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The Trident's History

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Trident Philosophy (circa 1960s)
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It was a another time, but the same place...Where you can still channel your inner love child and groove on the original Trident atmosphere and philosophy, which advocated “positive energy projection” and offering “good-tasting, natural, wholesome, organic foods in a living, growing and stimulating atmosphere.” And, as in those heady, halcyon days, we invite you to “...take a deep breath, relax and dig on the love and artistry about you. May all our offerings please you. Peace within you.”

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Pre-Trident History
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Perched on the Sausalito waterfront, The Trident occupies a turn-of-the-century landmark built in 1898 to house the San Francisco Yacht Club, in its time the social hub of Sausalito, hosting yacht races, regattas and gala parties. In 1927, the Yacht Club moved to new premises, and for the next couple of decades the building went through several different incarnations, one of them a jazz club called the Yacht Dock.

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The Kingston Trio’s Trident – The Happening Era

In 1960, the Kingston Trio purchased the Yacht Dock and kept that name until about 1966. At that point the Beat Generation had given way to the ‘60s hippie movement, and the club underwent major groovification and a name change to The Trident – a musical entertainment venue, natural foods restaurant and the place to hang out. With their wholesome image and comic folk ditties, the Kingston Trio may have seemed unlikely founders of such a counterculture establishment, but like the times, the Trio’s style evolved, contributing to a folk music revival and influencing a new generation of folk icons – who reflected and often impacted changes in the political climate – such as Joan Baez, Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul and Mary and The Byrds. In those free-thinking times, the new hippie subculture valued living in harmony with nature, artistic experimentation – particularly in music and the visual arts – and the expansion of the mind through various means. The Trident quickly became a gathering place for like-minded locals and celebrities from around the world, and was known for its its laid-back vibe, healthy, organic cuisine, creative cocktails, comely waitresses, artistic decor, stellar views and its many famous patrons. Janis Joplin (a regular with her own table), Jerry Garcia, Joan Baez, Clint Eastwood, Bill Cosby and the Smothers Brothers were often on the scene, and Bill Graham was a frequent patron – most notably hosting parties at the restaurant for the Rolling Stones during their two Bay Area concerts in the1970s. And In 1971, The Trident was immortalized in film (where you can see the original Trident decor in its entirety) when Woody Allen filmed a scene here for Play it Again Sam.
Today’s Trident – Still Groovy After All These Years
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But times change, and in 1980 The Trident closed its doors and became the popular Horizons restaurant. Now we’ve come full circle once again to The Trident, where you can enjoy the original decor from the 1960s, including the famous wall (and ceiling) art and rich, warm woodwork featuring voluptuously flowing curves. And following its original philosophy, The Trident offers satisfying and sophisticated fare showcasing local, organic and sustainably produced ingredients. Peace, love and bon appétit!

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