Horizons to Shutter, Trident Stages Big Sausalito Return

For decades now, Sausalito's Horizons has been a place for tourists to sit on a sun-filled, Bay-bordering patio, while paying a premium for average renditions of shrimp Louis and friends. Now owners Ron Davis and Bob Freeman, who also own Wharf fixture Buena Vista Cafe, have a plan to switch things up. Since the America's Cup will be bringing big crowds to the area next year, it's a perfect opportunity to revamp and bring back some of the luster of years past. Freeman has hired former Michael Mina sous chef James Montejano to help. (Yes, that's the same chef who just turned down the Lot 7 gig.) Next year, they'll shut down Horizons and reopen as Trident—a restaurant last seen at this address during the drug- and music-loving counterculture heyday of the 60s and 70s, when Janis Joplin had a regular table inside.

The move resembles Moonraker's recent revival in Pacifica, and the history of Trident is certainly a fun one. Led Zepplin, Santana and Vince Guaraldi made regular appearances, and Bill Graham would hold regular private parties, many of them with the Rolling Stones. You can read a lot more about the good old days right here.

When Trident reopens next year, Janice Joplin obviously won't be there, but a huge new upper level deck will host prime seats for watching the America's Cup, and the existing decor downstairs will have enjoyed a much-needed refresh. Montejano has already spruced up the menu, fixing classics like cioppino and Nicoise salad with an eye towards sustainability and local sourcing. He'll continue doing this in the new year, bringing in local oysters, Brandt beef, Mary's air-chilled chickens, and more. There's a Humphry Sloclombe Irish coffee ice cream in the works, and there may even be a totally separate menu upstairs. "Tourists are a given here with the views and everything," says Montejano. "But we also want to cater to locals and the industry."

After meetings with the Sausalito City Council in mid-January, the powers that be will know a lot more about what exactly can be done to the decor, and how quickly. Horizons will stay open as is through the new year, until the exact plan is nailed down. Expect an update on all this early next year.

· All Horizons Coverage [~ ESF ~]