Right Across the Golden Gate...

Marin is known for its eccentricities. A wealthy county, Marin is chock full of expensive restaurants, open-air shopping pavilions, elusive back road towns like Bolinas, and even its fair share of famous people. However, Marin has a more natural side as well. Mt. Tam looms over Marin in the shape of a sleeping woman. Once home to many Native Americans, Marin is a beautiful landscape that is now dominated by reputation. Hiking, biking, and beach-going are all not to be missed. Buy a trail guide for Marin County at many bookstores and enjoy. You won't regret it!

Quick Tips:

Do not miss brunch is Marin County. Sam's on the water in Tiburon, Comforts in downtown San Anselmo, Dipsea in San Rafael, or Mill Valley and Two Bird in San Geronimo Valley are all places not to miss for Sunday eggs. Get to Sam's early if you are hungry... there is always a wait to sit on the deck, which has a gorgeous view of the bay and San Francisco. And don't forget your sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. It is right on the marina, and the water is highly reflective.

Best Way To Get Around:

Marin doesn't believe in public transportation, which you will come to understand when you visit. There is no subway or BART, so the best way to get around is by rental car or a friend that lives there.

Comforts has got it all. It never fails to please even the pickiest of eaters, because the American-Asian fusion menu has something for everyone. A favorite of the stars who reside in Marin County, Sean Penn sightings are not uncommon, as he and his wife Robin Wright Penn live right down the street.

My personal favorite is their Chinese Chicken Salad. For as long as I can remember, this has been my favorite meal. This light meal is a blend of romaine lettuces, oranges, slivered almonds, grilled chicken, crisp rice noodles, scallions, and sesame seeds. It is topped with Comfort's own Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing, which is available for purchase in the cafe. They have many other specialties as well, including creamy soups, eggs Benedict, and a chicken Katsu I have heard raves about. The cafe is split into an eating area and a deli/takeout counter. You can swing by and pick up everything you need for a picnic lunch out at Stinson beach.

Comforts is the quintessential Marin place. You will walk away full and happy, always!

After spending the afternoon strolling through the maze of sidewalk art at the Italian Street Fair, why not top off the evening with an authentic Italian meal?

Il Davide, located in the heart of central San Rafael (only a block from the mission), is one of the best kept secrets. The stylish ambience, coupled with the outstanding service and food, makes it the perfect restaurant for a romantic dinner, a family get-together, or even a solo dining experience.

The diner is always brought a delicious eggplant tapenade to start their meal, served with warm French and foccacia breads.

Try the anchovy-rich Caesar salad or the minestrone soup. Both are great starters. My favorite dish is the cappelini diablo. This is a spicy mix of rock shrimp, fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and angel hair pasta. It's so, so, so good! It's the kind of dish you will walk around craving for days after.

The wine list is extensive and there is a full bar. The restaurant seats about 60, so make sure to call ahead and make a reservation.

The name of this incredibly popular spot is a play on the name of its owner, Dai Takeda. An eccentric man known for wearing leather pants and fun, colorful outfits, creates high-caliber sushi which shows careful preparation. Sushi to Dai For is known for its off-beat "designer" sushi, like the Harley-Davidson roll, a blend of deep-fried yellowtail, avocado, cucumber, and sprouts. Other rolls include the Funky-Monkey Crazy roll and the Manhattan roll, two of my favorites. Don't miss the Cholester-oll. This is a roll stuffed with fresh fish and vegetables and then deep-fried, tempura-style. The sashimi and teriyakis are not to be missed either!

Enjoy!

Pearl's Phat Burger is better than Burger King, better than McDonalds, even better than In n'Out (yes, it really is possible). The humongous, juicy burgers are cooked to perfection, and smothered with a variety of toppings and flavors.

If you like spicy food, try the Spicy Sly Burger, topped with onions, hot peppers, spicy sauce, and jack cheese. There are vegetarian options, and chicken sandwiches too. The milkshakes are extra thick and come with extra wide straws. Also, try the "frings"--half onion rings and half french fries.

This restaurant is a great alternative to conventional fast food. A fun family place to eat in or take out. Check out the menu online at: http://www.pearlsphatburger.com/pearls_menu.html

Yet Wah is a San Francisco and Marin County institution. Serving well since 1969, Yet Wah boasts the tastiest pot stickers around. They recently opened up a location on Fourth Street in San Rafael. Fourth Street is a real place to be now. It has made itself over into a hip street lined with fine shops and restaurants.

Don't let Yet Wah's modern interior fool you - this food is all traditional. The wonton soup is fantastic, as are the spare ribs, both ranging in price from $5 to $10. Yet, Wah also lets you order half orders, or one and a half, to accommodate larger or smaller groups. The walnut glazed prawns for $11.50 are amazingly crispy and sweet. Try the Five Happiness Pork for $8.50. Spicy and sweet at the same time, it is a real specialty filled with veggies, peppers, and spicy sauce.

Everything is served family style, so make sure to order some rice (white or brown). If you are lucky, they might throw in some almond cookies at the end!

Just 25 minutes north of San Francisco at the historic Mission San Rafael Arcangel, hundreds of Madonnari (street painters) transform the streets of San Rafael into a color-splashed gallery for 60,000 visitors each year. Using chalk as the medium and asphalt as the canvas, artists create over 200 images in various styles and sizes. This feast for the eyes is complimented by entertainment on two stages and a wide variety of Italian fare.

Youth in Arts showcases some of the world’s most talented Madonnari in this captivating and unique performance art. Imported from Italy, the tradition of street painting has discovered its place in the United States and the Youth in Arts festival is renowned as one of the finest street painting festivals in the world.

This year, the festival will take place on Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12, 2005, from 9am to 7pm.

It is truly something to schedule a trip to the Bay Area around. You will not forget the amazing images you see!

The hike from Palomarin to Bass Lake is extraordinary. Not the easiest hike in the world, but not the hardest either, it winds you through open valleys along the coast, thick forests, and marshy wetlands. It is a real way to see all that the California habitat has to offer.

The first part of the hike takes you along the Pacific Coast, high above the breaking water, with a spectacular view of the Farallon Islands. It can be windy during this segment, so don't forget a windbreaker or sweatshirt.

The second part of the hike is a gradual ascent up to the lake. It is about 1.5 miles of incline. This is the part to make sure you watch where you step. There are loose rocks all over the trail. Make sure to notice all the lizards and wild poppies.

The third part of the hike is smooth sailing as you make a gradual descent into the lake area. There are grassy spots all around Bass Lake good for picnicking. Grab a spot, change into your swim suit (weather permitting of course), and take a VERY cooling dip into the lake.

WARNING: The water is very cold, even in the summer months. But it still is a lot of fun to jump in or take a swing on the rope. The inner tubes are great, because then you can float on the water without really being in it.

Bring lots of water, snacks, and towels. The trip is a relatively long one, and you don't want to get dehydrated or hungry.