West Marin's Greatest Hits

This Boston Globe article by Jonathan Levitt does a great job of capturing the spirit of West Marin as seen by a visitor.

Levitt's first recommendation is to pick up some artisan cheeses made by the Cowgirl Creamery at Tomales Bay Foods. The cheeses feature milk from another great local vendor, Straus Family Dairy.

Cowgirl Creamery's signature cheese, Mt. Tam. Photo courtesy of Cowgirl Creamery. Drool courtesy of you.

If you haven't gotten enough cheese through simply buying and consuming it, you'll no doubt want to get the most out of your creamery experience and sign up for a tour. I can assure you that unlike watching a sausage being made, watching cheese being made only enhances your enjoyment of the food afterward. Book in advance here to ensure that the tour doesn't get sold out, lest you spend the rest of your days weeping, wondering what might've been.

Now, devoted readers of this blog are well-acquainted with the people who won't go anywhere unless there are oysters present. You know who you are. With that in mind, next on Levitt's list of greatest hits is Drakes Bay Oyster Farms. To put it mildy, yes, there are oysters there. Fresh, clean, delicious oysters. Buy a net-full from Kevin the owner, sit on the shore at the edge of the continent with the rest of California at your back, and get to shucking.

The last of Levitt's picks that I need to mention is the Green Gulch Farm Zen Center. If you've ever thought to yourself, "I love working on farms and Zen meditation, but I can never seem to do both in the same location," then this place might be for you.

GGFZC (clearly not named with its acronym in mind) puts on a slew of programs as diverse as the basics of bread making and the basics of composting, though presumably not at the same time.

There's a cool meditation/lecture/lunch program every Sunday that seems like a good deal for its suggested donation of $13. Side note: I'm pretty sure monks study kung fu so their suggestions of donations can hold a little more weight. As a rule, I usually listen to the suggestion of most people who can kill me five ways with two fingers.

So, tea ceremonies, cheese tours, and bivalves. And I didn't even cover half of Levitt's highlights. There's a great big world out there. Better start sharpening your oyster knife.

Customer Service

At Seadrift HQ it's always nice to hear when we've done a good job. These comments are all from satisfied Seadrift renters:

"We always love every aspect of the rental experience at Seadrift. The houses are comfortable, well-stocked, easy to enter and leave, and of course, the venue is one of the most beautiful in the world!"

-Alison

"Very helpful at all times."

-Charlotte

"The most relaxing and pleasant place to unwind -- [we] recommend staying at Seadrift for anyone who loves to relax and who loves the ocean."

-Patsy and Peter

"William was the best! He helped us find the right house for our family group."

-Anonymous

"We have enjoyed doing business with you because you're flexible, upbeat, and honorable. We'll look forward to working with you in the future."

-Monte

If you have your own rave (or rant) that you'd like to contribute, and we promise not to get big-headed.

106 Seadrift Road Gets Better

A while ago we mentioned some renovations going on in 106 Seadrift Road. The improvements are all done and it looks great.

On the left, the original kitchen. On the right, the finished product, looking very snazzy.
(click to enlarge snazziness)

The attentive observer will notice a new and improved stove, oven, as well as redone cabinets and hardwood floors. It looks like the trash bin also got a makeover to boot. Feel free to amuse yourself for hours playing the "what's different" game, as I'm sure I've missed something.

I won't go so far as to say this'll suddenly make you a better chef if you cook in here, but it certainly won't hurt. It's hard not to feel a bit more confident about your meal when you have such a beautiful kitchen backing you up.

Far West Fest!

Coming 7/25/09 to Love Field in Point Reyes...

The 3rd annual Far West Fest!

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There's so much good stuff here, only an FAQ will be able to handle it all.

Q.What is it?

A. A massive music festival.

Q. Why?

A. Because music festivals are awesome. Also to raise money for KWMR and Love Field. Unless you hate love, fields, and local radio stations you have no business avoiding this festival.

Q. Who's playing?

A. Lyrics Born, Sean Hayes, Albino!, Red Meat, and a whole bunch others. Go here for the full list.

Q. Should I be impressed?

A. Yes. This is a very cool and very eclectic line-up. It has hip-hop, indie, afrobeat, country and more. If you have ears, you'll find something you like. Even if you don't have ears, there'll be food. If you have no mouth, I really don't know what to tell you.

Q. I now understand life will be pointless if I don't go to this concert. When is it?

A. Saturday, July 25th, 2009. It starts at 11am and goes until it's over. Tickets for adults are $25 in advance, and $30 at the door. It's only $10 if you're 21 or under. Buy 'em here and start counting down the days until awesomeness.

Q. I refuse to go to concerts unless there are oysters. Will there be oysters?

A. Yes.

Q. I hate oysters but enjoy eating local food. Will there be local food?

A. Also yes.  And to preempt any other questions, there'll also be craft vendors, a pickin' porch (whatever that is), and "circus acts"... although I don't know which ones. Maybe an elephant on a tightrope, maybe just a flaming hoop. Maybe both. Come see for yourself.

Q. Sweet, I'll be there.

A. That's not really a question.

Q. Er... will I be there?

A. Yes. Yes, you will.

270 Seadrift Road

270 Seadrift Road is one of the largest rental houses available, specifically for those times when you want a whole bunch of people under one roof. It's a spacious 5 bedroom/4 bath oceanfront house, capable of sleeping 10-12 of your closest relatives, friends, or co-workers.

Testimonials from past renters cite "the view of the ocean," "the big dining area," and the fact that it's "dog friendly" as some of this property's best attributes.

Click here for more information, more photos, and to .