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:

Cafe 14

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.

After-Dinner Sazerac - Coffee Liqueur - Cocktail Recipes — Liquor.com

INGREDIENTS: Galliano Ristretto Coffee Liqueur 1 dash Angostura Bitters 1 Sugar cube 2 oz Yamazaki 12-Year-Old Single Malt Whisky

Garnish: Kaffir lime leaf

Glass: Old Fashioned

Rinse a chilled Old Fashioned glass with Galliano Ristretto and set aside. In a mixing glass, muddle the bitters and sugar cube. Add the whisky and fill with ice. Stir, and strain into the prepared glass. Break a kaffir lime leaf in four places over the drink, run along the rim of the glass and discard.

This drink is one of Gary Regan’s 101 Best New Cocktails. You can find the rest on his website, Ardent Spirits .