Conejo Valley Restaurant Week: A Dining Experience

My friend, Lisa, and I decided to take advantage of , so we visited Grissini Ristorante to try out the $30 prix fixe menu.

We started our evening in the cozy bar area where we were welcomed by Giuseppe Bellisario, the Italian-born owner of the restaurant. Ever the consummate host, Bellisario learned our names, chatted with us, and told stories of his hometown of Gallipoli, a seaside town in the southern Italian region of Puglia, known for their sea urchins.

Bellisario showed us photos of Gallipoli as well as of the artfully prepared sea urchins. The picturesque island town with turquoise ocean water and white stone buildings was breathtaking. As much as we love living here, we were a little curious as to what in the world he was doing in Agoura Hills. He explained that many years ago, while working on a cruise ship, he fell in love with an American. They have been happily married and living in the states for 40 years.

Though sea urchins from Gallipoli, made with linguine and a truffle sauce, were on the menu, we decided to stick with the prix fixe meal.

“I think the prix fixe restaurant week, created by the Chamber and Conejo Deals, is a great idea,” said our host. “I think the more it gets publicized, the more successful it will be. I hope they make it an annual event.”

We were seated at a lovely table and were served grissini breadsticks with black olive tapenade and homemade focaccia. We were happy already.

The first course was fried Zucchini Blossom filled with mozzarella, anchovies and capers. It was served with a delectable marinara sauce.

The second course was Pear Carpaccio–thin slices of pear, organic baby greens, roasted walnuts, and honey balsamic dressing. The delicately sliced pear was at peak ripeness and the salad dressing was divine. The restaurant’s signature salad was huge and would definitely be large enough to share if one was dining there on a regular night.

For the third course, we were given a choice of Dover Sole, prepared with a champagne sauce and grapes, or Chicken Cipriani, a breast of chicken with heart of artichoke and a white wine sauce. I chose the chicken and Lisa chose the fish. Both entrees were large in size and simply spectacular.

Bellisario spoiled us, as he treated us to a dessert of panna cotta and chocolate covered strawberries. What a treat.

While we dined, Bellisario greeted customers as they came in, went from table to table, charming his guests, and checked back with us during each course of the meal to make sure that it met with our satisfaction. It is no small wonder that the restaurant was over three quarters full on a Tuesday evening.

I would say that the dining experience at Grissini was a 10 out of 10 for service, ambience, and food. The prix fixe menu had a choice for both meat-lovers and vegetarians. The friendliness and warm Italian charm of Bellisario truly made the night an occasion to remember. Whether celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or just a Tuesday night, Grissini Ristorante is a true Agoura Hills gem.

There are 44 restaurants participating in Conejo Restaurant Week offering 3-course prix fixe menus for $20, $30, or $40 May 9-12. There is still time to enjoy the promotion.