Girls Night Out a Monthly Staple at Melting Pot Larkspur

Occupying a historic landmark—a brick kiln from the 1900s, Melting Pot in Larkspur is impossible to miss. Located along Sir Francis Drake Blvd. on the water edge framed by Marin grassy hills, the place could not have been more fitting for a special occasion restaurant. John McDonald, the owner, is set on creating a community-oriented gathering place for occasions big and small, family celebrations and parties for a cause. Third Wednesday of the month is Girl’s Night Out, and this time, for the National Breast Cancer Awareness month—October—15% of the proceeds benefit Susan G. Komen San Francisco. Last Wednesday, McDonald, 27, his girlfriend Julie Burnbaum (owner of organic clothing company Juleselin) and Mark Thompson, general manager, were all present to greet their guests on a restaurant terrace overlooking the sunset, and decorated with pink balloons. Vendors, like Ashley Rogers of Green Halo Designs (hand-made jewelry) and Jett of Pug Snuggly by Yogi (small dog clothes) among others were displaying their wares while mostly female guests, dressed in various shades of pink were sipping champagne—compliments of the establishment. Renovated and enhanced with air-conditioning, the venue uses its original building in the best possible way—adding modern features while preserving the uncanny beauty of the redbrick structure that survived the Big Quake of 1906. Actually, the kiln supplied bricks to the renovation effort of the time. Currently, it features a distinguished wine cellar adjacent to a vaulted bar and dining rooms of all sizes—for large parties or just couples, with cozy table settings and colorful light fixtures. Being a fondue restaurant, Melting Pot does not have a kitchen, just a prep area, where row fish, meats and veggies are washed, chopped, and marinated before being cooked by the guests on tabletop by dipping various morsels into cheese mixtures, bouillons, or chocolates for dessert. This simple concept has an ability to bring people together and enliven their table talk; therefore the place is well used for birthdays, anniversaries, intimate dinners, and group occasions. According to McDonald, a benefit for the Humane Society is on its way, but so far, any Girl’s Night Out has its own charm—and a special price to boot. For an evening of sheer fun and great-tasting fondue food, call 415-461-6358 or visit www.meltingpot.com. 125 E. Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Larkspur. 100% cotton organic women’s wear at: www.juleselin.com. Original gold-filled jewelry with semi-precious stones at: www.greenhalo.com. The cutest black pug Yogi sells small dog clothes at: www.pugsnuggly.comPhotos by Yuri Krasov. Top left: John McDonald among his guests. Top right: Julie models her organic cotton cozy coat. Bottom left: Claudia Schou and Mark Thompson seated at "lovers' lane" table. Bottom right: Melting Pot bar.