Agoura's Dining Hidden Gem

You could stand on a corner and look around until a restaurant sign draws you in. But we've got a better idea. Each week, Agoura Hills Patch picks a great restaurant either in a town or nearby that is worth checking out.

Here's this week's choice:

Overview: Nestled in the back corner of the Reyes Adobe Plaza, this restaurant is Agoura's hidden gem. Only open Wednesday through Sundays, this European-style bistro specializes in fine wines and specialty dishes. Chefs Neil Kramer and Claudine Bernard have a variety of different specialties they cook up nightly. The dim lighting and soft ambiance makes this the perfect place for a romantic date night. They have a beautiful outdoor dining area which just screams for a bottle of wine and chocolate truffle tart. Since this is a small and popular restaurant, I would recommend making a reservation. Their menu is a little pricey, so make this a special night.

Drinks: For the wine lovers out there, this is your new paradise. Cafe 14 features an extensive wine list of more than 50 different white, red and sparkling wines, as well as prosecco. I guarantee they have whatever you are looking for and their wait staff makes excellent pairing choices. Enjoy a variety of hand crafted martinis, but my favorite splurge is an after dinner drink. The Belgian Chocolate Chai ($10) is heavenly with Stoli vanilla, chai liquor, Belgian chocolate and steamed milk. The Baked Apple Pie ($10) is to die for with Tuaca, steamed apple cider and fresh whipped cream. Chocolate lovers must try the Zoe ($10) with white chocolate liquor or the Coaly ($10) filled with espresso.

Appetizers: Their Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes ($13) are a hit on the menu served with a ginger chili aioli. My personal favorite is the Ricotta Gnocchi ($14) with a delicious tomato basil cream sauce. For something simple and light, enjoy the Fromage ($12), also known as a cheese plate. Seafood fans will enjoy the Tuna Tartare ($14) with wontons chips and wasabi aioli, as well as Seared Diver Scallops ($17) in an apple cider reduction.

Soups/Salads: Cafe 14's French Onion Soup ($12) is amazing with imported gruyere cheese melted on top. They also have a different Soup du Jour ($9) daily. I love the Belgian Endive ($10) salad with apples, blue cheese, walnuts, arugala and a hazelnut vinaigrette. It's a perfect summer dish. If you like beets, feast on the Beet Salad ($12) filled with clementines and almonds with a lemon olive oil vinaigrette drizzled on top.

Entrees: Their New York Steak ($29) is my favorite dish, all 12-ounces of it. One of the most popular entrees is the Cocoa Coffee Crusted Pork Tenderloin ($29) with sweet potatoes,  cranberry chutney and a port wine sauce. One of their classic dishes is the Duck Confit ($28) with oven roasted grapes and a shaved fennel salad. Their Brown Sugar Crusted Salmon ($28) is fresh, flavorful and served with coconut spinach salad. Seafood lovers with enjoy the Jumob Shrimp & Diver Scallops ($29) entree with a tomato sherry wine sauce.

Sides: You can never go wrong with Pomme Frites ($5).  The Caramelized Brussel Sprouts ($8) are a delicious twist on this vegetable. Enjoy a touch of the South with their White Cheddar & Serrano Pepper Grits ($8)– simply divine. You can also enjoy Creamed Spinach ($6), Sauteed Mushrooms ($8) and Farmer's Choice Vegetables ($6).

Desserts: Now we're at my favorite part of the meal.  The Seasonal Fruit Crumble ($8) is my favorite served with Claudine's homemade ice cream. Their Chocolate Truffel Tart ($9) features Belgian bittersweet chocolate and fresh berries. A top seller is their Caramel Banana Bread Pudding ($8) with a butter rum sauce or the Ricotta Beignets ($7) with chocolate or caramel sauce.  If you don't have much room for dessert but want a little something, you must try a scoop of homemade ice cream ($3).