Elite Event – - The Lark Creek Food & Wine Crawl

Well hello! This YEE was quite the collision of Unilocal worlds. Along with a growing number of North Bay Elites I’m getting to know, the Lark Creek Food & Wine Crawl also had some East Bay stalwarts & the Elite of Elites from Sacramento in attendance.
It was an absolutely beautiful night for everyone to come out to Larkspur & enjoy the lovely, serene setting. Though our crawl was only between 2 points, it’s hard to imagine 2 nicer places than the Tavern at Lark Creek & Yankee Pier to go to & from.
So along with all the delicious lettuce wraps, meatballs & killer salmon sliders with lots of wine throughout, it was a great night hanging out with Unilocal Elite friends from all over NorCal.
Thanks Kevin B. for this fun, intimate, little YEE. Thanks also to both the Tavern at Lark Creek & Yankee Pier for being the waypoints in our little crawl & for all the generous hospitality. For a time & place for all of us from all over to come together, this was surely as pleasant as it could get.

Wow, what an event! Food, ambiance, location, service all top notch! A little late posting this so will not rehash the what’s already been said here, but just thought I should give a shout out to Kevin for an excellent event. Still dreaming of those yummy mac n cheese croquettes and the salmon sliders. Thanks to Yankee Pier and Lark Creek Tavern for their hospitality and fellow Unilocalers for the fun times!

Hospitality at its finest = The Tavern at Lark Creek & Yankee Pier, North Bay neighborhood gems. We Elites were truly wined and dined at another memorable gourmet extravaganza! The intimate evening started off with exquisite foods (uni tortilla chips, tender lamb meatballs, endless salmon sliders, oysters, mac ‘n’ cheese croquets, lettuce wraps) and an array of divine wines. Surrounded by towering Redwoods, we couldn’t have asked for a more epicurean reception.
With indoor and outdoor seating, I’d definitely come back here for brunch, drinks, and more oysters. Perfect setting for private events including weddings, anniversaries, birthday celebrations & more.
Thanks to Kevin for another spectacular YEE and many thanks to the gracious staff at The Tavern at Lark Creek and Yankee Pier for an amazing social gathering!
P. S. I passed on tarot card reading, as I don’t want to ruin a good thing ~ YOLO!

Interesting to read all of the reviews. Revery reviewer raves about the venue, the food, the wine and generally what a lovely event this was. There is not much I can add that has not already been said but I do want to add two points. 1) I have been to both of these restaurants in the past and love them both. I would highly recommend both to all. 2) Kevin is the perfect planner and host. I have been to a few of his events now and I am always impressed with his the fact that the evenings are very well planned and organized but never feel forced also with his lovely mix of guests. Thank you Kevin and Unilocal,The Yankee Pier and the Lark Creek for a thoroughly delightful experience.

Kevin,
Great food, great wine, perfect summer night. Loved the outdoor space at the Tavern. Another great event.

Great event, Kevin! We had a great time!
La Crema Chardonnay paired with bread-​crusted macaroni and cheese AND tasty lettuce wraps of fresh salmon – just delightful, and all situated under the romantically-​lit redwoods! The Tavern was beautiful. Having the 3 different wine varietals was smart and complimented all palates, offering Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir. The tarot readings definitely offered some new and fun excitement around the event. Everyone wanted a reading!
Yankee Pier was also ready to impress the NorthBay elites as Chef Alex shucked fresh oysters that were served with Zonin Prosecco. I’m a bubbles girl, I must admit, so this was my favorite drink of choice. I also need to rave about that salmon sliders! The salmon was perfectly flaky and moist, and the slider buns were ever-​so-​lightly toasted. Oh man! I need to come back here!
Thanks for bringing us down to Marin, Kevin! If it weren’t for these awesome and fun events, who knows if we would have ever found these gems!

Another first class event hosted by Kevin that I have had the privilege of attending. The setitng for both restaurants is spectacular and I have had the opportunity to dine at each on a number of occasions. The event helped remind me of the beauty of the locations and the wines and appetizer samplings complemented the event nicely.
I am planning on returning to both restaurants in the near future. And I am sending out a huge thanks to the vendors and restaurant personnel that made this event special.

This event was a great way to end a busy day. Friendly people, chill evening, and of course the food and drinks are delish! Started at the Tavern and got our tarot reading with Arisa while sipping wines. The mac and cheese balls and the lamb meatballs were so yummy that it took me a bit of willpower of not stealing a second one from my date’s napkin. Then we went to the Yankee Pier for Oysters and bubbly and I was done. No more willpower left. Oysters were so good and fresh and plus the chef whipped out this uni taco (and also fresh uni!). I could spend the night in front of that table. It was heaven :) too bad, my date poked me out of my oyster bubble and dragged me home. Will definitely visit the Yankee Pier now for their $ 1 oyster every saturday and sunday. The good thing is that they follow the Monterey Bay Seafood Watch guideline.

Highlights:
–Top notch Pinot Noir
–I’m now a dedicated convert to the Church of Uni Tacos
–Um, OYSTERS DUH
–A warm night under a well-​lit grove of redwood trees
What else is there to say?

Talk about a perfect elite event. Great job Kevin, that was one of the best events I have attended yet.
This was our first event in the North Bay and what a great place to do it. Nestled in the Redwoods The Tavern at Lark Creek and Yankee Pier are a sight to see just by themselves.
Only five minutes off the freeway and when we got out of the car it almost felt like we were in another world.
When we arrived at The Tavern we checked it and found a seat in the middle of a little redwood grove, where a patio as set up for the guests. Then we went and got a glass of La Crema Pinot Gris which was very good, and found our seats again. After a couple of minutes food started finding its way out to the patio and it was superb.
The first item of food was a mac and cheese croquet which I probably shouldn’t have thrown into my mouth so fast since it was a little hot but sooooo good. Then we were brought Salmon lettuce wraps with caviar on them. Now I’m not always the biggest fan of lettuce wrapped anything but I am now thanks Lark Creek. After the lettuce wraps there was a Lamb Meatball covered in a tomato sauce. That was also really good.
It was then time to walk to Yankee Pier. Now this is what I was waiting for, Oysters and Champagne. YESSSSS!!! Well to my surprise it wasn’t just Oysters and Champagne they hand UNI tostadas that were so incredible and Salmon sliders to die for.
The manager at Yankee Pier Chris, did an amazing job. There was enough Oysters to feed everyone at the event times two, and he was making sure everyone was able to to a slider, not just the group standing by the door.
The Zonin Presecco was a real treat. It was very smooth and tasted great.
After we got our fill of Oysters, Presecco, and UNI (which the chef ended up putting some UNI in a cedar box and let the guests take it themselves. It really was interesting to eat the UNI by itself, it was mouthwatering good.) we made our way back to The Tavern where we drank another glass of Pinot then said our goodbyes.
Thanks again Kevin for putting on that outstanding event.

Just a short time after Jelena and I left the bustling city streets, we were nestled in the Redwoods sipping champagne and throwing back tasty oysters. All thanks to Kevin!
I had a feeling these North Bay elites would be taken care of and I was happy and humbled to be a part of this lucky guest list.
The Tavern hosted us under twinkle lights and massive Redwoods. They passed some incredible plates. We mmm’d over the Mac n’ Cheese croquets, Salmon lettuce wraps, and my favorite: Lamb meatballs, heavenly seasoned. Some La Crema paired perfection and we were ready to take a small walk to the second venue. I hope that Elite events keep up the district hops. It was great to split time between two venues.
Over at Yankee Pier chef had sweet water oysters sprawled out over a massive ice block, which gave this event the drama it deserved. I know I felt taken care of. The fancy didn’t stop there: the Salmon sliders and Uni tacos were great.
No hungry elites last night! Thanks Kevin, I look forward to seeing what fun you get into in the North Bay.

I love new places and change. I could live anywhere and be happy, but recently I’ve started telling Casey P. I’d like us to live in the North Bay (where he’s from). Luckily, we don’t have to rush to put up any «for sale» signs just yet in order to attend the North Bay Unilocal events.
Last night’s event was our first one outside of the East Bay group. It wasn’t much further geographically, but it was definitely a different experience. All YEE’s are unique in their own way, but this one felt extra special and very personal.
I thoroughly enjoyed the patio set-​up at both restaurants. The tables and seating were organized in a way that I felt created a smooth flow of opportunity to talk to people. We were warmly greeted by Kevin upon arriving and I saw a couple familiar faces whom I’d already met, and several familiar ones I had yet to meet. We friendlied up with some first time YEE attendees and even some out-​of-​state guests.
It wasn’t just the wine and bubbles that had the entire group smiling and laughing; it was the greatness of the group. Everyone was relaxed and fun and it felt casual, even though the dining options were very up-​scale. First-​class appetizers were served at both establishments. My favorite at the tavern were the seafood lettuce wraps — single bites of awesome! And since I don’t think I’d ever tasted Uni before, sampling this treat at Yankee Pier was pretty special. Chris (their manager) was very welcoming to the entire Unilocal group and Kaci (pouring the flutes) and Alex (shucking and plating) were exceptionally nice, even while very busy!
A very sincere thank you and goodbyes were exchanged with Kevin and our other new friends before we left. We thoroughly enjoyed each moment of this event! Very, very well done.

What an Awesome Unilocal Event Thanks Kevin.
I was looking forward to this Unilocal Event as it was my 1^st North Bay Event. I rolled my Whip Black Beauty to Larkspur. Anytime I get an excuse to roll Black Beauty I usually have a good time lol.
I stashed Black Beauty in the Valet Lot. Of the Tavern.
The Tavern was the Starting Point. Of The Lark Creek Food & Wine Crawl. Such a Charming Starting Point.
The outside Deck under the Towering Redwoods was Awesome .
We were served La Crema Pinot Gris Monterey
Arrowood Chardonnay Sonoma County
Bryon Santa Maria Pinot Noir

And They served us Lamb Meatballs
Lettuce Wraps
Mac and Cheese
and it was Delish.
Then we Street Hiked to the Yankee Pier
Where we were served Zonin Prosecco Yum and Oysters On The Half Shell
Salmon Sliders
And
UNI TOSTADAS –YUMMY
What a Feast and a Treat!!!
For the Mystic in you there was a Tarot Card reader.
What and Awesome Event Thanks Kevin and the Tavern and Yankee Pier for and Awesome Event.
Lots of Lovely Ladies in Attendance and it was a Blast meeting New Elites and the Usual Suspects
2013 The Year Of Trials and Tribulation and Getting Back To Basics!!!

Just when I got to thinking that I might be able to have some quiet evenings at home Kevin had to come along and rock another Bay Area geography with the Unilocaling goodness.
Thanks Kevin.
I paid a lot for that house. I was hoping to actually live in it a little.
Slender chance of that happening.
What a lovely intimate gathering last night. Opening in the grove outside Lark Creek with the wine and then the short stumble to Yankee Pier for the champagne and oysters.
A sampling of friends from across the waters mixed nicely with a sampling I had not yet met. All so well turned out, so beautiful, so tall. Like sunflowers.
The Lady of the Cards was wonderful, inviting us to ask a question or receive a message. I received a message. I can testify that two of the cards were spot on. The third I hope is as well.
If Kevin and the newly baptized will have me I’d surely like to come back.
May I?

Add Unilocal goodies (sun glasses and mints), a tarot card reader, music, arrowood wine, oysters on the half shell, mini salmon sliders, salmon lettuce wraps, uni on tortilla chips, lots of great people, what do you get? One heck of a nice Unilocal Elite party. Thank you Tavern at Lark Creek, Yankee Pier, and Kevin for hosting!

My first event in North Bay! :)
I’m quite glad the weather was very nice tonight, as both venues were outdoors. The food at both locations were excellent, and I look forward to going again!
The Tavern:
I tried the three items they offered, the mac and cheese croquette, the salmon tartare, and the lamb meatball. I personally really enjoyed the croquette — the crunchiness complemented the gooey mac and cheese inside well. The salmon tartare was quite good as well, as the caviar added on top added a pleasant crunch to the softer salmon. The lamb meatball was quite well-​seasoned, and I was glad to find that the lamb flavor wasn’t too heavy or overpowering.
Yankee Pier:
The food here was really good! I personally am not a huge fan of oysters or uni, but my +1 loved it (I’m surprised they had uni!). The salmon sliders were excellent, however. I was pleasantly surprised to find out that they offer $ 1 Oysters 3 – 5 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, I’ll most likely return there with some of my friends to enjoy that offer.
Thank you Kevin for organizing it! It was nice meeting you, and I look forward to many more events to come.

I LOVED the vibe of tonight’s event. It was perfectly chill, friendly and a great evening. Weather was perfect with only a slight crispness to the air to be able to fully enjoy hanging out in the redwoods on the patio.
What a beautiful venue both locations are, but The Tavern was exceptionally pretty. A grove of redwoods hosts the outside patio where you can nosh on all house made treats. Tonight we had a sample of lamb meatballs, mac’n’cheese croquets, and salmon lettuce cups.
At Yankee Pier we were treated to uni tostadas, half shell oysters, and salmon burgers. I tried all the treats at YP and enjoyed all of it. The prosecco was a little dry and delicious! The heaters were in full force on the patio and it almost got warm! Good to know they were so willing to take care of us.
It was fun to go back and forth between each location. I loved the concept for tonight’s event. Thank you Kevin for another fun evening!
I personally was leery of the tarot reader, but she added a fun element to the evening.

Wonderful Evening With A Summer Breeze Of Food & Wine On A Lark!
SITREP
Tonight was a wonderful alignment of the stars…
* I journeyed over from Sacramento (for a change) to Marin County and for my very first Elite Event in North Bay Unilocal.
* I enjoy meeting Community Managers and tonight would be the first time meeting the new dynamic leader of North Bay, Kevin B.
* And tonight as I was coming into San Rafael, I took this opportunity to scoop up and kidnap my dear friend & Unilocal newbie, Bridgette B., to her very first Unilocal event.
And so tonight was a beautiful evening at both The Tavern at Lark Creek and the Yankee Pier, the sites for «The Lark Creek Food & Wine Crawl», and a confluence of all these wonderful things for me to enjoy together.
THE SETUP
It was very swanky starting out at The Tavern at Lark Creek’s Redwood Grove. And indeed it was a «redwood grove» — we were amidst tall beautiful redwoods as if under a beautiful canopy of leaves & stars in an Elven tale.
It was a gorgeous night indeed…
THE TAVERN
The serving staff were fantastic and humorous all at once. I kept asking our delightful wine lady, «Uh. Where’s your tip jar?» She just looked at me and laughted, «There’s no tip jar! I just enjoy being here!» Yes, it was love at first sight. ;)
We got to imbibe in some delicious wines and some awesome taste treats.
WINES
The wines included a Pinot Noir, a Chardonnay and a Pinot Grigio. My favorite was the Chardonnay — providing just enough tart, dry refreshment to really put an end to a gorgeous evening. But the Grigio I drank more of. Just because there was more of it, and it was GOOD.
FOOD BITES
The gentlemen brought treats out on platters:
* Lamb Meatballs
* Mac N’ Cheese Cubes
* Lettuce Wraps
Oh Yum! These were so good & delectable.
THE PIER
Then we galavanted on over to the nearby Yankee Pier for champagne & oysters, an absolutely dynamite combination of West Coast summer refreshment!
KUDOS
I want to give a big shout-​out to North Bay Unilocal CM Kevin B. for a delightful party and I thank him for his wonderful invitation for one of the best evenings!
THE LOWDOWN
A sweet, swanky and classy way to spend a Wednesday with good friends, food and beverages!