Malibu Seafood
Grab and go, or grab and sit down on a rackety wooden bench
Reminding myself that you shouldn’t walk in Los Angeles, I took off to get here by foot, which ended up being around two hours one way—overkill for Malibu. I am sure people in their cars were staring at me as they went by, as if to say, “This woman is crazy, why is she walking?” The path seemed to go on forever as well; I thought I was never going to get there! Walking is a forbidden word in this big city—the most normality you would see is tourists and visitors hovering around the designer shops in Beverly Hills. That’s the maximum. The rest cruise in their cars; even when you are stuck in traffic for half the day, LA is all about driving—you won’t survive without it.
When I did finally arrive, I was hoping the pain in my feet was worth it. The Pacific Coast Highway gobbled me up; for something very straightforward in one direction, it seemed tripled in distance. I was so relieved to see that huge Malibu Seafood sign. You will find the place literally on the side of the road; it caters to passers-by in their cars and on motorcycles, who are taking a break from all the calorie-burning of long road trips. It’s strategically positioned. Happily doing some final steps, I approached the entrance. Inside, it also serves as a fish counter—you can buy some if you wish and take it home to cook your own food, but it doesn’t strike me as the reason you come. You come to grab and go, or grab and sit down on a rackety wooden bench.
I ordered their signature fish and chips; the Brit in me wanted a fix. The batter was crisp and it was a proper piece of fish fillet, cooked well with no dryness. The chips were not bad—crispy, and they kept the skin on. I was given a pot of sauce (which was tiny); I needed way more, because that was never going to do the rounds. I was satisfied actually—it appeared to me that they were trying to do things right. Halfway through, I felt specks of drizzle on my shoulder. “Oh no, it’s going to rain,” I pointed out to my neighbour sitting on the bench next to me. “British weather!” they replied in their American accent. We ended up bonding over fish and chips in the rain, sitting under the umbrella watching it downpour. I was not moving until it subsided…
“Alright, time for the walk back then.” “You walked here? Are you insane?” said my new friend. “I know, I know.” Maybe it will be quicker on the way back! “Well, good luck, it was nice to meet you.” As soon as the rain stopped, I crossed the road and started to walk along the beach, taking in the sea air and salty smell of the Pacific Ocean. Even though it was dull and grey, the sea still has a great effect on your body and mind. This is why it is worth counting your steps and doing them (if you are already in Malibu, that is!). When you are coasting along down the PCH, stop off and refill your energy, as this is one of the places that hasn’t disappointed.
La Reine Gourmande is a professionally trained chef, former dancer, and lifelong food obsessive with a deep passion for haute cuisine and global gastronomy. She has dined her way through the world’s top restaurants while honing her culinary skills at L’École Ferrandi in Paris and the Ashburton Cookery School in the UK. Blending her love for food and fashion, she offers a unique perspective on what to eat — and what to wear — on your next culinary adventure.
