Codi Dada has added another 15 tables to Dr. Insomnia's, his coffee and tea shop on the corner of Grant Avenue and Reichert Avenue in Novato's Old Town. By the time he is done he’ll have added 22 tables to the rustic desination that is the hubbub of caffeinated activity. There is now more abundant seating in the patio area behind the historic building, too.

Dada says his customers are already taking advantage of the expansion. Business groups, realtors and a local mothers organization meet regularly at the 16-year-old business, which is housed in a former iron fashioning shop built in 1893 that is registered as a historic building.

“Groups find it easy to meet here," he say. "There is good parking on the street in addition to what is available behind the Golden Egg Omelet House.  It is really easy for groups to pull tables and chairs together outside and just sit down and have a meeting.” 

In addition to accommodating more seating, Dada’s breakfast menu has also been expanded.  Besides the scone-muffin hybrids called scuffins and other pastries, there are now freshly made egg sandwich options.

“I am focusing more on the grab-and-go type of menu items," he says. "It’s not a fast-food type of thing but it is quality food done quickly." 

The addition, Dada says free wireless Internet access has helped to  attract a steadily growing customer base.  

Sam Rides Again

Sam Jarjoura, owner of Sam’s Place in the Nave Center on South Novato Boulevard, is back in the saddle as owner (again) at Sam’s Roadhouse on Alameda Del Prado.

The site briefly hosted Points South, a Mexican concept restaurant that struggled before Jarjoura again took the site and renewed the traditional roadhouse presence.

“We’ve streamlined the menu and are again offering the Roadhouse favorites — fresh corned beef, turkey and roast beef dishes,” he said. 

The Roadhouse also has an attractive breakfast special six days a week for $3.95. There are also lunch specials every day. Sam’s Roadhouse is open for dinner on Fridays and Saturdays for now, but Jarjoura says he plans on expanding dinner operations once the crew gets in scheduling groove.  

Shelly Roy managed the Roadhouse previously and she has returned as well to bring the Roadhouse back up to speed.

Jarjoura also owns the Roast Haus Hof Brau in Terra Linda. 

Hilltop Celebration Continues

Erick Hendricks says Hilltop 1892’s one-year anniversary party was a big hit last Tuesday night. “The parking lot was overflowing. Complimentary drinks and appetizers were served," he said. "A really great time was had by all.”  

The celebration continues with a Seafood Extravaganza that will be on until Sept. 18. Until then, every customer ordering an entree will be entered into a raffle for prizes. The grand prize is a Carnival Cruise vacation for two.  

The Seafood Extravaganza will feature nightly specials for the next eight weeks.

“The menu has been expanded to accommodate more seafood dishes since this is the best time of the year for great seafood,” says Hendricks. Among the options will be dishes that feature scallops, mussels, sea bass and a classic Clams Casino.

Call ahead to see what the Fish of the Day is ... and enjoy.