Eating well in Malibu

Where shall we eat tonight?

Let's start close to home. Located in Point Dume Shopping Center, right off Heathercliff and PCH

Duck Dive web site

Hip, informal, fun and delicious....

Zuma Ridge Trail - Malibu

Okay it's the first day of the new year & I am determined to start it out right.... Go with the husband & the dog on a long hike. Since it was cold that day we were looking for a sunny hike. Zuma Ridge Trail is a beautiful panoramic trip on the top of the mountains overlooking the pacific.
The Trail starts out at the base of a flood plain and proceeds to a gradual climb upward.

Take Bush drive off of Pacific Coast Highway up to the parking area. See above "Zuma Ridge Trail".

Map Courtesy of the Park Service.

Parking lot & Trail Head

Gradual climb

Panoramic View at the top. You can see Bony Ridge in the distance.

The entire hike took us 2.5 hours.
It is 2.7 miles (and 1500 feet of elevation gain)
Here is the sign at the top.

We made it.... Next time we are going to continue the hike to Encinal Canyon Road.

Rosenthal Wines, Nestled in Newton Canyon, Malibu

Located off Kanan Road about halfway between the 101 Freeway and Pacific Coast Highway lies Rosenthal Vineyard.

This is a beautiful estate and one of the original vineyards in Malibu.

CHRISTIAN ROGUENANT, one of Central California's premiere winemakers produces the Rosenthal Estate wine

They have a tasting room on PCH that I highly recommend visiting.

26023 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90265

Wine Tasting - in Malibu "Cornell Winery & Tasting Room"

Another great place to go just outside of Malibu... on the Augora side of Kanan Dume Rd. is...
The Cornell Winery & Tasting Room

29975 Mulholland Hwy
Cornell(aka Augora), CA 91301
818-735-3542
www.cornellwinery.com

There are more than 50 independent vineyards in the Santa Monica Mountains with more being planted every year. Several of the local wineries have received national acclaim for their boutique vintages which have become cult classics in certain circles. These hard to find treasures are available for tasting at Cornell Winery.

If your in the mood for food, you can next door to The Old Place Restaurant for an incredible meal. Operated by the Runyon family for close to 40 years.

Click here for the history of this area of Malibu...

www.cornellwinery.com/history.html

Old Place Restaurant... Tonight's menu Pulled Pork and Grilled Mahi Mahi... yummy!

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Wine Tasting - in Malibu "Malibu Wines"

Located off Mullholand and Kanan Dume Road
Malibu Wines' Tasting area is a perfect place to wonder off to on the weekend. It's a lovely drive and there is plenty of parking.

Picnic Area... To the back right is the tasting bar. You can taste or Purchase a Bottle and sit at a picnic table. For more information visit their website http://www.malibuwine.com/

Grape vines are planted around the area...

This is the view... As you can see the hills are planted as well... If you drive Kanan you'll be surprised to see so many vines have been planted. There are over 50 vineyards in Malibu - Topanga area.

A Broad Beach Stroll & Hot Tri-Tip Sandwich

Another Suggestion for a CHEAP & WONDERFUL Beach Hike....
This is a quiet beach walk that takes you to some really beautiful rock formations and tide pools. We love this because you can park for free, have a great beach experience and end up at Trancas Shopping Plaza for a nice lunch at How's Market Deli... (We love the Hot Smoked Tri-Tip Sandwich)...or explore the Malibu Gardens Nursery at PCH and Trancas Canyon Rd.

Take Broad Beach Road and park right across the street from Cottontail Lane. Go early if it's a nice day, so there is less traffic and more enjoyment. I hate driving in Beach traffic so we try to do our activities early.... and then have a nice lunch.



Once you walk through the gate you feel transported to a whole different place....
This is the view as you enter the beach looking North.

Walk to the right, heading North...

But make sure to bring flip flops or shoes to navigate a section of rock. See goofy me below without shoes taking it real slow. With shoes this would have been easy.
95% of the walk is sand.
some driftwood sculptures along the way...
after about 20 min you see these big rocks.
Amazing carved earth ...


More rocks and soft sand tide pools...
This is as far as we went as the tide was high. Too many rocks to navigate around that point. The fellow that we spoke to that was in the know said it's possible at low tide. So we took in the scenery and then turned around.


See The nimble husband navigate those ricks like a mountain goat...Then a dip in the beautiful water...
This entire hike is a little over an hour and longer if you want to sit, swim or sleep...
Then exit going south on Broad Beach Rd. At the Light pass through PCH and enter the Trancas Shopping Center.

Zuma Canyon Trail and Pizza (Easy)

Directions:
Going North On PCH. Go past Kanan Dume Rd. and past Heathercliff. Abou a mile later the next light is Busch Dr. Take a right on Busch Dr. then take a right on next street (Rainsford Pl). Then a left on Bonsall Dr. Stay on Bonsall all the way to a dirt road, (less than a mile). This takes you to the Parking lot below. There always seems to be places to park as this trail is a bit off PCH.

Total hike time at a leisurely pace (1 hour 15 minutes)

PARKING LOT

TRAIL HEAD

You'll see this sign as you start out. We have opted to stay on the Zuma Canyon Trail. (Beginner - Easy) This is a trail that follows the Canyon and crosses the stream bed several times. These pictures are in the dry season, Summer, and this would look very different during the rainy season.

To the left there is an area that is being replanted with native plants.

Right away you'll see a split in the trail.

You want to stay to the right...

This is a fairly shady trail with sections of openness and areas of shade.

As you are travelling along there is another sign for The Canyon View trail This is an uphill climb and for another day... Stay straight forward.

More lovely shade ahead...

Pausing for a moment to stand in silence and listen to the hawks.

This sign marks a scenic loop. You can opt to go on it now or like we did on the way back. It is a short loop off this trail through sycamores and comes right back on Zuma Canyon.

Another fork in the road... go right.... Stay on Zuma Canyon...

One of the many time you will cross a stream bed.

When you see this large bolder you will be at trail end in about 10 minutes.

Some of the beautiful flowers along the way.

It gets rockier as you get to the end.

and rockier....

Trail end... a grove of Sycamore Trees. You can eat a picnic here sitting on the rocks under the shade. Or as we are doing we'll rest here for a moment and then head back to our car.

Time to trail end (45 minutes) strolling along.
Time back to car from here (30 minutes) a more determined walk.

Heading out going back on Busch drive, make a right into the parking lot of the shopping center at PCH and Busch Dr..
Sit outside under the yellow umbrellas and order a pizza and drink at Spruzzo's Restaurant overlooking Zuma Beach. A cheap and cheer full spot frequented by locals.... Hope you enjoy!!!!