Beachcomber on Malibu Pier
The historic Malibu Pier was originally built in 1905 to support the operations of the owner Frederick Hastings Rindge's Malibu Rancho. Hides, grains, fruit, and other agricultural products were shipped from the pier directly to larger vessels. The prominent entrance tower at the base of the Pier is decorated with Malibu Pottery, (works of art) being featured at the Beachcomber Cafe, and now the Pier has been brought to its former glory.
I thought you might be interested in visiting The Beachcomber, a hot new beachside restaurant which recently opened on the historic Malibu Pier. It has a special charm, with vintage decor, exposed ceilings, and a front-row view of the famous Surfrider Beach. The new restaurant is an amazing backdrop for filming and has already attracted a number of well-known celebrities including Hillary Swank, Adam Sandler, Pink, Cindy Crawford, Pierce Brosnan, Kelsey Grammar, Rosanna Arquette, Jillian Barberie and Tea Leoni. Some TV shows include The Rockford Files, Gidget, and Beach Blanket Bingo.
Beachcomber brings new life to the newly restored pier, reinvigorating this historic institution. The pier was closed for 12 years due to storm damage. It's now opened with a two-piece band, making warm and cozy music.
During World War II, it was used as a lookout post and later, Alice's Restaurant (inspired by the Arlo Guthrie song) served its famous B-52 cocktails. However, the very well-known restaurant that once housed "Alice's" and the Beachcomber is pretty much of a fun throwback to the "Fifties," with wood paneled walls, decorated vintage photos and memorabilia of Malibu.
It's open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, serving contemporary specialties such as Ahi Tuna Tacos and Mediterranean Veggie Lettuce Wraps to Clay-Pot Roasted Chicken, Chimmichurri Ribeye Steak, Grilled Fresh Swordfish, Braised Pork Osso Bucco and Kampachi. The Wild Mushroom Mac 'n Cheese is studded with truffles, and the warm Donut-Hole Bread Pudding is crowned with Vanilla-Custard Ice Cream.
At the adjoining Malibu Pier Club, cocktails and light fare are served on the beach deck. Favorite libations of both eateries include the “Beachcomber” made with Ketel One Vodka, fresh citrus juices and Tropical Island Pucker, also the “Malibu Mudslide Martini,” a blend of vanilla vodka, Bailey's and half & half. Private parties can sip Mai Tais and nibble on egg rolls in the Polynesian-themed Tonga Lei Room, which is decorated in awesome Tiki kitsch.
Heading the culinary team at The Beachcomber and the Malibu Pier Club bar is Sious Chef Page Moll. He moved to the Orange County area 14 years ago, where he continued to diversify his cooking creating everything from a great cheeseburgers to preparing shaved white truffles; also foie gras. Prior to his arrival at The Beachcomber Café in Crystal Cove, he served as Chef de Cuisine at the Monarch Bay Club in the St. Regis Monarch Beach Hotel for over five years. Together, he and Chef Dan Atkin send aromas from the open kitchen increasing appetites.
In addition to The Beachcomber’s contributions to the Malibu Pier, attractions include a Surf Museum, Gift Shop, Bait and Tackle Shop, Beach Equipment Rentals, Ruby’s Shake Shack, Coastal Boat Tours and Deep Sea Fishing. The Malibu Pier is sure to satisfy beachgoers longing for a taste of the surf culture and breezy beach living immortalized by Gidget, Frankie Avalon and Annette Funicello. Visiting the Beachcomber Cafe is like taking a step back in time.
We shared an amazing dinner starting with an oven roasted trio of beets topped with goat cheese and pecans over arugula; also "Holy Cow!" Their version of a ginger soy marinated filet mignon seared and sliced thin along with Julienned stir fried vegtables. We also enjoyed Tiny Ahi Tacos accented with a creamy Chili sauce. I loved the King Salmon in a puff pastry shell over spinach and white mushroom. Have never seen that on a menu before! We finished it off with a "Donut Hole Bread Pudding topped with vanilla custard ice cream; also "Gimme S'more, which was like being around the campfire, except with ice cream.
For reservations, call 310-456-9800. 23000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. Or visit www.thebeachcombercafe.com
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