San Anselmo Restaurant Snags Michelin Star

SAN ANSELMO, CA — Gourmet eats abound in Marin, but Madcap was the county’s only restaurant to be awarded a coveted Michelin star.

The San Anselmo eatery was among 90 California restaurants honored by the prestigious restaurant guide Tuesday in its newly released publication.

Madcap received one star out of three.

“Upscale yet friendly and approachable, Madcap is one of the Bay Area’s top destinations for contemporary dining,” the guide said.

The guide noted that Madcap’s chef’s experience includes working at some of the state’s most prestigious eateries including one that these days is better known as the epicenter of California political upheaval than for fine dining.

“The superb culinary skills on display should be no surprise considering that Chef/owner Ron Siegel worked at some of the West Coast’s more renowned kitchens, including The French Laundry,” the guide said.

“Madcap reflects much of his background, but at its soul, this is a humble hangout, striving to highlight the best local and seasonal ingredients with little fuss. Elegant, yet comfortable, the service here doesn't miss a beat.”

Madcap got high marks for its Caledonia shrimp with cucumber and watermelon juice, Sonoma duck breast with stone fruit and butterbean puree, and Caramel pot de creme with almond streusel and "river rock."

“Both à la carte and fixed menus are offered and are sure to feature some of the kitchen’s more surprising concoctions,” the guide said.

“While each composition is likely to change with the seasons, every bite remains well crafted, balanced and teeming with unique flavor combinations. Highlights include heirloom tomato soup with wedges of tomatillo, crunchy croutons and cubes of charred beef, as well as crisped shrimp atop an array of cucumber and melon. Sonoma duck breast composed with stone fruit purée and the season's greenery is lean and velvety.”