An afternoon “working” at the home and garden of Larry and Debby Mindel in Sausalito with the Poggio and Copita crew was a treat. We were there to photograph a Garden Party feature, showcasing the chefs and bounty from both Sausalito restaurants owned by Mindel. Click through for the feature, complete with recipes! One of the first homes in Sausalito, it was built in 1870 by an entreprenuer and boat captain named Charles Harrison (hence the name of the street that runs below the estate) and still has a few mementos from this time, including pieces of the boat that are now a door and fireplace mantel, as well as tudor-style stain glass windows. There is also a water feature that runs the entire length of the property, a gift to a young bride of a former family who lived here, according to Mindel. This water feature/ babbling brook irrigates Mindels extensive organic garden, which is located just below the house on the last buildable lot in Sausalito. Much of the herbs and produce for both Poggio and Copita come from this garden. When we were there to take photos -the garden was not in full bloom but still had plenty of edible treats like kale and lettuce.
Who came? Larry and Debby played host to Larry’s partner at Copita, Joanne Wier with her husband Joe Erlich, Amy Svenberg managing partner of both Poggio and Copita (photo below in yellow dress), Benjamin Balesteri, executive chef at Poggio. From Copita, Dilsa Lugo, sous chef and gardener and executive chef Gonzalo Rivera Jr.. Luckily a few of their favorite food vendors were able to join the table including Craig Ramini who makes Raimini Mozzarella as well as the Milans of Queso Salazar and Raul Garcia of Tequila Celestial. We were thrilled photographer Jennifer Martine was able to drive over from the East Bay to document this unique garden party. On these shoots, I’m not comfortable partaking in the party. I enjoy documenting the moment – so much so, my daughter told me I had puked all over Instagram (translation: I posted way too many photos, I’ve shared a few below). I challenge anyone else to spend an afternoon at this home, with these chefs, and these food puveyors, in this setting to not take too many photographic momentos.
Mimi Towle has been the editor of Marin Magazine for over a decade. She lived with her family in Sycamore Park and Strawberry and thoroughly enjoyed raising two daughters in the mayhem of Marin’s youth sports; soccer, swim, volleyball, ballet, hip hop, gymnastics and many many hours spent at Miwok Stables. Her community involvements include volunteering at her daughter’s schools, coaching soccer and volleyball (glorified snack mom), being on the board of both Richardson Bay Audubon Center. Currently residing on a floating home in Sausalito, she enjoys all water activity, including learning how to steer a 6-person canoe for the Tamalpais Outrigger Canoe Club. Born and raised in Hawaii, her fondness for the islands has on occasion made its way into the pages of the magazine.