The Hideaway @ Lindero

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, Chatsworth Patch picks a great restaurant either in our community or nearby that's worth jumping in the car to check out.

Here's this week's choice:

Overview: The Hideaway could be the newest hidden gem in Agoura Hills. experiments with local and international cuisines, creating fusion style dishes that will spark your taste-buds. With new inventive specials every week, there is bound to be something for everyone while sipping on the cocktail of your choice. This is more of an adult-friendly restaurant, recommended for a romantic date night, a martini-clad ladies night, or beers and a game for the gentleman. They do have a children's menu, but the vibe is more for the older crowd. 

Decor: The mixture of dark and light wood furnishings along with straight modern lines gives The Hideaway a very chic and clean look. While you dine, you look up to large plants above your table and your silverware is crooked in a contemporary flare. The look is clean, sophisticated, yet remains elegant. The dim lighting and jazz music makes your glass of pinot noir seem like perfection. 

The Drinks: There is a little something for everyone at The Hideaway. If you are looking for a beer or standard cocktail, look no further. There is a fully stocked bar with an assortment of draft beers. The real fun begins with their handcrafted cocktails ($8). The Hideaway Mojito, Carmel-Apple Martini, and Peach Martini are among the unique selection. For wine lovers, there is a simple selection by the glass, but more to offer if you buy a bottle. I loved the A by Acacia Chardonnay ($6.75/glass) which was light and had a citrus flavor. Some other whites by the glass are Sterling Sauvingon Blanc ($5.95) and Snap Red Dragon Reisling ($5.95) For dinner I tried Chalone Pinot Noir ($8.95), which was smooth and delicious. If you are looking for a cabernet, the Rosenblum ($6.95) is light and easy. 

Appetizers: Chef Grenner is know for his daily chili and soup creations, so it would be a shame not to try. My special chili was braised Snake River Farm pork, pomegranate juice, Yukon gold potatoes, and poblano pepper. The mix of sweet and spicy was delicious. A cup ($7.95) is plenty to share as an appetizer, while the bowl ($11.95) would substitute for a meal. The cornbread delivered fresh and hot to the table will have you asking for more. For seafood fans, they serve Crab and Quinoa Cakes ($11.95), as well as Tempura Shrimp with a sweet dipping sauce ($11.95). If a glass of wine and appetizers is more your flavor for the evening, I would recommend the Charcuterie ($14.95), which is an assortment of cheese, salumi, and nuts served with toasted baguettes. 

Entrees: The wood fire pizzas are offered as an appetizer or entree. If you are dining in a large group, this would be perfect for everyone to try. My favorite is the Pepperoni, Pancetta, and Italian Sausage ($12.95), which is any meat lover's dream. The Four Cheese and Hideaway Marinara ($11.95) is a number one pick as well. Along with nightly specials, Chef Grenner has dining concoctions not found at many places in the area. The Braised Sonoma Lamb Shank ($22.95) is tender and savory, served with vanilla bean mashed potatoes (to die for!) and roasted vegetables. The Bowl of Soul ($25.95) is a contemporary mix of unique flavors immersed with fresh fish, scallops, prawns, sausage and vegetables. The Japanese Kochaba Winter-Squash and Yam Ravioli ($17.95) is the perfect combination of sweet and spicy. The sweet taste of the ravioli was not overbearing and the hint of poblano in the pumpkin-cream sauce gave it just the right bite. For steak lovers, the Roasted 12ox Prime Top Sirloin ($24.95) is right up your alley with the juicy flavor topped in a peppercorn and dijon reduction. If you enjoy fish, Chef Grenner has the Roasted Salmon Fillet ($22.95) and Wood-Fire Baked Trout ($21.95). 

Sides: Though there is no set side menu, you can request anything you see on the menu. The vanilla bean mashed potatoes are worth trying. The unique flavor of sweet in the potato is delicious. The bar menu is served daily from 3 p.m. to closing which features favorites like Hot Wings ($7.95), Fried Calamari & Italian Sausage ($8.95), and Three-Cheese Quesadilla ($6.95). 

Desserts: Their speciality, Crème Brulée ($7.50), is a different seasonal flavor of the day. The Seasonal Fruit Crumble ($7.50), which also changes daily, was delicious served with Tahitian vanilla bean gelato. For the chocolate lovers, there is the Warm Molted Chocolate Cake ($7.50), served with whipped and Swiss hazelnut cream. 

Service: A reservation is recommended on weekends nights, however if you don't mind waiting a little bit, you will get in. The bar is always open to grab a drink, share an appetizer, and catch up on a game while you wait. The wait staff is quick, friendly, and great with recommendations. Chef Grenner delivers dishes to tables and checks in with all patrons to how they are doing. 

Signature: The nightly specialty dishes change. The unique thing about this restaurant is when you get your bill. A box and dice are delivered with a chance for you to save some money. If you roll a 7, you get 20 percent off your bill. If you roll a 11, you get 50 percent off. No beginners luck here. 

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Address: 5719 Lake Lindero Drive, Agoura Hills

Executive Chef:

Cost: $$$