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The New Mediterraneo: "Room with a View" - and Service
By Gerry Furth-Sides
Mediterraneo in Westlake has transformed a sunny, bright dining room into a cavernous, dark version of Tuscany, with black leather and massive Spanish furniture.
However, this "new" Mediterraneo in Westlake remains wonderful because of its very special views, matching cuisine and service. Out back is a terrace with a fountain, miles of rolling, manicured golf course hills, and a lake.
Sitting in front of the fireplace on a nippy evening is enchanting but the best seats in the house are on the veranda hugging the south side of the building. Look down at a gurgling fish-stocked creek from right inside the lush, almost tropical gardens. Look in any direction or up and see a canopy of sky-high trees.
Add to this the appeal of Latino Chef, Albert Vasquez's contemporary, bold, California cuisine, plus dedicated Latino servers, for a destination dining experience. When we asked if there was anything to offset the low table seats, server Carlos (Ramirez), disappeared and quietly came back with an extra pillow and a big smile.
Village Inn goes back to 1968, when real estate developer- philanthropist John L. Notter founded the hotel. His reputation as a visionary is born out if only for leaving the greenery intact on the 17-acre hotel property now ensconced inside a posh residential enclave straddling the border of Los Angeles and Ventura counties.
"For years, for decades really, the Westlake Village Inn was about the only place to go for any kind of a special occasion, explains long-time resident, Flick Conot. "So it didn't
matter if there was anything special about the food or service."
The arrival two years ago of spiffy, spiky "P6" down the street, changed all that. With an inventive gourmet menu, attentive service and a gorgeous, organic design, the watering hole brought with it a strong following. Soon after, Brent's deli moved in nearby.
And so began the "revival" of the Village Inn.
Chef Alberto Vazquez Mediterr-aneo seasonal, bistro menu uses as much fresh produce, herbs, seafood, poultry and meats as possible, many from local growers.
Chef Vazquez' dishes reflect the elegance and ease of his Santa Barbara upbringing, making even the simplest brunch dishes lovely and memorable, including our Smoked Salmon Plate and Bagel with Cream Cheese, Capers, Red Onion and Sliced Tomatoes ($14), and the crisp Belgian Waffle with Maple Syrup, Strawberries and Whipped Cream ($13).
Though portions are ample, prices do reflect "farmer's market fresh" from the Monaco Steak Salad ($13) and the Chicken Carbon Salad ($12) to the Cheeseburger with Fries ($13). And bread is a la carte at hotel prices ($2 to $3.50).
For a more practically-priced experience, try the chef's inviting, changing, prix fixe "Menu Valoré (Three Courses for $29). Appetizers include a choice of Mediterraneo Caesar Salad, Arancini Bolognese or Provencal Tomato Soup Garn-ished with Pearl Pasta and Pesto.
Mouth-watering entrees include Wood Fire Oven or Slow Roasted Beef Short Ribs in a Red Wine Served with Fregola, Mushrooms, and Root Vegetables, topped with a Horseradish Gremolata, or the universally popular Olivia's Orecchiette (Ear Shaped Pasta with Italian Sausage, Plum Tomatoes, and Swiss Chard).
Ice Cream Cones or Two Scoops of Gelato in House-Made Waffle Cones are dessert. And no surprises here, just delicious, straightforward and colorful food served with pride.
"My father was a chef, so I grew up in his kitchens with a spatula in my hand," explains the self-taught Alberto Vazquez. "I was given my first chef title when I was 17 years old."
Certified Sommelier Dan Marg-olis, 28, heads up Mediterraneo's ambitious wine program. The award-winning wine selection includes new world varietals, wine makers' creations, and classics.
Mediterraneo is the choice now because of its special views, cuisine and service. Though, you had us at Carlos bringing the pillow.
Mediterraneo, 32037 Agoura Road, Westlake Village, CA; 818-889-9105 (www.med-rest.com)