There is no time like the present to celebrate spring and our collective emergence from never-ending pandemic lockdowns. Get out there (safely, of course) and eat, support NorCal restaurants and honor Mom and anyone else who made through winter to breathe in the fresh air of the season. Sante!

Blue Ridge Kitchen – Fun and unexpected twists are from the norm for a newcomer to the North Bay dining scene named for a famous Eastern mountain range. The restaurant bulls itself as having a southern drawl but the cioppino with tomato-anise broth and local Dungeness speaks clearly of California Nor is there anything “short” about the 10 hours ribs spend slowly smoking before becoming Short Rib Hash. Raw oysters, however, are simply topped with Meyer lemon hibiscus granita and a smoked mignonette.

Fern Bar – The lush environs and soaring ceilings defy the speakeasy cocktail driven vibe of this restaurant and-soon again- live music venue at The Barlow in Sebastopol Cocktails get geeky (Banjee Tangie with Genepy des Alpes and tangerine) and freaky (Urban Bourbon with house-made walnut liqueur and Scotch mist) while brunch is more down to earth (French toast, pork katsu sandwich with red cabbage and French fries). 

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May 6, 2021

MARIN MAGAZINE