January 7, 2009

Food and Drink

The Bar at Buckeye Roadhouse


25,000 Martinis: Whether you just turned 21 or 101, the Buckeye Roadhouse in Mill Valley is Marin’s perennial celebration venue. At its heart is a 25-foot mahogany bar topped with old-fashioned formica, a part of the original 1937 roadhouse built by the Brummer/Bush family. While it’s impossible to know just how many frosty ales have slid down this hallowed slab, we do know that last year 3,116 mojitos, 2,875 metropolitans and about 25,000 martinis crossed over from bartender to happy customer.

Lark Theater
Date night: Next time you’re planning a date, consider a movie and a glass of wine…at locally owned Lark Theater. Not only are the films meticulously selected; the concession stand is unique, with organic popcorn, organic turkey hot dogs, organic coffees and teas, and wine and beer service. larktheater.net

Larkspur Landing
Single and looking: Besides the iron-pumping 24 Hour Fitness, there are many ways to meet Mr. or Ms. Right at this central Marin locale. Feeling like some house-made brew? Head to Marin Brewing Co. Craving Asian cuisine? Low-key, family-run Tha Siam and Sushi Ko are both great stops, or indulge at E&O Trading Company. Noonan’s is famous for its singles scene, and Tam Cellars holds weekly wine tastings.

Sushi Ran
Dinner past nine: It’s not New York City restaurant hours, but the fact that Sausalito gem Sushi Ran is open until 11 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 10:30 p.m. on Sundays is yet another reason—in addition to the Michelin star rating—locals love the place. sushiran.com

Nick’s Cove
Destination dinner: You’ve read about the latest Pat Kuleto/Mark Franz collaboration—make the time to check it out for yourselves. While spending the night in one of the 12 Nick’s Cove cabins is the best way to get the full effect, an early dinner or lunch will be worth every minute and mile of the journey. Located on Tomales Bay, Nick’s Cove is approximately 20 minutes from Point Reyes Station. Designated drivers required. nickscove.com

The Teapod
Tea-totaling: Looking to meet up with a friend(s) or surf the Internet in peace while sipping a healthful cup of organic tea? Check out Teapod on San Anselmo Avenue for high-quality teas paired with quick service. teapod.biz

Pelican Inn
Romance in the rain: If the forecast calls for rain, book a table (and a room if it’s in the budget) at this charming Anglophilic inn in Muir Beach. Menu includes items like prime rib and Yorkshire pudding, beef Wellington and bangers and mash. Best of all, the adjoining pub comes complete with dartboard and fine ales, draft beers, stouts and pilsners plus a whole range of wines, sherries and ports from around the world.

Sand Dollar Restaurant
Dinner under the stars: Weather permitting, this super stargazing restaurant in Stinson Beach has been serving up chowder, fish dishes and burgers with untainted views-to-the-heavens for the past few decades. The generous patio was added to the original 1921 building (made of barges floated from Tiburon) sometime in the ’70s. For the best chance of a clear warm night, go in the fall. stinsonbeachrestaurant.com

Dipsea Cafe
Ultimate breakfast: If you’re not going to run the trail of the same name, going to breakfast at the Dipsea in Mill Valley is a close second for an ultimate a.m. “Marin experience.” The menu includes omelets, creative egg dishes served with homemade biscuits, pancakes and more. Dress code varies from just-rolled-out-of-bed to business attire. Historical photos further enliven the bright sunny space. dipseacafe.com

Cafe Gratitude
Treading lightly: We’re lucky in Marin: so many restaurants with such fresh locally produced organic fare. Cafe Gratitude in San Rafael takes that a step further with dishes like vegan lasagna, samosas and live sun burgers, among others. The not-so-subtle mental boosters that tag each menu listing—“elated,” “grateful,” “cheerful,” “divine”—seem to work their magic as well. cafegratitude.com