When Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall were in California at the beginning of this month, they spent a good amount of time in the Point Reyes area meeting with farmers, picnicking, and dining at local restaurants. They couldn't have chosen a better place.
It is surprising how many locals are not aware of the splendor of Tomales Bay and Point Reyes. Forty-five minutes from San Francisco, it is an easy get-away for a day or weekend trip. I feel an almost magnetic pull to the area, and Jason and I go up a couple times a year and stay for a few days at a time.
Dining in the Tomales Bay / Point Reyes area is rarely a disappointment. With a focus on locally and sustainably-grown foods, many restaurants are surprisingly great given the ruralness of the area.
Tomales Bakery. Drive into the tiny town of Tomales at the northern part of Tomales Bay, and the first thing you will notice is a small bakery on the east side of the street. Tomales Bakery serves up sweet and savory pastries that rival the best baked goods that I eat in San Francisco. Their breads are wonderful and come out of the oven all day. My favorites here include their pizza-like pesto twists and whatever cookies are served up for the day.
The Marshall Store. This small store in Marshall bills itself as "an oyster bar, a deli, and a grocery store" all rolled into one. The town of Marshall is well known to oyster connoisseurs as the home of Hog Island Oyster Company. But if you are looking for fresh oysters without doing the work of shucking, the Marshall Store is a good compromise. In addition to impeccable oysters on the half-shell, the Marshall Store also serves excellent barbecued oysters. I come back again and again for the clam chowder -- their rendition is very peppery and chock full of clams.
