It is sad to say that Nish Nadaraja will take a break from his excellent Marin Locals column, where he profiled more than 100 local personalities on these pages. For his last column, we had Pat Townsley from Creekside Pizza (whom Nadaraja interviewed in November 2023) turn the table and ask him his own damn questions…
What do you do?
I am still trying to get comfortable saying I’m retired. These days, I’d like to be known for being a father to a 17 year old and now a newborn. I will miss these weekly interviews since they helped me realize just how fun and vibrant Marin can be.
Where do you live?
San Anselmo, right on Sir Francis Drake.
How long have you lived in Marin?
We moved here from San Francisco at the height of Covid in 2020.
Where can we find you when you’re not at work?
Changing diapers and trying to eat at Creekside Pizza (of course), Cucina, Kuro Nami or one of the other restaurants dotting our downtown. Or playing pickleball at the decaying Memorial Park courts.
If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin is, where would you take them?
I am loyal to downtown San Anselmo. You’ve got Longway for coffee and clothes, an independent bookstore with Sugarfoot Books, funky art with a mission at Artist Within Gallery, beach vibes at OCN Culture, fresh olive oils and vinegars thanks to Amphora Nueva and a modern wine bar called Voyage, all within two blocks.
What’s one thing Marin is missing?
A late-night diner, where everyone winds up. And good Ethiopian food.
What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites?
There are no strangers, just friends you have not met yet. Explore our county more—my wife’s favorite sushi spot is in Novato, for example.
If you could ask anyone to join you at dinner, whom would you invite?
Mick Jagger, Oscar Wilde and Cleopatra.
What’s some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago?
Get in shape, and stay that way.
What’s something that 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy?
President Musk and Vice President Trump.
Big question. What’s one thing you’d do to change the world?
Scrub our collective minds and souls of MAGA. And smile more.
Thank you, Nish; we are sure we will see you again. Keep up with Nish Nadaraja at @IveGotNissues in the meantime.
