Blog Post: Restaurant Week Day 2—Hugo's Health Kick

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

Day Two-Conejo Valley Restaurant Week: 

There's no question; I'm calling it a night on a full stomach, thanks to the new in our very own Agoura Hills. However, I'm so glad it is a comfortable full, not the bulging at the seams, hurts to move kind of full! 

To learn a little bit more about Hugo's before visiting for dinner tonight, I checked out their website where I learned the concept of Hugo’s Restaurant was developed based on founder Terry Kaplan's vision - to create “a kitchen producing original and wonderful foods found nowhere else” and "a compelling and exciting thought...to have a family of co-workers who cared for each other in a genuine way."

Liz Barrett, friend and fellow colleague at the Greater Conejo Valley Chamber, joined me for our first dinner visit at Hugo's. Liz had scoped out the promotional menu online and had plans of ordering the Orange Mustard Chicken dish before we even reached the restaurant doors. I, on the other hand, was planning to make a game time decision after hearing the recommendations from our server.

And what we found while dining at Hugo's was that Terry Kaplan's vision has been perfectly executed! The menu items are unique, original, and everything tastes as though it's made from the freshest ingredients. And furthermore, the friendly, welcoming staff provides honest recommendations and are genuinely big fans of the food they serve. I was impressed that our servers had tasted and were familiar with each and every menu item we inquired about. We definitely appreciated the personal touches they contributed to our dining experience. 

Today's Pineapple-Ginger Lemonade was a refreshing treat, and they had a nice selection of signature cocktails on Happy Hour when we arrived at only $5 each. To kick off our meal, we shared the Asian Spring Rolls and the Green Tamales. The dipping sauces for each were absolutely delicious. When our entrees were brought out, we looked at each other shocked at how much food there was!

Between the leftover Tika Masala Vegetable Patties and the Orange Mustard Chicken, we have enough to rendezvous again tomorrow for Hugo's lunch...in the office that is. Although I don't think we ended up leaving much of that chicken dish behind. Yum! 

And to wrap up our delightful dinner, chocolate, of course! I fell in love with the Chocolate Mousse, again larger than I could possibly conquer, and Liz was excited to take half of the Brownie Tort home to share with her neighbor. On our way out, we stopped to thank the talented kitchen staff (picture attached) saying hello! 

Hugo's - job well done!