BEST RESTAURANT • 1. Malibu Grill

The weather in Bloomington may fluctuate, but the warmth that emanates from Malibu Grill is undeniably consistent and year-round. \nA staple on the square, Malibu Grill has been serving Bloomington for seven years (and with two locations in Indianapolis for nine years). Manager John Bailey has been proudly involved with the restaurant since its inception and is giddy with excitement at being named Bloomington's Best Restaurant.\n"We give our clientele what they ask for -- that's what makes us a favorite," Bailey says. "Every week we read the comment cards, and we go out of our way to take them into consideration."\nMalibu Grill is not only involved with its customers, but also with the University. They do all the pregame meals for women's basketball and also provide recruiting dinners for numerous IU sports teams. Bailey points to a plaque the soccer team presented the restaurant last year to thank them for their support and involvement.\nBailey then motions to the Wall of Fame, which consists of three walls decorated with framed photographs of regulars and locally famous people who have dined at Malibu. \n"We're always spending time with guests," Bailey says. "We have a large and devoted cast of regulars. They feel like it's home."\nJunior Rachael Rugh identifies with Bailey's comfortable description of the restaurant. Born in Bloomington, Rugh began enjoying Malibu's cuisine with her parents many years ago.\n"It's this cute little restaurant with a great atmosphere and great food that I really enjoy coming to," Rugh says. "It's a great experience and a very inviting place to eat."\nRugh admits though she attempts to vary her order, she typically opts for her favorite, the spicy shrimp scallops. Bailey, on the other hand, cites his favorite item on the menu as the more mild caramelized salmon. \n"When eight people come to the restaurant, everyone can find something on the menu to eat," he says.\nBailey gestures casually to Jason Shoulders, the new kitchen manager who will be responsible for Malibu's new additions soon-to-decorate the menu in the form of "Chef's Specials." Shoulders has been working at Malibu Grill for three years but only recently has stepped up and taken charge. He says he's most excited to introduce the horseradish crusted red snapper.\n"My favorite thing is to talk to people, see what they like, and then throw that together," Shoulders says smiling. \nShoulders admits his favorite item on the menu is the lime chicken fettuccini ("It's always wonderful -- I don't understand how I never get tired of eating it.") and says he's not surprised Malibu Grill is a student favorite.\n"First of all, we serve great food, fresh food," Shoulders says. "No one should ever walk out of here feeling unsatisfied. It's priced affordably so you won't blow out your wallet. And the staff knows what they're doing and cares about what they're doing"