The Fairfaxian/Mike Ghiringhelli
One thing folks, locals and visitors alike, could count on about Fairfax over its illustrious 100 year history, is that this is an entertainment town through and through. Good times were guaranteed for all.
Before the Golden Gate Bridge was built, residents from San Francisco, 5,000 every weekend, would take the ferry across the bay, jump on a train, and end up at the landing station in downtown Fairfax. There were 26 drinking establishments waiting for these thirsty, playful loving visitors.
Then there was the famously historic Marin Town and Country Club, set on 24 acres, that featured multiple swimming pools, picnic areas, basketball courts, an outdoor stage for music and dance area, and endless good times. It also boasted 40 weekend cabins for vacationers.
It was non-stop fun in the sun.
There were an abundance of restaurants as well, most were Italian, that were large and quite delicious, and would feed hundreds of satisfied patrons each day. Families and friends dined slowly, a meal was five courses, and always a two hour minimum adventure.
San Anselmo was not as full of merriment. It was a dry town, no alcohol allowed, which only enhanced the reputation of Wild and Crazy Fairfax. To put it mildly, Fairfax was the Wild West, and in my estimation, it should never be tamed.
As one old time story goes, a particular dining establishment was located right on the border of the neighboring towns. Unfortunately for them, they were on the San Anselmo side, and they were not allowed to serve alcohol. What do you think the owners ended up doing?
If you guessed that they jacked up their entire building, and moved it twenty feet across the border line and into the land of Bootlegging Fairfax, you would be correct. Now, drink up and take an Uber.
Nowadays, the Fairfax scene is still all about the thrills and spills. Whether you’re drinking beers and scarfing sausages at the Gestalt Haus, or drinking beers and eating pub food at Bottle Rock, or drinking beers and eating burgers at the Hen House, well, you get the point. Drink beer.
Take an Uber.
Restaurant Row, covers the streets of Broadway, Bolinas, and Sir Francis Drake. There has never been better or more diverse restaurants in Fairfax. Our town has developed into a seriously great dining attraction.
While we still have fantastic Italian restaurants, including Fradelizios and Sorellas, and the brand new rocking La Gastronomia, we are blessed to have great cuisine from around the world.
As we stroll around we run into a wonderful French restaurant, Amelie, the first French dining establishment in our town.
This restaurant , formerly the location of our beloved Fairfax Bakery, features delicious cuisine and wine from France. The ambiance and service is outstanding, and they have sister restaurants in Paris, San Francisco, and of course, Fairfax.
Wait a minute, I thought Fairfax didn’t allow chains? In this case, we will make an exception!
Everyone that loves great music , loves Peris Silver Dollar. The Peri family is 100 years strong in Fairfax! They have an interesting and important history in Fairfax.
Have you had the pleasure of bringing your children to Andy Peri Park, prior to the homeless encampments? It was safer and better then, but it’s still our family public park.
Did you know that the first Chief of Police in Fairfax, was Andy Peri? It’s all related folks. The bar, the park, and the Fairfax police. One day we will delve into all of this, and untangle the web.
The Peri family means the world to me. Chuck Peri, was my dad’s best friend, and they grew up in Fairfax, riding horses and carrying shotguns at the age of ten. They shot wild game for dinner. Sustainability was serious back then – and scrumptious.
The late and great Chuck Peri, the second generation of the Peri family who operated Peris Bar, was my Godfather, and I don’t use the term lightly. Chuck really was Godfather like, and when he spoke, people listened.
Fairfax is a small town, with a rich and colorful history. We need to make sure we take great care of it. A lot of hard work by previous generations of town families was required, to make it the town that it is today.
Thanks for this story!! My Uncle Chuck was an Amazing Man. He taught all of the kids how to water ski. Our summers were the best partly because of him. He will always be remembered.