Creativity Project. I had an assignment to complete for my PhD coursework - do a creative project and document the experience. Thoughts ran through my head - compose a poem? a tune? a drawing? dance or sculpt? After some musing, and wandering through my tomes of garnishes and decorative food, as an INFP (a new discovery from another of the courses), the "F" is for Feeling -- I felt like combining doing something I loved, with a little challenge. I love cooking, creating tasty and eye appealing meals, but am challenged by the more artistic, sculpting or carving type of food. I also took on a second challenge, which was to create from things already in the house. After glancing through the cupboards, and peering into the refrigerator, I decided to make Cherry-filled Lemon Baskets.

However, once the creative juices start flowing, it's hard to stop. So the entire meal became a creative venture. There were some 'beer-battered fish tenders' in the freezer, and a lot of them. A result of one of those Safeway 2 for 1 specials. And I had been appalled that I picked up a 2fer that was a loser. The 'tenders' had a very gooey dough that didn't seem to cook through before burning on the outside and only had a sliver of fish the first time I tried a few in the package. Since creativity was flowing, an idea rushed into my mind -- Baja Tacos! With the diced tomatoes, lettuce and toppings the fish would be rather disguised, and Baja Tacos use battered deep fried white fish! So I present a photo of the Baja Taco above. It was actually quite good.

I also didn't want to waste all the luscious insides of those 'Purity' organic lemons! Remembering that I had been toying with the idea of a fasting cleanse (The Master Cleanse), which requires that you only drink a type of lemonade for 7 - 40 days, I thought it might be wise to try the drink to see if it were bearable. So I created lemonade from the pulp of the lemons, and Grade B maple syrup (as the cleanse calls for), but did leave out the cayanne pepper. The resulting drink was pretty, and rather tasty, but I don't know about drinking that exclusively for nourishment for weeks! The lemonade, and dinner table are pictured above.

Creativity turned into a jointly joyful experience when my Dad seemed to get more excited than usual about the meal. We ate it on the deck, he seemed to be relishing the food, and he commented on how pretty the Cherry-filled Lemon Baskets were. He also said "You sure know how to set a table!" -- a high compliment that he used to say to my mother. When he left the table, he was actually singing! Could it be the effect of all the creativity poured into the meal?

I made a slide show of the process from carving to table, which is at the post just above (Blogger wouldn't let it save into this file for some strange reason.)

Deck Dining. It's the time of year when this is most attractive, warm but not too warm, and nice as long as it isn't windy. So we had another meal on the deck.

Thanks to Jeremiah's Fine Foods and the folks at Popchips, my job was easier! So I threw some scallop cakes on the grill, and some parboiled asparagus marinated in olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon.

And I emptied the bag of Popchips into a bowl.

I was soooo excited to see California nectarines in the market just coming into season!

So for dessert, I put sliced nectarines and bright red cherries into a bowl, naked. The nectarines could have been a tad riper, but we still enjoyed our fresh fruit finale.

Hard Rock Novato. There is a particularly colorful storefront on the side of 101 traveling through Novato that I've had in my mind to try. So try it I did with Dad the other evening, and had a bit of a surprise. One typically associates Mariachi bands or similar sound to be found in Mexican restaurants, but entering the doors of Maya Palenque, I was quite surprised.

The entry to the restaurant is through the bar, which is roomy and stretches across the whole of the front of the building. Hard rock music blared as I opened the door, and continued to fill the restaurant space the entire time we were at the restaurant. It was old style 'Smoke on the Water' type driving rock. The bar was crowded with the majority of the men wearing jeans with black t-shirt with various graphics and artwork on them, but still BLACK. It was definitely a retro crowd, a head without a gray hair nary to be found, unless it was hairless. The women were in theme as well, not only with the hair (although they all had some), but with the dress - a kind of hippy peasant look in common. Although the back of the house where the dinner seating was situated was also quite large, there was only one other party besides Dad and I, and a huge Hi-Def TV screen dominated the room (although it couldn't be heard above the din of the rock music).

Some chips and salsa were promptly served.

Dad enjoyed a chicken tamale combo with rice, beans and mixed green salad, which he enjoyed, polishing off the entire plate.

I likewise enjoyed a combo which included a shredded beef taco and mini-tostada with chicken. Fresh and nicely prepared.

Today would have been quite a day for my late mother, as it would have been her 90th(!) birthday. Happy Birthday Mom! At least it's the one she celebrated. My mother had unusual confusion about her birthday. She was born in rural Kentucky and the story was that her birthday and her neighbor's were mixed up -- June 12 is the other date. The doctors didn't record births right away like they do today and most babies were born at home. When my mother was in her 60s she found out that in fact, her birthday wasn't mixed up, it is actually June 12th, but there was a dispute between her father and mother about what her name should be... so her father secretly slipped to the courthouse and changed her name on the birth certificate! This was according to her great-aunt on her father's side. My mother changed her name anyway, so it really didn't matter, just a little twist on family history.

Japanese Restaurants in Marin. On New Year's Day, I posted a list of all Japanese Restaurants that I know of in Marin. This has been a popular post, one of the top five visited on this site, so I thought it could use a little update. In fact, given that my 'theme' pages are the most enduringly popular, I'm going to start a new feature - food theme pages. Watch for future updates as I organize the food map of Marin, and add summaries to the side bar.

I find it rather amazing that I've visited every Japanese restaurant in Marin save two. If I'm missing any, please let me know!

Japanese Restaurants and others serving "Japanese" food

(and link to my review, if I wrote one, or other info)

Larkspur

King of the Roll
Sushi-ko

Mill Valley

Amberjack
Ino Sushi
Robata Grill & Sushi
Samurai
Sushi Gourmet

Novato

Masa's Sushi & Appetizer Bar
Matsuyama
Taki

San Anselmo

Sushi 69

San Rafael

Akira Sushi Bar
Fujiyama
Kamikaze
Sushi Boat Restaurant
Sushi Lin
Sushi-to-Dai-For
Tenkyu
Arigatou - Japanese Food to Go (haven't tried)
Edo Japan (haven't tried)


Sausalito

Sushi Ran
Sweet Ginger

Tiburon

Ginza Sushi

Non-Japanese Restaurants featuring sushi...

Mill Valley

May Lee's Chinese & Sushi Restaurant

San Rafael

Yu Shang Restaurant & Sushi Bar

German Food, Fast. After a few days of Marin, have your out-of-town relatives ever started making cracks about wheatgrass snorting, or left their nasturtium and green garlic salad untouched? Or more telling, upon hearing of the glut of non-native deer at Pt. Reyes developed a certain eye-twitch and volunteered to help out by bringing some 'fresh' meat to the table? These are obvious MAPE (meat and potato eaters) withdrawal syndrome signs. Outsiders need time to get accustomed to our flora and grass imbibing ways, and may need a quick MAP infusion. Luckily, I have found the perfect place to take relatives suffering from MAPE withdrawals before it's too late.

Unapologetically carnivorous, the first thing that hits your senses upon opening the door to the Roast Haus - Hof Brau, is the smell of freshly roasted meats of all kinds, but especially red. There is a kind of cafeteria line, beginning with the meat section, where friendly young men are awaiting right by the door with gorgeously roasted meats and big carving knives ready to take care of you and your relatives with all haste - no not THAT kind of 'take care of' - but with a MAP infusion. (Yes, those big carving knives ARE a bit spooky). Standing at the head of the line, if you look immediately to your left and straight up you'll see a boar's head mounted mouth-open and tusks sharp on the wall above. Your relatives already look better, they are just not quite ready for the usual Marin lifestyle.

Not feeling like big hunks of meat, after all I've been living in Marin nearly 10 years, I chose to go with the French Dip sandwich for dinner. I was the only person at around 6:15 p.m. in the restaurant, and got some friendly attention from someone who was supposed to be retired, Otto. He greeted me so charmingly, in an old world polite way - with an accent, and quizzed me on the method that the young men used to carve my meat. He seemed to want to be sure that they used proper technique on the correct piece of meat, and he was satisfied with my description, and that I was enjoying the sandwich. Yes, although I'm not a big MAP eater, I did enjoy the lean and succulent meat encased in crusty French bread and the salty au jus which was given in generous portion. Don't expect fancy here, just robust well-flavored simple fare, in well-worn surroundings. They also open at 8 a.m. for breakfast!

A place for romance. Look at that view! This is what it looked like from my seat at Angelino's in Sausalito. Can you just see the jeweled skyline of San Francisco at night while sitting with your sweetie? This is one of the most romantic spots I've happened upon in Marin.

Stepping in the door of Angelino Restaurant you are immediately greeted by a handsome Italian type who wisks you efficiently to the best table.

The soup of the day was a dairyless asparagus soup, served with a flourish. If you are a bread connoisseur, you will love the fresh bread that is served, it jumps out of the basket with freshness.

I tried the petrale sole special, which was sauteed in a light white wine sauce. Elegant and delicious! Soft romantic, sensual music accompanied the meal. My mind wandered to more romantic times, pink organza and champagne. oh.. it's time to be in the present! But if you want to spend a special time with someone, I can't recommend this place highly enough.

Cherries are everywhere! Cherries have definitely arrived, and there are fresh cherry stands set up all over Marin. Dad and I dined al fresco on the deck again, beautiful weather and fun variety - thanks to Whole Foods Deli! I like not having to heat up the kitchen, and it's so peaceful to dine snack-style while watching the dogs being walked and the birds flying or swimming by. I used my grandmother Anna's cut glass pedestaled bowl for the cherries, although in season now, they seemed like 'jewels' at $15.99 a pound!

Open Late on Weeknights. Marin Brewing Company is one of the few restaurants open late on weeknight in Marin County (besides places like McDonald's or Denny's). Handy information if you are coming home after a very late project at work, or just off a plane from another time zone and your tummy's rumbling. Marin Brewing Company is open until midnight on weekdays, and 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

Actually, I enjoyed lunch here. It has been at least a couple years since I've been here, and I found they still had my favorite grilled chicken tostada gonzora on the menu. It's a kind of Mexican-style chopped salad with bits of tomato, grilled chicken, red onion and flavorful crisp lettuce all tossed together with a topping of cheddar and side of sour cream.

Happy Mother's Day, and I hope you all are enjoying it with her!

Village Feast. Dad and I stopped at an old favorite of mine, that in all my 'trying the new' had not been to in a long time, perhaps more than a year? India Village is located at the end of a small strip mall near water and boats in San Rafael.

Ah. A nice cool lassi made with rosewater. Refreshing!

A pappadum treat comes out with some hot mint and sweet tamarind sauces.

Then came the harabara naan we ordered. An explosion of freshness on every level with just minced mint and cilantro gracing the top.

Then our main courses began to arrive. First the Tandoori Mixed Grill, sizzling and steaming hot! This was really good, small superb bites of many meat and seafood favorites.

And then the pillau, or rice with green peas. It was bland and a nice foil for the entree dishes.

We tried the Malai Kofta as well, which is made with cheese, potatoes, nuts, raisins and blended with spices. This was tender and good and a wonderful vegetarian choice. India Village is run by a lovely extended family and everything is made with fresh herbs and ingredients by hand with evident skill and good will. It shows in the taste, and is still one of my favorite places in Marin.

Language barrier. Scanning the menu at Taqueria Bahia in San Rafael, I noted the two most expensive dishes were $10.50, one was a pork favorite, and another a name I didn't recognize. I asked the woman at the counter where you order, what is "Milaneza"? She said something garbled that sounded like "Chicken 'n Steak". I asked her again and she repeated "Chicken 'n Steak". Ah, I thought, something that has a bit of both, no matter the sauce it will be something new to try, so I ordered it!

I was given my iced tea, and pointed to the warmer table where it was dish up your own tortilla chips and whichever of the several salsas you'd like. I sat at a comfortable wooden booth with a tile table.

Then out came my Milaneza... awk! Chicken-fried Steak! oh no. I had NO idea that this was in the Mexican repertoire of cooking! And maybe not really... it was awful! Greasy and over-browned and grisly to boot. The toughest old piece of shoe leather this side of Colorado. Now I did see some attractive looking more 'normal' Mexican dishes going by my table. The refried beans were quite good, and the rice fresh and well flavored. I will try this again sometime with a more usual order. I also noticed that they serve breakfast all day, but they don't open until 10 a.m. which puts them firmly in the 'brunch only' category on my list.

Michelin Star Meal. Over the past 10 years, I've been to Sushi Ran any number of times, and it lives up to its Michelin Star. This time it was for lunch, usually it is for dinner. I was greeted warmly by every staff member who walked by, including the CEO, Yoshi Tome. He was absolutely as cheerful as his photos.

I enjoyed the beautiful aesthetics of the room, and my ice tea and richly flavored miso soup came promptly.

Yes, I gave them the oyako donburi challenge -- what would theirs taste like? Well, I think we are dealing with some 'safe egg' standards here as it was a tad more cooked than what I've experienced in Japan. However, it was delicately simmered so there were no 'curdles', no strange ingredients, and gently placed on top of the rice with the right amount of saucing. It was very good, and I'd have it again. Certainly this is a recommendable place, and lunchtime prices are more moderate.

"American Food at its Best". So pronounces Mel's Drive-in, a long time San Francisco favorite.

It has a cheery interior.

There are mini-jukeboxes at every walled booth.

Dad tried the caesar salad, he said it was very fresh.

And the salad was combined with half a chicken salad sandwich for a lunch special. He said it was really a whole sandwich, considering its size with half of an oversized slice.

I tried the old-fashioned turkey dinner, was standard diner fare, but good - the turkey was quite moist. Mel's also serves breakfast. It was hot here in Marin again, but a few degrees cooler than yesterday!

Anna's No-Cooking at Home. It was just too hot today in the San Francisco bay area! The forecast called for a high of 92, and it felt it. It was still 85 degrees at 4 p.m. when I was deciding what to do for dinner. It felt too hot to drive around, and much too hot to heat up the kitchen, so I decided to do a cold plate dinner al fresco. Looking at those strawberries above, don't they make you feel cooler?

So I chose a number of things at Molly Stone's to supplement things that I already had and set the table on the deck with a plate of savories: luscious lemon hummus, pita bread, Dubliner cheese, roasted garlic cloves and fresh carrot sticks. To it's right was a plate of sweet tastes: Asian pear slices, American pear slices, cold fresh cherries, and fresh strawberries.

These products made my life easier: Christopher Ranch Roasted Garlic cloves, Sabra's luscious lemon hummus, Dubliner cheese, and for dessert Choctal.

And in this heat, the only drink should be water, and I served Metromint Spearmint water - for a very cooling sensation which matched the lightness of the savory and sweet items. This casual dinner was a hit with my Dad, and we enjoyed the coolish sea breeze, much cooler on the deck than in the house. I lingered, reading my assignment "The Essential David Bohm", to prep me for discussion with professor tomorrow. I stayed out until there was no light left to read by, and a little bird trusted me enough to hop around the railing tilting his head and gazing at me for some minutes before flying off into the sunset.

Petaluma's French secret. Elle of Feeding my Enthusiasms and I met again for fun and blogging at Le Bistro, a charming French place on Petaluma Blvd. South. She's blogged the same meal, getting the word out slightly ahead of my post. (I stopped at Jo-Ann's to check out a door which was in color-dispute on the way home).

Elle was too tempted by the red pepper tomato soup with a swirl of basil pesto, even though it was a hot evening. She affirmed making the right choice, and talked about the sublte texture in the soup.

I was taken by the perfection of my mixed green salad with pecans and gorgonzola dressed in a light cassis dressing. The salad was well tossed, and the perfect amount of dressing to highlight the greens without obsuring them was employed.

It took me awhile to choose between several equally delicious-sounding entrees, but I finally settled on the pork medallions. These were tender and a apple cider tinged sauce deftly applied to bring out the natural flavors of the pork. The plate was arranged artfully, and the vegetables tender and distinctive.

Elle was served lamb tenderloins that looked moist and brimming with natural juices. Elle reported that the sauce was perfectly matched and the lamb tender.

The portions were perfect, and left us with room to be tempted by the dessert selections. Elle chose a Kahlua Gelato Torte with Chocolate Sauce, which she said was delightful.

I was taken with the Brandied Black Cherry Parfait, a bouquet of tastes and textures to complete the meal. Not only did it have tender brandied sweet black cherries in its syrup over vanilla ice cream, but fresh strawberries, kiwis and crisp pirouette cookies. All this was topped off by the most lucsious whipped cream. I usually don't like whipped cream, and often ask for the chef to hold the whipped cream, but I enjoyed every last micro-drop of this. I'm buzzing with the rich coffee we drank to accompany our desserts, but I guess that's good since I have a lot of coursework reading to get through!

As we parted, I couldn't resist taking a snap of the little Frenchman who greets you with cards at the entrance. Elle and I left already planning our next joint blogging adventure next month.