September 1st: Weekend Events, Playdate Idea, Restaurant of the Week & Weekly Calendar of Events

It's Labor Day Weekend and it is going to be another hot one! This weekend events include art and music festivals with 80's band 'The Bangles' headlining. This week's Play Date idea is a great family friendly beach in Sausalito that has a wonderful French Bistro just a few sandy steps away which features as the 'Restaurant of the Week'. There is some new activities in the Weekly Calendar, such as, 'Power Play' is back at Cal Star Gym in Novato and new Music Circle classes are added at The Parents Center in San Rafael. Have fun!

Friday August 3rd

'Friday Summer Music Series' in Pacheco Plaza, Novato, from 6.30 pm, free entry
A popular weekly outdoor concert featuring a mix of jazz, latin, folk, contemporary & blues by 'The Dan Goldfus Project'. You can bring your own food, grab a coffee and dessert from LaCoppa or enjoy it by dining Al fresco at the new Boca Pizzeria & Wine bar's patio (my favorite restaurant at the moment).

'Friday Night Fusion', The Village Corte Madera, 1618 Redwood Highway, from 5.30 - 7.30 pm, $15
Sample wines from 'Sonoma County Vintners' and cheese tasting while enjoying the concert. Limited seating is provided.

Saturday 28th

Farmer's Market, Marinwood Plaza, from 9.00 am - 2.00 pm

'Saturday Morning Kid's Club', Pacheco Plaza, Novato, from 10.00 am - 11.30 am

Sausalito Arts Festival, Marinship Park, Marinship Way, Sausalito, on Sat, Sun & Mon from 10.00 am - 6.00 pm, $15 adults
Step back in time by walking like an Egyptian to the live music stage to see 80's female group 'The Bangles' performing their hits 'Manic Monday and 'Eternal Flame' (Sat at 4.30 pm), Mavis Staples and Jefferson Starship also playing. The kid's favorite musician Tim Cain also performing. Enjoy food and drink as you view the 20,000 works of fine art being showcased over the three day festival.

Sunday August 5th

'Homestead' Festival, Homestead Valley Community Center, 315 Montford Avenue, Mill Valley from 11.00 am - 5.30 pm
Free music at an intimate festival setting that includes the Jazz Mavericks, The Nigerian Brothers, 'Til Dawn and Vinyl. Cajun food and cool drinks available.


Playdate Idea

As the fog finally lifts over Sausalito we can hit our favorite beach again! Schoonmaker Beach in Sausalito, also know as Kayak Beach, is located just off Liberty Ship Way, south of Marina. There is a few parking lots and shoreline access to the beach. It is a more accessible alternative to Stinson Beach, and in my opinion more family friendly. It is a small manageable size (2.3 acre of sandy beach), sheltered from the wind and surf so ideal for paddling in the calm water of the bay. It is quieter in the mornings so great for hanging out, building sandcastles and enjoying a picnic. Just a few steps away is the French bistro Le Garage (see restaurant of the week) which is also a great place for lunch during the week or weekend brunch.

Restaurant of the Week

Le Garage, 85 Liberty Ship Way, Suite 109

The French Bistro overlooking the harbor opened a couple of years ago and offers wonderful French cuisine. Our family enjoys their weekend brunch menu that includes French classics like Croque Monsieur or Madame, Broiche French Toast with berry compote (which my son loves) or the mouthwatering soft boiled egg with black truffle butter mouillettes served with Serrano ham, mushrooms and roasted potatoes.

They offer an afternoon and dinner menu which includes Mussels, Prime Beef Tenderloin with Bearnaise sauce and Duck Confit with grilled stonefruits. Of course I always take a particular interest in the desserts and they do not disappoint; splendid Tarte Tatin, Baileys & Espresso Creme Brulee and Fondant au Chocolate with Grand Marnier Creme Anglaise.

The service is polite and the setting is idyllic, its the perfect place to soak up the sun as you listen to nice music and watch the boats go by. 


A Weekly Calendar of Toddler Friendly Activities around Marin


Monday

10.30 – 11.15 am – ‘Music Together of Marin’, The Parent’s Place, 600 Fifth Ave, San Rafael

3.00 – 5.00 pm – Crawlers Camp (up to 23 months) at Stretch the Imagination, 47 Tamal Vista Blvd.


Tuesday
10.00 – 10.30 am - ‘Baby Bounce’ Story time at Novato Library, 1720 Novato Blvd

10.00 – 11.30 am - ‘Jumping Jacks’ at the San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael

10.00 – 11.30 am - ‘Drop in Play’ at The Parent’s Place, 600 Fifth Ave, San Rafael

10.15 - 10.45 am - 'Music Circle', at The Parents Center, Heller's Store, 514 4th Street, San Rafael

11.00 - 11.30 am – ‘Book Club Story Time’ at ‘Pottery Barns Kids’ store, Corte Madera Village

4.00 – 8.00 pm - Farmer’s market, Grant Avenue, Novato


Wednesday

9.30 - 12.00 pm - 'Power Play' at Cal Star Gym is back! Digital Drive, Ignacio

10.15 – 10.45 am - ‘Music Circle’ at The Parents Center, Heller’s store, 514 4th St, San Rafael

10.30 – 10.50 am – ‘Story Time with Miss Kitty', Civic Center Library

11.00 - 11.30 am – Story Time at Giggle Store, Corte Madera Village

3.00 – 5.00 pm – Crawlers Camp (up to 23 months) at Stretch the Imagination, Corte Madera

3.00 - 3.30 pm - New Music Circle for 2 - 3 year olds, The Parents Center, Heller's Store, 514 4th Street, San Rafael



4.00 – 8.00 pm - Farmer’s Market, Bolinas Park, Bolinas Road, Fairfax


Thursday

8.00 – 1.00 pm – Farmers Market, The Civic Center (Puppet Show and balloon lady by Jumpy Houses)

9.30 - 12.00 pm - 'Power Play' at Cal Star Gym is back! Digital Drive, Ignacio

9.30 – 10.30 am – ‘Jumping Jacks’, San Rafael Community Center, 618 B Street, San Rafael

10.30 – 11.00 am – Story Time at San Rafael Library, 618 B Street, San Rafael

11.00 - 11.30 am - Story Time at Barnes & Noble, 313 Corte Madera Center

3.30 - 4.00 pm - 'Stories with Phil Sheridan', Sausalito Library, 420 Litho Street

3.00 – 7.00 pm – Farmers Market, Marin Art & Garden Center, 30 Sir Francis Drake Blvd, Ross

6.00 – 9.00 pm - Farmers Market, 4th St, between Lincoln and B St, San Rafael


Friday

10.30 - 11.30 am - Story Time with Sarah Bonnett, San Rafael Library,618 B Street, San Rafael(until Oct 1st)

9.00 – 2.00 pm – Farmers Market, Alto Shopping Center, Mill Valley

9.00 am – 2.00 pm – Farmers Market, Bank of America parking lot, Downtown Sausalito



Photo of the Week

Welcome to the world Baby Bennett!