Sitting on the patio as the sun slowly sets, hearing the sound of the waves of the Pacific
Ocean, watching a pod of dolphins playing in the water, enjoying a light ocean breeze,
and enjoying a quintessential million-dollar view of the Malibu Coast is only the
beginning of a perfect evening at Geoffrey’s Malibu.
This is the perfect destination restaurant for a special celebration, a romantic dinner,
sharing a lovely meal with friends, or just because you feel like it. Dining at Geoffrey’s is
a beautiful experience.
It’s Magical
Geoffrey’s gives you a true “sense of place” sitting right off California’s Pacific Coast
Highway with the world-famous, stunning Malibu Coastline stretched before you.
The tone for our recent visit was set as we were seated, and our server came over to
greet us. She gave a giant smile and laughed, saying: “Hi, my name is Mary, like the
Virgin, and I’ll be taking care of you this evening. Mary’s bright introduction set the mood
with humor, friendliness, and her hospitable nature. Throughout the evening, she
checked in with us, ensured everything was good, laughed, joked, and had fun with us.
The Food
For twenty-five years, current owner Jeff Peterson (who started at Geoffrey’s as a
busboy in 1987) has served an enjoyable, comfortable, and creative dining experience
at this iconic restaurant. Geoffrey’s has the formula: Location…location…. location,
blended with superb service, innovative chefs, and unparalleled hospitality.
Whether coming for lunch, dinner, or brunch (Saturday or Sunday), you will be pleased
by whatever is put before you. Executive Chef Kate Pelayo is masterful in trying new
flavors, and the plate in front of you is a work of art.
I happen to love sharing, especially appetizers, to experience a more rounded feel of
the foods and flavors. Our party of 6 recently did this —and it was perfection, starting
with
– Jumbo coconut shrimp, with tomato chutney and Asian plum sauce-the flavors
complemented and teased each other
– Ahi tuna tartare with pickled ginger, avocado, and Yuzu Ponzu vinaigrette
– Sauteed lump crab cakes with sweet corn butter sauce and Pasilla Chili-grilled corn
relish. If you happen to be a crab cake fan (as I am), THIS was IT!
Eating, relaxing, visiting, enjoying the view, the sound of the surf and the fading light as
the twinkling lights came on, and sipping a delightful Chardonnay put us all in a mellow
mood.
Next, the main course! It seems our tastes were pretty consistent, so each couple
shared:
– Sauteed Dayboat Scallops served over a cauliflower risotto with a sweet carrot
reduction and
– Glazed duck over a parsnip puree, with a Hoisin plum sauce. OK: Duck speaks to me; I
LOVE duck. Duck confit, duck cassoulet, duck breast, duck with cherry reduction or
L’Orange…but THIS! With Hoisin plum sauce accompanied by an elegant Napa
Cabernet Sauvignon that we brought! Pure perfection! If you love duck, this is a must!
Of course, a delicious meal should end
with a “sweet treat,” and there is no shortage of choices.
We ordered the very shareable chocolate hazelnut crunch bars with crème Anglaise
and strawberry coulis for the chocoholics at the table. For the “more traditional” dessert
lover, there was the maple blueberry cheesecake with a blueberry compote and graham
cracker crust and a Crème Brûleé, prepared with a delicious layer of Vanilla Brûleé
on top of a layer of Dark Chocolate Mousse. The only problem was that there
weren’t more of us, so we could share a few other mouth-watering options. But, not to
worry …. we’ll be back!
Geoffrey’s Malibu may be called a “destination” or “special occasion” restaurant. But, if
you’re in the mood to kick back and relax, decompress after a stressful day, hang out
with great family and friends or a special someone, make that special day any day
ending in “Y.”
Bon Appetit!
Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s unique lifestyle of wine, food, and
adventures from Southern California up through Napa, Sonoma, and beyond. He may be
reached at: donsonderling@gmail.com