Azul Agave

State of Semi- Maturation

I am sure that we have all experienced the announcement of nuptials and thought “These two were made for each other.” only to discover that after the honeymoon, there was trouble in paradise, perhaps due to extraneous circumstances.  

Since I have  known both Derek Ashworth and Peyman Afshar for a number of years, I thought they would make a great team even if the chosen location and concept for what was to become Azul Agave both appeared a bit shaky. After all, Derek was, without a doubt one of the most competent and creative executive chefs North of the Santa Monica Mountains and Payman was a very amiable and competent restaurateur who had guided nearby Leila’s to a position of culinary prominence in Ventura County.

However, from day one, the previous tenant, Cap’n Paul appeared to be still manning the Titanic.  Granted, that previous and totally incompetent management team had quickly hit  the iceberg. but that icy  obstacle of a barn-like interior and a large cold patio looking out on Kanan Road on one side and a parking lot on the other still loomed menacingly on the horizon for Azul Agave.

Then there was the concept of “upscale” Mexican food. Let’s face it, you couldn’t possibly sell enough Cadillac Margaritas to pay the Kanan-Lindero rent if you were competing with $7.95 combination plates complete with albondigas soup. Yet how many of the  target area of so called Westlake or North Ranch sophisticates had experienced or actually believed that upscale and Mexican food would be in the same sentence.

The facts are that the only restaurant in the United States that meets that standard is in Chicago (?). It is Rick Bayless’ Topolobampo and Frontera Grill where the average dinner is $50 plus Tax and Tip!!!!! It’s true. I’ve been there. But that is another story that will be covered in another article.  Super Rica and El Baijo Taqueria on Milpas in Santa Barbara both have nationwide fame but certainly cannot be considered upscale in food or price.

Nevertheless, the dynamic duo forged ahead. All kinds of problems developed, delaying the opening of Azul Agave. Then came the opening. Hordes of families poured in. There was no Mexican restaurant of any sort within miles and then there was the tempting  promise of upscale.

You see, it has been unfortunately, only a semi-maturation. Ashworth has done his job in working over the menu so that his skills can be showcased. Perhaps it should be called Mexican Fusion Food  And it is fairly priced for the quality delivered. But do not think that you can bring a family of four and dine for $30 because it has a Latino name.

Appetizers range from $4.75 for guacamole to $7.95 for a single, but delicious  Cashew Crusted Chile Relleno and $8.50  for Wild Mushroom & Beef Carnitas Tostaditas. Pork Carnitas, Chicken  and Carne Asada Tacos  are $8.95 and  Fish Taco is $10.95. Chicken, Carne Asada and  Chicken and Sweet Corn Burritos are $9 prox..

Ashworth’s serious take on Mexican Fusion Seafood steps in at about $18. But now  we are talking about a totally different category. Blue Corn Crusted Mahi- Mahi, Coriander-Chile Marinated Tuna, Charbroiled Scallops and Cumin Grilled Swordfish are all palate seducers that may not be found anywhere else within 35 miles. They are all very well executed .

Ashworth also makes all his own desserts. They are all wonderful and a departure from the commissary and mass produced  stuff that you get in many expensive restaurants. They may be the best in Ventura County.

In an attempt to make the main dining room more intimate, crude looking wooden dividers and simulated leather  maroon booths have been put in place. It was not an improvement.  

Thus most of the patrons opted for the outside patio. The patio is fairly pleasant but also has somewhat of a barren look. It might be OK  if you are a stock car fan from the Deep South because the view is of  Navigators, Muranos, Grand Cherokees and Expeditions, Explorers, all of whom could be called Exterminators. They   seem to be playing bumper car on Kanan Road. What makes it scarier is that most of these racers  have cell phones in their ears at the same time . This type of handicap is frowned upon even at  Daytona.

In August, a three piece group plays easy listening jazz. (On the patio on Fridays and Saturdays.)

Azul Agave   Oak Park  Open for Dinner Only Tuesday- Sunday.  Most Credit Cards      Easy Shopping Center Parking   Northeast Corner of  Kanan and Lindero Canyon.

818-706-1801