There are some restaurants you go to just because they’re beautiful. You swallow the mediocrity of the food and ridiculous prices they charge for it, (I’m looking at you The Ivy), just to be in the lovely space and/or enjoy the scenery. These spots are the go-tos for special occasions, and there is an air of celebration about them, albeit with a whiff of disappointment from real foodies.

I would’ve put Geoffrey’s Malibu in that just-another-pretty-face category; always appreciated being perched over the Pacific, watching the pelicans and stunning sunsets, but never had a memorable meal there. Until today’s brunch. Someone’s in the kitchen who knows what they’re doing.

Two words that never collided before in my experience: lobster quiche. Sweet chunks of crustacean gelled in a not-too-creamy-not-too-dry custard with Swiss cheese, carmelized onion and roasted red pepper, encased by a nicely flaky shell and set atop a subtle ( and not sugary) vanilla sauce. What a heavenly concoction! The accompanying mixed greens, added without overcoming by leaning to the green goddess rather than heavy vinegar side of dressing land.

The tuna tartare appetizer was a generous serving of sushi grade ahi brightened by a pickled ginger avocado sauce. Jumbo, (and they weren’t kidding), coconut shrimp was nicely crisped and enhanced by a winning combo of tomato chutney and plum sauce.

The hefty portion of paella boasted a succulent array of seafood, and the sea bass was top notch even stripped of its fancy-pants Asian-inspired accoutrements.

And that’s another thumbs-up note: the service was lovely. Our waiter was eager to accommodate special requests, and the manager made arranging for a surprise bottle of Veuve Clicquot a piece of (birthday) cake as we celebrated my divine sister-in-law.

(I told you it was a hip, hip, hooray kind of joint.) Fortunately for yours truly, it’s also a delicious food destination. So, don’t wait for an anniversary to hie thee to Pacific Coast Highway. Party on when the next residual check comes in!