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Adobe Cantina
When
the month of May begins, one thinks of dining outside in order to enjoy
the wonderful Southern California climate. A prime choice is Adobe
Cantina, which offers a pleasant hilltop ambience, friendly service,
and a wide-ranging menu that should satisfy all at fair prices.
When Adobe Cantina began about 4 years ago in Agoura
across from the Mann Theaters, its location seemed to be a natural. It
offered Bbq and Mexican food but the place was raucous, disorganized and
had an attitude problem. The food was suspect.
Things have changed under the present owners, Carlos
Orozco who now heads the kitchen and wife Ada who is often on hand to
supervise the very friendly and competent serving staff. They have turned
an unfriendly dump into an attractive “A” rated restaurant.
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 The small interior dining room, open kitchen and
restrooms are immaculate. However it is the pleasant exterior that creates
the crowds, even in moderate weather. Repeat customers automatically head
for the charming heated outdoor garden patios that surround the
restaurant.
However Adobe Cantina is not just about ambience. Carlos can cook.
Starters range from nachos, chicken tenders and Buffalo wings ($5) to
fried calamari ($6) and shrimp poppers ($8).
Homemade fresh albondigas soup ($2) is prepared every day. Tijuana
Caesar Salad ($8) is enough for two and entrée size seared Ahi tuna or
charbroiled salmon salads are $11.
Carlos’ culinary competence is conspicuous and
consistent. The fresh fish tacos are wonderful. My wife tried the two Ahi
tacos ($11) in a corn tortilla with cabbage and fresh made daily sauces.
They had a clean fresh flavor as did the fluffy rice and mini-bowl of
beans. She rated them above the fish tacos from La
Serenata de Garibaldi, considered the #1 Mexican seafood restaurant in
the state. Other fish taco plates from cod to halibut and lobster are $9
to $11.
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| He cooks great main course fresh fish plates. All are
about $15. Chilean sea bass was perfectly prepared, firm, moist and
white. We tasted the
Ahi tuna, seared outside, rare inside served with wasabi, soy sauce
and ginger. It was not sashimi quality but close. At this price the
Ahi tuna population is in trouble. All entrees include Spanish rice
and a wonderful sauté of vegetables featuring mushrooms. Portions
are substantial and are cooked to order to your taste. |
Ahi Tuna Salad
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Chile Relleno
Luncheon Plate
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For basic Mexican food aficionados there is a wide
choice of soft tacos, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas quesadillas and
a wonderfully flavored chile relleno. The
food is authentic and fairly priced. The big plus is that Adobe Cantina is the most
amiable and attractive venue for Mexican food in the Conejo- Agoura
area. |
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Finally kids (a child’s menu is available),
non-fish, and non-Mexican food eaters can turn to a complete barbecue
selection that includes ribs, tri-tip, pork, chicken and burgers. Many are
slow-cooked overnight and they all feature Carlos very special homemade
barbecue sauces. Two side
dishes are included with entrees, all at fair prices.
When the weather is nice, Adobe is crowded at prime
times. There can be a short wait but it is worth it. Just order a generous
sized Margarita and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Remember- It’s May.
Reservations needed for eight or more.
Adobe Cantina 28100
Agoura Road near Kanan Agoura
Hills 818-991-3474 Most
credit cards Easy Free
parking in an adjacent lot. |
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