Marin County Weekend Getaway

Friday

Sausalito
Across the Golden Gate Bridge, just minutes from San Francisco, lies the picturesque waterfront community of Sausalito, world renowned for its Mediterranean flair and breathtaking views

Check in to apartment
172 BULKLEY AVENUE,APT 3
SAUSALITO, CA 94965
415-331-7624 or 415-717-6110

Saturday

Sausalito
Leave @ 9:00AM

Start at: 172 Bulkley Ave Sausalito, CA 94965
1. Head southeast on Bulkley Ave toward Santa Rosa Ave - 0.2 mi
2. Slight left at Princess St - 0.1 mi
3. Turn left at Bridgeway Blvd - 2.0 mi
4. Take the ramp onto US-101 N - 7.3 mi
5. Take the North San Pedro Road exit
6. Head east through a residential area to China Camp State Park
7. After entering the park, proceed approximately 3 miles to China Camp Village8. Continue on Point San Pedro Rd - 2.3 mi
9. Park in the village lot
Arrive at: China Camp State Park
13.1 mi – about 23 mins

China Camp State Park
Shoreline Trails and Bay Views
This is a great single track ride that winds through China Camp State Park. There are magnificent views of San Pablo Bay as cyclists ride through the oak-studded hills bordering the bay. The park has a multi-use policy that makes it popular for cyclists, but there are occasional encounters with hikers using the same trail. Trail is 10.3 miles; elevation change — 700 ft.; riding time — 1 - 1 ½ hours; easy to moderate difficulty.

Shoreline, Bay View Trails 4.5 miles round trip with 400-foot elevation gain
On Point San Pedro Peninsula, only a few ramshackle buildings remain of the once-thriving shrimp fishing village of China Camp. During the 1800s, more than thirty such camps were established on the shores of San Francisco Bay. The fishermen were mostly Chinese, primarily natives of Kwantung Province. The fishermen staked nets on the shallow bay bottom, in order to capture tiny grass shrimp. The shrimp were dried, then the meat separated from the shell. It was a labor-intensive process, but a ready market for the shrimp existed in China and Japan. In the early 20th century, competing fishermen helped push through legislation that banned the use of bag nets, and in 1905, the export of dried shrimp was banned entirely, thus ending the San Francisco Bay and San Pablo Bay shrimping business. In 1977, the state acquired 1,500 acres of bay shore to form China Camp State Park. Some 1890s-era buildings still stand at China Camp Village, and interpretive exhibits tell of the difficult life in this fishing village. The park’s ridge separates the 1890s from the 21st century. While the view south has changed immeasurably, the view down to China Camp on San Pablo Bay is almost exactly what it was in the early 1900s.

Shoreline Trail is a mellow path that meanders through the forest and grassland above the miles of marshland that border China Camp. For a grand tour of the park, follow Shoreline Trail to the west boundary of the park. An optional return route could be on Bay View Trail, which travels through redwoods and stands of bay through the higher (750 feet or so) elevations of the park. Views of upper San Francisco Bay are outstanding. Returning via Bay View and Ridge trails adds up to 6.5 miles; all together that’s a 12 mile tour of the park. A more modest loop, described on the next page, uses parts of Shoreline and Ridge trails, for a fine family outing.

The bike: Cross North San Pedro Road and head uphill on the Village Trail. Bear right on the Village Trail where it intersects with Shoreline Trail. As you follow San Pablo Bay from east to west, you’ll stay at about a one hundred foot elevation. Enjoy views of the park’s four distinct shoreline hills—Jake’s Island, Turtle Back, Bullet Hill and Chicken Coop Hill. When the bay water was higher, these hills were islands

10. Head southwest on Point San Pedro Rd toward Beach Rd/Beach Dr - 2.0 mi
11. Continue on 3rd St - 0.6 mi (might not be accurate)
12. Turn right at Irwin St - 0.2 mi (might not be accurate)
13. Take the ramp onto US-101 N - 1.1 mi
14. Drive 1.1 miles then you will enter San Rafael
3.9 mi – about 10 mins

San Rafael
San Rafael is at the center of things. The oldest, largest and most culturally diverse city in Marin also enjoys the best weather. San Rafael is a lively business and cultural center located in an area of incomparable natural beauty.

At the city’s heart is its charming, vibrant downtown shopping district. Downtown’s mixture of Victorian buildings, ethnic restaurants, retail stores and financial institutions creates San Rafael’s hometown flavor.

In the center of town is the new San Rafael City Plaza, with its innovative water wall fountain. The plaza has become a community gathering place and the center of seasonal events such as the Thursday night farmers markets and summertime concerts.

Nearby is an authentic recreation of Mission San Rafael Arcangel; founded in 1817 as part of California’s mission chain, a replica of the original mission with a museum, gift shop and self-guided tours, attracts many visitors. It is also the backdrop for the annual “Youth in Arts,” Italian Street Painting Festival.

San Rafael’s history is present in many of its beautifully restored turn-of-the century buildings, including the Marin History Museum, the Falkirk Cultural Center, and the 106-year-old Dominican University. Many of these buildings are featured in a self-guided walking tour guide, available at the local Chamber of Commerce.

The Marin County Civic Center, home to the county’s government offices and an architectural treasure, is a national and state designated historical landmark. Designed by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, it is available on weekdays for self-guided or docent-led tours.

Parklands and open space account for nearly 30 percent of the city’s land. Since it borders the San Pablo Bay, San Rafael has an abundance of marinas and many water-oriented recreational activities are available. Nature lovers will appreciate the quiet beauty of China Camp State Park, a 1,600-acre park with hiking and biking trails and overnight campsites. The park’s visitor center presents the site’s interesting history as a Chinese immigrant shrimping village.

Lunch
Sol Food Puerto Rican Cuisine
732 4th Street San Rafael(415) 451-4765
http://www.solfoodrestaurant.com/

Featuring authentic Puerto Rican criolla cooking, this is a casual and friendly place in downtown San Rafael. Painted tropical gecko bright green on the outside of the building the inside consists mostly of long tables where you sit with other people and enjoy your meal. The menu features palate pleasers such as roasted pork sandwiches and plantanos (plantains) done four different ways! If you like coconut, don’t miss the creamy coconut pudding (wheat free) with mango sauce.

14. Head northwest on US-101 N - 0.2 mi
15. Exit onto N San Pedro Rd - 0.5 mi
16. Turn right at Merrydale Rd - 240 ft
17. Merge onto US-101 S via the ramp to San Francisco - 4.6 mi
18. Take the exit toward Doherty Dr/Lucky Dr - 0.1 mi
19. Merge onto Fifer Ave (signs for Doherty Dr/Lucky Dr/TAMAL Vista Blvd) -
0.1 mi
20. Turn left at Lucky Dr - 0.2 mi
21. Slight left at Doherty Dr - 0.2 mi
22. Slight left to stay on Doherty Dr - 0.5 mi
Arrive at: Larkspur, CA
6.6 mi – about 10 mins

Larkspur
Early Queen Anne Victorians, false-front store facades, a Mission Revival-style church and City Hall, all evoke the flavor of Larkspur’s past.

Downtown Larkspur is officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places as a typical turn-of-the-century town. Fashionable stores and restaurants line downtown’s Magnolia Avenue along with dozens of historical buildings, including the Blue Rock Inn and the newly-restored Lark Theatre, a 1930’s art deco movie house. Just past downtown, the world-famous California restaurant, the Lark Creek Inn, sits nestled in a redwood grove beside a creek.

Larkspur is divided into two distinct areas adjoining Highway 101. Its historic downtown is west of Highway 101, and an old quarry area, now known as Larkspur Landing is to the east of the highway along the San Francisco Bay shoreline. The Landing is a rambling outdoor shopping area with outdoor tables, a fountain and spectacular bay views.

The Landing hosts live music on Friday evenings and a Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings during the summer months. A foot bridge over the highway allows visitors to access the futuristic Golden Gate Ferry terminal, a departure point for travelers going from Marin to the San Francisco Ferry Building. The ride offers spectacular views of Mt. Tamalpais, Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge.

Just east of the landing is Remillard’s Brickyard Kiln, the last remaining building of the brickyard built in 1889. It has been declared a state historical landmark and is now home to a romantic restaurant and a small office complex. The waterway adjacent to the kiln has become a major attraction for windsurfers. Larkspur has 10 parks accommodating every sport from horseshoes to kayaking.

Emporio Rulli
464 Magnolia Ave.Larkspur(415) 924-7478
http://www.rulli.com/
Located in historic downtown Larkspur this quaint cafè is an all day hangout for locals. They feature Italian style pastries, cakes and sandwiches along with strong espresso drinks. All the food is tasty, but the real star is the bakery case of little Italian cookies. With dozens to choose from, they make a great snack for eating on premises or taking to go.

23. Head southwest on Doherty Dr toward Magnolia Ave - 43 ft
24. Turn left at Magnolia Ave - 0.8 mi
25. Continue on Corte Madera Ave - 0.2 mi
26. Turn left at Redwood Ave - 325 ft
27. Redwood Ave turns slightly right and becomes Tamalpais Dr - 0.8 mi
Arrive at: Corte Madera, CA
1.9 mi – about 5 mins

Corte Madera
The small, charming town of Corte Madera lies at the foot of legendary Mt. Tamalpais. The town reflects the easy, outdoor living long associated with a California lifestyle. It has a magical blend of contrasts, from its rural, sprawling hillsides and bay views to its cosmopolitan, upscale homes and businesses.

Situated at the intersection of Corte Madera Creek and San Francisco Bay, Corte Madera’s natural setting is breathtaking. With Mt. Tamalpais as its backdrop, Corte Madera’s main street, Tamalpais Drive, is one of the county’s prettiest entries.

Centrally located, Corte Madera is home to two of Marin County’s finest shopping centers — The Town Center and The Village at Corte Madera, which is anchored by Nordstrom and Macy’s and includes upscale retailers like Williams-Sonoma.

The Corte Madera Certified Farmers’ Market, overflowing with California grown produce, occupies the central courtyard in the Town Center every Wednesday afternoon. Corte Madera has its share of outstanding California restaurants, including Marin Joe’s, a Marin County institution for 50 years. Lodging for short-and long-term visitors is readily available at reasonable prices.

Teams of rowers from the Marin Rowing Association can be observed practicing every morning on Corte Madera Creek. Birdwatchers flock to the Corte Madera Ecological Reserve, which provides feeding and nesting areas for migrating meadowlarks, great egrets, snowy egrets, avocets and sandpipers.

Just north of The Village shopping center is Shorebird Marsh, a 31-acre wildlife habitat, also a prime spot for bird watching. At the southeastern edge of town lies the Ring Mountain Preserve, a significant area of designated open space overlooking the San Francisco Bay. All of these protected natural areas are examples of the town’s commitment to preserving the area’s wildlife and habitat.

Book Passage Coffee House
51 Tamal VistaCorte Madera(415) 927-1503
http://www.bookpassage.com/
Attached to one of the last remaining independent bookstores in Marin, the café is always occupied with local writers talking and typing on their laptops. The lunch fare is simple (tuna salad, chicken Caesar, turkey sandwiches, homemade soup) but fresh and reasonably priced. Open daily; they have casual indoor and outdoor seating. Check the web site for the myriad of author events and classes that are offered almost every night of the week.

28. Head northeast on Tamalpais Dr - 0.1 mi
29. Slight left to stay on Tamalpais Dr - 325 ft
30. Continue on Paradise Dr - 0.1 mi
31. Make a U-turn - 0.1 mi
32. Continue on Tamalpais Dr - 0.2 mi
33. Merge onto US-101 S via the ramp to San Francisco - 1.5 mi
34. Take the E Blithedale Ave exit - 0.3 mi
35. Turn right at E Blithedale Ave - 1.6 mi
Arrive at: Mill Valley, CA
4.0 mi – about 10 mins

Mill Valley
Nestled below majestic Mt. Tamalpais, Mill Valley is reminiscent of a charming European village. Surrounded by national parks, including Muir Woods, an ancient coast redwood forest, Mill Valley’s lush landscape of hills and canyons is a favorite place for visitors who enjoy hiking, mountain biking, golf and running.

Two national financial magazines, MONEY and CNN/Money, recently named Mill Valley as one of the 10 top cities in America in which to live. They noted that millionaires and well-known names in the film and music industries, like Bonnie Raitt, Bob Weir and Sammy Hagar, make their homes in this quaint community.

Downtown activities center around Lytton Square, where people gather for coffee at the Book Depot Café or for a game of chess while conducting some serious people-watching. Fashionable boutiques and restaurants fill the downtown. Sweetwater, one of the top roots music clubs in the nation, is well-known for its live musical performances and famous guest musicians who occasionally “drop in” for an evening to improvise.

Mill Valley is host to a range of cultural activities. The Mill Valley Film Festival is an internationally recognized festival that has attracted leading filmmakers and movie aficionados for the past 28 years. The Mountain Play, produced in June in an outdoor amphitheatre, attracts thousands of theater-goers to the top of Mt. Tamalpais to watch Broadway musicals performed by talented local actors. The Mill Valley Outdoor Art Club, a state historical landmark, was designed in 1904 by internationally known architect, Bernard Maybeck. Particularly notable for its unusual roof truss system, the Arts and Crafts style building exemplifies Maybeck’s creative use of natural materials.

Mill Valley, home of the Marin Mountain Bike, hosts the annual Dipsea Race, the second oldest footrace in the United States. The race takes runners over a 7.1 mile course up and over Mt. Tamalpais to one of the most beautiful California beaches on the Pacific Ocean.

Whether it’s for cultural events, dining, shopping or recreation, Mill Valley is a draw for both visitors and residents alike.

36. Head southeast on E Blithedale Ave toward Dell St/Dell Ln - 1.5 mi
37. Merge onto US-101 S via the ramp to San Francisco - 2.1 mi
38. Take the exit toward Sausalito - 0.3 mi
39. Turn left at Donahue St - 180 ft
40. Slight right to stay on Donahue St - 0.1 mi
41. Turn right at Bridgeway Blvd (signs for Sausalito) - 1.6 mi
42. Turn right at San Carlos Ave - 62 ft
43. Slight left to stay on San Carlos Ave - 0.1 mi
44. Sharp left at Bulkley Ave Destination will be on the left - 0.2 mi
Arrive at: 172 Bulkley Ave Sausalito, CA 94965
6.1 mi – about 12 mins

Dinner
Poggio
777 Bridgeway (at Bay)Sausalito(415) 332-7771
http://www.poggiotrattoria.com/
Located in the heart of downtown Sausalito, this classic Northern Italian trattoria uses local ingredients and their own organic herbs and vegetables. Managing partner Larry Mindel has opened over 30 Italian restaurants - including Il Fornio in Corte Madera. He is the first American and the first person of non-Italian descent to receive the Caterina de Medici Medal, recognizing excellence in the preservation of Italian heritage outside of Italy. His love of Italy shows in the food offered at Poggio. The menu changes daily at both lunch and dinner.

OR

Sushi Ran
107 Caledonia Sausalito (415) 332-3620
http://www.sushiran.com/
Recipients of the elusive and exclusive Michelin Star, an often named player in lists of top Bay Area restaurants and a Zagat Survey regular, many locals consider Sushi Ran the best Japanese restaurant in Marin. The only down side to all this acclaim- be prepared to wait – since there is always a line at this hip and happening Sausalito restaurant. In addition to the sushi try the teriyaki, yakitori chicken; or black bento lunch boxes of chicken, seafood or sashimi. For the sushi die hards, try going on the sushi cruise around the San Francisco Bay. Open for lunch Monday-Friday and dinner seven nights a week.

Sunday

Leave apt at 8:30AM

1. Head southeast on Bulkley Ave toward Santa Rosa Ave - 0.2 mi
2. Slight left at Princess St - 0.1 mi
3. Turn left at Bridgeway Blvd - 2.0 mi
4. Take the ramp onto US-101 N - 9.1 mi
5. Exit onto N San Pedro Rd - 0.5 mi
6. Turn left at Civic Center/Civic Center Dr - 0.5 mi
12.3 mi – about 18 mins

Marin Farmer’s Markets
Located at the Civic Center, San Rafael, CA 94903
It has been in existence for 20 years. The Marin Civic Center Certified Farmers’ Market, the oldest of the markets in Marin County, showcases high quality farm fresh fruits and vegetables, most of them organically grown. Fish, meats, ranch eggs, fresh cut flowers, gourmet items, fresh breads and fine arts and crafts comprise the wares from over 150 venders. It has been chosen as the Best Farmers’ Market by Sunset Magazine and one of the top ten markets in the nation by the New York Times and Bon Appetit.

The Marin Civic Center Certified Farmers’ Market is open 8:00am-1:00pm, Thursday and Sunday, all year ’round. On Thursdays the market is located in the Veteran’s Memorial auditorium parking lot, Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael. On Sunday the market is located in the Civic Center parking lot, Civic Center Drive, San Rafael.
Information: 800-897-FARM or www.marincountyfarmersmarkets.org.

Chef Demos and Market Tours – 1st Sunday of the Month
Beginning in April, Chef Demonstrations and Market Tours are offered the first Sunday of every month at our Civic Center Farmers Market in San Rafael. The day highlights a local chef and one of our local producers who come together to share a fresh, taste-tempting, seasonal recipe. At 9am meet our featured culinary expert of the day at the Eat Local 101 Booth for a farmers market walking tour. The chef will share a recipe, highlighting what’s in season, and then take the group to visit a handful of the farmers that are growing the necessary ingredients. Then at 10am (and again at 11am) a cooking demonstration, featuring both chef and producer, will be staged. Both the tours and demonstrations are free and open to the public.

7. Head west on Civic Center/Civic Center Dr toward Ave of the Flags 0.6 mi
8. Turn left toward Manuel T Frietas Pkwy 272 ft
9. Slight left at Manuel T Frietas Pkwy 0.1 mi
10. Merge onto US-101 S via the ramp to San Francisco 9.6 mi
11. Take the CA-1 exit toward Stinson Beach 0.3 mi
12. Turn left at CA-1 0.5 mi
13. Turn left to stay on CA-1 1.2 mi
14. Turn left to stay on CA-1 10.3 mi
22.8 mi – about 36 mins

Stinson Beach
Stinson Beach is the summer mecca for sunbathers on those rare, hot weekends at the coast. However, by noon, the parking lot fills up and traffic comes to a standstill. Tip! A sunny morning at Stinson Beach in February is often delightful.
Directions from Hwy 101: Near Sausalito, W on Hwy 1. See Hike B16.

Maybe Eat Here:
Parkside Cafe
http://www.parksidecafe.com/
"The food is some of the best in all of coastal Marin and Sonoma counties."
"Parkside Cafe is so good that it's reason enough to visit this spectacularly beautiful part of the Northern California coast." - San Francisco Chronicle

Go Home

15. Head east on CA-1 toward Belvedere Ave - 12.1 mi
16. Merge onto US-101 S via the ramp to San Francisco Partial toll road -
6.3 mi
17. Exit onto CA-1 toward 19th Ave - 9.1 mi
18. Continue on I-280 S (signs for I-280/San Jose) - 4.2 mi
19. Take the exit onto I-380 E toward US-101 - 1.5 mi
20. Take the US-101/CA-101 exit toward San Jose/San Francisco - 0.7 mi
21. Keep left at the fork to continue toward US-101 S and merge onto US-101
S - 29.7 mi
22. Take the Bowers Ave exit toward Great America Pkwy - 0.2 mi
23. Keep left at the fork, follow signs for Great American Pkwy - 0.2 mi
24. Turn left at Bowers Ave - 410 ft
25. Continue on Great America Pkwy - 0.5 mi
26. Turn right at Mission College Blvd Destination will be on the right -
0.8 mi
65.4 mi – about 1 hour 25 mins

Eats in Marin:

Book Passage Coffee House
51 Tamal Vista
Corte Madera
(415) 927-1503
www.bookpassage.com

Attached to one of the last remaining independent bookstores in Marin, the café is always occupied with local writers talking and typing on their laptops. The lunch fare is simple (tuna salad, chicken Caesar, turkey sandwiches, homemade soup) but fresh and reasonably priced. Open daily; they have casual indoor and outdoor seating. Check the web site for the myriad of author events and classes that are offered almost every night of the week.

Buckeye Roadhouse
15 Shoreline Highway
Mill Valley
(415) 331-2600
www.buckeyeroadhouse.com

Owned and operated by Real Restaurants, the group that brought Bay Area foodies Fog City Diner, Tra Vigne and Bix, the Buckeye sports an upscale tavern type setting. Much of the food is cooked in a wood-burning smoker and they make a mean martini. A great choice for a fun evening out or a special ladies lunch, try the marinated skirt steak with caramelized onions and French fries for lunch or the barbequed baby back ribs with cole slaw and maple-mashed yams for dinner. For desert - what else but the s’more pie. Open seven days a week.

Caprice
2000 Paradise Drive
Tiburon
(415) 435-3400
www.thecaprice.com

With all the tables at this intimate eatery offering a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, it has remained a romantic favorite of Marin couples for years. The food is California contemporary with a French flair. Try the shellfish bisque, rack of venison or lamb noissette with truffle potato gratin. On the polar opposite side of the menu is the vegetarian tasting, which includes such treasures as truffle celery root soup, baby fennel micro celery salad and gnocchi with chestnuts & brussel sprouts.

Café Gratitude
2200 4th Street
San Rafael
(415) 824-4652
www.withthecurrent.com

Even if the sound of raw food makes you skeptical, give this place a try. The staff are chipper and cards at the table invite you to reflect on your internal state while enjoying a vegetarian, wheat free, dairy free key lime pie. The bottom line – the fare is tasty and there is a wide variety to suit any palate. All the dishes are named by positive affirmation so expect to order items with such names as - I Am Grace, a frosty coconut smoothie made with coconut milk, almond butter, dates and vanilla. It’s out of this world. For a main dish check out one of the café’s live pizzas (such as I Am Passionate) made with buckwheat and sunflower seed flatbread and topped with cashew ricotta cheese.

Emporio Rulli
464 Magnolia Ave.
Larkspur
(415) 924-7478
www.rulli.com

Located in historic downtown Larkspur this quaint cafè is an all day hangout for locals. They feature Italian style pastries, cakes and sandwiches along with strong espresso drinks. All the food is tasty, but the real star is the bakery case of little Italian cookies. With dozens to choose from, they make a great snack for eating on premises or taking to go.

Fairfax Scoop
63 Broadway Blvd.
Fairfax
(415) 453-3130

While this may not be technically a restaurant, it is undoubtedly the best homemade, organic ice cream in Marin. Locals will drive way out of their way just to get a scoop of the lavender vanilla, chai Spice, or brownies 'n cream. For the dairy sensitive they offer soy ice cream and sorbets. Not only will you enjoy the ice-cream, but you will feel good about yourself as well since all spoons used are bio-degradable.

Frantoio
152 Shoreline Highway
Mill Valley
(415) 289-5777
www.frantoio.com

Frantoio is the only restaurant in the U.S. with an in house state of the art olive oil production facility. One of the most fun things about eating at Frantoio is seeing the huge on-site olive oil press churning away. Located behind a glass wall at the back of the restaurant, it produces olive oil used for cooking in the restaurant and bottled for sale. The menu is Italian with plenty of anitpasti, pasta and pizza to go around. Try the pan roasted seabass in a fresh horseradish crust or the potato and spinach gnocchi in a creamy goat cheese sauce with aged balsamic vinegar. Two patios, full bar; open lunch and dinner 7 days a week.

Gira Polli
590 East Blithedale
Mill Valley
(415) 383-6040

The first thing you notice when you walk into this small Italian eatery is the smell of roasted chicken made with citrus, herbs and onions. Along with the chicken, they serve melt in your mouth potatoes and buttery chard. You can sit and eat in a relaxed manner or order to go. Be warned – most nights - the pick up line extends out the door.

Il Davide
901 A Street
San Rafael
(415) 454-8080
www.ildavide.net

Don’t even think of coming to this jam packed Italian eatery without trying the calamari fritta with cayenne-garlic & basil aioli. It’s but one of the many hearty appetizers that will wet your appetite for the meal ahead. A truly all-around menu including gnocchi, pasta, seafood, chicken and lamb – all done in traditional Italian style. Order a glass of wine, sit back and enjoy your salmone alla scaloppini, ravioli di formaggio or pollo Marsal.

Izzy's Steak & Chop House
55 Tamal Vista Blvd.
(415) 924-3366
Corte Madera
www.izzysmarin.com

This is a great place to eat when the mood for a steak and martini hits. They have a full bar, red leather booths and portions big enough to share. Dinners come with two side dishes of your choice including au gratin potatoes, corn pudding, creamed spinach or steamed broccoli. The flank steak is lean and juicy, as are the pork and lamb chops. If you don’t eat beef – no worries – the menu has plenty of seafood, salad and chicken dishes. You could fill up on the side dishes alone.

Jason's Restaurant
783 Anderson Drive
San Rafael
(415) 453-3390

It’s easy to drive right by this tiny gem of a restaurant hidden off the side of the road, next to the Office Depot. However, if you make the effort to do so, you will be rewarded with fresh fish cooked in an unusual fashion and beautifully presented. Try the cioppioni, linguini pesto with scallops or any of the specials. Be sure and save room for the tiramisu.

Lark Creek Inn
234 Magnolia Avenue
Larkspur
(415) 924-7766
www.larkcreek.com

The Lark Creek Inn has been drawing national attention since opening in 1989. Restaurateur and executive chef Bradley Ogden - one of the pioneers who helped redefine American cooking – has an ideal setting for his American cuisine. Nestled among the redwoods, in a former private home, the restaurant is one of the most romantic and charming in Marin. In the summertime food is also served in the garden beside the gently flowing creek. The food is rich with flavor and variety. Try the famous Bradley’s Caesar salad, pan roasted loin of venison or confit leg of rabbit.

Mountain Home Inn
810 Panoramic Highway
Mill Valley
(415) 381-9000
www.mtnhomeinn.com

Billed as the romantic getaway high above San Francisco Bay this small inn and restaurant has views galore and good food. From a great breakfast of buttermilk hotcakes with chicken apple sausage and Vermont maple syrup to the sample American artisan cheese tasting at lunch and finally the three course dinner – you can’t miss satisfying both your appetite and desire for atmosphere in this unique restaurant up on the mountain. Breakfast and brunch served on weekends; lunch Monday - Friday; dinner nightly; Closed Mondays November - April.

Olema Inn
10,000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd.
Olema
(415) 663-9559
www.theolemainn.com/index.html

Rated one of the top Bay Area restaurants by the San Francisco Chronicle; this romantic country inn is located minutes from the Point Reyes National Seashore. The restaurant has simple interior (white walls, white tablecloths, wood floors) but serves fresh seafood and cheese from local sources. A good deal of the restaurant's produce comes from their own organic garden. Try the warm lobster salad or pan roasted Sonoma pheasant with creamy fresh black truffle risotto.

Poggio
777 Bridgeway (at Bay)
Sausalito
(415) 332-7771
www.poggiotrattoria.com

Located in the heart of downtown Sausalito, this classic Northern Italian trattoria uses local ingredients and their own organic herbs and vegetables. Managing partner Larry Mindel has opened over 30 Italian restaurants - including Il Fornio in Corte Madera. He is the first American and the first person of non-Italian descent to receive the Caterina de Medici Medal, recognizing excellence in the preservation of Italian heritage outside of Italy. His love of Italy shows in the food offered at Poggio. The menu changes daily at both lunch and dinner.

Robata Grill and Sushi
591 Redwood Highway, Shelter Point
Mill Valley
(415) 381-8400
www.robatagrill.com

In Japanese, Robata means "by the fireside," and refers to the centuries-old country style cooking of northern Japanese fishermen. Evenings in coastal villages found fishermen cooking their catch over an open fire, then sharing among themselves by passing food on oars from boat to boat. This tradition continues at the restaurant where appetizer-size portions (meant for sharing) allow dinners to sample many of the Robata favorites. They also have an extensive sushi and sashimi menu.

Sol Food Puerto Rican Cuisine
732 4th Street
San Rafael
(415) 451-4765
www.solfoodrestaurant.com

Featuring authentic Puerto Rican criolla cooking, this is a casual and friendly place in downtown San Rafael. Painted tropical gecko bright green on the outside of the building the inside consists mostly of long tables where you sit with other people and enjoy your meal. The menu features palate pleasers such as roasted pork sandwiches and plantanos (plantains) done four different ways! If you like coconut, don’t miss the creamy coconut pudding (wheat free) with mango sauce.

Sushi Ran
107 Caledonia
Sausalito
(415) 332-3620
www.sushiran.com

Recipients of the elusive and exclusive Michelin Star, an often named player in lists of top Bay Area restaurants and a Zagat Survey regular, many locals consider Sushi Ran the best Japanese restaurant in Marin. The only down side to all this acclaim- be prepared to wait – since there is always a line at this hip and happening Sausalito restaurant. In addition to the sushi try the teriyaki, yakitori chicken; or black bento lunch boxes of chicken, seafood or sashimi. For the sushi die hards, try going on the sushi cruise around the San Francisco Bay. Open for lunch Monday-Friday and dinner seven nights a week.

Ward Street Café
25 Ward Street
Larkspur
(415) 924-2493
www.wardstreetcafe.com/

It’s easy to miss this little gem of a café. Tucked down a side street off of Magnolia Avenue (Larkspur’s main drag) it is only half a block from the prestigious and well know Left Bank. Specializing in little plates that are meant to be shared, the food is rich and satisfying. The hoisen-honey glazed spareribs are some of the best in California, let alone Marin. Reservations are recommended.