TOP PICKS

July 2025's Best Bets & Fêtes

Here are our picks for fab food and fun!

Our Top Picks

Recommendation  #1
Gravity Tavern

Join Gravity Tavern this Thursday for a decadent four-course feast paired with the award-winning wines of Rombauer Vineyards. Marlene Raderman will be on hand to guide you through the tasting.

1st Course – "Caviar Trio"

 ~2024 Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley~

2nd Course – Summer Broccoli Velouté 

~2023 Chardonnay, Carneros~

Main Course – Seared Duck Breast with Cabernet Demi-Glace, Champagne Vinegar pickled cherries, potato dauphine, sea salt sauteed rapini.      

~2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley~

Dessert – Brulée Mascarpone Cheesecake with nectarine & Pluot compote 

~2022 "Joy" Late Harvest Chardonnay~

***

Tickets$135 (all inclusive). Seating is limited.

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HOURS:
Thursday, July 24th: 6:30pm - 9pm
Recommendation #2
Sequoia Cinema

California Film Institute presents a special one-night-only screening of The Art of Eating: The Life of M.F.K. Fisher this Thursday, beginning with a pre-screening reception from 5pm–6pm, at the Anthony Meier Gallery in Mill Valley. 

The film screening will follow at 6:30pm at the nearby Sequoia Cinema. This captivating documentary delves into the life and influence of M.F.K. Fisher, the pioneering food writer who forever changed the way Americans think about food, dining, and domestic life. Throughout the film Alice Waters, Ruth Reichl, Anne Lamott, Jacques Pepin, Tanya Holland, John Ash and others celebrate Fisher with insight and humor.

The event coincides with the Anthony Meier Gallery’s current exhibition of visual artworks inspired by Fisher’s writing, offering a unique cross-disciplinary reflection on Fisher’s enduring legacy in both food and the arts. The exhibition, Consider the Oyster, is on view through August 8th. The exhibition brings together visionary female artists whose practices echo and extend Fisher’s legacy, transforming the everyday through intimacy, ritual, and material exploration. Participating artists, including Libby Black, Associate Professor at San Francisco State University, and Tabitha Soren, acclaimed visual artist and journalist, will speak about their work and the influence of Fisher’s writing on their art.

***

Tickets: $10 (CA Film Institute members); $15 (non-members)

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HOURS:
Thursday, July 24th. Reception: 5pm - 6pm / Screening: 6:30pm - 9pm
Recommendation #3
Downtown San Rafael B.I.D.

Falkirk Cultural Center, the enchanting 1888 Queen Anne Victorian, is the setting for this year's San Rafael Festival of the Arts. Immerse yourself in live music, sample regional wines and local craft beers, and explore fine arts and crafts by talented artisans.

Enjoy a variety of gourmet food trucks while admiring the street painting artists as they create their stunning designs throughout the day. ​Let local musicians elevate your experience amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Falkirk grounds and views of Mt. Tam. Connect with fellow art lovers and create lasting memories at this vibrant celebration of creativity.

***

Admission to the Festival is free. If you would like to participate in the wine and beer tasting, early bird tickets are $30 from May 16th to July 25th, and $35 on the event day. Each ticket includes a wristband and a stemless tasting glass. Food purchases are separate.  

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HOURS:
Saturday, July 26th: 11am - 6pm
Recommendation #4
Cavallo Point

Cavallo Point's Cooking School is hosting a hands-on sushi class this Friday. Learn how to prepare perfect sushi rice + create some of your favorite Japanese dishes. Best of all, you get to eat the fruits of your labor with your fellow chefs!

Class Menu:

Traditional Miso Soup – Organic Tofu

Mixed Green Salad with Carrots and Ginger Dressing

Maki Rolls: California Roll – Spicy Tuna – Cucumber Avocado Uramaki

Nigiri: Ebi – Unagi – Tofu – Maguro – Tamagoyaki

Specialty Rolls: Shrimp Tempura with Crispy Shallots – Yellow Tail Hand Roll – Rainbow Roll

Green Tea Ice Cream with Miso Butter Cookies

***

Tickets: $175 + tax & gratuity

** Includes two complimentary drinks (wine, sparkling wine, beer or non-alcoholic drinks), and complimentary valet parking.

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HOURS:
Friday, July 26th: 6pm - 9pm
Recommendation #5

Join Poet and/the Bench for an immersive, hands-on floral arranging workshop that brings together the sculptural artistry of ceramicist Ian Hazard-Bill and the evocative styling of esteemed floral designer Tiffany Blaylock.

Set in the garden of the owners' private Mill Valley home, this intimate evening celebrates creativity, storytelling, and design through flowers and form. 

What to Expect:

  • Ian shares his ceramic process; you'll style a custom vase he made for this event—and take it home.
  • Tiffany leads two floral demos: Modern Sculptural + Wild Garden styles.
  • Learn flower prep, tools, and techniques.
  • Choose from Tiffany’s curated blooms to create a vase arrangement and hand-tied bouquet.
  • Enjoy Sparkling wine + light bites by Paseo Bistro

***

Tickets: $185 (Space is limited) 

Come create, connect, and leave with something beautiful!

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HOURS:
Sunday, July 27th: 5pm - 7pm
Recommendation #6
The Bungalow Kitchen by Michael Mina

Join Chef Michael Mina, Chef Yama and Friends on Wednesday, July 30th at The Bungalow Kitchen as they break down a whole Bluefin Tuna in a traditional Japanese carving ceremony—a tribute to the cut, the craft, and the discipline behind it. A true celebration of technique and flavor.

Then, stay for what follows: curated cocktails, live sound, and an energy built for late hours and the right kind of company.

Your ticket includes a full tasting of featured bites & cocktails, Caviar lagoon, Binchotan Grill and, of course, a curated takeaway to remember your first cut. 

***

General Seating ($165) - Includes welcome cocktail, passed canapés, interactive culinary stations, family-style tasting menu, and access to late-night entertainment. 

Captain’s Table ($195) - Includes all General ticket perks, plus premier table placement, a bottle of sake, exclusive takeaways, and branded merchandise

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HOURS:
Wednesday, July 30th: 5:30pm - 9pm
Recommendation #7
Downtown San Rafael B.I.D.

Downtown San Rafael's Dancing Under the Lights event returns on Friday, August 1st. It promises to be another rockin' summer night full of food and fun. 

Prepare to dance the night away with The Boom Box, one of the Bay Area's most popular party bands. The festivities will kick off with a performance by School of Rock a talented local youth band you won't want to miss. Delight your taste buds with savory bites and sweet treats from local eateries, food trucks, and dessert vendors. Enjoy refreshing beers from esteemed local breweries, Pond Farm and Stateroom.

 

There will also be a local artist marketplace, as well as a jumpy and craft table for the kids. There’s something for everyone, making it a perfect family outing.

***

Entertainment Schedule:

5pm - 5:45pm - Space Suit

5:45pm - 6:45pm - School of Rock

7pm - 9pm - The Boombox

***

Admission is FREE.

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HOURS:
Friday, August 1st: 5pm - 9pm
Recommendation #8
Hanson of Sonoma Tasting Room

Hanson of Sonoma and Canela Bistro Bar are uniting for a Summer Paella Experience. Get ready for an afternoon of sizzling bites, spice-kissed cocktails, and golden hour vibes – all set against the scenic backdrop of Hanson's Distillery.

Guests will enjoy a Spanish-inspired menu created by Canela’s Executive Chef Mat Schuester – each dish thoughtfully matched with a selection of handcrafted Hanson cocktails. 

Menu + Cocktail Pairings:

  • Bacon-Wrapped, Cheese-Stuffed Dates with sheep’s cheese and piparra pepper (Paired with a Classic Hanson Meyer Lemon Drop)
  • Grilled Spanish Artichokes on Toast with seared piquillo peppers and saffron aioli (Paired with a Classic Hanson Cucumber Gimlet)
  • Mixed Mushroom Paella with sofrito, Spanish rice, and mushroom broth (Paired with a Hanson Vodka-Rita)
  • Churros con Chocolate (Paired with a Cinnamon-Sugar Rimmed Hanson Espresso Martini)

*** 

Tickets: $49

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HOURS:
Sunday, August 3rd: 3pm - 5pm
Recommendation #9
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Recommendation #10
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