Restaurant Week Day 3—Visiting a True Agoura Hills Gem

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

Day Three - Conejo Valley Restaurant Week: 

So after tonight's dinner out, I was compelled to rush home and sign on to Agoura Hills Patch and tell all our fellow friends and neighbors in Agoura Hills this simple message: If you haven't been over to , you just have to go!

I am someone who loves to try new restaurants and who values supporting local businesses, so why I have never been to Cafe 14 until tonight is beyond me. It's been on our must-try list for far too long, and thanks to Conejo Valley Restaurant Week, we've finally checked it off our list! And furthermore, I am now determined to tell everyone I know in the Conejo Valley that Cafe 14 is truly worth a visit.

With white table linens, candlelight and the perfect presentation for every dish from start to finish, it makes for the ultimate destination to celebrate that special occasion, for that romantic night out or to spend an evening with the people you care about most. Seth, my boyfriend and dinner date, just returned home from extensive work travel so it felt like a true celebration of his return.

Typically not open Mondays and Tuesdays, every table on Cafe 14's indoor patio was filled tonight, and they are expecting a full house tomorrow. Okay, so what is the fuss all about? Well aside from the comfortable atmosphere and superior customer service, the food is absolutely delectable!

The Little Gem Salad was the perfect start to my dinner, with a beautiful medley of greens and a mysteriously delicious Green Goddess Dressing. I don't know quite what's in that dressing, but I'd certainly recommend it. And Seth was in heaven with a starter serving of Pasta Bolognese.

In such a romantic, fine dining setting, we were excited to check out the wine list. I opted for a glass of their tasty Pinot Noir, while Seth enjoyed their Red Flight, featuring a nice variety of three reds for just $18. If Cafe 14 is on your dine-out list this week, Seth and I highly recommend treating yourself to the Red Flight!

Seth was beyond satisfied with his Burgundy Braised Short Ribs, accompanied by a variety of fresh, crisp vegetables, and I couldn't have been more pleased with the Pork Tenderloin. I never order pork, but the tenderness of tonight's was perfect and the unique flavors in the Molasses Orange sauce made it well worth venturing out of my norm. The serving sizes were just right... leaving us feeling like we had just the right amount of room left for dessert. 

And you know me, dessert is my favorite! Keeping in line my night of "firsts," I ordered the Beignets. Have you ever had beignets? OH MY GOODNESS. I was in heaven! These four pastry puffs, which we were told are like French donut holes, sprinkled with powered sugar, far surpassed any expectations I could have had. Our server, Allison, certainly led us in the right direction with those, especially with the chocolate dipping sauce! Seth, a big bread pudding fan, raved about the Caramel Banana Bread Pudding. I was glad he was enjoying his dessert so much, because selfishly I wasn't too eager to share my newfound love - the beignets! 

Allison, you are truly a delight; we appreciated your personal attention and service! Neil (owner and chef at Cafe 14), what a terrific operation you have right here in our own backyard! I can't wait to do what I can to bring more Conejo Valleyans your way. Next time our parents come to visit, we know exactly where we're bringing them. Congratulations!