There is a real Mary

Mary's Place in Novato highlights it's crepes as a speciality, the large sign at the top of the building reading "Mary's Place Crepes". Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner it is a versatile and friendly place with a real Mary who serves and oversees to be sure you have a good experience.  Although she didn't serve me this visit, I could see her watchful eye over my service and hot food coming out.  The house was not full, yet there were quite a few parties and it seemed that staff was on its game.

Crepes called to me that morning, so I had a breakfast crepe with home fries.

The crepe was dubbed "The Favorite" ($9.95).  It even looks better when you see the tasty filling. It contains sausage, mushrooms, spinach, scrambled eggs and Swiss cheese.  The home fries were dressed up with fresh and crisp chopped green onions. I enjoyed my meal and the thoughtful refills of my ice tea as I started my day with a fragrant and delicious treat. 

Mary's Place

819 Grant Ave 

Novato, CA 94945‎

(415) 897-9761

Previously reviewed:

August 4, 2007

December 5, 2009

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Great Neighborhood Breakfast Place

I had a craving for breakfast crepes and realized that it had been some time since we visited Mary's Place in Novato, and we'd never tried their crepes. So we jumped in the car, and took off! A nice surprise for us was to find that there is actually a Mary behind this all, and she's very friendly, efficient and manages to single-handedly keep all the tables happy at breakfast time.

After Dad arrived and saw the photo in the window of the pancake breakfast, he lost his interest in crepes. And loved his meal of pancakes, eggs and bacon.

I stuck with what I intended, and ordered the vegetarian crepes. The crepe came with home fries which were quite crisp on the outside and soft and potato-y on the inside. I liked the green onions included too.

When I opened up the crepe, I was happy to find it not only included spinach, onion, tomatoes and mushrooms, but scrambled eggs! It was hearty and delicious. I would recommend Mary's Place for a great neighborhood-style breakfast with good service.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0

Noncritical: 0

Last inspected: 10/16/2009

Previously reviewed:

August 4, 2007

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There goes another one

I liked Sam's Roadhouse in Novato. Now it's gone.

There is already a new establishment operating in its place, Points South. It advertises both Yucatan and Mayan cuisine. It also serves breakfast!

Last but definitely not least

I did it! I've managed to eat my way through every Chinese restaurant in Marin, with the finale being lunch at China Express in Novato yesterday. I was greeted by a most enthusiastic young man who said that he and his parents run the place. And he proceeded to tell me who cooked which dishes. And he sometimes makes the crab ragoon. Not only that but EVERYTHING is made fresh, nothing comes from cans. He was quite rightly proud.

The offerings under the glass mostly had chicken in them, and when he found out that I'm only eating fish/seafood and vegetables, he asked if I liked shrimp, and would I like a freshly made shrimp dish made just for me for the same lunch special price? That was an offer I couldn't refuse. He asked how spicy I liked things, and I indicated mild. So I got the beautiful result pictured above. It was really very good! This is a VERY casual place, mostly take out with a few mismatched chairs out front, where I sat. I watched a delivery of FRESH chow mein noodles go by. No wonder these taste so good! I loved that there was a variety of vegetables such as carrots, broccoli and bok choy, cooked nicely in a little garlic sauce to a perfect crisp-tender. The family is so thoughtful too.

There was a broken down old car that parked right in front of me, with a tired, elderly man inside. The woman inside came out and was so kind to him, offering assistance. I could partly overhear the conversation. I was touched. And they also took care for their customers enjoying meals outside by burning some incense just outside the door to drive away any pesky insects. Yes, I asked what it (what's in the above photo) was. I would enjoy lunch or take out here again in a heartbeat.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0

Noncritical: 0

Last inspected: 6/10/2009

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Gigantic burritos in Novato

Although I thought I only had a handful of restaurants left to review, when I counted up the number of Mexican restaurants I've yet to try.. it came to 19. That's more than a handful. So I'm putting emphasis for a bit on trying some of these. I meandered first to Novato, where I found Taqueria Mi Pueblo, which was chock full of people, while many of the other restaurants in old town were rather quiet. That's a good indicator. (It was a little cool for people to be outside).

What friendly staff. They oriented me, sat me at a table and smiled a lot. Before I knew it, there were the crispest warm chips and red salsa with a hint of heat in front of me to nibble. Good start!

I surveyed the menu, and decided to try the Burrito Vegetariano Mas, which includes broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. It was huge! And the other burritos flying by were gigantic too. Everything was fresh and well mixed. There was a nice red sauce covering the burrito. Unfortunately, I realized that I'm not fond of steamed vegetables in a burrito. The broccoli, cauliflower and carrot were steamed and it made the burrito rather watery-tasting and diluted the flavor. I could tell that the ingredients were high quality. It would have been better had the vegetables been grilled so that the flavors were intensified. Even so, I enjoyed as much as I could and thought that next time I'll have to try the seafood as everything that went by, and the happy faces on the customers gave me the impression that other menu items are top notch.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0
Noncritical: 0
Last inspected: 6/17/2009

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All-American Breakfasts

Dad and I enjoyed breakfast in Novato at Marvin's Breakfast Club on Grant street the other day. Even mid-week, it's quite busy! Well-worn tables are full of people in this popular establishment.

I was intrigued by an individual item, the 'pot 'o gold'. So I built my breakfast around it, adding a poached egg and an English Muffin. The 'pot 'o gold' is breakfast potatoes, either hash browns or the cottage fries, covered with cheese, with green onions, sour cream and salsa on the side. Mine came without green onions, but it was simple, yet good. I enjoyed the poached egg and crispy English Muffin as well.

Dad tried the Chicken Apple Sausage with Egg and Hash Browns with Wheat Toast. The hash browns are covered up in the photo by the sausage and toast. He said the sausage was great and enjoyed the rest as well.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0
Noncritical: 0
Last inspected: 6/1/2009

Previously reviewed:
February 28, 2008

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Translation problem?

I stopped by La Hacienda Taqueria in Novato a few nights ago. The staff was most smiling and welcoming. I seemed to have a communication problem. I wanted to order their Veggie Chimichanga. I asked for it. The woman behind the counter said "Steamed Veggies". Ah, no I'm not interested in a Steamed Veggie plate (the choice just below Veggie Chimichanga on the posted menu). Ok she said, and motioned for me to sit and enjoy my chips.

The chips were great and it was nice to have both green and red salsas.

Then my Veggie Chimichanga came. The board that I ordered it from said: "Flour tortillas with veggies, salsa, topped with lettuce, tomatoes, rice and whole beans on the side. Flour tortillas, check; rice, check; whole beans on the side -- whoah.. no these beans were refried. It got worse. Where is the lettuce that is supposed to adorn the top? Inside. I kid you not - deep fried lettuce! So the inside, besides lettuce had more rice, and voila! the whole beans. I'm sorry it was completely unappetizing and the tortillas were oil soaked. The sour cream wasn't listed, and I didn't mind having a bit, although it was quite a glop on the top. Beware of translation if you visit and don't speak Spanish!

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0
Noncritical: 1
Last inspected: 5/20/2009

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Change in Novato

I had to drive around the block twice. The former sign was no where in sight, and there were construction workers all around, and a liquor license notice in one of the windows. Looks like Novato will soon have a new restaurant, "Mill's Restaurant" where Chez Pierre once was. It will be interesting to see what menu items this new venture brings to town. I do have to wonder why they chose pink! There's another restaurant in Novato already famous for its pinkness.

Speaking of Chez Pierre, it's more than a little sad to see them go. I was there the day the sign was put up. The restaurant brought decent French fare and made efforts to bring French culture to Novato as well, sponsoring a French conversation group. I wish the former participants in that venture well and thank them for their efforts.

More than it appears

I ran across Cafe Joël in Novato's Hamilton Field while I was browsing the net the other day and was quite impressed with the offerings. I had to put it on my list to try!

It's a little bit hidden, around the corner from South Novato Library and in Hangar 6.

When you walk through the inner courtyard between buildings, you can soon recognize it with it's cheery welcome sign near the patio, and the "Cafe Joël" signage on the door.

After ordering from the friendly hostess, I sat outside on the patio and the soup I ordered came surprisingly quickly (along with the salad I ordered). I was impressed. It wasn't an over-milky under seasoned puree of leek and potatoes, but a well balanced blend of dairy, leek and potatoes. The waiter thoughtfully brought out salt & pepper with the soup 'just in case', however it didn't need a thing.

The Grilled Salmon Salad consisted of baby greens with asparagus and citrus/caper vinaigrette. Attention was paid to the presentation as well as the tasty caper-citrus vinaigrette. It was fresh, lovely and delicious. And the price was right at $9.95. This same salad would easily go for $15-$20 not so far south of here. I felt well-served and well-fed. In fact, after observing other food items coming out of this kitchen, I was convinced by the time I left that this Chef deserves a larger and more elegant venue to serve up his creations.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0
Noncritical: 0
Last inspected: 2/27/2009

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Worth finding

On a trip home from Petaluma one day, Dad noticed it was lunch time and being near Novato I thought we'd try out the Garden Court. It is located inside the Days Inn, so you do pass the hotel front desk as you go into the restaurant. We found that at lunch there is a buffet, reasonably priced, with a surprisingly wide selection of items to choose from, and it includes the drink.

The buffet service is started with a soup served to your table. The soup of the day was hot and sour, and it was quite tasty.

I was pleasantly surprised by the number of vegetable and seafood items I could choose. There was a two sided buffet table with extra selections on one end, and the soda machine on the other. There was also a side table by the door of the buffet room with sauces and condiments and small dishes.

Dad was happy with all the choices he had with meat included. He even went back for seconds! And all the way home he commented what a nice meal it was. It's a family friendly place, and the staff was quite attentive to keeping the food selections fresh and in proper amounts for everyone. Although I wouldn't drive from Mill Valley just for this place, if you are nearby its a great place for a casual meal.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 2
Noncritical: 1
Last inspected: 6/30/2009

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Happy 89th Charles!

Today is my father's 89th birthday. Linda, Yalda, Olivia, Cassidy, Dad & I had a little celebration at The Garden in Novato last evening which was just delightful. This is the finale with Dad blowing out the candle on his slice of chocolate cake. Company was good, and so was the food and service. The waiter said it was birthday night as every table she was with during the evening was celebrating a birthday.

Light and innovative

Jennie Low's left Mill Valley a couple years ago, however, the location in Novato remained. And it was just far enough to keep me from enjoying her light, innovative cooking since the closure. We decided to visit since we were in the neighborhood at Macy's Furniture the other day. (I was ordering a reclining chair for my father's 89th birthday, coming up on Monday.)

Dad and I decided to try the Vegetable Potstickers to start. I asked a question of the waiter, I'd always wondered about, "Why do some restaurants serve potstickers with thick wrappings, while others thin and delicate ones"; "Is it a regional difference?" The waiter simply said, it's just the preference of the chef! Mystery solved.

The Hong Kong Walnut Prawns sounded like a winner, and it was. The plump, fresh prawns were coated in a sweet glaze with crunchy sugar-coated walnuts on top. The half circles of orange slices gave it a festive air.

Jennie's Cantonese Noodles in original sauce were light and interesting with the curly ramen noodles as the main ingredient. The noodles made a great foil for the sweet prawns. We enjoyed the meal and the friendly service. The prices are reasonable, and there is a whole section of light and healthy choices besides the usual. It is definitely a place that once you try, you'll find yourself going back. There is a location in Petaluma as well.

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 0
Noncritical: 0
Last inspected: 5/29/2009

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Good Value Japanese

One of my friends Jo-Ann suggested that I revisit Taki in Novato as she'd been this spring, amidst a lot of reconstruction chaos and found that the restaurant was going out of its way to give great value meals.

I made the mistake the first time, going on a Monday when it was closed, and the whole shopping center looked condemned. It was all cordoned off and you had to drive around the service entrances in the back to even get to it. This photo was taken on the second try a few weeks later, and it was MUCH better. I really felt sorry for the businesses electing to stay as the mess had to discourage business unless you were a previous customer who KNEW it was still open.

But by the time I arrived the second trip the parking and nice cobblestone circle was complete.

Now the food was very tasty and was a good value. There was a lot of volume in all of our meals. Glen (who helps with Dad twice a week), Dad & I went together. First came a nice cabbage salad with a sweet soy dressing. We asked that the miso soup be served Japanese-style at the end of the meal instead of with the salad. However, we were so full at the end, that we asked for it in a to-go container. It was good even heated up the next day.

Glen had the Tonkatsu and Tempura combo, which also came with a big round mound of Asian cole slaw. He said it was great.

Dad enjoyed his Lemon Chicken, which had a sweet lemon sauce to dip or pour over a flattened and panko coated chicken breast which had been deep fried. It also had a huge mound of Asian slaw.

I enjoyed a Tempura and Salmon Teriyaki combination. It had the accompaniments mentioned above, and also my favorite takuan pickle, tomato and orange slice. The others had the same, and I particularly enjoyed the takuan and fresh orange refresher. The portions were very generous. There were three jumbo tempura'd prawns, most places only give you two. There was no skimping on any of our meals. The service was prompt and friendly in a subdued, Japanese way. We thoroughly enjoyed our dining experiene.

Restaurant Inspection Results

Critical: 0

Noncritical: 0

Last inspected: 5/20/2009

Previously reviewed:
January 3, 2007

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Sublime

As I walked in the entrance of the new Indian restaurant in Novato, Anokha, I was greeted by the scent of roses. I looked around for the source, but didn't see any roses. I asked the gentleman who greeted me about the scent, who said that it was rose incense. I have never smelled incense that was so reminiscent of fresh roses, it was amazing. And that was just the start of my positive experience here.

I spotted a dish I'd never heard of before on the appetizer menu, so I had to order the Aloo Tikki. The appetizer is described as potato patties with ginger peas, red onions and spices, served with Chana Masala. This was an awesome dish, and one that I could have eaten as a main course. The smooth canvas of the potato patties was complemented by the chana masala with its complex flavors.

Next came the main course, Malai Kofta and rice. The smooth sauce was so rich and lush I wanted not to miss a drop. The spiced potato and cheese within the sauce was in torpedo shape, and was delicious and filling. In hindsight, as delicious as this was, I don't think I would have ordered the appetizer and main having potato as the main attraction simply because it was SO filling. The combination of cheese, potatoes, nuts and raisins blended with spices was just perfect.

Of course I had to try one of their proffered naan breads, choosing onion naan. This naan had red onions liberally mixed into it and fresh chopped greens adorning the outside. It was wonderful. The service was perfect, every time I was ready to have dishes removed, they were magically whisked away before they could become an annoyance. The waitstaff looked professional in crisp light blue long-sleeved shirts and dark slacks. The whole experience added up to nothing short of sublime. So much so that I to Tweet during the meal:

"annahaight is at Anokha in Novato - wow! Try this Indian cuisine before the masses discover this new place!" (You can follow me at http://www.twitter.com/annahaight)

This restaurant opened very recently, and if the food is any guide, will become a Marin favorite.

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 2
Noncritical: 4
Last inspected: 6/15/2009

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I'll Toast to that

Dad and I met our friend, Linda last month at the new location of Toast in Novato. It's a new location for the restaurant that had its start in Mill Valley, and is still quite popular there. I remember being impressed with their breakfasts, how would dinner at the new location be? It seemed a good sign that although we were on the early side, there was still a line to get in, and it is a large space. The new Toast has a clean and happy look inside that is sure to please the casual diner.

Dad ordered the Brick Chicken which is half a deboned chicken that is served atop potato dumplings, spinach drizzled with natural jus. He liked it so much he cleaned every last bit off the plate, and half a chicken is usually an automatic take home box for an uneaten portion with him.

Linda and I ordered a special, the Wasabi-encrusted Salmon which was served with fingerling potatoes and broccoli rab. It was all topped with some fresh thinly sliced cucumber and the sauce had a bit of dill. Linda substituted mashed potatoes for the fingerlings to good effect. I was afraid the wasabi might be overpowering, but it was PERFECT. I hope to find this on the special list again!

And after that half a chicken my Dad wanted dessert! He thoroughly enjoyed the TOAST Sundae.

Linda and I decided to share a dessert special which was described as a custard with fresh fruit made with a dessert wine. Sounded interesting and the cool fruit idea was tempting as it was still a hot day (although Toast does have air conditioning). Unfortunately this was the one thing that disappointed both of us, so much so that we sent it back. If the waiter had just said that it's a version of Zabaglione we would have gotten the picture immediately and chosen accordingly (probably not for that evening). However the picture of 'custard' set a very different expectation so I think that was a lot of the problem. Overall, Toast was a great experience and a good value. I recommend it and definitely will be back for dinner again.

Restaurant Inspection Results
Critical: 2
Noncritical: 1
Last inspected: 6/11/2009

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