Lots to love at Larkspur's Loveski
Love has arrived in Marin. Well, Loveski, that is. A twist on the classic Jewish deli, Loveski opened in Larkspur's Marin Country Mart in December and is playfully spreading its love of delicious food. Before arriving in Marin, Loveski's first location was at the Oxbow Public Market in Napa and is still lauded by the press and public.
Loveski's bright white front faces north toward the parking lot and, above the large windows and front door, bold red letters proclaim “Made with love.”
Go through those doors into a warm embrace of wonderful smells filling the high-ceiling expanse.
Husband-and-wife team Christopher and Martina Kostow have created a Northern California-style deli with some influences from traditional Jewish delis and from Martina Kostow's Thai American upbringing. Christopher Kostow was the Michelin-star
chef of Restaurant at Meadowood in the Napa Valley until the Glass Fire in 2020 destroyed the kitchen.
This deli project had been teasing them for a while. We are fortunate this talented team has focused its attention here.
My friends and I arrived mid-afternoon on a Sunday. A few of the outdoor tables were occupied while the indoor tables
were free. The afternoon was beginning to turn cool so we opted to sit inside. The round, bright red stools at the counter reminded us all of old-fashioned soda fountains. Soon other tables around us began to fill.
We ordered at the counter, paid and were given a number for our table.
Glasses and water were brought to our table and each
order was delivered as it came up. I didn't think to ask to have the food orders staggered a bit, so we quickly had a full table.