Buckeye Roadhouse, a pleasant Marin surprise

Having just recently moved to Marin, it is embarrassing that I was introduced to what I would say is the best restaurant in South Marin by a New Yorker. Admittedly a New Yorker who is a fellow food fan and a prospective west coaster so I guess that makes it ok.

Right off the 101 in Mill Valley, Buckeye sits up on a hill. The winding path up to the lodge style restaurant feels like you should have done a good days skiing prior to dinner. Inside on a Tuesday night, it was packed with a broad range of patrons; older well dressed couples having a nice night out, families, younger couples and us. The inside was very homey with soft lighting and lots of wood, high windows and a fire place. Our waiter was a true professional and kept us entertained with great wine and great service.

Food wise, you couldn't go wrong, according to our waiter. We opted for the Grilled Artichoke with a Taragon dip followed by the pork chop and the butternut squash lasagne. Desert was unavoidable and somehow expected. Smores chocolate, flourless chocolate cake soon disappeared. It seems Marin has a classic dining spot. Go here for a treat, not light on the wallet but an experience you will undoubtedly want to share with others. Thanks DL.

To Citizen Cake or not to Citizen Cake

Locals seem to be split down the middle on little ol' Citizen Cake. If you are going here to get blown away by the food, then you need to recalibrate expectations. On the other hand if you are looking for a good for groups brunch spot at the weekend then this should be on the short list. We hit it last week with some visiting friends from NYC and eventually got our group table. The service was a little spacey but the food was solid brunch fare, my fish tacos went down very well chased by a super spicey Bloody Mary. (Side thought, why not give the bloody mary a look during the week, why does it have to get stuck as a brunch cocktail!). So there you go, it's time to make your own decision. (chef Elizabeth Faulkner also has Orson in SOMA which is on the list to check out)