My first full day home and my Mom wanted to take me to a new Mexican restaurant, Marinitas, in San Anselmo. (Google: I am not going to give away my real address but the one you have listed is wrong.) Heidi Krahling, who also own’s Insalata’s, runs this upscale Mexican restaurant. She is definitely making her mark in the upper class dining circles of West Marin.

At home I always feel like I need to pull the trigger due to overeating, so I opted for a lighter entree, the Marinita’s salad. The salad consisted of butter lettuce, avocado, pumpkin seeds, grilled chicken, and a creamy lime vinaigrette. The salad was really good and I would order it again when I return. For dessert we had the pot de creme which was prepared just right. As long as the consistency of pot de creme is right you know the chocolate won’t let you down.

I hate always comparing things to La Esquina but that is what this salad reminded me of, as well as the decor. Marinitas was decorated like a brand new version of La Esquina’s downstairs. Neither restaurant’s decor feels organic which gives the experience’s a “gringo” feel. I don’t say this to deter anyone because Marinitas and La Esquina are both good at what they aim to do. I enjoy Mexican food in almost any form so I am sure I will return but it will be when I am with a group of people who don’t want the authentic experience of the taqueria down the street.