Luckily, the Italian Cafe Spruzzo (aka "Spruzzo's" to the locals) is famous for more entrees, appetizers, and salads than there are movie-stars in Malibu. OK, you got me again -- maybe just a slight exaggeration, but you get the point! Their extensive menu includes filet mignon for Dad, burgers and fries for the kids, and, yes, Mom, all the Italian specialties you would expect from a l'italiano reale (real Italian) restaurant.

Forgive me for the "newscast-teaser" [food] but before I elaborate, I HAVE to tell you about the decor. Spruzzo has 3 dining areas, each with its own distinctive sensory stimulus. Ambience and beyond! First, one area has lush foliage in planters and a large, salt-water fishtank surrounding the dining area. It actually feels "cooler" there than in the rest of the restaurant. Second, a huge, aviary-like space which is calming to the spirit. Third, their courtyard -- complete with a panoramic ocean view, flanked by fragrant eucalyptus trees , well-groomed landscaping, AND a soothing fountain. The sound of the water is SO tranquilizing; fire your shrink -- you can't beat this "hydrotherapy"! This one is MY favorite! Malibu's pleasant temperatures and 300+ sunny days per annum make outdoor dining incomparable!

OK, ok...you're already salivating and halfway out the door, so I'll tell you more about their food. Spruzzo serves an incredible Beef Medallions, the filet mignon I mentioned earlier (sauteed pieces of tender beef in a white wine bordelaise sauce, served with steamed veggies). So tasty! Poultry-lovers can fill-up on Porcini Chicken (sauteed chicken breast, asparagus, tomatoes and porcini mushrooms in a white wine cream sauce over linguine). Bravissimo!

Want an appetizer first? How about Fried Calamari? (My thing) Perhaps Bruschetta? Buffalo Wings? Oh, I bet you're a crabcakes devotee, aren't you? They have you covered! Soups and salads ad infinitum! Health-conscious cuisine need not be synonymous with bland or boring -- try the Chinese Chicken Salad for a full-flavored feast. Need to appease that craving for Italiano??? The Capellini Pomadori (fresh roma tomatoes, basil, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and parmesan cheese, served over your choice of pasta) should do-the-trick. Maybe the Chicken Cannelloni is for you. Clearly, it wouldn't be Italian if they didn't serve pizza. Baked to perfection in an oakwood fire oven, their pizzas are simply off-the-charts --Vegetarian, Capretta, or my "Achilles' Heel" -- Barbequed Chicken.