La Costa Mission, an Exciting New Malibu Restaurant

By: Gracee Arthur

Malibu is a terrific city . We have the Pacific, great beaches, fresh air and recently, more user-friendly amenities like a hardware store.  What we are still missing in our little hamlet is a real deli, a fantastic Chinese and until this week, a real Mexican restaurant.

When I first moved to Malibu in the ’80s, we had the Baja Cantina which was located in the space currently occupied by Tony’s Taverna.  The Cantina was a fun restaurant with consistent quality, friendly staff and “Lobster Night” every Tuesday. The Cantina was replaced by the short-lived, celebrity owned Malibu Adobe which served the latest food craze, Tex-Mex.  Many years later,  Casa Escobar opened near the Malibu theatre, only to burn down soon after in a weekend fire started in the adjacent beauty supply shop. Lastly and deservedly so, there is the Corral Cantina at Zuma where the food bares little resemblance to food, let alone Mexican fare. The Cantina has been around forever, but is kept alive by Happy Hour Margaritas not its food, which is avoided by most locals.

So imagine my excitement when I passed by the La Costa Mission with its large blue “Now Open” banners flapping in the Santa Ana Winds! The Mission is located in the former home of Terra Restaurant, adjacent to the old Malibu courthouse and jail.

The charming Spanish mini-hacienda with patio and indoor dining is located in east Malibu at  21377 Pacific Coast Highway.  I stopped in to check out the menu  and was pleasantly surprised to find a great variety of appetizing items. There are tasty gems like Tostaditas de Ceviche made with lime marinated yellowtail , as well as classics like Carne Asada made with filet mignon and marinated in red chile. The restaurant has a great bar and is anticipating the arrival of their liquor license in the next week or two. The bar specialities will include 17 different types of Margaritas!!  Muchas gracias to the proprietors (who also own the Beech Street Cafe in Pacific Palisades) for bringing a true Mexican restaurant to Malibu.  I am looking forward to my first Margarita at La Costa Mission . Check out their website for a full menu and dining hours.

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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Sunrise/Sunset

By: Gracee Arthur

Nature is the world’s only true artist. Malibu in autumn and winter is natures perfect canvas. Courtesy of my high resolution iPhone camera and the fabulous vistas from my mid-century ocean view dwelling I present to you a bit of life’s beauty:

[Show as slideshow]

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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Buyers return to the Beach

By: Gracee Arthur

Malibu has seen its worst real estate market in history this past few years. The recent market downturn makes the early to mid 1990s look like a dream market. I know since I have been selling real estate in this popular beach town since 1991.

The silver lining in the current downturn is Malibu is now more affordable for buyers and unlike past difficult markets, the interest rates are at record lows!

The most noticeable improvement in recent months has been the sale of properties in the $2,000,000 to $5,000,000 price range, as well some condo sales over $1,000,000. This segment of the market has been slow to heat up  because it is a move up and second home market. The large institutional lenders have been very slow to get back into the normal routine of jumbo mortgages which has also held this market segment back. The Malibu market usually goes down a bit later and up a bit later than most Los Angeles area real estate markets. We were still strong through mid 2006 and just in the last few months have begun to pick up some steam. The lenders, although still difficult, are now more willing to participate in financing jumbo loans.

So if you have been waiting to buy Malibu, this may be your best chance to purchase a home for a great price while still getting the best interest rates ever!

There are some wonderful homes (standard sales) offered in Malibu on both the beach and landside of town. The center and east end of Malibu has some great new restaurants under construction, as well two recently remodeled shopping centers and the relative newcomer The Lumber Yard with Cafe Habana and great boutiques. The west end of Malibu has a new market under construction at Trancas where a new restaurant is also expected near the existing Starbucks. The air is fresh, outdoor activities abound and the local schools are good. So if you have been out there window shopping Malibu, this is a good time to actually purchase your vacation home or relocate full time to the ‘Bu.

www.graceearthur.com www.31240abailardroad.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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“Filing to Run for Office”

By: Gracee Arthur

Well, it is that time again, when the usually peaceful community of Malibu finds neighbor pitted against neighbor over who should be the new members of the Malibu City Council. This week two more residents filed to run for a position on the City Council, Skylar Peak and Missy Zeitsoff. Skylar Peak is the youngest candidate at age 27 and Missy Zeitsoff is a former council member, who was involved in the original fight for cityhood. The field of candidates now also includes: former council member, Joan House, current council members John Sibert, and Jefferson Wagner, Jack Utter, Hamish Patterson and realtor Andy Lyon.

The criteria for running are simple, one must be a Malibu resident and registered to vote. The candidate must obtain the signatures of at least 20 Malibu voters, but no more than 30 voters. The last date for incumbents to register is January 13th, however non -incumbents may register through 1/18/2012.

The big issue this year is the fate of the Malibu Lagoon. Candidate Andy Lyon suggested the project be brought before the council for a vote. Councilman John Siebert, who is running for reelection has proposed the city finance a $25,000 study on the project to shed more light on the environmental impact of the project design. Candidate Missy Zeitsoff was concerned about the need to raise the Quimby fee which benefits The Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles. Currently the fee is only aid by developers but Zeistoff is suggested it be imposed on for every new residential project. The contest is just beginning and I will post updates periodically on the issues and candidates in this election.

Malibu voters may request vote by mail ballots from 3/12/2012 – 4/3/2012. The last day to register to vote in the election is March 26, 2012. The election takes place on April 10, 2012.

Breaking News! Malibu City Councilman Jefferson Wagner has decided not to run for reelection!

www.malibucity.org

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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Party at the Beach this year!

By: Gracee Arthur

Malibu has some terrific choices for your New Years Eve festivities this year.  If you want to hear the waves and watch the surf the Sunset Restaurant is one terrific venue for New Year’s Eve. There are two seatings for dinner with the second seating offering a price fixe menu for $75 which includes a glass of champagne, party favors and dancing to music hosted by an international DJ. Entrees include Filet Mignon, Colorado Rack of Lamb and Maine Lobster. First seating is 5PM – 8Pm, second seating 8 PM to 9:30 PM. Reservations Required  310-589-1007.

Savory at Point Dume Village is hosting the Black and Silver Charity ball this New Year’s Eve, benefiting the Boys and Girls Club of Malibu. Local Malibu Artist and DJ  perform all night. Tray passed Hors D’ouevres and complimentary champagne served at midnight.
Phone 310-589-8997 for more information.

Beau Rivage does its annual elegant party for New Year’s Eve, complete with balloons, hats and party favors. Live band and dancing under the stars ! Phone for menu and reservation 310-456-5733.

Those of you who enjoy a more casual environment, ocean view and fabulous food,  Kristy’s Wood Oven and Wine bar on Westward Beach Road is the place to ring in the New Year. Along with their terrific regular menu, Kristy’s will be serving some terrific New Year’s specials.  Along with their great pizzas, seafood and salads there will be  special sea food appetizers and  Surf and Turf on the menu.

Those of you who prefer to entertain at home, check out pc greens great platters and entrees for your New Year’s party. Menu can be viewed at www.pcgreens.net

Drive carefully, take a cab, hire a car have fun but be safe.

Here’s wishing all of you a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2012!    Let’s make it the year of Peace.

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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