PURPLE BASIL OWNER CRAVES THE OUTDOORS.

Byline: Larry Lipson

Peyman Afshar is a busy restaurateur.

His Leila's, 752 Lindero Canyon Road, Oak Park, has gone through a successful expansion, adding an interesting wine bar.

The future of his Purple Basil, 4719 Commons Way, Calabasas, could hinge on whether the Calabasas City Council votes yea or nay on the restaurant's outside patio at its September meeting.

His newest venture, Agave Azul, an Oak Park neighbor of Leila's, is scheduled to debut in mid- to late October. Agave Azul, formerly Cap'n Paul's, will be located at 704 Lindero Canyon Road.

Afshar's flagship Leila's, which he claims is bigger and better than ever, has certified sommelier Christopher Keating running his intriguing wine bar, a local hangout with a wine-friendly appetizer menu and piano entertainment Friday and Saturday nights. And back full time in Leila's kitchen is creatively energetic chef Richard DeMane.

In the case of a possible sale of Purple Basil - with a couple of suitors hovering in the background - Afshar says that the patio seating, started this summer but recently disallowed, is needed for both its visibility and commercial viability.

Meanwhile, at the upcoming Agave Azul, Afshar promises both a Cal-Mex and traditional Mexican menu and a full margarita bar featuring 30 to 40 100 percent blue agave tequilas.

The fare, including lobster tacos and blue corn-crusted mahi-mahi, will be priced about $5 to $8 for appetizers, $15 to $17 for entrees and $4 and $4.25 for desserts.

Information and reservations: Leila's, [phone]; Purple Basil, [phone].

ROCKY MOUNTAIN LOW: Reader Linda Pistachio of Simi Valley writes: ``Do you know of any restaurants that serve Rocky Mountain oysters in the L.A. area or Ventura County?

``After watching a show on the Food Channel about a Rocky Mountain oyster festival in Montana, my husband would like to try them. I'll pass.''

Sorry Linda, can't say I do. But perhaps a reader knows something I don't. If so, please mail (P.O. Box 4200, Woodland Hills, CA 91365-4200) or e-mail (larry.lipson(at)dailynews.com).

But hold on, if you don't mind driving up to Guadalupe (on the Central Coast, between Santa Maria and Arroyo Grande), the famous Far Western Tavern, 899 Guadalupe St., serves them barbecued as an appetizer for $6.95 with no sauce. Information: [phone].

GOURMET'S TOP PICKS: In its detachable ``Guide to America's Best Restaurants,'' the October issue of Gourmet magazine lists Alex, Angelini Osteria, Campanile, Mimosa, Josie, Cafe Blanc and the house as the best of Los Angeles. Noticeably missing: Spago, Patina, Valentino and L'Orangerie.

NAPKIN NOTES: It's half-price on all bottled wines other than bubblies at Cafe Tu Tu Tango at Universal CityWalk every Wednesday evening. Information: [phone]. ... Vegans can enjoy an eight-course no-meat, no-dairy feast at La Cachette, 10509 Little Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, on Sunday, priced at $55. With wine pairings, it's $85; with assorted juices, $75. Reservations requested: [phone].