Claire Mullen on Clogs, Pouring at Beerworks and Chilean Dreams

Claire Mullen, 22, has been on a Southern Marin journey since her birth at Marin General Hospital. She attended , ,  and Scripps College, where she majored in humanities and media studies.

Mullen currently lives "deep" in San Francisco's Mission district but spends a great deal of time in her hometown of Mill Valley, where she works most days as a bartender at . The beer guru and budding brewer has been with the bar, and now restaurant, since May 2011.

Mill Valley Patch: So how do you spend your time when you're not explaining the difference between a porter and a stout?
Claire Mullen: I just started a production internship at a radio show called "Radio Ambulante." It's a bit like "This American Life" in Spanish. I've also been taking a photography class which has been a good experience.

MVP: What are some of your favorite things to do around Mill Valley?
CM: I like going to the the downstairs room of the to read with the backdrop of the creek. I also like hiking, one of my favorites is a route from Rodeo Beach to the Pelican Inn.

MVP: Where do you see yourself in two years?
CM: Well, I'd like to move to Chile in two years, to a place called Valparaiso. My friend and I want to start a brewery and Mexican restaurant there. Pablo Neruda, a famous Chilean poet, was born there. His "Ode to Age" poem is one of my favorites. 

MVP: Let's deviate and discuss clothing. Can you tell a bit about what you're wearing?
CM: My t-shirt is from American Apparel, but that's not very exciting. I got this sweater at a thrift store on Valencia street in the city. Jeans are from a brand called "Cheap Monday." There was a large skull on the back when I bought them, which I removed. The necklace I'm wearing is from Bolivia, the symbol on it represents "pachamama," which is a word that describes the relationship that people have with nature.

MVP: Please don't forget the clogs.
CM: Of course, I love my clogs, I got them at a store called "" in San Rafael, the owner is an older woman, maybe 80 years old, who has owned the store for a long time and knows virtually everything about clogs. Clogs are a must for a job where you stand all day. I can stand for hours on end in these clogs wihout any foot pain. The Dutch got shoes right!

MVP: How would you describe your personal style?
CM: I've always been into western-styled stuff, but I also like classic elegance, and clothing with simple lines. I also like to be comfortable, hence the clogs. 

MVP: How would you describe the dress-code at Beerworks? I notice a lot of plaid.
CM: Definitely a lot of plaid. I would describe it as urban casual I guess. People usually wear nice jeans and probably a plaid or collered shirt of some kind.

MVP: What sort of music have you been listening to lately?
CM: I've been listening to a lot of radio and podcasts, but in terms of music I've been listening to The Alabama Shakes, Almendra, which is a band from Argentina, and the Brian Jonestown Massacre.