Taco Jane’s has been my family’s go-to Mexican restaurant since moving to Marin, and not just because their patio is especially suited for drinking margaritas on sunny days. Matthew “Matteo” Boussina opened the place in 1998, and they are celebrating 25 years in business this month. The following is an interview with Boussina:
What do you do?
I own and run Taco Jane’s Restaurant & Bar in downtown San Anselmo. It’s named after my mother, Jane.
Where do you live?
I live in Fairfax, not a bad commute.
How long have you lived in Marin?
I’ve been in Marin most of my life, 40 or so years.
Where can we find you when not at work?
Trail running or mountain biking on Mt.Tamalpais, and when I get the chance, I love the old school vibe and liveliness of Marin Joe’s in Corte Madera.
If you had to convince someone how awesome Marin was, where would you take them?
First thing, I would take them up in a sea plane from Sausalito for a bird’s-eye view of the Bay Area and that thrill of landing back on the water. West Marin and Point Reyes are hard to beat, just exploring all around. And of course a stop at Taco Jane’s for at least one watermelon margarita and an order of “Matteo cakes.”
What is one thing Marin is missing?
Hmm, that’s a good question… Persian food. Oh and a larger venue for live music and the performing arts. Whenever we get the chance, we have live music, but it’s a more intimate vibe.
What’s one bit of advice you’d share with your fellow Marinites?
That your true treasure and wealth is that of where you are standing, and that your best investment is yourself.
If you could invite anyone to a special dinner, who would they be?
Thomas Jefferson, Freddie Mercury, Howard Schultz and of course Thom Yorke.
What is some advice you wish you knew 20 years ago?
That everything is going to be OK.
What is something that in 20 years from now will seem cringeworthy?
I certainly hope it will be social media.
Big question. What is one thing you’d do to change the world?
Wow, that’s a stumper. Bring back the virtues of our forefathers, perhaps, and send the rest camping.
Visit Taco Jane’s Instagram page (@tacojanes) to find out what anniversary specials Boussina has cooking this month, and make sure to say hola, since he’s almost always there.
Nish Nadaraja was on the founding team at Yelp, serves on the San Anselmo Arts Commission and attempts to play pickleball at Fairfax’s Cañon Club.
