“Every child needs a library card!”

By: Gracee Arthur

I stopped by the recently renovated Malibu library and got my library card this week. My goal was to take some pictures of the lovely new decor of ocean blues and greens which decorate the new seating areas and children’s reading section. There is a great surfing poster and terrific, comfortable new furnishings along with the computer stations for the new state of the art library. Unfortunately, the staff is a bit over zealous and since their supervisor was at lunch, they would not allow me to photograph the interior of the library! I guess that should make all Malibuites feel safe (at least from me photographing them) when they are using the library (something I strongly encourage).

Here are some terrific upcoming events to introduce your children to the joys of reading and spending time at the Malibu library:

On May 26th Jim Gamble and Puppet Productions present “Peter and the Wolf”. The target audience is children ages 3-10. The event takes place on Saturday May 26 at noon. “Peter and the Wolf ” was always one of my favorite stories when I was a child and it is always fun to introduce your children to classic tales.

On May 29th the Los Angeles Opera present “Opera Tales”. The presentation may be enjoyed by children and adults on Tuesday, May 29th beginning at 3:30.

The Library also presents story times for toddlers and preschoolers from May 1st through June 6. Toddler story times for one and 2 year olds is held on Tuesdays at 11AM with Preschool story times, ages 3-4, held on Wednesdays at 11 AM.

The Malibu Library is located at 23519 Civic Center Way 310 456-6438. www.colapublib.org Here is a link to the Library’s grand opening festivities: http://www.malibutimes.com/articles/2012/04/30/video/1-lgomt050.txt

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

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Only in Malibu: “A whale sighting, dinner and a night at the theatre.”

By: Gracee Arthur

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 play 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.

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

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Earth Day 2012

By: Gracee Arthur

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.

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

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Celebrate Easter and Passover with a great meal!

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!

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

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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

Gracee Arthur

A resident of Malibu since 1984, Gracee Arthur possesses extensive knowledge of the coastal real estate market. As a result, her extensive community connections have enabled her to represent some of Malibu’s finest properties.

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