AND THE DIPSEA GOES ON…. SINCE 1986
The
Dipsea Café was named for the seven mile Dipsea trail which begins in
downtown Mill Valley, goes up 672 wooden steps, winds up and over Mt.
Tam, and ends at Stinson beach. Held every year since 1905, the Dipsea
Race is one of the oldest foot races in the US, second only to the
Boston Marathon. Calling themselves the “Dipsea Indians,” the Dipsea
Race was started by a group of hikers from the Olympic Club. At the end
of the race these hikers would congregate at the Dipsea Inn, where all
would partake of lunch and grog.
The
first race was run by two of these “Dipsea Indians,” Al Coney and
Charlie Boas. Boas was the winner but all had so much fun, they decided
to make the race an annual affair open to all comers.
The
Dipsea Café is slightly younger than the Dipsea Trail, having been
opened in July 1986 by John and Cori Siotos. Its original location was
in the El Paseo Building in downtown Mill Valley, and it moved to its
present location in July 1991. The Dipsea Café, which like the old
“Dipsea Indians” and the Dipsea Inn, has become a place where locals now
congregate for home-cooked meals and fresh ground coffee.
Although
John and Cori have never run the Dipsea Race, many of their patrons
have. “It’s just the first 672 steps that intimidate us,” says John.
“Like running the café, we like to take things one step at a time.
John
and Cori would love to hear your comments and suggestions about both
the food and service here at the Dipsea Café. Please – feel free to
phone, fax, or write to them.
Long Live the Dipsea!