Marinfluencer

Christine Remillard

Here's where I go to feed my inner-Italian...

My Background:
I have worked for the State for 25 years, and have been an Executive Assistant for the Warden at San Quentin State Prison, and trained over a dozen of them. In our industry, we have to interact with many people on a daily basis. Besides working at an infamous penitentiary, I spend my time finding wonderful eats and hidden gems around the Bay Area and beyond. I love meeting new people and finding such gems off the beaten path, it helps me connect with people. Through meeting various people and exploring new places/adventures, it achieves balance in my life.
Hometown:
San Rafael, CA
Follow me at:

Christine Remillard

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Marin Recommendations

MARIN RECOMMENDATION #1
La Toscana

La Toscana is the perfect Italian place to go when craving mouthwatering Italian fare.  It's always packed; locals love this place.  Sit at the bar sometime, great place to watch a game or two.  Everything is made with love!

The drinks are strong, extensive wine list. Waitstaff are attentive, and the entire restaurant makes you feel like home, very welcoming. The pork and beef meatballs appetizer is a must-have. The pastas are on point, get the Pappardelle Al Cinghiale - wild boar, porcini sugo, pecorino romano, lasagne, and spaghetti & meatballs.

The housemade desserts (s'mores brownie sundae & tiramisu) are on point and delightful. Come here for a casual dinner, or to celebrate a special occasion.

MARIN RECOMMENDATION #2
Poggio Trattoria

Poggio's in Sausalito is perfect dining experience for the entire family. Executive Chef Benjamin Balesteri knows stellar hospitality and fresh Italian fare and seafood, literally freshly caught from the Bay. Can't go wrong with anything on their menu, from delicious pastas to bay scallops, clams, rock shrimp, mussels sprinkled with fine herbs. For my pescatarian friends, get the halibut.

They have gourmet pizzas and a nice selection of cured and cooked meats. Everything is topped with the finest ingredients. If you love Negroni's, this is the place to come. Great people watching while dining outside. Hands down, the most remarkable Italian restaurant in the heart of Sausalito. The views aren't too shabby either. They also give back to the community i.e., local schools and little league. It's all about family at Poggio's!

MARIN RECOMMENDATION #3
Boca Pizzeria

They have a great happy hour and a beautiful patio sometimes with live music. Highly recommend the delectable Neapolitan-style pizzas, and other traditional Italian fare. The braised beef short ribs are amazing. The portobello and porcini mushroom ravioli is my favorite. On certain days, they offer half off wine bottles, checkout their website.

It's located at the Village Corte Madera shopping center. When retail therapy gets exhausting, try relaxing at Boca with a glass of vino. Talk about location, location, location. Staff are friendly and efficient, never an empty glass. It's also a great spot to catch a game or two with family, colleagues, and friends.

MARIN RECOMMENDATION #4
Gaspare's Pizzeria Ristorante & Bar

Time and time again, Gaspare's Pizzeria Ristorante & Bar serves up mouthwatering Italian fare. When you have worked a long day, followed by kids' sports/activities, come here.  It's a win-win for the entire family!  There's ample room to watch Warriors, Giants, and football games without being at the bar area, and the back dining room is spacious enough for large groups.

We love Bruce's pizza for meat lovers, Penne alla vodka with their spicy sausage, and homemade lasagna.  They only serve dinner, and dinner is always exceptional, plus the service is consistently stellar.  Grazie to Gaspare's for being around in my life, especially the SF location having grown up in the city by the avenues, it really reminds me of home.  Happy hour is indeed HAPPY with a nice selection of wines, cocktails, and beer.  The chocolate martini is decadent. The bartender is always friendly and upbeat.  Dessert is also a must, can't go wrong with the chocolate mousse, cheesecake or tiramisu.

MARIN RECOMMENDATION #5
Sausalito Seahorse

Sausalito Seahorse is literally over the Golden Gate Bridge on the north end of Sausalito, amongst a community of Sausalito's fisherman's wharf. It's a day trip for the entire family, whether it's post hiking nearby, or a visit to Bay Model with the kids, or kayaking at Sea Trek, make a trek out to Seahorse.

This gem of an Italian restaurant off the beaten path is for locals and tourists alike. They have salsa lessons on certain nights, and live music. The restaurant has interesting decor almost a dive bar feel, yet the authentic Italian dishes will transport you to the serene beaches of Tuscany. I can see why Chef Mauro fell in love with Sausalito.

It's also dog-friendly, so bring your fur baby along, and they get to play with Bella; she's the welcoming committee. The patio is ideal for nice summer days with a splash of Prosecco, or a Bellini in hand.

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