SIP & SA
R VO ISS U E
“Nick is the real deal — a true guide through the wilds of real estate.” —John and Sarah, satisfied Marin homeowners
Where the Redwoods Meet the Sky The tools to forge your future, the solutions to secure it. Nick Svenson stands apart. Deeply rooted in Marin, his knowledge of the area, paired with an authentic, down-to-earth approach, makes him not just an agent, but a confidant. Nick doesn’t just close deals — he opens doors to new opportunities.
Nick Svenson nicks@compass.com 415.505.7674 www.nicksvensonproperties.com DRE #01918616
Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01527235. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footages are approximate.
MICHAEL HEACOCK ARCHITECTS
Twin Palms Estate, Sonoma Net Positive Electricity + 100% Reclaimed Redwood
Mill Valley South Lake Tahoe mh@MichaelHeacock.com 415.845.5326
build something meaningful.
MICHAEL HEACOCK MICHAEL HEACOCK ARCHITECTS ARCHITECTS Mill Valley South Lake Tahoe mh@MichaelHeacock.com 415.845.5326
Twin Palms Estate, Sonoma Net Positive Electric + 100% Reclaimed Redwood
Your Local Lifestyle and Real Estate Specialists BowmanRealEstateGroup.com @THEBOWMANGROUP
MARIN MATTERS Providing Marin families more of what they want
WE ARE SUPER THANKFUL “I highly recommend Jennifer Bowman and the Bowman Real Estate Group. Jennifer helped me sell my mother’s villa in the Smith Ranch Retirement Community. Jennifer was strategic and insightful as to how to position the property. She determined what upgrades were needed to the villa and organized all of the work, and even determined “the look”. I didn’t have to do a thing. Through her excellent network of fellow agents, Jennifer found us the perfect buyer. She was also able to navigate the ins and outs of the requirements posed by Smith Ranch. Above all, Jennifer was a pleasure to work with and a top notch agent.” -Miranda H.
The value of our business is measured in the quality of the relationships we build.
BOWMAN REAL ESTATE GROUP | 415.755.1040 Team@BowmanRealEstateGroup.com DRE# 01933147
JESSICA CLINE
CO-FOUNDER, CEO
jessica@marinlivingmagazine.com 707.302.0850
DINA GRANT
CO-FOUNDER BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
dina@marinlivingmagazine.com 707.238.2030
ADVERTISING Marketing Strategy Consultant & Wine Country Specialist Chet Klingensmith chet@marinlivingmagazine.com, 707.216.1780 Marketing Strategy Consultant, Hawaii Meredith Low meredith@marinlivingmagazine.com, 808.388.2644 Marketing Strategy Consultant Kim McGinnis kim@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.640.4504 Marketing Strategy Consultant & Local Business Specialist Carrie Moler carrie@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.271.3080 Marketing Strategy Consultant Courtney Roberts courtney@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.720.3752
CASEY GILLESPIE CO-FOUNDER CREATIVE DIRECTOR
casey@marinlivingmagazine.com
DANIEL JEWETT
CO-FOUNDER EDITORIAL AND OPERATIONS DIRECTOR dan@marinlivingmagazine.com
EDITORIAL Editor Caitlin Hamer Contributing Designers Roberto Avalos, Madeleine Hannes, Gregory Odendahl, Kathryn Saffell, Ronald Sequeira, Britney Trezzo Contributing Writers Casey Hatfield-Chiotti, Annie Geiser, Amber Turpin, Lili Weigert Copy Editor Cynthia Rubin
Client Services Director Lauren Winsett lauren@marinlivingmagazine.com, 415.300.0908
Marketing Strategy Consultant Allison Zweig allison@marinlivingmagazine.com, 917.608.4816
Subscriptions Customer Service subscriptions@marinlivingmagazine.com To subscribe, manage your subscription or change your address: marinlivingmagazine.com/subscriptions
Mailing Address Marin Living PO Box 2104 Mill Valley, CA 94941 Office phone: 707.302.0850
To sign up for our newsletter: marinlivingmagazine.com/newsletter Marin Living magazine is delivered complimentary to residents of California.
Editorial or Press Inquiries casey@marinlivingmagazine.com dan@marinlivingmagazine.com
Volume 5, Issue 02. Marin Living® magazine is published in Marin County by Five19Publishing, Inc., Mill Valley, CA 94941. All rights reserved. ©2024 Five19Publishing, Inc. Marin Living® is a registered trademark of Five19Publishing, Inc. Reproduction of Marin Living is prohibited without the expressed, written consent of Five19Publishing, Inc. Unsolicited materials cannot be returned. Marin Living is mailed 10 times a year to homes and businesses in Marin County and San Francisco.
www.marinlivingmagazine.com
BRAND STUDIO www.five19brandstudio.com
You’re Never Too Old to Find Love I believe you are never too old to find love. I worked for a woman who lost her husband and wanted to find love again. She was 85. With patience and determination, I found her partner. Some thoughts about why I believe it is important to get out and try.
1
3
In other words, no one’s opinion should deprive you of that happiness. Especially your own opinion. As the English playwright, Sir Arthur Wing Pinero, stated so eloquently: “Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age, but they die young.”
Emotional well-being is one major reason why it can be advantageous to date at an older age. Research has shown that physical affection and companionship can decrease the risk of depression in older adults and help increase their self-esteem. Especially after a life change such as a divorce or the death of a spouse, this kind of support can be helpful.
2
Looking for love and companionship at any age is a personal decision, driven by many different factors, and usually more than one at a time. The reasons for dating don’t fade with age but, instead, either continue or even increase.
INNOVATIVE MATCH West Coast 415.259.8714 www.innovative-match.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS. MARCH 2024
spotlight marin.
42
16 news.
30 local splurges.
Our picks of local chocolates to pair with everything from cheese to wine.
32 eat & drink.
Meets the folks behind Sausalito Liquor Co.
44
36 local getaways.
going places. 80 land & sea.
It’s always a good time to visit Monterey, but now is particularly terrific.
Meet the Marinite who found his calling out on the water.
42 take note.
82 voyager.
An Irving Penn exhibit at the de Young that you won’t want to miss.
Here’s how to take the biggest bite out of Mexico City.
44 game changers.
88 drawn together.
Find out what sets St Hildie’s apart from other drinks.
Get an inside look at the program that is extending health and wellness to our county’s residents who need access to it the most.
from the team.
82 8 march 2024 marin living.
12 from the ceo. 14 from the creative director.
Irving Penn. Marlene Dietrich, New York, November 3, 1948. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation, 2021. © The Irving Penn Foundation; Ella Sophie; courtesy of Colima 71 Art Community Hotel
The California Artisan Cheese Festival is back; female chefs at COPIA are celebrating Women’s History Month; a new Marin City exhibit; and more.
ISTANBUL RUG PREMIER SOURCE OF DECORATIVE HANDMADE RUGS
A THOUSAND YEARS IN THE MAKING TRANSITIONAL - CONTEMPORARY - CLASSIC BERKELEY SHOWROOM 1551 UNIVERSITY AVE BERKELEY, CA 94703 510 - 848 - 9999
SAN RAFAEL SHOWROOM 1504 4TH ST SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 628 - 253 - 5454 WWW.ISTANBULRUG.COM
MENLO PARK SHOWROOM 719 Santa Cruz Ave Menlo Park, CA 94025 650 - 847 - 1662
FEATURES. Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge
50
Design Stories Elizabeth Rose Jackson is the design talent behind Tyler Florence’s new restaurant empire.
54
Step Up to the Plate Crow Canyon Home is bringing a modern sense of nostalgia to our tables.
58 Where We Will Be Eating and Drinking in 2024
Get a taste of the hot spots where we plan to indulge all year long.
Due West Tavern in West Marin, photo by Cole Keister. “I am continuously inspired by all that Marin has to offer in terms of local farms, seafood, cheeses and of course, its natural beauty,” says executive chef Andrew Sarda.
10 march 2024 marin living.
Caitlin Beyer
On the Cover
from the
CEO
organization’s Great Chefs & Wineries event is not just a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of connection, talent and the spirit of giving back. Engaging with Lifehouse, whether by attending events or volunteering, brings us all together and reinforces our shared humanity. To connect with their terrific team, and to learn more, go to www.lifehouseagency.org. In a world that often feels rushed and laden with challenges, dedicating time to give back and bond with others is a privilege. These acts of kindness ripple through our community, fostering a sense of belonging and mutual support. So, I invite you to join me in these moments of giving and volunteering. Together, let’s embrace the joy of connection and the beauty of contributing to our vibrant Marin community.
JESSICA CLINE, CO-FOUNDER AND CEO
IN THE SHIFT OF SEASONS that March brings, I often find myself reflecting on the grounding practices that help me reconnect with my sense of purpose. Among these, the joy of giving and the fulfillment derived from volunteering stand out as powerful reminders of the interconnectedness of our community. The act of selecting a gift and witnessing the anticipation and joy it brings to a loved one is uplifting. This exchange of warmth and affection is a reminder of the value of our bonds, lightening the unease that can sometimes overshadow our daily lives. It’s a testament to the idea that happiness shared is happiness multiplied. Volunteering, especially with organizations that resonate with our personal values, further anchors us to our community. Lifehouse, a beacon for inclusivity and support for individuals with developmental disabilities in Marin, exemplifies the impact of collective kindness. The 12 march 2024 marin living.
The Lifehouse performers and Huey Lewis (second from the left) and Nancy Dow Moody (top row, middle) at the Great Chefs & Wineries fundraiser.
Portrait by Becca Teal Batista; Drew Altizer Photography
COMMUNITY AND KINDNESS
Designed in California Assembled in the United States Engineered for a better world This is the Lucid Air, the longest range electric car on the market.* Experience the new standard in sustainable luxury.
LUCIDMOTORS.COM Village at Corte Madera 1802 Redwood Hwy., Ste. #B-037 Corte Madera, CA 94925 (415) 707-3664
Millbrae Studio 355 Adrian Rd. Millbrae, CA 94030 (650) 781-7357
*EPA est. range ratings when equipped with 19” wheels: 516 Grand Touring/425 Touring. Manufacturer’s projected range for Pure equipped with 19” wheels is 410 miles; EPA est. range is 419. Actual results will vary.
from the
creative DIRECTOR We have so many yummy things in this issue for you — the best of local chocolate makers, the interior designer behind Tyler Florence’s Miller & Lux restaurant empire, a day-by-day guide to eating your way through Mexico City and our roundup featuring the places where we will be dining in 2024. We scoured the North Bay and S.F. and came up with a short, curated list (there are only so many pages in this issue after all) that we hope you’ll enjoy exploring. And of course, feel free to tag us on social media and let us know where you love eating and drinking. And with that, I’ll let you sink your teeth in. Enjoy!
CASEY GILLESPIE CREATIVE DIRECTOR AND CO-FOUNDER
A MATTER OF TASTE
14 march 2024 marin living.
Movida made the list of where we will be eating and drinking in 2024, see page 58 for more.
Portrait by Becca Teal Batista; Nader Khouri
THIS YEAR I READ TWO BOOKS that forever changed the way I look at California cuisine: Provence 1970: M.F.K. Fisher, Julia Child, James Beard, and the Reinvention of American Taste and Six California Kitchens: A Collection of Recipes, Stories, and Cooking Lessons from a Pioneer of California Cuisine. It’s one thing to know from experience that California is the best of the best when it comes to ingredients and farm-to-table dining, but quite another to tap into the history of the area and learn more about the foremothers and -fathers that define local cuisine. I am constantly inspired and amazed by the culinary prowess of the chefs and restaurants in the Bay Area. This year’s highlights include discovering a seaweed vendor at the local farmers market (she is no longer selling, but hopefully she will return) and Otherwise Brewing. For someone who loves a delicious beer, being gluten-free has been a challenge — until I discovered the talented brewmasters behind this brand. Next on my list is to find the best matcha latte in San Francisco. Email me with your recommendations!
Eileen Kilgariff & Erin Loftus Sweetland ‘Devoted to the Cause’ Great Chefs & Wineries is the annual fundraising gala that Lifehouse hosts to raise the funds needed to provide essential support services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in our community. The prestige of this event is evident from the accolades and awards it has received over the course of the past 34 years and is known for serving the finest wines from California’s wine regions and exquisite food from the Bay Area’s best Chefs. The dynamic duo leading the Steering Committee and making Great Chefs & Wineries all possible is Eileen Kilgariff and Erin Loftus-Sweetland. Eileen was introduced to Lifehouse as a guest of the Marin Independent Journal at the event over 21 years ago and was inspired by the Lifehouse mission and the people they support. She knew that there was something remarkable about the organization and she wanted do what she could to help lift it up. Eileen’s then employer Kaiser continues to be a sponsor of the event and Lifehouse. It wasn’t long before Eileen was heading up the Steering Committee as the Chair and realized that she needed to bring in her cousin Erin to create an award-wining experience for this special community of people. After retiring and closing her successful business in sales, Erin joined the Lifehouse staff in 2020 as their Office Manager and has been the ‘Ambassador of First Impressions’ ever since, bringing joy and warmth to the office every day. Eileen and Erin have now been Co-Chairing Great Chefs & Wineries event together for six years. The two women bring a powerful energy and approach to inspire the care, love and creativity needed from the committee to make the event better and better every year. “Being on the committee is a great way to volunteer and put yourself out there for the good of the people that Lifehouse supports. This traditionally unseen community is so beautiful and I feel honored to be able to help create an opportunity for people with I/DD to lead lives that are full with respect, joy and dignity,” says Erin of her experience volunteering. As the goal posts for the funding needed to support people with I/DD continues to move, the Steering Committee rises to the occasion, and every year they create a beautiful event for Lifehouse that celebrates the people they serve and the community that so generously supports them.
For almost 70 years Lifehouse has been dedicated to ensuring that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities are accepted, have a place in our community and are able to lead full lives. www.lifehouseagency.org 415.5265300 @lifehouseagency
PURCHASE TICKETS
spotlight marin.
Two Bay Area artists, ceramicist Erin Hupp (www.erinhuppceramics.com) and glass artist Jason Stropko (www.jasonstropko.com), have collaborated to create some culinarily inspired fine art. Stropko’s creation of translucent, oversized salmon roe eggs and golden osetra caviar eggs sit inside Hupp’s Ink Texture caviar server, a functional piece that can be used for an actual caviar service. We’ll take two.
16 march 2024 marin living.
Kelly Puleio
FUN AND FUNCTIONAL
City Carpets Flooring Design Center
Visit Our Newly Remodeled Showroom! carpet | area rugs | hardwood | laminate 555 E. Francisco Blvd | San Rafael | City-Carpets.com | 415.454.4200 CSL #746886
news. by Caitlin Hamer
Delicious dishes from John Ash’s cookbooks are available this month at Vintner’s Resort.
Dr. Wilkinson’s Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs (www.drwilkinson.com) has announced that Jennie Russell is the new executive chef of House of Better. Russell will also oversee catering for the resort’s new event space, the Glass House. Hotel Healdsburg (www.hotelhealdsburg.com) is offering another of its fun experience packages. Available through March, the Dry Creek Valley Fish Trail Tour lets guests follow the seasonal coho salmon and steelhead trout migration and includes stops at Martorana Family Winery and Warm Springs Fish Hatchery. Also on offer through the month is the Homage to John Ash Menu at John Ash & Co. at Vintners Resort (www.vintnersresort.com). The three-course tasting menu features recipes from Ash’s cookbooks. Silverado Resort (www.silveradoresort.com) shines the spotlight on Tank Garage Winery with a wine dinner on March 7. Wines will be paired with each course of the meal. 18 march 2024 marin living.
Jesse Evan Cudworth
SPRING IN WINE COUNTRY
estat e w i nery
voted
B E S T TA S T I N G R O O M
picnic
| b o c c e | pat io ta s t i ng | a rt g a l l e ry
14 3 3 5 h w y 12, gl en el l en, ca | 877.550.4278 | w w w.imag e ry winery.c o m
news. by Caitlin Hamer
The California Artisan Cheese Festival returns for its 18th year.
LEG E N DA I RY
PIECE S OF HISTORY The Marin County Office of Education (www.marinschools.org) has partnered with Felecia Gaston to present The Legacy of Marin City: A California Black History Story (1942–1960) exhibit in San Rafael. The exhibit welcomes school groups and community organizations through May. “It is imperative that our community know the contributions of Marin City Black residents to Marin County,” says Gaston.
20 march 2024 marin living.
Courtesy of the California Artisan Cheese Festival
The 18th Annual California Artisan Cheese Festival (www.artisancheesefestival.com) is back for another epicurean expedition. Farm tours take place on March 22, with stops including Marin French Cheese Co., Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co., Tomales Farmstead Creamery and Valley Ford Creamery, among others. On March 23, explore seminars and workshops on pairings and cheese boards from industry experts, plus an afternoon cheese crawl at The Barlow. Wrap up the weekend at the Artisan Cheese Tasting and Marketplace at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds in Santa Rosa on March 24.
Innovative Design Distinctive Details
SUTTON SUZUKI Architects
SuttonSuzuki.com Mill Valley CA 415 383 3139
Two more reasons to visit S.F.: pizza in the park and a champagne-soaked afternoon tea.
SIP AND SEE Presidio Tunnel Tops is now home to Il Parco (www.ilparcosf.com), an Italian-inspired cafe and bar offering focaccia-style pizza, coffee and more. The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco (www.ritzcarlton. com) is offering refreshments of its own with the Madame Clicquot Afternoon Tea at Parallel 37 every last Sunday of the month through May. Also in the city is All Things Equal: The Life & Trials of Ruth Bader Ginsburg at the Curran Theatre (www.sfcurran.com) March 15 and 16. 22 march 2024 marin living.
Clockwise from top: Rohan Ugale; courtes y of The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco; Evan Sung
news. by Caitlin Hamer
150 Almonte Boulevard, Mill Valley 4 Bedrooms | 3 ½ Baths | 3,094 Sq Ft. | 0.22 Acres ACTIVE | $3,195,000
210 Evergreen, Kentfield 2 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,684 Sq. Ft. | 0.4 Acres PENDING | $1,995,000
304 Riviera Circle, Larkspur 6 Beds | 7 Baths | 6,572 Sq. Ft. | 0.28 Acres PENDING | $4,495,000
Lei Ann Werner THE WERNER GROUP 415.710.0117 l.werner@ggsir.com Lic.# 00994572
PROUD TO BE RECOGNIZED
Marin Top Producer 2023
news. by Caitlin Hamer
Executive Chef Daniela Vergara
Y E S, C HEF S Celebrate Women’s History Month with the Culinary Institute of America at Copia (www.ciaatcopia.com) as it shines the spotlight on some of the institute’s most accomplished alumnae. Throughout March, the CIA at Copia is hosting special dinners featuring guest chefs like Jennifer Jasinski, a James Beard Foundation Award–winning chef, Daniela Vergara, the executive chef at Estiatorio Ornos in San Francisco, and Dara Yu, the youngest-ever MasterChef winner. 24 march 2024 marin living.
Marin-based poet and educator Meredith Heller (www.meredithheller.com) has just released her new book, Writing by Heart: A Poetry Path to Healing and Self-Discovery. Heller will be at Book Passage in Corte Madera on March 2 for a free talk and book signing event.
The Mina Group
THE WRITE STUFF
Homesite
12
House Residence C
Luxury COASTAL LIVING
80 Bayharbor Way
Approx. 3,351 Sq. Ft. Two-Story Home 4 Beds | 3.5 Baths | 2-Car Garage Green Space Views Inviting Wrap-around Porch Upgraded Finishes Included
$2,573,795
Homesite
69
Townhome Residence 2 52 Bayharbor Way
Approx. 1,785 Sq. Ft. Two-Story Townhome 3 Beds | 2.5 Baths | 2-Car Garage Gourmet Kitchen with a Center Preparation Island Front-Facing Second-Story Deck
$1,500,500
Experience the best of luxury coastal living with these stunning residences at The Strand. Picture waking up to the gentle Loch Lomond Marina sea breeze while reveling in spacious designs and elevated features within. Don’t miss your chance to tour these homes—plan your visit today!
SALES OFFICE: 80 BAYHARBOR WAY, SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 Gina Ord, Community Sales Manager CA DRE #00968538 | gord@trumarkco.com This is not an offer to sell but is intended for information only. Trumark Homes reserves the right to make modifications to materials, specifications, plans, pricing, various fees, designs, scheduling and delivery of homes without prior notice. Square footage is approximate. Homes shown may not represent actual homesites. Plans and dimensions may contain minor variations from floor to floor. CA DRE license #01877720.
TheStrandMarin.com (415) 806 -8921
news. by Caitlin Hamer
Artist Shara Mays in the garden at Nick’s Cove doing a live painting session.
CRE AT IVIT Y AT THE C OVE
WHAT ’S G OING ON IN MARIN 26 march 2024 marin living.
Local commuters can earn up to $500 in rewards per year for choosing environmentally friendly modes of transportation to and from work thanks to the Marin Commutes program (www. marincommutes.org). In other Marin news, the County Board of Supervisors approved an updated countywide ordinance that limits the number of short-term rental properties. “New commonsense standards should reduce neighborhood impacts and help preserve existing housing as housing for the workforce,” says Sarah Jones, director of Marin’s Community Development Agency.
Kristen Loken
Despite the loss of the historic Boat Shack at the start of the year, Nick’s Cove’s (www.nickscove.com) is going strong with its new Artists in Residence program continuing as scheduled. The inaugural class got started in January, with the first of 12 artists filling the calendar with a variety of hands-on classes, demos, artist talks and open studios. Among the artists showcasing and sharing their talents in March are Liana Steinmetz, who is leading a plein air artist talk and demo on March 3, and Erin McCluskey Wheeler, who closes the 2024 program with a collage-making class on March 31.
EVERY VOT E COUNTS This month, Marin County residents will vote on several important measures. Measure A is a Tamalpais Union High School District $517 million bond measure to improve facilities. Measure D asks Larkspur voters to affirm an ordinance limiting yearly rent increases. Measure F is an initiative measure in San Anselmo on whether to withdraw from the Marin County Flood Control and Water Conservation District Zone 9. Other measures on the ballot are the Petaluma Joint Union High School District tax for educational programs (B), renewal of a parcel tax for fire protection and emergency medical services in Belvedere (C), a special tax for public safety services in Ross (E), an infrastructure tax in Bel Marin Keys Community Services District (G) and two measures on appropriations limits for fire protection, emergency responses and maintenance services in Marinwood Community Services District (H and I).
Outdoor Warmth, All Year Round The cold fog is coming in, yet you’re cozy and warm on your deck, thanks to expertly-selected and optimally-placed permanent patio heaters.
Alfresco Heating is Marin County's national patio-heating specialty company. They provide expert advice, high-quality permanent and portable gas and electric patio heaters, installation, and repair services. They would love to bring warmth to your outdoor living area.
For a free phone consult contact: 415-884-2880 glow@alfresco-heating.com
28 march 2024 marin living.
By Caitlin Hamer
1
IMAGERY WINERY Did you know that Glen Ellen’s Imagery Winery produces small lots of sparkling wine? Exclusively available to Imagery Wine Club members, membership in the Sparkling Club grants you access to ultra-rare productions that have been crafted just for the club. You’ll receive three bottles annually in December, but don’t wait to sign up: spots are limited. www.imagerywinery.com
2
CITY CARPETS Their name says it all, but City Carpets can handle all your flooring needs. Family owned and operated since 1993, this San Rafael design showroom has an extensive flooring catalog, with products ranging from hardwood to vinyl and of course, carpets and area rugs. Stop in to shop and to appreciate the newly remodeled showroom. www.city-carpets.com
3
KM HERBALS For three decades KM Herbals has been handcrafting freshly made aromatherapy and botanical personal care products in West Marin. Those in search of a better night’s sleep will love the new Sleepy Thyme Collection, which is designed to promote relaxation and deep rest. Try the roll-on oil, a diffuser blend or a dreamy silk eye mask. www.kmherbals.com
All images courtesy of the brands
the LIST
A look at special offers and new products from some of the Bay Area’s favorite businesses.
local splurges.
2
1 remember. Available at Finesse, The Store (6540 Washington Street, Yountville) and www.kellermanni chocolate.com, $22
Chocolate lovers will agree — there is always an occasion to indulge. By Casey Gillespie
3
1. Grab your favorite glass of red wine and let’s get to pairing. Luxury chocolate maker Recchiuti Confections’ Red Wine Pairing Box comes with wine pairing recommendations, but don’t let that stop you from conducting your own taste tests. You may need more than one box. Available at Recchiuti Confections (San
4
30 march 2024 marin living.
Francisco Ferry Building) and www.recchiuti.com, $32 2. The ideal addition to any cheese board, Sonoma-based Volo Chocolate’s 62% Dark Milk Chocolate with Olive Oil Roasted Almonds goes beautifully with Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt. Tam cheese and your favorite glass of vino. Aficionados will savor the caramelized milk and brown butter flavors. Available at Mill Valley Market and www. volochocolate.com, $9 3. Napa-made K+M Chocolate is now offering handmade hazelnut dragées, made famous at The French Laundry. Caramelized hazelnuts are tumbled in molten milk chocolate and thin, crispy pastry flakes, covered in dark chocolate and dusted in cocoa powder. They are as sinfully delicious as you
5. Dandelion Chocolate’s Hojicha Hot Chocolate blends fudgy 70 percent Camino Verde chocolate with perfectly roasted Japanese green tea for an elevated take on the classic hot chocolate. It is rich and creamy with smoky notes, and it’s delicious when served with your favorite buttery cookies. Available at Dandelion Chocolate (San Francisco Ferry Building) and www.dandelion chocolate.com, $18
5 K+M dragées image by David Escalante; images courtesy of the brands
SWEET ON YOU
4. If you haven’t experienced the TCHO x Kollar Chocolates collab, now is the time because it won’t be around forever. Our pick is Joy to the Almonds, a delightful treat made with TCHO’s Oat My Gawd oat milk chocolate, slivered almonds, coconut powder and a touch of sea salt. Divine! Available at Kollar Chocolates (6525 Washington Street, Yountville) and www.tcho.com, $24.99
Saturday April 20, 2024 6pm to 10pm
LETS BOOGIE Dance is good for the mind, body, and spirit. Marin Ballet helps young people thrive and gives diverse students opportunities to achieve their dreams. Enjoy yourself at Extravadance and help raise money for our scholarship fund. Get your groove on and help us raise $70,000 Dinner by the incomparable Insalata’s with luscious food and local wines
Meet Marin Ballet’s Alumni of the Year Krystina Morrill
Wear 70’s attire and be eligible for our Best Costume prizes
Dance the Electric Slide with Charlie Martin
Bid on special travel packages and dancethemed experiences with Chad Carvey, “Marin’s most entertaining auctioneer”
Preview the auction at marinballet.org/Extravadance
Buy Tickets by March 20 Single Tickets: $125 | Ages 21+ Or purchase a 10-seat table for $1100 and enjoy premier wines. Scan to Order Tickets
Order your tickets by Scanning the QR. Seating is limited, so place your order asap.
Marin Ballet
100 Elm Street, San Rafael, CA 94901
marinballet.org
Call Us 415.453.6705
info@marinballet.org
eat & drink.
FREE SPIRITED Sausalito Liquor Co. is paying tribute to the history and spirit of Marin.
THERE’S A NEW LIQUOR BRAND that’s making a splash in the Bay Area, and although its founder doesn’t take himself too seriously, he is very serious about creating something that Marinites can be proud of. And while Sausalito Liquor Co. (www.sausalitoliquor.com) 32 march 2024 marin living.
only launched in October 2023, the company is linked to both the past and the future of the city it’s named after. When Scott Jampol first decided to start this spirits company, initial research into the undertaking led him to discover some relevant local history:
Images courtesy of Sausalito Liquor Co.
By Caitlin Hamer
ROSS
SAUSALITO
UNALOME R E I K I
&
W E L L N E S S
REIKI | MASSAGE THERAPY | REIKI CLASSES | SOUND HEALING
unalomemarin.com
eat & drink.
Unsinkable whiskey is inspired by the ships built in Sausalito during World War II.”
Unsinkable rye comes from Kentucky, but it is aged in Napa Valley port wine barrels.
In true Bay Area fashion, the spirits are all bottled in 100 percent recycled glass and they look great on your bar cart, too. The labels feature coastally inspired designs; notably, the art on the bottles of the Unsinkable whiskey is inspired by the ships built in Sausalito during World War II. But the spirits themselves manage to live up to the attention-catching first impressions and the brand has the awards to prove it. At the 2023 L.A. Spirits Awards, the rye won Best in Show, the bourbon took home a silver medal and the gin was awarded the gold medal. While you can purchase your own Sausalito Liquor Co. spirits through the website (it currently ships to 41 states), you can also find bottles in local stores, like Golden Gate Market in Sausalito and The Whisky Shop of San Francisco. It’s also stocked behind the bar at several local establishments: Mill Valley’s Buckeye Roadhouse and San Francisco’s The Brixton, to name a few. When discussing the inspiration behind his brand, Jampol refers to Marin’s coastal lifestyle and quirky, creative spirit, something he hopes his brand helps people embrace when they pour themselves a drink. The sentiment is best summed up in the brand slogan: “Live a little offshore.”
Images courtesy of Sausalito Liquor Co.
Sausalito was once home to Mason’s Distillery, which was founded in 1892 and later sold to American Distilling Co. A mainstay of the community and a major employer for the area, the plant was ultimately destroyed by fire in 1963. Now, Jampol is ready to bring the local liquor legacy into a new era. “My vision is to have a distillery in Sausalito and produce some, if not all, of our spirits,” says Jampol. For now, Sausalito Liquor Co.’s three products are being made outside Marin, but they all possess some local flavor. The Marin Coastal Gin, made in Petaluma and bottled and stored in Rohnert Park, carries hints of citrus thanks to California orange and lemon peels and is made with locally sourced botanicals like angelica seed and foraged seaweed, both of which come from Strong Arm Farm in Santa Rosa. “The scent invites you in, but it’s very smooth on the back end, which is unique for a gin,” Jampol says. The Unsinkable whiskey series’ rye and bourbon come from Kentucky and Tennessee, respectively, but the rye is aged in Napa Valley port wine barrels while the bourbon ages in Napa Valley cabernet sauvignon barrels. The results are products that Jampol refers to as “unapologetically approachable.”
Camp. A place where memories are made. Sports Camp
|
Discovery Camp
|
Music Camp
|
Teen Camp
Your generous gift will make a difference. Send a Marin County child to camp. 351 Mission Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901 sanrafael.salvationarmy.org | 415.459.4520
local getaways.
A WEEKEND
IN
Revered for its stunning natural beauty, historical significance and literary connections (don’t forget this is John Steinbeck territory), Monterey, once a bustling commercial fishing village, offers a treasure trove of cultural activities and a rich heritage that makes for a wonderful weekend away. And, of course, the food and wine are worth the trip. Later in the year hotels fill up fast when the car shows and jazz festival return, but right now is the perfect time to get a taste of Monterey. By Casey Gillespie
36 march 2024 marin living.
Courtesy of InterContinental The Clement Monterey
MONTEREY
INTERCONTINENTAL THE CLEMENT MONTEREY 750 CANNERY ROW, MONTEREY
www.ictheclementmonterey.com Situated on the waterfront in the heart of historic Cannery Row, the InterContinental (pictured here) is the ideal base for exploring the best of what Monterey has to offer. We suggest a (mostly) car-free weekend taking it all in on foot. Start with a morning walk down Cannery Row enjoying the crashing waves, ocean views and public art — as you stroll you can easily imagine the former life of this commercial area, one that Steinbeck wrote about so vividly in his novels. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is steps away, Fisherman’s Wharf is an easy walk and the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail is ripe for an afternoon jaunt on foot or bike. Book an ocean view room with a fireplace and enjoy a glass of pinot noir from a local vineyard while taking in the dreamy sea breeze (or grab a copy of Cannery Row and have a proper literary experience). While there is a plethora of dining options close to the hotel, the on-site C Restaurant + Bar offers breakfast through dinner with an exceptional kitchen staff on hand creating culinary delights you won’t soon forget. And if you can tear yourself away from the natural beauty of the outdoors, the hotel’s plush spa is pretty wonderful, too.
ALBATROSS RIDGE WINERY & KITCHEN 316 Alvarado Street, Monterey www.albatrossridge.com The newest outpost for the Carmel-based winery, the light and airy tasting room offers a place to experience its wellrounded offerings. Pinot noirs and chardonnays are the specialty, and guests can explore the wines through flights as well as by the glass in a relaxed, upscale setting.
marin living. march 2024 37
local getaways.
JULIA’S VEGETARIAN RESTAURANT 1180 FOREST AVENUE, STE. F, PACIFIC GROVE
www.juliasveg.com
A hidden gem, this plant-based eatery is tucked away in a parking lot in Pacific Grove. But don’t let its unassuming surroundings fool you; the food here is wonderful (carnivores and vegans will be easily pleased as well). With an emphasis on wild foraged mushrooms, it’s an unexpected delight. Check the website for foraging expeditions — weather permitting, they may still be happening this month.
ALTA BAKERY & CAFE 502 Munras Avenue, Monterey www.altamonterey.com The bakery and cafe is located in the historic Cooper Molera Adobe, and chef Ben Spungin has worked at some of the most revered eateries up and down the coast. He brings his refined skills to the mouthwatering offerings here. Try the figs and labneh paired with a blood orange wine spritzer. ASILOMAR DUNES NATURAL PRESERVE Sunset Drive, Pacific Grove Take a short ride to Pacific Grove and explore the dunes. Located between Asilomar’s main beach and the conference grounds, the quarter-mile stroll offers breathtaking ocean vistas, native wildlife and those not-to-be-missed wildflower blooms. CELLA RESTAURANT & BAR 525 Polk Street, Monterey www.cellarestaurant.com Co-owned by chef Ben Spungin (Alta Bakery & Cafe), this is definitely a locals’ spot and chef Cal Stamenov takes full advantage of the bounty of the Peninsula. The seafood offerings are balanced with plentiful options for meat lovers (steak, venison, lamb and rib-eye, to name a few). The charming setting can’t be beat.
Whether you are a history buff, a Steinbeck fan or wanting to learn more about the monarch migration, Gael will regale you with facts and entertaining stories galore. She knows everyone and everything and makes the entire area come to life. You will walk away with a deeper appreciation for the entire area.
38 march 2024 marin living.
Courtesy of See Monterey
GAEL GALLAGHER’S MONTEREY TOURS 21047 Geyserville Avenue www.gaelgallagher.com
15 Stetson Avenue M I L L VA L L E Y
15stetson.com
ST R AT E GY. S E RV I C E . S U C C E S S . Davis & Philipp Real Estate Team Dawn Davis Stephanie Philipp DRE 01946201 DRE 02162692 M 415.533.5108 M 415.215.5849 dawnandsteph@compass.com davisandphilipp.com
Compass Is A Real Estate Broker Licensed By The State Of California And Abides By Equal Housing Opportunity Laws. License Number 01527235. All Material Presented Herein Is Intended For Informational Purposes Only. Information Is Compiled From Sources Deemed Reliable But Is Subject To Errors, Omissions, Changes In Price, Condition, Sale, Or Withdrawal Without Notice. No Statement Is Made As To Accuracy Of Any Description. All Measurements And Square Footages Are Approximate. This Is Not Intended To Solicit Property Already Listed. Nothing Herein Shall Be Construed As Legal, Accounting Or Other Professional Advice Outside The Realm Of Real Estate Brokerage.
local getaways.
THE WINE EXPERIENCE 381 Cannery Row, Monterey www.wineexperience.org
WILD FISH 545 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove www.wild-fish.com
Ever dreamed of being a winemaker? Try your hand at blending and take a deep dive into your own palate as well as the many grape varietals you’ll be able to play with. You’ll create your own bespoke blend and take a bottle home with you. This is especially fun for groups.
This charming eatery offers freshly caught, sustainable seafood with a menu that changes with the season. There are a ton of wonderful restaurants in the area, but this one is a must-visit. Fine dining quality and service without the stuffiness. The spot also has live jazz on Friday and Saturday nights, a musical cherry on top.
FOR THE FOODIES Jazz and car shows aside, Monterey offers food and wine festivals that call for a trip down south. Mark your calendar.
APRIL 4–7
Pebble Beach Food & Wine www.pebblebeach foodandwine.com
JUNE 8
Monterey Winemakers’ Celebration www.montereywines.org
JUNE 8–9
Artichoke Festival www.artichokefestival.org
JUNE 15–16
45th Annual Monterey Wine Festival www.montereywine.com
886 Cannery Row www.montereybayaquarium.org Touted as the best aquarium in the world; one step inside and you will see why. The nonprofit institution offers a magical glimpse into the underwater world of the Monterey Bay and plays a major part in ocean conservation and sustainability. If you can, plan a weekday visit as it does get busy on the weekends — but even then, it is worth braving the crowds.
40 march 2024 marin living.
JULY 6
Monterey Beer Festival www.montereybeer festival.com
Courtesy of See Monterey
MONTEREY BAY AQUARIUM
Let’s Unlock
50 Homes
to Celebrate
50 Years! Thanks to you, thousands of people have unlocked new futures since our programs began in 1974. Together we can unlock 50 new homes this year to continue this legacy of service.
Photo by Paige Green
Starting with a shelter for four families, our programs have grown to serve more than 550 people per night with a safe place to stay, nourishing meals and support to find their unique paths out of homelessness. We now welcome adults and families in five shelter programs. Our 13 supportive housing programs let people build stability in affordable homes. With your help, we can open 24 apartments for veterans this year plus 26 units for others transitioning back into the workforce. You can help open new futures with a gift at hbofm.org/donate.
Photo by Landy Pandy Photography
hbofm.org/donate
take note.
THROUGH THE LENS He’s well known for his work in fashion, but de Young visitors will get to see many more sides to renowned photographer Irving Penn’s work in a rare West Coast exclusive.
WHEN PHOTOGRAPHER IRVING PENN joined Vogue magazine in 1943 as an associate in the art department, he had no way of knowing he was launching an artistic career that would last 70 years and change Americans’ view of photography forever. But when the magazine’s art director, Alexander Liberman, saw the young man’s contact sheets he knew he was seeing something special. “I need to encourage him to explore this,” Liberman thought, and moved Penn from product still life to portraits. “He created these very stark and astute portraits. And in the postwar era they really resonated with the kind of existential climate of the moment, and they made Penn’s reputation,” says Emma Acker, curator of American art at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco (www.famsf.org). Now Bay Area audiences can take a deep dive into Penn’s photographs as 197 of his works come to the de Young from March 16 to July 21 in the only 42 march 2024 marin living.
West Coast showing of the traveling Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition. But how did Penn get these stark portraits of figures like Audrey Hepburn, Gianni Versace and the Hells Angels that contained so much personality and seemed to define the human condition? “He pioneered a very interesting sort of compositional format and device, which was to use two angled stage flats to essentially corner his subjects in these claustrophobic and uncomfortable spaces,” Acker says, adding that Penn would first sit with his subjects over coffee to put them at ease. “And he found that this allowed him to control the interactions and to really heighten the dramatic impact of their poses and gestures.” Acker says that beyond his famous fashion images, visitors will also see Penn’s portraits of everyday people like tradespeople, street vendors and residents of Cuzco, Peru, and, of course, his still life work, which sometimes feature unusual subjects
From left: The Metropolitan Musem of Art, Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation, 2021. © Condé Nast.; The Irving Penn Foundation. © The Irving Penn Foundation.
By Daniel Jewett
From left: The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of The Irving Penn Foundation, 2021. © The Irving Penn Foundation.; The Irving Penn Foundation. © Condé Nast.
Opposite, from left: Audrey Hepburn, Paris, 1951; Mouth (for L’Oréal), New York, 1986. This page from left: Issey Miyake, New York, May 16, 1988; Still Life with Watermelon, New York, 1947
like discarded cigarette butts. “His still life, which is actually a genre that he really loved and explored throughout his career, is his first and deepest love in photography,” she says. “You see his very acute graphic intelligence and his ability to shape volumes with light in an almost sculptural way.” And in a real treat for Bay Area audiences, guests will see an expanded selection of the Summer of Love portraits Penn produced for Look magazine. In 1967 he was able to convince the magazine’s editors to send him to San Francisco to memorialize the counterculture movement on film. To accomplish this Penn rented a studio in Sausalito and began photographing hippies and people like the Hells Angels (he made sure the studio had a heavy-duty elevator to get their bikes into the space), the Grateful Dead, Big Brother and the Holding company and more. The exclusive, expanded exhibit will feature these photos, Penn’s own captions and nude photos taken at a performance of
Anna Halprin’s Dancers’ Workshop that were considered too risqué to publish at the time. “There’s some wonderful anecdotes from Penn about the process including how he felt when the Hells Angels came in, and the sense of relief he felt when they went off down the road,” Acker says. “It’s a really fantastic section of the exhibition and we’re thrilled to be able to showcase it.” And what does Acker predict viewers will get from seeing Penn’s work? “I think to see the astonishing breadth and depth of Penn’s output,” she says, adding that the quality of the prints, especially those done using the platinum palladium printing process that Penn brought back into style, will be revelatory. “Penn made photography into a fine art form and he made incredible strides in cementing that acceptance. A lot of that stems from his incredible technical brilliance and willingness to push boundaries of technique and form.” marin living. march 2024 43
game changers.
CHEERS TO YOUR HEALTH These canned tonics combine alcohol with good-for-you ingredients you’ll want to put in your body.
SAINT HILDEGARD VON BINGEN drank alcohol for good health. The 12th-century saint was a mystic, herbalist and botanist, and would have never succumbed to sober trends like Sober October or Dry January. Now, 900 or so years later, Hildegard serves as the muse and patron saint to the latest game changer in canned libations: St Hildie’s Spiked Tonics (www.sthildies.com). St Hildie’s isn’t like the other options in the alcohol aisle, but shares closer ties to the health and wellness section. “We really wanted only ingredients with integrity, ingredients that we would proudly and comfortably list on our label and ingredients that we would put into our own bodies,” says St Hildie’s co-founder Christine Peck. Peck started tinkering with different recipes a few years ago in her Austin, Texas, kitchen when friend Alexi Cashen came to visit. Once Peck shared the idea of better-for-you canned drinks, Cashen — an industry veteran — was in. Then came master of branding and advertising (and Peck’s sister-in-law) Meghan DeRoma to complete the trifecta of founders. “It really started because we are all healthy women who like to drink alcohol,” Peck says, plain and simple. “And truly nothing on the market aligned with the ingredients we were consuming every day.” So the three began brewing up botanical concoctions packed with real fruit juices and purees, beneficial botanicals (think lemon 44 march 2024 marin living.
balm, holy basil and eleuthero) and spirits, like three witches stirring over a cauldron. “We don’t dislike that association,” Peck says with a laugh. The perfect brew would taste delicious, give a nice buzz, and be full of the good stuff humans should actually be consuming — no harsh chemicals or artificial flavors and absolutely no added sugar. Potions perfected, the three disciples of Hildegard figured out how to pour the contents of the cauldron into the can without losing the integrity of the ingredients. All of St Hildie’s production is in the Bay Area, the alcohol used is 100 percent organic and the packaging has zero traces of plastic. Now, St Hildie’s can be found all over Marin in places like The Junction and Hook Fish Co. at Proof Lab Beer Garden, Mollie Stone’s and Whole Foods. “Being able to walk into our favorite local grocers and restaurants and order — or better yet, watch somebody else order — a St Hildie’s feels so good,” says Peck, who now lives in Mill Valley near Cashen (DeRoma is in SoCal). The perfected flavor is getting noticed by industry experts, too — St Hildie’s won a gold and two silver medals in the 2023 Bartender Spirits Awards and was named one of the Best Canned Cocktails in Forbes. “Our vision is to continue to grow and to support all of those people who choose to live a clean life but also enjoy a cocktail with friends,” says Peck. And that’s surely a vision their namesake and patron saint would make a toast to.
Ella Sophie
By Annie Gieser
CREATING AND DEFINING YOUR IDENTITY IS OUR PASSION.
Brand Identity Event Production Marketing Plans
Brand Development Logo Creation Media Buying
Event Concepting
Copywriting Video
Photography Direct Mail
www.five19brandstudio.com five19 | publishing includes Marin Living magazine and five19 | brandstudio Contact Jessica Cline at 707.302.0850 or jessica@marinlivingmagazine.com to get started
LIFEHOUSE PRESENTS
GREAT CHEFS & WINERIES SATURDAY, APRIL 13, 2024 5:30 PM TO 11:00 PM FESTIVAL PAVILION FORT MASON 2 MARINA BOULEVARD SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94123 Honorary Chairman Huey Lewis Master of Ceremonies Betty Yu, KPIX Culinary Host Heidi Insalata Krahling Auctioneer Damon Casatico
BLACK TIE OPTIONAL PURCHASE TICKETS AT FUNDRAISER.BID/GCW2024
DINNER IN THE “WINE & DINE ROOM” 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Sip on world class wines from elite California wineries while savoring a feast of small plates by chefs from the Bay Area’s finest restaurants. Other libations include a coffee bar, locally brewed beer, and martinis! RESTAURANTS Bar Sprezzatura Buckeye Roadhouse Burmatown Cerri Catering Copita Tequileria y Comida Easy Rider EPIC Steak Il Davide Insalata’s La Societe Bar & Cafe Left Bank Brasserie Marinitas Mersea Morton’s Steakhouse Peju Perkins Catering Co Perry’s Restaurants Petite Left Bank Poggio Trattoria Sam’s Anchor Café State Room Brewery & Kitchen Sushi Ran Table Culture Provisions Tadich Grill Yank Sing
BUBBLE SPONSOR WINERIES Brooks Note Winery Dry Creek Vineyards Duckhorn Vineyards Dutton-Goldfield Winery OTHER LIBATIONS Elaine Wines Alamere Spirits Grgich Hills Estate King Floyd’s Provisions HALL | WALT | BACA Hundred Acre Wine Group Martinis by Jeff “The Barfly” Burkhart Red Whale Coffee Bar JAX Vineyards State Room Brewery & Kitchen Keenan Wines The Republic of Tea Kendric Vineyards Linked Vineyards McPrice Myers Wines Merry Edwards Winery Michael Mondavi Family Papapietro Perry Winery Peju Winery Pride Mountain Vineyards Schramsberg | Davies Vineyards MUSICAL Schweiger Vineyards Silver Oak & Twomey Cellars ENTERTAINMENT Thirty-Seven Wines Westwood Wine Estates William Harrison Winery
DESSERT & ENTERTAINMENT IN THE “BALLROOM” 7:30 PM- 11:00 PM Enjoy dessert and wine while the evening’s live entertainment begins, including a performance by the people Lifehouse supports, a premiere live auction, and dancing to a Bay Area favorite, Pride and Joy SF. IN THE BALLROOM Blooming Cakes Point Reyes Cheese Co Fiorello’s Gelato Bar Red Whale Coffee ItalFoods Rustic Bakery
PURCHASE TICKETS
THANK YOU TO OUR GOLD & SILVER TABLE SPONSORS GOLD TABLE SPONSORS Kaiser Permanente Law Offices of Samuel Kornhauser Marin Sanitary Service Jim & Sharon Sides Mary & Rob Wilsey Wells Fargo Advisors SILVER TABLE SPONSORS Bank of San Francisco Mechanics Bank Meylan Construction Anoosh & Kija Mizany The Quick Family SPONSORS AS OF FEBRUARY 8, 2024
VIRTUAL SILENT AUCTION will be held ONLINE ONLY! Silent Auction Opens on Thurs, 4/3 @ Noon & Closes on Fri, 4/12 @ Noon
Go to fundraiser.bid/GCW2024
LIFEHOUSE CELEBRATES 70 YEARS! THANK YOU TO OUR MAJOR SPONSORS DIAMOND SPONSORS
PLATINUM SPONSOR ENTERTAINMENT SPONSORS
Eric Aanes EMERALD SPONSORS
Friends of Jacquie Gribens
BID PADDLE SPONSOR
Coyne Family TECHNOLOGY SPONSOR
MARKETING PARTNER
PRINT SPONSOR
SPARKLE SPONSOR
DECOR SPONSOR
MAGAZINE SPONSOR
MEDIA SPONSOR
DE SIGN STORIE S ELIZABETH ROSE JACKSON is unapologetically telling her own architectural tale one pop of color and one unique piece at a time.
Don Riddle (this page); Stian Rasmussen (portrait)
By Lili Weigert
50 march 2024 marin living.
Miller & Lux Hualalai at the Four Seasons Hualalai (left); Elizabeth Rose Jackson (below)
“EVERY PROJECT STARTS WITH A STORY,” says architect and
interior designer Elizabeth Rose Jackson. “It sets the mood and brings the project to life.” After a decade of leading the interior architecture team for San Francisco design giant Ken Fulk, Jackson is creating her own stories. In 2022, she opened Elizabeth Rose Jackson, Interiors in downtown San Anselmo. Jackson’s design tales are like multimedia art installations, providing tone and vision through layered fabrics, colors and imagery. “You could compare it to a movie or a way of thinking,” she says. “The story becomes the guidebook for the entire project.” Jackson’s own design story began in the small coastal town of Anacortes, Washington, where her father was a boatbuilder. “I grew up playing in the wood shop and learning how to use tools,” she says. “I was always making things.” In a high school art history class, Jackson discovered Scottish architect and designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh. “Looking at his body of work was like a lightbulb turned on,” she says. “I remember thinking, ‘that’s the job for me.’ ” Jackson went on to study art and architectural history at the University of Washington, then made her way to San Francisco, where she received her master’s
marin living. march 2024 51
in architecture from the California College of the Arts in 2010. When Jackson started working for Ken Fulk he’d just completed his award-winning design for San Francisco’s prestigious social club The Battery, and the work was flooding in. “It was hard and intense and the hours could be brutal, but that’s the nature of the industry,” she says. Working alongside Fulk, whom she describes as a “devout maximalist with a theatrical quality,” Jackson learned how to tell a design story. “Ken’s an incredible storyteller,” she says. “He can get people to come along with his vision and journey.” With Fulk, Jackson designed local celebrity chef Tyler Florence’s steakhouse Miller & Lux, which opened at the Chase Center in 2021. It was an experience she compared to “drinking from a fire hose.” “Working on a restaurant is fun, fast and intense,” she says. “As soon as someone hits ‘go,’ it’s relentless.” There are also critical logistical and regulatory considerations with restaurant design, she explains. Despite the differences, Jackson uses the same storytelling process with restaurant design as she does with residential projects. Working closely with Florence, she created a story for Miller & Lux about a classic American steakhouse rooted in San Francisco history. “There’s a moody quality to the bar, almost like an opium den,” she says. “You can go from 1895 to 1955 San Francisco in that restaurant.” Jackson says the hardest part of starting her own firm was learning to trust her instincts. “It’s been a process of self-discovery and recalibration,” she says. “I’m
52 march 2024 marin living.
Stian Rasmussen (this page and opposite)
Jackson at Miller & Lux Provisions in S.F.’s Union Square
still getting comfortable with the fact that I’m the only person making decisions.” For now, most of her time is devoted to Tyler Florence ventures, including Miller & Lux Provisions, a Parisian-inspired “grab and go” patisserie in Union Square, and a second Miller & Lux steakhouse at the Four Seasons Resort Hualalai in Hawaii, which opened in December of 2023. She’s also working on her own creative space, using her loft-like studio to showcase her style. “If you had to call me anything, I’d say I’m a ‘minimal maximalist,’” she says. “I like modern pieces, but I’m going to layer on top of them. I’m all about living with a mixture of antiques and new.” Her studio — which is walking distance from the 1908 hunting cabin she and her husband, architect Michael (“Meez”) Perkins, are in the process of renovating — is an eclectic combination of traditional and
IF YOU HAD TO CALL ME ANYTHING, I’D SAY I’M A ‘MINIMAL MAXIMALIST.’
surprising, with bright pops of color and unique pieces. Her immense conference table was fashioned from an 1850s grand piano from her childhood home; a fluffy hot pink chaise lounge beckons from a far corner. “I’m definitely telling my own design story here,” she says. “This is unapologetically me.” As Jackson settles in, she’s excited to join the design community in San Anselmo and plans to host parties and community-related events. “There are so many talented designers here and there’s a willingness and desire to engage with design,” she says. She’s already considering expanding her studio, and she likes the idea of a retail storefront. “San Anselmo is so ripe for that,” she says. “There’s so much commercial real estate available.” It’s an exciting time for Elizabeth Rose Jackson, and it seems her path is just starting to unfold.
marin living. march 2024 53
at
e
ste
p u p
to t h
l p e
Crow Canyon enamelware has a history that started hundreds of years ago, but its present is firmly rooted right here in Marin. BY AMBER TURPIN 54 march 2024 marin living.
The splatterware concept is a take on the midcentury French enamelware swirl pattern.
Courtesy of Crow Canyon Home
W
hen we think of enamelware today, cheerful scenes of picnics and crab boils come to mind as well as tumblers full of icy lemonade and corn-laden platters. But enamelware was actually invented in the 1700s in Germany as a coating for iron cookware to eliminate rust and metal flavors in food. That methodology arrived in the United States in the mid-1800s and by late that century two European migrant-founded companies had begun to offer more decorative, creative enamelware in America. One hundred years later, our very own Marinbased Crow Canyon Home (www.crowcanyonhome. com) was born. In 1977, this family-owned company (formerly known as CGS International) came up
with the classic splatter pattern on enamelware known as splatterware, a modern take on the popular midcentury French enamelware swirl pattern. Since then, Crow Canyon has bloomed into an international brand, ubiquitous to the genre of enamelware and devoted to zero-waste, ethical and safe hand-making practices. In 2012, Cara Barde took the reins as owner and CEO, leading the company to where it is today. “I was interested in owning my own small business and loved that it offered an opportunity to evolve a heritage brand and bring it into the modern era for a new generation,” she reflects. “There’s a strong connection between family, community and planet with this product and I wanted to build on that.” marin living. march 2024 55
“
There’s a strong connection between family, community and planet with this product.” Barde’s focus has mostly been on marketing, international expansion and growing the company’s wholesale partnerships, as well as adding direct-to-consumer sales and improving the design element through partnerships and collaborations. That includes a long list of retailers such as Merci in Paris, Labour & Wait in London, and Goop, West Elm, Williams Sonoma and Anthropologie in the States. Barde adds that there have also been many fun “design collabs with buzzy brands like Jenni Kayne, Soho House, Camp Wandawega, Poketo, The Get Out, Pendleton, Filson, Fishs Eddy, Urban Outfitters, and fine artists Lisa Congdon and Claudia Pearson.” When asked about the design methods and artistry of how the pieces are made, Barde explains that they are two very different processes. “The design process is different with each collection. ‘Catalina,’ for example, was inspired by terrazzo, which had a strong resurgence in 2019. I thought it would be cool to do a terrazzo pattern with colors and splatter, so I developed it,” she says. “We used color palettes that were in style and that we thought would appeal to a broad audience based on broader home industry trends.” As for how the enamelware is actually made, Barde says that each handmade piece starts 56 march 2024 marin living.
From top: Crow Canyon Home’s Desert Rose collection; dine on the enamelware at Souvla in Marin Country Mart
with a steel base that is then dipped in multiple coats of porcelain. It is then fired in a kiln before the color is applied by hand. “Each piece is different; no two pieces are the same,” she says. “It is important to note that our designs are not paint, which is not food safe nor oven or dishwasher safe. Ours are decals that are fused into porcelain, so it is completely nontoxic and food safe and can be used in the oven and dishwasher.” The wide spectrum of colorful designs and timeless appeal that Crow Canyon pieces offer have attracted the attention of the restaurant industry at large as well, which obviously includes some of our favorite local spots. You have likely eaten off of a Crow Canyon plate at Mas Masa in Fairfax, M.H. Bread and Butter in San Anselmo, PizzaHacker in Mill Valley and out at Dillon Beach Resort. And a longtime devotee, Souvla, has been working with Crow Canyon since 2014. But home is where the heart is, which is why the word “Home” is included in the Crow Canyon name. The ease of grabbing a stack of enamelware plates, bowls or cups for your backyard barbecue, not to mention as a way to help eliminate paper and plastic waste, is second only to the exciting aesthetic these pieces can, literally, bring to the table. Barde says, “One of my proudest accomplishments is that there is a new generation of customers who value beautiful functional design and love to gather and entertain with Crow Canyon Home enamelware.”
marin living. march 2024 57
Courtesy of Crow Canyon Home (top); Alanna Hale (below)
Movida
W
H E R E WE W
EATING AND DRINKING IN 2024 IL L
BE
FROM MARIN TO WINE COUNTRY AND BACK TO SAN FRANCISCO, HERE ARE THE RESTAURANTS, BARS AND LOUNGES WHERE WE WILL BE INDULGING ALL YEAR LONG.
BY CASEY GILLESPIE, CAITLIN HAMER AND DANIEL JEWETT
Cat Fennell (this page); NaderKhouri (opposite)
1. ANOMALY SF
C
hef Mike Lanham spent several years running a popular pop-up in San Francisco focused on high-quality seasonal ingredients presented with an emphasis on showcasing the technical aspects of cooking. What he didn’t expect was how much he would love shifting to a brick-and-mortar restaurant like he has with Anomaly SF (www.anomalysf.com), which opened in 2023. “All of us in the kitchen still deliver dishes to the guests, which gives us a chance to engage on a unique level,” he says. And about the technical approach? “We go through several — say half a dozen — technique-heavy steps before the food even reaches the guest. There is a dazzle factor when we can do things like change the state of matter table side,” he adds. This spring, diners can expect a sweet end to the night with a new dessert course featuring a cardamom dark chocolate custard served with coffee gelato, chai gel, marshmallow and a crispy tuile. 2600 Sutter Street, San Francisco marin living. march 2024 59
3. BLUE WHALE RESTAURANT & LOUNGE
2. APHOTIC
A
seaside, sustainably minded city like San Francisco is the perfect home for Aphotic (www.aphotic restaurant.com), a Michelin-starred restaurant that prioritizes transparency and traceability as much as it does a flavorful meal. “When you get your hands on some pristinely fresh fish native to the area that you live in, one wants to pay it forward in the best way possible: we make that last bit a cornerstone of how we think about food,” says chef Peter Hemsley. The seasonal 10-course tasting menu is sure to wow, but the bar menu is equally impressive — Aphotic distills its own spirits in house, and the restaurant’s eight-course cocktail tasting menu is inspired by different bodies of water around the world. 816 Folsom Street, San Francisco
60 march 2024 marin living.
F
ans of Empress by Boon need to head to the Marina because the chef of that establishment has opened another restaurant. Blue Whale’s (www.bluewhalerestaurant-lounge.com) stylish-yet-welcoming dining experience offers seasonal à la carte menus featuring small bites, rice and noodle dishes and larger items to explore; the various dumplings, seafood choices and vegetarian options in particular stand out. “Each dish is inspired by my childhood and travels across Asia and speaks to fond memories of the exciting cuisines I’ve tasted,” says chef Ho Chee Boon. There are tables and booths indoors, but when the weather is agreeable, you’d be remiss to pass up a chance at dining on the impressively spacious and secluded outdoor patio. 2033 Union Street, San Francisco
Bread & Butter (opposite, left); courtesy of Blue Whale Restaurant & Lounge (opposite, right); courtesy of Chandon Napa (this page)
4. CHANDON
C
handon’s Napa home since 1977, the iconic winery has undergone a miraculous renovation both in terms of the space and dining options (www.chandon.com). The Chandon Culinary Journey is a five-course tasting menu served restaurant-style in the Epicurean Hub (come summer three outdoor alcoves will be added). Expect the same level of exquisite food and beautiful wines this brand has always been known for (Friday to Sunday, reservations required). Guests wanting something more casual can order a gourmet picnic during the summer season and enjoy it in the reimagined Garden Lawn space, complete with an inviting array of high and low tables scattered throughout that meld perfectly into the landscape. Larger groups will want to take advantage of the sailcloth cabanas that are available for wine-paired lunches in a more private setting. Chandon has always been a favorite and it’s exciting to witness the next evolution of the winery’s history. 1 California Drive, Yountville marin living. march 2024 61
5. 5. DITAS
Led by 21-year-old CEO Nikita Khandheria, Ditas (www.ditasmarin.com) has created a true Marin experience. This new culinary gem celebrates the California coast, through both its cuisine and the sweeping views of the bay it boasts from its Sausalito waterfront location. And luckily, those views are on full display, from inside the elegant dining room and from the seats on the heated outdoor patio. The all-day seasonal menus feature beautifully presented dishes of familiar favorites reinterpreted in sophisticated and imaginative ways: think duck tacos topped with kimchi and served in a crispy wonton shell, or a decadent dish of baked lobster mac and cheese. 562 Bridgeway, Sausalito
62 march 2024 marin living.
Due West Tavern and Market (www.olemahouse.com/ due-west-restaurant) is the ideal place to stop on your way to West Marin adventures, or a dreamy place to spend a little more time when you’re staying at the Olema House, which is located right next door. Chef Andrew Sarda says he takes pride in serving “the best seafood the NorCal coast has to offer — mussels and clams with chorizo, scallops, fresh local oysters, salmon, black cod and more.” Located in a cozy and refurbished circa-1865 building, the spot features homemade dishes using the finest hyper-local ingredients. And if you don’t have time for a sit-down meal, the remodeled market next door offers items house-made daily, such as sandwiches, breakfast sandwiches, salads, chips, snacks and specialty drinks. 10005 Coastal Highway 1, Olema
7. 6.
HOT OUT OF THE OVEN
6. DUE WEST TAVERN AND MARKET
The newest Marin bakeries to add to your nosh list.
1. BOICHIK BAGELS
Fueled by her longing for New York City bagels, owner Emily Winston set out to re-create her beloved glutinous treat. Many iterations later she perfected the recipe and retail locations soon followed. Even the New York Times says this is the best bagel in all the land. 238 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, www.boichikbagels.com
Clockwise from upper left: courtesy of Ditas; courtesy of Madrona Bakery; Suzi Pratt Photos; Cole Keister
2. MADRONA BAKERY
If you haven’t tried the croissants yet, it’s time. Known for delicious coffee, mouthwatering pastries and house-made breads, this sweet spot also has a small lunch menu with beer, wine and small snacks and offers baking classes for the at-home cook. 17 Madrona Street, Mill Valley, www.madronabakery.com
7. SUSHI BY SCRATCH Hidden in a speakeasy-style dining room at the Matheson in Downtown Healdsburg, Dustin Valette’s dining experience is the new Sushi by Scratch Restaurants (www.sushibyscratchrestaurants.com). The slightly unwieldy name belies what 10 lucky diners in three seatings a night will experience: an intimate 17-course omakase tasting menu showcasing fish and shellfish flown in from Tokyo’s world-famous Toyosu Fish Market. The restaurant is the latest from the Michelin-starred husband-and-wife chef team Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee. 106 Matheson Street, Healdsburg
Above: House-made focaccia at Madrona Bakery.
3. JANE/MARIN
The newest outpost of the S.F.based bakery, this location had a built-in following as soon as it opened (it is in the old Sweet Things space). It’s a great place to grab your morning latte or cupcakes for the weekend birthday party. There are plans to add more gluten-free and vegan items to the menu in 2024. 1 Blackfield Drive, Tiburon, www.itsjane.com
8. MALIBU FARM
1. VOYAGE BAR
From the same owners who brought us Stillwater in Fairfax and Souvenir (the super-cool bottle shop down the street from this venue), this is the wine bar we have been dreaming about. The airy space offers a 15-seat bar and a lounge area in the back with a fireplace. The wine selection is top notch and the food menu was created by the Stillwater chef, so you won’t be disappointed. 500 San Anselmo Avenue, San Anselmo, www.voyagebar.com
MORE WINE LESS DINE
Marin’s latest hot spots? Wine bars tucked away in your favorite neighborhoods.
Above: Wine offerings at the cozy Voyage Bar in San Anselmo.
2. INTERNOS INTERNOS BEER AND WINE BAR
Located at the far end of Magnolia, this place is where locals come to gather, whether it is to pick up their favorite libation for a night at home or to belly up to the bar and socialize. A small food offering is available (such as charcuterie boards), but the pop-ups are what drew us in. We love the oysters in the parking lot on Friday nights during happy hour and word on the street is that the pizza on Saturdays is the best around. 1110 Magnolia Avenue, Larkspur, www.internoswinebar.com
D
owntown Tiburon has enjoyed a restaurant renaissance over the past few years and Malibu Farm (www.malibu-farm.com/tiburon), opened in 2023 in the former Servino spot, fits right in. The concept began in Southern California, where chef-owner Helene Henderson offered farm dinners and classes that caught on and expanded quickly. The beach town–casual vibe and stunning bay views are accented by simply prepared house-made dishes such as broiled Maine lobster, wood oven cauliflower steak, build your own fish tacos, spaghetti squash lasagna and more. Executive chef Chris Ball became involved when he recommended a sous chef and was asked if he knew anyone who could handle being executive chef. He did and took the job. “I love that Malibu Farm has a pretty similar take on how food works as I do, focusing on farm-to-table, locally sourced, everything made in house and a changing menu,” he says. 9 Main Street, Tiburon
9.
Clockwise from left: Cass Cleave; courtesy of Malibu Farm; Nader Khouri; Jak Wonderly
9. MOVIDA
The minds behind Movida (www.movidalounge.com) have focused on cultivating the environment and the experience as much as they have the unique Persian-and-Mexican-fusion fare being served here. This creative concept lends itself to a range of dishes that reflect the signature flavors of both cuisines, like a chicken tostada that includes both pico de gallo and shirazi, or arroz con leche made with saffron and rose water. With an intimate bar and lounge layout, inventive libations and a location in trendy SoMa, this Michelin-guide restaurant has all the makings for a lively night out, but the party atmosphere extends to Sunday brunch service, too. 555 Second Street, San Francisco
10. 10. GENTLEMAN FARMER BUNGALOW, A STUDIO FOR GUSTATORY WELL-BEING
Steps away from the main thoroughfare of First Street in Downtown Napa, Gentleman Farmer Bungalow, A Studio for Gustatory Well-Being (www. gentlemanfarmerwines.com) is a 1926 California Craftsman bungalow that has been transformed by vintners, hospitality veterans and husbands Joey Wołosz and Jeff Durham into a cozy spot like no other. Guests will enjoy the eclectic family recipes (Joey and Jeff do all the cooking while you sit steps away) — peppered with whatever they are experimenting with — and prepared with the freshest ingredients Napa has to offer. And, of course, Gentleman Farmer wine pairings come with each course (even at breakfast). The venue is practically made for private events, but a meal with a significant other or small group is just as special. 1564 First Street, Napa marin living. march 2024 65
Inside & Out Home March marks the beginning of spring and that means it is the time to think about sprucing up your property inside and out. Whether it’s selling your home, looking for a new residence that speaks to your design aesthetic or shopping around for home improvement professionals, you will discover individuals and businesses in the pages that follow that are experts in these areas.
ALLISON SALZER // COMPASS
PROMOTION
INSIDE & OUT HOME
Maximize your return on invest with this experienced agent.
What sets you apart when it comes to improving/staging property? When working with my clients, I take a comprehensive approach to property improvement and staging. This involves conducting two market analyses: one that assesses the property’s current value “as is” without improvements, and another that evaluates the potential value after the proposed improvements. By presenting the property in this way, my clients can make informed decisions about the extent of improvements they want to pursue in order to prepare the property for the market. In addition to the market analyses, I also create a spreadsheet that outlines improvement options and their associated costs. For every dollar invested in the property, my goal is to ensure a minimum 2x return on investment. Most of the projects I undertake are able to achieve a 5x. What new services in staging do you offer? As a real estate professional, I have a deep knowledge of what style is trending, what buyers are looking for, and what they will pay up for. My job is to map out the big picture to achieve the highest value for my client’s home. Once we have the concept, I bring in my vast team of professionals from plumbers to designers to create the final product. My value add is that I create the plan and then manage the project from day one to ensure we are on track and on budget. How are you disrupting your industry and thinking outside the box? With a diverse background in finance and remodeling, I offer a fresh and unique approach to real estate transactions. I understand that not every buyer can afford the median-priced homes in Marin County, and I am skilled at guiding clients through the process. Starting with a comprehensive budget consultation, I connect clients with specialized lenders who can find the right program for their needs. Additionally, my design expertise and extensive remodeling experience enable me to provide actionable ideas to transform a fixer-upper into a dream home.
ALLISON SALZER allison.salzer@compass.com 415.297.2110 www.allisonsalzer.com DRE #01978463
INSIDE & OUT HOME
DANIEL ROSS // ROSS PAINTING Fine painting with an expert touch.
What is it about your business that make it a great choice for clients inside and out of the home? For the last 36 years Ross Painting has provided expertise, attention to detail and a commitment to quality for many of the finest homes in Marin and the Bay Area. We have mastered and are certified to install a number of specialty products like Fine Paints of Europe
Do you offer any new services that are changing your industry? We’ve moved to a larger location where we can now bring work back to our shop. This has allowed us to put a greater focus on cabinets as we can bring the doors and drawer faces to our shop for finishing.
What sets your approach apart when it comes to improving property? Our service addresses the often forgotten and neglected surfaces when staging and selling your home, suddenly a drab room or area becomes appealing and welcoming.
PROMOTION
What new services and products in painting do you offer? We offer a coating for concrete that is 4-times stronger than epoxy and can be applied to both interior and exterior concrete floors without color fading. Does your team have a notable history in the Bay Area? Ross Painting has been serving Marin and the bay area since 1988 with a focus on working in and on homes of distinction. We maintain a Guild Quality rating of 97 percent.
ROSS PAINTING dan@rosspainting.com www.rosspainting.com 3817 Redwood Highway, San Rafael, CA 94903 415.455.0766 CSLB #526659
INSIDE & OUT HOME
What is it about your business and products that makes them a great choice for clients inside and out of the home? California Sofa began 15 years ago and is located in San Rafael, owned and operated by Chris Michna. The business specializes in designing and building custom sofas, sectionals and much more. California Sofa has the capability of making anything in the realm of upholstery. If you see something anywhere (another store, catalog or website), chances are we can do it better and for a better value. What sets your approach apart? Everything is made to order. People hear “custom” and become intimidated. That is not the case at California Sofa, the process has been streamlined into three basic steps. You choose style and configuration, then fabric or leather
CHRIS MICHNA // CALIFORNIA SOFA Create your own masterpiece with quality made-to-order furniture and upholstery.
(from an extensive selection) and seat cushion choices from either foam or synthetic down. You create your own masterpiece, it’s fun and creative and we are here to make it that way.
PROMOTION
What sets California Sofa apart from the rest of the pack? We produce pieces to the inch in length, depth and height — other stores are simply not able to offer the level of customization and short production times (our production time ranges from four to six weeks).
CALIFORNIA SOFA 993 Francisco Boulevard East, San Rafael, CA 94901 415.454.7632 www.calsofa.com info@calsofa.com
How are you disrupting your industry? California Sofa owns its factory and all the custom upholstery is made in California and we use the most environmentally friendly materials available in our production. With the growing trend of reclining sofas and sectionals, California Sofa is now offering a very stylish full-motion reclining line that can be configured in various ways. We offer a wide array of home furnishing products from floor to ceiling.
JACLYN CHRISTENSEN // JACLYN CHRISTENSEN DESIGN Interior design delivered with a personal touch.
INSIDE & OUT HOME
What is it about your business that makes it a great choice for clients inside and out of home? As a professional in the home redesign industry, I take pride in my ability to interpret my clients’ needs, even when they may not possess a deep understanding of design concepts themselves. I firmly believe that homes can be aesthetically pleasing, even with the presence of a busy family and small children.
What sets your approach apart when it comes to improving property? My approach revolves around building a personal rapport with my clients, getting to know their lifestyle and understanding their values. We collaborate on style preferences right from the outset to ensure mutual understanding. Throughout the project, I design with the client’s aesthetic in mind, while bringing my unique perspective. What new services in interior design do you offer? I am pleased to announce exciting new options for clients who are new to working with a designer or have limited resources to embark on a full-service project. These packages are tailored to smaller undertakings, such as assisting with space layouts, selecting color schemes and materials for minor renovations, and adding the finishing touches to spaces that require a professional touch. These offerings are designed to provide a high level of service for clients in need of a more attainable design solution. I’m thrilled to introduce these new packages to you.
PROMOTION
How are you addressing some of the new design trends? Minimalism has emerged as a significant trend in interior design, offering a unique opportunity to elevate a space by emphasizing each piece of furniture or design element. By focusing on quality over quantity, an intentional approach to design can create a beautiful and understated space that does not feel overdone.
JACLYN CHRISTENSEN jaclyn@jaclynchristensendesign.com www.jaclynchristensendesign.com 415.640.5780 /@_jaclynchristensendesign_
MAUREEN CARR // TUTOR DOCTOR OF MARIN COUNTY At-home or virtual tutoring that fits your schedule.
and areas for improvement. We carefully match each student with a highly qualified tutor who not only possesses expertise in the subject matter but also understands the individualized needs of the student. Our one-on-one tutoring sessions allow for personalized attention and tailored lesson plans, ensuring that students receive targeted support where they need it most.
INSIDE & OUT HOME
What sets your approach apart? As an experienced educator and mother, I have a deep understanding of both the educational fundamentals and the challenges busy parents face. With Tutor Doctor, I work with you every step of the way. When you begin your journey with us, I take the time to understand your needs and get a sense for how we can best support your family. We come up with goals, a plan, and then I carefully match your child with a tutor I feel will be an excellent fit. I provide consistent check-ins, and you will have my direct contact information.
PROMOTION
What is it about your business that makes it a great choice for clients? Tutor Doctors’ commitment to convenience makes us an excellent choice for clients. Our tutoring program is the ultimate solution for busy parents seeking high quality educational support for their children. With our convenient in-home or virtual tutoring options, parents can seamlessly integrate academic enrichment into their family’s busy schedules. With our in-person tutoring option, our tutors travel to your home so that you don’t have to worry about driving your child to a center in the middle of your busy day. If you choose our digital tutoring option, your child will experience engaging lessons using our stateof-the-art virtual classroom platform. Either option brings a level of convenience that will provide your child with what they need without disrupting your daily routine. How are you disrupting your industry? Ultimately, what truly sets us apart is our personalized approach to student success. Unlike large learning centers, our personalized approach to education is based on each student’s unique learning styles, strengths
TUTOR DOCTOR OF MARIN COUNTY 415.870.0848 mcarr@tutordoctor.org www.tutordoctor.com/marin-county /@tutor_doctor_of_marin_county
Tell Your Story April Issue: Summer Solutions Summer is just around the corner and in our April issue, Marin Living will spotlight businesses, services and products that offer the perfect summer solutions for every family. The advertorial feature provides our readers with a wide scope of ideas — whether they’re looking to sell or buy a home, find experts to spruce up their property, connect with beauty and fitness professionals, research summer camps or discover vacation destinations, we’ve got our readers covered. Showcase your business with an advertorial profile that makes you stand out from the pack and highlights what makes you and your business the best solution for the summer. Marin Living will enhance your exposure with a linked sponsored article on our website for one year, newsletter promotion to approximately 16,000 opted-in subscribers and social media posts.
Contact Jessica Cline for more info jessica@marinlivingmagazine.com follow us on social @marinlivingmag + subscribe to our newsletter at www.marinlivingmagazine.com/newsletter
www.marinlivingmagazine.com
PROMOTION
Community Minded Romance, Tragedy, Passion, Hope. Bees & Honey at MTC Inspired by the Juan Luis Guerra song “Como Abeja Al Panal,” (“Like a Bee to the Honeycomb”) Bees & Honey by Guadalís Del Carmen is an intimate, two-actor portrait of a Dominican couple’s love and dreams in New York City, featuring pivotal moments in a year of their lives. When unforeseen tragedy strikes, the pair must reckon with how their love — and future — is put to the test. Fresh from its world premiere off-Broadway, MTC’s run marks the second production of this vibrant new play about culture, family and healing in Washington Heights. https://bit.ly/bees-and-honey-mtc boxoffice@marintheatre.org 415.388.5208 397 Miller Avenue, Mill Valley, CA 94941
Supporting the Growth and Personal Empowerment of Women The mission of Dialogical Persona Healing Arts is the transformation, embodiment and authentic expression of who you are, so you have more personal power in the world. Founder, Kelsay Myers, believes in giving back to support this mission. As auction chair for the Networking Entrepreneurial Women of Marin, she helps maximize women’s contribution to the local and global economy by raising donations for charities that support young women in the community. kelsay@dialogicalpersona.com www.dialogicalpersona.com
let’s get social! Want to be featured in our feed? Follow us on social @marinlivingmag and tag us in all your Bay Area photos by using #wearemarinliving.
subscribe to our newsletter at www.marinlivingmagazine.com/newsletter
www.marinlivingmagazine.com
art creditFiamma Piacenteni
going places.
76 march 2024 marin living.
FOODIE FINDS A guide to eating and drinking your way through Mexico City; meet a Marin native who is navigating the bay; and learn about a nutritional wellness program that is changing lives for the better.
Mexico City’s Siembra Comedor, where diners can enjoy fresh seafood and homemade mole.
marin living. march 2024 77
let’s get social!
Want to be featured in our feed? Follow us on social @marinlivingmag and tag us in all your Bay Area photos by using #wearemarinliving.
subscribe to our newsletter at www.marinlivingmagazine.com/newsletter
www.marinlivingmagazine.com
Great
Friends, Wines, like great
are hard to find and impossible to forget.
Papapietro Perry Winery Open Daily 11am to 3:30pm (707) 433-0422 | Papapietro-Perry.com 4791 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg, CA
Light a Candle, Embrace the Moment
0324_PapapietroWinery_V1.indd 1
757 LINCOLN AVENUE, STE. 19 SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 615.540.9331 WWW.NORTHBAYCANDLEWORKS.COM NORTHBAYCANDLEWORKS@GMAIL.COM
Soy and Coconut Wax, 100% Cotton and Lead-free Wicks, Long-lasting, Aromatic
2/12/24 9:13 PM
HANDMADE LOCALLY PRODUCED
land & sea.
LIFE
AT
SEA How a young Marinite made the jump from Sea Scouts to shepherding thousands of ferry passengers a day across the bay as a Blue & Gold Fleet captain. By Daniel Jewett
80 march 2024 marin living.
The path to becoming a Coast Guard– licensed captain, however, was a little different than the route most take — getting enough sea time to qualify by working for a few years as a deckhand on a ferryboat. “My parents were adamant about me going to college even though I wasn’t very excited about it,” he says. “So I studied marine transportation at the California Maritime Academy and got my license that way.” Boatright soon joined the Blue & Gold Fleet (www.blueandgoldfleet.com) and now makes the S.F. Ferry Terminal–OaklandAlameda run on a Hydrus-class boat that can carry some 400 people and 50 bikes and can travel at 27 knots (about 30 mph) powered by two 12-cylinder diesel engines. He says
Mare Island Strait/Napa River with the Vallejo ferry terminal in the background on the right.
WETA/San Francisco Bay Ferry
RYAN BOATRIGHT, who grew up in San Rafael, didn’t really have much to do with boats as a kid beyond the occasional canoe trip. But that changed when he joined Sea Scouts Marin Ship 1 in Paradise Cay at the age of 16. Boatright (yes, that’s really his last name) was enjoying the scouting experience when one day the group’s “fearless, talented and compassionate skipper,” Nick Tarlson, couldn’t join the outing and someone had to park the boat. “I’d been getting more and more comfortable with the idea of operating the boat and I was given the opportunity to dock it,” he says, adding that he parked it perfectly. “It was a really good feeling and, after that, I felt like I found my calling.”
WETA/San Francisco Bay Ferry (top); courtesy of Ryan Boatright
You’ve got to know the nav rules when you’re making crossing arrangements with other boats and other vessels.”
the most important thing a captain has to remember is the navigation rules or the “rules of the road” as some call them. “You’ve got to know the nav rules when you’re making crossing arrangements with other boats and other vessels,” he says. “I think boat handling for some reason just came natural to me and I’ve always enjoyed it.” The biggest risk for a ferry captain is complacency, Boatright adds. “It’s just routine 99 percent of the time; nothing ever happens — but that subconscious mindset can really get you in trouble, and it has gotten other captains in trouble,” he says, pointing to an incident where a Washington State ferry captain lost focus and crashed into the dock, causing injuries and millions of dollars of damage. “It’s about forcing myself to pay attention and to realize this is a big deal even though I’ve docked this boat thousands of times.” One way to keep engaged can be practicing your skills, Boatright says. “Sometimes I’ll make a maneuver that I wouldn’t typically do just to keep my skills sharp and to have a little fun,” he adds. The other thing ferry captains need to account for on the San Francisco Bay especially is occasional storms and fog. For fog captains go to radar and slow down, but for storms they sometimes have to cancel runs altogether. “Last winter was especially rough and we got some really big seas. Sometimes it gets bad enough that we have to say ‘it’s not safe to be out here anymore.’ ” Of course, the bay offers something besides weather challenges: it is one of the most visually engaging ferry crossings in the world. “It’s beautiful, the views are incredible,” Boatright says, adding that tourists take the ferry just for the sightseeing opportunities. “Yerba Buena Island is really beautiful in the middle of the Bay Bridge and, of course, the Sausalito run is really nice with views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz.”
From top: WETA Central Bay Operations and Maintenance Facility in Alameda; captain Ryan Boatright
marin living. march 2024 81
voyager.
A BREAK WITH TRADITION From swoon-worthy pastries to boundary-pushing gastronomy, Mexico City’s food scene more than satisfies.
IT’S HARD TO THINK OF A CULINARY destination more relevant than Mexico City. About a four-hour flight from SFO, Mexico’s capital has over 57,000 places to eat. Dining options are a refreshing mix of old and new, high and low — everything from refined Michelin-star-worthy fare showcasing Mexican cuisine’s depth to humble familyowned taquerias. It’s where street food is no fad and chefs deeply connected to the country’s culinary traditions 82 march 2024 marin living.
aren’t afraid to have fun. In well-heeled neighborhoods like Roma, La Condesa, Juárez and Polanco, the mouthwatering options seem to never end. Across the metropolis, female chefs are shining bright. Travelers here can and should plan their trip around meals, with a healthy dose of art and cultural offerings mixed in. Here’s an itinerary to get you on your way for a tasty trip of three days or, hopefully, more.
Courtesy of Panadería Rosetta
By Casey Hatfield-Chiotti
D AY O N E
Ana Lorenzana (above); courtesy of Panadería Rosetta (below)
On your first morning in Mexico City, make a beeline for the dreamy Panadería Rosetta (pictured left, www.instagram. com/panaderiarosetta) in Roma. The bakery is as pretty as a Parisian boulangerie with its pastel-colored walls and dark wood pastry counter. Offerings — honey croissants, tangy guava rolls and baguette sandwiches with manchego and ham — are both traditional and unexpected. Chef Elena Reygadas’s equally enticing Italian restaurant Rosetta (www.rosetta.com.mx) is in a high-ceilinged villa down the street. Grab a cab or an Uber, an efficient and safe way to get around Mexico City, and head to Zócalo, the city’s historic center. Entry to the grand Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral (www.mexicocity.cdmx.gob. mx) is free. It was the first cathedral built in the Americas and sits atop Tenochtitlan, the onetime capital of the Aztec empire. The remains of the Templo Mayor (www. templomayor.inah.gob.mx), the Aztecs’ most revered temple, are next door. A modest admission fee covers access to a museum and the archaeological site. Just a few blocks from Zócalo, El Cardenal (www.restauranteelcardenal.com)
on Palma Street serves some of Mexico City’s best traditional cuisine, such as mole coloradito and cheese wrapped in squash leaves, in a historic stone building with a mansard roof and stained-glass windows. To walk off lunch, choose between a pair of museums. In a former palace, Foro Valparaíso Museum (www.sic.cultura. gob.mx) has multiple galleries showcasing 20th-century gems, such as Diego Rivera’s “Calla Lily Vendor,” completed in 1942. The Kaluz Museum (www.museokaluz. org) showcases the private collection of billionaire businessman Antonio del Valle Ruiz in an 18th-century building on Alameda Central Park. Chefs Karina Mejía and Israel Montero, who graduated from the Paul Bocuse Institute in Lyon and worked alongside Alain Ducasse at Hotel Plaza Athénée in Paris, have been trying to rescue native corn since 2019 at their taqueria Siembra Taquería in tony Polanco. At the adjacent year-old restaurant Siembra Comedor (www.instagram.com/siembra.tortilleria), a warm space featuring tzalam wood, volcanic stone and woven palm, diners can order the day’s seafood catch with green mole, artisanal tortillas and beans; organic duck breast lacquered in honey, spice and kumquat; Caesar salad made table side; and decadent desserts like chocolate tamale with vanilla and cocoa nibs paired with Mexican wines.
Siembra Comedor’s ceviche verde (above); mole blanco from Panadería Rosetta (below)
marin living. march 2024 83
D AY T W O
voyager.
84 march 2024 marin living.
walk from the taqueria, where designer dresses are inspired by Mexico’s history and architecture. Chef Enrique Olvera’s Pujol (www. pujol.com.mx) consistently ranks among the best restaurants in the world. In the clean-lined dining room, gourmands indulge in a seven-course tasting menu that changes seasonally and might include kampachi tacos and mole aged for 2,500 days. Capitalinos appreciate a wellbalanced drink. At Rayo Cocktail Bar (www. rayococktailbar.com), which feels like a refined club, concoctions are sweet and savory, featuring ingredients like traditional Mayan spirits, purple sweet potato and lime. Handshake Speakeasy in Juárez (www.handshake.bar), which one website rates among one of the 50 Best Bars in North America, is a sophisticated watering hole with art deco design and artful drinks.
Part of the highly touted seven-course meal at Pujol
Araceli Paz
After a leisurely morning, head to Chapultepec Park, Latin America’s oldest and largest urban park, which has everything from a zoo to a National Museum of Anthropology. Hilltop Chapultepec Castle (www.mnh.inah. gob.mx), which is also the National History Museum, is one of Mexico City’s most iconic landmarks. The neoclassical palace has important artworks of national significance and elegant rooms still furnished as they would have been around the turn of the 20th century. At the casual taqueria Tacos Hola El Güero (www.instagram.com/ tacosholaelguero) in La Condesa, diners choose from about a dozen guisados, braised meats and vegetables served in large clay casseroles. Pop into designer Francisco Cancino’s flagship boutique, Cancino by Cancino (www. franciscocancino.com), a 30-minute
for
FAIRFAX
MILL VALLEY
Shop online at genatural.com or visit us in-store
THERE ARE 2,000 REALTORS IN MARIN COUNTY
Why work with Falla Associates?
Falla Associates, a distinguished team of three seasoned real estate agents, has been a pillar of Marin County’s real estate landscape since 1977. Comprising Jennifer Falla Firkins, Alva Falla and Janice Guehring, this top-producing team at Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty is committed to delivering a personal and superior level of service to their clients whether buying or selling. Drawing on decades of collective experience, Falla Associates stands out for their comprehensive home preparation and design assistance, innovative marketing techniques, extensive network of contacts, and a deep understanding of Marin County’s ever-changing marketplace. Together Jennifer, Alva and Janice form a dynamic team that transcends traditional real estate expectations, consistently achieving successful and rewarding outcomes for their valued clients.
ALVA FALLA
JENNIFER FALLA FIRKINS
JANICE GUEHRING
415.518.1930 LIC. #00628712
415.602.5768 LIC. #01255172
415.717.9636 LIC. #01164842
FALLAASSOCIATES@GGSIR.COM FALLAASSOCIATES.COM
voyager.
Condesa DF, where brunch is a coveted affair; Casa Polanco’s library and honor bar (below)
On the outskirts of Mexico City, in the former stables of Casa Pedregal, a home designed by architect Luis Barragán, Tetetlán (www.instagram.com/tetetlan) is a cultural-center-meets-restaurant with a cafe, boutique, library and yoga studio. It’s a fine choice for breakfast when sunlight streams in from skylights, and you can sip on inky, shade-grown coffee. Visitors can make an appointment to visit Barragán’s pink Casa Pedregal (www.instagram.com/casa_ pedregal). The home perched on volcanic rock is considered a modernist masterpiece. Contramar (www.contramar. com.mx), the seafood restaurant credited with sparking Mexico City’s restaurant revival, is as popular as ever. Diners love the bustling ambience, unfussy service and excellent cuisine and cocktails: tunatopped tostadas, mouth-puckering ceviche and mezcal margaritas. It’s free to enter Casa Guillermo Tovar de Teresa Museum (www.mexicocity.cdmx. gob.mx) nearby. The meticulously maintained 1911 mansion is a treasure trove of rare 19th-century books, art and furniture. Graduates of the International Culinary Center in New York started Meroma (www. meroma.mx) in Roma Norte. Like many of the best Mexico City restaurants, it’s visually interesting (bull’s-eye windows, modern globe pendant fixtures) and delicious (sesame-grilled Japanese eggplant, pappardelle with sea urchin butter). The cozy Vigneron (www.vigneron.mx) wine bar specializes in Spanish and French natural wines and small bites like olive oil cake with lemon. 86 march 2024 marin living.
HOTELS MADE FOR FOODIES
Design-y hideaway Condesa DF (from $290 per night; www. condesadf.com) has a rooftop sushi restaurant. Sunday brunch in the triangular inner courtyard is a scene. Casa Polanco (from $700 per night; www.casapolanco.com), an upscale hotel in a Spanish Revival–style mansion, is walking distance to Pujol. Colima 71 (from $300 per night; www.colima71.com) is a boutique hotel where guests have a direct line to the bar to order complimentary mezcal for turndown service. At the St. Regis Mexico City (from $656 per night; www.marriott. com), staff serve handcrafted cocktails at King Cole Bar and Greek specialties at the new restaurant Mentor.
Ricardo Ramos (above); Karyn Millet (below)
D AY T H R E E
0324_SkylakeYosemiteCamp_V1.indd 1
We support local business. We are one community. Join our vibrant business community.
srchamber.com | 415.454.4163
2/12/24 9:15 PM
drawn together.
MARIN COUNTY, with its clean air and water and ample access to green space and nutritious foods, has a reputation for good health. In fact, in 2023, it was named the healthiest county in California by County Health Rankings & Roadmaps, and not for the first time. But not everyone in Marin is reaping those benefits. “Food insecurity is a critical issue in Marin County and many residents suffer from persistent health inequities including diet-related diseases,” says Kathy Koblick, public health division director of Marin Health and Human Services. Notably, the county’s low-income, historically marginalized communities of color have consistently faced this problem, suffering lower life expectancy and higher rates of obesity as a result. “Not every community in Marin has equal access to healthy, fresh and affordable food, and many youth, seniors and low-income residents lack adequate transportation to access food outside of their communities.” But the problem is not being ignored. Two decades ago, funding from the Nutrition Education and Obesity Prevention Program (which was established by the USDA Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) led to the establishment of Marin’s Nutrition Wellness Program (NWP, www.marinhhs. 88 march 2024 marin living.
IS
WEALTH In a region famed for healthy living, Marin’s Nutrition Wellness Program is working to end the health inequities faced by the county’s low-income communities. By Caitlin Hamer
org) with the intention of utilizing policy, systems and environmental change strategies to create healthy places to live, work and play. Put simply, it’s all about creating access to healthy foods and physical activity spaces. Much of the NWP’s work is rooted in community outreach. The program offers free services like nutrition education classes and events, workshops to train community leaders and campaigns like Rethink Your Drink, which was designed to decrease access to and consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages. The programs are administered at community gathering spaces like early childhood education centers, emergency food centers, senior centers and parks. But it goes beyond education. The NWP also manages the Healthy Eating Active Living initiative (Marin HEAL, www.marinheal. org), a multisector partnership committed to creating an equitable food system rooted in community-driven solutions. The Marin HEAL Collaborative partners with organizations like
the San Francisco–Marin Food Bank, ExtraFood and Agricultural Institute of Marin to supply immediate food to those in need, and it also has Community Action Teams based in Marin City, San Rafael’s Canal area and West Marin. With a special emphasis on community empowerment and leadership, each team has created a prioritized list of interventions to identify areas in which food access can be improved. Some of the ideas include supporting home-based food businesses and farmers and public markets and securing land for community members to grow food. “Over the next several years, the program will focus on supporting implementation of these community-selected priorities beginning with strengthening school and community gardens to increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables among residents,” says Koblick. Ensuring Marin’s underserved residents have not only access to nutritious foods but also the necessary knowledge and tools to further promote healthy lifestyles is proving to be a team effort. Addressing systemic issues is a priority, but so is lifting the voices of those in need. The path to a healthier future for all Marinites is laid out, and as long as there is support, there is hope.
www.stock.adobe.com/kitti
HEALTH
Your Property, Our Priority Wildly efficient property management built on a legacy of trust.
Trust us to be your strategic partner, focused on managing your property and maximizing your returns while staying rooted in the present, all with an eye on tomorrow’s possibilities.
1414 Fourth Street, Ste. 200B, San Rafael, CA 94901 | 415.847.1224 | www.morleyfredericks.com | BRE #02174719
Rooted in Legend. Cultivating Perfection.
Secure a reservation to taste iconic Napa Valley wines and soak in stunning views of the famous S.L.V. and FAY vineyards set against the backdrop of the Stags Leap Palisades. ©2024 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Napa, CA