I get it. Joints get busy. Especially those with such a stellar bayside view as Sam’s Anchor Cafe in Tiburon—the very place I interviewed for this editorship, oh-so-many years ago.
The interview portion of said interview went swimmingly and was wrapped before I passed the foyer. The drinking portion, however, continued on the outdoor patio. And its memory kindled in me a desire to revisit it on the occasion of our readers voting it “Best Outdoor Dining,” in our restaurants category.
True. It starts with a view of the San Francisco skyline—from the Bay Bridge to the western edge of Crissy Field. Of course, from this vantage, the skyscrapers are competing with the masts of boats bobbing in Tiburon’s marina. Even better. I’d toast it, but…
“You gotta try the mai-tais,” exclaimed a woman in her 60s who was celebrating her “21st birthday,” according to a jocular observation made by a man at another table, who offered, “The margaritas are pretty good.”
Frankly, all the drinks looked good. Which is why I really wish I had one. But first, the menu, which is topped by Sam’s Spiked Slushies—a self-explanatory slide off of Memory Lane, I surmised. The cocktail list—smart. The beer list—smarter. The wine list—as smart and bigger than both. But wait—there was something else, something I had to experience during my tenure as a professional—pick one—journo/drunk/both.
Bowls. This may be a new concept to some: The bowl is recommended for parties of two or more who intend to spend the day imbibing. Think “punch bowl” but with less fisticuffs. On offer were bowls of Aperol Spritz, a couple of Sam’s branded offerings (pink lemonade and sangria), the aforementioned margaritas and something called a Hermosa Picante, which is comprised of tequila, cointreau, jalapeno, lime, agave and cilantro (a convenient way to get heartburn and a headache in one go).
But I would never know. In the time I was seated in the midst of Marin’s Best Outdoor Dining spot, nary a server came my way.
Perhaps it was because I had announced myself as an accredited member of the media. Perhaps it’s Gen X’s lot in life. Perhaps, they were just busy.
As the old dude said to the celebrating sexagenarian: “Be safe—don’t forget about the Uber!”
A thing devoutly to be wished.
Sam’s Anchor Cafe, 27 Main St., Tiburon. samscafe.com.
