Our hearts go out to San Anselmo outside San Francisco, one of the charming Marin County towns that was devastated in the floods of New Year's Eve and celebrated a "Put the Heart Back In San Anselmo Festival" this weekend. Imagine 5 feet of water and mud sweeping just six weeks ago through the restaurants, antique and clothing shops, bookstores and art centers of this 19th century railroad junction that is steeped in history and filled with Marin County insiders for coffee and shopping on weekends. Even the fire company had to evacuate, its vehicles floating down the stream overnight.
One by one, the shops are reopening, though sadly some will never come back, lacking insurance for their 100-year-flood gamble. Happily Debbie Does Dessert and Chocolat are back. The Vintage Flamingo is leaner but cleverly ecletic, while Comforts Cafe escaped the worst and continues to serve the best ever Chinese Chicken Salad found in California and perhaps anywhere.
When in the area, there are lots of bed and breakfasts, but the primo luxury experience at a comfortable rate is the Gerstle Park Inn in nearby San Rafael.
