At the dawn of 2020, shortly before the pandemic forced Vivalon’s Jackson Café in San Rafael to close, Marin County resident and catering veteran Stacy Scott and Chuck Ciaccio, her husband and business partner, were appointed culinary director and kitchen manager, respectively. The couple was eager to offer creative, nutritious and affordable lunches to Vivalon members and the public, highlighting local ingredients such as free-range, certified organic eggs from a farm in Nicasio while maintaining low prices ($6 for Vivalon members and $10 for non-members per lunch).
A year and a half later, the kitchen has reopened, and made-to-order meals are available in a renovated dining room or for takeout.
“We are proud of the delicious, homestyle and affordable meals we provide to the community,” writes Scott in an email. “No fake food is our motto, which is a big change from typical food at many community centers.”
Entrée specials are posted daily at vivalon.org. The menu recently featured shredded chicken mole enchilada bake; chicken and vegetable tikka masala; and a salad bowl with fresh buffalo mozzarella, summer peaches and toasted pecans.
Scott and Ciaccio also operate their 31-year-old catering company Stacy Scott Catering, the Art of Good Taste. They’ve handled thousands of events for both local clients and internationally known public figures, including former President Barack Obama and professional footballer David Beckham.
The café is open from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays at 930 Tamalpais Ave. in San Rafael. Reservations are encouraged but not required. Takeout orders must be placed in person or by calling 415-456-9062, extension 100, by 11 a.m. for same-day pickup. All guests must show proof (card or image) of full vaccination upon first entry.
Jackson Café is part Vivalon (formerly Whistlestop), a 67-year-old San-Rafael-based nonprofit that promotes the independence, well-being and quality of life for older adults and vulnerable residents of all ages in Marin, Sonoma and Solano counties by offering meals, rides, classes, care and advice. Learn more about Vivalon’s programming, membership and café at vivalon.org and about Stacy Scott Catering at stacyscottcatering.com or by calling 415-413-6489.
Seafood feast
If a drive out to West Marin is on the summer excursion list, the William Tell House in Tomales has a number of upcoming events to anchor the trip.
On Aug. 7, the restaurant is teaming with the Golden State Salmon Association for a seafood fundraiser featuring fresh-caught and grilled California king salmon with sides; wild halibut ceviche and salmon poke stations; and a raw oyster bar. Guests are sent home with a small, vacuum-sealed packet of smoked salmon. Wines from Sonoma and Napa counties and beer from North Coast Brewing Co. are included, and cocktails are available for purchase.
The first seating is from noon to 3 p.m. with a second seating from 4 to 7 p.m. at 26955 Highway 1 in Tomales. Go to goldenstatesalmon.org/bbq or call 855-251-GGSA (4472) for tickets ($100, including GSSA membership and raffle; $50 for kids under 12).
Proceeds help fund GGSA’s long-term goal of rebuilding the salmon runs that support coastal and inland communities, a particularly vital issue given this season’s drought conditions. Learn more about the GGSA at goldenstatesalmon.org.
Summer 2021 also happens to mark the centennial birthday of William Tell’s historic bar, and the restaurant is embracing the theme by offering two deals — a dozen oysters or a burger, fries and beer combo for $19.21.
Other August events include live local music on the patio from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays and 3 to 5 p.m. Sundays; Thursday night movies projected onto a 20-foot screen with firepit s’mores for snacking; drink specials, barbecue and a rockabilly band on Labor Day weekend; and a vintage car show and pinup pageant on Sept. 4.
Find details and updates at williamtellhouse.com or call 707-879-2002.
Indian delicacies
New Delhi Indian Cuisine has moved into the brick storefront on Fourth Street in San Rafael that was vacated by Lotus Cuisine of India in December when Lotus owner Surinder Sroa moved his restaurant and opened an Indian market a few doors down in the former Pizza Orgasmica spot.
New Delhi owner Gurdev Mand undertook a number of remodeling projects before opening last month — swapping the carpet with laminate flooring; replacing the chairs, tables and banquet cushions; painting the interior; and refreshing the kitchen. As was the case with Lotus, the roof is fully retractable, providing an open-air atmosphere.
The chef is Parshotam Lal, a two-decade Lotus alum with 35 years’ culinary experience that includes a stint at India Palace Restaurant in Mill Valley. His Punjabi menu features samosa chaat, dal makhani, tandoori and paneer. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free selections are available.
The restaurant is open from 11:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and 5 to 9 p.m. Sundays at 704 Fourth St. Place takeout orders at newdelhiindiancuisine.net or call 415-295-7162.
Leanne Battelle is a freelance food writer. Please email her at ij.lbattelle@gmail.com with local food and restaurant news and follow Instagram.com/therealdealmarin for updates on the reveal of the Real Deal Marin restaurant guide.
