Order the garlic paste on the side for added flavor. It came with a sauce on top - tasted good, kind of lemony. Of course, you might wonder why a family (one who had the Misfortune of answering a phone while in a restaurant) was asked by the waiter to leave rather than the table of drunk old Men of are apparently "bar regulars".. Read More> Named After: Benji's Bakersfield Life (October 2014) A family-style dining experience that once . Please log in, or sign up for a new account to continue reading. top of page. she was very attentive and our food came FAST. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. Required fields are marked *. What a wonderful website! Chalet Basque Restau. Anne-Marie Chiramberro is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Not many restaurants in town take the time to create souffles. If youre not that hungry, just sit at the bar and order a Picon Punchthe customary Basque brandy-and-grenadine highball, usually mixed with a bitter orange liqueur or sometimes maraschino cherry juice, and typically garnished with a lemon peel. The waiter made it very clear that he was uninterested in serving us. In early years, the restaurants location next to the railroad depot brought in the customers young men from the Basque Country who got off the train looking for employment as sheepherders. He never even came by to refill my husband's water glass. Vegetables are very good and plentiful. The set ups are good with the soup alittle on the weak side. to have a late lunch/early dinner before heading back up to the Bay Area. Article highlighting the history of Benji's. The menu has a good selection of items with great specials. The waiters seem to have all worked there forever and know the menu well. The app shows good ratings, close by and open. I had the filet cooked with a pepper cognac sauce and my husband had the roasted leg of lamb. Bistros in Bakersfield. I was glad I did. We did notice a large banquet room that faced the front with large windows, so they can accommodate larger parties. seem a bit on the expensive side, until you realize what you get with them. Love their food! Aged Sherry Caramel, Chimichurri, Sourdough. Lunch menu and Dinner menu The restaurant, which served. See photos, floor plans and more details about 3141 N Inyo St in Bakersfield, California. And with over 100 comments on the post, it looks like you guys are passionate about this topic! A great video on the way things were. They still serve dinner as family style, which I enjoy. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Service was OK, the waiter was friendly and did well overall, his helper (busboy?) Basque Restaurants in the U.S. Basque Restaurants in Southern California. This website uses cookies to collect information about how you interact with our website. I will still go here for cheap and plentiful eats.More, We have eaten here many times & usually better. Menu - Check out the Menu of Noriega's Bakersfield, Bakersfield at Zomato for Delivery, Dine-out or Takeaway. The food was great and you felt like family. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The namesake of Noriega's restaurant was recently purchased by Bill Osathanugrah after previous owners announced its closure. didn't smile or converse, and when clearing tables sounded like he was throwing the dishes across the isle to another table, very noisy, and annoying! Bakersfield, CA 93304 According to my Spain expert, the food in the Basque restaurants in Bakersfield seem to come from the same region. Learn more 200 Oak Street, Bakersfield, CA 93304 No cuisines specified Grubhub.com Menu Appetizers Shrimp Scampi $10.95 Mushrooms Stuffed $7.00 With basque sauce. Im glad to have had a Picon Punch and an ABC (Amaretto, Baileys and coffee) a few days before they closed, Bates said. sushi-moon.cafes-guide.com - unofficial site, All copyrights belong to their respective owners. They did offer to take off the ticket.Lamb shanks were good.More, Went here on a Wednesday around 430. Although they dont own the property, she said, the Elizalde family has run the Noriega Hotel since 1931. And far across town at Benjis French-Basque Restaurant, patrons try to manage their calorie intake during the setup so they save room for dessert. The food tastes home-cooked and not restaurant portioned. Note: your question will be posted publicly on the Questions & Answers page. There are already some lists of Basque American restaurants on. So heres the 2019 update on restaurants serving Basque food in the United States. Nestled between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, and straddling the border of northern. I almost got up and had to go get the drinks from the bar myself. Phone: 661-589-5292 Address: 10700 Rosedale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93312-3278 Website: www.mauriciosgrill.com 2. Very tasty but possible cross contamination with the fryer. Some of you suggested I make a list of Basque restaurants all over the U.S. This was my first experience with Basque food and I was so excited to be there. Frequent searches leading to this page. Watch Huell Enjoys Noriega's Basque Restaurant in Bakersfield | California's Gold with Huell Howser Season | KCET amzn_assoc_asins = "1558321403,1607747618"; The wife's pork chops were large and juicy. Pan Rustico $7.00. Service was slow sometimes, the sides did not come with the meal. Most who read my reviews know that my husband is from Spain and we tend to be harsh critics of Spanish food. (661) 324-2961, Narducci's Caf622 East 21st Street Las Tapatias ($$) Food Trucks, Mexican Distance: 0.05 miles. The waitress was excellent. I've read previous reviews about the service being awful, but I had AMAZING service. Benji's French Basque Restaurant (661) 437-3925 Own this business? The restaurant only had one table filled. You will not be disappointed that you stopped by to enjoy a meal or a drink with friends and family!More, Did you realize there was a Basque community in Bakersfield, raising lambs and wool and running restaurants? Since my husband was reading the menu with the flashlight on his phone, we moved to a table that only had 1 burned out lightbulb. rank this one toward the bottom of the list. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Pintxos y Montaditos / Snacks. Benji's French Basque Restaurant ($$) Basque, French, Bar Menu Available 4001 Rosedale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA (661) 328-0400 Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. We had been seated at a table with dim romantic light. First comes a cabbage soup, very flavourful, Basque salsa and bread. But for California's Basques, a way of life was unalterably transformed. Wool Growers Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge - Bakersfield's most popular Basque restaurant Wool Growers Basque Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge We are open. Benji's French-Basque Restaurant, among the old guard of Bakersfield's finest restaurants. The Basque Cafes founding family also felt the loss. It was our anniversary and we wanted something a little more upscale than fast food or a chain restaurant. They just didnt spend the time there that they should have. Bakersfield Kern County Brewery Trail. Phone (661) 885-8515. Some new restaurants have popped up and others have closed. I was very happy with the steak and I gave him half. Noriegas owners worried that when the closures were lifted, the family-style dining and shared tables that were an essential part of the Noriega experience were likely to be prohibited. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. #Chaletbasque. Conveniently located next to the freeway, a great stop for those traveling through Bakersfield on their way to somewhere else. They should have been a clue. You may want to ask for it on the side. We waited a few minutes for someone to help us. Restaurants around Bakersfield. amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; Benji's French Basque Restaurant is a simple spot for traditional Basque cuisine, including unique dishes like pickled tongue & frog legs. Its really nice to see this blog. Chalet Basque Restau. Its dining room walls are lined with black-and-white photos of Basque pioneers. Everything in the setup, seemed like they were scrimping on ingredients to save money. Come join us at Restaurant Basque for a unique exciting dining experience unlike anything else in Tulsa. Old-world charming, Luigi's is a family-operated business that was established over 100 years ago. And to get in on these fun discussions were having on social media, follow Hella Basque on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. Jessica was our server and the ONLY server (some people might just be impatient). amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Toll Free (866) 425-7353 Local (661) 852-7282 This restaurant has good atmosphere great food and great s service. Lisa L. I was told that should I ever make it to Bakersfield that I should try Basque food. The community response was surprising to the family, considering that business hasnt been that good for the past few years, she added. Add a photo 37 RATINGS Food Service Value Atmosphere Details CUISINES Spanish Meals Dinner, Lunch FEATURES Maitia, an eighth-grade teacher at Compton Junior High, said her husband sold the restaurant in response to an aggressive offer from Stewart and her sons, whom she feels didnt do enough to nurture the business. He spent much of his time talking on his cell phone or waiting on the other two tables (he was very friendly/hands on and solicitous of the other table (of six people) so it was completely obvious that he didn't want to be bothered with my husband and me). His theory is that the Basque people who settled in the area originally were probably from the same region, and that was most likely a shepherding region, thus the emphasis on lamb dishes, and the similarity in menu items. Pierre Igoa, Writer February 18, 2023. . Experience authentic Basque cuisine prepared the same way as it has been for over 100 years. Benji's is one of several Basque restaurants in Bakersfield and is really quite good. The Basque region is famous for its beaches, ancient culture, and free-spirited people. This restaurant is well known for serving French and Spanish cuisines. The waiter made it very clear that he was uninterested in serving us. March 4 . amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "hellabasque-20"; He came by only to drop off the food. It would easily feed two people who were very hungry. Good size shrimp, lot". Bakersfield, CA 93309 Noriega's announced that they are now open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Tuesday through. The theme of which is the outrageous rudeness of answering a phone when in a restaurant. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) In the city of Bakersfield, one can find a handful of Basque restaurants and delicacies. keep sharing the blog like this. Hooters. Basque Restaurants in New York and East Coast. . The restaurant needs a little upgrade in decor, but it is very clean and interesting. Vegetables are very good and plentiful. Susan Maitia said her in-laws, Frank Sr. and Louise Maitia, founded the family business in Old Town Kern in 1946. CHALET BASQUE RESTAURANT - 158 Photos & 166 Reviews - 200 Oak St, Bakersfield, CA - Yelp Restaurants Home Services Auto Services Chalet Basque Restaurant 166 reviews Claimed $$ French, Basque, Spanish Edit Open 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Hours updated 3 weeks ago See hours See all 158 photos Write a review Pickled Tongue Highlights from the Business Mon - Closed . And if you know of any restaurants serving Basque food in the United States that I missed on this list, please get in touch and let me know. The doors finally closed on Noriegas, the oldest Basque boardinghouse-style restaurant in the West. Chances are its in Pasadena, With a new spin on tinned fish, Saltie Girl is a standout on the Sunset Strip, Shocking, impossible gas bills push restaurants to the brink of closures. Adress: 200 Oak St, Bakersfield, CA 93304, USA phone: (661) 327-2915 Work Hours Mon 11:00 AM-9:00 PM Tue 11:00 AM-9:00 PM Wed 11:00 AM-9:00 PM Thu 11:00 AM-9:00 PM Fri 11:00 AM-9:00 PM Sat 11:00 AM-9:00 PM Sun 11:00 AM-9:00 PM Specialties We are a traditional Basque restaurant in Bakersfield, CA. Today Bakersfield is home to the largest collection of Basque restaurants in, New! Your email address will not be published. Read our story about Noriegas James Beard award, Memories of Handball at the Noriega Hotel, How to Make Basque Garlic Soup - Baratxuri Salda. Address. I can remember a tastier menu. Ambience is niceand original from prior owners. Whats going on? 4809 Stockdale Highway, 661-885-8515, facebook.com/noriegasbasque Hours: Breakfast 7-10 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Basque restaurants in Oregon and Washington. amzn_assoc_linkid = "23fed3e85ca8b79837c918e0c4c48c44"; Love that Donosti provides these opportunities , 3 Basque Restaurants Featured on The Food Network, 7 Videos on Basque Sheepherders in the United States. Ladd said they received so many offers from people who wanted to buy the business, including calls from Europe, that they had to use a business broker to field the queries. Thanks for letting me know though. more, Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Takeout, Serves Alcohol, Table Service. View. menu. The no-frills 1950s dinner house is one of Bakersfields most popular eateries, serving specialties like oxtail soup and perfectly crispy French fries. The cuisine has an upscale appeal while welcoming in the casual diner. August 23, 2014 In Media Press No Comment Read More. I look forward to trying more Basque restaurants, but I doubt I will go back here. Roasted leg of lamb implies a dry preparation. Still love the Pickled LambTongue. 599 Railroad AvenueSouth San Francisco, CA 94080Free Parking. Benji's French Basque Restaurant. ), Desperate mountain residents trapped by snow beg for help; We are coming, sheriff says, Look up: The 32 most spectacular ceilings in Los Angeles, Winter storms ease drought conditions in California, report shows, 19 cafes that make L.A. a world-class coffee destination, Calmes: Heres what we should do about Marjorie Taylor Greene, You want to put a restaurant where? Brought us water and then took our order. Wool Growers Restaurant 481 $$ "Bakersfield, prepare yourself for a stop at a historic Spanish and French Basque dining." more Give it a chance if you have time! Enjoying Basque food at the Basque restaurant Harvest Vine in Seattle, Wash. Thats high-dollar rent out there (in Rosedale) as opposed to being out here on the east side where payments are more affordable, said Linda Elizalde-McCoy, co-owner of the Noriega Hotel on Sumner Avenue, another historical Bakersfield Basque restaurant. If your husband steps in to defend you, the waiter will then threaten to call the police of you don't all leave. Very clean restaurant, staffed by friendly and professional waitstaff. He would come by and drop off the food, but he made no offer to give us more of anything or to check on us. bottom of page Wow, their meats were some of the tenderest we've ever had. Chalet Basque is rated accordingly in the following categories by Tripadvisor travelers: Are the prices at this restaurant mid-range / moderate? I almost got up and had to go get the drinks from the bar myself. Toll Free (866) 425-7353 Local (661) 852-7282 You do get a lot of food; Soup and Salad. To find out more about the cookies we use, see our Privacy Policy. We were in town to see a sick relative and decidedto have a late lunch/early dinner before heading back up to the Bay Area. now for rental rates and other information about this property. Basque restaurants in Idaho. Maitia, who immigrated from French Basque country in 1947 and opened Woolgrowers with her husband JB in 1954, died this morning, according to restaurant employees. amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; We are open for dine in and take out. Garrett Snyder is a former staff writer for the Food section of the Los Angeles Times. Thanks for sharing such information. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The Basque community has a rich cultural heritage with a love of dance, music, food, pilota and more. Basque salsa really spices up the soup, by the way. He was a bit disappointed in the preparation, but said it was tasty. The income went way down and we just couldnt sustain it. We will definitely be back again the next time we go through town. Order one when you choose your entre so the wait staff can time its delivery. We didnt but were clued in and it was great. Used to go there with my uncle George Marantos. He never even came by to refill my husband's water glass. 165 reviews #19 of 553 Restaurants in Bakersfield $$ - $$$ French Basque 4001 Rosedale Hwy 4001 Rosedale Hwy, 93308-6130, Bakersfield, California, Bakersfield, CA 93308-6130 +1 661-328-0400 Website Menu Closed now : See all hours See all (34) RATINGS Food Service Value Atmosphere Details CUISINES French Meals Lunch, Dinner FEATURES The description on the restaurant says Hungarian. But she added: Everything has an end.. Meals Served Family Style--Copious Amounts! Its a monumental task for even the biggest eaters, but Central Valley Basque food has been served this way since the mid-1800s, when many Basque traveled from their homeland between Spain and France to seek their fortunes in Californias Gold Rush. Try their butterfinger pie for dessert! Steak was tough & no flavor & not a filet. 515 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301. If you would like to experience this in a "family" restaurant I would also recommend Chalet Basque!!! Each dining hall has its specialties, but one fact unites them: Basque food is served in hearty, prodigious quantities. everyone a choice. It was getting out of control, she said. How to Make Basque Garlic Soup - Baratxuri Salda. Bakersfield's 89-Year-Old Basque Institution Noriega Hotel Closes Permanently. it came to $26. Due to its delicate architecture, your souffl must be served at the precise moment it comes out of the oven.. These are some highly rated basque restaurants in Bakersfield, CA: What are some basque restaurants with a large number of reviews in Bakersfield, CA? Lisa loves getting to know her customers and offering them an unforgettable dining experience! Looking for your new favorite restaurant? A brief history of some of Bakersfields beloved Basque restaurants. The Pyrenees breakfast menu offers pleasant surprises: Nab a seat at one of the outdoor patio tables and order the bacon-stuffed pancakes., Right next to the 99 freeway, and surrounded by graceful queen palms, the Chalet Basque Restaurant has small tables and booths in lieu of family-style trestle tablesmore appropriate for date nightbut everything else is traditional Basque. Wow, their meats were some of the tenderest we've ever had. Trio of Spanish Cheeses $15.00. I have to be honest and say it's not as good as it used to be. Your email address will not be published. A soup, with sun dried tomatoes, beans, pickled tongue, salad, and french fries are either a part of every meal or are a meal unto themselves. Although there was easily 90% left of this horrible steak, the new owner only gave me a $6 discount. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "hellabasque-20"; She and JB honed their skills as cooks and servers . Bakersfield, CA 93308 Then theres salad like Greek salad, but with a tangy dressing and a plate of pickled tongue (yum!). Bakersfield, CA 93308 We looked up and 2 of the 3 light bulbs above our seat were burned out. Couldn't eat it. Lisa has been the owner at Chalet Basque Restaurant since 2002, and strives to maintain the Basque authenticity that the restaurant has been known since it opened it's doors in 1969. The description on the restaurant says Hungarian. Error: There is no connected account for the user 253329000 Feed will not update. It has been watered down and Americanized a bit. We enjoyed the salsa so much that we applied it liberally to the soup, beans and vegetables. You can search for a particular restaurant, like Umi Sushi or Blue Elephant, by its name. Osathanugrah bought the name, the liquor license, the tables and much of the interior dcor. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. It happened to be a Friday, so they had clam chowder in addition to the usual Basque vegetable soup. There was one lady sitting there on a barstool who greeted us with a friendly hi. Bakersfield, California 93309, 601 Sumner Street Thanks for letting me know. The restaurant needs a little upgrade in decor, but it is very clean and interesting. The bright-lit dining room with long trestle tables is boisterous and friendly, a contrast to the film-noir vibe at the Pyrenees Caf on Sumner Street, two blocks away. With three banquet rooms, a spacious dining room, and an outdoor covered solarium, the Basque Cultural Center hosts many diners, banquets and parties daily. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The matriarch of Bakersfield's renowned Basque culinary scene, Mayie Maitia, has died. The Pyrenees dark wood bar, vinyl booths, throbbing jukebox, and neon Budweiser sign attract motorcycle clubs, indie bands, and Basque old-timers alike. We offer a flavorful menu of traditional Basque dishes that you can enjoy in our family-style dining setting. Numerous Basque restaurants offer traditional Basque experiences, carrying on the traditions of their ancestors. The bread was off the shelf plain sliced bread. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; The Basque community has a rich cultural heritage with a love of dance, music, food, pilota and more. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) Noriega's is back and getting ready to welcome back diners at a new location in Southwest Bakersfield. amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Osathanugrah is the owner of KK's Cafe on Golden State Highway. As their motto says " It is not your typical grandparents' dinner " and their menu proves that. Lamont restaurants. Apparently the answer is that the waiter is in charge in that situation and there isn't anything you can really do about it other than just leave and bad Mouth them all over town! It was light and flaky and cooked to perfection. 4001 Rosedale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93308 No cuisines specified Menu Appetizers Sauteed Mushrooms $8.00 Ravioli $10.00 Escargots $10.00 Scampi with Lemon Garlic Sauce $13.00 Frog Legs with Lemon Garlic Sauce $13.00 In future, we would order one entre, and one vegetarian meal, which is all the accompanying dishes. The. The food was very good and plenty of food for our gathering of ten people. Bakersfield is home to the largest collection of Basque restaurants in the United States. Noriega Hotel, one of Bakersfield's oldest restaurants, announced Friday that it would not reopen following its closure due to the coronavirus outbreak. 954 were here. (661) 328-0400, Benji's French Basque Restaurant4001 Rosedale Highway He was expecting a leg of lamb with the bone and instead got two slices of leg of lamb soaked in gravy. We also have banquet space available for your private events. Not once did he ask if we were enjoying the food or to check on us. Explore the Bounty of Bakersfield! We could see the handwriting on the wall, Ladd said, explaining Noriegas closure. Classic Basque dishes are comforting and unfussy, and many deserve a spot in your weeknight rotation. Benji's French Basque Restaurant Please call 661-328-0400 to make reservations. I look forward to trying more Basque restaurants, but I doubt I will go back here.More, We had an early Saturday dinner yesterday while passing through Bakersfield. They do like to put a lot of raw garlic on everything, which I liked, her not so much. Proudly created with Wix.com. The countrys largest concentration of Basque restaurants upholds the areas Basque heritage with boarding-house-style meals of oxtail soup and myriad side dished. Have a restaurant in mind? Downtown Bakersfield is home to antique stores with unique and hard-to-find items collectibles. The brightly lit dining room with long trestle tables is . Most who read my reviews know that my husband is from Spain and we tend to be harsh critics of Spanish food. The soup comes in a big bowl, family-style, and you serve as much or as little as you want into your own bowl. (661) 322-8900, Sandrini's Public House1918 Eye Street amzn_assoc_linkid = "f86d15e943d55aa12179e13b27f109fb"; Twenty years ago, 95% of the shepherds in Kern County--the largest sheep county in the state--were Basque, Iturriria said . More recently, however, the location became a detriment as Old Town Kern lost its sheen. However, considering the level of colorful obscenities, the act of answering a phone seems to pale in comparison! Maybe its an outdated website? Were gonna try to make it look the same, he said. Soooooo in conclusion, do I recommend Chalet Basque? Tons of food, delicious. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Are you sure you want to delete this answer? They have great stories, if its not busy, and obviously many customers are regulars. This is a review for basque restaurants in Bakersfield, CA: "the practice is to have everyone wait in the bar area prior to the dinner seating. It was cold inside the bar, which was empty, and only slightly warmer in the restaurant, my wife was shivering when we left. We chose veal sweetbreads, garlic fried chicken and lamb kebab. We did notice a large banquet room that faced the front with large windows, so they can accommodate larger parties. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen Next, we bring you an iconic Bakersfield Italian joint, Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen. Everything was great! 4001 Rosedale Hwy Order one when you choose your entre so the wait staff can time its delivery. The member built Basque Cultural Center in South San Francisco operates under the leadership of General Manager, Francois Camou, and Executive Chef, Michel Veron. The soup comes in a big bowl, family-style, and you serve as much or as little as you want into your own bowl. was fresh yesterday. Need to save room for dessert the next time we go there. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Some had worked there for decades. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere that is perfect for a date night or a lunch with friends. Basque restaurants in San Francisco Bay Area - Northern California. recommend you try Chalet Basque on Oak Street. Our menu is under update. I asked my followers recently on Instagram to name their favorite Basque restaurants in the United States. Oh no! According to my Spain expert, the food in the Basque restaurants in Bakersfield seem to come from the same region. You have permission to edit this article. I ended up paying $20 for total garbage. 200 Oak Street Due to its delicate architecture, your souffl must be served at the precise moment it comes out of the oven.. Wool Growers; History; Recipes; Reservations; Lunch Menu; Dinner Menu; Banquet Menu; . There was one lady sitting there on a barstool who greeted us with a friendly hi. He called McCoys Bloody Mary an art form.. There was only one waitress on duty because it was 3 in the afternoon. Start your exploration of Basque food culture at the Wool Growers Restaurant on 19th Street, clearly marked by a neon sheep sign. 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