Malibu will always have my heart, but I’m having a slight obsession with the town next door. Pacific Palisades has its own hidden gems and it’s a great spot for restaurants, shops and local events like the weekly farmers’ market. Just up Sunset Boulevard, this neighboring community offers visitors lots of charm and plenty to do. Here’s my take on a perfect Saturday morning in the Palisades.
8:00am - Breakfast
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Cafe Vida is a great place to kick-start the day. Whether you prefer your breakfast “green” (in which case, I recommend the Green Juice or Green Power Shake) or hearty but healthy, there’s something for everyone. For those who prefer the latter on the weekends like me, try the Morning Wrap or Breakfast Quesadilla...or my personal favorite, the Omelet de California. On a special occasion, I treat myself to the “2 Plus 2 Plus 2” -- 2 organic eggs any style, 2 blueberry corn cakes, 2 strips of bacon or turkey bacon. Paired with outdoor seating and excellent service, breakfast at Cafe Vida is the perfect combination of nutritious and delicious.
9:00am - Beautify
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Assuming my workout is already done (and here’s the perfect place to plug that Pacific Palisades has endless miles of trails and large parklands), it’s always a treat to stop into the Lemon Nail & Spa for a pedicure. Its reasonable prices and comfortable chairs have moved it to the top of my list for local nail salons. And since we all know toes must dry for at least 30 minutes, a visit to the Drybar next (a blow dry bar created around a simple idea of “No cuts. No color. Just blowouts!") just makes sense. For those who know me well, learning I was only minutes from a Drybar when I moved to Malibu was like winning the lottery. We all have our vices, and mine is definitely a good blowout.
10:30am - Browse
Now that I’m feeling pretty, I take myself to my favorite store in town. Denise Carolyn is a family-owned boutique that offers unique clothing and accessories, and I’ve yet to visit and leave empty-handed! I also love that this little shop supports local designers and jewelers. Whether it’s my favorite new gray sweater or the gold and jade drop necklace my husband bought me, my closet is filling up fast. You just never know what you’re going to find...luckily, I’m always up for the challenge.
11:00am - Banana and Bears
Before I can head home, I have to stop at Toppings, a yogurt bar on Via De La Paz. A square of goodies greets you once inside and this yogurt shop is unlike any I’ve ever seen. From pretzels to pickles (yes, pickles!), patrons are free to create their personal concoction of frozen yogurt goodness. And while you’ll often see me getting just a plain cup of tart-flavored yogurt to go, every once in awhile, I can’t resist banana yogurt with gummy bears.
A beauty makeover and a full tummy, and it’s not even 11:30am. There is still plenty of time to play in Malibu and of course, get to Duke’s for my Black Salt Bloody Mary. As I get in my car and say goodbye to The Village, I am once again grateful for all the wonders that sit in my backyard.
Not to mention, this means there are only seven hours left in the day until I call Palisades Pizza...my favorite Pali wonder of them all!
