San FranCelia

When was the last time you went to tea?  Been awhile, huh?  I went to a bona fide tea party the other day, and it was such a good time, I can’t even tell you.  Now, this wasn’t just a tea for the sake of eating yummy mini sandwiches with no crusts and holding up your pinky, it was a fundraising tea party for the wonderful organization, Gilead House, based in Marin.  This organization takes in three (soon to be six!) single mother families who are on welfare, WIC, etc., and houses them in an actual house where they receive mentoring on basic life skills, budgeting assistance with their welfare money, and help with finding a job.  This program, though small, is very impactful.  There is a strict interview process to get in, and only women who really want to change their lives are able to live there – this ensures a higher success rate than you would get otherwise.  The tea party itself was beautiful, and although we were rained out of the lovely mansion home we were originally slated to be at, it was still wonderfully put on.  There was a testimonial from one of the “graduates” who not only got off drugs, but who also completely turned her life around for her son.  Everyone was encouraged to donate whatever she could, and it was super low pressure, which is nice for a fundraiser event.

 Going to these events in Marin is fun because, most of the time, the people who attend really do care about the organizations they are there for, and are all so glamorous, as well, which is fun to see.  This was a ladies only tea, and the women dressed to impress.  Very fun!  Our table had one of the board members at it and we soon were in deep conversation about not only Gilead House, but also other organizations and causes we are passionate about. 

 This was an inspirational day for a great cause.  To learn more about Gilead House and donating, click HERE.

Peace and Love Xo

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Le Garage… hmmm…  what could that be?  A dank and dirty place for old cars with no real value, or a chic little restaurant in Southern Marin that boasts some great French fare?  Haha!  Of course (knowing my love of food) it’s the latter, and let me tell you, it’s a great time! 

 Let me preface by letting you know how I wound up at said chic eatery.  I had this work party that started off with a booze cruise around the Bay (it’s seriously like being in an episode of “The Office” where I work, except it’s real life, so therefore, not quite so hilarious or charming, but at least we have a real life Michael Scott) and ended at this cute little eatery (thank God!).

 Let me back up again though, and tell you about the booze cruise.  We were celebrating a process that they (you know, the head honchos) estimated to take 5 months and proved to take 2 ½ years (which tells you something… “The Office” strikes again!).  I work with some real characters, one being a lovable engineer who,

 evidently, gets REALLY excited when he gets on any kind of boat.  The cruise started with the song “I’m on a Motherfuckin’ Boat” blasting on the mp3 player and continued to get better.  Almost my entire office proceeded to get drunk to the max.  It’s so interesting watching people you do business with on a daily basis get a little crazy.  I heard one guy form an entire sentence (maybe even two!) and that’s the most I think I’ve ever heard from him!  As we circled the Bay, we had a pseudo dance party (with my boss? weird) and took actual video footage of my co-workers “gangsta dancing” as I like to call it.  Nice. 

 Once thoroughly liquored up, we got off the boat and walked straight to Le Garage which is located right on one of the Sausalito harbors.  This long table is set up right by the water and we have a gorgeous view of twilight on the Bay.  More wine flows as the bread is brought out.  The butter is completely organic and is like no other butter I have seen.  Makes you wonder about what they put in our normal butter to make it the way it is.  I started off with this endives and Roquefort salad that had walnuts, butter pears and a vinaigrette.  It was ok, and actually, I’ve had a lot better, but the wine was good, so I wasn’t deterred.  It was great that I wasn’t, because my next course was so much better.  I ordered the Mussels Provençale and they were some of the best Mussels I have ever had.  They practically melted in your mouth with just the right touch of garlic and white wine with a creamy sauce.  Mmm, delish!  For dessert I was tempted to get the crème brulée, but decided to go for the Fondant au Chocolate which was this incredible mixture of molten chocolate cake stuffed with raspberries, whipped cream and covered with raspberry coulis.  The staff was so much fun and showed us a great time.  They made sure we never had an empty glass and that all of the extra stuff that can clog a table so large were out of the way without being in the way– I think they cleared out my shell bowl 4 times… haha!  All and all I would recommend this spot.  It was so cute and charming, right on the harbor with boats and water surrounding you, and, as the lights outside dim, the candles show a picturesque glow.  This spot, consequently, has the best croissants I’ve had since being in France, so check them out in the morning too if you can.  They are right near my work, so I fear it may become a lovely fattening habit.  Oh well… anything for bread, I say. 

 The night was really fun, especially considering the fact that it stemmed from a work function, and you know how that goes.  Here’s to booze cruising with the office, both on TV and in real life.  Have fun with this truly French restaurant where you will leave having had a long dinner with fun conversation and even more fun wine.

Peace and love XO

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