Malfi's: Could Just as Easily Be Called 'Mom's'

Mary Geyer is, as she admits, “like everyone’s mom making lunch.”  She knows - or will know - who you are when you walk in.  She wants you to eat healthy, eat what you like, and save a little for later.  She wants to be sure you’re getting exactly what you want for a meal.  And she wants you to take a break and play some board games while you’re at it.

Geyer is the owner and one-woman force behind , a cafe re-invention of her previous business, Juice It Up.  While Geyer will still make you a smoothie, Malfi’s has more to offer than just delicious beverages and fresh juices.  Serving a range of healthy and super fresh salads, baked potatoes, and soups, Malfi’s replaces the usual, quick to-go lunch options of fast food and chain restaurants with hearty, healthy, made-to-order fare.

Salads dominate the offerings, with menu choices that include the Dive - sliced roast beef, almonds, tomatoes and feta on mixed greens – or the Loaded Spinach topped with crumbles of bleu cheese, mushrooms, pecans, and hard-boiled eggs.  There are about a dozen different dressing to chose from.

But with Geyer, you don’t need the menu.  In addition to the salad bar, which includes smoked salmon and honey-baked ham slices as well as an assortment of veggies, Geyer will create a special meal just to your liking.

“Customers come in and they’ll say, ‘Mary, what am I having for lunch today?’”  Geyer said, noting that she is pleased to help take a bit of stress out her guests’ day by catering to their individual tastes. 

And then there’s the baked potatoes.  Geyer recently sold 40 baked potatoes in one day, and often sends potatoes home with busy moms to be heated up for dinner.  Like the salad bar, the potatoes can be topped with a variety of options, including chicken and tri-tip.  Geyer will then cook it up and pack it, to be consumed immediately or savored later after just a quick spin in your own microwave.

My special potato was a southwestern creation, crafted by Geyer with little instruction considering my hunger level of code red causing me to want everything.  Served in a solid to go box of just the right size (plates are available if needed), my potato was cooked to perfect firmness and cut enough that I didn’t have to use a knife, even to enjoy the skin.  Geyer had topped the potato with just the right amount of melted cheese, black olives, tomatoes, bite-size slices of chicken breast, and corn shaved from the cob.  A little spice kicked up the zip.  The combination was just naughty enough to be delicious yet fresh, light, and still healthy.

No part of the potato was overcooked or undercooked.  It was, in fact, kind of perfect.  I could have eaten 40.

The cucumberade was a cool compliment.  Made to order, the mix of cucumber and granny smith apples was light and tasted like it shouldn’t be good for me.  Geyer explained that the drink was good for the complexion.  I should have had two.  The black current cooler features a twist of jalapeno and cinnamon.  The unexpected flavors taste like a cocktail you’d be served at a tropical beach palapa bar.

Meant to be a mostly to-go establishment, Geyer enjoys when her neighbors hang out at Malfi’s.  As a resident who has lived in La Cañada her whole live, attended school here, and raised her own children in town, Geyer finds particular joy in having young people stop by. 

Free wi-fi is avaialble, as is a basket of board games, and Geyer invites students in on their way home from school or skateboarding in the parking lot.  She finds her guests – of all ages – to be polite, engaging, and warm.  La Cañada customers, Geyer explained, “are the best you can expect.” 

Geyer is also fiercely committed to small businesses in town.  Her walls display art by a local artist that was printed by the local print shop.  A sampling of event flyers and business cards are posted on a small, unobtrusive bulletin board.  She prefers to employ the services of local, small businesses for all of Malfi’s needs.

While Malfi’s is just a few months old, Geyer is thinking ahead.  She has plans to offer a cereal bar for mornings, with oatmeal, granolas, and cereals complimented by a variety of toppings. 

One thing that's very clear when you visit Malfi’s and see Geyer doing all the work herself, is that the food is made with love, just as if Geyer were cooking for you at her own home.  Whether you stay or take it to go, your choice will be exactly what you wanted and taste exactly like delicious.

Malfi’s

442 Foothill Blvd.

10 am  - 7 pm daily – closed on Sunday.

818-952-7063