By: Gracee Arthur

The marine layer is gone making early morning hours perfect for a walk on the beach. Malibu has terrific beaches on its 27 miles of coastline and some of my favorites are in the west end of town. Westward, Zuma, Broad Beach, West Sea Level and the great beaches of the Encinal Bluffs (El Matador, El Piedro, El Pescador) each have there own special environments. The weather will be a temperate in the low 70′s , so what better than to cruise down to Malibu and enjoy the Pacific Vista and then enjoy a meal, shopping or the Farmers Market.

[Show as slideshow]

Brunch is served at Kristy’s , Savory, The Sage Room and the Sunset Restaurant on Sundays and the Farmers Market, which also serves food, is open from 10AM to 3PM.

My friends Hans and Mary Lou had a lovely dinner party a couple of weeks ago at their new home above the beach at Point Dume. I sold them the property with a charming cottage on it back in 2002 and now we all got to celebrate its completion with a fabulous dinner and some good wine. My friend Jodi, who recently moved into the charming Hampton’s style home I found her on Broad Beach, was awed by the beautiful views from the eco-friendly contemporary craftsman; a true work of art. While enjoying our drinks and homemade humus I spotted a whale out in the ocean. Being near-sighted I got a confirmation from Hans.  Then we watched the show from the cozy comfort of the living room as we sipped some great Malbec and sampled our appetizers.

After dinner, we all headed to The Malibu Stage Company where “The Oldest Living Graduate” was having its  preview performance. The Malibu Stage Company is our terrific community theatre which stages 4 productions every year. The professional quality sets, costumes, direction, performances and musical scores are always impressive in the charming little theatre. This is an up close and personal house where refreshments are served and all profits go toward the productions. The building in which the theatre resides is on the market for sale and the hope is for the Company to be able to buy the theatre with the help of donations from the community.  Tickets are $25 each  ($15 for Seniors.) but series tickets are a true bargain at $90 for 4 plays. The wine and refreshments served also provide proceeds for the theatre.

The current production of the “Oldest Living Graduate” runs through May 20th and start times are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 PM, Sundays at 5 PM. The cast stars Howard Ferguson-Woitzman as the Graduate, with Tom Sean Foley as his son,  Collette Kilroy as his daughter-in-law, and a scene stealing performance by Katherine Everett.   Ferguson does a great job as the cranky, wheelchair bound Colonel  J.C. Kincade who is scheduled to receive an award as the oldest living graduate of the Mirebeau B Lamar Military Academy  class of 1906. The costumes and scenery are authentic 1960′s Texas which help (along with the music) to transport you back to that pre tech era. The play was written by Preston Jones and the original cast included Henry Fonda as the Colonel.  The Graduate has a timeless concept in a retro setting and although a bit long, it is an entertaining piece.  I highly recommend  supporting our local theatre and businesses.

Malibu should be warm and sunny this weekend as it joins the world in celebrating Earth Day on Sunday, April 22nd.  The day begins with the grand opening and dedication of the new Malibu Library (11AM-3PM). All residents are invited to tour the eco-friendly LEED-designed library where there will be children’s activities, art projects, story time and more.

Malibu’s Legacy Park , which is conveniently located across from the Farmers Market, is having an Eco Fair from (12PM-3PM). The fair offers environmental education booths on various topics, including recycling, composting and water quality. There will be an educational hike and Hawaiian shaved iced to help you cool down.  The California Recycles Van will be at the Country Mart near K . Chocolatier, and will accept all electronic items, fluorescent light bulbs, DVDs, CDs , VHS tapes and large appliances (no household batteries). However, if you are near a Staples you may drop off your household batteries there for recycle.

The Malibu Country Mart Green Initiative is sponsoring an event in the new “green zone certified “grass play area. The dedication of the new zone is in collaboration with The Greenstation and takes place from 1PM- 1:30 PM. The speakers include Dan Mabe, President of the Greenstation, June Loupes, environmental advocate and author, Michael Koss Partner in the Mart and Julie Labin, Country Mart’s Director of Sustainability. The Country Mart offers fine and casual dining, gelato, and many terrific retail shops, as well as a terrific outdoor play area for children and pets. All venues are within walking distance of each other and the Malibu Village shopping center so it is a great day to car pool, park the car and spend the day in the fresh ocean air.

By: Gracee Arthur

Malibu is a beautiful spot to celebrate your spirit during the Easter and Passover rituals. There are a variety of restaurants serving Easter brunch , as well as several venues and caterers for those who wish to celebrate Passover without cooking the feast. Here are some of the terrific choices Malibu has to offer this year:

Passover , Saturday April 7

Rabbi Judith Halevy and Cantor Marcelo Gindlin celebrate the Malibu Synagogue’s 2nd Passover seder catered by Tarte Catering. Reservations only (4/2 deadline) Adults $45, Children under 14 $18. 310-456-2178

Easter , Sunday April 8

Kristy’s has a terrific Easter brunch menu this year featuring shrimp cocktail, applewood smoked bacon, a carving station serving, ham, lamb and prime rib of beef and a kids pizza bar and assorted desserts. Price is $64 for adults (includes champagne) and $32.00 for children. Reservations recommended. 310-457-2602 www.kristysmalibu.com

Other restaurants offering Easter fare are: Savory / Brunch and Early dinner www.savorymalibu.com Reservations recommended 310-589-8997

Beaurivage Restaurant 310-456-5733

Saddle Peak Lodge Brunch 10:30-3:00 three course prix fixe. Menu on web site www.saddlepeaklodge.com Reservations 818-222-3888

Happy Holidays and please drive safely!

Margaritas and More!

By: Gracee Arthur

A couple of weeks ago Stephen (who posts my blogs and photos for me) and I were lucky enough to be lunch guests at the fabulous new Malibu restaurant “La Costa Mission”. Gustavo, the hard working manager, and one of the restaurants owners Tom, delighted us with  2 large delicious and potent Margaritas to prepare us for the feast to follow!  We began with a large bowl of crispy chips with salsa verde and tasty  fresh guacamole . The restaurant was very busy since it was Friday and they had just opened their bar where they serve 17 types of Margaritas! The wait staff is still getting its “sea legs” so we enjoyed our chips and ordered an appetizer “taquitos de pollo”. The taquitos were tasty with a great tomatillo salsa and not at all greasy. Then we ordered our main courses which we chose from the 14 entrees which are house specialties. I chose the Halibut en tomatillo which was so moist and delicious in a fabulous spicy sauce and Stephen had the Camerons (Florida pink shrimp) en verde mole which was outstanding. The menu is filled with tempting entrees like borrego en mole negra (rack of lamb) and cordonices en chileajo (grilled quail stuffed with ground beef and spicy red chileajo). The service was a bit chaotic but the beautiful old Spanish decor and great food was a fun way to start the weekend.

This Tuesday I returned (on my own dime) to introduce a friend of mine to La Costa Mission.  When We arrived around 6:30 the room was quiet with only a few people at the bar but within an hour the number of diners multiplied to fill the room (pretty impressive for Malibu on a Tuesday). The service is still a bit slow but friendly, Gustavo is hard at work coordinating his staff and the food was still a delight.  The Margaritas are still the best in Malibu, the chips crispy,  and the enchiladas we ordered yummy. Though there did not seem to be room for it, we order dessert anyway and managed to easily polished it off!  The pineapple upside down ginger cake with vanilla ice cream and raspberries was not too sweet but very gingery, which I love.

Executive chef Geno Bahena deserves applause for the terrific cuisine he has brought to Malibu.  I expect the dining experience at La Costa Mission will just keep getting better.  A bit of music would be a good addition but the menu is perfect.

Reservations recommended for the weekends 310-317-0110 21337 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu. For a complete menu go to www.lacostamission.com

Coming soon to West Malibu!

By: Gracee Arthur

The original Trancas market opened in Malibu in 1953 to serve what was then a sparsely populated western Malibu neighborhood. By the year 2000 when Hows purchased the market, west Malibu was a thriving rural beach community.

Sadly for the community, Hows’ Trancas Market closed in 2011 leaving west Malibu at a loss not filled by the generic Point Dume Pavilions. Malibu is 27 miles long and with gas prices at a premium it is more important than ever to be able to shop locally in our various spread out neighborhoods. I now have the pleasure of introducing you to the Trancas Country Mart as designed by local architect Doug Burdge!

“Trancas Country Market will be the ultimate reflection of western Malibu’s unpretentious lifestyle, show- casing mostly local retail stores, an open-air commons, cafes, charming farm-to-table restaurants, along with the much loved local garden nursery. Set on a 17 acre natural sanctuary amongst century old sycamores groves and adjacent to one of the finest beaches in California, the design warmly re- flects the timeless country vision of Malibu. Each barn-style building will be clad in antique barn wood and rustic metal roofing, and will have working barn doors with pocket sliders, allowing for great inside-outside retail activity.”

The current roster of tenants are Starbuck’s (which is expanding), Sea Lily, Trancas Nursery, Postal Annex, and the dry cleaners. Leases are currently being negotiated with new tenants , including a market , as well as a new restaurant La Spiaggia from the owners of the popular Tra Di Noi. The center across from Broad Beach Road offers expanded parking, and is also within walking and biking distance of Zuma beach, Malibu West and Malibu Park. The architect and owners of the center have worked with the community to preserve local businesses and maintain the open rural environment of west Malibu. Projected finish is late 2012.

Click here to see more

By: Gracee Arthur

Good news for Scotty and Melly, two of the terrific cats featured in my recent blog on Spunky’s Rescue Ranch. The two calicos have found a home together and will be picked up by their new owner on Saturday. Elena, the 3 year old Norwegian Forest cat is still looking for a home, as are Decker, Elizabeth Taylor and Pandora and Rain. These beautiful creatures will make terrific additions to a loving home.

Here are their photos and bios:

Elena, a beautiful 3 year old Norwegian Forest cat is still waiting patiently for a home. Forest cats are loyal and a bit dog like. Decker, a 2 year old fully vetted Siamese bi-color (look at those blue eyes) loves being adored and is a laid back fellow. Decker prefers to be the only object of adoration at home. Elizabeth Taylor, a 3 year old Maine Coon, is a diva lap cat, who prefers undivided attention and loves to be groomed. Pandora, 1 year, is a medium-haired, fully vetted female. She is playful and full of life and fun. Then there is Rain who was saved from the shelter last year and had to have some surgery on her injured tail. She is about 1 year, playful, sweet and loves people and other cats.

Spunky’s, located at 33173 Mulholland Hwy in Malibu, is a fun place to visit and spend time playing with the cats and kittens available for adoption. The adoption process is simple with only a basic form to fill out. The only criteria is to agree to return the cat or kitten if it is not a good fit for your family. There may be a small fee depending on what shots etc. Spunky’s paid for prior to adoption. Medical and shelter records are also shared when available. Appointments are recommended since MaryDee has a vocation 916-253-3606/916-704-6057 or email mdrickards@aol.com.  Mary Dee could also use some volunteers to just pet and give love to all her feline tenants.

[Show as slideshow]

By: Gracee Arthur

Scotty

All my pets have been adopted from rescue organizations. Currently I am owned by Minnie a 6 year old Tabby/ Bengal mix and baby Harry, a Maine Coon. When my cat William passed away at age 16, I decided to rescue another cat so Minnie would have a friend. I discovered a site called Petfinder which led me to Spunky’s Rescue Ranch in Malibu.

Melly

Spunky’s has a fabulous set up with a kitten room, cat house and confined outdoor area for play. MaryDee rescues cats from various situations, including kill shelters , which is where Harry was found on his way to death row. Many of the cats have been spayed or neutered or come with certificates for such and also have been dewormed, flea treated and given some shots. The current crop of critters includes purebreds, as well as mix and match beauties like the ones pictured here.

Elena

Spunky’s , located at 33173 Mulholland Hwy in Malibu, is a fun place to visit and spend time playing with the cats and kittens available for adoption. The adoption process is simple with only a basic form to fill out. The only criteria is to agree to return the cat or kitten if it is not a good fit for your family. There may be a small fee depending on what shots, etc. Spunky’s has paid for prior to adoption. Medical and shelter records are also shared when available. Appointments are recommended since MaryDee has a vocation 916-253-3606/916-704-6057 or email mdrickards@aol.com. Mary Dee could also use some volunteers to just pet and give love to all her feline tenants.

How much is an ocean view worth?

By: Gracee Arthur

I have been selling real estate in Malibu since 1991 and the most asked question is “does it have a view?”   A view is not only a treat for the eyes but some money in the pocket. Depending on the width and breathe of your vista a view can add $50,000, $100,000 or more to the value of your home.  Now, imagine the view you paid for disappearing bit by bit until you have to get on the roof to see the ocean over your neighbors trees!

The Malibu City Council and the committee appointed to explore the view preservation and restoration issue finally brought a view proposal to a vote this week. The View Preservation Ordinance was approved Monday in a 3 to 2 vote by the Malibu City Council with council member John Sibert as the swing vote. The new ordinance, effective immediately, allows owners to request a review and determination of their primary view. Photographs will document, for perpetuity, the right to that view. Should a neighbor’s foliage block a designated view and the neighbor refuses to trim their foliage, the city would enforce the ordinance. The fee for the planning staff to assess and determine primary view is $260.

Although an advisory measure asking about view restoration was approved by 60% of Malibu voters, no decision was made on view restoration at the Monday meeting. A proposal by John Sibert  to allow a one time. 6 month period to file view restoration claims with the city is being considered. Council staff is preparing a program to notify homeowners of the one time window for view restoration, as well as looking into the possibility of law suits as a result of such action.

Wine, Dine , Shop Malibu!

By: Gracee Arthur

Happy Valentines Day 2012! There is no more beautiful and romantic spot for a Valentine’s Day rendezvous than the beach. Malibu has a variety of great venues to celebrate your love while enjoying fresh air and an ocean view. You might want to start your Valentines weekend shopping a the Malibu Country Mart which offers gourmet chocolates, boutique clothing and jewelry shops. Tony’s Taverna, Tra Di Noi and Nobu for great food! Diesel books has a book signing on Sunday 2/12 at 3PM with Jamie Rose author of “Shut up and Dance!”. The event also includes a free Tango lesson. www.malibucountrymart.com. The adjacent Lumber Yard also has terrific gourmet sweets (chocolate and cupcakes), designer shops and Cafe Habana.

Special Valentines dining with an ocean view is offered by the Sunset Restaurant on Zuma Beach . There is a 3 course dinner for $75.00 per person. www.thesunsetrestaurant.com Beau Rivage offers Pre-Valentine Brunch and Dinner Saturday/Sunday with a complimentary glass of Champagne and dessert. Valentines Day dinner begins at 5 PM and includes musical entertainment featuring pianist Tony Michaels. Reservations recommended 310-456-5733.

Geoffrey’s outdoor, ocean view dining is always romantic and they have a nice bar, as well www.goeffreysmalibu.com. Reservations recommended 310-457-1519 . The Sage Room has great food and wine, no view, 310-457-0711, Kristy’s great view, Pizza’s and gourmet dinners 310-457-2602 and the Malibu Beach Inn (incredible ocean side dining) 310.456.6444 (you can even book a romantic suite). All are also great choices for a romantic Valentine’s dinner. It is a busy dining day so do not forget to make your reservation.

But most importantly, do not forget your pet this Valentine’s Day! My cat Minnie really loves her heart which is filled with great cat nip! So dog bone or cat nip treat always remember the one who loves you no matter what you look like or what your mood!