Being dedicated to zero-waste, 123 Bolinas owner Dominic Phillips picked up a passion for eco-design while working as an event producer for Slow Food Nation. The idea was to ask yourself in any endeavor: Is it good? Is it clean? Is it fair?

The other three partners at 123 Bolinas -- James Gregory, Jacquelyn and Jeff Mahaney -- were like-minded and the concept for a locally-sourced, environmentally-friendly, wine bar was born. They envisioned not only a restaurant, but a community made up of local artisans and producers.

In addition, the restauranteurs are beginning their Market Days events this month (Pey-Marin Wines and Hog Island Oysters will kick off the events this Sunday, Nov. 21 from 4 to 7 p.m.) as a way of introducing local wine and food producers to their customers. Patrons will be able to sample and discuss the different wines and food originating in their own community.

When they were designing the interiors, and in keeping with their sustainability philosophy, the partners went to Heritage Salvage to obtain the fallen oak wood used for fabricating the tables and bar and the old barn wood (all from California) benches. They gave the company their sketches and Heritage built the furniture, giving the restaurant a warm and rustic feeling.

The blackboards in the restaurant not only contribute to the neighborhood feel, but also eliminate the need for menus, continuing the sustainable attitude. This point of view also expresses itself in the rustic and durable glassware and in the pottery from local artisans. If you prefer a stemmed wine goblet to the peasant glass you may request one. Phillips thinks that the wine, the people, and the conversation should be most important, not the glassware. "Wine as a social lubricant," he said.

You will also notice the warm and inviting lighting used; they designed it themselves using simple hardware and capitalizing on the old world feeling of the Edison bulbs. They cut the pretty flowers from their own gardens and use the Marin Farmers' Market when necessary. The beautiful fireplace is both the centerpiece of this space and is a new eco-friendly version from fireorb.net, with a system that keeps the exterior cool, preventing anyone from getting burned. The steel letters spelling out BOLINAS over the bar came from a flea market.

Continuing with the community involvement attitude: if you would like to display your artwork at 123 Bolinas, all you need to do is email some samples of your artistry to art@123bolinas.com. Gail Weissman is currently displaying. A new artist will be featured every few months.

Check out the 123 Bolinas website to see examples of some of the menu items from local producers and to see upcoming Market Days.