At The Water's Edge with Chef Fullilove at the Malibu Pier Restaurant and Bar

My job and I have a love hate relationship.  I love it because I get to interact with a lot of really great cooks and chefs, but I hate it because I can't be everywhere that all of these amazing things are happening.  So, until they invent faster than light travel or a teleporter, I will have to rely on what people tell me.

Last night, Chef Jason Fullilove did a soft opening/private event at Malibu Pier Restaurant and Bar and thanks to Facebook and Twitter, reviews were coming in from the moment the door opened.  The sun was fading for me out on the East Coast, but for him,  out west it was high in the sky and beaming down on his new restaurant.

Yes, things were bright and shiny and glinting and gleaming.  His staff was well outfitted and prepared but the most telling thing about this event was the fact that it happened in the first place.  It was a private event, before the restaurant even opened.  This shows a surprising amount of faith in a chef.  It shows a great deal of faith in a chef to let him run with a venture like this.  There is never a second chance to make a first impression and all reports show that this one was out of the park. And, to top it all off, it was his birthday!

It takes a lot to go out on a limb or in this case, literally to the water's edge with something new.  Though I am sure he would not admit it, there were probably some butterflies for Chef Fullilove; perhaps a fear that the lights would shut off or there would be a problem with the flat top, but he came through it with flying colors.

Chef Fullilove has been invaluable with his help on our own venture, serving on the board and providing guidance.  We wish him the best of luck on his new place as he moves forward.  If you are in the area, you can find more about it and when it will be open full time here (Malibu Pier, Restaurant and Bar) and more about Chef Fullilove (here).  I can't wait to personally check it out!  The sea bass carpaccio (right) is calling to me.

Carol Jordan blogs here at 99Knives and SCycle and tweets at @9t9knives Email her at 9of9productions@gmail.com

Pics courtesy of Bryan K. Isgarta of Farm Fresh Culinary