Dining Out with Kids

Corte Madera's new family-friendly Brick & Bottle restaurant is offering Marin Mommies readers a free dessert for the table! Just mention that you heard about Brick & Bottle on Marin Mommies.

Read our review of Brick & Bottle here.

Last week we had a chance to try out the restaurant Brick & Bottle, which recently opened in Corte Madera in the spot Izzy's once occupied. At the helm of Brick & Bottle is acclaimed chef and Marin resident Scott Howard. Locals may remember his previous efforts at the highly regarded Fork in San Anselmo, and Scott Howard in the city. Brick & Bottle offers what it terms "simple California cooking" using super fresh local ingredients (no processed or frozen foods here) in a warm, family-friendly setting.

The staff at Brick & Bottle really go out of their way to make families welcome, although the restaurant is elegant enough to make a great "date night" spot as well. On this trip, we took the children along.

Upon arrival our kids were given coloring sheets and crayons, and we were seated in the cozy (but somewhat dark) main dining room. We all got a look at the open kitchen on the way to our table, with special attention paid to the wood-burning pizza oven. The kids were also given temporary tattoos with the restaurant's logo, which made them happy, as did the Shirley Temples that we let them get in lieu of the normal milk or water. These are all-natural, concocted with house-made grenadine and seltzer and devoid of any corn syrup. Grown ups can partake of numerous local wines, including wines on tap, and beers, if they're so inclined. We both got pints of Kent Lake Kölsch from Fairfax's Iron Springs Brewery.

Guest contributor and Italophiles Barbara McVeigh offers some local resources to help you and your family take in some Italian culture in Marin.

I used to think that my Italian-centric family had much to do with my Roman-born husband. However, I’m now certain the influence has more to do with Marin County’s love affair with the all things Italian. This year the county not only hosts the 17th annual Italian Street Painting Festival and the 34th annual Italian Film Festival, but in recent years several new children Italian language schools and eateries have emerged, virtually feeding a new generation of Italiophiles.

And, what’s not to love about Italian culture? It embraces the quintessential simplicities that bind family and friends—sharing good food and convivial conversation, while reveling in the sounds of a beautiful language and music.

Between festivals, children’s summer camps, eateries and fun, there’s no reason not to have multi buoni giorni this season.

Festival

• Italian Street Painting Festival (San Rafael), June 12–13

Italian Language Schools

• Parliamo Italiano (Mill Valley)
  Year-round pre-K Italian language school, offering summer camps. Also, year round adult classes.
• Girotondo (San Rafael)
  Year-round preschool through first grade Italian language school, offering summer camps and more.
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Brunch is a popular option for celebrating Mother’s Day. Here are a few unique options that are family friendly:

• The Club at McInnis Park hosts a Mother's Day brunch buffet from 10 am to 2 pm. Enjoy brunch right on the golf course and then play a game or some mini golf. The menu includes eggs benedict, eggs Florentine with smoked salmon, waffles, French toast, omelette station, carving station, salads, and desserts. The cost is $29.95; children 10 and under are $14.95. They are located at 350 Smith Ranch Road; (415) 491-5959.
• Deer Park Villa in Fairfax has a Mother's Day brunch buffet from 10 am to 3 pm. The buffet includes eggs benedict, honey-baked ham, salmon, chicken and crepes, salads, fruit, pastries, and desserts. The cost is $29.95 for adults, $14.95 for children between 6 to 12, and $7.95 for toddlers ages 3 to 5. Call (415) 456-8084 for reservations.
• Cacti in Novato offers a Mother's Day brunch from 10:30 am to 2 pm, featuring complimentary champagne for all mothers, eggs benedict, roast beef hash with scrambled eggs, smoked salmon, filet mignon enchiladas, BBQ tri tip, and more. Cost: $26.95. Reservations: (415) 898-2234.
• Mountain Home Inn is having a Mother's Day Sunday brunch from 11:30 am  to 3 pm. The three-course brunch includes champagne mimosas, spring pea soup, vegtable fritatta, BBQ chicken, and strawberry shortcake. The cost is $34 for adults and $20 for children under if they eat from the Mother's Day menu (otherwise kids can order from the regular children's menu, $4–$9).The Mountain Home Inn is located at 810 Panoramic Highway and the phone numer is (415) 381-9000. Reservations advised.
• Rancho Nicasio on the Nicasio Town Square is having a Mother's Day brunch buffet from 10 am to 3 pm.  Some of the dishes offered include poached coho salmon with champagne sauce, roast beef, baked Petaluma ham, potato latkes with sour cream and applesauce, and locally grown vegetables. Adults $26.95, seniors 65+ $22.95; children under 10 $14.95. For more info and reservations call (415) 662-2219.
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Since this has been a pretty popular post, we thought we'd update it for the New Year. Thanks to everyone who helped contribute to our ever-growing list!

Like many families these days, we find ourselves grabbing lunch or dinner on the go probably more than we should. Of course all this dining out adds up after a while and has the potential to be a major drain on the wallet. Fortunately, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants in Marin that offer free dining for kids—usually with the purchase of an adult entree—one or more days during the week. Here's our list, broken down by location.

All information presented here is, to our knowledge, correct at the time of publishing, but you should confirm with the restaurant just in case. We've included links to the restaurants' websites when possible.

It's been a few months now since the new Hamilton Marketplace shopping center was completed, and slowly but surely new tenants are starting to occupy all of the spaces. There are a few restaurants in the mix, notably the recently-opened Sonoma Latina Grill and Toast.

We had a chance to check out Sonoma Latina Grill for lunch the other day. It's kind of a hybrid Mexican/California place and definitely a step up both in price and quality from your typical taqueria. Quality of food is really the emphasis, with fresh organic produce, handmade tortillas, and locally sourced meats and cheeses being the order of the day. Sonoma Latina Grill's other standout feature is their wood-fired grill which they use to cook meats and their signature flatbreads. The restaurant is owned by the Tamayo family who run La Tortilla Factory in Santa Rosa. Apparently this is the first in what they hope is a regional chain of restaurants and has the well thought out design and stylish decor befitting a flagship location.

I can't think of anybody who doesn't love going out to breakfast. It's a road trip ritual as well as just the thing for a lazy weekend morning. Besides, pancakes and eggs and all those breakfast goodies always taste better at a great breakfast restaurant. So our question to Marin Mommies readers is: What's your favorite Marin County breakfast spot? Restaurants specializing in breakfast are everywhere, from the old standby chains like IHOP to local legends like the Dipsea Cafe. So which ones stand out about the rest?

Let us know your choice or choices for the best family breakfast places in Marin by leaving a comment here. You'll need to be a registered user to do so, and if you're not, register today for free. When we get enough suggestions we'll publish a list of everyone's favorites.

Unfortunately, Playdate Café has closed it’s doors due to the poor economy.