BBQ n Curry House

Sausalito has its own Halal Indian & Pakistani restaurant in Marin City, the BBQ N Curry House.   Shahid and Sana Saracha have poured their hearts into making their offerings with care and giving friendly service.  Besides being Halal, where the animals are killed humanely, the dishes are prepared with whole herbs and spices for the most part, which means you get all the flavor, without stomach upset.  

The yogurt used in the mango lassi ($1.99), and other dishes, is house made and it tastes exceptionally fresh. 

The samosa ($3.99) was served piping hot and was crisp on the outside, tender on the inside.

This special dish - Aloo Keema ($12.99), roasted potatoes simmered with ground beef, onions, tomatoes, garlic, green peppers, ginger and special spices will get you hooked.  It is a very simple dish but elevated by the ginger and 'special spices'.  Half of this came home with me and shared with a friend that had dropped by, who kept making 'mmm.. mmm' noises as he polished it off.

This garlic cheese naan ($1.99) was addictive, and garlic was very much in evidence.

This plain naan ($1.50) was hot, buttery and had a delicious blistery quality.

Another tasty special is the Chicken Jalfarzi ($12.99)- tender morsels of  boneless white chicken pieces in a thick stew with red peppers, onions, tomatoes, garlic and special spices.  I've ordered this dish several times and it it consistently flavorful.

My friend enjoyed the fish biryani ($12.99), which he kept praising for several days after the meal.   

 The fragrant basmati rice ($2)  was the perfect foil for the other dishes as well.

The service was great and the owners were friendly.  If you want to catch a plate here soon, you'll need to show up before Shahid and Sana take a vacation from September 25 to October 13, reopening October 14, 2014.

BBQ n Curry House
160H Donahue St.
Sausalito, CA 94965

(415)289-0786
www.bbqncurryhouse.com

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.

Fleeting Hatch Chiles

Are Hatch Chiles on your radar?  

These beauties are only in season a few weeks each summer, and still available for a couple weeks at our bay area Mollie Stone's Markets. Hatch Chiles are only grown in the Mesilla Valley of New Mexico, and its season is in August and September.

I got my hands on some fresh ones and took them to a friend's house for a birthday barbecue.  First I split them so that the flat side would rest well on the grill.

Then these prepped chiles got a quick bath in a fresh lemon and olive oil mixture I whisked together.

With the oil marinade, it's not surprising that these flamed up a bit on the grill.

Nicely grilled, the Hatch Chiles made a nice addition to the summer's bounty of grilled vegetables.

There are other ways to preserve the experience year round, with dried Hatch Chiles, Hatch Chili powder and a peppy Hatch Salsa. Melissa's makes the Hatch Chile powder and the Hatch Salsa.  Melissa's also provides fresh Hatch Chiles by the case to Mollie Stone's. A Hatch Chile cookbook is available for sale at Mollie's as well, with 176 pages of Hatch Chile inspiration.

The Hatch Chiles I bought were pretty mild with only a slight kick.  The Hatch Salsa was a little spicier.

I brought the salsa to the birthday barbecue as well.  My friends gave it a thumbs up and it disappeared fast. Mollie Stone's is celebrating the season not only with roasts at it's various San Francisco bay area locations, but its delis and bakeries are including it in some seasonal dishes, such as twice baked potatoes with Hatch Chiles, a Hatch Chile corn bread, and I even saw a Hatch Chile Relleno Casserole in its Sausalito store. Celebrate the Hatch Chiles as part of the fleeting fall season. And if you need another reason, a medium-sized fresh Hatch Chile has as much vitamin C as six oranges!

Former Mill Valley Champagne Space to Morph

Enjoy Mill Valley blog reports that the former space of Champagne in Mill Valley is the intended home of a new modern Mexican restaurant "Playa".  Karen Goldberg, owner of Mill Valley's TamalPie has big plans for it.  Read more at Enjoy Mill Valley.

Off the path for breakfast

Anchorage 5 Restaurant is a favorite locals hang out in Sausalito. Located a few blocks off Bridgeway across from the Heath Ceramics outlet, it is not far from the harbor and quite a few boaters and live-aboards enjoy breakfast or lunch here. I'm posting from a couple of recent trips here.

The French Toast Sandwich ($10.95), is really a deconstructed one with the ingredients (French toast, one egg and three pieces of bacon) plated attractively. There is cinnamon added to the batter which gives it interest, as well as the maple syrup served on the side.

The "Sailor" ($11.95) has a hamburger patty, two eggs, grilled mushrooms and onions piled on rye toast with a topping of cheddar cheese.  This is definitely filling and indicated for those who need the calories to row the boat.

Service is efficient and cheerful, and if you want to catch the more laid-back local vibe, you won't go wrong with a breakfast or lunch at Anchorage 5 Restaurant.

Anchorage 5 Restaurant

475 Gate 5 Road

Sausalito, CA 94965

(415) 331-8329

Previously reviewed:

February 3, 2009

March 2, 2008

October 17, 2007

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.

Loco for Mole

Hungry after a work out at 24 HR Fitness at Marin Country Mart in Larkspur, I paid the neighboring El Huarache Loco a visit for lunch.

All the offerings are neatly listed on adjacent blackboards. I chose the Mole "El Huarache Loco" ($10). It is described as "Veronica's recipe for chicken mole comes from her family's restaurant in Mexico City". Veronica is the owner and started this in La Cocina in San Francisco, a nonprofit food business incubator. El Huarache Loco is one of its success stories.

The mole was deep, rich and very satisfying. I detected hints of dark chocolate. It was accompanied by rice and creamy beans as well as tortillas. The service was prompt despite a hungry throng in the restaurant.

El Huarache Loco

1803 Larkspur Landing Cir.

Larkspur, CA 94939

(415) 925-1403

huaracheloco.com

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.  

Devoto Orchards Cider

Stan and Jolie Devoto Photo credit: Devoto Orchards

Next county north of Marin is the place where Stan and Susan Devoto started their 20-acre farm in 1976 with a diversity of crops, including more than 50 varieties of heirloom apples.  Grown on the Goldridge soil of Sonoma county, 6,500 apple trees form the basis of Devoto Orchards Cider, and new brand, Golden State cider. Currently, Devoto Orchards Cider is owned and operated by Jolie Devoto and Hunter Wade.

The semi-dry Devoto Orchards Cider is pressed and fermented in stainless steel to preserve its bright acidity of the fruit and the aromas. There are several opportunities in August to taste and enjoy hard ciders sourced from the Devoto's organic and heirloom apples, as well as meet the owners.

August 23: 3:15 to 6:15 p.m. on a 150-foot yacht during Seven Stills first annual "I'm on a Boat" event. There will be 29 breweries and catered bites for 370 guests on a 3-hour tour while also listening to DJ curated tunes.  Devoto will pour with sister cidery, Golden State Cider.  Tickets are $100 for General Admission and $200 for the VIP Whiskey Lounge. Purchase tickets here.

Photo credit: Devoto Orchards

Devoto Orchards will also be participating in the Taste of Petaluma same day, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. August 23.  Devoto will be pouring alongside 40 participating restaurants and breweries. Tickets are $40 and can be purchased here.

August 24: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Santa Rosa's Farm to Fermentation Festival.  Devoto will participate in the cider and cheese pairing activities and libations lounge.  The event is at the Santa Rosa Finley Community Center.  Buy tickets here.

August 27: Golden State Cider, Devoto's sister brand, will debut with a public party start at 4 p.m. at the Southside Spirit House in San Francisco.

For more information about Devoto Orchards ciders, please visit www.devotocider.com or call 707-861-0595.   

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

Find address/phone number/directions on Anna's Map.

Chinese Valentine's Day

Photo credit:Vanessa Karlsson 

Do you know about Chinese Valentine's Day?  It is August 2, and Fang Restaurant in San Francisco is celebrating with a special one night only dish for romantics. Chef Kathy Fang is cooking up Heart-Warming Spicy Beef Noodle Soup for Two ($15).  The noodle dish features a rich, flavorful broth made from beef bones, short rib, aromatics, and peppercorns, and is served with rice noodles and succulent pork wontons. Couples who order the special dish to share will also receive two sets of beautiful, satin-wrapped chopsticks which symbolize romantic love and are often gifted to newlyweds in the Chinese culture to encourage fertility. 

The background to this day is a love story between the Weaver girl (symbolizing Vega) and the Cowherd (symbolizing Altair).  They were in love but because their love was not allowed, they were banished to opposite sides of the Silver River (Milky Way), but once a year, on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month, a flock of magpies form a bridge to reunite the lovers for one day. Thus a pair of magpies came to symbolize marital happiness and faithfulness. Currently in urban China people take the opportunity to buy flowers, especially blue roses symbolizing hopeful love as well as chocolates to gift their sweethearts.

Chef Kathy Fang is the daughter of Peter Fang, chef/owner of the famed House of Nanking. Growing up in House of Nanking's kitchen, Kathy found her passion for cooking and received her formal training at  Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School.  Blending her schooling, Cantonese heritage and cooking style with her own native San Franciscan perspective, as well as her global travels she has created a menu with equal parts tradition and inspiration.

Fang Restaurant

660 Howard St.

San Francisco, CA 94105

(415) 777-8580

www.fangrestaurant.com

https://www.facebook.com/FangRestaurant

Mill Valley's Toast to Close; Kitchen Sunnyside to follow

Enjoy Mill Valley blog reports that Mill Valley's "Toast" to close September 1 and Sausalito's Fred's Cafe owner, Steven Choi will open "Kitchen Sunnyside" after renovations later in Fall 2014. 

Vive la revolution!

Bastille Day cometh!  Whether you are French or not  have fun celebrating the French Revolution and the storming of the Bastille. On the day, July 14, Left Bank Brasserie in Larkspur will be celebrating in style with staff dressed in Moulin Rouge garb, as well as decorations in same theme, plus live music, and caricature artist Jon Casey will be available to sketch guests from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Live music will be provided by Orgue de Barbarie musician Michel Michelis who will play from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Besides the regular menu, celebratory al la carte menu specials will be served.  Selected menu items include smoked pistachio sausage wrapped in brioche dough with lamb’s lettuce salad and truffle sauce; herb rubbed Provençal roasted rack of pork with porcini sauce, green beans and baked potatoes; and Provençal fish stew with branzino, local snapper, mussels, clams and prawns served with garlic toasts and spicy aioli.

Left Bank Brasserie Larkspur 

507 Magnolia Avenue

Larkspur, CA 

(415) 927-3331 

www.LeftBank.com

Previously reviewed:

November 9, 2009

January 15, 2007

Get directions on Anna's Map.

Point Reyes Farmers Market Opens June 28

Joanne Weir making gazpacho photo credit: Mary Olsen

The popular Point Reyes Farmers Market opens June 28, 2014 with the opening bell and a toast at 9 a.m.

Caterer Missy Will brings on the appetizers for summer with her quick and easy recipes, among the items will be a strawberry treat wtih Pt. Reyes Blue Cheese and Molly Meyerson's Little Wing Farm strawberry.  She'll also make a BBQ shrimp dish paired with Wild Blue Farm's fresh basil.

Jack Corwin, farmer of Wild Blue Farm, sells organic produc photo credit: Mary Olsen

In the heart of the village, Toby's Feed barn will feature bluegrass tunes played by The Fog Belters.  In the KIDZONE Mrs. Grossman's stickers and new books will be distributed, with bilingual storytelling by Elivira de Santiago all morning with organic popcorn snacks.

Joining Golden Brown and Delicious (grilled cheese sandwiches) will be Donna's Tamales, a new hot food vendor.

Point Reyes Farmers Market is open every Saturday throurgh October from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Toby's Feed Barn, Hwy One in Point Reyes Station.

Bio is Coming to Sausalito

I spied a notice on the former El Patio location on Bridgeway in Sausalito.  The former Crêpe o Chocolat in San Francisco transformed into Bio, a French cafe in 2012.  Now Bio is opening a new outpost in Sausalito, and according to its website the new location will be open July 1, 2014.  Bio offers a gluten free menu with organic vegan and vegetarian options.  Lunch items include baguette sandwiches, soup and salads ranging from $5 to $8 at its San Francisco cafe.  Ooh la la!

Bio Sausalito

2633 Bridgeway

Sausalito, CA 94965

www.biologiquesf.com

LittleCo To Go

Sausalito's Friday night Jazz & Blues by the Bay is back and we have all summer to enjoy it.  Getting to Friday is an achievement, and getting out to a Friday night activity is some more effort. Sausalito's Copita Tequileria y Comida is making the effort way less stressful with its "LittleCo To Go" offerings that are just perfect for enjoying while kicking back and listening to the band.

For this summer, Copita has added some small plates and Mocktails for two to its already popular taco take out choices. From $5-10, the small plates include things such as salads, ceviches, and antojitos. The Cherry Margarita cocktail looks refreshing, and the El Diablo with cassis, ginger beer, fresh lime juice and ice look like an eye-opener.

Copita Tequileria y Comida

739 Bridgeway

Sausalito, CA 94965

(415) 331-7400

www.copitarestaurant.com

Schroeder's expands hours

Photo courtesy of Schroeder's

Larkspur resident Andrew Chun and Jan Wing of Kentfield recently re-opened Schroeder's near the Embarcadero Center in San Francisco.  The managing partners remodeled the interior, keeping historical highlights and keeping the comfortable feeling that has prevailed in its last 120 years.  Schroeder's reopened with dinner service in May, and is now open for lunch as well. It's updated hours are:

Monday ­ Friday: 11:30am ­ 10:00pm (Saturday/Sunday closed)

·      Lunch: 11:30am ­- 2:00pm
·      Dinner: 5:00pm ­- 10:00pm

The Lunch menu is here. And the Duck Pastrami Salad (cabbage, rye croutons, mustard vinaigrette, avocado) $15, and Chicken Schnitzel Sandwich (liver, cabbage, pickles, mustard) $14 are having me want to hop in the car and have a taste.

Schroeder's
240 Front St.
San Francisco, CA
(415) 421-4778
www.schroederssf.com

Ramen Comes to Marin

The Renaissance Center in San Rafael is the temporary home of Uchiwa Ramen, which is expected to open in its own space on B Street in San Rafael in August 2014.  The co-owners, San Rafael’s Kevin Fong and Corte Madera’s Benson “Ben” Yang have been honing their recipes for authentic Japanese ramen at the center and gaining loyal followers for several months.  Currently open on Mondays and Tuesdays for lunch (11 a.m. - 2 p.m.) and dinner (5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.) at the Renaissance Center at 1115 3rd St. in San Rafael.

Above Ben Yang takes an order from customers (photo credit: Anna Haight)

Kevin and Ben love noodles, and also aim to provide a welcoming atmosphere much like you were visiting their home kitchen for a friendly meal.  Currently Uchiwa Ramen offers Tonkatsu Ramen ($8.88), Shoyu Ramen ($8.88), Miso Ramen ($9.88), Shio Ramen ($8.88) and Vegetarian Ramen ($8.88) with  an option for extras such as Roasted Black Garlic Seasoning ($.88) or Spicy Roasted Chili Seasoning (mild, spicy or extra spicy ($.88).  A surprise was how many customers enjoy a bit of spice in their ramen.  In addition, there is a changing menu of ramen-friendly sides such as Spam musubi, chicken lollipops, and gyoza.  The broths are made from scratch and toppings are mostly locally sourced.

I had difficulty choosing my first taste of Uchiwa ramen.  Having lived in Japan, I'm particularly fond of ramen, and have brought home a number of books on ramen (in Japanese with LOTS of photos) over the years.  I finally settled on a classic, Shoyu Ramen which consisted of a savory soy sauce broth, chashu (pork slice), soft boiled egg, fish cake and some veggies like moyashi (mung bean sprouts), mushroom, bok choy, sliced bamboo shoots, and green onion.  

The broth was rich without being oily, and wasn't over salty. I was also impressed with the perfection of the soft boiled eggs, a traditional addition for Japanese ramen.  Will I go back?  Yes, this is a repeat-worthy experience, and I plan to sample the entire menu.  I already have some lunch dates booked to introduce friends to the first ramen shop in Marin.

Uchiwa Ramen

821 B Street

San Rafael, CA 94901

(415) 891-8528

www.uchiwaramen.com

www.facebook.com/uchiwaramen

Get directions and explore on Anna's Map.

Summer cooking camp with The Culinary Dudes

Graphic Courtesy of Scott Davis

Chef Scott Davis started his cooking career early, at age seven to earn a merit badge while in Cub Scouts. From there he continued cooking while earning a degree in Early Childhood Education AND a degree from Le Cordon Bleu Program at the California Culinary Academy.

Sounds like the perfect background for creating and running summer cooking camps for kids.

This summer The Culinary Dudes are offering the following camps:

Summer Cooking Camp-June 16-19-All Ages-Gross Foods You Can Eat
Summer Cooking Camp-June 23-26-All Ages-International Cuisine
Summer Cooking Camp-July 7-10-TEENS-International Cuisine
Summer Cooking Camp-July 14-17-All Ages-Healthy Meals and Snacks
Summer Cooking Camp-July 21-24-TEENS-Healthy Meals and Snacks
Summer Cooking Camp-July 28-31-All Ages-The Americas
Summer Cooking Camp-August 4-7-TEENS-The Americas
Summer Cooking Camp-August 11-14-All Ages-Seasonal Cooking 2

Not only that, but there is a Single Parent Family scholarship rate of $200, that's $100 off the regular rate of $300.  There is also the possibility of a scholarship as the "Dudes" are offering two free scholarships for each of the sessions that are running.  See the website for more detail.

The Culinary Dudes offer classes in San Rafael, Napa and Sacramento.

The Culinary Dudes
www.culinarydudeontour.com

info@theculinarydude.com or 971-30-DUDES(38337) for specifics

Tiburon Tavern celebrates Tiburon's 50th

Photo Courtesy of The Lodge at Tiburon

Celebrate with Tiburon Tavern May 30 for the town of  Tiburon's 50th birthday.  At lunch or dinner order “The Bees Knees” -Woodstock Honey Bourbon, lemon juice, and simple syrup, served with a small order of Fried Herbed Rice Balls with lemon thyme aioli all for only $2. One order per adult at the table only.

Tiburon Tavern
1651 Tiburon Blvd.
Tiburon, CA 94920
(415) 435-5996
http://lodgeattiburon.com/amenities/tiburon-tavern/

DeLoach Vineyards' Pinot Classic Paulée Dinner

Photo credit: Paul Miller

The Pinot Classic Paulée Dinner at DeLoach Vineyards will feature food by Michou Cornu, Director of Cuisine and Hospitality at Boisset Family Estates who will prepare a three-course, Pinot-inspired menu. In Burgandy France, the original Paulées celebrated the end of harvest where the winemakers would enjoy a meal out of a sauté pan and bring a special bottle of wine to share.

Photo credit: Paul Miller

Dine al fresco and rub elbows with the wine personalities including more than 15 winemakers on site, such as Arista Winery, Bacigalupi Vineyards, Benovia Winery, Bucher Vineyard, C. Donatiello Winery, Davis Family Wines, DeLoach Vineyards, Hartford Family Winery, Iron Horse Vineyards, La Crema, La Follette, J. Vineyards & Winery, Joseph Swan Vineyards, Kosta Browne, Merry Edwards Winery, Russian Hill Estate Winery, Siduri Wines, Thomas George Estates, Trione Vineyards and Winery, Williams Selyem. Of course these winemakers will bring special bottles of wine, and you are invited to bring yours as well.  Because the number of people will be larger than can accommodate a meal out of one sauté pan, so to should you bring multiple bottles or a magnum of your choice of wine to bring.  Bring a wrap, and ladies, leave the stilettos at home unless you want to be trapped in the lawn.  This is a once in a lifetime type event, and TOMORROW, May 24 from 6 p.m.  To insure your ticket, call ahead to the vineyard, online sales have ended but there are a few seats left.  The cost is $250 per person.

DeLoach Vineyards
1791 Olivet Rd.
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
707.755.3309
www.deloachvineyards.com

Harmonious

Harmony - fresh, light and organic, and tasty too.  I recently enjoyed a meal at this popular Mill Valley Chinese restaurant.

I love that their Crisp Living Butter Lettuce Cups with minced chicken and celery, organic carrots, water chestnuts and shitakes ($12) comes with the plum sauce on the side so controlling the amount of sweet flavor is easy.

And why did I wait so long to try the Organic Tofu infused with shitake mushrooms, wrapped in seaweed, lightly fried, tossed w/ garlic, chiles, cilantro, scallions ($9.50)?  I saw it on the menu, but couldn't picture the dish, then one day took the leap, and now it's frequently in my favorite dish rotation when dining at Harmony.  They also are very good about assisting people with special diets such as gluten free.  Service was stellar and consistent with past experience.

I didn't order it this visit, but the Chocolate Sesame Ball ground lotus seed flour, sweet bean paste, melted chocolate and crushed almonds ($5) is quite a unique taste treat; I don't usually associate chocolate with Chinese restaurants.

Harmony Restaurant

800 Redwood Hwy, Ste 401

Mill Valley, CA 94941

(415) 381-5300

www.harmonyrestaurantgroup.com

Previously reviewed:

August 10, 2007

July 17, 2007

February 23, 2007

Get directions and explore on Anna's Map.

Thai Restaurants in Marin

photo credit: iStockphoto

Here's an update on Thai cuisine in Marin.  Marin continues to have a wide variety of choices for eating good Thai food.  The last time I summarized the list was May 7, 2009. Links to reviews on this blog, or other information about the restaurants appears organized by city below.

Thai Restaurants I've discovered

Corte Madera
Tub Tim Thai

Fairfax
Siam Lotus

Larkspur
R'Noh Thai
Tha Siam
Sea Thai Bistro - to be visited

Mill Valley
Boo Koo (Fusion) - to be visited
Thailand Restaurant - to be visited
Thep Lela

Novato
Arun Thai Restaurant - to be visited
Chao Praya
My Thai II - to be visited
Thai Bistro
Thai Kettle (Farmers' Market) - to be visited

San Anselmo
Auryn Thai Cuisine - to be visited
Bann Thai - to be visited

San Rafael
Bankok Thai Express
Bay Thai Cuisine
Calgang
My Thai
Royal Thai Restaurant
Savory Orient (Fusion)
Signature Thai
Thai Smile
Tommy's Asian Bistro & Grill (Fusion) - to be visited

Sausalito
Arawan Thai Cuisine
Kitti's Place
Thai Terrace

Other Greater Bay Area Thai places I've reviewed

East Bay
Da Nang

Sonoma
Sukhothai
Thailand Thai Cuisine