Blog Post: Restaurant Week Day 1—Waterfront in Westlake

Kelli Lighthizer is touring local restaurants during Conejo Valley Restaurant Week. .

Day One - Conejo Valley Restaurant Week: 

I just got home from the most amazing dinner at Boccaccio's, and I can assure you I've already changed into more comfortable pants...meaning a pair with a bit more give around the waist!

Enjoying all three courses when dining out is certainly a splurge, one I am definitely going to have to prepare for when planning to dine out all five nights of Restaurant Week!

Four of the greatest girls I know joined me on a trip out to the beautiful lake in Westlake for dinner at Boccaccio's, where I was surprised to find none of us had ever been to before. Arriving for our 6:30 p.m. reservation, we saw many tables occupied out on the patio where guests were enjoying the fantastic sunset.

Although tempting, we opted for a table inside with a terrific view of the lake. And it's a good thing, because the five of us chatty friends had enough to talk and laugh about for nearly three hours!

The good company was only made better by the delicious food we enjoyed together. Between the five of us, we ordered all four of the starter options: Blue Wedge, Caesar Salad, Calamari and Toasted Cheese Ravioli. There was plenty in each serving to be passed around the table to share, especially with the impressive serving of calamari. What fun it was trying the toasted ravioli, a nice spin on the traditionally soft pasta dish. 

Moving on to the main course, we were all drawn to the same two dishes: the Mediterranean Chicken and the Spicy Grilled Shrimp. I had the chicken and enjoyed the flavors added by the roasted peppers, capers and onions. With two full chicken breasts in the dish, I have the perfect leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Those who ordered the shrimp dish were especially pleased to find the linguine vegetables topping the shrimp and lightly fried polenta. That dish was so popular that we didn't have any shrimp left over!

And then, when we were already feeling near full capacity, we were reminded that we had our desserts on the way. And somehow, all five dessert plates, boasting Flourless Chocolate Cake with Vanilla Ice Cream, Croissant Bread Pudding and Boccaccio's staple, and Baked Alaska, were licked clean. 

The flambe presentation for the Baked Alaska had us all "oohing" and "ahhing" and you've never seen three slices of chocolate cake with their fresh berries and ice cream disappear so quickly. What can I say? There's no denying our sweet tooth!

So now, it's time to settle in for the night in sweat pants, revisit the list of CVRW restaurants and their mouth-watering menus and start making plans for where to dine out tomorrow night.

Well, maybe I should let tonight's food settle first? I hope you're all enjoying, or planning to enjoy, this tasty week in the Conejo Valley! 

Thank you, Boccaccio's, for a terrific dining experience. With your outstanding service, beautiful location on the lake, and the delicious food, I know all five of us will be visiting you again soon.