Send this story Print this story

Adjust text size

Best of Marin: Best of Marin 2007 Winners

EAT ANOTHER DAY

Best American Restaurant Buckeye Roadhouse

Best Bakery Emporio Rulli

Best Breakfast Half Day Café

Best Burger (Hall of Fame: Phyllis' Giant Burgers) Barney's Gourmet Hamburgers

Best Burrito Taqueria San Jose

Best Central Marin Restaurant Il Fornaio

Best Chinese Restaurant Jennie Low's Chinese Cuisine

Best Deli Hilary's Kitchen

Best Place for Kids to Party and Eat Birthday Cake Bay Area Discovery Museum

Best French Restaurant Left Bank

Best Gourmet Take-Out Food Comforts

Best Ice Cream/Yogurt Shop Fairfax Scoop

Best Independent Coffee House (Hall of Fame: Peet's) Marin Coffee Roasters - San Anselmo

Best Indian Restaurant (Hall of Fame: Lotus Cuisine of Inida) Bombay Garden

Best Italian Restaurant Il Fornaio

Best Japanese Restaurant(Hall of Fame: Sushi Ran) Sushi to Dai For

Best Meal Under $20 Sol Food

Best Mediterranean Restaurant Insalata's Restaurant

Best Mexican Restaurant Guaymas Restaurant

Best New Restaurant (Opened In 2006) Sol Food

Best Novato Restaurant Kitchen

Best Organic Produce Civic Center Farmers Market

Best Pizza (Hall of Fame: Amici's East Coast Pizzeria) Mulberry Street Pizzeria

Best Place for a Business Lunch Il Fornaio

Best Place for a Dinner Date Lark Creek Inn

Best Restaurant for Vegetarians Comforts

Best Ross Valley Restaurant Insalata's Restaurant

Best San Rafael Restaurant Il Davide

Best Seafood Restaurant Seafood Peddler

Best Southern Marin Restaurant Buckeye Roadhouse

Best Steakhouse Buckeye Roadhouse

Best Thai Restaurant Thep Lela Thai Restaurant

Best West Marin Restaurant Olema Inn & Restaurant

EON PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS

Best Art Gallery Artisans Gallery

Best Bar Sweetwater

Best Bookstore (Hall of Fame: Book Passage) Depot Bookstore & Cafe

Best Martini Buckeye Roadhouse

Best Place for Dance Lessons Dance Arts Studio

Best Place for Dancing (Hall of Fame: Rancho Nicasio) 19 Broadway - 19broadway.com

Best Place for Live Music Sweetwater

Best Sports Bar/Pub Marin Brewing Company

Best Theater Company Marin Theatre Company - marintheatre.com

Best Used Record Store Village Music

Best Video Store Video Droid

FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

Best Consignment Shop Deja Nu

Best Dry Cleaner (Hall of Fame: Marin Cleaners and Laundry) French Laundry & Cleaners

Best Hair Salon (Men) Brewer Phillips Hair Design

Best Hair Salon (Women) Brewer Phillips Hair Design

Best Jeweler (Hall of Fame: Stephan-Hill) Johann Paul

Best Lingerie Chadwicks of London

Best Men's Clothier Patrick James Purveyor to Gentlemen

Best Photography Store Seawood Photo

Best Place to Buy Glasses 20/20 Optical

Best Women's Boutique (Hall of Fame: Viva Diva) Bella

YOU ONLY LIVE TWICE

Best Acupuncture Pine St. Clinic

Best Bike Shop/Service (Hall of Fame: Mike's Bikes) Sunshine Bicycle Center

Best Employment Agency Perfect Timing Personnel

Best Health Club (Hall of Fame: Gold's Gym) Osher Marin JCC

Best Health Food Store Good Earth Natural Foods

Best Martial Arts Studio Marin MMA

Best Massage Salon Mill Valley Massage - millvalleymassage.com

Best Pilates Studio Fit First Pilates - fitfirstpilates.com

Best Place to Buy Sports Equipment T&B Sports - TandBsports.com

Best Ski/Camping Shop (Hall of Fame: Any Mountain) DemoSport

Best Spa Stellar Spa

Best Surf Shop Fat Kat Surf Shop & Surfboard Repair

Best Yoga Classes Bikram Yoga San Rafael

PLENTY O' TOOLE

Best Antiques Dove Place Antiques

Best Appliance Store Martin & Harris Appliances

Best Carpet Cleaners Atlas Window & Carpet Cleaning - iloveatlas.com

Best Carpeting (Hall of Fame: Rafael Floors) City Carpets

Best Frame Shop Cheap Pete's Frame Factory Outlet

Best Green (Environment Conscious) Business Good Earth Natural Foods

Best Hardware Store Jackson's Hardware - jacksonshardware.com

Best Hardwood Flooring Mill Valley Bamboo - mvbamboo.com

Best Home Furnishings (Hall of Fame: Scandinavian Designs) Sunrise Home

Best Import Furnishings Flying Elephants

Best Kitchen/Bath Remodeler Kitchens & More - kitchensandmore.com

Best Landscape Designer Cynthia Egger Landscape Design - eggerlandscape.com

Best Lighting (Hall of Fame: Lights of Rafael) Light Express

Best Movers Johnson & Daly Moving & Storage

Best Outdoor/Patio Furniture Smith & Hawken

Best Paint Store (Hall of Fame: Marin Color Service) Tamalpais Paint & Color, Corte Madera

Best Plumber (Hall of Fame: Ongaro and Sons) Burkell Plumbing

Best Roofer DeMello Roofing - demelloroofing.com

Best Solar Distributor Marin Solar - marinsolar.com

Best Tree ServiceTreeMasters - marintreemasters.com

Best Window Blinds/Drapery Shades of Marin

Best Window Cleaners Atlas Window & Carpet Cleaners - iloveatlas.com

Q BRANCH

Best Auto Dealership Marin Honda

Best Car Repair (Domestic) tie - Blake's Auto Body and Mellow Motors

Best Car Repair, Foreign (Hall of Fame: Easy Auto) Marin Honda

Best Computer/Tech Store Marin MAC Shop

Best Place to Buy a Musical Instrument Bananas at Large

Best Tire Shop (Hall of Fame: Cains Tires) Toscalito Tire & Automotive

THE WORLD IS NOT ENOUGH

Best Kid-Friendly, Non-Chain Restaurant Easy Street Café

Best Pet Store (Hall of Fame: Pet Club) Pet Cottage

Best Toy Store A Child's Delight - achildsdelight.com

CATEGORY ROYALE

Best Bond Sean Connery

Best Bond Movie Casino Royale

Best Celeb to Play the Marin County Fair Joan Jett

Best Marin town, other than your own San Anselmo

Best Movie by a Marin-Connected Actor All the King's Men (Sean Penn)

Biggest Local News Story New Year's floods

Worst Bond Timothy Dalton

Worst Bond Movie Moonraker

Worst Celeb to Play Marin County Fair Nelson Bros.

Worst Movie by a Marin-Connected Actor RV (Robin Williams)

Posted by Debbie Sullivan, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Jun 21, 2007 at 12:37 pm

I have lived in Marin for a long time now and been having my nails done for over 38 years here in Marin and I've just noticed a new salon/spa in San Rafael that really makes my nails worth the looks. This place in San Rafael, named La Rose Nail Spa, is filled with wonderful spa pedicure treatments as well as manicure treatments. I really like this place because it makes me feel like home. The climate in this salon is very relaxing and the prices are very reasonable. I think that for the upcomming Best of Marin in 2008,there should be a category for best nail salon/spa which includes this place as a salon/spa. They also have a web address at www.larosenailspa.com which everyone can take a look at. They are located at 2230 4th Street in San Rafael phone number (415) 457 - 7669.

Posted by Tim, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Jul 7, 2007 at 11:09 pm

Sounds like an advertisement, Ms. Sullivan.

Posted by Debbie Sullivan, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Aug 16, 2007 at 2:19 pm

To what Tim had said, La Rose Nail Spa is really a nice little place and they are really nice and friendly so I do think they should win an award.

Posted by Nancey, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Sep 7, 2007 at 10:36 pm

Since there seems to be a lot of service industries being recognized here, why not include a new category for 2008? That is to say, let's begin voting for the Best Appliance Repair company. I'm having a hard time finding someone reliable in Marin, and it would be great to get feedback. I'm finding that you can't assume that just because they sell 'em that it means they will service 'em too. Anybody with me on this??

Posted by Joe, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Sep 27, 2007 at 7:52 am

hey, for what it's worth, Meridian Sports Club in San Rafael sucks. THey charged me 9 months of service after I quit. I had not set foot in their club since may 2006 and they charged me up until (beilieve this or not sept 11th 2007. after i gave them a letter in sept of 2006. they sent this to collections before contacting me and have not returned my calls for months. i finally contacted a press in LA and am working with him. They rip people off and dont call or contact them for resolutions. I never want to see them on this list.

Posted by Nikki, a resident of the Novato neighborhood, on Oct 13, 2007 at 11:23 am

Hey Joe, doesn't sound good for a fitness center who seems to be buying up Novato's local fitness places left & right. I'm curious as to how many more Meridian members can attest to the poor service...

Posted by Lois, a resident of the Tiburon neighborhood, on Nov 27, 2007 at 11:11 am

There is no category for Garage Door repair and new...including garage door electric openers!

Anybody know of a good one? Thanks!

I think it also should be a category for 2008

Posted by anonymous, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 16, 2007 at 2:34 pm

How about a category for apartment hunters?

Best Apartment complex or community (large scale, more than 20(?) units)

Best Landlord (for smaller scale, up to 20 (?) units)

Best Progessional Property Management Co. (could be 1 category rated by tenants, another rated by property owners)

And/or

Best place to rent for pet owners

Best place to rent for non-smokers / smokers

Best place to rent for accessibility

Best place to rent without owning a car

etc.

Posted by Gunnel Strom, a resident of the Larkspur neighborhood, on Dec 18, 2007 at 2:19 pm

You recently had an article about a new chinese restaurant that opened in Corte Madera (?) by the owner of the Mandarin Restaurant in Ghiraldelli Square - it had a big Buddha in front - could you please let me know the name and where it is located.

Thank you so much, Gunnel Strom

Posted by Editor, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 19, 2007 at 9:28 am

If you go to bar on left of our home page and click on "local restaurants" you will be taken to our restaurant page. If you click on the language at the bottom "Check out the most recent restaurant reviews..." you will see all of the Sun's recent reviews listed with dates. Clicking on the restaurant name will take you to the full review. Perhaps you are referring to Harmony Restaurant in Strawberry?

Posted by Trish, a resident of the Corte Madera neighborhood, on Dec 23, 2007 at 2:32 pm

Hi, Could someone recommend the best place to get a facial? I recently moved here and have seen lots of spas and hair salons, but want to go where someone has had a truly great experience. By the way, I second the opinion of Debbie Sullivan about La Rose Nail Spa - I would certainly vote them Best of Marin for manicures and pedicures!

Thanks, Trish

Posted by Anonymous, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 27, 2007 at 1:10 pm

How about Best Electrician? And Best Handyman Service? Any ideas or can you add these?

Posted by Jennifer, a resident of the Tiburon neighborhood, on Dec 29, 2007 at 4:43 pm

I third the opinion of Debbie Sullivan. They are the best since I've been in Marin.

Posted by Nancy Ruiz, a resident of the Fairfax neighborhood, on Dec 30, 2007 at 7:18 pm

Marin Acura then best in service, and attention

Posted by susan, a resident of the Sausalito neighborhood, on Jan 5, 2008 at 12:14 pm

how about best healer or chiropractor?

Posted by Chrysanthemum restaurant, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Jan 11, 2008 at 11:56 am

I vote Chrysanthemum best restaurant and best Chinese restaurant of 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by Catherine Carew, a resident of the Novato neighborhood, on Jan 16, 2008 at 10:39 am

Novato Pilates is the best pilates studios in Marin. It's amazing what this studio has done for me. I've become so much more agile since joining these classes and look forward to my sessions with Kathylou and Rose.

Posted by Bonnie Samuel, a resident of the Greenbrae neighborhood, on Jan 24, 2008 at 2:08 pm

I vote Dr Shahin Javaheri as "Marin's Best plastic surgeon." He's amazing! I shopped around for over 6 months and have seen many doctors but found him to be the best. He was very caring, patient and he's work was unbelievable. I'm so happy, I feel like a new person.

Posted by Karen Antoff, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Feb 9, 2008 at 10:55 pm

What happened to Best Shoe Repair! Marelli Brothers all the way!!

Posted by beth, a resident of another community, on Mar 6, 2008 at 3:11 pm

As a comment to the person above looking for a good facial -- I love Isela, she used to work at Mill Valley Health Club and Spa and has just started her own business, REFRESH Skin by Isela, it's right next door to the Mill Valley Health Club and Spa in Mill Valley, but the Cantina. I go to her for waxing and she rules!!! She has all kinds of facials too. Check her out.

Posted by Katie, a resident of the Corte Madera neighborhood, on Mar 10, 2008 at 10:53 am

A recommendation to the person who was looking for a good facial - the absolute BEST place is bit of a drive from San Rafael but worth the travel. It is a fairly new day spa called Champagne Salon and Day Spa. It is in the Cove shopping center, about a mile off 101 at the Tiburon/Mill Valley exit. As long as you go before/after commute traffic, it only takes about 10 minutes from downtown San Rafael. The aesthetician, Joanne, has over 15 years experience and has worked in medical (skin care) as well. She was recruited by the new owner and she is by far the best I have ever experienced --- and I've had a LOT of facials at a lot of different places, including some of the top spas around the world. If you can spend 1 1/2 hours, I highly recommend the skinmaster facial. You will see an incredible difference after your facial (no redness at all, just smooth, glowing skin) and I doubt you will ever go anyplace else!

Posted by Richard, a resident of the Novato neighborhood, on May 23, 2008 at 11:52 am

Any suggestions for a good American car mechanic, for things such as brakes and belts. ...Also good value auto waxing; does not have to be the 'whole detailing thing'. Thanks!

Posted by Jonathan Frieman, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on May 25, 2008 at 9:36 am

McGuiness Mechanics--excellent!

Posted by 4la, a resident of another community, on May 27, 2008 at 6:25 pm

for much of these categories, what is the best single info-source I've found yet? read issues of "bay area consumers checkbook".

I don't know why appliance repair should be a problem. refrigeration is slightly special, and water seals can be time-consuming, but you can DIY much appliance repair. (same with basic protective vehicle waxing!)

Garage doors are an existing subsubspecialty, but I'd expect most general door guys can fix garage doors.

good auto repair shops don't stay that way long, but begin by avoiding chains and dealers (except when you need to buy mfr parts).

the rental suggest/questions (regarding both "sides", renter & owner/mgmt) are good, imo

ok.

who does the best local journalism? <b> :-D </b>

Posted by anon, a resident of the Mill Valley neighborhood, on May 28, 2008 at 11:26 am

McGuinness Mechanics, thanks for that advice. Do they service Toyotas? I've been going to C&R.

Had someone or a group of whomever try to steal my catalytic converter from underneath my car while parked at Manzanita. Then after that threat I went up to Spencer where they successfully were able to steal it altogether.

Since then I've been to C&R and Johnny Franklin's Muffler shop.

Both of those places are great. For some stupid reason (that should not exist today especially in such a so-called progressive place like Marin) car repair places tend to treat women like moronic dolts.

I had gone to Japanese Auto in San Rafael and the first time they tuned up the car it was spectacular. Then the second time one of their new mechanics had done serious damage to an otherwise fine car.

So finding C&R was good.

Posted by Marg Dodds, a resident of the Tiburon neighborhood, on May 30, 2008 at 6:59 am

Arranging a party for my husbands 60th birthday in November for about 30 people. If anyone out there knows of a good 'in home caterer' I would be most appreciative.

Posted by Mary, a resident of the Terra Linda neighborhood, on Jun 7, 2008 at 11:42 am

No one has rated the best childcare in Marin!

Posted by TC, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Jun 9, 2008 at 10:09 am

I've used Delicious and Cater Marin for catering. Both did a good job, though they are not the least expensive options.

Posted by resident mill valley, a resident of the Mill Valley neighborhood, on Aug 12, 2008 at 10:09 pm

WE WANT TO KNW ABOUT BEST CHILDCARE IN MARIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MOM IN NEED!!

Posted by resident, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Sep 26, 2008 at 10:41 pm

Please add: BEST APPLIANCE REPAIR

for the next round of judging please. I want to know, too, who you can rely on.

Posted by please add: SMOG CHECK STATION, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Oct 10, 2008 at 12:19 pm

i am a smog technician/owner of SAN RAFAEL SMOG - we are a state certified smog center and have 2 locations in San Rafael. If you live in Marin we would like you to consider our stations for your next smog check. We're not on Best of Marin List YET! :) but we have all 5-star reviews on yelp and also offer $30 OFF coupon on our website at sanrafaelsmog dot com where you can find out more information and directions to both stores.

Posted by kuffyd, a resident of the Novato neighborhood, on Oct 17, 2008 at 1:25 pm

What about best tattoo parlor/artist in Marin?

Posted by pam, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 21, 2008 at 8:29 pm

12/20/08 night of the boat parade. I made a phone reservation for dinner. When I arrived the hostess couldn't find my name in the computer. Waited at the bar for one hour for a table for two. The crab and lobster sucked !!!!! Went home $140.00 dollars lighter and still hungry!!!!!

Posted by Dave, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Dec 21, 2008 at 8:35 pm

Hey Pam! Your'e so right.....Sea Food Piedpiper sucks. Sat for a hour at least the same night. Scrawney crabs, too.

Posted by Dee, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Feb 10, 2009 at 6:47 pm

Looking for a hair salon/stylist for a great haircut. Anywhere in Marin is fine - just please someone who will work with my wavy hair! Thanks

Posted by Dee, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Feb 10, 2009 at 6:48 pm

Looking for a hair salon/stylist for a great haircut. Anywhere in Marin is fine - just please someone who will work with my wavy hair! Thanks

Posted by Megan, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Apr 14, 2009 at 2:17 pm

I've lived in many places around the country... east coast... west coast... and MERIDIAN SPORTS CLUB is **by far** THE WORST fitness center that I have ever been a member of!! With Marin priding themselves in their local vendors and businesses, it's a real shame that places like this are permitted to provide their scam of a business to those of us who simply want to live a healthy lifestyle.

I am now a member of Elan Fitness in San Anselmo, which is a GREAT gym for women. The fees are much more reasonable, the facilities are good, and classes & staff are great...

Posted by Karlyn, a resident of the Greenbrae neighborhood, on Apr 22, 2009 at 9:30 pm

Two weeks ago, I tried Jason's for the first time. I brought my 4 year old daughter, my Mother in law, and her aid. The hostess sat us with out a smile, rather careless of the fact that we were smiling to make up for the fact that she wasn't. No problem, I've worked my way though Graduate School on the East Coast by working in Restaurants, so I thought she just might be having a bad night. Then the waitress came. She was beautiful, long blond hair and a ponytail; she really looked like a professional ballerina. Her attitude and unfriendliness were that of a bitter woman who hated being there. I asked her if she had bottled water, and she said "sparkling only". Ok, I said, do you have any filtered water? "No." she replied curtly. I'm wondering where this was coming from, since I make it a point to be very respectful of servers, especially since I remember a decade ago what it felt like to be treated poorly. But this was very different. I asked her what would be a good thing that I can order for a child. "Pasta" she said as if she was really saying, "Kids aren't supposed to be here". I asked about the specials, and she said, "I have to go ask Jason" and walked away.

Was I crazy? After ordering, noticed a pizza being brought out to an adult. “Do you have pizza here?" I asked her, trying so hard to let her know she didn’t have to be rude to us. "It's on the menu" she said. As I looked down to a flavorless Caesar salad, and a generic French onion soup that is surpassed ten times over at Left Bank, I knew..." This place is not a Marin Story." As we left, I looked at the hostess who seemed too bored to even thank us and bid us goodnight, and noticed Crayons for kids who came in. Guess she forgot this tidbit of offerings. Now I thought, hmmm, my daughter sat quietly watching her iPod the whole time, we ordered $160.00 worth of bland and unoriginal dinner for 3 adults, and we were very nice and easy customers. I knew now this was a cold place to be, and was regretful for wasting my time there. When I think about all the great community places to eat in San Anselmo, I wonder why Jason's is still in business.

Two weeks later I am convinced by my mother in law, that we should try it again. We'll we got the exact same service, only worse of a job from ballerina server who acts as if she's an SS guard. We vowed to never return, and will send positive and welcoming thoughts out to the next restaurant owner who takes over Jason's in Greenbrae.

Posted by lety, a resident of the Greenbrae neighborhood, on Apr 29, 2009 at 10:02 pm

anyone know of a good obgyn in marin??

Posted by arianna, a resident of the Greenbrae neighborhood, on Apr 29, 2009 at 10:03 pm

I had my body sculpting done by dr javaheri and all I have to say is WOW. What an amazing surgeon. He's extremely polite, gentle and truly listens. I was referred to him by my best friend who is an RN at Alta Bates hospital. She told me all the nurses and doctors there adore him and speak highly of him. I see why. If you're considering any change to your body, seek his advise 1st. I never dreamed that I'd love my body as much as I do today (in my 40's). I use to have a box figure and now I have curves! my husband speaks so highly of him too and says he's never met a doctor, a plastic surgeon at that, that was so down to earth and humble.

Posted by suzy, a resident of the San Rafael neighborhood, on Feb 2, 2010 at 11:12 pm

can someone recommend an honest / reliable auto repair for BMW ?

Paying $120 /hr. for a mechanic sounds ridiculous to me, esp. if u don't know the guys ! Just want some good oldfashioned brakes, tuneups, etc. and was quoted $2000 locally by a 'reliable' outfit !

Geez, my car is a 2000. Thanks for your reply !!