Category Archives: California Restaurant

MILO AND OLIVE

November 21, 2014 5:42 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

WHERE: Milo and Olive, located in Santa Monica at 2723 Wilshire Blvd.

The bakery opens at 7am daily and breakfast starts at 8am. Lunch and dinner are served from 11am to 11pm. Breakfast is bakery driven, while lunch and dinner are a menu of Wood-Fired Pizzas and Salads/Small Plates with ingredients from the local farmers’ market.

The menu is seasonal – presently they are serving dishes such as Pumpkin Gnocchi with Apples, Brown Butter and Sage, as well as Roasted Butternut Squash Tortellini and a Wood-Fired Pear Salad – YUM!

This restaurant is not the easiest place to get a seat, so I would avoid going in large groups. They have a small bar and a couple of large communal tables. I am not sure when the “off” time to go is, so you just have to turn up when you’re hungry and (hopefully) get lucky – otherwise the wait can be very long.

milo and olive collage

 

MOTHER SAYS:

I taste the Burrata Pizza with Arugula first, it is light and fresh. The crust is the perfect ratio of chewy and crunchy. You could put anything on this pizza and it would melt in your mouth.

I then taste the Spicy Burrata Zucchini Blossoms Pizza and yes, it is out of this world. The Blossoms and the Burrata absorb the extremely spicy sauce, leaving your mouth salivating for one more bite then one more bite… then just one more bite. I try to control my insatiable desire for this pizza by alternating it with bites of the Milo Chopped Salad and sips of a crisp White Wine – but still, I want one more bite. This is truly a Pizza lovers heaven.

The only problem – one’s stomach size. You will want everything… every. last. morsel. I wanted to lick the plate… but I didn’t. I promise.

 

milo and olive last

 

MILO AND OLIVE 4

 

DAUGHTER SAYS:

The fresh Tagliarini Bolognese is very good and a little bit sweet. I love this dish and will get it again.

The Spicy Burrata Zucchini Blossoms Pizza is spicy and delicious. One word to describe it is SPICE-O-RIFIC, it’s spicy and terrific.

I like the family style tables. We sit while we eat, laughing and talking – I only feel a little bad at the long line of people waiting for our seats.

This is my favorite restaurant right now, so if you come here you might just be in the line watching me eat for a while! Sorry. I just can’t resist.

 

milo and olive foodies

OVERALL RATING:

LOCATION/AMBIANCE: 7 out of 10 – The location is not the prettiest, it sits along a row of nondescript buildings on Wilshire and parking can be a serious pain. Once inside and seated though, it is quaint and farmhouse like. We like it for when we are in that area.

SERVICE: 7.5 out of 10 – The staff is friendly, it is pretty busy all the time, but somehow the food comes out quickly.

FOOD: 9 out of 10 - The best, most original Pizza we have discovered. Get it to go, if nothing else. The ingredients are fresh, colorful and organic, it will appeal to all your senses – even if you have seven of them! The Almond Croissant is the best in L.A.

OVERALL: 8 out 10 - Try it, you will love it. This place really is a gem hidden amongst the pollution of Wilshire.

paris pizza

 

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Posted in: Best Restaurant, California Restaurant, Food Blog, Food Reviews, Foodies, Milo and Olive, MoDaFoodies, organic food, Restaurant Reviews ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MALIBU ROADHOUSE

August 16, 2014 5:01 am ⋅ 1 Comment ⋅

WHERE: Malibu Roadhouse is located at 26063 Pacific Coast Highway, it is a part of the Ranch at Solstice Canyon – the site of  the former BeauRivage Restaurant which caught fire two years ago. Finally, on August 1st, the new venue opened its doors. The Ranch at Solstice will also host a bar and a retail shop.

The chef is James King from the SLS Beverly Hills serving up California Cuisine – from Mussels, Salmon and Crab Legs to Kale and Beet Salads to Steaks, Burgers and Fries. YUM!

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photo 1

 

MOTHER SAYS:

With a name like Malibu Roadhouse, I am not sure what to expect, in fact, I have quite low expectations. Thankfully, I am pleasantly surprised by a well- designed restaurant with a casual but sophisticated decor. There is an outdoor courtyard within the restaurant as well as a patio along PCH.

We sit along PCH, I think next time we will try the courtyard.  The sound of the cars whizzing by is loud and I feel a little insecure with my kids due to our proximity to PCH and the lack of a substantial barrier.  However, the view is beautiful…

I sit with my two kids at a large communal table. I am happy we have it all to ourselves. I expect this restaurant will get much busier as people discover it.

Charlotte and I split the Grilled Salmon Tacos as well as the Farm Fresh Artichoke.

The Tacos are served with Pineapple, Cabbage and a Cilantro Creme. They are so so fresh, maybe it is the Pineapple or the perfectly flaky Salmon or the combination of flavors, but I will have to order these every time.

I enjoy the Artichoke especially with the spicy dipping sauce. I just don’t love the messiness of eating an Artichoke in public – not the most dignified dish to eat, but better than corn on the cob, I suppose! I remind myself that it is good, hearty and healthy.

The flavorful dishes combine perfectly with a glass of Chardonnay – overlooking the ocean.

photo 3

 

photo 2

 

DAUGHTER SAYS:

The Tacos are out of this world, unbelievable and wonderful – next time I am not splitting them with my mom.

Of course, I love the Artichoke, I barely let my mom have a bite.  I prefer the butter sauce while she prefers the spicy sauce.  They are grilled, juicy and yummy.

I also pick off of my little brother’s plate. He has the Buttermilk Chicken Tenders with Fries, these are not ordinary Chicken Tenders, they are deluxe. I finish what he can’t eat.

Let me tell you about the Dessert! We have the Brownies and Chocolate Chip Cookies with  Salted Caramel Ice Cream. Too good to be true!

photo 4

 

dessert MR

OVERALL RATING:

LOCATION/AMBIANCE: 7.5 out of 10 - The perfect location with the perfect view, if only PCH could be removed. The restaurant  hosts a rather elegant bar and is very spacious with these wonderful leather chairs scattered about to lounge in while you enjoy your food and drink.  On our second visit, we sat in these leather chairs on the quaint patio in the center of the restaurant.  We mostly enjoy it, except for the occasional smells of septic that passed our way.

SERVICE: 7.5 out of 10 – The staff is friendly, and extremely accommodating. Hoping it stays this way… (the restaurant is very sparse the night we are there).  The service is better earlier in the evening.

FOOD: 7 out of 10 – It is California Beach Cuisine at its best. It is casual fare with refined flavor and a sophisticated twist. We highly recommend the Salmon Tacos, but cannot say the same for the White Fish(Sea Bass), which we try on our second visit – it is slimy not flaky.

OVERALL: 7.5 out 10 – A great place to take your kids or meet friends.

 

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Posted in: Best Restaurant, California Restaurant, Food Blog, Food Reviews, Foodies, Malibu Roadhouse, MoDaFoodies, Restaurant Reviews, Uncategorized ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

THE CAFE AT THE GETTY VILLA FOR 90265 MAGAZINE

January 20, 2014 5:18 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

 

 

 

 

Read our Review for 90265 Malibu Life & Style Magazine

CLICK ON PICTURE TO ENLARGE

Jesssica's Getty 90265

OVERALL RATING:

LOCATION/AMBIANCE: 9 out of 10 – Sitting outside is the way to go here.  It is so idyllic and peaceful.  You truly feel like you are a world away.

SERVICE: N/A – You walk up and order.  The Staff is very friendly and helpful throughout the museum.

FOOD: 7 out of 10 – Casual Mediterranean – Options for everyone.

OVERALL: 9 out 10 – If you live in Malibu this is such a great option to take your kids for lunch or meet a friend from the city.  It is relaxing, cultured, beautiful and delicious.

 

Posted in: Best Restaurant, California Restaurant, Food Blog, Food Reviews, Foodies, MoDaFoodies, Restaurant Reviews ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , , , , ,

BLUE PLATE TACO

October 26, 2013 8:58 pm ⋅ 1 Comment ⋅

WHERE:  Blue Plate Taco is located at 1515 Ocean Avenue in Santa Monica, just across the street from the Santa Monica Pier.

The menu is diverse, serving everything from a Mexican Chopped Salad with kale and quinoa, Carne Asada Tacos, and Lobster Tacos (a crowd favorite), to Grilled Yellow Peaches and Crispy Plantains.

Reservations are not accepted here, but you can call an hour ahead and put your name on the list.

This is a great family spot, there is something for everyone.  We love sitting outside in the moonlight under the palm trees enjoying the cool ocean air.

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char with moon

 

blueplate-taco

MOTHER SAYS:

The Ceviche Amarillo is original, it has yellow pepper blended with lime, pineapple, onion and ginger.  It is light and refreshing, but the cilantro and onion slightly overpower the dish.  However, others think it is the most delicious Ceviche ever.

The Pumpkin & Squash Puree Soup (a special for the night) is very rich and flavorful.  Charlotte and I love it.

My favorite is the Vegetable Taco, the best Vegetable Taco I have tasted…ever.  I enjoy the taco with their famous “Westside” drink – vodka, cucumber, mint, fresh lime, soda water and agave.  Maybe, just maybe that’s why the taco is so good!

Sadly, they are out of their Chocolate Pot De Creme, so we have the Churros & Raspados, (Mexican Shaved Ice) which is good… but it is not chocolate.

ceviche

soup

westside

 

DAUGHTER SAYS:

We start with the home made Chips and Guacamole, YUM!!!! Then the waiter says he is going to freshen up our plate, I think, “This is music to my ears. A clean plate, and MORE food”.

I share my mom’s soup, which I love, but a few bites are enough.  I also have the Steak Tacos & Beans, I eat it all.  I adore this place.

Chocolate desserts are really the only desserts I can rave about, so I will refrain from commenting on the Churros & Raspados, it wouldn’t be fair.  Rivers (my 5 year old brother) loved it, so most other kids probably would too, as he has a sweet tooth. My mom loved dipping her Churro in her Mexican Coffee.  I still want to try their Chocolate Pot De Creme, I bet it is delicious.

snocone

foodies-blue taco

 

OVERALL RATING:

LOCATION/AMBIANCE:  8 out of 10 – A great Santa Monica Restaurant with outdoor seating, and a light, chic, airy indoor bar and seating.  This is one of the better Santa Monica spots we have been to.

SERVICE: 9.5 out of 10 –  The staff is overly friendly, and accommodating.  They are on top of it.  We loved getting Mexican blankets when the ocean air became too cold for us.

FOOD:  8 out of 10 – So many flavors, so many options.  We are really impressed.

OVERALL: 8.5 out 10 – This is such a great place for families or a night at the bar.  We will definitely go again, we have to try the Lobster Tacos.

sissys

 

 

 

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Posted in: Best Restaurant, California Restaurant, Food Blog, Food Reviews, Foodies, mexican, MoDaFoodies, Restaurant Reviews ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , ,

MALIBU FARM

October 1, 2013 5:53 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

WHERE:  Malibu Farm is located at the end of the Malibu Pier at the sight of the old Ruby’s location.  The view is breathtaking, the air is fresh and the food is delish!!

Helene Henderson is the brains behind this masterpiece.  She got it right – simple, fresh, flavorful, eco-conscious and organic, all while looking at the Pacific Ocean.

Charlotte and I went with Rivers (the pickiest 5 year old around) and one of our best family friends, Lisa (who fell in love with this spot).  We went for lunch on a Friday at 1:00 and stayed until closing at 3:00, eating, talking and enjoying the view… currently the restaurant is open Wednesdays thru Sundays, 9am-3pm, and it will be open for dinner soon.

There is a sign in the restaurant that reads, “Good food takes a good amount of time.  Please enjoy the view while you wait.”  I was so happy that was posted, because it reminded me to enjoy the experience and to value the food that was nourishing my body.

We are hooked for breakfast and lunch and can’t wait to try dinner.

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MAlibu farm at the pier

MOTHER SAYS:

Charlotte and I shared the Salmon with a Soy Grainy Mustard as well as the Kale Caesar Salad and the Cauliflower Lavash Pizza.  The Salmon and the Pizza were my favorite.  The Pizza was so original, yet so flavorful.  Lisa and I topped it with arugula and couldn’t get enough.

I also shared the Chopped Salad with Skirt Steak with Lisa, this was hands down the best Salad I have ever tasted.  So simple, but full of every flavor you could ever want (the Beets are the best).  This is what happens when you serve the freshest food from local sources, there is no need to disguise it with crazy sauces.  Good-bye to the Ivy Chopped Vegetable Salad…

Rivers ordered the most Delicate Mini-Pancakes, devoured…

The desserts are insane, the perfect blend of sweet and salty and the coffee is by Caffe Luxxe.  Lisa and I both decided we are going everyday…if only.

chop salad- MF

salmon MF

pizza

mini pancakes

 

DAUGHTER SAYS:

I loved the Salmon with the Rice, such deliciousness!  The Steak from Lisa’s Salad was so good mixed with the Rice. YUM! YUM!

I did not like the Pizza but I loved the Strawberries from Rivers’s Pancakes.

My favorite of course, was the Grilled Chocolate Cake with Caramel and Sea Salt, it was sweetness.

I loved enjoying the beautiful view.  It was fun, we spent the whole afternoon on the Pier.

flourless choc-mf

salted caramel

 

OVERALL RATING:

LOCATION/AMBIANCE:  10 out of 10 – The decor is perfectly rustic and chic.  Indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the ocean, our new favorite spot.

SERVICE:  N/A –  The staff is friendly.  It is a walk up and order restaurant, grab your own water etc… It is a little bit of work with kids but so worth it.

FOOD:  9.5 out of 10 – Organic, local and very fresh, it doesn’t get better.  We can’t wait to go back to try the Crab Cakes and everything else!

OVERALL: 9.5 out 10 – This place is incredible – the views, the decor, the food.  Sit outside in the morning with coffee and an egg sandwich, or indulge in everything over lunch, all whilst knowing you are eating the best food for your body!  We love it and hope it stays in Malibu forever.

 

foodies-MF

char on pier

 

Have you been to this restaurant?  Did you like it?  Did you love it?  Did you loathe it?  Let us know by posting in the COMMENT box at the top of this post.

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Posted in: Best Restaurant, California Restaurant, Food Blog, Food Reviews, Foodies, MoDaFoodies, organic food, Restaurant Reviews ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

COOGIES

September 24, 2013 2:22 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

WHERE:  Coogies, Malibu is an old staple with an old menu and relatively new decor.

For some inexplicable reason, my MoDaFoodie Daughter, Charlotte, decided that she wanted to have one of her 9th birthday celebration meals at Coogies with her Grandparents…  My heart sank, and so did my stomach.

Anyone who lives in Malibu knows that Coogies is a last resort – a kind of jack-of-all-trades-master-of-none restaurant that every parent resents paying to eat at.

For me, as a ‘foodie’, this place also makes my mouth dry up with fear.

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MOTHER SAYS:

I ate the Chocolate Cake… which is actually pretty good!  The end.

(PS – The chocolate cake did not look like this… but I wish it had)

 

 

DAUGHTER SAYS:

My Mother told me that there was no dessert because we had eaten too much candy on my birthday, and then, as I sulked my way through the Happy Birthday Song with my head hanging down (see video below), a delicious Chocolate Cake appeared and I had to fight off my Mother to get a bite.

It was yummy, and made sweeter because I didn’t think I was getting anything good at the end of the meal.

Other than that, I had the Butter Pasta from the kid’s menu, which is not as good as my mom’s.

 

(The picture below gives you some idea of the size of the menu at Coogies…  But there is a whole back side to it as well.  Yikes!)

 

OVERALL RATING:

LOCATION/AMBIANCE:  7 out of 10 – In the heart of Malibu’s Webb Way Shopping Center next door to Bui Sushi (and owned by the same people), Coogies just seems like it should be in Riverside, or even Texas.  We sat outside this time, which was better than the inside (despite the recent renovation which doubled the booth seating capacity), but I still felt vulnerable for some reason.

SERVICE:  8 out of 10 – Friendly enough staff.  Good enough service.

FOOD:  8 out of 10 – no comment!

OVERALL: 8 out 10 – If you are 5 years old, you will love this place… other than that, it is only worth visiting to stave off starvation.

Have you been to this restaurant?  Did you like it?  Did you love it?  Did you loathe it?  Let us know by posting in the COMMENT box.

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Posted in: Best Restaurant, California Restaurant, Food Blog, Food Reviews, Foodies, MoDaFoodies, Restaurant Reviews ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

FISHING WITH DYNAMITE

August 25, 2013 1:07 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

WHERE:  Fishing With Dynamite (FWD) is one of the newest hotspots in Manhattan Beach, it opened about three months ago…

FWD is a tiny upscale cafe on Manhattan Avenue.  It definitely has an east coast vibe, it is a breath of fresh air.  We only wish it had outdoor seating.

FWD features an incredible selection of oysters, clams, lobster, mussels, scallops and shrimp.  We did not order any of their famous platters, but the couple next to us did and it looked insane – I almost asked for a bite or at least a picture, but my manners got the best of me.  We will be back to try it all.

This is not really a kid-friendly spot unless you have a very well-behaved foodie as a child.  The restaurant is very small, there is no kids menu and the items on the menu are very sophisticated apart from the mahi mahi fish tacos which are very spicy.

We went with my aunt and uncle from Arizona, and Rivers (my 5 year old) of course. We were all impressed and had the best time.

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foodies 2  fwd

MOTHER SAYS:

Charlotte and I split the mahi mahi fish tacos.  They are ‘muy delicioso’, just as it says on the menu.  The house made corn tortillas are the best part aside from the perfectly crisp mahi mahi, fresh guacamole and spicy sauce… need I say more?

The farro and beet salad is so hearty, flavorful and crunchy, with roasted beets, orange, arugula, feta, beet chips and pistachios, you should try this along with a fish dish, when you go.

The maple pudding with rosemary sandies is a must for dessert.  It has hints of bourbon in it and delicious candied pecans.  The little cookies with rosemary are tastefully original and are the perfect pairing for this pudding. YUM!

fish tacos fwd  beet fwd

 

DAUGHTER SAYS:

The fish tacos get a thumbs up.  I love the soft, warm, fresh corn tortillas.  The fish is crispy on the outside and tender and flaky on the inside.  They come with a yummy guacamole and a green spicy sauce to pour over the tacos.  I love the spiciness.

The fries are so good, sprinkled with fresh rosemary, they are served hot.  I finished the entire cup.

The pudding is delicious, but I do not like the candied pecans.

I will definitely go back with my mom to try more fish.

fries fwdmenu fwd

 

OVERALL RATING:

LOCATION/AMBIANCE:  7 out of 10 – In the heart of Manhattan Beach, it is a great addition.  The restaurant is small and feels a little cramped along with being a little noisy.  The small bar area looks like a fun place to sit.  There is a small ocean view, we wish we could sit outside.  The decor is perfect, it sort of has a Nantucket/lighthouse feel.  We like it.

SERVICE:  8 out of 10 – Incredibly friendly staff.  It is a little slow at times, but the perfect place for a leisurely lunch.

FOOD:  8 out of 10 – We really need to go back and try more.  We loved what we ordered and appreciated the originality of the food.  They serve from the “traditional school” as well as the “new school.”  Items like thai shellfish coconut soup and black miso cod appear on the new school menu, while new england chowder appears on the old.

OVERALL: 8 out 10 – It is a fun, sophisticated, quaint spot to explore your taste buds.  You should definitely try it.  Make sure to try one of their famous platters.

 

thankful fwd

 

Have you been to this restaurant?  Did you like it?  Did you love it?  Did you loathe it?  Let us know by posting in the COMMENT box at the top of this post.

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Posted in: Best Restaurant, California Restaurant, Food Blog, Food Reviews, Foodies, MoDaFoodies, Restaurant Reviews ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

CHOLADA

August 10, 2013 1:49 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

WHERE:  Cholada is Thai Beach Cuisine, located on Pacific Coast Highway in South Malibu opposite Topanga Beach.

It is reminiscent of an old beach shack (which looks like it should perhaps be demolished!), but it is recommended in the Zagat Guide (which is good news), and yes there is an ocean view (if you sit outside on the upper patio).

We love it because it is quaint and inexpensive, with delicious food.  It is a great place to take your kids.

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moda foodies, cholada

MOTHER SAYS:

We ordered the Yellow Chicken Curry which is my favorite, mixed with their delicious Brown Rice.  The chicken, potatoes and carrots are soaked in a sweet curry sauce, which is so satiating and filling, you just can’t stop eating it.

The Fried Spring Rolls are hot and delicious with a spicy dipping sauce – we prefer these to the Cholada Wraps (steamed rice skins filled with vegetables, basil and shrimp).

The Pad-See-Ew – pan fried noodles with eggs, broccoli and chicken – are a big hit with the kids.

The Chicken Fried Rice is light, fluffy and flavorful.  The best part about Cholada is all of these flavors taste so good mixed together.  The food is rich and you get full fast.

We love this spot, the food is hot, sweet and spicy.  They have a light South African Chardonnay that compliments the distinct flavors in the food.

Sitting outside is so tranquil.  It is pretty casual – paper tablecloths on picnic tables kind of casual.

 

chicken currynoodles

 

DAUGHTER SAYS:

As I sat down at our picnic table, I said, “Let me enjoy this incredible view, it’s beautiful with all of the flowers.”

I do not like the Cholada Wraps, and think the Fried Spring Rolls are much more scrumptious.

The Noodles and Fried Rice are better than anything else.

The Yellow Chicken is so delicious, and the Brown Rice is worldtastic!

I gotta lay down, I think I ate too much… but not too much… I can’t wait for dessert.

full girl

 

dessert, cholada

 

OVERALL RATING:

LOCATION/AMBIANCE: 7 out of 10 – We think sitting outside is the only option here.  We love sitting at the picnic tables surrounded by flowers and a slight ocean view.  It is such a unique and quirky spot.  We love the casualness of it.  The beach shack vibe is our favorite along with the semi-manicured patio, it has character.

SERVICE: 9 out of 10 – The service is fast.  The waitstaff is very friendly and extremely accommodating to children.

FOOD:  7 out of 10 – Thai food at its best.  The Fried Banana Rolls with Coconut Ice Cream and Chocolate Sauce were the perfect ending to a night of delicious and unique flavors.

OVERALL: 7 out 10 – It is easy, fun, good food and you get to sit outside in a funky garden with mismatched patio furniture.  It is a gem.

 

Have you been to this restaurant?  Did you like it?  Did you love it?  Did you loathe it?  Let us know by posting in the COMMENT box at the top of this post.

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_______

Posted in: Best Restaurant, California Restaurant, Food Blog, Food Reviews, Foodies, MoDaFoodies, Restaurant Reviews, thai food ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

MALIBU SEAFOOD

August 1, 2013 6:28 am ⋅ Leave a Comment ⋅

WHERE:  Malibu Seafood is located on Pacific Coast Highway, just north of Pepperdine in Malibu.

It was founded in 1972 and is owned and operated by commercial fishermen.

Malibu Seafood has been a longtime favorite for us.  We love the picnic tables overlooking the ocean as well as the uber relaxed vibe – bring your own tablecloth, juice boxes and wine, and you will be set.

Dining here in the summer can be tricky, go on a weeknight or off hours, otherwise wait until the fall, because the fair weather crowds can be insane.

We went with six kids, it was the perfect spot for them.  They loved being outside.

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moda Ma Seafood

MOTHER SAYS:

I ordered the grilled mahi mahi, which is what I always order.  I am never disappointed.  The grilled fish here is simple, pure and fresh.  I love it.

I love bringing a bottle of yummy wine, setting up a picnic table overlooking the pacific ocean (and PCH) and enjoying a casual, relaxed meal.  I have always loved Malibu Seafood.

 

mahifried shrimp

 

DAUGHTER SAYS:

The fried shrimp is so good.  The chicken strips are good too.  Don’t order the kids meals if you are hungry, they are not enough.  I ate two kids meals and all of my mom’s rice pilaf.

My favorite is the beachy cream ice cream sandwiches we get at the end!

It is so fun sitting outside and running around.

 

lovely seafood

OVERALL RATING:

LOCATION/AMBIANCE: 8 out of 10 – Is there anything better than sitting outside, overlooking the ocean?!  It is super casual and up to you to provide your own ambiance.  Bring a tablecloth, glasses, a bottle of wine and whatever else you think you might need.

SERVICE: N/A – There is no service.  You walk up to the counter and order, grab your food when it is ready, then you clear your own table.  Considering there is no service at all, it may be a little overpriced, but the fish is so fresh it just makes me want to forgive them!

FOOD:  8 out of 10 – The fish is so fresh.  The fried shrimp is crispy and sweet.  The sauces provided are traditional and delicious.  The ahi burger is a favorite.  So much good seafood.

OVERALL: 7 out 10 – We love sitting outside on a warm night, overlooking the ocean eating fresh fish.  It does require some effort on your part, but so worth it and so fun.  It is one of our favorite spots.

 

Have you been to this restaurant?  Did you like it?  Did you love it?  Did you loathe it?  Let us know by posting in the COMMENT box at the top of this post.

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Thanks!

_______

Posted in: Best Restaurant, California Restaurant, Food Blog, Food Reviews, Foodies, MoDaFoodies, Restaurant Reviews ⋅ Tagged: , , , , , , , ,

NIKITA

July 16, 2013 10:12 pm ⋅ 1 Comment ⋅

WHERE:  Nikita, located next to Nobu, near the pier in Malibu, CA.

Nikita is basically the old Pier View, and that is a lot to live up to in a strange, sentimental way.  So Char (my almost 9 year old) and I decided we better go with my college best friends (Christa and Polly) to see if it was anything close to as memorable as Pier View.

The cuisine is Mediterranean/Italian, serving mostly fish and pastas – each dish is presented beautifully, so fresh and delectable beyond words.

I don’t think college students will  make it a hangout any time soon, the prices are high and the portions are minuscule.  Gone are the days of sipping a cappuccino overlooking the ocean, while reviewing for finals.  We all knew Malibu couldn’t stay perfect forever.

Tourists will love it on the weekends.  We went early on a Monday evening, it was on the quiet side, we enjoyed everything about it.

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nikita, malibu

moda foodies

MOTHER SAYS:

Where do I start?!?  The Bread came out steaming and perfectly crunchy on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside with the most savory olive oil on the planet.  The Bread was also perfect for soaking up all of the delicious sauces left on our plates from the pastas and fishes.

We then had the Albacore Tuna which was sandwiched inside sesame wafers, so unique and light, we all thought the sesame slightly overwhelmed the ahi.

The Burrata Pomodoro was my absolute favorite – heirloom tomatoes, oregano and burrata smothered in a basil oil, I could eat this every night of my life.

The Sea Bass and the Halibut were both mouth watering.  You can’t go wrong with either of these dishes. We loved the Halibut served with kale and vegetable ratatouille.  The Sea Bass was also a favorite served over burrata – so, so good.

By this time we were so full… but there was still so much more to come.

bread: divinemy favorite

sea basspasta

DAUGHTER SAYS:

The Pasta is so fresh (it’s handmade), Jamie (Polly’s son) and I split three different pastas.  I loved each one.

We had Shrimp Pasta (which was our favorite), the Tomato Pasta (Tagliolini) and the Red Snapper Pasta – so so yum! We devoured every bite.  We would have had more, but our moms kept asking for bites.

The Bread and the Seven Layer Chocolate Bar (we had two orders) were my favorites.  Jamie really didn’t get any dessert, because I ate most of it, but he didn’t seem to mind.  He is the sweetest, we had the best time.

dessertff

OVERALL RATING:

LOCATION/AMBIANCE: 10 out of 10 – Get a table outside, and you won’t have a better ambiance anywhere. Cashmere blankets and Malibu waves, I don’t think it gets much better.

SERVICE: 10 out of 10 – The service was flawless as it should be at a restaurant like Nikita – the staff were fun and friendly too… a perfect 10.

FOOD:  9 out of 10 – There was not one bite of food I did not fall in love with… from the al dente handmade Pasta to the decadent yet not over the top Desserts.  The portions are tiny but the presentation makes up for it – perfect for us but not for everyone.  Christa and Polly thought the Pasta lacked flavor, but I appreciated the simplicity.

OVERALL: 9.5 out 10 – We stayed for 4 hours and devoured every morsel we were served.  Thankfully, our two kids are well-behaved foodies, otherwise save Nikita for a special occasion, because you will spend a fortune, but you will leave happy.  We can’t wait to go back!

besties

 

Have you been to this restaurant?  Did you like it?  Did you love it?  Did you loathe it?  Let us know by posting in the COMMENT box.

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