Tag Archives: Malibu California

MALIBU ROADHOUSE

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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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.

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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!

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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.

 

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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THE CAFE AT THE GETTY VILLA FOR 90265 MAGAZINE

 

 

 

 

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.

 

MALIBU FARM

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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COOGIES

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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CHOLADA

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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MALIBU SEAFOOD

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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MR. CHOW

WHERE:  Mr. Chow located in the Malibu Country Mart at the old NOBU location.

For the purpose of fairness, it should be noted that Mr. Chow, Malibu opened on December 31st, just 12 days prior to our visit.

With all new restaurants there are growing pains and Mr. Chow, Malibu is no exception.

However, Moda Foodies is a blog by a mother and her young daughter who want to share their restaurant experiences in the fairest way possible.

We went on a jam packed Saturday night – it was so hectic it made our heads spin.

Our friend, Christa accompanied us to review this new Malibu hotspot, it was going to be a fun girls night out.

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MOTHER SAYS:

We ordered family style – the Mr. Chow noodles, the sea bass with ginger and cilantro, the shrimp rolls and the fried rice.

The fried shrimp rolls were my favorite, so crisp and crunchy with a light sauce for dipping.  The fish was pleasant and cooked perfectly – it mixed nicely with the noodles (I would have preferred a more spicy noodle dish).

The fried rice – we had to ask repeatedly for – finally came out with our dessert.  It was disappointing.   Christa thought it was bland and not as good as Benihana’s fried rice.

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DAUGHTER SAYS:

I sort of liked the noodles but not really.  I really wanted the fried rice but it took forever.  In the end, I had seconds on the rice, but I did not like the shrimp rolls.

I ordered the chocolate mousse torte with raspberry sauce, it was yum.

OVERALL RATING:

LOCATION/AMBIANCE: 5 out of 10 – it was so loud, we could not hear each other speak.  Christa said, “It’s TGI Friday’s loud in here.”  There is no place to wait for your table, it is chaotic.  There is a nice covered outdoor patio overlooking the parking lot.  The interior is all white and very upscale.

SERVICE: 5 out of 10 – subpar, we were seated without menus – it took fifteen minutes to receive them.  Dirty plates and glasses were not removed from our table.  We had to ask repeatedly for someone to find our waiter.  Food we ordered was forgotten and our bill was wrong.  It was not fine dining, but the prices were.

FOOD: 7 out of 10 – family style chinese, it was good but not fabulous.

OVERALL: 6 out 10 – loud, crowded, over-priced with unacceptable service.  When you are paying premium prices, you expect premium service.  We will not be returning anytime soon because we want to give them a chance to improve their service before we review it again.  We wish them the best.

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!

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