The Review: Savory in Malibu

Every chef dreams about opening his or her own restaurant — someday. For Paul Shoemaker, that day jumped closer when he arrived for work at Bastide one morning in 2008 to find out that owner Joe Pytka had abruptly decided to close it down, just weeks after Shoemaker had earned 31/2 stars from The Times for his refined, sensual cooking. (Bastide reopened a year and a half later with a new concept — bookstore café — and a new chef.) After an experience like that, it's easy to understand why Shoemaker would opt for working for himself.

By S. Irene Virbila, Los Angeles Times Restaurant Critic

October 7, 2010