Serious Sensuality
in South Agoura........Seriously

MOZ Buddha Bar

Let’s face it! While the dining options in the very, very conservative greater Conejo area have improved immensely in the last 8 years, with perhaps just one exception there have been no earth-shattering additions. Ethnic Italian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese- Sushi dining along with “The Dreaded Corporate Blandos” have multiplied exponentially, but all have been  pretty much in a staid traditional mold. MOZ Buddha Bar has changed all that with almost a single flourish.

There is nothing like MOZ in menu or room design between downtown Los Angeles and the Pacific Ocean unless you are willing to risk the venture south and west of the Santa Monica Mountains. Crustacean in Beverly Hills comes to mind. But the prices and the tight black leather pants trendoid levels at Crustacean are so high that you can drown in them emotionally, financially and even physically. 

The Buddha Bar however, (better than your average bar) can easily be found within the Conejoites comfort range on Agoura Road across from the Renaissance Hotel. It was the former locations of the ill fated (deservedly) Tony Roma’s and Love’s. Under the skilled direction of aggressive entrepreneur-chef Moez Megji, it has been totally and wonderfully remodeled. Moez is well known in the Conejo and environs as the warm and hospitable owner of Fins in Westlake and Calabasas, but perhaps more famous for his successful tackle of a holdup man at Fins Westlake a few years back. It wasn’t even football season. And Moez is a cricket player.

The source of the first part the restaurant’s name is obvious but the second portion also seems to be whimsically related to the owner in many ways. As you enter the restaurant, a friendly and chubby  “Lucky Buddha” greets you. To the right is a large traditional standup bar. Contiguous to that room is a casual lounge bar that is then flanked by an inviting outdoor bar and dining area.

The main dining room is a knockout. A perfectly lit young, slim but very imposing  “Buddha Sitting Under the Banyan Tree” dominates the room. Strategically hung designer halogen lamps provide delicate illumination for the Asiatic tapestries hung on the walls of the  upholstered banquettes, Tables in the center of the room are subtly brushed with light from well-directed recessed ceiling fixtures.

The wait staff is composed of young, attractive, pleasant and well-trained personnel who functioned efficiently at every level under extremely busy conditions for midweek. We must admit that we were slightly put off initially when our server announced “My name is Troy and I will be at your service tonight”. That’s what you might expect at hangouts for permanent adolescents like Hooters or Chile’s but most people  go out to dinner for the food rather than to establish a personal relationship with the server. Management later indicated that the “name “ thing was not part of their training program and would be corrected.  

Immediately upon being seated, we were provided a bowl of Edamame beans, courtesy of MOZ,  They will keep filling that bowl if you let them. The menu is wonderful and as might be expected from the owners of Fins,  is resplendent with fish cooked in Asian styles you may have never experienced.  .

The Starters of the week were Ahi Tuna Tartar (11.95) and Seared Diver Scallops (12.95) on the half shell in Sake Ponzu sauce (12.95). Other appetizers included Malaysian Lamb Satay (8.95), Ahi Tuna Tempura Roll (10.95), and Thai Crab Cakes (10.95). There are soups such as roasted Corn and Crab Soup (4.95 a cup, 6.95 a bowl) and Wild Mushroom and Onion Bouillon  (6.95) plus salads like Asian Cashew Caesar in Ginger Wasabi Aoli. (6.95). Portions are substantial and splittable. We split an order of 4 large BBQ Duck Egg Rolls (8.95) with Sweet Chili Sauce. They were bursting with flavor. 

Since we had gone 3 and 0 with substantial  U.S. Open bets we decided to go for the live tanks. We were not disappointed. My wife had a generous portion of Fresh Sweet Water Blue Prawns with Soba and Buckwheat Noodles in a Coconut Lemongrass Broth (19.95) and I went for a whole Dungeness Crab with Black Pepper, Ginger and Garlic (32.95). It can also be ordered steamed or with Black bean Sauce.

As suggested by the menu we passed the food between us family style and both agreed that everything was wonderful. I was especially impressed with the crab since most of my previous experience had been with frozen crab, which is usually close to tasteless. This crab was clearly fresh, moist and flavorful. It was also abundant and if preceded by a bowl of corn soup, could have been split between two people as an entrée.

For dessert we split a trio of Sorbets and Berries (8.95). The restaurant had become very busy at this point and our dessert lingered a bit too long in the kitchen and came out flavorful but slightly melted. Up until that point the service was flawless. Our espressos were fine.

Fins has always had a sophisticated and fairly priced wine list and they have brought the same game plan to MOZ. Wines that match up well are from all over the world. Many people believe that most Asian food which tends to be spicy goes better with Thai, Chinese or Japanese Beer. I think they are right.

In spite of being open only three weeks and still in the break-in period. the restaurant has been operating at close to capacity almost every night. The foodies have been on the hunt. Thus, the waits on the weekend have been long at prime time. However, the restaurant assured me that reservations are being respected. Nevertheless, I suggest that if you want the type of pleasant dining we experienced, try to go midweek  around 7. After a few weeks, it is then up to you. .

By then Moez Megji and his very competent staff should have the restaurant shining like the gem of Agoura Hills that it seems destined to become.