Local businesses that have won their categories five times are elevated to the Best of Marin Hall of Fame. This year eight new members join 10 already on the roster. Congratulations to all these winners who have been consistently voted tops for their terrific service.

1st Year

BEST JAPANESE/SUSHI RESTAURANT
A favorite among diners and critics for the better part of two decades, Sushi Ran (107 Caledonia, Sausalito, 415/332-3620) is the place to go for both quality and variety. Drop by and grab a quick bite at the bar, or settle in for an extended stay and take advantage of the deliciously diverse menu. Whether it’s sushi, sashimi or a fusion dish you crave, you’ll find it all here—fresh as can be, with a perfect balance of flavors and textures. That’s the result of an expert staff of topnotch chefs and servers who know how to deliver the goods. Wash your meal down with supremely sippable sake from their huge selection, or sample some limited-production premium wine. Whatever your taste and fancy, you’ll find something well worth sinking your teeth into.

BEST PET SUPPLIES
People in Marin love their pets, which means they want the best for them. And when you’re searching for the best, there’s no better place to go than Pet Club (508 Tamalpais Dr., Corte Madera, 415/927-2862). Carrying a huge variety of pet toys and supplies from all over the world, Pet Club is totally animal-friendly. Fido and Fluffy are invited to wander the aisles—on a leash, of course—choosing their own playthings while Mom or Dad goes in search of food, litter, whatever. If it will help better the life of your four-legged friend in any way, shape or form, you’ll find it here. Open for 15 years, the Corte Madera store was the first of owner Wilbur Lee’s nine Pet Clubs. He is grateful to his faithful clientele, some of whom have been shopping with him since he first opened a grocery store 39 years ago. On behalf of all the pets and owners who’ve benefited from Pet Club’s presence, we offer a hearty hip-hip-bow-wow!

BEST WOMEN’S
CLOTHING BOUTIQUE
Viva Diva (1327 Fourth St., San Rafael, 415/256-8380), Amy Anderson’s eight-year-old boutique, has made its way into the HOF, and it’s not hard to figure out why. She continues to offer up contemporary clothing, at great prices, in an inviting atmosphere with a “girlfriend-y vibe.” It’s like shopping in a friend’s closet—that is, if your friend worked hard at keeping up-to-date clothing lines with a beautiful, almost personalized fit, had great customer service and kept lists of your preferences and closet contents. What’s that? She doesn’t? Well, Diva does. To sum up: For a joy-inducing shopping experience that’ll leave you looking and feeling simply mah-velous, look no further than Viva Diva.

BEST
DECORATIVE RUGS
Alexander’s Decorative Rugs (383 Miller Ave., Mill Valley, 415/383-3908, www.alexandersrugs.com) has a philosophy of doing business that has cemented the store’s status as the best in the biz. They strive to create a great customer experience by providing a beautiful atmosphere and beautifully presented rugs; by educating and respecting potential clients; by sharing their passion and vision of what a great rug truly is; and by doing all this in a way that honors an art form that goes back at least two millennia. All that, plus the store’s commitment to community involvement, probably explains why this business has won national, not to mention international, recognition. (Unfortunately, Marinites will soon have to travel to the San Francisco showroom, as the Mill Valley store is closing.)

BEST CARPETING
Kids, pets, inconsiderate house guests—the list of things and people that can do damage to your carpet is seemingly endless. But never fear, Rafael Floors (822 Francisco Blvd. W., San Rafael, 415/456-3656, www.rafaelfloors.com) is here—offering carpets made of Tactesse, a blemish-fighting material with the look and feel of wool, but made of a special DuPont Stainmaster nylon that represents a step forward in stain protection. And durability, too—it’ll probably take 20-plus years to wear a hole in it. But if you want something else, there are tons of other options; selection is among the store’s selling points. Two years ago, Rafael Floors joined the Abbey franchise, which means they now have an even broader range of products than before. If you haven’t yet, Rafael Floors invites you to come on down and walk all over them today.

BEST LIGHTING STORE
Lights of Rafael (4100 Redwood Hwy., San Rafael, 415/472-7292; www.lightsofrafael.com) has been lighting up the lives of Marin residents for years, combining superior customer service with impressive know-how and design skills. Working with business and residential customers on new construction, remodels or just a makeover, the staff consults and searches out lighting to suit any situation. Landscape design lighting is also a specialty. Their goal: to do their best to ensure that each customer is happy and satisfied. They carry a fine product line—Craftsman to contemporary, traditional to trendy—with price points all along the continuum. The Aasebys, who own the store, are also shining beacons in the community, through their support of local schools, youth sport and the Rotary Club. Sing it with us now: “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine...”

BEST COFFEE SHOP
Java junkies the county over (and there’s plenty of us) have many enticing options when it comes to getting that caffeinated fix. Near the top of the heap—and thus here in the Hall of Fame—is Peet’s Coffee & Tea (276 Bon Air Shopping Center, Greenbrae, 415/461-2695; 88 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley, 415/381-8227; 1701 Grant Ave., Novato, 415/897-4920; 896 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, 415/306-0310; 402 Third St., San Rafael, 415/306-0261). With premium beans, blended and hand-roasted to perfection, Peet’s offers up rich, full-bodied brews for people who like to taste their coffee. For lovers of the leaf, there’s a broad range of teas awaiting your discerning taste buds. A friendly staff and the ever-present (and pleasant) aroma of fresh-roasted goodness make the atmosphere at each of this popular chain’s locations—and they’ve added two more in the county since last we wrote ’em up in BOM—inviting. But it’s the superior quality of the delightfully sippable product that’ll keep you coming back for more.

BEST FAMILY RESTAURANT
Loading up the brood for an evening of eating out can be quite the ordeal. But sometimes cooking at home is even more of an ordeal, meaning places that are ready and willing to accommodate the whole clan are often Mom and Dad’s best friend. Enter Chevy’s Fresh Mex (302 Bon Air Shopping Center, Greenbrae, 415/461-3203; 128 Vintage Way, Novato, 415/898-7345). The patient waitstaff is always, well, waiting—with crayons, balloons, a special children’s menu and loads of patience. Your kids will be quieted not just by the colorful distractions but by the little person-sized portions of some old stand-bys: quesadillas, burritos and chicken nuggets, plus warm, tasty, complimentary tortilla chips that keep coming by the basketful. That frees up the old folks to kick back and enjoy any number of tasty south-of-the-border items, including specialty tacos, enchiladas, etc., and perhaps even a Margarita (or two).

2nd Year

BEST BREWPUB
When it comes to choosing a choice location to tip back a few cold ones, Marin’s beer drinkers are blessed with a plethora of palate-pleasing options. Standing tall at the top of the list is Marin Brewing Company (1809 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, 415/461-4677). Since its opening in 1989, the Larkspur-based brewpub has become the favorite destination for local beer aficionados. It’s easy to understand why. Not only do Marin Brewing Company’s sippables come to the table directly from the on-site brewery, thirsty customers have an incredible array of delicious varieties to choose from as well. The light and refreshing Bluebeery Ale, chocolaty Point Reyes Porter, Mt. Tam Pale Ale and dark San Quentin’s Breakout Stout are just a few of the outstanding options. They’re all natural too—none of those funky fillers. And then there is the food. Imbibers can enjoy their tasty beverages with everything from pub classics like bangers and mash and burgers to foodie friendly wood-fired pizzas and crisp salads. Cheers!

BEST HEALTH CLUB
It’s not easy to stay in shape, especially as we grow older. So if you’re looking for some rock-solid inspiration, look no further than Gold’s Gym (10 Fifer Ave., Corte Madera, 415/924-GOLD). The famed, decades-old establishment continues to set the standard for places to get pumped up. A visit to Gold’s should be just the motivation you need to get that body movin’. Gold’s Gym originated in Venice, California, but now boasts more than 600 facilities around the world. Even though it’s getting up there in years, the company prides itself on providing the latest, state-of-the-art equipment and services for its 2.5 million members. Not just a weightlifting gym, Gold’s offers opportunities to do some spinning, take a yoga class or participate in Pilates. Yet the number one concern is not being trendy, but rather helping members achieve their individual potential. Going for the Gold has never felt so good.

BEST BIKE SHOP
Mike’s Bikes (1601 Fourth St., San Rafael, 415/454-3747; #1 Gate Six Rd., Sausalito, 415/332-3200) is an industry innovator that has stood the test of time. The original San Rafael store, founded in 1964, was considered cutting-edge in its early days for being one of the first in the country to sell mountain bikes. Today, Mike’s Bikes is not only still a purveyor of cool, new products, the store also garners great respect in the bicycle industry. Recently, Mike’s Bikes was named one of the Top 100 Bicycle Retailers—an honor voted on by 12 industry leaders who assessed thousands of bicycle shops across the country. But Mike’s Bikes isn’t resting on its laurels. In addition to stocking its five Bay Area stores with the best cycling equipment, Mike’s maintains a large, highly professional staff of pedal-pushing experts. Mike’s 70-plus staffers are adept at helping cyclists pick out the most suitable equipment and making sure their customers’ rides are well maintained. With all of that expertise and positivity, it’s no wonder Mike’s Bikes isn’t just a bike shop anymore, it’s a cycling community center.

BEST CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE
Thoroughly modern homeowners have beaten a path to Scandinavian Designs (1212 Fourth St., San Rafael, 415/457-5500). It’s the place to go if you crave all things contemporary to fulfill your interior design desires. The decades-old company thrives because it is simultaneously au courant and accessible. Scandinavian Designs prides itself on bringing its customers high-quality European creations that are affordable and functional—there’s no reason why your sofa can’t be stylish, squishy and nicely priced. Whether you’re looking for an item for the living room, bedroom, dining room or office, the cheerful sales staff will help you find what you want. There is even a selection of furniture designed with youth in mind. And the accessories—you won’t be able to resist. The store is chock-full of exquisite lamps, candleholders and vases. After a trip to Scandinavian Designs, you’ll feel like you’re living in the pages of Architectural Digest.

BEST KITCHENWARE
Williams-Sonoma (The Village, Corte Madera, 415/924-6799) is more than a store. It’s a place where grown men and women can recapture their youth. When confronted by Williams-Sonoma’s massive array of kitchen goods and gadgets, home chefs tend to feel a lot like a kid in a candy shop. Sonoma-based cooking buff Chuck Williams founded the company in 1956 as a small cookware shop that specialized in French cooking equipment. From its humble North Bay beginnings, however, Williams-Sonoma has grown immensely. Its stores can now be found across North America. From the Great White North to the sizzling Southwest and sea to shining sea, Williams-Sonoma offers just about every gizmo a foodie might fancy. You can always count on high-quality kitchen basics like dishes, pots and pans. In addition, you can pick up excellent items that make life in the kitchen even more fun. Products like the candy-colored espresso machines, panini makers and dinosaur-shaped pancake molds are simply irresistible. Cooks, prepare to be kissed!

BEST FINE JEWELRY
Anniversary? Engagement? Valentine’s Day? Lincoln’s birthday? No matter the occasion, jewelry always makes an excellent gift. But if you want that gift to be exceptionally elegant, exquisite and unique, you must go to Stephan-Hill Jewelers (1226 Fourth St., San Rafael, 415/459-5808). Owned by design-savvy husband and wife team John Stephan Garfolo and Marian Hill Garfolo, Stephan-Hill is known for its distinctive selection of quality jewelry, as well as for the staff’s gemology expertise. In addition to showcasing their own creative designs at the store, the Garfolos also feature wonderful creations by a variety of international designers. You can add a little color to your loved one’s life with a pair of French-designed pavé earrings, “paved” with beautifully hued precious stones. Or show your adoration for your one-of-a-kind amour with a string of interestingly cut beads from Germany. Need some help? The Garfolos will be happy to guide you in the right direction. You’ll definitely find that singular sensation at this singular jewelry store.

BEST INDIAN RESTAURANT
As is the case with brewpubs, Marin is blessed with a wide and growing array of quality Indian restaurants. Still going strong at the head of the pack is Lotus Cuisine of India (704 Fourth St., San Rafael, 415/456-5808). Inspired by the clean and hearty dishes of North India (where the food is well spiced, but not so hot that you burn the roof of your mouth), Lotus’s menu is massive. There are eight different types of naan alone! Naan, of course, is the flat yet fabulous Indian bread used to scoop up all of the divine main dishes. Try the special Lotus naan, which is stuffed with spiced chicken, cashews and raisins. If you can’t choose among the 10 mouth-watering appetizers, don’t worry. Simply opt for the combo platter. You may, however, have more difficulty choosing only a few entrées—what with all the vegetarian delicacies, chicken, seafood and lamb curries, tandoori specialties and biriyani rice dishes. It’s a good idea to invite lots of friends to join you for the meal—even your vegan pals can enjoy this eating extravaganza. Or, you can opt for the buffet lunch, a quality, self-serve array of diverse dishes and sides, available Monday-Saturday.

3rd Year

BEST LATE NIGHT DINING
Given the Bay Area’s food-centric image, you’d be surprised how few restaurants exist for folks prone to the late-night munchies. Here in the North Bay, we’re incredibly lucky to have Marin Joe’s (1585 Casa Buena Dr., Corte Madera, 415/924-2081). Not only is the restaurant open past the bewitching hour (every night except Sunday), its menu is magnificent. Night owls are treated to hearty and delectable traditional Italian meals. The place has been around for more than 50 years, so the Della Santina family has a pretty good idea of what customers crave. Who could resist appetizers like antipasti, fried zucchini or garlic bread? Now that’s Italian comfort food. Equally soothing (not to mention filling) are the many varieties of pastas and sauces, like gnocchi with meat sauce, linguini with meatballs, rigatoni with pesto, lasagna and cannelloni. There are also plenty of salads and sandwiches, as well as chicken, veal and steak dishes. Marin Joe’s is open until 12:30am Monday-Saturday, 11:30pm Sunday. Now mangia!

BEST FOREIGN CARE REPAIR
Easy Automotive (145 Jordan, San Rafael, 415/457-1688) is a place that completely lives up to its name. For years Sun readers have been praising the auto repair shop because Easy employees make their experience so incredibly, well, easy. Easy Auto staffers provide solid work, offer honest auto insights and maintain, you guessed it, an easygoing vibe to boot. They can even keep your hot little hybrid in tip-top shape. And while the car gurus work their magic on your vehicle, you can count on being kept comfortable in the shop’s pleasant waiting room or quickly catching the courtesy shuttle to wherever you need to go. Easy as pie.

BEST FRENCH RESTAURANT
The French are an amazing people. They excel at food, wine, romance—and we hear that tower they built ain’t too shabby either. To sample a bit of the French good life for yourself, book a table at El Paseo (17 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley, 415/388-0741). The restaurant has long been celebrated for its scrumptious classic French dishes, elegant décor and amorous atmosphere. Tucked away on a charming cobblestone alley, El Paseo is the place to go when you absolutely must impress your dining partner. Menu items such as escargots, portobello and goat cheese tart, sliced duck breast and fondant au chocolat have delighted lay-diners and restaurant critics alike. And then there’s that famous wine list—El Paseo’s thoughtful and extensive menu has been praised by Wine Spectator for years. Forget Paris, just visit El Paseo.

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