They have a separate bar and it looked like a band was setting up to play on Friday. Most of us thought COVID would be the end to family-style dining, said Steve Bass, whose family has held numerous events at the restaurant over the years, including his two sons wedding receptions. I used to come up to Bakersfield with my grandmother and got off the train at the old Baker street station. Hooters. The doors finally closed on Noriega's, the oldest Basque boardinghouse-style restaurant in the West. Starting in January, the rent increased, Stewart said. 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 He was expecting a leg of lamb with the bone and instead got two slices of leg of lamb soaked in gravy. Pierre Igoa, Writer February 18, 2023. . 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! Years and years of mementos and memories left the two-story historic building in recent days, as a June 30 final deadline for the shuttering of the restaurant loomed and people and organizations bought items from the restaurant. Meats are so so. Thanks for letting me know. Service was OK, the waiter was friendly and did well overall, his helper (busboy?) Noriega's announced that they are now open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Tuesday through. Lamont restaurants. So yummy! Brought us water and then took our order. Roasted leg of lamb implies a dry preparation. All dinner meals come with soup, salad, bread, beans, spicy tomato sauce, vegetable and tongue salad. Basque salsa really spices up the soup, by the way. Nice atmosphere." 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). The cocktail miraculously straddles the narrow line between tart and sweet. The restaurants historic back bar, which dates back to 1940, was purchased with the help of donations and moved to the Kern County Museum. Your email address will not be published. 0.91 miles. Are you sure you want to delete this question? According to my Spain expert, the food in the Basque restaurants in Bakersfield seem to come from the same region. The food tastes home-cooked and not restaurant portioned. #tulsaartsdistrict #tulsafood. We did notice a large banquet room that faced the front with large windows, so they can accommodate larger parties. Other expenses also went up because of high gas prices. Your email address will not be published. Everything was great! Love that Donosti provides these opportunities , 3 Basque Restaurants Featured on The Food Network, 7 Videos on Basque Sheepherders in the United States. Chalet Basque Restau. Wool Growers; History; Recipes; Reservations; Lunch Menu; Dinner Menu; Banquet Menu; . The food was great and you felt like family. Each dining hall has its specialties, but one fact unites them: Basque food is served in hearty, prodigious quantities. Huell's off to Noriega's Basque Restaurant in Bakersfield where he not only enjoys an amazing meal, but he is treated to wonderful stories about the Basque culture in the area. Basque restaurants in Oregon and Washington. The food is delicious and very satisfying. Toll Free (866) 425-7353 Local (661) 852-7282 Benji's French-Basque Restaurant. Established in 1969.This restaurant has been a landmark in Bakersfield, CA since 1969. Pan Rustico $7.00. Start your exploration of Basque food culture at the Wool Growers Restaurant on 19th Street, clearly marked by a neon sheep sign. Experience authentic Basque cuisine prepared the same way as it has been for over 100 years. I moved from Bakersfield about 10 years ago and truly miss my Basque meals ! The chowder was great! We could see the handwriting on the wall, Ladd said, explaining Noriegas closure. The food tastes home-cooked and not restaurant portioned. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The namesake of Noriega's restaurant was recently purchased by Bill Osathanugrah after previous owners announced its closure. Salad, soup & tongue was good. Tons of food, delicious. Basque restaurants in Los Angeles area - Southern California. 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. Incredibly grizzily. Noriega's Hotel in Bakersfield Closes for Good - Euskal Kazeta Updated July 2021: A new Noriega's, with menu, chef and decor from the original Noriega's, has opened at 4809 Stockdale Hwy. Its real sad because we were real proud of our restaurant, said Susan Maitia, 64, speaking on behalf of her husband, former owner Frank Maitia Jr., 65, who has Parkinsons disease. My friends had already consulted the menu. Jessica was our server and the ONLY server (some people might just be impatient). If you would like to experience this in a "family" restaurant I would also recommend Chalet Basque!!! It has been watered down and Americanized a bit. 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. Dishes at Restaurant. It was cooked perfectly, was tender and melt in your mouth juicy. View more restaurants in Bakersfield, CA from other shows - FoodiePie.com. There are already some lists of Basque American restaurants on Buber's Basque Page and Euskal Kazeta, but things change fast in the restaurant industry. Lunch Tuesday - Sunday 11:30 - 2:00 Dinner Tuesday - Sunday 5:00 - 9:00 Closed Mondays Souffle Article The Bakersfield Californian (1-16-2011) Not many restaurants in town take the time to create souffles. It hurts us too, Ladd said. 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. Delivery & Pickup Options - 304 reviews of Benji's French Basque Restaurant "Bring your appetites and prepare to gorge yourself. My all-time favorite was the Winnemucca Hotel, sadly closed. It happened to be a Friday, so they had clam chowder in addition to the usual Basque vegetable soup. In-Depth Research Available for this Property. A local businessman, Seven Bates, hoped to keep the restaurant alive in an arrangement that would involve the Elizalde family and started a Save the Noriega Hotel Facebook. Order the garlic paste on the side for added flavor. The wife's pork chops were large and juicy. ), 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? Toll Free (866) 425-7353 Local (661) 852-7282 Restaurant Call Now More Home Reviews Photos Videos About See all 200 oak st Bakersfield, CA 93304 274 people like this 278 people follow this 15 people checked in here http://www.basquerestaurantbakersfield.com/ (661) 327-2915 Open now 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Restaurant Photos See all Videos See all 2:13 to have a late lunch/early dinner before heading back up to the Bay Area. Frank Sr. passed away April 10, on his birthday. 4001 Rosedale Hwy Bakersfield, CA 93308 T / 661-328-0400. They should have been a clue. Bakersfield, CA 93308 When . Dining and Drinking, Restaurant, Hot Dog Joint, American Restaurant, Fast Food Restaurant . 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. Carl's Jr ($) Burgers, Fast Food Distance: 0.09 miles. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. It's sad to see an older establish restaurant going down hill, but that's what our impression was last night, and I doubt we will go back there again, there are just too many other good choices for Basque in Bakersfield. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. They still serve dinner as family style, which I enjoy. It was an institution, acknowledged Rochelle Ladd, who with her sister Linda Elizalde McCoy and daughter Brianna had run the restaurant in recent years. You can see him in the second row, 5th from left (next to my sister) in the group photo , Was able to practice my Euskara with everyone at hotel reception and with the taxi driver who took me to the airport. The Pyrenees dark wood bar, vinyl booths, throbbing jukebox, and neon Budweiser sign attract motorcycle clubs, indie bands, and Basque old-timers alike. The restaurant, which served traditional Basque cooking enjoyed family-style in huge portions at shared tables, had been in business for 89 years. Chalet Basque Restaurant (661) 327-2915 We make ordering easy. Come join us at Restaurant Basque for a unique exciting dining experience unlike anything else in Tulsa. was fresh yesterday. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Is this the same place that held the 6th grade dare dances in the early 90s, InterContinental (IHG) Hotels in Bakersfield, Hotels with Military Discounts in Bakersfield, Hotels near California Living Museum (CALM), Hotels near Murray Family Farms, The Big Red Barn, Hotels near Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center, Hotels near Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, Italian Restaurants for Families in Bakersfield, Japanese Restaurants for Families in Bakersfield, Restaurants for Group Dining in Bakersfield, Restaurants for Special Occasions in Bakersfield, Restaurants with Outdoor Seating in Bakersfield. Noriega Hotel, one of Bakersfield's oldest restaurants, announced Friday that it would not reopen following its closure due to the coronavirus outbreak. There was one lady sitting there on a barstool who greeted us with a friendly hi. The waitress was excellent. Surprisingly the entree was quite good, my roast beef was slightly pink, very tender, really good. French Restaurants in Bakersfield. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. T / 661-328-0400, 2021 by Erock. Some items are gluten free. You may want to ask for it on the side. Give it a chance if you have time! Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen Next, we bring you an iconic Bakersfield Italian joint, Luigi's Restaurant and Delicatessen. Chance of rain 40%.. Overcast with rain showers at times. Lunch menu and Dinner menu This website uses cookies to collect information about how you interact with our website. #ChaletbasqueMore, Went to Chalet Basque because the Basque place we wanted to dine at was full. Steak was tough & no flavor & not a filet. And one Bakersfield delicacy: pickled tongue. The hope is that through the bankruptcy process, that other assets will be sold and that anybody that we owe any money to will be paid.. That was the charm of Noriegas, he said. We did notice a large banquet room that faced the front with large windows, so they can accommodate larger parties. However, considering the level of colorful obscenities, the act of answering a phone seems to pale in comparison! Our menu is under update. Vegetables are very good and plentiful. 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. The countrys largest concentration of Basque restaurants upholds the areas Basque heritage with boarding-house-style meals of oxtail soup and myriad side dished. 200 Oak Street When your entre comes, you also get buttery green beans, really French fries, and baked beans. It has been watered down and Americanized a bit. (661) 323-0053, Pyrenees Caf601 Sumner Street He is a graduate of Loyola Marymount University and believes in driving long distances for a good sandwich. There was only one waitress on duty because it was 3 in the afternoon. Love their food! A family-style dining experience that once . Not once did he ask if we were enjoying the food or to check on us. Everything in the setup, seemed like they were scrimping on ingredients to save money. The classic Bakersfield Basque restaurant formerly on Sumner Street is now taking dinner reservations during its soft opening this week. El Taco Rojo Birrieria ($) Tacos, Food Trucks Distance: 0.06 miles. Order one when you choose your entre so the wait staff can time its delivery. Why This Restaurant Is a Must Eat Have your best lunch in Bakersfield in this restaurant which serves the most flavorful dishes in huge portions. I am desperately trying to get the "salsa" recipe . Article highlighting the history of Benji's. Twenty years ago, 95% of the shepherds in Kern County--the largest sheep county in the state--were Basque, Iturriria said . 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. Wool Growers Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge - Bakersfield's most popular Basque restaurant Wool Growers Basque Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge We are open. I almost got up and had to go get the drinks from the bar myself. 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. So heres the 2019 update on restaurants serving Basque food in the United States. BAKERSFIELD, Calif. The coronavirus pandemic has deeply hit home for a tradition that has been in Bakersfield since the city's roots - Basque dining. menu. Benji's French Basque Restaurant (661) 437-3925 Own this business? 2023. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times). The whole effect is enormous! #Chaletbasque. Rating Restaurant Notes; 24th Street Cafe ($$) . I ended up paying $20 for total garbage. Some of you suggested I make a list of Basque restaurants all over the U.S. Weve been talking a lot about Basque food over there, so I was curious to know where people like to eat. 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. MORE STORIES FROM EUSKAL KAZETA 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".. Explore the Bounty of Bakersfield! She came from the back and seated us right away. He never even came by to refill my husband's water glass. The member built Basque Cultural Center in South San Francisco operates under the leadership of General Manager, Francois Camou, and Executive Chef, Michel Veron. Due to its delicate architecture, your souffl must be served at the precise moment it comes out of the oven.. I had to scale down, Frank Maitia Jr. said. Give it a chance if you have time!More, Actually went to Chalet Basque twice this month. Learn more about offering online ordering to your diners. But for California's Basques, a way of life was unalterably transformed. Welcome! BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The matriarch of Bakersfield's renowned Basque culinary scene, Mayie Maitia, has died. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Open. It all needs to be consumed before the main course, which might be roasted lamb leg, beef or oxtail stew, or fried chicken. Bakersfield, CA 93301 It's highway close and after wanting to stop for Basque food for years, I finally read some reviews and chose this place because of its ratings and the fact that they were open mid-afternoon.We ordered one dinner without entree and one with roast lamb. They have a separate bar and it looked like a band was setting up to play on Friday.More, Chalet Basque is a Bakersfield institution. Required fields are marked *. Learn about Bakersfield facts here. The income went way down and we just couldnt sustain it. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; Menu - Check out the Menu of Noriega's Bakersfield, Bakersfield at Zomato for Delivery, Dine-out or Takeaway. What are some highly rated basque restaurants in Bakersfield, CA? Since 1986. In Bakersfield's Old Town Kern neighborhoodalso known as the Basque Blockyou'll find the largest concentration of Basque restaurants in the United States. Famed Bakersfield Basque restaurant the Noriega Hotel is closing permanently, reports the Bakersfield Californian. So here's the 2019 update on restaurants serving Basque food in the United States. Bakersfield, CA 93309 The Pyrenees dark wood bar, vinyl booths, throbbing jukebox, and neon Budweiser sign attract motorcycle clubs, indie bands, and Basque old-timers alike. The wife's pork chops were large and juicy. Bakersfield is home to the largest collection of Basque restaurants in the United States. Yvonne Etcheveste, former owner of the Chateau Basque in Bakersfield and my cousin, shared her version of Basque vegetable soup. Some had worked there for decades. We would certainly eat here again any time we were in Bakersfield. See photos, floor plans and more details about 3141 N Inyo St in Bakersfield, California. . It was cooked perfectly, was tender and melt in your mouth juicy. In Bakersfield, Calif., the landmark Basque spot serving a four-course meal including outrageous oxtail and garlic fried chicken. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. We enjoyed the salsa so much that we applied it liberally to the soup, beans and vegetables.More, While heading to Yosemite from Los Angeles, we stopped off at the Chalet. We looked up and 2 of the 3 light bulbs above our seat were burned out. Benji's French-Basque Restaurant. We chose veal sweetbreads, garlic fried chicken and lamb kebab. This restaurant is well known for serving French and Spanish cuisines. This was my first experience with Basque food and I was so excited to be there. The Basque Cafes founding family also felt the loss. Bistros in Bakersfield. Lingua Franca opens on this L.A. landmark. He never even came by to refill my husband's water glass. and I'm never disappointed. It was too large and too tough to run. amzn_assoc_title = "Basque Cookbooks"; Feel free to share this post with anyone looking for some good Basque food. If I could, I wouldgive the food five stars and the service a zero or one. special of the day - halibut. The restaurant needs a little upgrade in decor, but it is very clean and interesting. Ambience is niceand original from prior owners. The only bar (well, no, there is one in W Texas) with a walk-in safe ensuite. 37 reviews #324 of 551 Restaurants in Bakersfield $$ - $$$ Spanish Basque 200 Oak St, Bakersfield, CA 93304-2433 +1 661-327-2915 Website Menu Open now : 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM See all (8) Enhance this page - Upload photos! amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; I ended up paying $20 for total garbage. Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Benji's French Basque Restaurant is a simple spot for traditional Basque cuisine, including unique dishes like pickled tongue & frog legs. Due to a power outage that occurred overnight Basque will open at 4:00 today. Next in line is the Martin Hotel in Winnemucca, Nevada, established in 1898, and not far behind is the Star Hotel in Elko, Nevada, built in 1910. It was our anniversary and we wanted something a little more upscale than fast food or a chain restaurant. Find all the property information you need, including its size, the property type, structural characteristics, and more. The placed has been remodeled and enlarged to accommodate the large clientele they have. The place was dark inside, not too many windows. If your husband steps in to defend you, the waiter will then threaten to call the police of you don't all leave. Gluten-free menu. The primary reasons behind the familys decision were increasing rent and the pandemic, which prompted government health officials to close restaurants. and original from prior owners. This restaurant is like some place from the fifties. Rene Arduain passing is a notable loss for the local restaurant scene. Couldn't eat it. she was very attentive and our food came FAST. The soup comes in a big bowl, family-style, and you serve as much or as little as you want into your own bowl. What sad news! The community response was surprising to the family, considering that business hasnt been that good for the past few years, she added. I included your recommendations and researched other restaurants to make a complete list. Get quick answers from Chalet Basque staff and past visitors. Had he known, he might have ordered a different lamb dish. All Rights Reserved. The no-frills 1950s' eatery is one of Bakersfield's most popular restaurants, serving specialities such as oxtail soup and perfectly crispy French fries. 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. 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! 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. When your entre comes, you also get buttery green beans, really French fries, and baked beans. Watch Huell Enjoys Noriega's Basque Restaurant in Bakersfield | California's Gold with Huell Howser Season | KCET 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. Benji's French Basque Restaurant ($$) Basque, French, Bar Menu Available 4001 Rosedale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA (661) 328-0400 We ordered one dinner without entree and one with roast lamb. Chance of rain 40%. The soup comes in a big bowl, family-style, and you serve as much or as little as you want into your own bowl. Surprisingly the entree was quite good, my roast beef was slightly pink, very tender, really good. The waiters seem to have all worked there forever and know the menu well. Most who read my reviews know that my husband is from Spain and we tend to be harsh critics of Spanish food. Numerous Basque restaurants offer traditional Basque experiences, carrying on the traditions of their ancestors. These are some highly rated basque restaurants in Bakersfield, CA: What are some basque restaurants with a large number of reviews in Bakersfield, CA? since 1901; local landmark serving Basque cuisine ("peasant food") View more restaurants in Bakersfield, CA from other shows - FoodiePie.com. We are a traditional Basque restaurant in Bakersfield, CA. It's a must while visiting this place to taste delicious coffee or great tea. The sauces were excellent. They cite that the economy was down and it is, she said. The new Noriega's will open as soon as possible, according to Osathanugrah. Call 650-583-8091 RESERVATIONS: 650-583-8091 VIEW FULL MENU Ongi etorri! 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. (661) 322-8900, Sandrini's Public House1918 Eye Street amzn_assoc_placement = "adunit0"; Lisa loves getting to know her customers and offering them an unforgettable dining experience! Thanks for sharing such information. However said waiter won't tell the drunk patrons to leave because the are " bar regulars." It's sad to see an older establish restaurant going down hill, but that's what our impression was last night, and I doubt we will go back there again, there are just too many other good choices for Basque in Bakersfield.More, I don't know why all the mixed reviews. The Indianapolis cider houses website says it has now closed. Lisa L. I was told that should I ever make it to Bakersfield that I should try Basque food. Basque Restaurants in the U.S. Basque Restaurants in Southern California. Yes, Chalet Basque offers takeout services. I must say I liked this place best of the three we have tried so far. It is Spanish Basque food. The mealsseem a bit on the expensive side, until you realize what you get with them. T / 661-328-0400. I feel so bad for the employees and customers that were there regularly, she said. There was only one waitress on duty because it was 3 in the afternoon. Read More> Named After: Benji's Bakersfield Life (October 2014) recommend you try Chalet Basque on Oak Street. This just hit them between the eyes, she said of the restaurant closure. The chowder was great! Even brought me a container with more soup and tongue salad when I asked her to box it up so I could take some to my dad in the hospital. Initial negotiations after the Facebook announcement included attempts to keep Noriegas going in the same location under different ownership in an attempt to preserve an important piece of Basque history. Not many restaurants in town take the time to create souffles. Ordered their New York steak. They stayed there for many, many years.. now for rental rates and other information about this property.