‘Godmother of Malibu’ Dee Rivellino, 83, Passes Away
Written by 991KBU on July 23, 2018
The death of Los Angeles Times food critic Jonathan Gold’s over the weekend leaves a huge hole in Southland journalism … and the food scene.
And Malibu has its own loss.
We lead this morning with an obituary of our own.
Dee Rivellino has died.
The Godmother of Malibu … with a recipe for tomato bisque that is famous … ran the restaurant at the Malibu Racquet Club.
And a catering business.
Dee Rivellino lived in Malibu for more than 50 years.
She grew up in the Bronx … and sounded like it.
Brash and bossy … and beloved.
She wrote a book … “The Malibu Cookbook” .
Actress Ali MacGraw called the book filled with foods, angels, and special magical moments. Her restaurant and catering company … The Godmother of Malibu … was described by MacGraw as “a favorite to food devotees because of its care, love, and skill.”
Dee’s signature line in the book … “Life is a banquet … and most poor S-O-Bs are starving to death.”
Her friend Pat Cairns tells us Dolores Rivellino Walsh died yesterday ,.. two days after her 83rd birthday.
In her message… Pat Cairns advises us to what Olores always said ….
“Eat like you give a damn.
Women friends, break out your bright red lipstick and smile.
Men friends, laugh and give the women you love a big Bronx hug.”
Services are yet to be announced … Dee Rivellino was 83.
