Everyone looks forward to sharing the summer season with their friends over a backyard BBQ. But every summer thousands of injuries result. Follow these simple safety tips to avoid accidents and potential tragedy.

Charcoal Grills

• Use only charcoal lighter fluid to start the fire. Better yet, avoid the chemicals and use a chimney
• Once coals are lighted, DO NOT add more lighter fluid

Gas Grills

• Keep LP gas (Liquid Propane) outside and at least ten feet away from the house
• Make sure your gas cylinder is equipped with an overfill protection device
• Do not use your gas grill inside or on balconies
• Since gas is heavier than air, it could pose a problem for people below by being ignited by smoking, air conditioning compressors, pilot lights, and cars
• Make sure all connections are tight and secure
• If you have a gas fire, call the fire department immediately – do not try to extinguish it yourself

Posted by:  Judy LeMarr

This year, you won’t have to travel over the bridge to enjoy San Francisco’s Beer Week.  Marin brewers are getting into the spirit with events to highlight local breweries.

The first event on February 13, “Beers over the Bridge” will be held at Mill Valley Beerworks from 5 pm to midnight and will feature their beers as well as offerings from Iron Springs Brewery, Marin Brewing Company, and Moylan’s Brewery.  The second daylong event, on February 15, is also at Mill Valley Beerworks and will highlight botanical and hopless beers.

More information on these and other Beer Week events can be found online at: www.millvalleybeerworks.com and www.sfbeerweek.com.

Cheers!

Posted by:  Judy LeMarr

A great way to spend an afternoon in West Marin is to head over to Tomales Bay and have an oyster picnic. Bring your favorite crisp white wine, some cheese and crackers and lots of napkins and you are set.

Tomales Bay Oyster Company in Marshall is just up Highway 1 from Point Reyes Station. There you can use the BBQs and picnic tables just a few yards from the bay. Check it out and make a reservation at 415-663-1242.

Further up the road is Hog Island Oyster Company. They will show you their operation to educate you on the production of oysters. They are famous for Kumamotos and Sweetwaters. An oyster bar by the grills and tables is to open soon. Make a reservation at 415-663-9218.

Posted by:  Judy LeMarr

Situated in Marshall just over an hour’s drive north of San Francisco, Nick’s Cove hugs the Tomales Bay on Route One. This seaside haven features 12 luxury suites on or overlooking the water along with its award winning seafood restaurant featuring a daily menu of the freshest, local ingredients. This is the brainchild of restauranteur Pat Kuleto and chef Mark Franz.

Nick’s Cove not only offers the best clam chowder in Marin, but you absolutely sink into the down beds and awaken to heated bathroom floors and a “continental” breakfast that will feed you all day.

To book a cottage (starting at $275/night) or make a dining reservation, call 415 663-1033.

I loved my stay and you will too.

Posted by:  Judy LeMarr

It’s time to go watch the boys of summer play ball. Of course, the outing would not be complete without the traditional hotdog and beer. Or so some think.

If I am going to the park, I love the old Fenway and Wrigley Field, then I am going to take advantage of the fact that in San Francisco at AT&T Park, we have world class food in our world class city. AT&T Park boasts some of the tastiest food in all of baseball. You can get jerk chicken with pineapple salsa at Orlando’s or fresh crab sandwiches at the Crazy Crab Wharf. That is better than a Nathan’s dog any day.

But the best known treat at the park is the garlic fries. After all, we are near the garlic capital of the world, Gilroy. If you want to make your own garlic fries, here is how you do it. Make them to go with your hamburger and listen to the game in the backyard on a hot summer night.

Oven Roasted Garlic Fries, Serves 4
-  1 pound frozen French fries
-  2 tablespoons minced garlic
-  2 tablespoons olive oil
-  2 tablespoons fresh Italian parsley, chopped
-  Salt

Cook fries according to the package directions. While baking, sauté garlic in olive oil for 2-3 minutes. Do not let brown. Remove fries from oven and toss in garlic mixture and parsley. Salt and serve.

Enjoy.

Posted by:  Judy LeMarr

These are very stressful times in our challenged real estate market and in this recessionary economy. One of the many options in Mill Valley that helps me (and my colleagues) persevere and stay positive is Tuesday night comedy at 142 Throckmorton. Every Tuesday night you can enjoy comedy at The Throckmorton Theater starting at 8:00 and going to 10:30 and sometimes even 11:00. The Tuesday night comedy is called Mark Pitta and Friends. Laughter is a great stress reducer in these stressful times. I went last night with a group of friends and we saw several local comedians and we laughed our selves silly. Sometimes laughing at yourself is the most fun. As a Mill Valley resident and local realtor I try to attend Comedy night once a month. It is a great way to get together with friends and have dinner at one of our local restaurants and walk over to 142 Throckmorton for an evening of laughter. Many times local residents, Robin Williams and/or Dana Carvey, will show up and practice their routines on us before taking to the road (i.e. Las Vegas, New York etc.). The comedy is always funny and occasionally a bit raunchy. The performers will pick on audience members so be prepared to be put on the spot. For times and performances go to www.142throckmortontheatre.com and you can buy tickets in advance. It’s $20 a head for comedy and, in my opinion, it’s one of the best values you can find in Marin!

This is just one of the many “quality of life” benefits Mill Valley has to offer. Whether you choose to mountain bike, hike to the beach, meet a friend at a local café, enjoy dining at one or our quality restaurants or enjoy an evening of comedy, Mill Valley is the place to do it. On other nights The Throckmorton features music, dancing and theater. Oh, by the way, if you do not live in Mill Valley, see me at www.fhallen.com and I think I can help you find an awesome place to call home!

Posted by:Andy Gellepis