Greenbrae, Kentfield and Ross — what do such unique towns have in common? Besides great weather (not too hot and not too cold), excellent schools and a plethora of homes with pools, these towns share Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. The artery-like boulevard runs through each of these idyllic communities, connecting residents on a daily basis. Greenbrae has the shops, groceries and food spots, as well as the medical care at Marin General Hospital. Kentfield and Ross are mostly residential communities, with some of the best examples of Marin “wow factor” homes.
Lunch With the Ladies
EAT Some like a burger, some like salads, most like fries, but to attract the discerning taste buds of ladies who lunch in Marin, a restaurant should offer it all with flair.
1. FIFI’S DINER Enjoy your burger and/ or salad with fries alfresco as the world passes by at Greenbrae’s Bon Air Shopping Center, and don’t miss the weekday $7.99 specials served at tables with red vinyl chairs or at the counter. fifisdiner.com
2. HALF DAY CAFE Famous for serving the area’s best breakfast for years, the Kentfield cafe offers an array of salads and sandwiches for lunch, as well as a few breakfastfor- lunch options. We love the French toast with orange butter. halfdaycafe.com
3. JASON’S RESTAURANT Unless you work in the nearby office buildings, this Greenbrae spot is a bit of a hidden gem. Dine indoors or out. The menu, billed as Asian-Italian fusion, features salads, sandwiches and pizza as well as Hawaiian poke. jasonsrestaurant.com
4. WOODLANDS CAFE Considering the high standards evident in the attached grocery store, the popularity of this Kentfield cafe for lunch is not a surprise. Besides the healthy inventive basics, you’ll find a few surprises like prawn lettuce wraps and ceviche mixto. woodlandsmarket.com
Row Row Row
5. PLAY Yes, we’ve written about the Marin Rowing Association’s various achievements throughout the years, including its medals in prestigious national events, successful college placements for junior athletes and the variety of age groups served. Situated just north of the Highway 101 off-ramp, the 100 percent solar-powered facility (the first boathouse in the country to be fueled by the sun) is usually surrounded by rowers on the glassy water reflecting Mount Tamalpias. The area serves as a beacon of good living, broadcasting the message “welcome to Marin” or “welcome home,” whatever the case may be. marinrowing.org
For the Kids
PLAY Oh to be a kid in Marin. These pint-size people are lucky to call our towns their home. Here we highlight two super tot parks, a fantasy family-owned toy store, a dress shop to make a princess swoon, and a can-they-get-any-cuter ballet school.
6. MISS SARA’S BALLET 23 Ross Common, the Ross Garage Building (Ross), 415.450.1425, misssaras.com
7. PIXIE PARK 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd (Ross), pixiepark.org
8. SECRET GARDEN 180 Bon Air Center (Greenbrae), 415.464.9294, secretgardenchild.com
9. TOWN CENTER PARK (pictured) Ross Common Road/Lagunitas Road (Ross), 415.453.6020, rossrecreation.org
10. TOY WORLD 2094 Redwood Hwy (Greenbrae), 415.461.4642, toyworldmarin.com
