Captivating Ceramics
Sausalito’s Heath Ceramics has unveiled a new limited-edition summer ’09 collection that utilizes a two-part glaze achieved through an experimental pottery technique. The company is also celebrating the launch of the Celadon teacup collection, which comes from a collaboration with clothing and housewares designer Christina Kim of Dosa. Heath Ceramics (Sausalito). 415.332.3732, ext. 13, heathceramics.com
Artist at Work
Painter Kay Carlson believed Artists could make a living selling their works from their studios. With the help of fellow artists Tim Rose and Molly Blauvelt, and the support of the Marin Arts Council, that idea 15 years ago lead to creation of Marin Open Studios, the countywide event that takes place this year May 2-3, 9-10. Visit Carlson in her studio in the ICB Building in Sausalito.
Quick Read
Two things new parents tend to be short on are time and money. Lucky for them, Larkspur residents Pam and Jack McLaughlin have launched Parents Digest. Editors provide concise synopsis on the key aspects of various parenting books with topics ranging from raising gifted children to dealing with picky eaters. Each summary is put into an eight-page e-mailed document and 150 new summaries are added each year. Subscriptions are $68 a year. parentsdigest.com
Blue Skies Ahead
You may have heard of husband-and-wife team Jessie and Laurent Boucher from their successful meal delivery service Jessie et Laurent, but the Marin-based culinary duo is now providing food for the Blue Skies Café at the Marin Health and Wellness Center. The new cafe is Buckelew Program’s latest addition and serves as a work training program for those with mental illness.
Blue Skies Café, 3240 Kerner Blvd., San Rafael, jessieetlaurent.com
Mother’s Day Reading
Looking for a literary twist for a Mother’s Day gift this year? Check out Because I Love Her, edited by San Rafael’s Andrea N. Richesin, who calls the book a moving and funny collection with essays on the mother-daughter relationship.
Get Informed
CBS Marketwatch and Dow Jones reporter and local Stacey Delo’s DIVA discussion group for smart and informed women to discuss current events, has gone from the living room to the online world. The Weekly DIVA, put out with the help of Stacey’s sister Carrice Delo and consulting from Mill Valley resident Brittany Olsen, is a free subscription e-mail for women who want to be informed but might not have time to sift through the news all week. Each e-mail breaks down one news topic and gives the basic information with a backgrounder and how it pertains to the big picture. It’s delivered every Friday, which as creator and San Francisco resident Stacey Delo says is just in time for you to survive a cocktail party or dinner with friends and wow them with what you know. Sign up at discussiondivas.com
Bon Vivants, Rejoice!
Sample the daily selection of wine and aperitifs, consult with the staff on unique wines for an upcoming dinner party, or simply stop by for a bottle of vino and imported cheese at Brooke Tognazzini and Cate Hughes’s (of A16 and ORA) new Ark Row gourmet shop. Prima Palate, 84 Main St. (Tiburon), 415.889.8998
Bites
Iron Springs Pub: Owners Mike and Anne Altman have created “Give Back Tuesdays,” wherein local schools/environmental organizations receive a portion of proceeds each Tuesday, as well as a Youth Music Showcase, which will be held in addition to their regular music schedule. On the food front, the triple-threat team of owner Mike Altman, head brewer Christian Kazakoff and chef Luis Carillo (photo above) are pairing their handcrafted ales with the best locally produced oysters, cheeses, and more, competing with wine for the role of nosh-accompaniment of choice. 415.485.1005, ironspringspub.com
Three Degrees is now Tiburon Grill—new name, new style and new menu. The bar space at Three Degrees was so popular it’s been opened up to create a more loungy seating area. Chef Bruce Bowers, formerly of Real Restaurants, together with Fred Lam, the chef de cuisine, have redesigned the menu to offer more, casual, seasonal California pub fare. No item is more than $20 except for a steak, with entrées falling in the $14 to $18 range. Happy hour will be Monday through Friday from 4 to 7p.m. and will feature $4 appetizers, $3 draft beers and $3 wine-by-the-glass specials.