Soup and lamb was delicious. 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. The Pyrenees dark wood bar, vinyl booths, throbbing jukebox, and neon Budweiser sign attract motorcycle clubs, indie bands, and Basque old-timers alike. 25 Bakersfield Facts: Explore California's Cool City | Kidadl In-Depth Research Available for this Property. The income went way down and we just couldnt sustain it. The Basque community has a rich cultural heritage with a love of dance, music, food, pilota and more. I agree and consent to receiveemails from Visit California and its partners with special offers and exclusive content and that I am at least 18 years old, Where to findand how to eatthe unique European cuisine in Bakersfield, In Bakersfields Old Town Kern neighborhoodalso known as the Basque Blockyou'll findthe largest concentration of, Anywhere you go, youll be served a similar setup, as its calledsourdough bread, cabbage soup, beans, salsa, boiled vegetables, pickled tongue, and spaghetti. If you would like to experience this in a "family" restaurant I would also recommend Chalet Basque!!! The Noriega Hotel was the oldest surviving Basque restaurant and inn for male boarders in the United States and a civic symbol in Bakersfield. I usually order the pork chopsand I'm never disappointed. You do get a lot of food; Soup and Salad.More, I grew up eating in this restaurant. Started in 1893 as the Iberia Hotel, it later became the Noriega Hotel. amzn_assoc_asins = "1558321403,1607747618"; The Basque community has a rich cultural heritage with a love of dance, music, food, pilota and more. The countrys largest concentration of Basque restaurants upholds the areas Basque heritage with boarding-house-style meals of oxtail soup and myriad side dished. I have to be honest and say it's not as good as it used to be. It has been watered down and Americanized a bit. It took forever for him to bring us our drinks. Bistros in Bakersfield. On social media, fans lamented the loss of the Noriegas signature Picon Punch and garlicky pickled beef tongue, as well as the historic culture and community the Central Valley restaurant had come to represent an end of an era in Bakersfield. What sad news! everyone a choice. Basque salsa really spices up the soup, by the way. If there are any restaurants on the list that intrigue you, I encourage you to visit their websites and check out their menus. The whole effect is enormous! rank this one toward the bottom of the list. It all needs to be consumed before the main course, which might be roasted lamb leg, beef or oxtail stew, or fried chicken. There was only one waitress on duty because it was 3 in the afternoon. The theme of which is the outrageous rudeness of answering a phone when in a restaurant. CENTRO BASCO 13432 Central Ave. Chino, California 91710 (909 . Nevertheless, locals celebrated marriages, birthdays and other special occasions at the historic institution, whose old-world homey setting and generous portions made the clientele happy. The description on the restaurant says Hungarian. 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. It is located at the former Cafe Med location at 4809 Stockdale Highway. First comes a cabbage soup, very flavourful, Basque salsa and bread. Established in 1969.This restaurant has been a landmark in Bakersfield, CA since 1969. Noriega Hotel, one of Bakersfields oldest restaurants, announced Friday that it would not reopen following its closure due to the coronavirus outbreak. So you leave shaking, with your 8 year old son crying and shaking.. Soooooo in conclusion, do I recommend Chalet Basque? So you leave shaking, with your 8 year old son crying and shaking.. We also have banquet space available for your private events. Good size shrimp, lot". The Elizalde family, owners of the restaurant since 1931, announced the decision on Facebook, thanking all the people that have dined with us.. March 4 . Numerous Basque restaurants offer traditional Basque experiences, carrying on the traditions of their ancestors. Menu - Check out the Menu of Noriega's Bakersfield, Bakersfield at Zomato for Delivery, Dine-out or Takeaway. I can remember a tastier menu. 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. There were only two tables of guests (and a third table of two people came in over 1/2 way through our meal). It took forever for him to bring us our drinks. We looked up and 2 of the 3 light bulbs above our seat were burned out. Phone: 661-589-5292 Address: 10700 Rosedale Hwy, Bakersfield, CA 93312-3278 Website: www.mauriciosgrill.com 2. Carl's Jr ($) Burgers, Fast Food Distance: 0.09 miles. The change from daylight to dark took our eyes a bit to adjust. Now, the food is decent, and you feel like just another customer. The no-frills 1950s' eatery is one of Bakersfield's most popular restaurants, serving specialities such as oxtail soup and perfectly crispy French fries. A crane was used to move the historic bar from Noriegas to the Kern County Museum after closing of restaurant. Explore the Bounty of Bakersfield! They have a separate bar and it looked like a band was setting up to play on Friday. Rene Arduain passing is a notable loss for the local restaurant scene. MORE STORIES FROM EUSKAL KAZETA Dining and Drinking, Bar . Benji's French Basque Restaurant is a simple spot for traditional Basque cuisine, including unique dishes like pickled tongue & frog legs. JB and Marie owned it then. Sad news. This restaurant is well known for serving French and Spanish cuisines. I prefer the family-style leg-o-lamb steaks and sirloins w/ frites and vinaigrette salade a la Elko. The primary reasons behind the familys decision were increasing rent and the pandemic, which prompted government health officials to close restaurants. Need to save room for dessert the next time we go there. Aged Sherry Caramel, Chimichurri, Sourdough. amzn_assoc_search_bar = "true"; Each dining hall has its specialties, but one fact unites them: Basque food is served in hearty, prodigious quantities. amzn_assoc_design = "in_content"; BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) In the city of Bakersfield, one can find a handful of Basque restaurants and delicacies. Call 661-327-9584 to place your orders. We are open for dine in and take out. Hooters. Noriega's announced that they are now open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner Tuesday through. 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. We apologize to those who wanted brunch and regret that we are unable to open at 11:00 today. 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? This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Thanks for letting me know. Employees make this place worth the trip, good people and always up for a good time, they always make you feel like family. Not once did he ask if we were enjoying the food or to check on us. Compared to the other 4 or 5 Basque restaurants, I wouldrank this one toward the bottom of the list.More, If you're in Bakersfield and would like to enjoy a lovely dinner, followed by drunk fellow patron yelling at you for answering your cell phone, then be told by said patron to "get the f""" out and take your a"" hol" kid with you," Irecommend you try Chalet Basque on Oak Street. The restaurant was named an American Classic by the James Beard Foundation in 2011. The food was good, it's the traditional basque farmers food that's been a staple in Bakersfield". 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. (Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times). Brought us water and then took our order. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Osathanugrah is the owner of KK's Cafe on Golden State Highway. Famed Bakersfield Basque restaurant the Noriega Hotel is closing permanently, reports the Bakersfield Californian. At lunch if you want all the trimmings you pay $4 extra. And with over 100 comments on the post, it looks like you guys are passionate about this topic! When your entre comes, you also get buttery green beans, really French fries, and baked beans. 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 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. It was cooked perfectly, was tender and melt in your mouth juicy. We will definitely be back again the next time we go through town.More, Just left about 30 minutes ago. Bakersfield, CA 93305 200 Oak Street It was our anniversary and we wanted something a little more upscale than fast food or a chain restaurant. "It was never a Basque recipe [pickled tongue], 'cause in the Basque countries, they eat tongue it's usually warm and in like a stew," Jenny Maitia-Poncetta, [] If I could, I wouldgive the food five stars and the service a zero or one. He was expecting a leg of lamb with the bone and instead got two slices of leg of lamb soaked in gravy. Everything was great! The chowder was great! Gluten-free menu. Watch Huell Enjoys Noriega's Basque Restaurant in Bakersfield | California's Gold with Huell Howser Season | KCET Its dining room walls are lined with black-and-white photos of Basque pioneers. Salad, soup & tongue was good. The restaurant, which served traditional Basque cooking enjoyed family-style in huge portions at shared tables, had been in business for 89 years. We had been seated at a table with dim romantic light. 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. sushi-moon.cafes-guide.com - unofficial site, All copyrights belong to their respective owners. Wool Growers; History; Recipes; Reservations; Lunch Menu; Dinner Menu; Banquet Menu; . BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) The matriarch of Bakersfield's renowned Basque culinary scene, Mayie Maitia, has died. We are a traditional Basque restaurant in Bakersfield, CA. It is Spanish Basque food. Huell Howser Wool Growers Basque Restaurant - Bakersfield, CA. In 1931, Gracianne Grace and Jean Elizalde, who Ladd referred to as Amatxi and Aitatxi, bought the hotel from the Noriegas. He was expecting a leg of lamb with the bone and instead got two slices of leg of lamb soaked in gravy. amzn_assoc_linkid = "23fed3e85ca8b79837c918e0c4c48c44"; She came from the back and seated us right away. The only bar (well, no, there is one in W Texas) with a walk-in safe ensuite. 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. All dinner meals come with soup, salad, bread, beans, spicy tomato sauce, vegetable and tongue salad. Skip the chicken and fries if you're celiac. Our menu is under update. Bakersfield, California 93301, There has been a Basque presence in the Central Valley since the 19th Century. We hope that you continue to enjoy our free content. It all needs to be consumed before the main course, which might be roasted lamb leg, beef or oxtail stew, or fried chicken. I am desperately trying to get the "salsa" recipe . amzn_assoc_title = "Cook Basque Food At Home"; The theme of which is the outrageous rudeness of answering a phone when in a restaurant. I will still go here for cheap and plentiful eats. it came to $26. Benji's French Basque Restaurant. 4809 Stockdale Hwy Bakersfield, CA 93309. 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. Not many restaurants in town take the time to create souffles. Chance of rain 40%. 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 included your recommendations and researched other restaurants to make a complete list. Lingua Franca opens on this L.A. landmark. Some had worked there for decades. (661) 885-8515, Noriega's Basque Restaurant4809 Stockdale Hwy 200 Oak St Bakersfield, CA 93304 (Map & Directions) (661) 327-2915 Cuisine: Basque, French, Spanish Neighborhood: Bakersfield Website: www.basquerestaurantbakersfield.com Leaflet | OSM See Larger Map - Get Directions Bookmark Update Menu Edit Info Read Reviews Write Review Share Hours Open Today: 11:00am-9:00pm Monday 11:00am - 9:00pm 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. Most dinners at the traditional Basque family-style restaurants start with soup. Your email address will not be published. Dishes at Restaurant. The waiters seem to have all worked there forever and know the menu well. Owner was floating around and more concerned about ticket sales..not patronsfood is good but soda tastes like can! We waited a few minutes for someone to help us. Benjis is more French than Spanish (frogs legs are popular), but the big ticket is a dessert soufflchocolate, lemon, Grand Marnier, or raspberry. Bakersfield, CA 93308 We did notice a large banquet room that faced the front with large windows, so they can accommodate larger parties. The Basque Cultural Center hosts many dinners, banquets and parties daily in its three banquet rooms, a spacious dining room, and an outdoor covered solarium. Dewar's, across the street from Bakersfield High School, is still the best old soda fountain in the state, and even if it didn't make the world's best nut chews little Tootsie Rolls of taffy . We ordered one dinner without entree and one with roast lamb. The Basque Cafes founding family also felt the loss. Everything in the setup, seemed like they were scrimping on ingredients to save money. We waited a few minutes for someone to help us. little on the weak side. Their wait staff are courteous and attentive. she was very attentive and our food came FAST. Nearby Restaurants. Bakersfield, CA 93309 I must say I liked this place best of the three we have tried so far. Lunch menu and Dinner menu Among the Noriegas biggest fans: Jonathan Gold, who wrote extensively about the restaurant over the years. This website uses cookies to collect information about how you interact with our website. However said waiter won't tell the drunk patrons to leave because the are " bar regulars." The bread was off the shelf plain sliced bread. Bakersfield, California 93309, 601 Sumner Street since 1901; local landmark serving Basque cuisine ("peasant food") View more restaurants in Bakersfield, CA from other shows - FoodiePie.com. The place was dark inside, not too many windows. She said many of The Basque Cafes staff stayed when her husband sold the business to Stewart. Visit Rent. As their motto says " It is not your typical grandparents' dinner " and their menu proves that. Give it a chance if you have time!More, Actually went to Chalet Basque twice this month. Basque Restaurants in Bakersfield Results 1 - 8 of 8 restaurants Wool Growers Restaurant ($$) Seafood, European, French, Spanish, Basque Menu Available 620 E 19th St, Bakersfield, CA (661) 327-9584 Write a Review! In addition to the multi-course setup, the Chalet serves a garlicky escargot you wont find elsewhere. Frequent searches leading to this page. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "hellabasque-20"; If your husband steps in to defend you, the waiter will then threaten to call the police of you don't all leave. You may want to ask for it on the side. Mon - Closed . Error: There is no connected account for the user 253329000 Feed will not update. keep sharing the blog like this. Nestled between the Pyrenees and the Atlantic Ocean, and straddling the border of northern. 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. It was light and flaky and cooked to perfection. Yvonne Etcheveste, former owner of the Chateau Basque in Bakersfield and my cousin, shared her version of Basque vegetable soup. Had he known, he might have ordered a different lamb dish. Everything in the setup, seemed like they were scrimping on ingredients to save money. This restaurant is like some place from the fifties. Wow, their meats were some of the tenderest we've ever had. The waiter made it very clear that he was uninterested in serving us. He came by only to drop off the food. Lisa loves getting to know her customers and offering them an unforgettable dining experience! More recently, however, the location became a detriment as Old Town Kern lost its sheen. You do get a lot of food; Soup and Salad. We would certainly eat here again any time we were in Bakersfield. They just didnt spend the time there that they should have. The other time I ordered thespecial of the day - halibut. #Chaletbasque. It was cooked perfectly, was tender and melt in your mouth juicy. Learn more, Copyright 2023 Visit Bakersfield | All Rights Reserved, Wool Growers Restaurant & Cocktail Lounge. Oh no, what sad news! Its hard on them., She said her father-in-law died earlier this year. Chalet Basque Restau. In future, we would order one entre, and one vegetarian meal, which is all the accompanying dishes. Learn more about offering online ordering to your diners. I asked my followers recently on Instagram to name their favorite Basque restaurants in the United States. Your email address will not be published. Have a restaurant in mind? 515 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301. The menu has a good selection of items with great specials. He never even came by to refill my husband's water glass. more, Reservations, Seating, Wheelchair Accessible, Takeout, Serves Alcohol, Table Service. I had the filet cooked with a pepper cognac sauce and my husband had the roasted leg of lamb. Restaurants around Bakersfield. (661) 328-0400, Benji's French Basque Restaurant4001 Rosedale Highway 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! The waiter made it very clear that he was uninterested in serving us. Overcast with rain showers at times. The broker led them to local restaurant owner, Bill Osathanugrah, who already owns two restaurants in Bakersfield, Happy Wings and KKs Caf. The sauces were excellent. Starting in January, the rent increased, Stewart said. My filet was huge. and original from prior owners. I was very happy with the steak and I gave him half. 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. The corporation had to file bankruptcy, said Joy Stewart, 63, who bought the restaurant on Coffee Road in 2005 as an agent of James L. Stewart, Inc. to run it with sons Brian and Greg Riggins. The wife's pork chops were large and juicy. It's a must while visiting this place to taste delicious coffee or great tea. 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. The restaurant needs a little upgrade in decor, but it is very clean and interesting. Recent Stories. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; The highlight is the family style set up that is always a part of the Basque experience. 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 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. Chalet is an old Bakersfield staple for Basque food, but it was obvious why we could get in so easy. Oops! Lamont restaurants. Come join us at Restaurant Basque for a unique exciting dining experience unlike anything else in Tulsa. Good house wine gets positive reviews. Phone (661) 885-8515. Read our story about Noriegas James Beard award, Memories of Handball at the Noriega Hotel, How to Make Basque Garlic Soup - Baratxuri Salda. Basque | Noriega's | Bakersfield Reservations Order Online View Menu A Family legacy of BASQUE CUISINE Our continued tradition of family style seating, combined with a multitude of courses bursting with flavor, sets us apart from your everyday dining experience. She was 92. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; This was my first experience with Basque food and I was so excited to be there. . Start your exploration of Basque food culture at the. They purchased a little cafe on 21st Street, she said, in a building that is no longer there. Bass said he personally received requests to save items for posterity, including from the Basque Museum in Boise and a museum on the Basque diaspora in the Basque Country. To find out more about the cookies we use, see our Privacy Policy. The doors finally closed on Noriegas, the oldest Basque boardinghouse-style restaurant in the West. The restaurant only had one table filled. Most who read my reviews know that my husband is from Spain and we tend to be harsh critics of Spanish food. 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). They also have a bar/lounge and outside patio area. Toll Free (866) 425-7353 Local (661) 852-7282 Some new restaurants have popped up and others have closed. The placed has been remodeled and enlarged to accommodate the large clientele they have. He was 95, led a really wonderful life. Couldn't eat it. 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. My all-time favorite was the Winnemucca Hotel, sadly closed. ), 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? The food tastes home-cooked and not restaurant portioned. I feel terrible that it came to this. The historic Noriega Hotel in Bakersfield, California was brought down by the coronavirus pandemic. 4809 Stockdale Highway, 661-885-8515, facebook.com/noriegasbasque Hours: Breakfast 7-10 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The doors finally closed on Noriega's, the oldest Basque boardinghouse-style restaurant in the West. When your entre comes, you also get buttery green beans, really French fries, and baked beans. Escargot $9.00 Salads & Sides Tuna Salad $8.25 Shrimp Salad $10.95 Chef's Salad $10.50 Ham, chicken, cheese. Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. A brief history of some of Bakersfields beloved Basque restaurants. give the food five stars and the service a zero or one. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Next, you can begin to explore California's Country Music Capital food and restaurant options. seem a bit on the expensive side, until you realize what you get with them. However, considering the level of colorful obscenities, the act of answering a phone seems to pale in comparison! Bakersfield, CA 93304 I almost got up and had to go get the drinks from the bar myself. Does this new robot-staffed chocolate emporium signal a themed restaurant comeback? We offer a flavorful menu of traditional Basque dishes that you can enjoy in our family-style dining setting.