Art in all its forms

Last Sunday Sachiko and I enjoyed visiting the ICB for the semi-annual Artists Open Studio. There is a real variety of art forms and an opportunity to purchase, whether big or small items. Holiday gifts came out with me allowing me to tick off some more of my list, including one from Craig Kolb. Since the event was so close to Fish, we had to stop by for lunch after having our eyes filled with color and light. And be where the view and food continued our art appreciation.

Sachiko enjoyed one of the specials from the chalkboard, Moroccan Grilled Hamachi with home made Harissa and cous cous salad. She gave me a taste and it was great, with a fresh sprinkle of pomegranite seeds as a colorful surprise.

I had an old favorite from the regular menu, clams and pasta. The linguine is house made and there are plentiful clams tenderly steamed with fresh parsley and other soothing flavors. Fish is a favorite of locals and tourists in the know.

Previously reviewed:
September 23, 2008
May 25, 2008
August 14, 2007
February 10, 2007

Enjoying the waning light over Sausalito harbor

Inspired by a comment asking for my advice on where to have a bachelorette party within walking distance of the Sausalito Ferry Terminal, I decided to take Dad to Horizons last night when he wanted to have dinner 'by the water'. I also had visited earlier but with such spotty quality photos that it wasn't enough to make a good post. So I'm combining last night's visit with Dad with some prior unpublished photos for a mega-review of the food and views of Horizons. And Lynda can take a look (if this post is still in time!) to see for herself which dishes look the best!

There is a very nice view from the deck, and Dad & I enjoyed watching the parade of boats and ferries passing by from just inside the window.

Dad could see the San Francisco skyline behind me, and I had to turn around every once in awhile to enjoy it too. Especially when the lights started coming on and the city started shining like a string of jewels in a jeweler's case.

A Wednesday night before tourist season starts surely is a good time to get a nice seat in the dining room accented with warm wood seating.

Dad (87) was as happy as a clam since I took the stance of being delighted each and every time he told me the same story about meeting my mother last evening. Same goes for his fishing off the dock after work, sewing up sacks of feed grain and working with his water dog by his side on the farm stories. I guess it's much better to forever remember joy at meeting your true love than being able to recall what day it is, or what you had for lunch!

Now I'm going to just let the pictures speak for the food as everyone who ordered these dishes has reported that they were good! So the first is a big plate of oysters on the half shell.

Next up, fried calamari in a cone with aioli and cocktail sauces.

The clam chowder is excellent!

The Caesar salad is dressed just right!

The fish & chips made of tilapia are as delicious as pretty. (Dad & I split this order).

The seafood paella looks fabulous!

The day boat scallops with ravioli are art for the eyes as well as the tongue.

And the "Fishbowl Sundae" is surely big enough for a crowd, and it's Dad's favorite dessert here. Gas prices may be wild, the stock market wilder, the exchange rate surreal, but in the city called Sausalito meaning 'little willow grove' in Spanish (incidentally it was named so by a British Seaman, William Richardson), life goes on with happy moments strung like pearls on a silken thread.

Previously reviewed:
June 13, 2007
December 16, 2006

Sushi on Sunday. I didn't have any this time, but I had found myself a week or two earlier looking for a Marin location that served sushi at lunch on Sundays. Pacific Catch in Corte Madera is the only place that I could come up with.

Dad and I stopped by here for Valentine's Day lunch after getting Dad's hair cut around the corner. This sweet little nibbling plate is still given you with your menus.

Dad was craving fish and chips, and this time was so adventurous as to try the sweet potato chips. He must have liked them since he ate every last one, and he usually leaves some fries behind. He said the fish was good too, I believe it was tilapia.

I tried a daily special, a British Columbia farmed grilled Coho salmon served on a banana leaf, with grilled bok choy, maui onions and pineapple fried rice. It was a nice symphony of tastes.

Last reviewed:
January 25, 2007

Fish in Larkspur. I came back after a bit of an absence to do a full review of Yankee Pier in Larkspur. I mentioned it in several posts in years past - September 19, 2005, September 18, 2003 and August 19, 2003, so it was overdue for a visit. First thing noticed is what a difference a couple years makes in the mobility of an aging parent. We were going to take advantage of the beautiful sun and sit on their deck at the picnic tables, a delightfully casual and relaxing place to be. Unfortunately, Dad couldn't maneuver himself into the fixed seat which he would have to climb into. The host quite graciously reseated us inside. If you have kids, the outside area has a sandbox with some toys in it that the kids LOVE to play in and keeps them amused while adults chatter.

Dad and I started out with a cup of classic New England Clam Chowder. It was great, and I also noticed that Yankee Pier had changed their recipe since the last clam chowder I had there was New England style, but without the cream. It had a cute dill biscuit floating on top which also tasted good.

Dad tried out their Fish Sandwich of the day, which happened to be snapper. He enjoyed it, and the ambiance so much he commented about how much he liked the place all the way home.

Since they were out of the Lobster Roll Sandwich, I requested an old standby - Beer Battered Fish & Chips. The fish were VERY hot, the outside crisp and the inside moist and fresh. I enjoyed my meal too. We had a beautiful day in Marin, and this was a very enjoyable food outing. Daniel's birthday was also Sunday, and I enjoyed a lively party in Berkeley to celebrate.

He can cook my FISH anytime. My neighbor Jerrie and I finally got to FISH in Sausalito together for dinner. The fish is fabulous, and the atmosphere VERY NOISY. But it's all in fun. You order at the counter, and the prices INCLUDE tax. Most things are $20ish. Then you try to get one of the wooded picnic-like tables around the interior. (The outside was too cold for anyone but a couple very hardy souls.) It is right on the harbor, tucked away near a bait shop. Their website features a piece on one of their Chefs, David, whose photo appears left.