Suddenly Marin County is getting all kinds of restaurant action. The first one to note is the opening of Scott Howard’s BRICK & BOTTLE in Corte Madera (in the former Izzy’s Steak & Chops space). The comfort food-oriented menu includes a variety of pizzas from the wood stone oven; eight kinds of salads; a pimento cheeseburger (uh, yum); pastas like tagliatelle with English peas, bacon, and Parmesan cheese; and mains like rotisserie chicken and braised short ribs (most of the mains are around $20). (And no, I don’t see his carrot soup on the menu, I think chef needs a break.) The cocktail list is lengthy, with eight beers on tap. Hours are Mon-Fri 11:30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 11:30am-11pm, with weekend brunch 11:30am-2pm. 55 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, 415-924-3366.
Another newcomer is L’APPART RESTO in San Anselmo (in the former AVA) from owners Olivier Souvestre and Bruno Denis of Sausalito’s Le Garage. Look for a casual menu of French fare made with local ingredients, including smoked herring with parsnip potato blinis and shaved artichokes, or a main of butter-poached halibut with sunchoke croquettes and green tomato confiture. Dinner is served Mon-Sat; lunch and brunch are slated to come soon. 636 San Anselmo Ave. at Tamalpais, San Anselmo, 415-256-9884.
Another newbie is MILL VALLEY BEERWORK BREWERY AND BEER CAFÉ (read all about it on UrbanDaddy) from brothers Justin and Tyler Catalana. They will be handcrafting beers on site (coming soon), plus they offer a large selection of imported and local microbrews (almost 100). You can also get other fizzy items like housemade kombucha, ginger ale, and rootbeer. The menu is simple: fresh pretzels, salumi, and cheese plates, plus fresh salads, and a sandwich. Starting next week, hours will be 10am-12am nightly (open at 3pm this week). 173 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley, 415-336-3596.
Not too long ago I mentioned DISH, the new casual spot in Mill Valley from Peter Schumacher (Buckeye Roadhouse, Bungalow 44). Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served, and the eclectic menu will include California ethnic food made with local ingredients, ranging from Italian dishes to Moroccan meatballs. 507 Miller Ave., Mill Valley, 415-388-3474.
Oh, and there has been one closure: the E&O TRADING CO. location in Larkspur has closed.
