Mother’s Day is always a special occasion, but this year, I wanted to go above and beyond for my wife—the most incredible mom to our kids and my partner in every sense of the word. As a dad, I’ll admit I don’t always get it right when it comes to planning elaborate celebrations (or really, any celebrations), but this time I decided to step up. My mission? Create a Mother’s Day she’d never forget.
When I landed on the idea of dinner at Nobu Malibu, I knew it was going to be something extraordinary. The iconic restaurant, perched right on the Pacific coastline, is known for its world-class sushi and sweeping ocean views. It’s glamorous, relaxing, and undeniably special—just like her.
A Day That Started with Surprises
The day started early, with the kids and me sneaking out of bed to set things up. The house was buzzing with the energy of tiny feet running around, trying to help. We whipped up a simple breakfast—coffee, pancakes, and strawberries. Nothing fancy, but it came with handmade cards from the kids, full of crayon hearts, stick figures, and love notes that melted her heart immediately.
Seeing her sit at the table, smiling at the little surprises we’d put together, was the perfect start to the day. We spent the morning together as a family—playing board games, laughing at the kids’ antics, and enjoying the kind of chaos that makes parenthood both exhausting and beautiful.
By the afternoon, the kids were in on the next part of the plan: they’d spend the evening with their grandparents so I could whisk my wife away for a sunset dinner.
The Drive to Nobu
Driving to Nobu felt like a moment out of a movie. The sun was beginning to dip into the horizon, casting that golden glow over the coastline. The salty ocean breeze drifted in through the cracked car windows, and we had music playing softly in the background.
I could tell she was excited. It’s rare that we get these moments to ourselves—no interruptions, no “Mom! Dad! Watch this!” Just us, driving together, catching up on the little things, laughing about old memories, and soaking in the silence when it came.
When we pulled up to Nobu Malibu, the first thing you notice is how effortlessly cool it is. The blend of minimalist architecture and natural elements like wood and stone makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a serene escape. The valet took the car, and just like that, we were on to the next chapter of the evening.
Dinner with a View
Our table was perfect—right by the glass windows overlooking the water. The sunset was painting the sky with shades of pink, orange, and purple, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore added a rhythmic backdrop to every moment.
The menu at Nobu is legendary, and we were both excited to dive into it. I let her pick most of the dishes because, honestly, I trust her taste more than my own. We started with their signature yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño—it was light, fresh, and had just the right amount of heat. Next came the rock shrimp tempura, followed by the black cod with miso. If you’ve ever had that dish, you know it’s like a little piece of heaven on a plate.
The food wasn’t just good—it was an experience. Each bite felt like a celebration, and sharing it with her made it even better. We talked about everything—future travel plans, funny stories about the kids, and even dreams we hadn’t shared in years. It’s easy to forget, in the chaos of family life, just how much you love having uninterrupted conversations with your partner.
A Moment to Pause
As the night went on, I found myself watching her more than I usually do. The way her face lit up when she laughed, how she instinctively tucked her hair behind her ear when it got windy, the way she savored every bite like it was the best thing she’d ever eaten. I often get caught up in the everyday grind—work, chores, school runs—but sitting there, I was reminded of just how lucky I am.
The thing about Nobu Malibu is that it’s not just about the food or the gorgeous setting. It’s about creating a moment, being present, and letting the world fade into the background. And that’s exactly what it gave us—a chance to pause, reset, and reconnect.
Dessert and a Sweet Surprise
No great dinner is complete without dessert, and Nobu didn’t disappoint. We shared a bento box dessert with molten chocolate cake and green tea ice cream. It was rich, decadent, and the perfect way to end the meal.
But the night had one more surprise. I had arranged for a little “thank you” gift to be brought to the table—a small necklace I’d picked out weeks earlier. It wasn’t flashy or over-the-top, but it was thoughtful and personal, something that reminded me of her strength and grace.
When she opened the box, her eyes welled up, and for a moment, it felt like time stood still.
Reflections Under the Moonlight
After dinner, we walked along the beach outside Nobu. The moon was bright, casting its glow over the ocean, and the air was cool but comfortable. We didn’t talk much during that walk—there was something peaceful about just being together, hand in hand, listening to the waves.
As we made our way back to the car, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of accomplishment. Mother’s Day isn’t about grand gestures or expensive gifts—it’s about showing appreciation for everything she does every single day. And while I’m sure I don’t say it enough, I hope she felt it that night.
Why This Day Mattered
Looking back, it wasn’t just the sushi, the sunset, or the surprises that made this Mother’s Day so special. It was the effort. It was the care and love poured into every part of the day, from breakfast with the kids to the quiet moments on the beach.
As dads (and husbands), it’s easy to forget the importance of these gestures. But days like this remind me how much they matter—not just to her, but to us as a team, as a family.
This Mother’s Day at Nobu Malibu wasn’t just a celebration of her as a mom—it was a celebration of her as a person, partner, and the heart of our family. And for that, I’ll always remember it as one of the best days of my life too.
