Mill Valley Mercantile when looking for something cool for my niece and nephews.

MARIN NOVEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

P H OTO: BARBA RA R IE S

Kiminori Morishita, Hedi Slimane, Neil Barrett

Access Hollywood,

What is always in your bag? A ferry schedule, my Filofax (I’m old school!), my laptop, and my new Sony Cyber-shot digital camera. What is your best cheapo secret? The new skinny, black waxed jeans from Zara—they look and ﬁt like the Dior Homme version but cost 10 times less. That, and göt2b hair “glue” from Longs Drugs. It works much better than the expensive stuff. What’s your fashion pet peeve? Deliberately torn jeans and rhinestones on any apparel item. What is your view of Marin style? Unkept prep. Where do you love to eat in Marin? I’m a creature of habit: Sartaj (No. 11) , Fred’s (corned beef hash and eggs), Sushi Ran (blackened cod), Poggio (café latte), Saylor’s (crab enchilada), and the Lighthouse (Annette’s Special). I can just sit down, and they know what to bring me—I love that! Where do you go to pamper yourself? Mill Valley Massage and Evo Spa. And, Fred’s for my corned beef hash. How would your friends describe you? You’ll need to ask them! All two of them. What was the last book you read?

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What’s your definition of luxury resort? (this is ours)

Barrel Fever by David Sedaris and The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell. Barrel Fever is a compilation of quirky short stories so I was able to read both books simultaneously while on the beach in Costa Rica. What was the last movie you saw? Paris, Je T’aime. I do indeed love Paris. I thought that the short by Alexander Payne was particularly poignant. If your life were a movie, what would be your theme song? “Tapestry” by Carole King. MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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MARIN NOVEMBER 2007

H OME D ECO R

HOME THEATERS

Home theater, media room, whatever you call it—it’s a place to get cozy with family and friends and watch a good flick. But what sets it apart from an everyday living room? Sunrise Home owner and former Marin Designers

Showcase media room designer Annie Bowman says, “Media rooms tend to be used for film or television viewing only and therefore the layout, furnishings, lighting and wall treatments can be more specific.”—S.F.

Annie Bowman talks home theaters What should the homeowner consider when choosing furniture for the room? Furniture for media rooms will frequent-

ly be tactile: mohair, chenille, leather,

1. The Zane home theater seating sectionals provide ultimate comfort (and functional drink hold-

suede—fabrics that are more sensuous or enjoyable to touch. Chairs may recline

ers), with 70 different color leathers to choose from. Entertaining a large group? The chairs are

or have the ability to swivel. Cup holders

available in several different configurations to fit as many or as few guests as you’d like. Price

may or may not be built into armrests.

available upon request at Sunrise Home (San Rafael). 415.456.3939, sunrisehome.com Can you recommend any accesso-

2. This home theater was created using state–of–the–art equipment including the Kaleidescape

ries? Fun accessories may be vintage

System (a DVD server), Cinewide Projection system and custom acoustic treatments. Although this particular theater is $250,000, which includes furnishings, equipment, design and installation, the company does do a wide range of custom home cinemas that start at $75,000. Entertaining

movie posters or shots of famous stars. A popcorn machine is always fun; a bar or some sort of refreshment counter or

Spaces (SF). 415.626.1951, entertainingspaces.com

kitchenette is a nice addition to a media 2

room. One media room we did included folded, color–coordinated blankets draped over each seat. What else should a homeowner consider when building a media room or home theater? If the homeowners enjoy loud sound systems they may want to consider insulated walls covered with acoustical fabrics that help to deaden sound. If there is only room for more traditional seating such as a couch, then rolling ottomans are wonderful to pull up to the couch for added comfort. Propping your legs up is a nice option when you’re watching a long movie.

MARIN

SEPTEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

THE ENTERTAINMENT ROOM

Make entertaining easy with pieces that

are as much functional as they are fun. While most can attest that an 1. The Artico Contemporary Bar, $2,369,

antique replica popcorn machine and vintage arcade game aren’t es-

available at Contemporary Furniture, 800.477.2285, contemporaryfurniture.com

sential pieces for the home, they fit right in for a room that’s devoted to 2. Street Vendor Popcorn Machine with Cart,

nothing but entertainment.—S.F.

$620, available at HT Market, 888.764.9273, htmarket.com

3 3. Pac-Man 25th Anniversary Arcade Game, $2,995, available at Brookstone, 415.924.9170, brookstone.com

4. Nintendo Wii, $250, available at Best Buy,

Interested in your own home theater? Turn to the local experts for advice.

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Entertaining Spaces

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

F Y I E T IQ UE T T E it away from your fork and knife. It is also never to be placed in the glass. I once was in charge of a fundraiser for about 1,000 people and when I went to the hotel before the event they had napkins in all the glass-

MIND YOUR

MANNERS Don’t be caught at upcoming holiday parties using the wrong fork. Gump’s San Francisco wedding and gift registry manager Kathleen Mailliard Rende dishes out the eight secrets of successful etiquette.

es. I went around to each glass and took out the napkin—that’s not happening when I’m in charge of a dinner party.

WHERE DO YOU PLACE YOUR KNIFE AND FORK IN BETWEEN BITES?

Upside, together and both on the righthand side of the plate, but if you’re married to an Italian like I am then it may be different—the Europeans use a different placement.

I KNOW THE BREAD PLATE IS TO THE LEFT OF MY PLATE. WHAT

DO I DO WHEN SOMEONE ELSE USES IT?

You politely mention it to them. You might make a little joke but you deﬁnitely say something; you do not just continue to use the incorrect plate, yourself.

IS IT STILL TRUE THAT YOU WAIT FOR THE HOSTESS TO LIFT HER

FORK BEFORE YOU START EATING?

Yes. This is written in stone.

DO PEOPLE STILL USE FINGER BOWLS?

No, regretfully they do not. Now

if you’re going to have dinner with the Queen of England you will have a ﬁnger

CAN YOU EXPLAIN WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE ASKS TO PASS THE SALT?

The salt and pepper should always be passed together as a unit.

WHICH FORK IS THE SALAD FORK WHEN THERE’S MORE THAN TWO?

WHERE DO YOU PLACE THE NAPKIN?

It is always to be placed on the left-

IS IT EVER OKAY TO ACCEPT A PHONE CALL AT THE TABLE?

If you’re at a dinner party and the hostess is

hand side of your plate but without the fork

Never. Cell phones are an interruption of

serving salad as her ﬁrst course the outside

and knife on top of it; or to make your table

a private evening. The proper and correct

fork is to be used; this should be the broad

attractive you can have fun with your napkin

way is that you put your phone on vibrate,

fork. Always start with the utensils from the

and place it in a ring or make a design with

you excuse yourself and if it’s an emergency

outside in, as courses are served.

it and place it on your charger—just keep

you go outside the room.

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

—S.F.

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTO OF KATHLEEN MAILLIARD RENDE: LAURI LEVENFELD

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F Y I E N T E RTA I NM E NT

HOLIDAY HOSTING 101 Flowers? No, Karaoke? Yes! COMPILED BY MIMI TOWLE

Last fall, four esteemed local caterers gathered for a photo at the Buckeye Roadhouse in Mill Valley a er sharing some of their holiday entertaining tips. From le to right; Stan Vail, president of All Seasons Catering; Ann Walker of Ann Walker Catering, Lisa Hines of Bella Cucina Catering and Stephen Denison, president of McCall Catering. Here’s their advice on how to host an easy, fun and memorable holiday party.

What is your go-to appetizer for the holidays?

and wrapped with bacon, then broiled. As a

they’re served in a martini glass, but that

SD: High-quality simple stuff that’s easy to eat.

caterer, I like to offer roasted baby pears with

makes for messy walking, so use champagne

Iced shrimp, smoked salmon, or all the great

fresh herbed cheese and pancetta.

flutes instead. Or Campari and sodas, or spar-

local foods—olives, Marin cheeses, pickled

LH: Dates, roasted almonds, sliced prosciutto,

kling wine with a dash of cassis—a kir royale.

garlic, Hog Island oysters.

and shaved Reggiano with rosemary potato

SV: A Godiva chocolate martini with Godiva

AW: I prefer to serve “meal by the bites”—lots

crostini are fabulous for grazing before dinner.

chocolate liquior, crème de cacao, and vodka,

of little treats that can be enjoyed in no more

Do you have a favorite holiday party drink?

martini glass—mmmm. Hot mulled cider with

take mushroom cakes dabbed with Chinese

SD: Champagne—a good blanc de noir—fol-

fresh ground cinnamon, clove and nutmeg

black bean aioli, leek and gruyère tartlets, and

lowed by martinis and Cosmos, and then wines

with fresh lemon zest (this is best when you’re

ahi tuna poke on sesame toasts.

(I’m sounding like a lush here).

in a hot tub).

SV: My personal family favorite (from my

AW: Red! How about Negronis—vodka or gin

And finally, a mug of hot chocolate made

grandma) is dates stuffed with cream cheese

with Campari and sweet vermouth? Normally

with Scharffen Berger bittersweet chocolate,

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

P H OTO: TIM P ORTER

shaken and stirred and poured into a chilled

than one or two bites. Popular choices are shii-

milk, sugar, vanilla, fresh ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne, served hot in a big mug… to be sipped while sitting in front of the fire. LH: A really hearty Cabernet, a super Tuscan wine, or fabulous Champagne. What’s your preferred timing for a party? From three to six? Five to eight? Starting at 7 p.m.? SD: It gets dark early during the holidays, so five o’clock—no ending time. AW: It depends which day of the week. Three to six on a Sunday, five to eight on a Saturday, and seven during the week, or if you’re offering a complete meal. SV: Definitely starting at 7 p.m.

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LH: If you are doing an open house, three to six is great. If you are going all out to do a fabulous cocktail party or dinner, 7 p.m. Do you usually include an end time? SD: What time does the sun come up over the bay? No, no ending time. AW: I think it’s a good idea. It also indicates the type of party. If you’re offering appetizers only, let your guests know so they can, perhaps, make plans for dinner later. SV: As a caterer, always. At home, never. LH: No, parties have a life of their own! Do you like to dress up for holiday parties? SD: Does a sport shirt count as dressing up? (I often wear a tuxedo when working.) AW: Absolutely. We’re a pretty casual crowd in the Bay Area, so it’s fun to have an opportunity to put on fancy clothes. SV: You bet! LH: Of course. Parties are a great reason to show off the latest in fashion (no reindeer sweaters, puh-leeze!). Kids or no kids? If yes, then do you provide something for them to do? SD: Absolutely, kids, no matter how young or old. It’s a great way for them to learn traditions and how to join in. At Thanksgiving or special dinners we don’t have a kids’ table, but instead seat everyone together at one

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MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

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the living room to have a large enough table— or even tented the backyard so we can all sit together. We usually have multiple generations [over], so it’s great to have everyone together. AW: Sunday afternoon parties are a good time to include children, and the menu must have foods that interest the children, too. How about cookie decorating for the kids and, perhaps, some adults as well? Or ornament decorating? SV: No kids! LH: Yes! The holidays are all about the kids, but parties that include them should be in the afternoon or early evening only. We like to set up tables topped with plates of sugar and gingerbread cookies (with lots of mommy’s help-

www.mttamorthopedics.com

ers on hand) for the kids to decorate and take home. When you’re entertaining at home, how far in advance do you prepare the food? SD: That day, maybe a few things a day or two before, but we might spend the week getting the house ready. AW: I love to entertain at home. My favorite style is a sit-down dinner for no more than ten people. Paella is one of my favorite one-dish meals. I offer a few tapas to begin with, such as Spanish fried almonds, some olives, perhaps some queso manchego with quince paste. The ham and cheese croquettes from my Tapas book are easy to make [ahead of time]; they can be frozen and then cooked just before guests arrive. SV: I always plan a menu that I can start a few days ahead of time. Things that I know I can

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prep and get ready so all I have to do is finish them while my guests are here. I like to have fun at my parties. If I am in the kitchen too long, then I start to feel like I am at work. LH: For me, it is all about how my house looks. So, I decorate the day before and the morning of, and then I prepare the food right before the guests arrive. That way I can relax and have a glass (or three) of wine! What are your thoughts on potluck? SD: I like ’em. Many of our friends are chefs or in the industry, so what they bring needs little

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

or no additional preparation—they’re culinarycurious and use all the great local ingredients we have year round. They also know to bring enough quantity. But make certain to have enough in the larder for backup, just in case. AW: Potlucks can be great fun if organized well. Plan a meal together and have each person contribute what he or she does best. Everyone is so busy during the holidays, so they might just want to buy something to bring. That’s just fine! And don’t forget to include the wine too. SV: There is a time and place for them, but with our busy lifestyles, most people prefer not to be asked to bring something to eat to a party. LH: Next question! What is the most important aspect of se ing

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the mood? Lighting? Music? Food? SD: A smile at the door, enthusiasm, and an inviting home. AW: Lighting, music and food—all are important. And the details must fit the space. Too much is too much. SV: I think all of the above are important, but real friends and family create the mood when they get together. LH: No party should ever be without music and great candles to create the mood, but the food is always what people remember. What’s the most creative hostess gi or host gi you’ve ever received? SD: A new set of sheets when guests spent the night. AW: A Tête de Moine cheese shaver and the cheese, too. The cheese is put on a spike on a wooden round and there is a lever to rotate that literally ruffles the cheese. Fun, useful and delicious. SV: Now I am talking out of both sides of my mouth, because my favorite host gifts are a special cookie made by my guest or a handmade card, something that he or she took time to think about, to say “thank you” for the time he/she knows I put into the food. LH: Everyone always brings me wine or flow-

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NOVEMBER 2007

What are your thoughts on hostess or host gi s? SD: Unnecessary for us—just having everyone there is enough—but mandatory for me to bring when I’m a guest, even if it’s just a bottle of wine (but in that case, gotta be careful about re-gifting). AW: No flowers, please. When guests arrive with flowers, you must go, find a vase and arrange them, taking time away from your guests. Candles are always nice. A Christmas ornament if you know the person’s style well. SV: It is all about the love…. LH: I was taught never to go to someone’s home empty-handed... and always send a thank-you note. Do you ever give out party gi s? Any memorable party gi s you’ve received? SV: Not gifts per se, but we always have some kind of ritual, like at Thanksgiving having guests write what they’re thankful for on a piece of paper. Then have an elder read the contributions, asking guests around the table to guess who wrote which one. Memorable gift? A couple of New Year’s Eves ago, a friend brought his entire karaoke setup—wigs, musical instruments and all. It sounds silly, but it was a riot. We still laugh when we talk about it. Thank goodness the negatives have since been burned. AW: I usually don’t when entertaining at home unless it’s something I’ve made, like jam or candy, but my clients do give them out sometimes, mostly at weddings. The most memorable gift I’ve received was a fabulous large leather traveling bag at a party in Argentina. And it was engraved with my initials! SD: My favorite gift is infused oils and vinegars, such as Porcini olive oil or pomegranate vinegar. LH: I always give favors when I have small dinner parties or when I’m having parties for my kids. My client Riccardo Benavides does over-the-top gifts when he hosts intimate dinners in his home. For one of his dinners two guests didn’t show, so my waiter Tony and I both received crystal Tiffany bowls as thankyou gifts.

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NOVEMBER 2007

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Thoughts on candles? SD: All over the house, all sizes, all colors. Everyone looks great in candlelight. (Turn off all overhead lighting.) AW: Love candles, but keep them in sight. When you move from the living room to the dining room, blow the other ones out. SV: I am a friend of Michael Salit, of Mill Valley Candleworks, so I say candles everywhere! LH: I love candles but I always keep an eye on them (and I blow them out before everyone gets too crazy!).

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Do you prefer dress-up or casual? SD: Shannon (my wife) looks great in velvet and jeans. AW: At home, I like the wafty look! SV: Casual dress-up! LH: Dress-up. When someone is taking the time to have you in his or her home, dressing up is respectful. What is your favorite seasonal dish? SD: Barbecued Willy Bird turkey for Thanksgiving, a Christmas goose, and cracked crab on Christmas Eve. Sauerbraten and red cabbage is also a traditional dish. AW: Our Christmas Eve tradition is homemade tortellini in chicken broth and cracked Dungeness crab. Lots of sourdough bread and a big salad. Chablis or a good unoaked or very lightly oaked California Chardonnay. SV: Some of my favorites: mustard-crusted rack of lamb with a cranberry chutney, caramelized butternut squash, cranberry upsidedown tart, cocoa nib macaroons, peppermint bark, chocolate pecan tart. LH: Lamb tenderloins with a pomegranate

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MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

F Y I PEO P LE

Michael Mina Marin’s über–chef discusses Thanksgiving recipes and more BY MANDY BEHBEHANI Sammy, 10, and Anthony, 6, it’s clear that for him this is not an easy ball to bounce. The boys, who’ve inherited their father’s Egyptian good looks, are bound to Mina in ways that seem tender and irrevocable, walking with him in step, wrapping themselves around him, clinging to him as he tries to break away for the airport. On this fall day Mina has brought his wife, Diane, and his sons, identically outfitted in azure dress shirts and blue jeans, to San Rafael’s Thursday Farmers’ Market, where he’ll point out many of the ingredients he uses to create Thanksgiving dinner. “Everything in Marin is so beautiful,” he muses as we wander from one vendor to another. “Mount Tam, everything. It’s so peaceful here.” Diane adds, “Even though 50,000 people live in Novato, you can’t tell that. We love the quaintness of Larkspur, Sausalito and Mill Valley, but they’re just a little too much. We wanted quiet and open space.” The couple also craved enough flat, usable land to be able to spread out a little, and in 1999 settled on a one-acre lot in the northern part of town. There, in the backyard, Mina built a large enclosed outdoor kitchen that he kitted out Eight years ago Mina picked Novato as

equipment—regular and convection ovens

the Bay Area. And with good reason.

his home base, in part for strategic location.

by Montague, a rotisserie by Rotisol, a large

With a plethora of culinary superstars

“We chose Novato because, essentially, it’s 45

gas grill from Electrolux and small appliances

plying their trade in local restaurants, we know

minutes to the beach, 45 minutes to the wine

from Kitchen Aid and Vitamix.

a superb dining experience is never far away.

country, and 45 minutes to the city,” says Mina,

The kitchen has stainless-steel walls, a

Marin County has its share of kitchen gods,

who at age 39 operates eight restaurants in

three-compartment steel sink and a massive

among whom Michael Mina stands out. Named

California, Nevada and New Jersey, with three

butcher block table for prep. Here Mina will

by the James Beard Foundation as Rising Star

more due to open by the end of the year.

whip up a holiday dinner for anywhere from

Chef of the Year in 1997 and Best California

He’s surprisingly calm for someone balanc-

16 to 40 friends, relatives and employees. “The

Chef in 2002, he first came to fame wowing

ing the travel and other demands of a culinary

outdoor kitchen is my kitchen,” he says with

critics with his innovative creations at Aqua,

empire with the competing claims of family

cheerful emphasis. “The indoor one is Diane’s.

San Francisco’s four-star seafood restaurant.

life. When you see him with his cherubic sons

It keeps the peace in our house.”

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NOVEMBER 2007

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P H OTO: TIM P ORTER

with the ne plus ultra in industrial cooking o place is more food-obsessed than

Wandering among the produce booths, Mina explains how Thanksgiving dinner unfolds at his home. “I like to make a lot of side dishes,” he says. “We invite people early and then we kind of eat throughout the day. We serve the main meal later, buffet style.” He and his boys stop to admire stacks of firm long beans. “Eew!” cries Anthony, who can barely reach a bunch of purple beans the length of scallions. “These look like octopuses!” His father grins and examines the beans with interest. “What I would do with these beans is blanch them,” says Mina, who talks so softly and sparingly one must strain to catch all he’s saying. “Then I coat them with a tangerine glaze made from boiling and reducing tangerine juice and serve them with sliced almonds and the segments and zest of the tangerine.” Mina stops next at the Barbagelata Farms booth to view a dazzling display of brightly colored peppers and squash, and then at the stall for Star Route Farms, where he normally buys his arugula. He handles some substantial-look-

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ing beets that he will serve roasted with olive oil and salt and pepper, and some artichokes, which he serves fondue style in a lush purée accompanied by Acme bread for dipping. At Iacopi Farm’s stall, Mina rolls some firm brussels sprouts sensuously around in the palm of his hand. “These are great,” he says. “I shave them on a Japanese mandolin, sauté them in bacon fat with shallots and serve them with small and crispy bacon bits.” Mina also checks out the Italian butter beans at Iacopi. “I love Italian butter beans!” he says. He cooks them in champagne and oregano, then takes the broken beans, purées them and

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folds the mixture into the intact beans. For potato lovers he prepares three types for Thanksgiving: Yukon Golds made into a purée; roasted knobby fingerling heirloom Ozettes; and sweet potatoes puréed with vanilla beans. Mina shops at Whole Foods for spices and

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for the Straus Farm Creamery organic cream he uses in his purées. Diane is responsible for the hors d’oeuvres—duck foie gras and truffle mousses, pears, sweet baguettes, cheese and grapes—and the bar.

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For the main dish, Mina makes a sizzling prime rib he gets from Snake River Farms in Idaho. Submerging it in butter, he poaches it for four hours, then roasts it in a 450-degree oven to ensure caramelization. Naturally, turkey is on the menu: he roasts three plump heritage birds on his three-tier rotisserie. U nderneath the spits, he lays out onions and potatoes that soak up the drippings, which makes a heaven-

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ly accompaniment to the meat. For the cranberry relish, he stews fresh cranberries with the juices of an orange, lemon and lime, Champagne, sugar, and a sachet of spices, folding in the zest of the citrus at the end. To make the stuffing, Mina leaves bread out overnight to dry, then toasts it and tosses it with a mixture of sweated onion and celery, browned mild Italian sausage and parsley and sage. He adds hot turkey stock until the bread is moist, then eggs, and bakes the mixture in the oven. The children are involved in every step of the preparation. “I like to chop anything hard,” cries Sammy, “like onions! ” “When cooking with kids, the first thing you must think of is bringing everything down to their level,” Mina says. “I have heard some people say, ‘ G et a milk crate and let them stand on

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that,’ and I say, ‘ You stand on a milk crate and chop and dice and see how comfortable it is! ’” Both boys have their own tray at their own level and work side by side with Dad. Born in Cairo, Mina was raised from age two in Washington State, where his father was president of Central Washington U niversity. His attraction to food arose early on. At 15, he took a job in a local bistro, where he worked as a garde manger. Fascinated by the restaurant world, he started cooking. Mina’s parents wanted him to be a doctor or lawyer, but ultimately they reached an accord that required him to attend the U niversity of Washington for at least one year but also allowed him to work

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at the restaurant in Seattle’s Space Needle. “I lasted one semester,” Mina says, grinning ruefully. “When my dad finally realized I was serious about this food thing, he flew to New York to check out the Culinary Institute of America. He did his research and let me go.” While at the institute, Mina spent weekends gaining hands-

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

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on experience at Charlie Palmer’s top-drawer Aureole in New York City. At 19, when others his age were still figuring out what to do with their lives, Mina graduated and reconnected with his mentor, chef George Morrone, at the Hotel Bel-Air in Los Angeles. Mina followed Morrone to San Francisco to help open Aqua in 1991. Three years later, with Aqua a success, Morrone (who now works in development for Mina) moved on, leaving Mina to take over as executive chef at age 24. It was then that he started playing with his signature dining concept of many variations on a single ingredient, an idea he’s put into practice at Michael Mina San Francisco, his swanky restaurant in the Westin St. Francis Hotel. In 2002, Mina and his business partner, tennis legend Andre Agassi, founded Mina Group, which oversees eight restaurants, including Mobil-four-star-rated Michael Mina Bellagio, and Seablue, Nobhill and Stripsteak, all in Las Vegas; four-star Stonehill Tavern in Dana Point; Arcadia in San Jose; and Seablue in Atlantic City. Bourbon Steak Detroit and Saltwater were slated to open at the MGM Grand Detroit in October; Bourbon Steak Miami is scheduled to open in Aventura, Florida, in December. On the occasions when he goes out to eat near his home, Mina favors local restaurants like Boca Steak in Novato, in which Morrone was a founding partner. The family’s favorite restaurant, however, is Rohnert Park’s Hana Sushi, where the boys happily fill up on sashimi. “We go there at least twice a week,” he says. Mostly, however, he likes to stay home. “I have so little time off that we just prefer it that way,” says Mina. His only day off, Sunday, is sacrosanct. “Sunday is family day,” says Mina. “We’ve set up our house to entertain and to spend time there. When I’m home, I don’t really want to go out and deal with traffic.” Yet the über-chef says he never tires of the world of cuisine or of running his restaurants. To him, burnout is an alien concept. “Every day I am excited to go to work,” he says. “Every day you learn something new. That’s what I love. As soon as you think you’ve got a handle on something, you pick up a cookbook from another country and you see you really haven’t.”

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

Citizen Doug Ferguson

lthough attorney Doug Ferguson says he has a short attention span, he’s

On open space (national and local), his nonproﬁt involvements, George Lucas and the state of the nation

“and she both commends it and is concerned by it. I find myself doing 73 different things a day,

BY JIM WOOD

and that keeps me fulfilled to the point where I don’t need changes in location, occupation, or

a man of impressive consistencies — married to the same woman for 47 years, practiced law for 44, lived in Marin for more than 40, served the Trust for Public Land for 36, occupied the same Shelter Bay law office for 25. “As my wife, Jane, has said, it’s a ‘superficial steadiness,’” Ferguson says,

volunteer pursuits.” Scattered among the 73 different involvements that occupy Ferguson’s day are serving as a director of the Trust for Public Land, a national organization that acquires open space; acting as

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTO: TIM PORTER

C O N V E R S AT I O N

a pro bono legal adviser to EAH, a Marin-

What “militant activist” role has most

maintain its most precious commodity—open

based nonprofit builder of affordable housing;

consumed your time over the past, say,

space. Years ago, the absolute opposite ap-

and working with the volunteer entertainment

40 years? I’ve now been on the board of

peared inevitable—freeways were headed to-

troupe Bread and Roses; the West Marin non-

directors of the Trust for P ublic Land for

ward West Marin, where thousands of homes

profit teaching farm Slide Ranch, and the Marin

36 years — which does on a national scale

and hotels were to be built. Yet those plans

Theatre Company, Rafael Film Center, Larkspur

what many have done here in Marin regard-

were turned away by a handful of people, all

Cafe Theatre and Save San Francisco Bay.

ing open space. It’s been enormously time-

of whom were considered odd ducks standing in the way of progress.

Oh, yes, Ferguson is also filmmaker G eorge

consuming but also very exciting when you

Lucas’s personal attorney and serves on the

consider what the board has accomplished.

It was all very time-consuming. However,

boards of most of Lucasfilm Ltd.’s wide-rang-

TP L differs from the Nature Conservancy,

as a result, a Countywide P lan was adopted

ing business interests. He also writes music,

which deals with habitat protection relating

and it’s been adhered to rather closely. And

plays the piano and sings ( “badly,” he says) .

to birds and bunnies, in that the Trust for

At age 68 , one can’t help wondering, might it not be time for Ferguson to retire, smell the

Pu blic Land deals with habitat protection for humans, who also need breathing space.

roses and concentrate on hiking, skiing, sailing

In addition, people can vote to buy open

and canoeing? “I’m not afraid of retiring,” he

space; birds and bunnies can’t. TP L buys land

says with a straight face. “Jane says she enjoys

where, as its slogan goes, “people live, work

it and maybe I would, too.” But after a mo-

and play,” and that means parcels ranging

ment’s contemplation, he adds, “Maybe what

from inner-city lands to the outermost stretch-

I’m afraid of is giving up the life I so much en-

es of the High Sierra.

joy. It’s a life so diverse and satisfying I often consider it a total scam.” Then Ferguson cracks up laughing— at himself.

TP L’s headquarters is in San Francisco, where we have a small executive committee that makes decisions fast, and we’ve brought about a lot of major transactions. Nationwide,

PHOTO: TIM PORTER

TP L has an annual budget of $ 75 million and

“

Where I believe Marin is really failing is in meeting its need for workforce housing and all that entails for our teachers, firefighters and others. It’s a desperately difficult undertaking and elected leaders often throw up their hands in frustration.

”

Over your 40 years in Marin, you’ve done

350 employees in 37 branch offices, and we’ve

so much for so many but never served in,

acquired over 3,400 parcels of land totaling

or even run for, public office. Why’s that?

2.2 million acres. Ten years ago we started the

now, when I take visitors up into those hills

Actually, in 1964, I did run for the Sausalito

Conservation Campaign, enabling TP L to help

and ridges and we look back at San Francisco,

City Council. But being a busy young guy with

communities identify desired parcels, devise

they ask in astonishment, “How can this be?

three small boys in our family, I withdrew after

bonding strategies and even name their cam-

We’re looking at an urban area while standing

the first month. Since then I’ve believed very

paign—which is very important—and then see

here, in the country—how could this happen? ”

strongly that while great things are being done

that the issue passes and the land is acquired.

That makes me proud.

by people in elective office, there is a role for

We helped raise $ 5 billion in 1995, burned

Where I believe Marin is really failing is in

people like me—and I’m not the only one—

through that, got up to $ 10 billion by 2000,

meeting its need for workforce housing and all

who’ll go out on their own and bring issues to

and now have raised over $ 24 billion. Over

that entails for our teachers, firefighters and

the attention of elective bodies, badger them

the past 36 years, I’ve donated a quarter of my

others. It’s a desperately difficult undertak-

when they’re not doing their jobs, and gener-

working time to the Trust for P ublic Land. And

ing and elected leaders often throw up their

ally serve as a militant activist.

as I say, it’s very exciting.

hands in frustration. There have been success-

I think this serves a huge purpose—and

es—P oint Reyes Station, Corte Madera and

it saves me from staying up late for board

Returning to Marin, what do you consider

Tiburon—but I’m depressed to tears by what

meetings. That’s my style, although I’ve been

the county’s crowning achievement—and

hasn’t been accomplished. Every project is met

asked to run several times since my aborted

your biggest concern for its future? I’m

with an immediate upswelling of “not in my

Sausalito effort.

delighted by Marin’s efforts to obtain and

backyard” and that is sad, sad, sad.

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

Another concern is the shortsighted kneejerk reaction, again and again, to any form of mass transit such as SMART. I’ve been here long enough to see environmental groups such as the Marin Conservation League oppose many good proposals. It’s very unsettling. How many more years of sitting in gridlock will have to happen before people realize that you can have mass transit with develop-

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ment nearby and still have ample open space? I really don’t know. What do you consider your greatest personal accomplishments in Marin County? I’ve been lucky to have participated in a number of projects I’m really proud of—most of which I did with the help of several other folks. However, the one I did virtually by myself was the acquiring of Slide Ranch, the nature center near Muir Beach. In the mid-’60s, my father had died and I was ruminating about a fitting memorial and just happened upon Slide Ranch, so named because it was literally sliding toward China.

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continued to this day as [the site of] a wonderful program where people of all ages learn about nature, good nutrition and good animal care. I’m also very proud of being part of the

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preventing the massive Golden Gate National Recreational Area from ever becoming a reality. Now I take great delight in hiking those

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

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hills and thinking, “Let’s see, houses were going there; a hotel was planned for here; a shopping center there…” Also, as an entertainment attorney, I am thrilled to have been part of a number of venues such as the Rafael Film Center in San Rafael and the Marin Theatre Company in Mill Valley. Lately, I’ve helped play a role in preserving the caba-

“

As for Iraq, I saw that coming. I wanted to go around grabbing lapels and shouting, ‘Do you know the history of the Middle East?’

”

ret theater format of the Larkspur Cafe Theatre, purchasing the Lark Theater in Larkspur, and finding a new home for the Sweetwater in Mill Valley. All these efforts were very exciting. How do you reconcile being a high-powered business attorney with that of advocating for open space and nonprofits? The concern for open space began when I was younger and fortunate to go to a very simple, Outward Bound–type High Sierra three-week scout camp —Spicers Lake, it was called. I was blown away by it. It was an eye-opening experience. One day our scoutmaster asked us all, “You guys really like this place, right?” Everyone nodded, “Of course, of course.” Then he asked, “You know whose job it is to preserve it?” After a period

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probably wrote and directed more Bohemian Grove musicals than any other single person. He was a one-man show and that impressed me very much. As a youngster, I once told him

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I also wanted to be a one-man show and he said, “Well, just do it, just do it.” I’m actually a business lawyer; it just happens many of my clients are entertainers, and

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a great joy because I love the people I’m dealing with even though many of them are marching to a different drummer than most of us. In your business career, have you encountered what you would call a true “creative genius”? Yes, twice I’ve encountered people who I believe were, or are, honest-to-goodness creative geniuses. One was George Lucas,the other Francis Ford Coppola. George is the one I worked closest with. When he came to my office, I didn’t know who he was — even though he’d just completed Star Wars — so I had to get a copy of Time magazine and read up on him; he was on the cover. Anyway, right away he impressed me as a good businessman, which most entertainers are not. He had

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an idea for a multitude of interrelated companies, which he envisioned achieving a lot of different things. I thought he’d been smoking some pretty powerful stuff and took notes as he read from his notes. That was 35 years ago, and I wish I still had my notes because, almost unerringly, he has stuck with that initial plan. He is one of the best business people I’ve ever had the good fortune to work with—as well as one of the nicest guys you could ever meet. He’s fiercely loyal; we’ve been friends for many years.

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Where do you think America, as a nation, is today? I am desperately unhappy with my nation. I love our country and its people— many of whom have tried as best they can to

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NOVEMBER 2007

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Le t U s Hel p You E nt ertain change the course of events we now see occurring. But I’m truly bewildered as to why people in national elections consistently vote against their own best interests. The Republican Party has persuaded people that they are the ones people should vote for if they’re socioeconomically lower class or blue collar— and that they will take care of these people which, of course, they don’t. My father once told me, “The average man is far below average,” and I’m now afraid he was right. If our falling from grace as a nation and the growing separation between the very wealthy and the many who are losing economic ground doesn’t make a difference, then what will? Have we all gone brain-dead? I’m beside myself. How will we ever wake up? As for Iraq, I saw that coming. I wanted to go around grabbing lapels and shouting, “Do you know the history of the Middle East? And their delicate balance of power? Once we get in, we’ll never get out.” We as a nation, all of us, have been so brought up by political spin we’re now like Charlie Brown and the football game: “Well, maybe this time we’ll win.” Only our delusion is, Maybe this time they’ll be telling the truth. I’m for getting out of Iraq as soon as is responsible. But do I have a plan? I’m afraid I don’t. Your father, a Bohemian Grove–attending attorney, sounds like a rock-ribbed Republican. You come across as a strong Democrat. What’s going on here? A very interesting gentleman once asked where I got my liberalism, because my father was indeed a staunch Republican, as all my family was. I told him I got it at a folk music concert I attended when I was 17 years old. That’s when

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I heard Pete Seeger sing about people and things I’d never heard of. Pete did an excellent job of converting me on the spot. And my liberalism has remained all these years… and served me well.

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NOVEMBER 2007

Marin Recycling Center

PUTTING THINGS Facility ranks number one in the state in pounds recycled per person BY PETER FIM RITE P H OTO S TIM PO RTER

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

T H I NK

TO GOOD REUSE

A dizzying array of garbage circles around on various conveyor belts as magnets yank out metal and aluminum, bottles plunge below to bins and blowers separate out paper. The whirling machinery at the Marin Recycling Center is reminiscent of Charlie Chaplin’s movie Modern Times, but the hum from this San Rafael facility is the sound of conservation, not consumption. It is a very real counterpoint to the dehumanizing influence of industry so poignantly skewered in Chaplin’s film. And the racket is music to the ears of Joseph Garbarino, who has made a career out of turning trash into treasure. “It’s a great system to watch,” says Garbarino, chairman of Marin Sanitary Service, as he watches workers operating the machinery at the enormous Resource Recovery Center. “I remember when we used to do all this by hand at one fifth the speed.”

“Americans make up 5 percent of the world’s population and we produce 30 percent of its trash,” says Patty Garbarino.

Things have changed since the days when Garbarino had to pick through truckloads of trash for recyclables. His family business, which started out in Marin in 1956 with eight men and eight garbage trucks, now employs 240 people and operates what many believe is the most sophisticated recycling plant in the country. Marin Sanitary began the first curbside recycling program in the country 28 years ago and is now number one in the state in pounds

Marin Sanitary has worked with envi-

recycled per person per day, according to the

ronmentalists, politicians, merchants and

California Solid Waste Management Board.

contractors for more than three decades. It

While many waste management companies

has agreements with a variety of companies,

struggle to recycle even half of what they col-

including many overseas, allowing them to

lect, Garbarino’s facility recycles 77.6 percent

reuse the recycled material produced in the

of the 250 tons of residential trash it takes in

Marin plant.

daily in Marin.

MARIN

“Americans make up 5 percent of the

“The collaborative manner in which we

world’s population and we produce 30 per-

approach management of solid waste is

cent of its trash,” says Patty Garbarino, who

what has allowed us to be so successful,”

regularly speaks at high schools and civic and

says Patricia Garbarino, president of her

trade association meetings on the economics

father’s company.

of recycling. “We’re going to drown the next

NOVEMBER 2007

ABOVE Founder

Joe Garbarino with his daughter, Patricia, who is now president of her father’s company. OPPOSITE ABOVE

Workers sort through plastic bottles to remove paper from the lot. BELOW A truck is backed up to a large pit in order to dump trash.

generation in our trash and use up our natu-

the amount of trash dumped in California’s

ral resources if we don’t do something. Our

landfills. In 1990, California recycled just 10

recycling effort is hopefully keeping people

percent of its waste; it now diverts 52 per-

from using stuff taken from the ground by re-

cent of the 76 million tons of solid municipal

using what’s already on top of the ground.”

waste generated per year.

Statewide, that effort is now considered a model for other recycling efforts. Many

HOW IT BEGAN

provisions in the 1989 state law called the

It all started in 1948 when Joe Garbarino

Integrated Waste Management Act were pat-

was 15 and working for his father, Gianni.

terned after the program Marin Recycling

In the 1920s, Joe’s father and uncle formed

was already running in San Rafael. Last year,

San Francisco’s first Scavenger’s Protective

the company was honored for pioneering

Association (which later became Golden Gate

what became a successful campaign to halve

Disposal & Recycling Company). They hauled

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NOVEMBER 2007

[Customers] dump wood, yard waste, dirt, rock, concrete… refrigerators and other appliances at the company’s Resource Recovery Center, an indoor dump in San Rafael the size of three football fields.

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The Garbarinos’ pigs stay busy eating stale bread and discarded food, which later becomes fertilizer by way of the pigs’ natural digestion. giant burlap sacks full of garbage and sifted through them for empty wine bottles to sell back to Napa wineries. Joe Garbarino picked out shoes to be resoled and salvaged zippers, buttons and rags for use on ships and in factories. The company had a rag- and bottle-washing plant. When it was time to pursue his own vocation, Joe studied to be a pharmacist at City College of San Francisco, where he was student body president. He was about to start further studies at UCSF in 1955 when the opportunity to run a scavenger service like his father’s opened up in Marin. He couldn’t pass it up. In 1979 — well before the public or government had even considered the idea — Garbarino, working with conservationists Gloria Duncan

“People dump their debris and then go across the street to pick up gravel… They may very well be buying a product made out of the same stuff they dumped the week before.”

and Ted Wellman, launched the nation’s first countywide curbside recycling program. As Garbarino expanded his business, he combined garbage collection with recycling procedures and acquired ever more sophisticated sorting machines. In 2003, the Marin Recycling Center established the first collection yard in California for the detritus from trees with Sudden Oak Death. Residents, contractors, tree services and garbage companies now dump wood, yard waste, dirt, rock, concrete, demolition debris, and refrigera-

tors and other appliances at the company’s Resource Recovery Center, an indoor dump in San Rafael the size of three football fields. The pile includes trees that are later chopped up for firewood or ground up to make topsoil or fuel for power plants. “We’ll get all that wood out,” says Garbarino, gesturing toward a big pile of construction debris and other rubbish. “We operate the grinder at night to save power. You got oak, you got pine, you got eucalyptus. You grind it up and mix it with dirt and you’ve got a fantastic product.” Freon is removed from refrigerators and given to companies to reuse. Metal pieces, including entire automobiles, are crushed into cubes or cut into bundles to be shipped overseas, melted and reused. Asphalt, brick and concrete are ground up for use as aggregate in road base or for landscaping. “We’re reusing the same material over and over by grinding it,” Garbarino says. “All of it goes overseas to China, Vietnam, Korea and other

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Asian countries,” where it is used to make con-

pen of pigs, incorporated into the recycling

tities of plastic being loaded into trucks to be

sumer products, a lot of which are then sold in

program in 1985. The food becomes fertil-

taken to the landfill. “Almost all plastic. It will

the United States.

izer by way of the pigs’ natural digestion.

be there for 1,000 years. It’s horrible.”

Outside and across the road from the

The paper, cans and plastic that people put

In another effort to cut the environmen-

dump, Garbarino points out a wildly vi-

in their blue curbside recycling bins go to

tal impact from plastics, Marin Sanitary is in-

brating machine with a bowl on top, into

the recycling center in a building near the

volved in the campaign to ban plastic bags in

which dirt and debris are being shoveled

indoor dump.

Bay Area supermarkets and stores. “The main

via a caterpillar. The machine, powered by

There, tin and aluminum cans are pulled

problem is that plastic blows out of garbage

a large piston, spews out topsoil on one side

off a conveyor belt by an ingenious system

cans and gets into streams and the ocean,”

and gravel on the other. “I lease this land

of magnets. Bottles are dropped down be-

Patty Garbarino says. She’s also leading an ef-

to American Soil Products,” he says. “People

low into bins. Blowers, conveyors and work-

fort to convince people to stop using plastic

dump their debris and then go across the

ers then sort the newspaper and other paper

water bottles: “There is a gyre of plastic in

street to pick up gravel and other products.

products from the plastic.

the ocean that is the size of Texas. The plastic

The consumers may very well be buying a

The aluminum is sold for 90 cents a pound,

breaks down into tiny particles that fish and

product made out of the same stuff they

cardboard fetches seven cents a pound and

other animals eat because it looks like food.

dumped the week before.”

newsprint goes for about five cents a pound.

It’s a killer.”

Even the unused wet concrete from ce-

Garbarino can get 20 cents a pound for plastic

The ultimate goal is to save trees, pre-

ment mixers goes to good use. “See all these

bottles made of resin types 1 and 2, but plastic

cious metals, water, energy and land-

walls?” Garbarino points out the towering

bags, bottle caps, TV dinner trays, plant pots,

fill space. “People didn’t even know what

barrier surrounding the giant complex. “They

VCR cassettes and compact discs for the most

we were doing when I got started,” Joe

are made out of leftover concrete.”

part are not recyclable.

Garbarino notes. “Now it is becoming quite

Loaves of stale bread, outdated milk and

“Look at this.” He stops in front of a huge

other discarded foods are fed to Garbarino’s

pit filled with organic waste and large quan-

clear that the whole world should be doing what we are doing in San Rafael.”

Reconstituted gravel is sold across the street from the recycling center.

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H OME

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UNDER A

TUSCAN TOWER A knoll in the San Rafael Country Club area is the setting for a home designed for easy living and entertaining

TO ENTER THIS TUSCAN-STYLE HOME

in San Rafael, visitors make their way through two gates. There’s the metal sentry gate that swings open onto the driveway. And then, before the heavy European-style front door, is a smaller, wooden gate that leads to a sunny, walled courtyard. Filled with sweetly scented dwarf citrus and rose blossoms and exuberant colorful clematis vines, serenaded by the gentle splash of a wall fountain, this intimate space was inspired by the owners’ memories of the Alhambra, Spain’s famous Moorish palace. It is a peaceful spot, perfect for morning coffee or private chats. Rising overhead is an imposing stone STORY P. J. BREMIER

tower, a serendipitous touch. When build-

PHOTOS BARBARA RIES

ing plans were being drawn up for the MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

home, the owner was told the “design looked great, just like a cluster of buildings in an Italian village,” to which he quickly replied, “Then, where’s my campanile?” In three days his bell tower showed up on the blueprints, albeit with no bells and, because of building restrictions, slightly shorter than desired. Four years later, the owner stands inside the tower room and gestures broadly toward the East Bay hills glimpsed over the tile roof. “If only it were six feet higher, I could really see everything,” he says with a laugh.

The Trump of the Tower The 5,200-square-foot house, constructed by Merritt-Nelson Custom Builders, sits on one viewembracing acre in the hills near the Country Club area in San Rafael. Stylewise it takes its cue from authentic Tuscan homes that are “unadorned, blocky and very elemental,” says designer David Rivera of San Francisco’s Nahemow Rivera Group, which initially was hired to design only the kitchen but soon was asked to do the entire home. To his mind, the tower makes for a pleasingly fanciful contrast. “It doesn’t have a mandated function,” he says. “It can be whatever you want it to be: a lookout, a place to read or meditate.” Design partner Eugene Nahemow agrees. “It’s a room, but not a room, and everyone has an opinion as to what it can or should be.” To play up its uniqueness, Nahemow introduced a pink-red color on the tower’s interior walls. “It’s divorced from the earth colors in the rest of the house,” he says, “and is meant to invoke some thought.” A collection of exotic masks on the staircase wall leading up to the tower room is another intriguing touch. A second departure from the home’s overall cubist form is the octagonal library on the main floor. The shape adds exterior architectural interest while also building on the narrative flavor of the design, so it appears to have evolved over time.

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UPPER Landscape has been enhanced by a fountain that recirculates water into the pool. LOWER Eugene Nahemow and David Rivera, of San Franciso’s Nahemow Rivera Group. OPPOSITE Rich, warm colors create comfortable environment in the great room.

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The great room includes sitting room with ﬁreplace, dining area for entertaining, kitchen complete with woodburning pizza oven and easy access to outdoor patio and pool.

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LOWER Kitchen is centerpiece of the great room and includes informal seating. OPPOSITE UPPER Entry hall. LOWER Columns

create exterior architectural statement.

The massive square staircase in the two-story foyer has a free-form balustrade, designed expressly to provide “impact on the main floor,” Nahemow says. “A staircase railing is one of the first things you see, so it should be important,” he explains. “A lot of railings are static; I try to bring movement to mine.” The stairs lead toward the master suite, which is both “a really large space and one divided into two functional areas—a sleeping area and a sitting room—each with its own sense of intimacy,” Nahemow says. Its patio has another free-form balustrade. The suite’s adjoining bathroom features twin sinks, a marble countertop and a backsplash of gleaming Italian glass tiles. Directly below the suite are two other bedrooms, used respectively as an office and a guest room, and a powder room with burgundy-red walls finished to look like worn leather. Throughout the main floor, Sophia limestone from Bulgaria is a unifying element, set on a diagonal for visual interest where it extends outdoors.

Great Room, Great Look Despite its considerable square footage, the house has no formal dining or living room. What it lacks in smaller rooms, though, it decidedly makes up for in larger ones. The great room, for example, has a 17-foot coffered ceiling and includes the kitchen—a room “the homeowners wanted, first and

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foremost, to be the center of attention,” Rivera says. Here is where the couple congregates, whether checking e-mail on a laptop at the table, taking an afternoon nap on the sofa or pulling an Italian pie from the corner pizza oven. Given the room’s size, the designers took care to give it a human scale, using beams to visually lower the ceilings, large high-backed furnishings and a warm earth tone palette of mustard, olive and eggplant. A rustic rectangular dining table separates the elegant sitting area from the kitchen, where the owner, an enthusiastic cook, is often found. Appliances were picked for optimal convenience: twin farmhouse sinks are flanked by a pair of dishwashers; a built-in deep fryer quickly serves up French fries and crab wontons; an ice machine and beverage cooler dispense party drinks. The center island is a combination of cherrywood butcher block and Lago blue limestone and contains a copper prep sink, a built-in knife slot and a trash receptacle accessed through the countertop. The custom hood, finished in Venetian plaster to match the pizza oven, was carefully positioned over the island’s cooktop to avoid blocking any views. A large wall of windows captures those views, of San Pablo Bay and the hills beyond. And a sliding door opens onto a colonnaded loggia that provides shade during the day and, with overhead heaters, a warm place to relax at night. The pool just below, a remnant from the previous house, has been enhanced by a backdrop wall inset with fountains that flow into the water. A lush grassy area off to the side serves as play area for visiting children and the resident Airedale dog. At heart, this place seems made for entertaining. And when the evening lights begin to twinkle across the bay, the gas grill and pizza oven heat up, and laughing guests spill out from the great room onto the loggia, the house glows as if in recognition of that fact.

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J O U R NEY

adventures in EXPLORING SHOPPING AND BALLOONING IN ISTANBUL AND BEYOND

TURKEY 76

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S T O R Y A N D P H O T O S B Y VA S S I K O U T S A F T I S

The cry of the muezzin startles me. It is 4:30 in the morning and my mind is still heavy with jet lag. Within seconds other muezzins from minarets start their calls and I remember I am in Istanbul, one of my favorite cities in the world. The prayers, propelled by big sets of speakers, echo strangely over the city and pull me from my bed. I decide to go out for a walk and scout for photographs. Istanbul is a safe, hospitable city. My hotel is in the ancient neighborhood of Sultan Ahmed, where most foreigners stay. At 5 a.m. on this June day, the air is comfortable. Later, temperatures will climb to 100. Visitors to Istanbul are struck by the abundance of cats in the city. At times it seems they outnumber people. Today is no different. Just outside my hotel I see a couple of kittens playing and then Enroute to Istanbul, the author visited the city of Ankara where he took this photo of the skyline from a high-rise condominium building that is home to many senior embassy diplomats from various countries .

more cats appear. They seem to be everywhere! The taxi drivers outside the hotel have built a small

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shelter from an old cardboard box for the new kittens and are feeding them milk. Just around the corner is the Hagia Sophia, one of Istanbul’s most famous landmarks. Now a museum, this former church was built in the sixth century by Justinian during the glory of Eastern Rome, later called the Byzantine Empire. The city fell to the Ottomans in 1453, and a century later Sultan Ahmed 1 commissioned the construction of the Blue Mosque, in 1609. The mosque’s architect, Mehmed Aga, wanted to build a bigger dome than the Hagia Sophia’s but his attempts failed, so instead he made the mosque about the same size by adding half domes and half a dozen minarets. The morning light on the Blue Mosque is stunning. I walk down to the banks of the Bosporus, gazing at ships of all sizes slowly navigating the passage to the Black Sea. This is the only way to the Black Sea, and every vessel small and large heading to distant ports in Russia and Romania passes by. Many years ago I sailed this strait as well, to Romania, and the view of this city from the water remains etched in my mind. After my breakfast of yogurt, dried fruits, nuts and a strong double Turkish coffee at a rooftop restaurant, it is 10 o’clock and the museums are open. I return to the Hagia Sophia and enter amid Roof top restaurant in Istanbul with view of the Blue Mosque.

a stream of other visitors from all corners of the globe. Around me, languages collide in a Tower of Babel moment. Standing on the upper balcony be-

Sailing the Aegean Sea aboard a gulet is a magical experience.

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The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the great markets in the world.

neath the massive dome, I gaze at the restored frescoes

ing me sample after sample. By the time I make it out the

on the basilica’s walls and try to imagine the history this

door, I’ve eaten the equivalent of a box.

building has withstood and the river of humanity that has flowed through these corridors over the millennia.

As the day warms under the midday sun, I head for the Grand Bazaar, one of the great markets in the world (com-

Very near the Hagia Sophia and about the same age is

parable to those in Kashgar in Western China and Fez in

the Basilica Cistern, a cathedral-size underground water

Morocco). Everything imaginable is sold there—antiques,

chamber. It is a remarkable sight, filled with columns, lit

carpets (of course) and ubiquitous arrays of fake designer

by soft, warm light and serenaded by Sufi music. James

watches, clothes and shoes. My short cab ride from the

Bond fans may recall that part of the movie From Russia

Hagia Sophia exposes me to the anything-goes pricing of

with Love was filmed here. Toward the northwest corner

a Turkish taxi driver. Fares vary according to the mood of

are two columns with huge medusa heads, one that is in-

the drivers, so it’s best to ask the desk staff at your hotel

verted. Historians still don’t know why they were placed

what a ride should cost. Be sure to watch the meter, so

here. The heads remind me of the carved faces on the

the driver doesn’t double the fare by switching it “acci-

Bayon temple in Cambodia.

dentally” to the night rate. As I get out of a taxi near the

In the 25 years since my last visit to Istanbul, the city

bazaar entrance I am approached by a vendor who says,

has grown dramatically. But even with a population of

“You look like a man who will buy a carpet today.” I re-

20 million, it has not lost its romance. The pudding shop

spond, “And do I also look like I just got out of a taxi and

across from the Blue Mosque is still around. This is where

I paid double fare?”

young travelers in the 1960s would meet, leave messages

At the bazaar, prepare to negotiate. Be ruthless, be-

for each other and organize overland trips to India and

cause the sellers are. The discussions get heated and can

Afghanistan.

involve creative bartering. Over the years in my travels, I

Also, my grandfather’s favorite pastry shop is still

have learned to play the game and have, during various

around—Haci Bekir, with the wonderful lokum, or “Turkish

negotiations for carpets or antiques, offered up my firstborn

delight.” I go in for a treat and when I tell the clerks that

(I don’t have kids), promised my sister to a Pakistani carpet

my grandfather shopped here in the 1920s, they start giv-

seller in Gilgit, nearly traded my wife for a dozen camels

TURKEY TOURS Geographic Expeditions: Take in the sights of the Topkapi Palace, the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque on the 16-day Aegean Odyssey tour. It begins in Istanbul with a cruise on the Bosporus and continues with hiking in Cappadocia and Ephesus—what’s considered the Mediterranean’s best-preserved classical city—then ends with seven nights of sailing, the Greek and Turkish islands of the Aegean. From $5,795, 415.922.0448, geoex.com Backroads: The eightday walking and sailing trip includes explorations of underground cities, cliff-side churches and vineyards—all on foot—until it’s off to the sun-soaked Turquoise Coast. There, the group boards a ship for a voyage over aquamarine waters, stopping to swim, snorkel and kayak in hidden coves. From $4,498, 510.527.1555, backroads.com Abercrombie & Kent: The luxurious 14-day journey includes stays in the Ritz-Carlton and the Four Seasons hotels, private openings of the Hagia Sophia, dining amid the ruins of Ephesus while listening to the Izmir Symphony Orchestra, a cruise along the Bosporus, a hot-air ballooning excursion over Cappadocia and shopping the 4,000-shop Grand Covered Bazaar. From $8,665, 630.954.2944, abercrombiekent.com

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Hot-air ballooning over Cappadocia and a few rugs in Morocco (I am still paying for that one) and almost got married to a Tajik knife salesman’s mother-in-law in Kashgar. I could spend another week exploring Istanbul, but I am also here to tour the remote Turkish side of the Aegean Sea aboard a gulet, a traditional twomasted sailboat, and visit Cappadocia, Turkey’s central volcanic plateau. I board the gulet at Bodrum, a seaside city the New York Times has dubbed the “Saint-Tropez of Turkey” (Bill Gates reportedly has a home here). But I’m not here for loud music and boutiques, so I make a quick getaway on the boat and head south. Sailing across gorgeous, green-blue water, we cruise down the coast and a couple of days later pass very close to the Greek island of Symi. I ask the captain if we can stop to visit. Yes, we could, he says, but first we would need to dock at a Turkish port, get a permit from the Turkish Coast Guard and then, after visiting the Greek island, return to the Turkish port. What a bureaucratic mess! All due to the ongoing animosity between Turks and Greeks…. After a week of sailing, swimming and eating (Turkey is a bad place for a diet), it is time for Cappadocia, a geologic wonder of natural towers and caves with a cultural history dating back to the second millennium B.C. Cappadocia has many underground cities that have been excavated and are open to tourists. One is 18 stories deep with hidden passages and sliding rock doors that can be rolled shut to seal the cave from the outside world. The corridors are quite narrow and not for the claustrophobic, although they do provide a cool escape from the 110-degree heat up above. The best overview of the place is by hot air balloon. Kapadokia Balloons, one of the oldest of the many companies offering rides, took me aloft at sunrise on a two-hour jaunt that felt like a journey over a lunar landscape. At times we rose to 7,000 feet; other times we glided so close to the sandstone towers they seems almost within reach. Turkey is a wonderful and diverse country of friendly people, safe, with much history and color. It is not, however, the bargain it once was. Prices are approaching the rest of Europe and most hotel rates are set in Euros.

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CABO SAN LUCAS

Winter Beaches Cool tips on hot international destinations

Sharon Walters | Travelwizard.com With ten years experience in the travel industry, Walters is one of the busiest agents at San Rafael–based Travelwizard.com. A specialist in exotic destinations, she focuses on luxury high-

So you thought travel agents went the way of encyclopedias? Three Marin-

end trips and customized journeys.

based agents have kept their clients happy and their business thriving by providing

Traveling with children “Turks and Caicos

hassle-free travel planning for years. When it comes to booking a trip to an exot-

Islands, south of the Bahamas, top the list.

ic coast or island, these ladies know their beaches. Whether you’re looking for a white-sand expanse, a shallow bay or jagged cliffs over a tempestuous sea, they’ve got some prime picks to recommend to you. BY SAMANTHA BRONSON 82

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NOVEMBER 2007

While these islands have lots of places to stay, Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort is a great choice for the family. The property is on a 12mile stretch of white-sand beach, bordering a

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

pristine coral reef for snorkeling and scuba div-

Romantic getaway “Just a three-hour flight

ing. Little ones can explore the Pirates Island

from San Francisco, Cabo San Lucas will take

water park; older kids can mingle at the disco.

your breath away — from the Esperanza Resort,

Clients also really enjoy the Riviera Maya, just

where private casitas, some featuring plunge

north of Playa del Carmen on the Caribbean in

pools, face the azure Sea of Cortez, to the lush

the Yucatán, especially the Fairmont Mayakoba

tropical gardens of the One and Only Palmilla,

and Azul Beach Hotel by Karisma. And on the

which among its many other luxuries has bath-

Big Island of Hawaii and Kauai, families can

rooms to die for.”

surf, attend luaus and explore untouched

TURKS & CAICOS

beaches together.

Adventure travel “A relatively quick getaway

If you don’t mind traveling a little farther,

from the Bay Area, Central America is an ad-

then Fiji is the destination of choice—espe-

venture traveler’s paradise. Belize boasts end-

cially the Jean-Michel Cousteau Island Resort.

less beaches, exotic wildlife, the second largest

Here children explore and learn about Fijian

barrier reef in the world and some of the best

culture, the environment and the natural world

diving around. Accommodations range from

around them. All meals are included, and the

modest hotels to luxury villas to a small pri-

diving is some of the best in the world.”

vate island resort like St. George’s Caye Lodge,

Romantic getaway “To really escape from it all and focus on each other, head to the South Pacific. While some islands can get hit with a preponderance of rain that time of year, FIJI is absolutely gorgeous. For lodging, YASAWA ISLAND RESORT and THE WAKAYA CLUB are two favorites; they

provide access to beautiful beaches and water activities and are also quite luxurious. Both spots house guests in bures—traditional thatched-roof bungalows right on the sand —which adds to the romantic ambience. Fiji is known for its relaxing spirit rather than its nightlife; that part’s up to you.” — WENDY WAYNE

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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If money is no object “Just off the island of Antigua is JUMBY BAY RESORT, one of the Caribbean’s most secluded properties. Accessible only by boat, this all-inclusive getaway is so away-from-it-all that the rooms have no locks. Anything you desire is available, from in-room spa services to private dining on one of the resort’s three private white-sand beaches.” —SHARON WALTERS

20 minutes off the mainland, with casitas on

Romantic getaway “Aitutaki, in the Cook

the beach, all meals included, superb person-

Islands, is an atoll made up of a series of gem-

al service and a fully operational dive shop.

like islets in the P acific. The P acific Resort

Exploration options include everything from

Aitutaki fulfills all dreams of tropical paradise.

Mayan ruin tours to cultural field trips.

With its white sand, colorful lagoon, palm trees

Farther south you’ll find the beaches of Costa Rica, on both the Caribbean Sea and the

and azure sky, it’s the prime spot for a romantic beach wedding—or any romantic idyll.”

BELIZE

P acific. Terrain in this greenest of paradises ranges from rain forests to active volcanoes to

If money is no object “U nlimited budget?

powdery sand beaches. Snorkeling and hiking

P ack your best swimsuit ( think Eres) and head

are popular here.”

for Anse Source d’Argent on La Digue in the

AITUTAKI, COOK ISLANDS

Seychelles Islands. One of the most photo-

Diane Cameron | Gone Tropo

graphed beaches in the world, it’s also argu-

The owner of Tiburon-based Gone Tropo is a 30-

ably one of the world’s best, with soft pink

year industry veteran who specializes in the South

sand, translucent waters and a reef ideal for

Pacific—Tahiti, Fiji and Australia are clients’ top

snorkeling.” For a truly unforgettable trip,

destinations. While most of Cameron’s customers

combine this with a safari in Africa or a stop-

are planning their honeymoons, her recommen-

over in Europe.

dations apply to almost any type of getaway.

Wendy Wayne | Casto Travel

Adventure travel “Any of the beaches around

With offices in Kentfield and Tiburon, Casto

P ort Douglas, Australia, are great for adventure

Travel specializes in leisure travel, particularly

seekers. There you can combine diving and

high-end trips. Wayne is an experienced agent—

snorkeling around the G reat Barrier Reef with

19 years in the business—and the recommenda-

sea kayaking, exploring the rain forest, taking

tions here are a compilation of ideas from her

a four-wheel-drive tour of Cape Tribulation or

and well-traveled colleagues.

exploring the crocodile-infested Daintree River.

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NOVEMBER 2007

After the adventure, stay at Silky Oaks Lodge

Traveling with children “Winter is the time

or Daintree Eco Lodge and enjoy a wonderful

for families to head to Mexico; it doesn’t get

massage and gourmet dinner—true bliss! ”

any better. The all-inclusive Club Med Ixtapa

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

one who’s ever dreamed of owning

swinging-singles retreat to a hot new family

an island, Necker Island should top

find. Now, with this property’s newly renovat-

the must-visit list. Currently owned

ed club, it’s a great destination for everyone—

by mega-magnate Richard Branson,

especially parents with young children.

this 74-acre private Caribbean re-

Clients with older kids like to balance out

treat can meet your every need,

trips with both traditional R& R and cultural

whether that means exploring the

excursions. The Riviera Maya is very popu-

quiet beaches or requesting a spe-

lar in that regard: the Fairmont Mayakoba re-

cific dish from the personal chefs.

sort itself is just amazing—four pools, tennis

Rent the entire island or share it

courts, an 18 -hole golf course set around beau-

with others by staying in one of the

tiful lagoons—all close enough for day trips to

stunning rooms.”

explore Mayan ruins.” Contact information Adventure travel “Hayman Island, a private

Sharon Walters, Travelwizard.com

island right off the coast of Australia, is the

travelwizard.com; 800.330.8820

beach spot that instantly springs to mind when it comes to adventure travel. There’s snorkeling, fishing trips, diving along the G reat Barrier Reef…

and the resort itself has all the bells and

SEYCHELLES

If money is no object “For any-

changed with the times: it’s evolved from a

COSTA RICA

P acific is one of the top picks. Club Med has

Diane Cameron, Gone Tropo gonetropotravel.com; 800.700.9859

whistles and is just drop-dead gorgeous. It’s ac-

Wendy Wayne, Casto Travel

cessible by boat, seaplane and helicopter.”

casto.com; 415.273.3800

Traveling with children “HERON ISLAND, Australia, located right on the G reat Barrier Reef, is ideal for the whole family. There’s not only access to white sand beaches but an amazing array of coral and colorful tropical fish just yards from shore. Depending on when you visit you may see migrating whales, nesting sea turtles and a bevy of birds. But fair warning: taking children to Australia and Heron Island may lead to children becoming budding marine biologists. Subsequent years may find you paying for a year abroad in Australia.” —DIANE CAMERON

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

R OA D TRIP

Boonville Bound The Anderson Valley makes an offbeat wine country getaway

BY KENDRA SMITH

An Adirondack chair at the Other Place was the perfect setting for enjoying the view of the Coastal Range. OPPOSITE Interior of Boonville Hotel’s restaurant.

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

s we turned off the two-lane highway onto a narrow gravel road flanked with grapevines, I knew we’d made the right choice. In search of a

quiet honeymoon escape after the chaos of planning our wedding, my new husband and I had booked a cottage in the Anderson Valley.

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Our friends thought we were nuts—Lanai or Tuscany might be more like it, they said—but we knew good food, great wine and isolation could be had a mere two hours from Marin.

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Our destination, the Other Place, was just what we wanted—four little secluded houses on 500plus acres of golden, oak-dotted hills. The closest town: blink-and-you’ll-miss-it Boonville. The cottage we rented, named Buckeye, was perched just below a collapsing barn and a skeletal oak. Inside, we found a woodstove, two inviting leather recliners, a huge bathtub, and a fridge stocked with wine, organic apple juice and milk. Perfect for newlyweds, it would be great for families too: dirt-resistant and durable tiled floors, sturdy furnishings

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and dog-friendly. Near the patio, a worn Adirondack chair

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MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

RIGHT Boonville

Hotel, popular for weekend getaways and dining on local organic cuisine. dinner reservations: the Thursday night set menu at the Boonville Hotel.

Apples (in addition to wine grapes) are

The next morning we caught the view up

one of the area’s bumper crops. The ones we

the valley from the hiking paths above our

When the hotel’s restaurant debuted about

enjoyed that night were from Oz Farm, along

cottage. Then we couldn’t get to the car fast

15 years ago, it became known for what’s

Mountain View Road toward the coast. More

enough—the grapes were calling. Drifting in

now on every Northern California restaurant

accessible for tourists is Philo Apple Farm, an

and out of cell-phone reception heading west

menu—fresh local food. Ingredients for some

organic orchard co-owned by the family that

on Highway 128, I made an appointment at

dishes come from as close as the hotel garden.

owns the hotel. The farm has resurrected

Esterlina Vineyards, a family-owned winery.

We started the evening on the Christmas-lit

American heirloom varieties and is well known

It wasn’t until we were bumping along on a

back patio with roasted chestnuts dipped in ol-

for its cooking classes (often sold out); the

dirt road, the trees alongside powdered brown

ive oil. Inside, we finished our meal with a vari-

farm’s self-serve stand is a good place to stop

with dust, that I realized we were a far cry

ety of apples layered into a luscious tarte tatin.

for apples to take home as edible souvenirs.

from Napa.

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MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

“Don’t veer off,” I’d been

and pretzels. With the Zinfandel, redolent of

boonvillehotel.com or 707.895.2210

told when given directions on

chocolate and mocha, she served Kit Kat wa-

Mosswood Market

the phone. I wondered: did a

fer bars—although they were covered in dark

14111 Hwy. 128, Boonville

lot of people get lost? Then

chocolate. The Cheetos, I should point out,

mosswoodmarket.com or 707.895.3635

came a split in the road that

were best with the Riesling, which had good

bent toward a lush green can-

fruit but wasn’t overly sweet.

Things to Do

yon, and my other half, who

After tasting plenty and still discharging nu-

is Mendocino County born

merous sips into the chamber pot that served

Boonville to Navarro are open to the public.

and bred, reminded me about

as dump bucket, we tore ourselves away. Patty

avwines.com or 707.895.WINE

the region’s third major crop:

gave us a bottle of the winery’s Zinfandel Port

Hendy Woods State Park

branching onto an unknown

just for being “just married.”

On the Philo-Greenwood Rd. off Hwy. 128;

byway could put us smack

At this point, a romantic walk in the woods

amid fields of plants offering

seemed in order, so we headed for Hendy

a different kind of buzz. We continued up.

Wine tasting More than 15 wineries from

parks.ca.gov or 707.895.3202

Woods State Park. This small haven includes an

Places to Stay

When we pulled into the winery driveway, I

easy loop trail through coastal redwoods and

The Other Place Off Hwy. 128, Boonville

felt more like we’d arrived at the neighbors’ for

along the Navarro River. We strolled hand in

theotherplaceboonville.com or 707.895.3979

a barbecue. But the modest house that served

hand, in awe of the big trees and of the big de-

as the tasting room had a surprise in store: a

cision we’d just made—to be joined forever—

Places to Shop

massive tiled deck overlooking 30-year-old

and it seemed we’d made a good start with our

The Philo Apple Farm 18501 Greenwood

Pinot Noir vines and much of the valley. The

Anderson Valley honeymoon.

Rd., Philo; philoapplefarm.com or

tasting coordinator, Patty, sat with us at the

707.895.2333

picnic table and presented daring accompani-

Places to Eat

Bates & Maillard Farmhouse Mercantile

ments that fit right in with Esterlina’s casual

The Boonville Hotel

(housewares); 14111 Hwy. 128, Boonville;

hospitality: Lay’s Classic Potato Chips, Cheetos

14050 Hwy. 128, Boonville

707.895.3996

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

A Course Less Traveled Tasting your way through Anderson Valley’s unique treasures

ust a few hours north of San Francisco, the Anderson Valley is

Michel Salgues blends Pinot

and after enjoy a picnic in the

tucked neatly in the rolling hills of Mendocino County. Only 15

Noir and Chardonnay to pro-

garden courtyard. Handley’s col-

miles long, the valley is home to 16 wineries, several of which

duce the Roederer style.

lection of international folk art is

have free daily tastings and tours. Try a glass or make a visit to one of

displayed in the winery’s unique

the four listed below; they’re sure to leave a lasting impression.

Ullman, the rustic winery is

tasting room. 3151 Highway 128

barely visible from the main

(Philo). 707.895.3876, handleycellars.com

Goldeneye

a week and has picnic facilities.

road and is surrounded by

Most oenophiles have caught

Call ahead to reserve a semi-

vineyards. Visitors can taste

on to Goldeneye, Dan and

private tasting, which includes

the Roederer Estate sparkling

Margaret Duckhorn’s (of

limited-production wines paired

wines seven days a week in the

Black Kite Cellars

Duckhorn wines) cult Pinot

with a selection of cheeses and

winery’s French Provincial sa-

The future of the valley can

Noir. Their goal was simple. In

a discussion about the history of

lon. 4501 Highway 128 (Philo).

be seen in wines like Black

1990 the duo set out to craft

Goldeneye. 9200 Highway 128

707.895.2288,

Kite Cellars. Located along

a Pinot Noir that would be

(Philo). 707.895.3202,

roedererestate.net

the deep–end section of the

equal in distinction to the ac-

goldeneyewinery.com

claimed Duckhorn Vineyards Merlot. Over the next six years

Navarro River, this boutique

Handley Cellars

they experimented with fruit

Roederer Estate

from the top wine–growing re-

In the late ’70s Jean-

gions in California until, in 1996,

winery is known for sustainably made Pinot Noirs that continu-

Anderson Valley Estate Vineyard

ally sell out. Named for the en-

Claude Rouzaud, president of

The family-run winery produces

a native to the valley, the wine

they found their diamond—an

Champagne Louis Roederer

over 15,000 cases a year in-

is produced by three genera-

80-acre estate vineyard in the

(the same house that created

cluding sparkling, dessert, Pinot

tions of the Green family. With

Anderson Valley, located along

Cristal), began searching in

Noir, Chardonnay and oth-

the vines in Anderson Valley, the

the migratory pathway of the

California for a spot where

ers. For the last 10 years, the

wine made in Healdsburg and

goldeneye duck. Tastings at the

growing conditions were similar

Anderson Valley estate vineyard

business operations in Sonoma

winery take place in a comfort-

to the best villages in France’s

has been farmed using sus-

and San Francisco, the vino has

able farmhouse living room;

Champagne region. In 1981

tainable agricultural methods;

become a ﬁxture across the en-

guests can also settle in to an

Rouzaud found a 580-acre

winemaker Milla Handley even

tire North Bay. Look for a tast-

Adirondack chair, a perfect spot

piece of land in the Anderson

completed a three-year organic

ing room at the 12-acre vineyard

to take in views of the vines.

Valley and selected it as a site

certiﬁcation process. Call ahead

in the near future. 415.923.0277,

The winery is open seven days

for his vineyard. Winemaker

for a tour of the estate vineyard

blackkitecellars.com

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

dangered black–shouldered kite,

—S.F.

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

PLAY San Rafael Skate Park

Carving the Skate Parks of Marin BY PAT JUDAH PHOTOS MAT THEW PAT TERSON

On a warm sunny day about a dozen skateboarders are buzzing around the Novato Skate Park on Hamilton Parkway, just enough people to keep the energy going but not too many to make it overcrowded. The skaters alternate between trying their tricks, taking breaks to watch the others and getting lured in by the ice cream van that rolls through the parking lot every few hours. They range in age from eight to 40, and each brings a different story to the park, one that can be seen in the skater’s style and chosen terrain. The Marin skate community is a multigenerational group who all learned to skate at 92

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

different points in the evolution of this sport. The 15,000-square-foot park in Novato consists of a perimeter track of technical obstacles like stairs, rails and ledges and a five-foot-deep bowl that weaves its way through the center like a lazy river. The popular park is known for its cohesive design that allows skaters to flow from obstacle to obstacle without having to step off their boards. Today, 37-year-old Billy Handly is in the bowl. Although only 20 percent of skaters in the U nited States are older than

Although only 20 percent of skaters in the United States are older than 18, diehards like Handly prove skateboarding is not just for kids. 18,

55 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley 415-380-0880 www.alixandcompany.com

diehards like Handly prove skate-

20/optical 20

boarding is not just for kids. “I’ve been skating in and around Marin County for the last 25 years and I’m having as much fun with it as ever,” the Corte Madera

ﬁne eyewear

resident says. “My friends still mountainbike, and no one thinks that’s weird. I just happen to skate.” Handly grew up in an era when skaters mostly kept their feet planted on their boards and focused on carving whatever transitions they could find. “We would skate ditches, curbs, banked driveways, mini-ramps and the occasional empty swimming pool,” he says. Handly also rides at the McInnis Skate P ark in San Rafael, where he likes to skate the 10-foot-deep bowl, a highlight of the park. At 25,000 square feet, McInnis is the largest park in Marin, costing $ 1.6 million to build. It’s known for being a great place for younger skaters because it’s broken up into various sections where kids can skate by themselves, yet the MARINMAGAZINE.COM

San Rafael • 1127 4th St • 415.453.2020

Novato • 181 San Marin Dr • 415.892.2020

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

design also lacks the flow that makes the

pools and ramps, Norton grew up skating

These daysevents like ESP N’s X G ames

Novato park so popular.

street spots like the stairs of the Sausalito

have also turned skateboarding into a

“I think the kids today have it pretty

post office, the Corte Madera DMV and

mainstream sport, with top skaters earn-

good in terms of [ skate] parks, at least,”

various schoolyards and office complexes

ing in the millions through endorse-

Handly says. “Within Marin you can pret-

around Marin.

ments and winnings. But 14-year-old

ty much find a little bit of everything, and

“We could skate anything then and

Woolf Barnato of Kentfield doesn’t seem

there’s 20-plus more parks throughout the

have fun,” Norton recalls. “Tricks were still

to notice. He’s too busy having fun skat-

Bay Area.”

being invented and everything felt new

ing around with his friends, just as

Just as Handly is leaving, James Norton

and exciting. Street skating in Marin is ac-

Handly and Norton used to, and try-

flies by and lands a perfect 360-flip ( he

tually a lot harder now. A lot of spots have

ing to come up with new ways to skate

kicks the board horizontally 360 de-

been shut down by security guards, people

the Novato park. “We tried to build a ce-

telling you to go to the

ment bowl in the hills behind my house

skate parks, and people

when I was 10 but got chased out by a

paranoid about lawsuits

mountain lion,” he says. Nowadays,

on their property.”

“I pretty much [ always] just skate, unless

“We tried to build a cement bowl in the hills behind my house when I was 10 but got chased out by a mountain lion,” says 14-year-old Woolf Barnato.

So why persevere,

I’m in school.”

at an age where most

Across the generations, the creativ-

might put down their

ity, adrenaline and camaraderie of the

boards, especially in an

sport are what keep local skaters go-

grees and it rolls over itself once, then he

expensive place like Marin? The answer’s

ing. “Skateboarding really recharges my

lands back on it) off of a waist-high ledge.

simple, Norton says. “Why not?

I’m still

batteries,” Handly attests. “It recharg-

Norton, 25, grew up in Mill Valley learning

having fun and progressing. It keeps me

es my soul, and it gets me all stoked

tricks an earlier generation of skaters never

fit and it’s one of the best ways I know to

on life again no matter what I’m going

dreamed of. While Handly grew up skating

have fun and kill some time! ”

through.”

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

Skate Parks

Shops

Novato Skate Park

Battens & Boards

1200 Hamilton Pkwy.

2640 Northgate Mall, San Rafael

15,000-square-foot, all cement park;

415.479.0103

offers a seasonal skate camp. DLX Skateboards and Clothing McInnis Skate Park

1831 Market St., SF

310 Smith Ranch Rd., San Rafael

415.626.5588

25,000-square-foot, all-cement park. Fat Kat Surf Shop Corte Madera Skate Park

1906 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Fairfax

1 Pixley Ave. off Tamalpais Drive,

415.453.9167, fatkatsurfshop.com

in the Corte Madera Town Park A small park with mostly plastic ramps.

Proof Lab Surf and Skate Shop (Lessons and gear)

Bolinas Skate Park

Mill Valley Skate Park

254 Shoreline Hwy., Mill Valley

In Mesa Park, off Mesa Rd,

425 Sycamore Ave.,

415.380.8900, prooflab.com

next to the firehouse

behind Mill Valley Middle School

All-cement park with a 30-foot-wide

One of the smallest skate parks in Marin;

Triumph 4th Street

mini-ramp and a simple street course.

all plastic ramps.

907 Fourth St., San Rafael 415.457.1625, triumph4th.com

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

B OO K S

PIECE DE RESISTANCE In his novel based on the life of Annette Vallon and set during the French Revolution, author James Tipton brings literary history to vibrant life BY SAMANTHA BERRY BY

SAMANTHA BERRY

nnette Vallon was not a historical figure; she was a literary footnote,” says James Tipton, author of the new novel Annette Vallon: A Novel of the French Rev-

olution, based on the life of William Wordsworth’s French lover. Tipton, who has a Ph. D. in English from UC Davis, was discussing Wordsworth in a class one day when the professor leaned in 96

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

conspiratorially and mentioned the relationship between Vallon and the poet as a tidbit of gossip. “I thought, there’s a story there. I started looking into it and then just got carried away,” says Tipton from his home in Novato. Carried away for 500 pages of a novel that took nearly 15 years from start to finish. “I wrote it in about three years in the early ’90s but I wasn’t entirely pleased with it, so I put it away. I didn’t look at it again for a long time.” The book, set during the French Revolution’s Reign of Terror (1793-94), imagines the life of Annette Vallon, daughter of a wealthy and well-connected French family, who meets and begins a passionate affair with young William Wordsworth, an Englishman yet to publish his first poem. It’s a blend of the factual and the fictional. “I tried to keep with historical facts but the French Revolution was so crazy and many of the books are so contradictory that I was left with quite a range of things to make up,” Tipton says. What we know from history is that Annette became pregnant with Wordsworth’s daughter, but the lovers were separated by the war. It’s also known that she became a powerful member of the resistance, saving many from the guillotine. But during his research, Tipton found little more than dates. “I knew they had quite a long relationship and correspondence, that they saw each other again after nine years and spent a whole month together. I thought there was a story there. I knew Wordsworth was such a serious and sincere guy he couldn’t have had just a quick little nothing relationship.” Unfortunately for the sake of history and novelists trying to do research, the letters between the two were burned after Wordsworth’s death by an overprotective grandson. All that remains are a few letters from Vallon to Wordsworth written during the Reign of Terror and found more than 125 years later in a police substation that happened to be cleaning out its files after World War I. “There were these passionate letters that never got to him,” say Tipton. “It was heartrending. She was writing about hearing his voice in his letters and telling him that the baby looked like him and he never got them. He didn’t know what was going on.”

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

Original Vintage Jewelry from the 18th, 19th & 20th Centuries

The novel is told from Annette’s point of view. Writing in the voice of an 18th century Frenchwoman was not always easy. “I’m not going to do it again,” Tipton says. “You know the last line from Huck Finn when Huck says ‘. . . if I’d a knowed what a trouble it was to make a book I wouldn’t a tackled it’. That’s how I felt.” Not that Tipton, who teaches at the College of Marin, isn’t up for a challenge. His next book is another novel based on historical fact. It traces the lives of two young Miwok Indians kidnapped from Marin by Russians and taken

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MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

The Seventh Daughter by Cecilia Chiang ($35, Ten Speed Press) Tiburon resident and renown Chinese chef and cookbook author Cecilia Change tells the story of her journey from China to San Francisco in this memoir with recipes. It’s a passionate story of food and perseverance coupled with 75 step-by-step recipes showcasing authentic Chinese cooking. Cheese & Wine by Janet Fletcher ($25, Chronicle Books) San Francisco Chronicle food columnist and cheese connoisseur Janet Fletcher follows her best-selling book The Cheese Course with a book on pairing two of Northern California’s favorite food groups: wine and cheese. Yum. Craft Inc: Turn Your Creative Hobby into a Business by Meg Mateo Ilasco ($17, Chronicle Books) Are you the person who knits sweater sets for all your friends’ new babies? Do you love to design stationery? Maybe you’re a whiz with a sewing machine or a lathe. Well, local crafter and invitation designer Meg Mateo Ilasco can show you how to turn the product of your passion into a business. Includes interviews with successful crafters like Lotta Jansdotter and Jonathan Adler.

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

to St. Petersburg to work as servants. They travel to France and then back to Gold Rush California, tossed on the waves of history. Explaining the undertaking, Tipton laughs. “It’s a good thing I don’t think about things too

DOMINICAN Leadership Lecture Series presents

much because if I did, they’d intimidate me.” James Tipton will be reading from Annette Vallon at Book Passage in Corte Madera on Monday, December 10.

BOOKSELLERS RECOMMEND THEIR FAVORITE NEW NOVELS

Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen (Algonquin Books, $14) “It takes place in the 1930s during the Great Depression, a time when traveling circuses were crisscrossing the country. You just get swept away into a sort of bizarre world—there’s cruelty, kindness, romance—it’s really all of human nature. And, best of all, it has a wonderful ending.”

Melba Beals civil rights activist • author • congressional gold medal recipient Melba Pattillo Beals, one of the Little Rock Nine, braved violent resistance to the integration of Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas in September 1957. Wednesday, November 28 • 7:00 p.m. Angelico Concert Hall Free Lecture No RSVP Necessary 415-485-3202 http://leadership.dominican.edu

50 Acacia Avenue • San Rafael, CA • 415-485-3202 • www.dominican.edu

—Kate Larson, Book Club Coordinator, Book Passage A Soldier of the Great War by Mark Helprin (Harvest Books, $16) “Old Italian professor and young illiterate worker miss their bus in Italy and have to walk to the next town. The old guy is telling his life story about the Turkish front in World War I. I compare it to A Farewell to Arms. The writing is so good I didn’t want to put it down.”

—Lenny Jay, Book Depot Ahab’s Wife by Sena Jeter Naslund (Harper, $16) “It’s written as if Captain Ahab had a wife who was waiting for him. I loved the idea that it’s the perspective of the female waiting for her husband who is off at sea conquering male things. She is waiting but she has this whole life going on too. It’s really sweetly, beautifully written—a sea chantey, sort of.”

—Lisa Doron, Point Reyes Books

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

CA LE NDAR

NOVEMBER ARTS & EVENTS GUIDE 24—December 16 42nd Street Moon The season continues with Oh, Lady! Lady! which features many veteran performers from the group’s past seasons. The play tells the story of a young man’s wedding plans that become derailed by a former ﬂame, a jewel thief and a future mother-in-law. Eureka Theatre (SF). 415.255.8207, 42ndstmoon.org

COMEDY Tuesdays Mark Pitta & Friends You’ll have to see the show to ﬁnd out who’s performing but it’s worth getting a chance to watch big-name headliners and upand-coming comics work on new material. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.com The Color Purple at the Orpheum Theatre, thru December 9.

THEATER Thru 11 42nd Street Moon Founding artistic director Greg MacKellan directs One Touch Venus. Eureka Theatre (SF). 415.255.8207, 42ndstmoon.org Thru 25 The Rainmaker The play centers around the charismatic Starbuck, who travels the heartland selling snake oil and other “miracle” cures. At a drought-stricken farm, he promises to make it rain—for a price—but he soon develops an interest in the family’s daughter, and they begin to consider a real miracle. American Conservatory Theater (SF). 415.749.2228, act-sf.org

Thru December 9 The Color Purple The soul-stirring musical is based on the Pulitzer Prize–winning novel by Alice Walker and the ﬁlm by Steven Spielberg. It features the inspiring story of a woman named Celie who ﬁnds the strength to triumph over adversity. Orpheum Theatre (SF). 415.512.7770, shnsf.com 100

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

14 Men, Women, Love and Chaos Join 8 Gather the Women Don’t miss this ﬁrst professionally staged reading by Lynne Kaufman in the Playwrights’ Lab fall season. The evening is directed by Jessica Heidt. The performance is followed by open conversation with the audience, the playwright, the director and the actors. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.com

John Gray (Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus) and Warren Farrell (Why Men Are the Way They Are) as they dig beneath the surface of the two different cultures of men and women. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.com

MUSIC

pital in 1959, the play focuses on three veterans who meet every morning on their quiet terrace and dream of escaping the hospital. Ross Valley Players (Ross). 415.456.9555, rossvalleyplayers.org

2 Cascada de Flores: Dia de Muertos The quartet is dedicated to preserving traditional Mexican and Cuban dance and music. The group performs in this Dia de Muertos family concert. The Dance Palace (Point Reyes Station). 415.663.1075, dancepalace.org

15—December 9 Lovers and Executioners A swashbuckling adventure, where a few mistaken identities and a romance to cheer for are at the heart of this adaptation of a 17th–century masterpiece by playwright John Strand. Marin Theatre Company (Mill Valley). 415.388.5208, marintheatre.org

2 Elizabeth Pitcairn Virtuoso violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn performs in a solo performance of works by Kreisler, Gershwin, Schubert and Paganini in a luxury home. After the performance enjoy conversation, wine and hors d’oeuvres. Private home (Belvedere). 415.479.8100, marinsymphony.org

9—16 Heroes Set in a French military hos-

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4–6 Elizabeth Pitcairn The violinist performs Mendelssohn’s Violin Concerto on the legendary 1720 “Red” Mendelssohn Stradivarius, said to have inspired the 1999 Academy Award-winning movie The Red Violin. The program features Beethoven’s Overture to Leonore No. 3 and Brahms’s Symphony No. 2. Marin Center (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marinsymphony.org 7–29 San Francisco Opera Soprano Angela Gheorghiu makes her long-awaited San Francisco Opera debut in La Rondine, a rare staging of Puccini’s elegant and poignant opera, which tells the story of a worldly woman who falls in love with a naive younger man. San Francisco Opera (SF). 415.864.3330, sfopera.com

10 Anúna: Celtic Origins This theatrical show features Anúna, a classical crossover group from Dublin known for dynamic stage presence and a unique pan-European sound. Composed of 14 singers and three musicians from diverse musical backgrounds, including traditional, pop/rock, and classical, Anúna performs original compositions by Michael McGlynn. Marin Center (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org 11 Life is a Duet Bay Area Cabaret presents L.A. Law stars and former Marin residents Jill Eikenberry and Michael Tucker. The show tells the story of their life together onscreen and off. Florence Gould Theatre, Legion of Honor (SF). 415.392.4400, bayareacabaret.org 14—December 2 San Francisco Opera The ﬁrst of Verdi’s three Shakespeare operas, Macbeth features a man and wife who ﬁnd it easier to murder their way to the Scottish throne than to cleanse themselves of the subsequent guilt. Baritone Thomas Hampson returns to San Francisco Opera as Macbeth. San Francisco Opera (SF). 415.864.3330, sfopera.com 15 James Cotton The Grammy Award–winning artist and Blues Hall of Fame inductee has shared the stage with B.B. King, Led Zeppelin, Muddy Waters and Janis Joplin. Don’t miss this anticipated Marin performance. Larkspur Cafe Theater (Larkspur). 415.924.6107, larkspurcafetheater.net MARINMAGAZINE.COM

18 Pianist Daniel Glover Award-winning pianist Daniel Glover presents a program of works by Beethoven, Liszt and Ginastera. The Dance Palace (Point Reyes Station). 415.663.1075, dancepalace.org

18 Starduster Sundays Join hosts Jan Wahl and Cynthia Glinka along with the Starduster Orchestra for an evening of dancing to the sounds of the big band era. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.com

24 Roy Rogers & the Delta Rhythm Kings Grammy Award nominee Roy Rogers is known for his exciting live performances. Don’t miss him with his group the Delta Rhythm Kings in Marin. 142 Throckmorton Theatre (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.com

DANCE 2 Pilobolus With a combination of physical strength and beauty, this group blends artistry with signature moves that involve entangling the dancers’ bodies. Marin Center (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org

2—10 Mary Armentrout Dance Theater This evening features new solos and collaborations. Mary Armentrout Dance Theater (SF). maryarmentroutdancetheater.com 11 CounterPulse and Dancers’ Group The two groups co-present four works in progress; afterward, enjoy a critical response discussion. CounterPulse (SF). 415.435.7552, counterpulse.org 23 Tango Buenos Aires Showcasing 12

29 Left Coast Chamber Ensemble The critically acclaimed Left Coast Chamber Ensemble performs its second program this season, “New String Quartet.” The ensemble is a consortium of 12 musicians who perform both familliar and new chamber music for the public. 142 Throckmorton Theater (Mill Valley). 415.383.9600, 142throckmortontheatre.com

dancers, six musicians (including two bandoneón players), a singer, dazzling costumes, and provocative choreography throughout, Tango Buenos Aires traces the 100-year-old tradition of the sensuous international dance sensation, translating the seductive spirit of Argentina’s soul into passionate movement. Marin Center (San Rafael). 415.499.6800, marincenter.org

Trips for Kids WHAT IS NOW A NATIONAL organization with over 20 chapters across the United States actually started out with just 10 donated bikes in Marilyn Price’s Marin home. Price wanted disadvantaged kids to be able to challenge themselves physically and experience the natural world. This led the Marin Women’s Hall of Fame honoree to start the nonprofit organization Trips for Kids, which has now led over 36,000 children across North America on mountain bike adventures. The group takes the participants on rides three days a week and provides everything they’ll need including a bike, helmet and lunch. To establish a source of funds for the nonprofit, the group opened the Re-Cyclery Bicycle Thrift Shop, which sells bikes, parts and accessories donated by individuals and companies. After school, kids can also learn to fix bikes in the group’s San Rafael warehouse and even earn enough credits for a free bike of their own. Trips for Kids is celebrating its 20-year anniversary with a benefit dinner that includes live entertainment and an auction at the Mill Valley Community Center. 415.458.2986, tripsforkids.org

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BAY AREA CABARET PRESENTS its 2007 –08 concert season

Perfect Pairings LA Law Stars and former Marin residents

JILL EIKENBERRY & MICHAEL TUCKER

Life is a Duet SUNDAY, NOV. 11 – 7PM Florence Gould Theatre, Legion of Honor, SF Tickets $45/40 prior to 10/15

Our season also includes:

GALLERIES MARIN Aperture f64 Gallery Water’s Edge Five black-and-white photographers, including Paul Caponigao and Brad Cole, portray the beautiful and mystical qualities of water, tides and coasts; thru November 3. 635 San Anselmo Ave, San Anselmo. 415.482.0480 Art Abloom Gabriella Spina Drake founded the gallery in Santa Barbara in 1990 and relocated in 2002 to Marin. The gallery specializes in offering a full–spectrum art experience in a creative and noncompetitive environment. 735 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.256.1112, artabloom.com Artisans Art Gallery War and Peace: Internal/External Conﬂict and Resolution A regional juried show featuring artists who are exploring the idea of internal and external conﬂicts and their resolutions in the form of paintings, prints, photography, sculpture and mixed media; November 10. 853 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.460.5208, artisansartgallery.org

NY’s Nightlife Award-winning pop/jazz vocalists

JOHN PIZZARELLI & JESSICA MOLASKEY SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 – 5 P.M. Crystal Ballroom, Marines Memorial Club, SF Tickets: $45/40 prior to 11/15

Grammy-winning singer songwriters

AMANDA MCBROOM & MELISSA MANCHESTER SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23 – 8 P.M. Herbst Theatre, SF Tickets: $40 (orchestra/boxes)/$25 (dress circle/balcony)

Tony-Winner (Grey Gardens & 42nd St.)

CHRISTINE EBERSOLE with BILLY STRITCH SUNDAY, MARCH 9 – 5 P.M. Commandants Ballroom, Marines Memorial Club, SF Tickets: $45/40 prior to 4/15 SUBSCRIBE by calling (415) 945-INFO or online at www.bayareacabaret.org. Subscribers get a ticket discount, premium seating and an intermission reception on opening night.

BUY SINGLE TICKETS by calling City Box Office (415) 392-4400

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Art Works Downtown Day of the Dead Invitational Sharon Christovic of the Folk Art Gallery and Carol Durham of Art Works Downtown curate this exhibit, thru December 7. 1337 Fourth St, San Rafael. 415.451.8119, artworksdowntown.org Atrium Art Gallery Garden Inside An exhibit of paintings and monotypes by Katherine Warinner, thru January 11. 1350 South Eliseo Dr, Greenbrae. 415.925.7624 Belvedere Tiburon Library Running Fence Fine ﬁber artworks created by California artists out of the rare, historic panels of Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Running Fence. Artists include Deborah Alastra, Regula Allenspach Weill, Liz Berg, Kay Carlson and others; November 11—December 15. 1501 Tiburon Blvd, Tiburon. 415.789.2656, bel-tib-lib.org Claudia Chapline Gallery Mixed Media Sculpture Work by Roy Forest and Claudia Chapline, thru November. 3445 Shoreline Hwy, Stinson Beach. 415.868.2308, cchapline.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM

Edith Caldwell Gallery Gallery artists on display, thru November. 819 Bridgeway, Sausalito. 415.331.5003, edithcaldwell.com Falkirk Cultural Center Photographic Narratives A survey of contemporary photography by Ann Baldwin, Lawrie Brown and others, thru December 29. 1408 Mission Ave, San Rafael. 415.485.3438, falkirkculturalcenter.org Gallery Bergelli New paintings by James Leonard. 483 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.945.9454, gallerybergelli.com Gallery Route One Our Town A black-andwhite photographic essay about Point Reyes Station by C.R. Snyder, November 4— December 1. 11101 Highway One, Point Reyes Station. 415.663.1347, galleryrouteone.org Marin Society of Artists Sweet Dreams and Nightmares Mixed media on display, November 4—25. 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross. 415.454.9561, marinsocietyofartists.org O’Hanlon Center for the Arts No Goodbyes: Re-imaging Trash Work and Mariah Noonan: Reﬂections Acrylic paintings and hand-painted silks, November 6— November 29. 616 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.388.4331, ohanloncenter.org Robert Beck Gallery Ongoing work. 222 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, San Anselmo. 415.456.7898 Robert Green Fine Arts New Paintings Work by Ed Moses, thru December. 154 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley. 415.381.8776, rgﬁnearts.com Sam the Butcher Reconstructions Work by Bryce Vinokurov, thru November. 19 Ross Common, Ross. 415.902.1019 Studio 333 Ongoing work. 333A Caledonia St, Sausalito. 415.331.8272, studio333.info The Art Bar Work on display by New York artist Karen Zilly, who specializes in Asianinspired images and abstracts, including portrayals of Buddhist, organic and ambient images in her modern-style portraits, November 2—30. 34 Main St, Tiburon. 415.435.3999, theartbar.us MARINMAGAZINE.COM

T H E S E A S O N O F T H E S I LV E R S C R E E N

The Red Violin Virtuoso violinist Elizabeth Pitcairn performs in partnership with the legendary 1720 “Red Mendelssohn” Stradivarius, renowned as one of the finest violins of all time. Its mysterious disappearance for several centuries shortly after it was made spurred historians, writers and journalists to speculate on its enigmatic history. The speculations of Canadian filmmaker François Girard became the narrative for his 1999 Academy Award-winning film, The Red Violin.

InConcert

Sunday, November 4 and Tuesday, November 6, 7:30pm Alasdair Neale, conductor • Elizabeth Pitcairn, violin Beethoven Overture to Leonore No. 3 Mendelssohn Violin Concerto Brahms Symphony No. 2 MARIN CENTER, SAN RAFAEL Tickets $27/$50/$65 (students half price) at 415.499.6800 Sponsored by Westamerica Bank, Jacuzzi Family Vineyards and Brayton Purcell LLP, with guest artist sponsored by John & Maria Pitcairn

SpecialScreening The Red Violin in conversation with Elizabeth Pitcairn Co-presented with the California Film Institute

Thursday, November 1, 2007, 7pm RAFAEL FILM CENTER, SAN RAFAEL Subscribers/CFI members - $23 Non-subscribers/Non-CFI members - $25 Tickets at 415.479.8100

upclose& personal Meet Elizabeth Pitcairn at these Marin Symphony events: Friday, Nov. 2, 6-9pm Elizabeth Pitcairn “At Home” concert Saturday, Nov. 3, 11am CD signing at Barnes & Noble, Corte Madera Town Center Tuesday, Nov. 6, 9:30pm Post-concert Tuesday Night Wraps Party, Four Points by Sheraton San Rafael For more information, click www.marinsymphony.org

W W W. M A R I N S Y M P H O N Y. O R G

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The Painters Place California Light Landscape paintings of California by West Marin artist and Painters Place gallery director Krystal Allen, thru November. 1139 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur. 415.461.0351, thepaintersplace.com

SAN FRANCISCO ArtHaus Cocktails & Conversations New work by Carol Massa. The Photographers A group show featuring works by Astrid, Jess Johnston and others, thru December 30. 411 Brannan St, 415.977.0223, arthaus-sf.com Berggruen Gallery Paintings and sculpture by Cuban-born artist Enrique Martinez Celaya, who has also received prizes from the Department of Energy and the National Congress of Science, thru November 3. 228 Grant Ave, 415.781.4629, berggruen.com Caldwell Snyder Gallery Recent paintings by Barry Masteller, thru November. 341 Sutter St, 415.296.7896, caldwellsnyder.com

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Elins Eagles–Smith Gallery Mixed-media paintings by Kris Cox, thru November. 49 Geary St, Ste 520, 415.981.1080, eesgallery. com Fraenkel Gallery Photographs by University of California at Berkeley alum Richard Misrach and optician-turned-photographer Ralph Eugene Meatyard, thru December 22. 3049 Geary St, 415.981.2661, fraenkelgallery.com Frey Norris Gallery Stick and Move Work by artists from Malaysia, Korea and Japan, thru December 13. 456 Geary St, 415.346.7812, freynorris.com

Gregory Lind Gallery Drawings by Dannielle Tegeder, thru November 24. 49 Geary St, 415.296.9661, gregorylindgallery.com Hackett-Freedman Gallery The Structure of Improvisation A selection of paintings by pioneering California abstract expressionist painter Emerson Woelffer, thru December 22. 250 Sutter St, 415.362.7152, hackettfreedman.com Hang Art and Hang Art Annex Enchantment A solo show of new paintings by Elaine Coombs. The artist uses the pointillist technique, which creates scenes that are full of movement, thru November. 556 & 567 Sutter St, 415.434.4264, hangart.com

Gallery Paule Anglim Work by Bruce Conner and James Rosen, thru November 24. 14 Geary St, 415.433.2710, gallerypauleanglim.com

Jack Hanley Gallery Work by Fergus Feehily, thru November. 395/389 Valencia St, 415.522.1623, jackhanley.com

George Krevsky Gallery The Unspoken Word Work by Richard Nagler, thru December 8. 77 Geary St, San Francisco. 415.397.9748, georgekrevskygallery.com

John Pence Gallery Recent oil paintings and drawings by Tracis Schlaht, thru November 10. 750 Post St, 415.441.1138. johnpence.com

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Linda Saytes Ongoing work. Hunters Point Shipyard, Bldg 101, Studio 2120, 415.824.5756, saytesart.com Meyerovich Gallery Guy Dill: New Work Bronze and aluminum sculptures on display, thru February 1. 251 Post St, 415.421.7171, meyerovich.com Newmark Gallery New Paintings A solo exhibit of work by Dutch painter Paula Evers. The artist will be traveling from her home in the Netherlands to attend the show’s opening reception, thru December 15. 251 Post St, Ste 412, 415.392.3692, newmarkgallery.com Paul Thiebaud Recent paintings by Philadelphia-born artist David Fertig, known for his renditions of the Napoleonic

wars, thru November 3. 718 Columbus Ave, 415.434.3055, paulthiebaudgallery.com Rena Bransten Gallery Daughters of China Oakland artist Hung Liu reworks the narrative of women soldiers sacriﬁcing themselves during the Sino-Japanese War, thru November 24. 77 Geary St, 415.982.3292, renabranstengallery.com SF Camerawork There is Always a Machine Between Us An interactive and evolving exhibit of work by those who use the Internet as inspiration, thru November 17. 657 Mission St, 415.512.2020, sfcamerawork.org

MUSEUMS MARIN Bolinas Museum Divine Visions and Worldly Lovers Classical Indian miniatures curated by Dr. Robert J. Del Bonta and Barbara Janeff; Harry Williams in the Photography Gallery, thru November 11 (Bolinas). 415.868.0330, bolinasmuseum.org

Marin History Museum Riding the Rails Discover the story of trains in Marin County as this exhibition celebrates the railroad boom from the ﬁrst tracks to the bustling days of passenger and freight service, November 9—April 12 (San Rafael). 415.454.8538, marinhistory.org Marin Museum of the American Indian Masks of the Americas A combined exhibit of contemporary and traditional Native American and Southwest masks by the museum and California artist Becky Olvera Schultz, November 2 thru April 20 (Novato). 415.897.4064, marinindian.com

BAY AREA Asian Art Museum Stylized Sculpture: Contemporary Japanese Fashion from the Kyoto Costume Institute Conceived by acclaimed artist Hiroshi Sugimoto, this exhibition spotlights the sculptural essence of contemporary Japanese fashion through the works of Rei Kawakubo, Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto and others, thru January 6 (SF). 415.581.3500, asianart.org

James C. Leonard Spring Movement 60 x 60 inches Acrylic on Canvas

Lighthouse for the Blind Insights This juried art exhibition features works by artists who are blind or visually impaired. The show emphasizes the diverse ways people express themselves and how they see, thru December 7. 25 Van Ness Ave, 415.431.1481, lighthouse-sf.org

James Leonard New Paintings

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de Young Nan Kempner: American Chic Nearly 75 of the thousands of ensembles and accessories Kempner possessed are on display, including more than 25 garments that are exclusive to the de Young exhibition, thru November 11 (SF). 415.863.3330, thinker.org di Rosa Preserve Gay Outlaw: Recent Sculpture A sampling of new art and work that has never been shown together. This is the latest in a series of Gatehouse Gallery exhibitions featuring recent work from notable artists in the di Rosa collection, November 3—January 5 (Napa). 707.226.5991, dirosapreserve.org

A. Jaffe

Legion of Honor Marie Antoinette and the Petit Trianon at Versailles The exhibition gives a visual history of the Petit Trianon through 88 pieces of furniture, paintings and sculpture, November 17—February 17 (SF). 415.863.3330, legionofhonor.org

C R E AT E D W I T H PA S S I O N S I N C E 1 8 9 2

1200 4th Street at “B”, San Rafael, CA (415) 453-3580 • www.rafaeljewelers.com

www.ajaffe.com

Museum of Craft & Folk Art Change: Craft in our Future, Recent Alums from the California College of the Arts Faculty from the craft departments have selected recent graduates they feel represent exciting contemporary craft being made today, thru January 27 (SF). 415.227.4888, mocfa.org SFMOMA Jeff Wall The Canadian photographer is widely recognized as an innovator of picture-making. Many of his pieces are complicated productions involving a cast and crew and utilize state-of-the-art technology, thru January 27 (SF). 415.357.4000, sfmoma.org YBCA Dark Matters: Artists See the Impossible A group exhibition of hi-tech installations, photography, video and conceptual projects, thru November 11 (SF). 415.978.2787, ybca.org

FAMILIES/KIDS MARIN Thru December 13 Miss Kitty Clap, jump and sing to the sounds of Miss Kitty. Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, baykidsmuseum.org 106

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17 Meet and Greet Meet ofﬁcer Wu and his police dog from the K-9 unit of the National Park Service. Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, baykidsmuseum.org

24—December 23 Gingerbread Architecture Extravaganza Kids can let their imaginations run wild as they create the most delightful (and tasty) gingerbread house on the block—complete with candy canes, gumdrops, frosting and other treats. Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito). 415.339.3900, baykidsmuseum.org

BAY AREA 9 Opening of New Exhibit In the Exploratorium’s new exhibit, Mind, the viewer is the exhibit. Experience your own thoughts, feelings and actions in this 5,000-square-foot exhibition featuring over 40 interactive exhibits that were four years in the making. For example, ﬁnd out how it feels to drink out of a water fountain that is actually a toilet, or witness yourself in off-guard moments you may never have experienced before. Exploratorium (SF). 415.561.0377, exploratorium.edu

women’s clothing & accessories

Sanctuary Nanette Lepore Twelth Street Michael Stars Twill 22 Rachel Pally Diane von Furstenberg Theory True Religion Ella Moss Velvet Hudson Splendid Rock and Republic Tibi Milly and more... 601 San Anselmo Avenue San Anselmo . 415.454.2629 www.shopkismet.net

FINGERHUT GALLERY

EVENTS Tuesdays and Thursdays Doodlebug Knitting Night Learn the fundamentals of crocheting or felting, expand basic knowledge and try something new with fellow enthusiasts. Doodlebug (San Anselmo). 415.456.5989, doodlebugmarin.com

OF SAUSALITO

Gallery works include: Picasso, Miro, Matisse, Chagall, Smirnov, Rembrandt, Snowden, Vanderveen, Picart, Wilkinson, Grace Slick, Jiang, Dr. Seuss™ and others.

Thru December 1 Abstract 9 Bay Area painters, including Bob Armstrong, Ila Coombs, Mary Delave, Michele DiGregorio and others, display their recent works. The artists will be available at the reception to discuss their pieces with the public. Third Street Grill (SF). 415.538.0804, 3rdstreetgrill.net

Image by: Victoria Montesinos Detail of Midnight Blues, 60" x 48" original oil on canvas.

Thru January 25 Dream Home Raffle As a benefit, Community Action Marin is selling tickets for $150 for a chance to win a $2.1 million dream home or other prizes. Community Action Marin (San Rafael). 800.431.5166, marinraffle.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM

800-700-1842

690 BRIDGEWAY

www.fingerhutart.com/gallery/sausalito.html

E-mail: sausalito@fingerhutart.com

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1 The Red Violin Film Screening Marin Symphony and California Film Institute present a screening of Francois Girard’s 1998 ﬁlm The Red Violin in conversation with acclaimed violin virtuoso Elizabeth Pitcairn, who performs on the 1720 “Red” Mendelssohn Stradivarius that inspired the ﬁlm. Marin Symphony and California Film Institute (San Rafael). 415.479.8100, marinsymphony.org 3 Black Tie Ball At the annual Hospice Ball, Hospice by the Bay Foundation pays special tribute to the leadership and accomplishments of one of its founders, president and CEO Mary Taverna. Marin’s own Doug McConnell will emcee this event, expected to be attended by over 600 guests. Marin Center (San Rafael). 415.526.5621, hospicebythebay.org

Art, Gifts & Accessories Mon. - Sat. 10:30 am - 6:00 pm

47 C Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera (415) 945-8863 • Across from Book Passage

Napa Valley’s Premier Spa and Fitness Club

3 Dinner Auction San Rafael’s Trips for Kids is celebrating 20 years of empowering youth with a dinner auction. The group has led over 36,600 disadvantaged youth across North America on mountain bike adventures. Mill Valley Community Center (Mill Valley). 415.458.2986, tripsforkids.org 4 Canine Wine & Dine Join 300 dog lovers for a festive afternoon of wine, gourmet food, music, and fantastic auctions—including a wine country weekend escape valued at over $4,000, lunch with a former Survivor contestant and luxury getaways. Second Chance Rescue (Mill Valley). 415.506.0161, secondchancerescue.com

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Pumpkin Latte Hydration Facial Pumpkin Cream Body Wrap

6 Moms’ Night Out Book Passage President Elaine Petrocelli will give a stirring review of the best new books for moms and children of all ages. The proceeds from the one-of-a-kind evening, which also includes wine, appetizers and door prizes, will go directly to meet the wish list of the Lactation Center and new infant care at the Marin General Hospital. The Storks of Marin (Corte Madera). 415.925.7474, mghstorks.org 9 & 10 Marin Bonsai Fall Exhibition Join

707 967 8800 • 1030 Main Street, St. Helena, CA 94574 relax@napavalleyspa.com • napavalleyspa.com • hsnv.com

Mention “Marin” when purchasing. Valid only through December 2007. 108

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Marin Bonsai Club for its fall show. Club members will display trees, landscape plantings and viewing stones at this special event. Bonsai Marin Bonsai Club (Ross). 415.491.1989, marinbonsai.org MARINMAGAZINE.COM

10 & 11 Serendipity Fine Arts and Crafts Show This holiday show features over 200 artists from around the country. One–of–a–kind, handmade gifts for your seasonal shopping. Festival Pavilion (SF). 415.497.1864, takashihonda.com 15 An Evening with Owls An after-dinner beneﬁt featuring wine and delicious treats, both savory and sweet. Owl stories, short educational talks, silent auction, owl gifts and a chance to meet live owls. The Hungry Owl Project (Ross). 415.328.2448, hungryowl.org 15 Brew Master Dinner Join Moylan’s brew master Denise Jones for an evening of hand crafted ales paired with a distinctive menu from Noonan’s Bar and Grill. Moylan’s Brewery and Restaurant (Larkspur). 415.898.4677, moylans.com

15 Dinner for a Cause Head to the Lark Creek Inn, Yankee Pier and other selected Marin restaurants, which will donate 20 percent of their dinner proceeds to Homeward Bound of Marin. 415.455.5680, hbofm.org

17 & 18 The Vintage Jewelry Show

be gorgeous

21 Marin Scuba Club Join other divers as Ken Howards discusses his adventures in South Africa, Indonesia and the Bahamas. 415.453.9556, marinscuba.org

23—December 23 The Great Dickens Christmas Fair Hundreds of costumed characters bring over 100,000 square feet of space to life. Find one-of-a-kind pieces for sale; see dazzling entertainment and roasted chestnuts freshly prepared before your eyes. Cow Palace Exhibition Halls (SF). 800.510.1558, dickensfair.com

30—December 2 Annual Dance Palace Holiday Crafts Fair Ceramics, toys, ornaments, clothing, jewelry and more on sale. The Dance Palace (Point Reyes Station). 415.663.1075, dancepalace.org MARINMAGAZINE.COM

bettina .

Discover estate jewelry, vintage designer accessories, purses, evening bags, watches, belts and more, all for sale. Image consulting and on-site jewelry repair will also be available. IDESST Hall (Sausalito). 415.383.2252, goldengateshows.com

now in: bettina jersey featured editors pick in 7 x 7 magazine: best san francisco fashion

501 caledonia street sausalito ca 94965 415.331.3389 3615 sacramento street san francisco ca 94118 415.563.8002 www.bettinasf.com photo by Cavan Clark

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LECTURES/WORKSHOPS 2 CIIS Lunch for the Soul Loren Eskenazi, M.D., F.A.C.S., plastic surgeon, artist and author, will discuss spiritual perspectives on cosmetic surgery. Cost includes an Indian buffet lunch. California Institute of Integral Studies (Sausalito). 415.575.6279 9 Art Auction Celebrate the memory of Wendy Gruber, an acclaimed Sausalito artist, at this beneﬁt auction. Over 50 artists have donated work along with selected paintings by Gruber from her private collection. Proceeds from the auction fund art programs and the Wendy Gruber Career Development Grant, administered by the Marin Arts Council. Mill Valley Community Center (Mill Valley). 415.435.7081, wendygruber.com 9 & 10 Olympia Dukakis The actress performs her acclaimed reading of Rose, the story of a Jewish octogenarian who looks back on her life, from her birth in the Ukraine to her escape from the Nazis, for two performances only in San Francisco. Jewish Community Center of San Francisco (SF). 415.292.1233, jccsf.org/arts

14 Leadership Lecture Series Rick Steves, television host and author of 30 European travel guidebooks, will discuss how thoughtful travel is a powerful way for Americans to broaden their perspectives. Dominican University of California (San Rafael). 415.485.3202, leadership.dominican.edu 26 The Dog Listener Breeder, trainer and author Jan Fennell will share her groundbreaking work on how to better communicate with your dog. Marin Center (San Rafael). 415.884.9463, allabout-canines.com presents

A Labor of Love (415) 461-1866 • 272 Bon Air Center, Greenbrae

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28 Leadership Lecture Series Civil rights ﬁgure, author, and Dominican University of California professor Melba Pattillo Beals will deliver the lecture “Seeing Equal, Being Equal: Moving Forward with Energy and Hope.” Beals is a member of the Little Rock Nine, the group of African-American students who 50 years ago advanced the civil rights movement with the integration of Little Rock Central High School. Dominican University of California (San Rafael). 415.485.3202, leadership.dominican.edu MARINMAGAZINE.COM

NATURE WALKS/TALKS Ongoing Sonoma History Local ac-

CALL THE SHOT!

tor George Webber morphs into Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain, as he retells the history of Sonoma (Sonoma). 707.694.5097, georgewebber.com

10 Family Birding Come face-to-face with real bird skins, skulls, bones, feathers, and owl pellets in this interactive and fun day of observing, investigating, learning and playing games (Point Reyes). 415.663.1200, ptreyes.org

RETAIL THERAPY Now Open Bluemercury Former Bay Area resident Marla Malcolm Beck has brought her luxury spa retail chain Bluemercury to Marin. The spa features facials, waxing services and products from Red Flower, Trish McEvoy, Aesop and more. Bluemercury Apothecary and Spa (the Village at Corte Madera). 415.924.5400, bluemercury.com Now Open M Clothing With threads from Rachel Pally, Catherine Malandrino and others, M Clothing has been a success in Healdsburg and Corte Madera. The newest location is now open. M Clothing (Danville). 925.314.0911, martymclothing.com

How well do you know Marin?

Call the Shot has a simple premise: Tell us where this picture is and win a $100 gift certiﬁcate for the E&O Trading Co. restaurant in Larkspur Landing.

To win, your answer must be speciﬁc. You have to do better than just naming the city. Give us an exact location and tell us what this is. Here’s a clue: You can see this by standing in a city park.

Now Open Wellington’s Wine Bar During

Here’s how to play: Go to marinmagazine.com, agree to the rules and

November head to Marin’s newest wine bar for a complimentary tasting. Patrons can enjoy a glass while enjoying views of the bay or pop into the retail wine shop and buy a bottle to take home. The bar also offers wine education classes for the oenophile or novice. Wellington’s Wine Bar (Sausalito). 415.331.9463, wellingtonswine.com

submit your answer. Simple. We’ll choose winner randomly from all the correct answers. Good luck! And the winner is: Susan Rene Simms of Tiburon won September’s Call the Shot by correctly identifying the wall facing Toby’s Feed Barn in Point Reyes Station.

Thru December 24 European Designer

30 & December 1 Fritz & Mischell

Sale Don’t miss this once-a-year sale when European handbags and shoes will be offered at 50 to 80 percent off. Junbesi Group and Neely Mack (Sausalito). 415.332.6833

Jewelers Fritz & Mischell return to present their newest designs from the collections Organically Grown and Reﬂections on Color. Spirits in Stone (Sonoma). 707.938.2200, spiritsinstone.com

17—25 Heath Sample Sale and Tour

WINE COUNTRY

Custom tableware, vintage buttons, pendants and necklaces on sale. Heath Ceramics (Sausalito). 415.332.3732, heathceramics.com

3 Diana Ross Don’t miss this iconic singer perform. Wells Fargo Center for the Arts (Santa Rosa). 707.546.3600

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

3 Fourth Annual Game Winery Dinner Local food from Broken Arrow Ranch will assist chef John Littlewood in creating a menu that will be specially paired with a St. Francis wine. St. Francis Winery (Santa Rosa). 707.833.0255 9—11 20th Annual Holiday Affair Celebrate the arrival of the holidays and see the winery decked out at this annual event. Ferrari-Carano Winery (Healdsburg). 707.433.6700, ferrari-carano.com MARIN

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F LAVO R

MMMMM… MASHED POTATOES A tribute to the holiday comfort-food side dish BY MIMI TOWLE

ner this year, and you’ve vowed to make everything from scratch. First

hurdle, the turkey — remember, it’s breast side

Sam Ramadan, chef de

Robert Price, head chef,

Blake Andros, chef/owner,

up —and second, the gotta-have-or-it’s-just-not-

cuisine, Boca Steak, Novato:

Buckeye Roadhouse and

Izzy’s Steaks and Chops,

right side dish: mashed potatoes. Here are some

“When it comes to mashed

Bungalow 44, Mill Valley: “We

Corte Madera: “The key to

valuable tater tactics from local chefs known to

potatoes, the simpler the

use Yukon Gold potatoes —

truly great mashed potatoes

serve up some of the best spuds in the county.

better. I prefer to use Yellow

they have the best starch con-

is starting with starchy po-

Finn potatoes with the skin

tent — unsalted butter, heavy

tatoes. In my opinion, the

on. The skin gives it more fla-

cream and fine sea salt. Once

very best are White Rose

A diet that consists

vor and a rustic look. If you

your potatoes have boiled,

and Yukon Gold. I find that

predominantly of rice

overboil the potatoes, you

add the slightly heated heavy

russets are better for bak-

“

will lose a lot of the starch

cream and butter. Gently

ing and waxy potatoes, such

leads to the use of

and the body; they become

fold these in as you mash the

as red-skins, are better for

opium, just as a diet that

mushy. One of my child-

potatoes, making sure to not

roasting. Once you have com-

hood favorite side dishes was

overwork them — otherwise

pleted your base of mashed

mashed potatoes with salt,

the starch gets released and

potatoes you can then add

white pepper, chives and ex-

you will have elastic gummy

ingredients such as garlic or

tra-virgin olive oil, topped

mashers. Serve right away,

wasabi to enhance the flavor

with soft-boiled egg and eaten

with a sprinkle of fresh-cut

of the meat or fish you are

with warm pita bread.”

chives on top.”

serving with the dish.”

consists predominantly of potatoes leads to

”

the use of liquor.

—FRIEDRICH NIETZSCHE 112

MARIN

NOVEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

CH EF PHOTOS RAM ADAN AND PRIC E: SHERI MONTG OMERY

ou’ve taken on the Thanksgiving din-

Word has it the term “couch potato” was indirectly inspired by the 1975 movie Boob Tube. That ﬁlm spawned the short-lived phrase “boob tuber,” which somehow along the way morphed into its current translation. Author Jack Mingo and artist Robert Armstrong published The Ofﬁcial Couch Potato Handbook in 1980, and the rest is history. Little-known spud trivia Just because potatoes are the most consumed side dish in America doesn’t mean this tuber gets the appreciation it deserves. It’s often lumped in with its carb cousins, bread and pasta, as…gasp, fattening. True, in its fried and salted form, it can pack on the pounds, but the basic potato deserves a fair shake. We’ve always known it was high in potassium, but wait, there’s more: potatoes seem to have the power to help the body synthesize red meat. In fact, according to Paul Pitchford, author of Healing with Whole Foods, there’s a reason (besides taste) meat and potatoes have shared a plate for centuries: The potato is useful in chemically balancing red-meat consumption and is thought to draw out toxins associated with meat-eating, he says. And the potato’s high alkaline content actually helps neutralize the acidity of meat, making it easier to digest.

Nutritional basics Adding up to only 100 calories, an average baked or boiled spud provides 21 percent of the recommended daily intake of heart-friendly potassium, 12 percent of the RDA for fiber, a whopping 45 percent of the antioxidant (and anti aging) vitamin C, and a healthy dose of cancer-fighting glutathione. Since most of the nutritional goodies are in the skin, be sure to eat the whole thing.

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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INSIDER’S GUIDE If you’ve ever

DINE OUT

wondered about the

CORTE MADERA

warmth of “Aloha”,

BENISSIMO Italian Benissimo…it means, “really really good” in Italian and that says it all. From margharita pizza to veal parmagiana to mocha mud pie Benissimo is a true taste of Italy. A wonderful neighborhood restaurant with an authentic Italian atmosphere. 18 Tamalpais Dr 415.927.2316 benissimos.com

take a few moments to get to the heart of it.

www.visit-oahu.com

CALIFORNIA PIZZA KITCHEN Cal/Eclectic Be prepared for chaos. Easy place to meet with kids; Mom/Dad can enjoy a tasty Thai crunch salad and decent glass of wine while the little ones feast on basic kid-size portions of pasta and pizza. 347 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.945.0401 IL FORNAIO Italian Sausalito’s Larry Mindel hit a home run with this upscale Italian 23-restaurant franchise. Besides the award-winning breads, pizzas and pastas, the menu boasts a variety of salads and noncarb entrées. 223 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.4400, ilfornaio.com IZZY’S STEAKS & CHOP HOUSE American The legendary San Francisco steak house has moved north. Known for great steaks and seafood as well as its fine wine selection, this is a great spot for a group or intimate dinner for two. 55 Tamal Vista, 415.924.3366, izzyssteaksandchops.com LA MAISON DE LA REINE Vietnamese A refreshing change amid the plethora of Italian, Mexican and Chinese options in town. The crunchy cabbage chicken salad with peanuts, fresh spring rolls, and combinations of pho are delicious and healthy. 346 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.0288 PACIFIC CATCH Pan-Asian This well-priced fresh grill eatery offers a bounty of Pacific Rim —inspired small or main plates, like the generously portioned wasabi bowls filled with rice (white or brown), veggies and your choice of fresh or raw fish, chicken or beef. 223 Corte Madera Town Center, 415.927.3474, pacificcatch.com

FAIRFAX CAFE AMSTERDAM American-European The former Broadway Video store is now a cozy spot to enjoy live music, a weekend brunch, dining on the heated patio and a large selection of local beers on tap. 23 Broadway, 415.256.8020, cafeamsterdamlive.com IRON SPRINGS PUB & BREWERY American Grab a beer and a grilled portobello mushroom sandwich—which one Chronicle reviewer calls “the best mushroom dish I have ever tasted”—at the former Ross Valley Brewing Company. 765-A Center Blvd, 415.485.1005, ironspringspub.com 114

MARIN NOVEMBER 2007

SORELLA CAFÉ Italian Not only is the food satisfying and tasty; the service is friendly and the ambience is warm and inviting. 107 Bolinas Rd, 415.258.4520

LARKSPUR CAFE Z American A pleasant surprise in the Bon Air shopping mall, dishes like their grilled chicken pesto pianni or savory crepes, have quickly made this intimate spot a local and inventive meals, keep people coming back for more (Greenbrae). 282 Bon Air Center, 415.461-9444, cafez.com E & 0 TRADING COMPANY Southeast Asian Chef Edwin Cabriloa-Torres is keeping the the restaurant’s innovative plates like the Indonesian corn fritters and Thai seafood clay pot as tasty as ever. Without reservations, try a spot at the large communal table. 2231 Larkspur Landing Circle, 415.925.0303, eotrading.com LARK CREEK INN American This flagship eatery for the Lark Creek Restaurant Group opened back in 1989 and was hailed by the New York Times as having “the best home cooking you can imagine.” It remains a perennial special occasion spot and is still known for inventive country cooking—as well as a cozy bar scene. 234 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7766, larkcreek.com LEFT BANK RESTAURANT French Known for award-winning French cuisine and its lively brasserie ambience, this corner spot has held court with the locals for well over a decade. Those with a petite appetite/budget can opt for happy hour (4-6 M-F) and enjoy appetizers, all priced under three dollars. 507 Magnolia Ave, 415.927.3331, leftbank.com P I CCO California Chef and celebrated restaurateur Bruce Hill deserves the accolades he has received for this eclectic shared-plate heaven. Dishes like mini-burgers and seasonally driven menu items, along with risotto made every half hour, keep people coming back. The Picco Pizzeria and Wine Bar next door is cozy (not many seats) but already famous for its wood-fired pizzas, great wine selection and soft-serve Straus Family Creamery ice cream. 320 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.0300, restaurantpicco.com TABLE CAFÉ, Indian / American Indian-inspired cafe offers a unique menu featuring entirely organic ingredients. Menu includes seasonal salads, incredible soups and fresh juices. The specialty of the house is dosia, filled with a variety of ingredients and served with savory home-made chutneys. You can also take home a choice of three or four gourmet dinners freshly-packed daily. 1167 Magnolia Ave 415.461.6787 YANKEE PIER American This family-friendly casual clam shack is harbored in a quaint house built in 1924 as a private residence. Though known for beer battered fish ‘n’ chips, clam chowder and tasty salads —Yankee Pier serves fresh seafood delivered daily from both coasts for dishes by renowned chef Anthony Bowman. 286 Magnolia Ave, 415.924.7676, yankeepier.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM

MILL VALLEY BUCKEYE ROADHOUSE American Oysters Bingo, baby back ribs and chili-lime “brick” chicken are a few of the satisfying, comfort-food-type menu items that have made this classic road-house a favorite since the ‘30s. 15 Shoreline Hwy, 415.331.2600, buckeyeroadhouse.com BUNGALOW 44 American Much like sister restaurant Buckeye Roadhouse, Bungalow 44 offers a mean dose of homey carbo- and lipidladen dishes, such as the burger, fried chicken and trufﬂe fries, as well as a few lighter items. The bar is a neighborhood favorite, serving up tasty spirits and eye candy. 44 E. Blithedale Ave, 415.381.2500, bungalow44.com CACTUS CAFE AND TAQUERIA Mexican Recently under new management; the food is better than ever. They still offer the lunchtime bargain burrito, as well as fish tacos, ceasar salads with grilled chicken or shrimp. Be sure to opt for the diablo sauce on enchiladas and burritos. 393 Miller Ave, 415.388-8226 CAFE DEL SOUL California Beware of addiction. Once you stop in for the deliciously fresh Hummus Yummus wrap, you’ll have to come back to sample the chipotle Sunrise Rice Bowl; then it will be the Thai It Up wrap with peanut sauce washed down with ginger limeade that brings you back, and so on. Casual lunch spot, great for takeout. 247 Shoreline Highway, 415.388.1852, cafedelsoul.net DIPSEA CAFE Comfort One word: biscuits. This long-time Mill Valley breakfast spot has been serving up tasty pancakes and egg dishes with homemade biscuits since 1986. Try a biscuit with a poached egg, a biscuit with sausage –or just plain butter. Lunch specialties include BLTs and tuna melts and generous cobb salads. Now serving dinner. 200 Shoreline Highway. 415.381.0298, dipseacafe.com FRANTOIO RISTORANTE ITALIANO Italian Known for its in-house olive press, superior olive oil and excellent Italian cuisine, this is a great location for large groups. Ask to sit in the press room for private parties. 152 Shoreline Hwy, 415.289.5777, frantoio.com INDIA PALACE Indian Known as “that great restaurant in the Travelodge,” India Palace is a favorite among the takeout crowd; however, eating veggie samosas, shahi khorma, or bhindi special (okra) on site is a treat too. 707 Redwood Hwy, 415.388.3350 LA GINESTRA Italian A favorite family spot for over 30 years; getting a table or comfortable booth can take a while. While this old-school Italian eatery is known for traditional pastas, veal dishes, pizzas and dry martinis, the familiar wait staff is also part of the attraction. 127 Throckmorton Ave, 415.388.0224 ORA Pan-Asian An inventive small and large plate menu mixed with an impressive wine list and original bar menu, including sake ﬂights. It’s an easy place to pop in for a drink and bite to eat, but call ahead for large groups. 24 Sunnyside Ave, 415.381.7500. oramv.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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PIAZZA D’ANGELO Italian It’s always a party at this long-standing hot spot. A great place to meet up with friends for a fresh plate of pasta, zuppa di pesce or pollo novello, or make some new friends at the bar. 22 Miller Ave, 415.388.2000, piazzadangelo.com

• • •

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PIZZA ANTICA Cal/Italian Light and delicious thincrust pizza with toppings like fennel, spicy sausage, bacon, pesto and goat cheese, as well as a variety of fresh green salads and entrées. Acoustics are an issue; otherwise, a great meeting spot. Strawberry Village, 415.383.0600 RAIN TREE CAFÉ American / Homestyle Cooking In the newly remodeled Strawberry Shopping Center offering wonderful American fare: soups, salads, burgers, sandwiches and gourmet crepes. Savor the Mill Valley Crepe…smoked salmon, capers, spinach, & Dijon wrapped in a fresh warm crepe. Breakfast is served all day. 610 Strawberry Village 415.380.8886, caferaintree.com SMALL SHED FLATBREADS California As a slow food chef, Ged Robertson uses only local, mostly organic ingredients. Crowd favorites include the Mt. Tamal-Pie, a delicious fresh salad atop a flatbread. 17 Madrona St, 415.383.4200, smallshed.com

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THEP LELA Thai This jewel is tucked away in the back of the new Strawberry Village. Diners come for the tasty kee mao noodles, pad thai, fresh rolls and extensive bar menu. It’s also a great place for lunch. 615 Strawberry Village, 415.383.3444 VASCO Italian Whether you’re at a table, the bar or the back counter, you can expect an intimate and tasty dining experience at this one-room trattoria. 106 Throckmorton Ave, 415.381.3343

NOVATO BOCA STEAK & SEAFOOD South American George Morrone, of Aqua and Fifth Floor fame, has been serving up an Argentinean-inspired menu in Novato with much ado. House specialties include provolenta, gambas al ajillo, and empanadas, as well as hand-cut (grass- and grain-fed) steaks. 340 Ignacio Blvd, 415.883.0901, bocasteak.com CACTI GRILL Southwestern A former bell tower church, the family-friendly restaurant now boasts a covered patio and serves a 21-day dry aged steak and ﬁlet mignon enchiladas. 1200 Grant Ave, 415.898.2234, cactigrill.com

KITCHEN American Restaurateur Henry Hautau has succeeded in creating an intimate 45-seat restaurant in downtown Novato. Executive chef Jason S. Hoffman, who has worked at Insalatas, Azie and Waterfront, offers items like orange-and-spicescented house-brined pork chop and star-anisebraised short ribs. 868 Grant Ave, 415.892.6100, kitchen868.com 116

MARIN NOVEMBER 2007

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

P H OTO: TIM P ORTER

CHRISTOPHER’S Italian / American A hidden place worth the effort to find in Bel Marin Keys. Christopher, the owner, offers a casual menu of innovative “Italian” type fare. 8 Commercial Blvd 415.382.8488

WILDFOX American Perched on the hillside off Highway 101, this rustic mesquite grill offers a menu full of comfort food and drinks, like the smooth cosmos, and seafood risotto, with bits of butternut squash. 225 Alameda del Prado, 415.883.9125, wildfoxrestaurant.com

ROSS MARCHÉ AUX FLEURS French This gem of a restaurant serves up locally farmed produce, wild and fresh seafood and free-range meats prepared with an artisan’s touch. 23 Ross Common, 415.925.9200, marcheauxfleursrestaurant.com TRATTORIA FRESCO Italian Every neighborhood deserves a one-room trattoria like this one. The service is friendly and the farmers’-market-fresh food is fabulous—especially the gnocchi. 13 Ross Common, 415.464.0915

SAUSALITO AN GE LI N O R E STAU R ANT Italian Fatherand-son chefs Pasquale and Alfredo Ancona offer handmade pastas and seasonal antipasti at this authentic Italian restaurant, which has been serving food from the Campania region for the past 24 years. 621 Bridgeway, 415.331.5225, angelinorestaurant.com ARAWAN THAI RESTAURANT Thai Known for its consistently tasty Thai food and efﬁcient, gracious service. For a light fare try the imperial rolls or the Siamese rolls (vegetarian) appetizers, or dig into the delicious pad thai noodles or garlic and pepper prawns. Arawan Thai has been a local favorite for over nine years. 47 Caledonia Street 415.332.0882 arawan.com

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CAFFÉ DIVINO Tuscan Sure, you’ll find great coffee drinks in a funky one-room setting, but locals also come for the tasty pastas and salads cooked by Tuscan-born chef Elana Fabbri. Free delivery in Sausalito. 37 Caledonia St, 415.331.9355, caffedivinosausalito.com FRED’S Coffee Shop A local hot spot for over 40 years. Share a cozy table or sit right at the bar where all the cookin’ takes place. Don’t miss the famous deep fried French toast or the traditional Swedish breakfast. Not a breakfast person? The bacon bleu cheeseburger on a sourdough roll with fries is delicious too. Open daily from 7-3. Breakfast served until 2. 1917 Bridgeway 415.332.4575 fredscoffeeshop.com GAYLORD INDIA Indian Rated as a “Restaurant of Excellence” by Zagat, Gaylord’s new location in Sausalito also features million-dollar views of San Francisco and the bay. All of the dishes including samosas, curries and tandoori are made with fresh local produce, seafood and artisan meats. 201 Bridgeway, 415.339.0172, gaylord.com KITTI’S PLACE Pan-Asian Watch out Comforts (aka the best chicken salad in town), Kitty’s serves up a delicious crunchy fresh chicken salad, as well as light tasty spring rolls too. Everything on the menu, from the pad thai to the MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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MARIN NOVEMBER 2007

117

If loving this is wrong, I don’t want to be right.

B.L.T. made with thick bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado, is excellent, which is why this little oneroom spot is always bustling. 3001 Bridgeway, 415.331.0390 POGGIO Italian A great place to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a night out. Executive chef Peter McNee cooks up delicious Northern Italian cuisine using fresh and local ingredients, including produce from the nearby Poggio chef garden. 777 Bridgeway, 415.332.7771, poggiotratoria.com SALSALITO TACO SHOP Mexican The menu features cheese enchiladas with mole, and fish and shrimp tacos with a spicy sour cream topping. Although they serve only wine and beer the wine margarita shouldn’t be missed. Authentic Mexican atmosphere and fare with outdoor seating and heat lamps. 1115 Bridgeway, 415.331-5595

At some point, every guy needs to let the world know where he stands. So pick your spot, grab a stake, slam it into the ground with man gusto and yell, “I am man, hear me roar.” I did this recently. With no stakes nearby, I downgraded to a skewer and shoved that thing into the ground. Nothing. I then thick-sliced a few sweet onions, fresh zucchinis, bell peppers (both red and yellow), and lovingly impaled them along with large chunks of delicious free-range chicken on some, USDA Grade A ﬁlet on others, and tender leg of lamb on yet others. Still no man roar. But I sort of got all goosebumpy for a second. So take it from me, Bryan. If you’re a guy not sure of where you stand, try right in front of your BBQ with some tongs and a large pile of my Kabobs. Come buy some.

Bryan’s Fine Foods Corte Madera Town Center

927.4488 www.bryansfinefoods.com 118

MARIN NOVEMBER 2007

SCOMAS Seafood Whether it’s for the view of San Francisco or the historical background, visitors ﬂock to this location for a romantic setting. The array of fresh seafood and meat dishes are appetizing as well as their Italian pasta dishes. 588 Bridgeway 415.332.9551 scomassausalito.com SUSHI RAN Japanese Fresh, innovative small plates are just big enough to share, the traditional sushi is melt-in-your-mouth good and the wine, cocktail and sake lists keep the pickiest barfly well satisﬁed. Even the prices don’t deter the herd of sushi enthusiasts, who line up nightly to partake; reservations required in main room. 107 Caledonia St, 415.332.3620, sushiran.com

SAN ANSELMO AVA California Chef Dan Baker, of Marché aux Fleurs in Ross, has another winner with AVA, which features a California-only wine list and a menu where nearly all the ingredients come from within 100 miles—if not the Marin County Farmers’ Market. The small menu includes seasonal flatbreads, pasta and six seasonal main dishes. 636 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.3407 CUCINA RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR Italian Proprietor Jack Krietzman (also of Pacific Heights’ Jackson Fillmore) has successfully brought Milan to Marin with his 42-seat family restaurant. Relax with a glass of wine and have a slice from the todie-for thin pizzas, which are topped with items like truffle oil and fontina cheese. 510 San Anselmo Ave, 415.454.2942 DEBBIE DOES DESSERT Bakery Debbie offers more than dessert. Join her for Tapas on the weekends and savory dishes such as grilled duck aux peche with lavender honey sauce on galette de mais. Lunch and brunch are served as well daily. Enjoy a latte (with a sweet) on the patio seating located just above the San Anselmo Creek. 556 San Anselmo Ave, 415.721.2901, debbiedoesdessert.com FORK California This intimate spot was awarded a “Top Food in the Bay Area” designation by Zagat for 2007. Opt for the five-course tasting menu or seasonal à la carte options. Dining early? The three course special for $20 is available during the first

seating. 198 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.453.9898, marinfork.com INSALATA’S Mediterranean Award-winning chef Heidi Insalata Krahling offers Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes prepared with local organic produce and artisan meats. 120 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.457.7700, insalatas.com LOCOCO’S PIZZERIA Italian Worth driving to from all over Marin, and it’s an easy place to meet with friends and family. The pizza crust is divine as is the house salad. Easy spot to come with the entire family. Closed Mondays. 638 San Anselmo Ave, 415.453.1238, lococossananselmo.com TACO JANE’S Mexican Named after the owner’s mother this casual but colorful atmosphere welcomes the whole family. Don’t miss out on Jane’s handmade agave margarita or griddled plantains with Jane’s crema. 21 Tamalpais Ave, 415.454.6562, tacojanes.com

SAN RAFAEL BOMBAY GARDEN Indian Family owned restaurant offering a large menu of richly flavored Northern and Southern Indian Cuisine that is consistently fresh and delicious. The four course dinner for two is a great variety of food or any of the native dishes as well. There are often Bollywood movies or videos playing on a flat screen TV to add a little entertainment to the meal. 909 4th Street 415.459.9555 dinebombaygarden.com CAFE GRATITUDE Raw The waiters might push the affirmations theme a bit too much, but the tasty (and healthy) food is worth it. Besides supporting local farmers and sustainable agriculture, the raw food and vegan samosas are hard to resist. Best to bring a group and sample lots of items on the menu. 2200 Fourth St, 415.824.4652, withthecurrent.com CREPEVINE American Bistro/Creperie Offering casual dining, outdoor seating and a diverse menu of savory crepes (such as the Italian crepe filled with roasted peppers, eggplant, onions, artichoke hearts, tomato sauce and mozzarella). Sweet and savory crepes are available all day long, as is breakfast. 908 4th St, 415.257.8822 MULBERRY STREET PIZZERIA Italian Chef Ted Rowe won first place in the Food Network Television Pizza Challenge with his Mushroom Lovers Pizza— sautéed mushrooms in a creamy garlic sauce a top a fresh pizza crust. Located across from the Smith Ranch Road movie theatres—it’s a great place to grab dinner and a movie. 101 Smith Ranch Rd, 415.472.7272, mulberry-street-pizzeria.com SABOR OF SPAIN Spanish Named as Best Tapas/ Small Dishes restaurant in Marin by the Pacific Sun in 2006, this bustling corner hot spot with a Spanish-only wine bar is a great place for a date or a big party. 1301 Fourth St, 415.457.8466, saborofspain.com SAN RAFAEL JOE’S Italian Guido and Theresa Farina are now running this Marin institution, which has been famous for serving up sophisticated

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

yet casual Italian fare since 1947. 931 Fourth St, 415.456.2425, srjoes.com SEAFOOD PEDDLER Seafood A great place to seek out fresh seafood in a warm and inviting environment. Varieties of East and West Coast fish flown in daily. Dine indoors or out, or better yet, rent out the banquet room for a party. 100 Yacht Club Dr, 415.460.6669, seafoodpeddler.com

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SOL FOOD Puerto Rican With south-of-theborder treats like yellow rice, beans, plantains and authentic Puerto Rican dishes, this tiny one-room eatery on Fourth Street just off Highway 101 can be hard to get into, but worth the wait. 732 Fourth St, and 901 Lincoln Ave, 415.451.4765

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SUSHI TO DAI FOR Japanese Snagging a seat in this popular sushi spot can be a challenge, but patience will be rewarded with tasty and fresh sashimi, unique sushi rolls and great prices. 869 Fourth St, 415.721.0392

TIBURON GINZA Japanese The old Tiburon Tommie’s space is now the spot to find great sushi in downtown Tiburon. The double hamachi roll is not to be missed. 41 Main St, 415.789.5123

(415) 892-2255 bettyann869@aol.com 869 Grant Avenue, Novato

ROONEY’S CAFÉ & GRILL American If you’re old enough to remember Cheers on prime time, this is your dinner spot. There’s not a long bar, nor a bartender named Sam (he’s across the street); however, there is an undeniable neighborhood feeling in this one-room cottage dining room. 38 Main St, 415.435.1911 SAM’S ANCHOR CAFE American Everyone knows Sam’s deck is the prime spot for brunch on a lazy sunny Sunday, and its bar is the town’s historic watering hole, but Sam’s is also a great place for lunch or dinner. Enjoy trans-fat-free calamari, fresh ﬁsh, seasonal salads and pastas. 27 Main St, 415.435.4527, samscafe.com

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SERVINO RISTORANTE Italian With people like Warren Buffett and Bill Gates raving about his pizza, Angelina Servino is doing something right. Some people come for the spacious and popular bar; some people come for the great food and friendly service; the titans of industry, it seems, opt for the pepperoni. 9 Main St, 415.435.2676, servino. com THREE DEGREES California Opt for the outside patio, white tablecloths in the dining room, or the swank modern setting of the bar, and enjoy the local, seasonal menu options like grilled Niman Ranch New York “cowboy” strip steak or Dungeness crab risotto. 1651 Tiburon Blvd, 415.435.5996, threedegreesrestaurant.com

WEST MARIN DRAKES BEACH CAFE Local If you’re OK with the long drive, you can’t beat the view and the fresh local ingredients used to make the burgers, salads MARINMAGAZINE.COM

1118 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur 415.461.0120 Monday – Friday 10 AM – 6 PM Saturday 10 AM – 5PM

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and soups at this casual spot (Inverness). 1 Drakes Beach Rd, 415.669.1297, drakesbeachcafe.com OLEMA INN California One of the most charming settings around, this inn and restaurant is a great destination lunch spot for a Sunday drive, or dinner Wednesday through Sunday. The menu includes tasty and imaginative combinations using regional and organic greens and artisan meats (Olema). 10000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, 415.663.9559, theolemainn.com PARKSIDE CAFE American Most people know it as the ultimate breakfast spot [as in Guatemalan scramble or wafﬂe with blood orange-strawberry compote and whipped cream, al fresco] but lunch and dinners are great here too. Choose from an array of organic locally grown produce and artisan meats and wild seafood (Stinson). 43 Arenal Ave, 415.868.1272, parksidecafe.com PINE CONE DINER American Just off the main road, Joannie Kwit has re-created the ultimate neighborhood diner. Vintage china and homemade curtains complement the eclectic but homey menu featuring local fare (Point Reyes Station). 60 Fourth St, 415.663.1536, pineconediner.com

467 magnolia avenue, larkspur, ca 94939 415.924.2500

SAND DOLLAR American Sand Dollar American Originally built as three barges in Tiburon in 1921, The Sand Dollar Restaurant was ﬂoated to Stinson that same year and still exists today (though slightly revamped thanks to new owners). Enjoy live music along with local barbecue oysters, New England clam chowder or crispy tofu and avocado sandwich (Stinson). 3458 Shoreline Hwy 415-868-0434, stinsonbeachrestaurant.com SURFER’S GRILL American The view doesn’t get better than this—nor does a surf salad. Built right out on Stinson Beach, this casual lunch spot is offers up tasty fresh organic salads along side corndogs, burgers and fries (Stinson). Stinson Beach Park, Highway 1, 415.868.1777, surfersgrill.com

SAN FRANCISCO AME Pan-Asian On the ground ﬂoor of the St. Regis Hotel, Ame Restaurant was designated “Best New Restaurant in 2007” by the Zagat guide. Known for raw treatments such as sashimi, crudo, tartare and carpaccio. Dinner only, reservations recommended. 689 Mission St, 415.284.4040, amerestaurant.com

gift certiﬁcates • relaxing massage luxurious facials • therapeutic body treatments skin, bath & body care products ( 415 ) 9 24 -7 3 0 0 • w w w . s t e l l a r s p a . c o m 2 6 TA M A L PA I S D R I V E , C O R T E M A D E R A , C A 9 4 9 2 5

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BOBOQUIVARI’S THE STEAK Steak/Seafood In the mood for surf and turf? Head out to Bobo’s and be sure to order the iron skillet-roasted mussels, Dungeness Crab, and of course, the steak. Dryaged for four to six weeks, the proprietors (also of the Stinking Rose) claim it’s the only one of its kind on the West Coast 1450 Lombard Street, 415.441.8880, boboquivaris.com BONG SU Vietnamese Brainchild of Tammy Huynh, executive chef and co-owner of the popular Tamarine in Palo Alto. The interior is a mix of the modern and traditional; silk, wood and steel elements such as a giant bong su (plumeria), and ﬂoating orchids in towering glass vases. Recently voted one of Esquire magazine’s top 20 in 2006. 311 Third St, 415.536.5800, bongsu.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM

CANTEEN Cali/French It’s not easy to get a seat in this nationally noted California-French restaurant, partly because of its reputation and partly because there aren’t many. Ever since the former Rubicon chef Dennis Leary turned a run-down downtown coffee shop into one of the best spots in the city, people have been lining up to sample the goods. 817 Sutter St, 415.928.8870 HAR R I S’ R E STAU R ANT Steak house This San Francisco institution has hosted local and international luminaries for nearly a century. Wine Spectator ranked Harris’ as one of the nation’s top ten steak houses. 2100 Van Ness Ave, 415.673.1888, harrisrestaurant.com

HANE Y

O R T H O D O N T I C S

We would like to invite you to become a patient in our family orthodontics practice. We welcome new patients of all ages, and look forward to caring for you and your family. Specializing in both braces and Invisalign®

JONES RESTAURANT Comfort If you’re thinking to cross the bridge, to satisfy your thirst check out the brand new Jones Restaurant in the spot formerly occupied by the Marina Sports Bar. The bar manager, Tony Devencenzi has created a menu featuring fresh ingredients and inventive takes on the classics. Don’t miss the muddled Cucumber-Basil Gimlet or the freshly squeezed 2400 Greyhound. 2400 Lombard, 415.440.2000, jones-sf.com MAMACITA Mexican Known for its authentic Mexican cuisine and 100 percent pure agave tequila margaritas, this Marina restaurant has quickly become a local favorite. 2317 Chestnut St, 415.376.1629, mamacitasf.com

1600 Sir Francis Drake Blvd. San Anselmo, CA 94960 www. haneyorthodontics.com

(415) 453-7880 p (415) 453-0602 f info@haneyorthodontics.com

MYTH Cali/French Innovative cuisine by chef Sean O’Brien, formerly of Gary Danko, has made this one of the most popular spots in town. 470 Paciﬁc Ave, 415.677.8986, mythsf.com PERBACCO Italian The seasonal Italian menu focuses on the northern Piemontese region, featuring handcrafted charcuterie, homemade pastas and regional dishes such as quail with persimmon and apple salad. 230 California St, 415.955.0663, perbaccosf.com PRES A VI International/Small plates Known for a wine list that’s sure to please any oenophile, including a large selection of ﬂights and by-the-glass choices to pair with chef Kelly Degala’s shared small plates menu. One Letterman Dr, Building D, Ste 150, 415.409.3000, presavi.com PRESIDIO SOCIAL CLUB California Originally the barracks for enlisted men; menu features steaks, pork chops and fresh oysters. Throwing a party? Try the private room, which can accommodate 30 people. 563 Ruger St, 415.885.1888, presidosocialclub.com QUINCE California Book a reservation at least a month in advance to get a seat at one of the 15 tables in this tiny restaurant. The farmers’ market creations by chef Michael Tusk, formerly of Chez Panisse and Oliveto, are sure to please. 1701 Octavia St, 415.775.8500, quincerestaurant.com SCOTT HOWARD American The former chef/ owner of Fork in San Anselmo, Scott Howard packed up his talent and moved it to the big city, in the former location of the Cypress Club on Jackson Street. 500 Jackson St, 415.956.7040, scotthowardsf.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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Look Better Feel Your Best Dr. Winﬁeld treats the full range of skin problems, from acne to skin cancer to rare dermatological conditions. Dr. Winﬁeld, a Tiburon resident, is a family dermatologist specializing in adolescent acne and cosmetic dermatology.

INSIDER’S GUIDE MARIN COUNTY

HOTELS CORTE MADERA CORTE MADERA INN Relax in the oversized swimming pool, or one of the two whirlpool spas, practice on the professional putting green or hit the basketball court at this 110-room property. Rates start at $139. 415.924.1502, bestwestern.com

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FAIRFAX INN Owner Jay Papel built this quaint bed-and-breakfast in 1998. Each of the 12 rooms has a Jacuzzi tub and ﬁreplace. Rates start at $120. 415.455.8702, fairfaxinn.com

INVERNESS MANKA’S INVERNESS LODGE Tucked in the hills of Inverness is a hunter’s paradise complete with flannel-covered couches and deer-head trophies. The post-ﬁre accommodations still include 10 rooms above the wetlands of Tomales Bay. Rates start at $285. 415.669.1034, mankas.com

MARSHALL NICK’S COVE Pat Kuleto in partnership with Mark Franz brought back to life the long awaited funky quarters of Nick’s Cove. Most of the 12 seaside cottages feature an over-the-water or water-view deck, potbellied stove, fireplace, heated bathroom ﬂoors and copper bathtub. For dinner head to the 130-seat Nick’s Cove restaurant, with a glassed-in deck, mahogany bar and a 400-foot pier that extends off the restaurant deck and into the bay. Rates start at $295. 415.663.1033, nickscove.com

MILL VALLEY ACQUA HOTEL The hotel blends modern elegance with the surrounding natural environment. Design highlights include the nine-foot glass-and-wood doors and the serene lobby waterfall. All 25 junior suites feature large entry parlors, soaking tubs and private balconies with views of Mill Valley. The third-floor junior suites feature ﬁreplaces. Rates start at $149. 415.380.0400, marinhotels.com MILL VALLEY INN Tucked away in a redwood grove at the foot of Mount Tamalpais but still steps away from galleries, ﬁne restaurants, boutiques and theaters, the location couldn’t be better. Ask for a room with a deck or one of the properties cottages. Rates start at $199. 415.389.6608, marinhotels.com 122

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MOUNTAIN HOME INN Towering redwoods set the scene for legendary hikes at this rustic (and romantic) retreat. Although there aren’t televisions, guests can test their Scrabble skills by the blazing ﬁre in the property’s game room. Don’t miss a meal at the on-site organic cuisine restaurant. Rates start at $195. 415.381.9000, mtnhomeinn.com

Thank you Marin for making us successful since 1989! Visit Our Showroom Choose from a wide selection of styles & designs

MUIR BEACH THE PELICAN INN Stay in one of seven snug bedrooms and enjoy a pint and a game of darts at the attached English pub. Rates start at $208. 415.383.6000, pelicaninn.com

Custom Configurations, Fabrication and Installation Available

NOVATO BEST WESTERN NOVATO OAKS Relax on the hillside patio or in the heated pool and spa of this 107-room property. Extended stay suites include a full kitchen and dining. Rates start at $129. 415.883.4400, novatooaksinn.com

OLEMA OLEMA DRUIDS HALL History buffs ﬂock to this site, built in 1885 as a meeting hall for the Druids Association. An extensive renovation has added urban comforts, like an apartment-size suite and an on-site boutique, Vita Collage. Rates start at $195. 415.663.8727, olemadruidshall.com THE OLEMA INN Antique furniture, Ralph Lauren linens and down comforters make for ultimate relaxation in this six-room inn. When hunger calls, seek out the inn’s restaurant, a former San Francisco Chronicle top 100 choice. Don’t miss the included breakfast in the dining room—hot croissants, local cheeses, seasonal fruit, coffee and juice. Rates start at $145. 415.663.9559, theolemainn.com

1217 North McDowell Blvd. Petaluma 415.453.0236 • 707.773.2898 800.924.2614 fax empireshowerdoors.com License #683909

Brighten Your Holiday Spirit with...

POINT REYES SEASHORE LODGE Looking for a little rest and relaxation? Take refuge in the lodge for a quiet evening in the country. Guests can play a game of pool or take a short walk to the Farm House Restaurant next door. The 23 rooms and two cottages all feature heated ﬂoors and down comforters. Rates start at $135. 415.663.9000, pointreyesseashore.com

SAN ANSELMO SAN ANSELMO INN The inn’s French wine bar, Sunday afternoon tea session and easy access to downtown are sure to impress. Be sure to try the homemade scones at breakfast in the banquet room. Of the inn’s 15 rooms, 13 have private baths and the other two share a bathroom in the hall. Throwing a party? The banquet room can accommodate 60 seated guests and the property has a full commercial kitchen with a list of approved caterers. Rates start at $99. 800.598.9771, sananselmoinn.com MARINMAGAZINE.COM

Commercial and Residential Lighting for Your Home and Business Free Estimates Light Hanging • Removal We do it all—from lighting your tree to lighting your entire home or business. (415) 272-7510 . www.thechristmaslightpros.com CA LIC #897189

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SAN RAFAEL

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EMBASSY SUITES Each suite includes a private bedroom, spacious living room, two televisions, a refrigerator, microwave oven and coffee maker. If there’s still work to be done try the hotel’s business center, which offers videoconferencing and meeting rooms. Rates start at $169. 415.499.9222, embassysuites.com FOUR POINTS SHERATON Work out in the ﬁtness center or swim laps in the outdoor heated pool at this 235-room hotel. The Northgate Mall is within walking distance of the property. For long stays, the hotel’s guest laundromat makes traveling easy. Rates start at $145. 415.479.8800, starwoodhotels.com GERSTLE PARK INN The property may seem intimate with only eight rooms and four cottages but with the 2.5 acres of land owned by the inn, guests have ample room to explore. Fresh ﬂowers, grazing deer in the garden and gourmet breakfasts (made to order) make it hard to leave. Try a night in a king suite, which offers a Jacuzzi tub and luxury linens. Rates start at $189. 415.721.7611, gerstleparkinn.com PANAMA HOTEL This historic bed and breakfast boasts a lively neighborhood restaurant with alfresco dining and jazz nights. No two rooms at the hotel are alike but sailors should feel at home in the Captain’s cozy nautical-themed room, while a bride and groom might opt for the Honeymoon Room, complete with claw-foot tub and a Victorian bed. Rates start at $100. 415.457.3993, panamahotel.com

SAUSALITO CASA MADRONA HOTEL AND SPA The hotel exudes the charm of a bed-and-breakfast with the amenities of a luxury hotel. When not indulging in a treatment at the 3,000-square-foot spa, relax in one of 63 rooms, all featuring wood-burning stoves and claw-foot tubs. Rates start at $199. 415.332.0502, casamadrona.com THE INN ABOVE TIDE Most rooms have private decks, ﬁreplaces and oversize tubs, while the vista suite and penthouse offer entertainment centers and wet bars; cocktails, anyone? Rates start at $295. 415.332.9535, innabovetide.com

TIBURON THE LODGE AT TIBURON Guests seeking a fullservice luxury retreat with shopping a stones throw away, can look toward the renovated Lodge at Tiburon. Set amid three acres of landscaped gardens, the hotel is surrounded by more than 40 shops, art galleries and restaurants. Rates start at $189. 415.435.3133, thelodgeattiburon.com WATE R S E DG E Located on a dock along picturesque Main Street and ﬂanked by a bustling restaurant scene–the Caprice, Guaymas, Sam’s Anchor Café, Rooney’s and Servino—the hotel offers 23 guest rooms and a state-of-the-art ﬁtness center. Rates start at $169. 415.789.5999, marinhotels.com 124

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE

M Clothing A Lucky Magazine favorite boutique offering a

Interesting people like interesting jewelry - An alternative

huge selection of today’s top designers. Jewelry, accessories and GIFT CARDS AVAILABLE. www.martymclothing.com

to the malls, Stephan-Hill offers an extensive collection of carefully chosen designer jewelry from Europe, as well as One-Of-A-Kind pieces designed “in house”.

381 Healdsburg Avenue, Healdsburg, CA 8 Tamalpais Drive, Corte Madera, CA 402 Railroad Avenue, Danville, CA

707.431.8738 415.924.8891 925.314.0911

1226 Fourth Street San Rafael, CA

415.459.5808 stephanhill.com

Jewels are always the right gift. In our store, or online, expert advice is part of the Lang shopping experience.

The Sanctuary Spa - Reward yourself with the gift of relaxation and renewal. Ease into the holidays with a luxurious massage, body wrap and facial. The Sanctuary Spa at Bay Club Marin. Pamper yourself, you deserve it.

323 Sutter Street San Francisco, CA

The Sanctuary Spa at Bay Club Marin 220 Corte Madera Town Center

Lang Antiques. One-of-a-kind Antique and Estate Heirloom

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415.945.3030 bayclubmarin.com

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Holiday Gift Guide

ADVE RT I SI N G P R OMOTI ON

Holiday Gift Guide

ADVERTIS I NG PROMOTI O N

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HOLIDAY GIFT GUID

Perfect – give year-round, daily, scenic gourmet excursions, aboard

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lavish Pullman Railcars, Lunch or Dinner. All meals freshly prepared onboard. 100+ Napa Valley Wines or Cocktails.

as well as the work of contemporary masters in jewelry design and technique......two romantic locations, Tiburon and Mendocino.

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17 Main Street Tiburon, CA 415.789.9583

800.427.4124 winetrain.com

6 Albion Street Mendocino, CA 707.937.5005

green apples

Ladies, shopping is easy at The Apple! We have everything for your holiday events. Great lines, great selection, great customer service. DVF, Theory, Milly, Trina, Velvet…

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415.331.8227 shopgreenapples.com

Hawaiian Host - Hawaii’s original maker of chocolate covered macadamias. Give the gift that perpetuates the Aloha spirit. Find Hawaiian Host at a retailer near you.

Honolulu, Hawaii

hawaiianhost.com

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GUIDE HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE HOLIDAY GIFT

Ko’ze in partnership with To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation is raising funds to provide immediate assistance to those living with breast cancer. Koze is donating 50% of the proceeds from all pink merchandise sold in the month of October.

Union Street Goldsmith - The Client + The Design Team + The Craftsman. It all happens here. This collaboration facilitates the creative atmosphere. The result is evident in our work.

16 Main Street Tiburon, CA

1909 Union Street San Francisco, CA

415.435.1916 getkoze.com

415.776.8048 unionstreetgoldsmith.com

Evo Spa FACIALS • MASSAGE • BODY TREATMENTS WA X I N G • A C U P U N C T U R E • D E T O X / W E L L N E S S FAR-INFRARED SAUNA • THERMOGRAPHY • AIRBRUSH TAN SPA BOUTIQUE • GIFT CARDS

Betty Ann - Fine Women’s Fashion and Accessories - unique

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869 Grant Avenue Novato, CA

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415.383.3223 evo-spa.com

selection, top designers - Theory, Nicole Miller, Trina Turk, Vince, Nanette Lepore. Experienced staff can help you choose for yourself or for a gift. 415.892.2255 bettyann869@aol.com

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Holiday Gift Guide

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adl i b

MARIN ADVERTISERS SPEAK UP

Christopher Holbrook

Annie Jackson

Alexandra Ray

Studio 333, Sausalito

Goodnite Moon, Corte Madera

Five Senses Interiors, Corte Madera

“Studio 333 is the Bay Area’s largest fine art

“Retail is typically an archaic and often frustrat-

“My philosophy is to go the extra mile as an

and furniture gallery,” says owner Christopher

ing business, so patience and humor have always

interior designer and make sure that all five sens-

Holbrook. Over 25 local emerging and established

been the most important aspects of my philoso-

es are alive and stimulating the client in his/

artists are on display in the gallery, which also of-

phy on business,” says Goodnite Moon owner

her home or office,” says director and founder

fers art studios for rent, adult and children’s class-

Annie Jackson. The Marin native has been in

Alexandra Ray. Five Senses Interiors was created

es and printing services. Studio 333 is available

retail for 15 years, most of that time as a mer-

five years ago in London. “With our passion and

for private parties, receptions, business conferenc-

chant. Jackson says after she’s done relaunching

flair for furniture and contemporary art and ex-

es and more.

Goodnite Moon, she’ll relaunch the website and

pertise in all the practical details, we soon built

then hopefully a few more stores in California. “I

up a fabulous clientele in London. We hope to do

am not happy unless I am totally crazed!”

the same in Marin,” says Ray.

Our 3,500-square-foot space displays eclectic and

Which service is your favorite?

Describe your dream client.

contemporary fine art and furniture. We have

Outfitting a nursery. Everyone is excited and it’s

My ideal client is a procrastinator and someone

monthly exhibitions, wine tastings, fundraisers,

so fun to be a part of such an important event

who needs our creative and practical expertise to

film nights and art classes. I am privileged to be

in people’s lives. I still remember the experience I

help pull it all together. We are in the business of

able to have a business in the town I grew up in

had picking everything out and setting it all up. I

inspiring our clients to feel totally excited about

and to be able to give back to this community.

couldn’t wait to meet this little person!

their current or new home.

Which product or service that you offer is your favorite?

What did you want to be when you grew up?

What is your competitive edge?

A writer.

London, Paris, Milan, Amsterdam…Five Senses

What is your competitive edge? There is nothing in the Bay Area like Studio 333.

Interiors can bring over anything that is hot off

I really enjoy that we offer a space for entertaining. The energy and vibe in the gallery rubs off on

What makes you excel at what you do?

the design press in Europe and give our clients

everyone who comes in. We rent out the gallery

I love what I do; my husband has to close my office

access to it.

for anniversary celebrations, birthday parties and

to keep my away from it. It is a passion of mine

holiday get-togethers. People enjoy entertaining

to hunt down the next best thing for the store.

What service is your favorite? Honestly, I love it all, but as an ex-fine art major from St. Martin’s (college of art and design) in

What makes your work worthwhile?

What’s the funniest thing that’s recently happened in your business?

Seeing clients with a smile after they have bought

The former owner of the store is my friend, so

and encouraging clients to take risks and live with

an original piece of art. A lot of my clients are

when she first decided to sell the business, we

art in their environments. I have created several

young couples who have just bought a house and

brainstormed a few times about who could be a

corporate art collections in London, New York and

are starting out together. Having my own business

good potential buyer. The fact that it turned out

Bermuda and my knowledge about acquiring in-

also gives me the opportunity to attend my son’s

to be me is totally funny.

vestment pieces of art is something I take pride in.

London, I am passionate about contemporary art

field trips and be involved in his life. Annie J ack son, Goodnite M oon, Town Center Corte

Alexandra R ay, Five Senses I nteriors, 2 4 7 Sausalito

Christopher H olbrook , Studio 333, 333A Caledonia

M adera, 111 Corte M adera Town Center, Corte

St., Corte M adera, 4 15 .8 16 .5 2 35 ,

St., Sausalito, 4 15 .331.8 2 7 2 , studio333.info

M adera, 4 15 .94 5 .06 7 7 , goodnitemoon.com

fivesensesinteriors.com

ADVE RT IS IN G P R OMOT ION

PHOTOS: SHERI MONTGOMERY

friends in a hip, energetic environment.

PHOTO CREDIT: DAVID DUNCAN LIVINGSTON

nancy van natta associates • Emotional Spaces Residential & Commercial 415-456-3078 www.van-natta.com

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

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STEPHANIE CANNELL, THE MOST BELOVED INSURANCE AGENT IN TOWN. SM

AUTO • HOME • LIFE • BUSINESS

415-388-7979 Real Estate - A Good Investment The most comprehensive public website of active listings and real estate professionals in the North Bay.

Information on GreatHomes.org is provided by the 10,000 Real Estate Professionals of Bay Area Real Estate Information Services, Inc.

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Ap p i a n Wa y Pa v e r s t o n e s since 332 B.C.

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A Century of Service Painting • Wood Preserving • Waterprooﬁng • Pressure Washing • Restoration of Natural Wood Homes & Decks •

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Free Estimates Kunst Bros. Painting Contractor Inc. wide plank flooring, siding and beams www.blacksfarmwood.com San Rafael Showroom By Appointment 415.454.8312

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www.kunstbros.com, (415) 456-4044 phone, (415) 457-6261 fax 76 Belvedere Street, San Rafael CA Lic. #256121

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ONE-ON-ONE PERSONAL FITNESS TRAINING PROGRAM INCLUDES: Complete Fitness Assessment • Nutrition Plan • Reassessments One-on-One Personal Training in our Private Training Suites Weekly Nutritional Counseling • Target Heart Rate Zone Assessment

Optimum health. Tiburon style. Personal ætness training, nutrition counseling, Pilates, massage and more. The new Gym in Tiburon is your neighborhood wellness partner. Stop in and visit, we’d love to meet you. The Gym Tiburon 1751 Tiburon Blvd. 415 435 1800 www.thegymtiburon.com

Laurie is quickly approaching her target bodyweight and strength goals in just under 3 months!

“Fitness Together keeps me focused, goal oriented and completely on track!” -Laurie

765 East Blithedale Ave., Mill Valley 415-383-2234 • www.ftmillvalley.com

Encore Marin’s Finest Consignment Shop Manolo Blanik Jimmy Choo Prada Chanel Gucci Hermes St. John …and more Open Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm Consignments Taken Tues - Sat 10am - 3pm (415) 456-7309 • 11 Mary St., San Rafael (next to Peets)

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Jewelry of Your Dreams 1102 MAGNOLIA AVE. / LARKSPUR / 415.925.0109 www.item-shoes.com / MON. - SAT. / 10:30 - 5:30

item shoes & accessories

Custom Design & Repairs 1137 Magnolia Ave., Larkspur 415.461.2212 www.lehrerdesigns.com Yellow & White Diamonds, Ruby and Platinum Earrings

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Do you feel like a when you wear your readers?

HoneyLuna gifts you there!

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That’s a problem we can help you with! Come To CHEATERS And You’ll See! The Village At Corte Madera 924-6894 • CheatersReadingGlasses.com

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www.alyssaremington.com 415.847.5598

333a caledonia . sausalito, CA 415.331.8272

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designs for living 415.479.8180 • 2750 Northgate Mall, San Rafael Exterior of Mall, near Theater entrance, across from RiteAid

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MI CR OC LI M AT E

POINT SAN QUENTIN VILLAGE Arguably, Marin’s most unique community BY JIM WOOD PHOTOS TIM PORTER

TELL THE TRUTH: If house hunting, would you answer a real estate ad like this one? For sale: three-bedroom, two-bath V ictorian, huge level lot, nice lawn, across from private beach, incredible views across San Francisco B ay to Angel I sland and the Tiburon Peninsula. D efinite sense of community. L ow crime, sparse traffic. Priced considerably below M arin’s median real estate values. Of course you would. But how would you react when you learned the property was located just yards from the front door of a notorious prison—in Point San Quentin Village? “At first, we were against living near San Quentin prison,” says Michele Barni, a paralegal who works in downtown San Francisco. “However, six months later, after looking at properties all over Marin but mostly north of Fairfax, we came back, hat in hand, bought our home and never regretted it.” Barni and her husband, David, a teacher in the Marin City–Sausalito School District, raised three children in their Point San Quentin home while rebuilding it into a three-bedroom, two-bath property with an income unit.

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Point San Quentin Village has ten beachfront townhomes and 40 single family residences, some dating back 150 years. Views from the village extend across San Francisco Bay to Angel Island and the Tiburon Peninsula.

“Actually, the traffic on Main Street is nominal except for the guards coming and going,” says Barni. “And truthfully, the village is a low-crime neighborhood—if someone escapes, they’re not going to hang around here where the law enforcement is nearby.” Barni, who’s secretary of the Point San Quentin Village Association, estimates there are 40 homes, plus a 10-unit condominium complex, in this tiny enclave off Sir Francis Drake Boulevard/Highway 280 just before the Richmond–San Rafael Bridge. “So our population is around 100, give or take a few,” she says.“People generally don’t move; they like it here. They stay here.” Homes in Point San Quentin Village date back 150 years (a window-weight mechanism in Barni’s home is dated 1869), when the prison moved from the Waban, a 262-ton merchant vessel anchored offshore, to its current 452-acre complex. Most homes face the bay, possibly the finest being a red-brick, two-story recently refurbished French Quarter–like property a few doors west of Barni’s Victorian. According to its owner, a San Rafael business owner who requested anonymity, “the bay and beach are such attractions, we often forget a state prison is so close; most of the time we don’t see it.”

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County who manages the shop (open Wednesday through Sunday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.). As for the prison itself, village resident Jean Arnold has taught classes “inside the walls” and says it’s important for the prison to be situated near an urban base so inmates have access to However, stay on Main Street another block and you can’t miss the

legal advice, volunteer workers and other resources—so she opposes

massive medium-security San Quentin State Prison, home to more than

San Quentin ever being relocated. Arnold, who has lived in Point San

5,000 inmates—the road dead-ends (possibly a poor choice of words)

Quentin Village 16 years, says, “I was single when I bought this house

at the prison’s main gate. “Most residents come in for their mail at

and never could have afforded it had the prison not been here first.”

least every other day,” says Minnie Huong, clerk at the San Quentin

The community is quiet at night, she adds; her village neighbors are

Post Office, located just steps from the front gate and serving zip codes

mostly middle-class and friendly; and the weather is less foggy than

94964 and 94974. “’Sixty-four is for residents,” says Huong, “and 94974

elsewhere in coastal Marin. “I stay here because I have a five-minute

mail goes to the prison.” Across from the post office are the visitors’ re-

commute to work for the San Rafael Sanitation District,” she says. “I

ception area and the San Quentin Handicraft Shop, which sells belts,

have many good friends in the neighborhood and I met the man who’d

key fobs, art and jewelry made by inmates. “The money we take in goes

become my husband one day outside my front door. I can’t imagine be-

directly to the inmates,” says Scott Keller, a trustee from Contra Costa

ing happier anywhere else.”

Feel Confident In Experienced Hands There is a reason customers like you choose Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. For over 150 years, the Wells Fargo name has stood for reliability, integrity and pioneering innovations that help people manage their money and grow their assets.

As Vision Real Estate’s preferred lender, call today to put your goals into action!

I have been a member of the Marin Community for the last 20 years and believe in building solid and lasting relationships with my clients. I can offer you experience, dedication and home financing solutions that make a difference.

Lee Aubry 415 -717-3131 Office lee.p.aubry@wellsfargo.com Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2007 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All Rights Reserved. #51241 9/07-12/07

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Kent Woodlands 4 ROCK ROAD

ocated in Kent Woodlands is this six year old Mediterranean beauty built by one of Marin’s best known contractors. It is a private paradise lush with patios, porches and flower gardens. One feels like being on vacation with the sun drenched pool, sauna, privacy, built-in barbeque and deadon views of Mt. Tamalpais. Approximately 5,000 sq. ft. of living space includes 4 bedrooms plus a potential 5th bedroom or office and 4 1/2 baths. Its proximity to the Marin hiking and biking trails and the wine country make this centrally located property ideal for any lifestyle. Offered at $4,350,000

Kent Woodlands 4 WOODLAND PLACE

legant Mediterranean built in the mid ‘90s with ultimate privacy on 4+ acres. This four bedroom, 3.5 bath property consists of a lavish entryway, formal living and dining rooms, open-plan kitchen with walk-in pantry and family room opening to sunny terraces. The master suite opens to the pool, lush gardens and custom designed waterfalls. Guest suite plus two additional bedrooms and bath, three car garage and ample storage. Expansive patio with pool, spa and entertaining area from which to enjoy the amazing views of the East Bay and beyond! Offered at $3,395,000

Offered exclusively by

For additional information, please call:

Susan Bowman Morgan Lane Marin

The Fine Art of Fine Property

415/448-1111 www.morganlane.com sbowman@morganlane.com

TIBURON This home’s majestic presence is complemented by private gardens, intimate courtyard, and stone stairs to outdoor patios. Every aspect of this luxurious 4BD/3.5BA Italianate-style home is the result of careful, considered design. The opulent living and dining rooms boast soaring ceilings, abundant windows, opening to private veranda. The exquisite interior features a fitted gourmet kitchen, media room, a master suite with a luxurious bath, and generous, classically designed bedrooms. This heirloom estate is the crown jewel of its exclusive waterfront community. PRICE UPON REQUEST

MILL VALLEY Ideally located just 10 minutes to downtown Mill Valley, this 5BD/3BA home uniquely features both Pacific Ocean and Bay Views! The large chef’s eat-in kitchen/family room combo opens directly to the back patio and huge level yard. Other amenities include a traditional floor plan, formal dining room, three car garage, lush landscaping, private decks and verandas, plenty of storage, fireplace, and a wine cellar. Close to all your favorite hiking and biking trails, and a delightfully quick commute to San Francisco. OFFERED AT $2,495,000

LARKSPUR Brand new construction featuring the highest quality craftsman details integrating the finest of materials, with modern amenities and systems. This 4BD/3BA home boasts a fitted gourmet kitchen with dramatic French doors, master suite with Mt. Tam views, an aupair unit, radiant heat throughout, slate roof and copper gutters. Comfortable, stylish and distinctive, this substantial property is ideally situated close to downtown Larkspur, biking trails and schools. OFFERED AT $1,899,000 MATTHEW POULIOT 415.265.7020 www.PouliotProperties.com ROBERT D. YOUNG 415.407.7775 www.RobertYoungRealEstate.com

21 Windward Road, Belvedere List Price $3,750,000

It’s All Ab o u t S OL D ! Belvedere Lagoon S OL D !

SOLD!

S O LD !

S OL D !

This single level, Belvedere Lagoon, 3BR/2.5BA home is gracious, spacious, sunny and on the wider part of the lagoon. Walls of windows in the living, dining and master open to decks with wonderful water views. Updated in 1991, it is in excellent condition. The chef’s kitchen, with eatin area and center-island, is perfectly placed for direct access to the dining room and living room. Ideal for entertaining! • Three Bedrooms • Two & One Half Baths • Formal Living Room and Dining Room • Eat-In Kitchen with Center Island • Two Fireplaces Livingroom and Den • Master Suite with walk-in Closet

• Den/Study • Two Bedrooms opening to Patios • Laundry/Mud-Room • Two Car Garage • Deck with Hot Tub • Gated Formal Entry • Mature, Lush Landscaped Garden • Fully Fenced

Stephanie Witt Southern Marin Specialist since 1989 415.380.6136 Stephanie.Witt@pacunion.com www.SwittMarinHomes.com

w w w. S o u t h e r n M a r i n H o m e s . c o m Strawberry Shores, Mill Valley Grand Mediterranian with sparkling views of the bay and San Francisco skyline in Strawberry Point. Four bedrooms, den, 3 full & 2 half baths. Beautifully appointed with a spacious kitchen, 6 fireplaces, double grand staircase, high ceilings and an ideal floor plan bathed in natural light. Located in a sheltered, tranquil neighborhood of elegant homes with bayshore paths just steps away and an easy commute to SF. Excellent Mill Valley schools are an added bonus. $3,995,000

Paradise Drive, Tiburon Magical home resting on a nearly one acre park-like setting. Quiet & away from it all, yet just minutes from downtown Tiburon’s restaurants, shops & excellent schools. Bicyclists’ dream come true! Deeded shared water access. Beautiful, high-quality finishes throughout. three bedrooms, two offices, two dens, two kitchens. www.3333Paradise.com-$2,449,000

Palm Hill, Larkspur Elegant, traditional four bedroom home on a sunny knolltop in a prime Larkspur neighborhood. Resort-like master suite, beautiful cherry & marble kitchen, great views & southern exposure. Close to award winning schools & charming downtown. www.371ElmAvenue.com-$2,125,000

Sharon Faccinto (415)272-3799 sharon.faccinto@pacunion.com

Chris DeNike (415)250-8052 cdenike@pacunion.com

RON PARKS PRESENTS

San Anselmo

New San Anselmo This elegant, newly constructed single level Craftsman home sits on a quiet tree-lined street in the heart of the highly sought after Barber Tract. The 2400 square foot home boasts a Chef’s Kitchen, Formal Dining Room, Living Room with fireplace and Great Room with French doors opening to multiple bluestone patios, lending to indoor-outdoor living. Features include solid stained hickory hardwood floors, wool carpeting in bedrooms, a gourmet kitchen with Carrera marble countertops, custom solid wood cabinets with Blum hardware, polished nickel Rohl plumbing fixtures, Viking stainless steel appliances and so much more. Vaulted ceilings in living room create an open feel and skylights in the living room and main hallway bring immense light into the property.

• 4 Bedrooms • 3 ½ Bathrooms • Great Room & Formal Dining Room • Chef’s Kitchen w/ Viking Range & Appliances • Venting Skylights • Solid Hardwood Floors • Cedar Shake Exterior • Large, Grassy Level Yard

Price Upon Request

“I know your neighborhood and the market”

Ron Parks Founder, Broker and CPA 415.297.9000 rparks@visionrealtors.com

RON PARKS AND JOHN A. ZEITER PRESENT

7200 Wildwood Mountain Road, Santa Rosa

“Villa Montagna” This newly built Tuscan Estate is located in the Heart of Valley of the Moons, boasting over 10,000 square feet (per owner) of elegant space divided between the main house, guest house, media/game room and 6–car garage. This estate has 25+ private acres with panoramic views of the Sonoma Hills and the potential of 5 to 7 acres for vineyards.

• 4 Bedrooms, 4 ½ Bathrooms

The Kitchen features stainless steel Viking appliances with four commercial grade ovens, two Miele dishwashers, solid granite slab countertops, white oak cabinetry, seven–inch wide plank hickory pecan ﬂooring, a walk in pantry and so much more.

• Grand Entry with 24–foot Ceilings and Overhead Mezzanine

Conveniently located to downtown Santa Rosa, St. Helena, Calistoga and countless Wineries. A private tour is necessary for one to appreciate all this Tuscan Estate has to offer as well as its enormous potential.

• Formal Living and Dining Rooms • Master Suite with Double Door Entry, Breakfast Bar + Soaking Tub

• Private Gated Community • Smart House Technology and CAT–5 wiring • Adjacent to Open Space (per owner)

Price available upon request

John A. Zeiter, Jr.

Ron Parks

Broker Associate 415.720.1515 jzeiter@visionrealtors.com

Founder, Broker and CPA 415.297.9000 rparks@visionrealtors.com

KARP | MACNAUGHTON PRESENTS

San Anselmo

$2,795,000

San Anselmo

$1,395,000

Newly constructed 5BR/4.5BA Tuscan style home in peaceful Sleepy Hollow. Large open ﬂoor plan and a ﬂat, landscaped backyard.

3 BR/3BA+ofﬁce built in 2002. Flat grassy yard, covered porch, stainless steel appliances. Sunny, walk to town location.

Bodega Bay

Sausalito

$799,000

Fantastic 3BR/2BA Bodega Bay Harbour home with views of the Paciﬁc Ocean, Seal Rock, and Bodega Head.

San Rafael

$569,000

2 BR/1.5BA townhouse in Marinwood with community tennis courts, club house, and pool. Large patio and backyard.

Sunny 2BR/2.5BA end-unit town home with Richardson Bay and Tiburon views. Wood ﬂoors, plantation shutters, granite countertops, and more.

Corte Madera

Coming Soon!

3 BR/2.5 BA, updated Corte Madera home in Tiburon School District. Sunny lot with pool, views of the bay, short walk to Ring Mountain open space.

Leah Karp | Justin MacNaughton P. 415.999.3536 F. 415.738.5419 E. info@justinmacnaughton.com

$675,000

Caron B Realty International Distinguished Hawaiian Lifestyles Collection

Gracious Hawaiian Living Million dollar views from this stunning lanai and 4,400 sq feet of indoor/outdoor living exempliﬁes the Hawaiian lifestyle. 3/2 upstairs with 1/1.5 nanny/in-law living downstairs. Listed at $1,238,000 FS

Luxury Island Style Elegance redeﬁned with this ocean-front condo at the base of Diamond Head. Exquisitely remodeled 2 bed/2 bath featuring designer touches throughout. Nearly 1,700 sq feet of living space. Listed at $2,380,000 FS

Kaneohe Bay Spectacular unobstructed 180 degree panoramic views overlooking Kaneohe Bay. Stunning executive 3 bed/3 bath home boasts a gourmet kitchen, wraparound decks and exotic South American hand-carved doors. Listed at $1,300,000 FS

Call or email for our list of Distinguished Properties or Best Buys in Hawaii… Caron Broederdorf, Realtor (808) 593-9826 ofﬁce • (808) 286-5256 cellular caron@caronb.com • www.caronb.com

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Tree Hill and enjoys Spectacular views of the Bay, Richmond Bridge, and East Bay hills from nearly every room. Imagine waking up to gorgeous sunrises in your own master suite or enjoying world class sunsets from your

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carpets and custom paint. Exterior ﬁnishes include custom shingle siding and windows, a level lawn, view deck and more. Tremendous attention to detail was used to create this masterpiece conveniently located within minutes of all of Corte Madera’s fabulous shops and restaurants. Call Jimmy today for a private showing of this brand new custom home. Financing provided by Mark A. Samuel, Bridgeline Capital Group, Inc. 415.249.6105.

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Tracy McLaughlin Presents Paradise on the Bay, Paradise Cove, Tiburon, California

nce in a lifetime an historic property of this beauty and magnitude becomes available on the Tiburon peninsula. Situated on + -6.8 acres includes tidelands and expansive waterfront, this estate has been in the same family since 1926. The private compound is comprised of a comfortable country style five bedroom main house, three outbuildings, championship tennis court, pool, and private beach front providing the ultimate private retreat. Situated in a uniquely protected cove, this property enjoys a special micro climate, and has the feeling of a boutique resort. Ideal for quiet personal use, or grand scale entertaining, the lush, mature gardens and mostly level grounds offer a myriad of recreational opportunities. The sporting estate, 25 minutes away from San Francisco, is ideal for small and large families seeking privacy, views, and extensive gardens and grounds. Price upon request.

Max Applegarth Coldwell Banker 415.298.7600 www.maxapplegarth.com

Tracy McLaughlin The Fine Art of Fine Property

415/464-8686 www.marinfinehomes.com tracy@marinfinehomes.com

REDEFINING VICTORIAN STYLE San Rafael, California

Offered at $2,495,000 6 bedrooms & 4.5 baths With a commanding street presence, the original Carry house, built in 1887, has now been restored, remodeled, and added onto, bringing a touch of the past into the present. Located in the Forbes neighborhood, it can now be described as nothing less than extraordinaire. Dramatic interior spaces with soaring ceilings and voluminous living spaces provide an absolutely incredible place in which to live and entertain. Gorgeous architectural details, approximately. 4100 square feet, 6 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, formal dining room, 2 fireplace, an epicurean’s kitchen, that’s for sure, with adjoining family room. Two bedrooms are located on the main level, either of which can certainly be used as an office. The outdoor space blends effortlessly with the interior, along with the covered back veranda that opens into the family room and stretches across the entire back of the house overlooking the backyard and gardens. In addition, there are plans to add an au pair suite/office over the detached two- car garage.

Barbara Major 415.381.7369 www.marinhomes.net

503 SAUSALITO BOULEVARD Sausalito, CA • 2005 Construction: 3 Bedrooms / 3.5 Baths • Stunning Bay and San Francisco skyline views • Quality construction & premium finishes • Walk out decks on two levels • Gourmet kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances • Private guest suite • 2 car side by side garage • Minutes to Golden Gate Bridge • Offered at $3,995,000

& SHERI MORGENSEN 415_401_9966 t // e // Payton@PaytonsList.com www.PaytonsList.com i //

Photos at www.SausalitoModern.com

415_296_2207 Sheri.Morgensen@SothebysRealty.com www.SothebysHomes.com

President Elect, Marin Women’s Council of Realtors

91 Dipsea Road Stinson Beach

Judy LeMarr FRANK HOWARD ALLEN REALTORS 415-380-4642 jlemarr@fhallen.com www.marindreamhome.com • 3 Bedrooms/3 Baths • Two Decks and Patio • Attached 2-car Garage w/ Workshop • Serene Lagoon Setting with Private Dock • Gated Community 45 Minutes from SF www.91Dipsea.com

Service

Experience

Results

Offered at $2,250,000

What’s my number?

IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOUR FINANCIAL ADVISOR QUESTION NO.4

At some point, you will stop working. Do you know the total assets you will need to have accumulated when you do? How does that number relate to where you are now? Does your ﬁnancial advisor help you understand the variables that impact your number? If not, ask Opes. We welcome the question.

Jeﬀrey T. Smith Melanie Victor-Smith

OpesAdvisors.com/questions

101 Larkspur Landing Circle Larkspur, CA 94939

415.464.9500 jsmith@opesadvisors.com Real Estate Broker – CA Dept. of Real Estate License # 01458652

MARIN

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1431 Butterfield in San Anselmo in Sleepy Hollow Four bedroom, two and a half baths, formal dining, living and den, two fireplaces, three car garage, lawns, gardens, very private location at the gates to San Domenico and open space. 0ą FSFE BU

Katie Beacock, Realtor (415)868-1791 katie@seadriftrealty.com

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“The word that is best loved in the language of every nation is home...” GUSTAV STICKLEY (1858-1942), Creator of the Craftsman Home

David Pfeiffer and Jan Gregg 415.435.6111 Mill Valley Offered at $2,495,000 www.94walnut.com

BUILDING WEALTH THROUGH MORTGAGE PLANNING. Jesse Caveney

Are you effectively managing your real estate equity?

415.454.7378 jesse@premier-equity.com

Mortgages are a large part of your investment portfolio; ﬁnancial instruments that can help you create and augment your wealth. At Premier Equity Resource Corporation, we work together as a team drawing on each other’s experience and knowledge to help manage your mortgage and provide you the greatest opportunity to increase your net worth. Become part of our family of clients who with our help, have created their own arbitrage, taking the next step toward their ﬁnancial freedom.

John J. Sutherland 415.454.7379 john@premier-equity.com

Jake Bordessa 415.454.7376 jake@premier-equity.com

Premier Equity Resource Corporation 10 F Street, Downtown San Rafael 877.454.PERC (7372)

www.premier-equity.com

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

Robert Bradford 415.454.7375 robert@premier-equity.com

MARIN NOVEMBER 2007

161

D I A LO GUE

John McCosker

BY MIMI TOWLE

You could live anywhere. Why Marin? Because of its proximity to, and distance from, San Francisco. What makes you happy in Marin? Our friends and acquaintances, the beauty of the surroundings, and the restaurants. What gets on your nerves here? The increasing trafﬁc. What’s your personal idea of luxury? Flying business class. What do you value every day? The opportunity to travel and explore, and to discover new facts and ideas about plants and animals and to share this information with others.

hen it comes to birthdays, John McCosker’s 50th was hard to top. Instead of hopping into the cliché red Porsche, Dr. McCosker,

emeritus director of the Steinhart Aquarium at the time, squeezed into a deep-sea research submersible and sank 3,000 feet below the ocean surface off the Galápagos Islands. A veteran of those waters, he dis-

What person has influenced you the most? Early on my father inspired me to be a naturalist, and these days, I’d say my wife, Pam. We met when she became the public information officer of the California Academy of Sciences and got married in 1987. We are dive buddies, fishing buddies and life buddies; her friends often ask her, “Why did you marry him? Why didn’t you just adopt him?” What’s been the most fulfilling moment in your work? There have been so many, but perhaps the most memorable was releasing Sandy, the live white shark that we had in captivity at the Steinhart, off the Farallon Islands one foggy evening in August 1980. She was the first white shark to have survived captivity.

covered a strange rabbit-faced creature he called the Galápagos ghost shark, which later was given the Latin name Hydrolagus mccoskeri. “That was the best birthday present I could ask for,” he says. Besides authoring hundreds of scientiﬁc papers and influential books including Great White Shark (coau-

What’s your desert island book or album? Straight Man by Richard Russo. Do you have a favorite Marin view? Seeing San Francisco from under the Golden Gate Bridge when I’m returning from sea and seeing San Francisco from above the bridge when I bike to work.

thored with Richard Ellis), McCosker, who is currently a Academy of Sciences, has been a consistent presence

What do you like about yourself? That I’ve had the opportunity to travel, dive and ﬁsh with Pam around the world and to motivate others to explore and care about life on earth.

in ocean/fish/shark-related documentaries produced by the Discovery Channel, BBC and Nova, including an IMAX ﬁlm on the Galápagos. Hence it’s no surprise that he is the go-to source for local reporters whenever there is something ﬁshy (or sharky) in the news. 162

MARIN NOVEMBER 2007

What is your favorite journey? Biking home over the bridge. How do you want to be remembered? As someone who tried to leave behind as small a footprint as possible, and for my tombstone to read, “He was curious.”

MARINMAGAZINE.COM

PHOTO:BARBARA BARBA RA RIES PHOTO: RIES

senior scientist and chair of aquatic biology at California

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