Get that warm tropical feeling in Conejo

RESTAURANT SPOTLIGHT /// Mejico Grill and Tequila Lounge



ALL SMILES— Above, general manager Antonio Vasquez (left) and Chef Agustin. At left, one of many new dishes on the menu: halibut in a delicious white mole sauce. ELA LINDSAY Acorn Newspapers

ALL SMILES— Above, general manager Antonio Vasquez (left) and Chef Agustin. At left, one of many new dishes on the menu: halibut in a delicious white mole sauce. ELA LINDSAY Acorn Newspapers

As the Santa Ana winds continue to blast their declarations that the cooler days of fall and winter are around the corner, families and friends might be wanting to hold on to the warmer, carefree days of summer.

Capture the taste and hot feel of the tropics right here in the area at the Mejico Grill and Tequila Lounge, nestled under the protective branches of a lovely, old oak tree in Agoura Hills.

The name says it all, says general manager Antonio Vasquez. “We offer a one-stop place for upscale food, drinks and entertainment.”

The restaurant’s cottage-style building is one of the loveliest in the region, at least I think it is. From the outside it lets patrons know that there’s comfort offered ahead but what people might not realize is that the Mejico Grill facility has many areas for rest, repast and relaxation.

For one, there’s an elegantly serene dining area inside to the right, dotted with twinkle lights for quiet family dinners or romantic dates for two. Nearby there’s a private indoor garden room, perfect for business meetings or any gathering of friends and family. Then there’s a massive and beautiful private room for special occasions.

Courtesy of Antonio Vasquez

Courtesy of Antonio Vasquez

The opposite end of the building is ideal for parties, group gatherings and just plain fun in the bar room. There’s even a dance area with a fireplace to heat things up. Just outside, there’s lovely booth seating with white drapery, giving more of a romantic tropical feel to the area. And there are two other wonderful outdoor seating areas open all year round.

But the main magic at Mejico Grill is in its culinary creations and tropical beverages, both designed to bring the heat to the body and warmth to the soul. It’s the type of place you want to have a romantic evening, or bring your boss or anyone you might want to impress, like out-of-town visitors or even your mother-in-law.

The cuisine is authentic Mexican with a focus on Oaxacan, Mayan and Southern Yucatan dishes. Patrons can still get the usual tacos, quesadillas, tamales, burritos and chile rellenos and a host of other popular goodies, but there’s also a huge range of wonderful culinary experiences— with more recently added to the menu to delight and amaze guests.

Dive into any one of Chef Agustin Sanchez of Mexico City’s seafood creations, like a huge serving of halibut with white mole sauce, a must-try for those not familiar with this sweet concoction. Mole lovers will also love the red, black and green versions, each delectable in its own way and matched perfectly with salmon or whitefish or even octopus.

The menu is appealing to meat lovers as well as vegans and vegetarians alike, so family and friends can gather without having to worry about any of their diet-challenged guests.

And if you’re daring enough, you can even try Oaxacan-style grasshoppers, a pure-protein dish that’s a gourmet treat in his country, says Vasquez. “Very expensive in Mexico. Here, they’re sautéed in garlic and lemon. A real delicacy,” he adds.

On top of a large menu to suit every palate in the family or gathering, the Mejico Grill and Tequila Lounge offers a ton of special and fun experiences. For one, sports fans can enjoy watching their favorite teams on several large-screen TVs in the bar area. In addition, full-service catering is available for home or office—businesses and gatherings of any kind can take advantage of this service.

Sunday and Monday start off the fun with 2-for-1 margaritas from 5 p.m. to closing, and mescal lovers will love the fact that there are tastings offered every Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. and live bands perform every Friday from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Of course, Happy Hour happens daily from 2 to 6 p.m.

On Saturdays, there’s tastings of Baja wines from Valle de Guadalupe from 4 to 8 p.m. and salsa lessons from 8 to 9:30 p.m. and, for non-stop fun, a DJ plays on Friday and Saturday nights till 1 p.m.

And don’t miss this year’s Halloween celebration, complete with dancing and a costume contest. Check it all out at the Mejico Grill and Tequila Lounge, where hospitality and food rule and there’s a magical, marvelous ambiance and festivity to suit any occasion.

SIP & SAVOR

29002 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills

Opens 11:30 a.m. daily; closes at 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 1:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays

(818) 865-3700

MejicoGrill.com