Suzanne Zimmer

Gravina is among my favorite Malibu Restaurants. It is named after a charming town in Puglia, in the south of Italy.

The cuisine is southern Italian, and the owner, Pino, is from the region.

The atmosphere is cozy and quiet and unhurried, even in the peak summer season.

The restaurant reminds me of a tucked away place one may find in one of Italy’s picturesque villages. Fortunately, this Gravina is nearby. My orchard and office are just down the road.

As I am originally from Malibu, and love sharing the foods and essences from the place I call home. I appreciate Pino sharing the food he loves and remembers from his home.

I believe our childhood memories around food are among the most vivid. To introduce others to the foods we love is an invitation to participate in a treasured part of one’s life. It’s an intimate gesture, and a generous one, to share what you love most about the place you remember best.

Currently, it is truffle season. During a recent visit, a friend and I ordered two specials, the sea bass, and the fresh pappardelle with mushrooms and truffles. I love eating seasonally. I grow seasonal fruits for the jams we make and keep an eye out for restaurants that incorporate seasonal elements into their cuisine.

Certain flavors and aromas feel right during different times of the year. Just as the jams and marmalades we make are all inspired by seasonal flavors, it’s lovely when a restaurant offers seasonal specials in addition to the traditional menu.

During the pandemic, Gravina managed to stay open. As a fellow small business owner in the food industry, I was rooting for them to be able to continue. They still offered a selection of the classic favorites. It’s impressive when takeaway food hits the mark!

Enjoying and sharing fresh authentic food makes life more joyful.

And that’s what it’s all about.