They do like to put a lot of raw garlic on everything, which I liked, her not so much. The restaurant is named for its proprietor, 67-year-old Basque immigrant Bernard "Benat" Benji Arduain, who first established the French-style dining destination on Union Avenue in 1986. In any event, I think Basque food in the United States is the closest thing to visiting W mainland Europe to eat. 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? Call 661-327-9584 to place your orders. We will definitely be back again the next time we go through town. Unless you and your family want to be traumatized! Benji's French Basque Restaurant ($$) Basque, French, Bar Menu Available 4001 Rosedale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA (661) 328-0400 It was light and flaky and cooked to perfection. Unless you and your family want to be traumatized! 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. But she added: Everything has an end.. 599 Railroad AvenueSouth San Francisco, CA 94080Free Parking. now for rental rates and other information about this property. Osathanugrah is the owner of KK's Cafe on Golden State Highway. The new location will be on Stockdale Highway where Cafe Med [] El Taco Rojo Birrieria ($) Tacos, Food Trucks Distance: 0.06 miles. Country-style Sourdough, Roasted Garlic Piquillo Butter. Most who read my reviews know that my husband is from Spain and we tend to be harsh critics of Spanish food. Osathanugrah bought the name, the liquor license, the tables and much of the interior dcor. Due to its delicate architecture, your souffl must be served at the precise moment it comes out of the oven.. The waitress was excellent. Sad, the place and food was so dated. Pyrenees breakfast menu offers pleasant surprises: Nab a seat at one of the outdoor patio tables and order the bacon-stuffed pancakes. They have great stories, if its not busy, and obviously many customers are regulars.More, I went to this place about 20 years ago and wanted to take my wife, so she could experience Basque Food. Bakersfield is home to the largest collection of Basque restaurants in the United States. The people who bought it were not Basque. Service was slow sometimes, the sides did not come with the meal. All Rights Reserved. Started in 1893 as the Iberia Hotel, it later became the Noriega Hotel. "I saw the ad under new ownership so i decided to tell my wife lets go back and it was the best experience i ever had we are making this our favorite basque restaurant", "This is my first time dining in at this place with some friends. Delicious Basque Food and Great Atmosphere! In Bakersfield's Old Town Kern neighborhoodalso known as the Basque Blockyou'll find the largest concentration of Basque restaurants in the United States. Noriegas was the oldest Basque boardinghouse still in operation in the American West. Thats why they closed, because it takes hard work and many hours. Benji's French Basque Restaurant is a family-friendly restaurant that offers a children's menu . My filet was huge. Nestled between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, and straddling the border of northern. Their website says they serve Basque family style dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5-9PM. Trio of Spanish Cheeses $15.00. Come join us at Restaurant Basque for a unique exciting dining experience unlike anything else in Tulsa. Best Brunch Spot - Moo Creamery Photo by Moo Creamery If you get the chance to visit Moo Creamery for brunch in Bakersfield, you won't regret it. Required fields are marked *, Paul Angelos Mar 23, 2021 at 3:09 pm. special of the day - halibut. Rabobank Arena, Theater & Convention Center. Chalet Basque Restaurant 166 Spanish $$ Family-owned & operated 51 years in business "of the few things people knew about the town was that it was known for it's Basque population and." more Outdoor seating 3. 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. When I prepare this rustic soup and smell the garlic, Im transported back to the Basque Country where I enjoyed this wonderful salda or soup. Basque Singer Mikel Urdangarin Sings for Basque-American Audience, Kern County Basque Festival 2022 Basques Talk about the Best Part of Being Basque, Institute for Basque Studies to be Inaugurated at Cal State Bakersfield, Basque Folk Singer Mikel Urdangarin to Perform in California, Basque Film Part of Online Smithsonian Film Festival April 1 30, Top Four Things to Do at the Bakersfield Basque Festival, Basque Exhibits at Kern County Museum in Bakersfield, Not Even the Rain Could Dampen Spirits at the Bakersfield Picnic, Yvonne Etcheveste, longtime Bakersfield restaurant owner, 1931 2017, People of Kern County Basque Festival 2017, Your email address will not be published. In 1931, Gracianne Grace and Jean Elizalde, who Ladd referred to as Amatxi and Aitatxi, bought the hotel from the Noriegas. Give it a chance if you have time!More, Actually went to Chalet Basque twice this month. I will still go here for cheap and plentiful eats.More, We have eaten here many times & usually better. The food was very good and plenty of food for our gathering of ten people. Pintxos y Montaditos / Snacks. The broker led them to local restaurant owner, Bill Osathanugrah, who already owns two restaurants in Bakersfield, Happy Wings and KKs Caf. Benji's is one of several Basque restaurants in Bakersfield and is really quite good. The restaurant stopped serving customers on Tuesday, March 18. It happened to be a Friday, so they had clam chowder in addition to the usual Basque vegetable soup. 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! amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Address. Bakersfield, CA 93304 The Elizalde family, which had owned the restaurant and boarding house at 525 Sumner St. since 1931, announced on Facebook that they would not be reopening after coronavirus restaurant closures were lifted. Ordered their New York steak. Wool Growers Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge - Bakersfield's most popular Basque restaurant Wool Growers Basque Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge We are open. 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). Although there was easily 90% left of this horrible steak, the new owner only gave me a $6 discount. Breakfast - 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday Lunch - 12:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday Dinner - 7:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday (Reserv See more 2,022 people like this 2,089 people follow this 8,617 people checked in here Yvonne Etcheveste, former owner of the Chateau Basque in Bakersfield and my cousin, shared her version of Basque vegetable soup. . He came by only to drop off the food. 4001 Rosedale Hwy amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; 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. If I could, I wouldgive the food five stars and the service a zero or one. Most who read my reviews know that my husband is from Spain and we tend to be harsh critics of Spanish food. We ordered one dinner without entree and one with roast lamb. Bakersfield, CA 93308 The restaurant, which served traditional Basque cooking enjoyed family-style in huge portions at shared tables, had been in business for 89 years. Pan Rustico $7.00. It would easily feed two people who were very hungry. The Noriega Hotel was the oldest surviving Basque restaurant and inn for male boarders in the United States and a civic symbol in Bakersfield. Dinner seatings at 6 and 8 p.m.. 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. There are already some lists of Basque American restaurants onBubers Basque Page and Euskal Kazeta, but things change fast in the restaurant industry. Couldn't eat it. Basque restaurants in Idaho. There was one lady sitting there on a barstool who greeted us with a friendly hi. Some had worked there for decades. #tulsaartsdistrict #tulsafood. Learn more, Copyright 2023 Visit Bakersfield | All Rights Reserved, Wool Growers Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge. They purchased a little cafe on 21st Street, she said, in a building that is no longer there. A visitor can expect a Basque meal to be served family style at long trestle tables, with hearty courses, meat or seafood entree and a red wine present throughout the meal. I will still go here for cheap and plentiful eats. I feel so bad for the employees and customers that were there regularly, she said. I included your recommendations and researched other restaurants to make a complete list. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere that is perfect for a date night or a lunch with friends. Full menu with prices & pictures. 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. I must say I liked this place best of the three we have tried so far. What sad news! Benji's French Basque Restaurant (661) 437-3925 Own this business? Rating Restaurant Notes; 24th Street Cafe ($$) . Wow, their meats were some of the tenderest we've ever had. There is also a lovely patio area that is probably a great place to sit on warm evenings. How to Make Basque Garlic Soup - Baratxuri Salda. Lamont restaurants. Thanks for sharing such information. 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. The restaurant only had one table filled. Vegetables are very good and plentiful. 620 East 19th St, Bakersfield, CA 93305 +1 661-327-9584. Chalet is an old Bakersfield staple for Basque food, but it was obvious why we could get in so easy. noriegas bakersfield menu, . Wool Growers; History; Recipes; Reservations; Lunch Menu; Dinner Menu; Banquet Menu; . By noon, I was at Benji's French Basque Restaurant west of Bakersfield. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Chalet Basque Restaurant (661) 327-2915 We make ordering easy. Low 44F. T / 661-328-0400. amzn_assoc_asins = "1742578640,0067574610,1910690082,1580089224"; The overland hotel in fallon is no longer a Basque restaurant its turned into a steak and burger only. Vegetables are very good and plentiful. The new Noriega's will open as soon as possible, according to Osathanugrah. The Elizalde family, owners of the restaurant since 1931, announced the decision on Facebook, thanking all the people that have dined with us.. This website uses cookies to collect information about how you interact with our website. Everything was great! give the food five stars and the service a zero or one. Basque meals are similar to French cuisine. It would easily feed two people who were very hungry. Surprisingly the entree was quite good, my roast beef was slightly pink, very tender, really good. These are some highly rated basque restaurants in Bakersfield, CA: What are some basque restaurants with a large number of reviews in Bakersfield, CA? August 23, 2014 In Media Press No Comment Read More. I had the filet cooked with a pepper cognac sauce and my husband had the roasted leg of lamb. (661) 322-8900, Sandrini's Public House1918 Eye Street Benji's French Basque Restaurant. The no-frills 1950s' eatery is one of Bakersfield's most popular restaurants, serving specialities such as oxtail soup and perfectly crispy French fries. Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. Lisa L. I was told that should I ever make it to Bakersfield that I should try Basque food. Soooooo in conclusion, do I recommend Chalet Basque? We rank these hotels, restaurants, and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. Very clean restaurant, staffed by friendly and professional waitstaff. amzn_assoc_asins = "157965777X,1784880264,1558321403,1607747618"; 18 Month Jamn Serrano $16.00. It was too large and too tough to run. Their wait staff are courteous and attentive. Oops! Next, you can begin to explore California's Country Music Capital food and restaurant options. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; . View. The classic Bakersfield Basque restaurant formerly on Sumner Street is now taking dinner reservations during its soft opening this week. 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. I feel terrible that it came to this. There was one lady sitting there on a barstool who greeted us with a friendly hi. recommend you try Chalet Basque on Oak Street. The sauces were excellent. Wool Growers Restaurant 481 $$ "Bakersfield, prepare yourself for a stop at a historic Spanish and French Basque dining." more amzn_assoc_title = "Basque Cookbooks"; Feel free to share this post with anyone looking for some good Basque food. Not many restaurants in town take the time to create souffles. Lisa loves getting to know her customers and offering them an unforgettable dining experience! she was very attentive and our food came FAST. I usually order the pork chopsand I'm never disappointed. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "hellabasque-20"; Not once did he ask if we were enjoying the food or to check on us. When your entre comes, you also get buttery green beans, really French fries, and baked beans. Tongue. We are in the middle of one of the largest, Toll Free (866) 425-7353Local (661) 852-7282, This website uses cookies to enhance your user experience on our site. Owner was floating around and more concerned about ticket sales..not patronsfood is good but soda tastes like can! There is also a lovely patio area that is probably a great place to sit on warm evenings. Across town, the Greek place cooking up authentic specialties. Love their food! Basically, in a nutshell, the economy got us, she said. Bakersfield, California 93309, 601 Sumner Street ), 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? Oh no! It all needs to be consumed before the main course, which might be roasted lamb leg, beef or oxtail stew, or fried chicken. The food was good, it's the traditional basque farmers food that's been a staple in Bakersfield". The restaurant needs a little upgrade in decor, but it is very clean and interesting. It was cold inside the bar, which was empty, and only slightly warmer in the restaurant, my wife was shivering when we left. Adress: 200 Oak St, Bakersfield, CA 93304, USA The Pyrenees dark wood bar, vinyl booths, throbbing jukebox, and neon Budweiser sign attract motorcycle clubs, indie bands, and Basque old-timers alike. Its really nice to see this blog. Its dining room walls are lined with black-and-white photos of Basque pioneers. Noriega Hotel, one of Bakersfields oldest restaurants, announced Friday that it would not reopen following its closure due to the coronavirus outbreak. In Bakersfields Old Town Kern neighborhoodalso known as the Basque Blockyou'll findthe largest concentration of Basque restaurants in the United States. It was cooked perfectly, was tender and melt in your mouth juicy. Yes, Chalet Basque offers takeout services. Bakersfield, California 93301, There has been a Basque presence in the Central Valley since the 19th Century. I tried for six months to do everything I could, Stewart said. 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. When your entre comes, you also get buttery green beans, really French fries, and baked beans. 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. This was my first experience with Basque food and I was so excited to be there. When . Basque cuisine is at the heart of Basque culture, influenced by the neighboring communities and the excellent produce from the sea and the land. Benjis is more French than Spanish (frogs legs are popular), but the big ticket is a dessert soufflchocolate, lemon, Grand Marnier, or raspberry. All dinner meals come with soup, salad, bread, beans, spicy tomato sauce, vegetable and tongue salad. I ended up paying $20 for total garbage. since 1901; local landmark serving Basque cuisine ("peasant food") View more restaurants in Bakersfield, CA from other shows - FoodiePie.com. This place is not near the same as it was with the previous owners. Right next to the 99 freeway, and surrounded by graceful queen palms, the, , patrons try to manage their calorie intake during the setup so they save room for dessert. The historic Noriega Hotel in Bakersfield, California was brought down by the coronavirus pandemic. 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. By using this site you agree to Zomato's use of cookies to give you a personalised experience. I was very happy with the steak and I gave him half.