Otium

A truly special dining experience on Bunker Hill in downtown Los Angeles .  It was served family style, and we were nearly stabbing each other with our forks to savor the next bite. 

Every year I performed at an orphanage on Bunker Hill when I was a child.  In the 40's it was a dangerous place.  Now, it is my favorite place to be with arts all around.  

Another Holiday Party

Being part of a select group of some of the most talented and accomplished women in Malibu is a privilege.  It has been organized for more than 40 years, making the Malibu Woman's Club the oldest club.  Always looking forward to raising funds to benefit student scholarships, the Christmas event benefits pediatric patients at a local hospital.  Our giving members traditionally host the luncheon in a private residence.

A Divine Duck Pate

The chef came to our table personally reassuring us that the duck pate was home made.  We shouldn't have shared it with others in our party.  After that, they were stabbing us with their forks to get more.  http://omgojai.com/

A Memorable Day

Independence Day at Paradise Cove

Celebrating the 4th of July at Paradise Cove in Malibu is a combination of homeliness and elegance.  Many thanks to dear friends who included us in their creative neighborhood.  Live music was blasting as the golf carts with home-made decorations paraded by the dancers, food trucks provided huge burgers and fries while another offered ice cream specialties, and, finally, fireworks were reflected in the Pacific Ocean as we gathered around a fire ring.  It really felt patriotic as it benefited The Raincatcher Project - theraincatcherproject.  

Bouillabaisse and Crab Cakes at the Getty

Whenever I want to make my time at the Getty Center  

even more perfect I dine on bouillabaisse and crab cakes at The Restaurant at the Getty.  This time it was made even better when being surrounded by my family.

 Bouillabaisse - mussels, clams, shrimp, chorizo, coriander, chipolte saffron cream, fried onion, oranges 

Crab Cakes - smoked paprika aioli, avocado mousse, crispy proscuitto 

Malibu Farm at the Pier

It was Christmas Eve and there was faux snow under the mistletoe.  This is, after all, the land of make believe.  

The sun begins to go down at the pier.  

What a beautiful walk to our dinner.  

Waiting for our farm-to-table dinner.  It rivaled my childhood food, when we raised and grew everything and it was prepared by amazing cooks in the name of my Mom and Dad.  

Santa Claus, himself, gave us a ride back to our car.  

But, not before enjoying the recommended cake made of whole wheat and olive oil.  https://emmaandisabeltakela.wordpress.com/2014/09/10/malibu-farm-pier-cafe/

The Hundred-Foot Journey Official Trailer (2014) HD

Treat yourself to a food feast without gaining a single pound, by seeing "The Hundred-Foot Journey."  It was special seeing the first showing at our small movie house in Malibu.  When the audience applauded at the end it felt like a theater experience.  

Art Can Change...

Click on this to see a most innovative and artistic advertisement:  http://youtu.be/lUtnas5ScSE

Farm Fresh Produce

...just discovered, this morning, our friendly neighborhood family farm.  

"The Best Hamburger he had ever tasted"

The waiter at Savory Restaurant in Malibu said the Wolfmother Burger was "the best he had ever tasted."

(Arugula grown down the road, unbelievable carmelized onions, brie melted on the rib eye...)

Divine Deli, er...Gourmet Market

 Were we in Paris?  Nope.  It was 700 South Grand Avenue, in downtown Los Angeles. And, it was part of the restaurant called BOTTEGA LOUIE.   



Bottega Louie

Having lunch in downtown Los Angeles with my friends was an event.  I am saluting the house speciality,  portobello fries.  

We watched as the artichoke, chevre and mozzarella were included on the pizza. 

No one was safe from the camera! 

The discreet signage didn't reveal the vibrant experience waiting inside. 

Buying Local Fresh

The Malibu Cornucopia Farmers Market on Civic Center Way is on Sundays, year round, from 10 am to 3pm