The Wine Spectator, considered by many to be the first and last word in wine, has released its list of restaurants with distinctive wine programs. Not surprising, Marin County is well represented this year.
Leading the way is Sausalito's Murray Circle with a best of award of excellence, one of the publication's top honors. The restaurant, a top dining destination, has an outstanding sellar with the strengths coming in the selection of wines from California, Italy, France and Spain.
Wine Spectator has been publishing this list since 1981. The winners pass an inspection that considers overall quality of wine programs, cellars, service, cuisine and ambience. The magazine reviewed 3,748 restaurants around the world for the compilation.
Sausalitoís Murray Circle won a Best of Award of Excellence, one of the Wine Spectator’s top honors, for its wine program.(Special to the IJ/Jocelyn
Sausalitoís Murray Circle won a Best of Award of Excellence, one of the Wine Spectator's top honors, for its wine program.(Special to the IJ/Jocelyn Knight)
Other Marin restaurants, all earning awards of excellence, include El Paseo in Mill Valley; Il Fornaio in Corte Madera's Town Center, Sausalito's Poggio Trattoria, and Larkspur's Melting Pot and the Tavern at Lark Creek (the Tavern is closed after sustaining some damage in a fire on March 15 and repairs are ongoing).
Kudos to them all.
DINING WITH DARLING
Novato chef Keith Darling has been given airtime by PBS for a new show, "Dining with Darling," but needs some financial help to get it going.
Darling plans to tape his show at a Geyserville ranch. The pilot was shot as his two-acre horse ranch in Novato. His focus is on creating savory dishes from fresh, local ingredients. Darling has launched a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for the premiere season of his show, which PBS has committed to air for 13 episodes, beginning in the fall.
Darling says his lessons need to travel "from my head to your head to your hands." He wants to help viewers unlock the language of a recipe and give them enough confidence to try it on their own. He says he intends to explore the Marin lifestyle as it relates to food through all the local farmers markets. He also will visit the wine country, Napa and Sonoma. Darling considers Marin the bridge to the wine country.
For information about the Kickstarter campaign go to www.kickstarter.com/projects/1346119816/dining-with-darling-think-like-a-chef-on-pbs?ref=nav search.
DANCING IN THE STREETS
Revel in some finger-licking barbecue and hot licks from master musicians on Fourth Street in San Rafael on July 20.
The Great American Blues and Barbecue Festival celebrates the nation's heritage of music and food with some performances by local and national artists. Austin de Lone's Little Big Band will take the stage at 1:30 p.m. Appearing with the band will be Eric McCann on bass and vocals, Paul Revelli, Jimmy Dillon and Keith Crossan. Special guest performers will include Tommy Castro, blues great Ron Thompson and Nick Gravenites. Aside from blues, there will be cold beverages to help wash down all the ribs, links and other goodies.
The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. Call 383-3470.
DOWNTOWN LAUGHS
Trek Winery in Novato is expanding its footprint into entertainment Aug. 2 with comedian Mark Pitta and special guest Maureen Langan, host of KGO's "Hangin' with Langan."
Trek owner/winemaker Andy Podshadley says this is just one of the events he and his wife, Liz, put on at the spacious site.
"We have music and dancing, game night, even a cooking class," he says. Most events take place in the barrel room.
General admission for the Aug. 3 show is $20 with reserved seats costing $25. Trek Winery is at 1026 Machin Ave. For tickets, go to the winery or www.marincomedyshow.com.
Article and Photos Sourced from: http://www.marinij.com/dining_food/ci_26154497/bread-butter
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