Chapter 8 Steakhouse/Lounge/Dance Club in Agoura, Ca. is a Vegas Style Venue to visit (7/05)
"A NEW CHAPTER IN FINE DINING!"
From the moment you pull into the valet parking lot from Agoura Road, your mind will start to question whether you are truly in Agoura Hills, or if you’ve been time warped to the front of a Las Vegas-style steakhouse or a trendy New York nightclub. It just opened in mid July 2005.
Chapter 8 in
Our experience began in one of three semi-curtained booths in the outside courtyard. The booths are deep, slightly elevated, and surrounded with mirrors, yet they are surprisingly private. All of the trimmings and fine touches are first class, down to the leather in the booths which you’d expect to find in only the finest of sofa stores. Add to that the uncommonly friendly and knowledgeable serving staff, and you are in for a real treat. (Thank you to Laila & Kat for taking such great care of us!)
We started our meal by sampling the Ahi Tuna appetizer, which was extremely fresh but slightly unexciting in taste. We also tried their Sun Choke Chips, which are artichoke slices fried like potato chips. These were served with a lemon thyme aioli dipping sauce, and were both tasty and addicting. A loaf of sliced marble bread & butter made for a nice accompaniment.
From there we moved on to the salad menu, which had a unique variety of offerings not seen on traditional menus. We took advantage of that and shared an Heirloom Tomato Salad, which was delicious and the pinnacle of refreshing, along with the Beet Salad, which was surrounded by a beautiful fresh flower garnish. This dish was as appealing to the eyes as it was to the palate.
Time for the main course, which required a gathering of servers to deliver. We ordered the Fillet Mignon, which was prepared medium and virtually melted in our mouths. This was truly one spectacular cut of meat. We also enjoyed the rack of lamb which was amongst the very best he’s ever had. I never order the rack of lamb but found myself swiping a few simply to see what all the fuss was about. They were delectable. For our third entree? We ordered a Chapter 8 special: The Deconstructive Domestic Kobe Rib-Eye. In essence, it is the center carve-out of a fine rib-eye cut. And although it was very enjoyable, the Fillet was superior. Side dishes included sweet creamed corn, a twice-baked truffle potato (superb), and creamed spinach, also some of the best we ever had. The chef insisted we try the pearl onions and a medley of fresh vegetables, which rounded our meal out in tremendous fashion.
I enjoyed an extremely generous pour of a wonderful Nickel & Nickel Cabernet from their extensive wine list. I recommend it highly as a smooth and flavorful companion to any of the delicious meat dishes.
It should be noted that the unique menu also offers an inviting array of fresh seafood. We were told the Yellowtail is a must on our next visit. Most intriguing was the extensive variety of sauces to choose from, including a peppercorn, red wine and a fig which all enhanced our dishes. Lastly, finish off your meal with one of their specialty desserts such as the popular Doughnut Holes with 3 sweet dippings, Carrot Cake or one of the tasty Chocolate Treats!
As special as the food and service were, it’s probably the ambiance or "vibe" that really sets Chapter 8 apart from other restaurant/night clubs. There are several bars located throughout, spectacular décor (lots of RED Colors), and a unisex restroom facility (individual rooms complete with candles and chandeliers). The female food servers are clad in eye-catching mini-skirts, and an inner dining area is transformed into an "Austin Powers" dance floor in the later evening, complete with a go-go dancer platform and DJ booth overhead. The atmosphere is fun and electric, and the cocktails flow well into the early morning hours.
Do yourself a tremendous favor and visit this truly unique and special establishment. It would seem that when it comes to creating the perfect combination of fine dining and happening nightclub scene, Owner-Brad Finefrock and his partners at Chapter 8 wrote the book on the subject!
www.chapter8lounge.com
The address is:
29020 Agoura Road
Agoura Hills ,CA 91301
Reservations can be made by calling: 818-889-2088