Trancas Country Mart Welcomes Vintage Grocers

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“Grand Opening March 5th 2014 at 9 AM”
The long awaited local market is becoming a realty this Wednesday, as Vintage Grocers opens it doors at the Trancas Country Mart. It has been almost 3 years since Trancas Market closed its doors in August 2011 leaving West Malibu residents with Pavilions as its only near by grocery.  Pavilions’ lack of parking, long lines and less than desirable food selections added insult to injury; forcing many in Malibu to shop outside of the community.

This Wednesday’s Grand Opening will be a true celebration for all of Malibu as Market Director Eric Fuchser  (former Market Director for Bristol Farms) fulfills his dream of opening a fabulous gourmet grocery. I met with Eric a little over a week ago and got a tour of his”work still in progress ” and I peeked in yesterday to see his progress. The store is beautifully designed with polished concrete floors, dark wood appointments and many gourmet and organic offerings to please the fussiest shopper.There will also be an open cafe in front of the store where one may enjoy a coffee, pastry or sandwich. I am also excited about the Pizza oven and great wine section featuring many local vineyards!

Vintage Grocers is a great addition to the rural but sophisticated West Malibu lifestyle.

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Gracee Arthur

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The Mendenhall Estate

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The Mendenhall Estate

“Spectacular Tuscan Estate in the Santa Monica Mountains”

The Menedenhall Estate is situated in a serene pastoral setting between Malibu Beach and the West San Fernando Valley.  The estate is situated on approximately 16 acres. The lushly landscaped acres (adjacent 7 acre parcel also available for simultaneous purchase) are each zoned for horses w/ space & water to accommodate a vineyard. The appx. 12,000 sq. ft residence. (incs. 4 car garage, loggia w/ fireplace, outdoor media room)  an add’l appx. 2,000 sq. ft. of hardscape entertaining areas plus built in bbq., bar, 4 gazebos , gardens, landscape lighting and outdoor music system. 65′ pool w/hot tub and baby pool; sunken N/S tennis court; 500 ft long back yard; outdoor showers, Italian bocce, media room/game room/ intercom system and much more. Secreted in privacy ;gated location with room for a helipad. Convenient to shopping, restaurants , schools, beach and the city.  Exceptional retreat for celebrity or corporate executive.

The property boasts a massive 50 Kwh solar farm plus well access to underground aquifers prove 90% of the electricity and water usage (except drinking water). The savings are appx. $150,000 per year. This includes watering of dozens of varieties of fruit and nut trees in a productive organic orchard, vegetable garden (plus organic honey and eggs).     

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Gracee Arthur

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A Malibu Christmas

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“75 degrees at the beach”
Steve Martin’s ” L.A. Story” is one of my favorite movies of all time. There is no more perfect description of life in Los Angeles than Martin’s classic romantic comedy.  “The weather will change your life, twice” (considering we have essentially no weather) was quite prophetic . So, as a transplant from the cold winters of Connecticut to the warm , dry, sun drenched shores of the Pacific in Malibu, I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Before I put on my shorts and take a walk on the beach, I am gifting you my favorite winter photos of Malibu:

:

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Gracee Arthur

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DIESEL, A Bookstore – Malibu

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“A sad goodbye story hoping for a happy ending”

This is the unfortunate 2nd and final act for Diesel Bookstore in Malibu. It was February 2011 when Diesel lost its lease due to a rent increase ,returning November of the same year to its current location in the Malibu Country Mart. Below is the email I received recently from my friends John and Allison:

Dear Booklover,

DIESEL, A Bookstore in Malibu is looking for new owners. We are hoping that there is someone in Malibu who would bring new energy, new vision, and local involvement to our beloved independent bookstore.
There is much community support for the store and our landlord is interested in keeping the bookstore in its current location. The store needs local attention and personal care. It is ready for fresh eyes and engaged new owners.

This is an opportunity to take over and expand a great independent bookstore, which serves a wonderful community, and provide for its continued and future success. DIESEL has a great reputation, exceptional stock, experienced staff, and is a great store.

We are selling the systems, inventory, fixtures, computer system, and the lease is transferable. If you are interested, please let us know by contacting John Evans at john@dieselbookstore.com. We would be glad to discuss with you how you can acquire this vibrant store.
Sincerely,

John Evans and Alison Reid

Diesel has stores in Brentwood, Oakland and Larkspur; because John and Allison have a home here, as well, they opened a Malibu store. Unfortunately for all of us, they found themselves a bit over extended and unable to devote enough time to the Malibu store. Their hope is a Malibu book lover and entrepreneur  who will be excited to take over the well located bookstore. If you are out there, please contact John Evans , he would be happy to hear from you.

Here is a link to my previous blog on the re-opening of Diesel in Fall of 2011:

http://www.malibubeachnewz.com/malibu/malibu-country-mart-welcomes-diesel-books

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Gracee Arthur

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Malibu Celebrates Thanksgiving!

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“Where to Dine on the Beach”


Malibu Beach Inn is serving Thanksgiving dinner . If you prefer skipping the prep work but want to enjoy a great meal with family and friends the Carbon Beach Club is the place to dine.

http://www.malibubeachinn.com/dining/thanksgiving

The Malibu Beach Inn is located on a prime spot on Carbon Beach. The food and service are always excellent and outdoor dining is among the best in Malibu.

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Gracee Arthur

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