Marc Quinones is the co-owner of Kientz Hall in downtown San Anselmo. It’s one of my wife’s favorite restaurants in Marin, and we are there all too much, but not enough. Look for us on the roof deck, sharing the mezze plate and a lamb burger with crispy smashed potatoes on the side.
What do you do?
I’m a girl dad, a husband, a son and a brother—so, I’m in the business of caring for people all the time. For me, hospitality and caring are one and the same—it’s all about making people feel welcome, whether at home or at the restaurant.
Where do you live?
I live in San Anselmo—I love this town.
How long have you lived in Marin?
We moved here 11 years ago, between our daughter’s kindergarten and 1st grade. She’s a senior now.
Where can we find you when you’re not at work?
I enjoy walking downtown San Anselmo and through the flats. That said, enjoying the view from the hills is very much signature Marin.
If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin is, where would you take them?
I’d take them and their dog to Limantour Beach, then oysters and a beer at Tony’s Seafood.
What’s one thing Marin is missing?
I think we could use more (OK, any) late-night dining spots. There’s something magical about a great meal after hours. But we’re a sleepy place, and I know it’s a pipe dream.
What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites?
Support your local businesses—it’s a use-it-or-lose-it proposition. And be kind to the young people who work there; they are learning to be like you.
If you could ask anyone to join you at dinner, whom would you invite?
Probably my father. He passed long before I married, started a family or a business. What a trip that would be for both of us.
What’s some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago?
Take risks sooner. Sometimes playing it safe is risky.
What’s something that 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy? Workplace jargon like: “circling back,” “low-hanging fruit” and “synergy” might sound hilariously outdated.
Big question. What’s one thing you’d do to change the world?
Have families put down their phones and have dinner around the table together to connect IRL over a meal.
Keep up with Quinones and Kientz Hall on Instagram at @kientzhall.
Nish Nadaraja was on the founding team at Yelp and posts random stuff at @IveGotNissues.
