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Politics & Government

El Meson Cafe New to Ignacio

Spanish/Italian eatery opens in the former Neo Tataki space. Other business news: State of the City address with Michael Frank and Hennessey Advisors raises dividend.

Patch readers asked, “What’s the new restaurant in Ignacio?” The answer: El Meson Café is now in the spot that was formerly Neo Tataki (or before that TJ’s Takeout) in Igancio’s Del Prado Square.  New husband and wife owners, Gustavo Ramos and Alicia Anguiano, opened the Spanish/Italian eatery in mid-January.

New interior colors make the café warm and inviting. “In the nighttime, we lower the lights and it’s nice,” owner Gustavo Ramos said. A mix of Spanish, Brazilian and jazz music on the speakers add to the ambience.

Ramos said the lunch favorite is the warm bisteca sandwich - beef steak, sautéed onions, melted Jack Cheese, bell peppers, lettuce, tomato and paprika aioli for $8.95.

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Dinner entrees include Italian standards like Rigatoni Bolognese ($7.95) and Fettuccini with Prawns ($8.95) and Spanish favorites like Paella Mixta ($10.95).

Main courses like Salmon Pepe Pepo – poached salmon, and red bell peppers in a creamy garlic sauce - come with potatoes and vegetables for $14.95.

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Ramos said his goal is to keep the prices low so everyone can enjoy dining out.

Ramos is planning on having live Brazilian guitar music on Saturdays for the month of February to celebrate the opening.

The café is open for lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and for dinner from 5 p.m. to “whenever,” according to Ramos. He said the grand opening celebration went until 11 p.m. so closing time may vary with the crowd.

El Meson Café is at 504 Alameda del Prado in Novato. Call (415) 883-7754 for more information.

What’s the State of the City?

A lot has happened over the last year in the City of Novato. City Manager Michael Frank will reflect on the successes and challenges facing the community, the current condition of the city and where the city is headed at a breakfast from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. at Ghiringhelli Pizzeria on Tuesday, Feb. 7.

The event is co-sponsored by the Business Education Committee and the Novato Women’s Network. Admission is $25 for members and $35 for non-members.  The registration deadline is Friday, February 3. Walk-ins welcomed if space is available.  For more information, visit www.novatochamber.com

Hennessey Advisors Raises Dividend

., the Novato-based investment management firm, announced a 25% increase in the annual cash quarterly dividend from 10 cents to 12.5 cents per share for calendar year 2012. The first installment will be paid on March 1 to shareholders of record as of February 7.

Fully diluted earnings per share for Hennessy Advisors was reported as $0.03 for the first quarter, which ended December 31. Total assets under management decreased 12% and average assets decreased by 13%, causing a decrease in revenue, net income and earnings per share versus the prior comparable period.

“While revenue and earnings fell during this first quarter of fiscal 2012, we remained profitable and continued to grow our already strong cash position. For that reason, the Board of Directors has voted to increase the dividend by 25% to continue to reward our long term shareholders,” said company president Neil Hennessy in a written statement.

Hennessy Advisors, Inc. stock is publicly traded on the OTC Bulletin Board (HNNA) and closed at $2.75 on Wednesday, Feb 1.

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