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May 27, 2024

Above Fifth, a rooftop dining destination in San Rafael

The ground-up development of the contemporary AC Hotel San Rafael by Marriott that’s one block north of San Rafael’s main Fourth Street corridor is now complete. Given that locals have little need for

The ground-up development of the contemporary AC Hotel San Rafael by Marriott that’s one block north of San Rafael’s main Fourth Street corridor is now complete. Given that locals have little need for overnight accommodations, the real stir has been about the boutique hotel’s Wednesday opening of Above Fifth, San Rafael’s first rooftop dining destination, that offers panoramic Mount Tamalpais views, craft cocktails, draft beer, local wines, seasonally shareable plates and, at a later date, weekend brunch.

The sixth-floor, lounge-like 2,500-square-foot setting is destined to be a draw for casual drinks and snacks like warm Marcona almonds and rosemary; Napa olives with pickled garlic; and roasted organic carrot and herb hummus with veggies and flatbread. Or make it more of a meal with dishes such as hamachi crudo with sweet onion, serrano, black sea salt, ponzu and sesame oil; fresh oysters (chilled or baked); chicken souvlaki with feta and preserved lemon vinaigrette; Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Co.’s Original Blue Cheese, grilled skirt steak, caramelized onions and arugula crostini; and Toma grilled cheese on Bordenave’s sourdough with house strawberry preserves.

The cocktail selection shifts with the seasons. In summertime, sip on Myers’s Rum, coconut and tiki bitters; Lemongrass Mojito with lime, mint and soda; Fords Gin, Chareau Aloe Liqueur, lime and basil; and the Tam Cooler with Camarena Silver Tequila, pineapple, lime and cinnamon.

On the ground level, three additional eateries service hotel guests and visitors. AC Kitchen has a European-inspired gourmet breakfast including fresh baked pastries, Spanish egg tarts, artisan prosciutto and cheese and fresh fruit; cocktails, craft beer, wine and Spanish tapas can be found at AC Lounge; and the grab-and-go AC Market has curated local products and beverages.

The more than 190 AC Hotels around the globe are designed with functional and modern public spaces throughout the lobby level that welcome shared work and socializing. In San Rafael, white hand-chiseled wall tiles from Italy complement natural gray stone and wood panels to symbolize the rocky coast and eucalyptus groves of the surrounding area, and artwork includes several pieces by Northern California artists.

Visit AC Kitchen from 6:30 to 10 a.m. daily, AC Lounge from 3 to 10 p.m. daily; and Above Fifth from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays at 1201 Fifth Ave. in San Rafael. AC Market is open daily, 24 hours a day. For additional details or to inquire about booking the indoor/outdoor meeting spaces for small to larger scale events, go to achotelsanrafael.com.

Any day is for oysters in West Marin, but from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Marshall-based Hog Island Oyster Co. is taking its bounty to the lush rooftop cocktail bar and solarium Rise Over Run at the LINE boutique hotel in San Francisco in celebration of National Oyster Day.

The bivalve spread includes a half dozen freshly shucked Hog Island oysters and two Ysidro Sake Spritz sparkling cocktails ($36). Tickets aren’t necessary, but quantities are limited.

Rise Over Run is at 33 Turk St. in San Francisco. Find more information and book restaurant reservations at thelinehotel.com/san-francisco/restaurants-bars/rise-over-run.

Looking ahead to September, the Sausalito Community Boating Center (SCBC), that’s better known for its annual winter Herring Festival, is holding a waterfront oyster celebration from noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 9 at Dunphy Park in Sausalito.

The planned menu features baked oysters (Rockefeller and with brie and garlic); raw oysters on half-shell with mignonette sauces (shallot, habanero, Meyer lemon and ancho chili lemon); sides (mac and cheese, garlic bread and Caesar salad); and drinks (beer, wine, sodas and water).

The event is an opportunity to learn more about the SCBC and local ecology and is held in conjunction with the Sausalito Cruising Club’s Kid’s Day.

Find more about the SCBC at sausalitoboatingcommunity.org.

Leanne Battelle is a freelance food writer and restaurant columnist. Email her at [email protected] with news and recommendations and follow on Instagram @therealdealmarin for more on local food and updates on the launch of The Real Deal Marin restaurant search guide.

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