I was invited to represent the Acorn at a press dinner hosted by FOX Sports Grill in Westlake Village. As often happens in this age of answering machines, Blackberrys and e-mails, the evening I showed up for the dinner was, in fact, not the evening of the press dinner. It was, however, Monday Night Football and the Green Bay Packers were playing the Minnesota Vikings.

A full house of sports enthusiasts cheered and groaned as they watched the legendary Brett Favre, in a Minnesota Vikings jersey, on 20 plasma, LCD and projection screens, the largest of which is 9 feet wide. The energy of the patrons resonated throughout the restaurant, as did the playby-play commentary on the hightech integrated A/V stereo sound system. It was quite an introduction to FOX Sports Grill.

The following Wednesday I returned to the stylish, yet casual restaurant for the press dinner. This time the screens and fans were divided between football and baseball. The full bar, centered in the restaurant, is great for watching a game while enjoying one of the 20 beers available or a glass of wine from the extensive wine list.

Guests wanting something “different” can try a FOX Sports Grill signature drink like Touchdown Tea, Mojito Madness or Grandstand Lemonade. Appetizers, entrees and desserts are also served at the bar.

Booths border the dining area for family and friends wanting a more intimate setting. A fire pit provides ambience for patio dining that includes a sound system and outdoor state-of-the-art, glarefree televisions.

A private room, available for parties, business meetings or coaches’ meetings, has two big screens that make the setting ideal for reviewing games and power points.

The restaurant seeks to provide a “contemporary upscale American sports tailgating menu for everyone.” Appetizers include the very tasty bleu cheese chips. Soups and a popular filet mignon chili are available on their own or as preludes to the many salads, including the grilled chicken strawberry salad.

Among the several sandwich and burger offerings are the blackened mahi sandwich, the buffalo chicken sandwich and the oftenrequested hickory-smoked barbecue bacon cheddar cheeseburger. Pizzas, pastas, grill items including salmon, steak and ribs are available, as is a children’s menu. The apple pecan crumble is worth saving room for, and the FOX banana split looked divine.

Prices range from $3.95 for a cup of soup to $26.95 for a tenderloin filet.

Cheers erupted in the room after a touchdown or a home run, and everyone seemed to be having a good time, including the hosts and hostesses, who were polite and accommodating. The servers were friendly, knowledgeable and professional.

Watching a favorite team play while enjoying family, friends, delicious food and great drinks—it’s a winning combination.

Happy Hour is Monday through Friday, 4 to 7 p.m. and features $1 off draft beers and well drinks, $2 wines by the glass and half-price on select appetizers.

FOX Sports Grill is at 30970 Russell Ranch Road, Westlake Village. The telephone number is (818) 338-7080.