39517 Mon Sep 12 14:03:49 -0700 2005 8 1 San Francisco Bay Area 0 187972 Does anyone have any suggestions for delicious food and a comfortable atmosphere in the Larkspur/Corte Madera area? The only places I'm familiar with are Left Bank and Lark Creek Inn and I haven't been to either one in a long time. Thanks for you help. Mon Sep 12 14:03:49 -0700 2005 0 Diane in MV 1 187974 There's always the Buckeye, which is a good, solid, better-than-most pick, and their smaller offshoot, Bungalow 44, which is supposed to be good (I personally haven't been yet). I'm also a fan of Pacific Cafe for some simply done seafood and fried shrimp that are REAL fried shrimp, not the commercial ones that are already completely breaded with a crust. These are litely battered, light enough that you see the breading but also light enough that you can see the shrimp within. Wonderful! Mon Sep 12 14:10:33 -0700 2005 187972 0 Andrew Copeland 2 187978 I forgot that the Buckeye and Bungalow 44 are in Mill Valley, if that affects you at all. A couple decent restaurants I just was reminded of are CJ's (good mongolian beef and decent cherry pork), and Fabrizio for some decent neighborhood Italian. Both are in downtown Larkspur. Mon Sep 12 14:20:27 -0700 2005 187974 0 Andrew Copeland 1 187996 you're probably looking for something a bit more special than this but Tabla in Larkspur is excellent for a casual lunch - they have lovely dosas and salads.....well worth checking out. Mon Sep 12 15:12:17 -0700 2005 187972 0 Alison 1 188026 We had a really nice dinner at Benissimo at the Corte Madera-Larkspur city line last year. Mon Sep 12 17:13:53 -0700 2005 187972 0 Sarah 1 188028 My wife and I had lunch at Fabrizio the other day, and I must say it was one of the best lunch salads we have had in a long time...around $10.00. We have been there for dinner, but not lately. I intend to go soon. The proof in the pudding was the crowd for lunch on Thursday. The do have daily specials during the week...lamb shank, cioppino, etc. You might call for info...no web site. Mon Sep 12 17:16:44 -0700 2005 187972 0 Jim H. 1 188051 Some more Larkspur notes: I always have a nice time at Lark Creek Inn because it is such a lovely place with great service and my wife loves it, but over the years I have been put off by the increasingly high prices compared to the quality of the food. It is still good, mind you, but not fabulous and when many entrees are over $30, I want to be knocked out. Their partner place next door, Yankee Pier (casual New England style seafood) is worth a try during daylight to enjoy the deck. I argee with previous posts on Fabrizio's: always reliable old-line Italian. Across the street is Pasticceria Rulli (home base of the SF and SFO Rulli's for great baked goods, gelati, espresso, some savory items. Left Bank offers uninspired bistro fare for dinner, but we had a fine lunch there at a sidewalk table one sunny afternoon last month. I have yet to get to Picco or Pizzeria Picco, but great reports on this list have me anxious to remedy that soon. (Do a list search and you will find mentions.) And everything in Larkspur is within two blocks so you can walk by each of them. Mon Sep 12 18:18:38 -0700 2005 187972 0 al@Fairfax 1 188102 Had some tasty thai style short ribs last night at Picco. I didn't like the brocolli rabe (it was tough and stringy) but I like their raw fish dishes. oysters, mini burgers and fried squash blossoms. Link: http://bunrab.com/yummychow/Reviews/SFReviewsFrameset.html?PiccoReview.html Mon Sep 12 21:20:39 -0700 2005 187972 0 Edie 1 188124 Thank you all for your suggestions! I have plenty of places to keep me well fed for some time now. Picco sounds interesting, and I've never tried CJ's, Fabrizio, Pacific Cafe, Yankee Pier, Rulli or Tabla. And eventhough I'm in Mill Valley, I haven't tried Bungalow 44 either. Thanks so much for the help! Mon Sep 12 23:26:51 -0700 2005 187972 0 Diane in MV