During my research and outings I have come across several favorite places that I would like to share with my readers.

Malibu

Spruzzo’s Restaurant 29575 Pacific Coast Hwy , Malibu, CA 90265    Tel: (310) 457-8282 Italian Restaurant best known for fresh salads, pasta or pizza and upscale ocean views with heated outdoor patio dining. Complimentary  homemade focaccia served with oil and vinegar for dinner and on request with take out meals. Excellent service, generous portions  and good prices *** My favorite is the goat cheese beet salad- generous portion can be split to share: customized with the champagne vinaigrette, add chicken or salmon. The calzone with sausage is another family favorite but be forewarned it is huge and made to be shared!

The Sunset Restaurant  ( 6800 Westward Beach Road in Malibu) Enjoy fabulous view of the daily sunset while indulging in fresh classic California cuisine. Inventive fresh salads,appetizers and entrees  with a great $5 Happy Hour menu as well. ***my favorite is fresh grilled salmon, jumbo shrimp or the ARUGULA & PESTO FLATBREAD

Sunlife Organic  (Point Dume, Malibu, Thousand Oaks ,Calabasas ) …. AMAZING fresh organic smoothies and juices,PLUS organic raw salads, vegan grilled items, raw, vegan snacks and organ whey or vegan protein powders available for purchase. ****my personal favorite smoothie is a combination of Wolverine substitute blueberries, add fresh young coconut water and meat, blueberries, almond butter, vanilla whey protein, coconut butter and cocoa nibs.

Vintage Grocery Store (just North of Zuma Beach on PCH Malibu) Great place to pick up made to order fresh veggie juice or smoothies, coffee or tea. A full grocery store with organic picnic items for local (hard to find fruits or veggies). Steaks and fish can be cooked to order for take out at the butcher counter. Bottled water is available from around the world and plenty of in stock high end wines, cheeses and crackers. Bulk nuts, candy and chocolates. Fresh desserts from the in-house bakery and plenty of fresh made vegan plant based options. Warm hand carved meat sandwiches served fresh to order at the deli as well as traditional options or make your own salad from the hot and cold food buffet. Sweet and sour battered orange chicken is served hot and fresh but doesn’t last long its so good! Several hot soups daily from basics including organic chicken noodle, creamy chicken pablano or vegetarian bean chili.***My favorite is the KOMBUCHA on tap from local fermenters.

The OLD PLACE  ( off Kanan Rd Agroura ) call for reservations for 4 or more at this one of a kind rustic restaurant. A long time favorite of locals  for good reason- it is small and cozy with fresh grilled meats and local veggies, many entrees and desserts are served in cast iron pans. During Covid-19 lockdowns only take out has been available with limited menu. The parking lot perimeter has been redone with cozy nooks set up for socially distanced eating on site. It is a FUN place to stop and get take out which has not been an option prior to the lockdown. The bridge that burned down in the Woolsey fire in 2018 is open!!! **My personal favorite is the Oak Grilled Vegetable Salad with grilled chicken added, the dressing compliments the smoky grilled flavors perfectly

Unfortunately, 2020 Covid-19 shut down closed a few places including; Ollies’s Duck and Dive, Popped Fresh Popcorn and Hatch Cafe and Market. Hopefully they reopen again at a future date. CLOSED: Popped Fresh Popcorn (top of Kanan Rd off the south bound 101) the popcorn is NON-GMO and cooked in coconut oil which make this great for snacking or gift giving. Many flavors options with sweet and salty combos like salted carmel with cheddar cheese. All flavors are from fresh real ingredients not artificial flavors or powered flavors.*****My personal favorite is the LA mix of caramel, cheddar cheese and buttery plain.

CLOSED: Hatch Cafe & Market : 30651 Thousand Oaks Blvd
Agoura Hills, CA 91301 https://www.hatcheatery.com A great little cafe and market with fresh inventive menu items. Breakfast all day. lunch, homemade cookies and lemonade. ****My personal favorite: Honeydew & Feta Salad Cubed Honeydew, Crumbled Sheep’s Milk Feta, Rocket Arugula, Hibiscus & Toasted Rosemary Vinaigrette.