CLASSICAL GAS BOWLED OVER
It was kick back casual at this year’s fundraising gala to benefit the Center for the Arts at Pepperdine. The event was dubbed a night at the “Hullywood Bowl” named after Center for the Arts President Tonya Hull. Familiar Pepperdine peeps like Weisman Museum Director Michael Zakian were on hand to greet the blanket-carrying crowd as they made their way to Hull’s hilltop Malibu estate. The guests all packed serious picnic baskets filled with gourmet goodies and bottles of vino.
While graceful white swans and friendly ducks took a sunset dip on the property’s ponds, guests were serenaded by the Aubrey Richmond Quartet. Grateful guild members thanked Pepperdine pals for their support, adding that in these economic times it’s more important than ever. “Each year the Center for the Arts Guild supports free performances and museum tours for school children throughout Los Angeles and Ventura counties through the ARTSReach program,” Tonya told her guests. “This program can be life changing to these children, bringing them a much needed glimpse of beauty and inspiration.” The program serves more than 10,000 school children each year.
After tucking into prime picnic fare, it was time to bid up the auction items, which included a weekend retreat in the Russian River Valley. There were also neat seats to some of the hottest tickets in town. From the Los Angeles Opera’s performance of Rigoletto to “Shrek the Musical,” there was something for every musical taste. The evening ended on a high note with a rousing performance by University President Andrew K. Benton and his Mid-Life Crisis Band.
CHARLIE’S ANGLES
Congrats to Charlie DiLorenzo for a wonderful revamp at her popular PCH eatery. Charlie’s retains its sleek but comfy surroundings, but has a new chef and new menu. From serious steak to a white pizza spiked with truffle oil, Chef Jake Grisby makes sure there’s something for everyone. Specials like melt-in-your-mouth burrata served with fresh figs and a drizzle of balsamic are hard to resist.
Dave the mixologist is a master and brings area code 323 magic to Malibu. He’ll whip up a mean plum martini with cucumber and basil or a spicy jalapeno margarita that will make you swear off the old school standard. Top it all off with homemade desserts like a decadent chocolate souffle and caramel ice cream and you’ll feel like you’ve been to one of Hollywood’s hippest hangs without the drive. De-lish!
Got a hot happening or cool event? Send the 411 to kimdevore@malibutimes.com.