Geoffrey's in Malibu
Malibu, California
"A spectacular 180-Degree view of the Pacific Ocean complemented by waterfalls and tropical plants creates a romantic Mediterranean-meets-Malibu atmosphere."
It's true! It's all true! There just may be no more gorgeous setting for any restaurant in Southern California than Geoffrey's in Malibu. And there just may be no finer food served anywhere than there, as well. Jeff Peterson, its owner for almost the past decade, and Executive Chef Bijan Shokatfard have truly mastered the art of culinary excellence at prices a tad more expensive, but certainly not out of the realm of possibility. You will impress mightily anyone who has never basked in such glory while dining. I'd suggest you go in the late afternoon or early evening
to enjoy the beautiful ride along Pacific Coast Highway before arriving at 27400 PCH.
Our hostess led us to our beautiful table for two facing the grand Pacific. Every table has a perfect view and, 'lest you be worried, the heating lamps are everywhere to be lighted in a moment at your request. The monthly menu featured nine appetizers ( my favorite fare everywhere these days), six soups and salads, and thirteen Dinner Entrees: eight fish and five beef or chicken dishes.
For purposes of taste, I requested a sampler plate of steamed Maine Mussels ($14), Jumbo Coconut Shrimp in Asian Plum Sauce ($15), and a Crab Cake in Thai curry Vinaigrette ($16). Each was better than the former and the former was excellent. Mussels, so soft and sweet, shrimp so firm and flavorful, crab cakes crispy on the outside and filled with juicy crab inside. Chef Bijan makes his point nicely from the get-go!
Do try the Roasted Corn Chowder ($9.50) for it's a heavenly broth, filled with crisp corn kernels, fresh Blue crab meat and roasted chile, guaranteed to light a fire within. The Golden Beet Salad ($11) which followed was an array of thinly sliced beets with micro greens and herbed goat cheese, resting in a tangerine walnut vinaigrette. Gentle, yet making a wonderful impression on the palate as each delicious bite made its way down.
For her entree, Fran selected the herb-crusted Basa Sole ($25); two large filets, resting on sautéed Asian Greens, washed in a hot and sour sauce (yum) with four braised beef pot stickers at each corner of the plate. A work of art; a look of pleasure as her eyes lit up to denote absolute satisfaction with the dish.
My two pound steamed Maine lobster ($54) was shelled, lying atop a puff-pastry basket with an array of vegetable ribbons (carrots, cucumber, squash); all in a vanilla lobster sauce, ribboned with mashed potatoes. A dish fit for the Gods and tasting magnificent. For beauty, taste and preparation, Chef Bijan goes to the head of the class.
We shared a hot apple pie, resting in a caramel sauce with a scoop of the most delicious vanilla gelato on top. And the coffee is the rich, full-flavored kind.
Geoffrey's is now one of my five favorite restaurants anywhere. Atmosphere, ambiance, attentive service, and a most attractive, appetizing, artistic array of food make this an A+++ place to be. And when you go, please tell 'em Joseph sent you!
Geoffrey's, 27400 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu 90265 Tel. 310-457-1519 Open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday; Open for lunch Monday – Friday; Open for Dinner seven days Dinner for two – approx. $125 w/o alcohol (and worth every penny!) www.geoffreysmalibu.com
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