Spring is in full bloom in the hills of Malibu so naturally Mother’s Day and the annual Cook’s Tour cannot be far behind.
Sponsored by the Malibu Methodist Nursery School, Kay Gabbard, director of the school, is the mastermind behind this very popular event now in its 15th year.
The tour proceeds go directly to providing scholarships for families who otherwise might not be able to send their children to nursery school.
Having these children in the school promotes diversity and gives them a sense of belonging, says Gabbard. “It’s about warmth and caring and high self-esteem and genuine concern for the children.”
Friends, staff and parents plan the entire event that takes place on May 12. Four magnificent homes are open to the public for tours and sample gourmet meals are prepared at each home by gourmet chefs. Guests will have an opportunity to purchase baskets with themes for Mother’s Day and a variety of other gift baskets.
The homes that are featured on the tour range from a traditional craftsman structure with mission furniture and an unexpected mix of modern materials to a ranch home just steps from Encinal Bluff with exterior walls made of granite chunks that curve outward and a breathtaking view of the Pacific. The third home, an Italianate villa perched high above the coast offers views of lush rolling hills, horse corrals and stables. The home boasts 91 mahogany interior doors and a trompe loeil ceiling hand-painted over a one-year period. The final tour takes place at a Mediterranean Villa with acres of rolling lawns that seem to stretch endlessly to the ocean. This 12,000-square-foot home has a screening room with THX sound. A wisteria-laden patio beckons from outdoors.
This very popular event begins at 11 a.m. and ends at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $45.00 and can be purchased by calling the school at 457-5144. According to Gabbard, this event sells out very quickly.