Indian summer in LA means as much time as possible in Malibu. New discoveries for lunch and dinner!

The weather in Los Angeles has been beyond beautiful the last few days.  With temperatures higher than they were last summer, Malibu has been bustling with sun and surf worshippers-- ourselves included.

Friday night Napper and Mary made the drive to Point Dume for dinner at Savory which officially opened last fall.  Once inside, you'd never know you were in the shopping center on Heathercliff-- strategically placed potted trees, vines and twinkling white lights disguise the exterior and the restaurant itself is open and modern while also intimate.  With only a handful of tables and a long bar where you can also have dinner, it's hard to get a reservation here for parties larger than two, so plan ahead.  The locally sourced food was quite delicious-- particularly the "Juicy Lucy," a cheddar stuffed burger that was sinful, as were the hand cut fries served with a bearnaise dipping sauce.  Basically a heart attack on a plate, but worth every bite.  The bouillabaisse was a B+, not amazing and we'd forgo the banana split in favor of the chocolate bread pudding next time.

Trying to navigate the Malibu Country Mart on a beautiful weekend day can be daunting.  Especially when you're ready for lunch and John's Garden, the Malibu Kitchen and Howdy's have lines out the door.  We had the genius idea of heading over to the Malibu Lumber Yard and Chocolate Box.  Sure enough, there was no line at Chocolate Box and the salmon salad and chicken sandwich were frankly far better than what we've ever wound up with from spots in the Country Mart.  AND their macaroons, colorfully displayed are delicious-- and are perfect to bring to a dinner party.

Take your lunch to go and hit Malibu Lagoon Beach, right across the PCH from the Lumber Yard.  This is why we live in LA!