Lark Creek Inn, Marin's long-running special-occasion restaurant – the one that put chefs like Bradley Ogden on the map – shut its dainty Victorian doors last weekend. But the owners intend to reopen the space May 25 as The Tavern at Lark Creek – the word “tavern” being code for a more casual, less pricey sort of place. Chef-partner Erica Holland Toll will still prepare seasonal American fare, though the $15-and-under menu will skew more toward crowd favorites (think meatball sandwiches and pot roast) and will be complemented by value wines. While the exterior of the creek-side 1888 Victorian will remain the same, the interior is getting a total body makeover, including the addition of a wood-burning oven in the dining room and a refurbished brick patio.
April 18 is the last day for Carmel’s Bouchée, which recently was sold to new owners. From now until then, current owner David Fink (who will subsequently focus his time on his other operation, L'Auberge Carmel) invites guests to partake in a special three-course $35 prix fixe farewell dinner. New owner André Lemaire, a native of France, intends to reopen the restaurant around April 24 as André's Bouchée, with a similar bistro format.