I suppose I'm part of the problem.  I love good Mexican food and I would never go to a KFC.  But my husband used to deliver to KFC and he saw what the kitchens were like...

I really enjoy good mexican food, too.  But have you taken a count of how many we have?  I'm just asking city leadership to mix it up a bit.  As for the sanitary standards of any restaurant, there are public health spot inspections and management responsibilities that are implemented to ensure the highest standards and quality are in place.

I really don't understand how some of these restaurants stay in business, considering the things he has told me.  Counters that "move" when he opens the door, trash piled in the kitchen overnight because employees are not allowed to open the back doors at night, floors so sticky with grime or slippery with grease that he could barely walk, smells coming from sludge in the docks that are so bad that he threw up every time he delivered.  Some fast food places are impeccable, some are horrendous.  He tells me that Panda/Hibachi are always immaculate, ColdStones and KFC are hit-and-miss, Boston Markets are usually really bad.

You have got to be kidding me right?  uh....San Diego has a Taco Shop on every corner, in every strip mall (sometimes 3or 4 in each), in every crevice EVERYWHERE.  Along with millions of chinese food, vietnamese food etc.  Taco Samich is actually the only authentic mexican food stand in Tehachapi.  I KNOW I KNOW San Diego is not Tehachapi, but people are just trying to make a living and offer the community some good eats...

OMG my sisters used to take me to a taco place in SD, I think it was called Xotihan, or some crazy spelling like that.  I wish I could remember where it was, a couple hills SE of La Jolla maybe?  Some of the best flautas I've ever had!!!  And I'm sad we don't have any Vietnamese restaurants here.  I get cravings for pho.  They took me to a real Chinese place in the barrio down there- haven't really craved Chinese food since :/

It's really not up to the city who comes here. it's who has the money to start a business or open a franchise. i suppose you could say that the city could turn down requests to open Mexican food restaurants here, but that's not going to automatically make another type of food show up. Your best bet is to contact restaurants that are in other towns and tell them how much we'd love to have that type of cuisine in Tehachapi.

I love, love, love Mexican food, but I'd kill for some decent chicken wings. Cats love birds :o)

madkow...yes!!!!!!!!!! The taco shops (and that is literally what we call them) are SOOOOOOOOOOOOO good!!! Interesting you would mention Pho', we go to this vietnamese place and have Pho' all the time.  I love the spring rolls with peanut sauce....man i could eat those everyday.  The taco shops is where i discovered...carne asada fries.  GEEZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think the devil had something to do with creating those...the craving and tempation to eat those is nothin nice

You have a right to expect clean and safe foods at any licensed eating establishment.  I worked in the food industries for years while attending high school and into college.  I was proud to maintain my stores in the highest degree of sanitary standards...after all, my girlfriend, and all my buddies would eat there!  (although I admit to putting a rubber mouse on the floor once as a get-even prank).... Later in life I would invite my wife and kids....

If I have even the slightest doubt of the cleanliness of any place I chose to eat at, I ask the proprietor if I might take a look at the kitchen.  Those who refuse my reasonable request have never had my shadow cross their doors again, as well as any of my friends and colleagues.  So there.  Now I'm starvin', darn it.

Recap:

Olive Garden

Red Lobster

KFC

 

BinFordBry

What does "Applebee's" have in common with either City Slickers or the Apple Shed?  They are not the same market.

I would welcome an Applebee's over either.  Applebee's has far more diverse fare than either and, unlike City Slickers, has never made me sick.  When we have taken out-of-town guests to the Apple Shed, they look at the very limited menu and exclaim, "Is this all?"  It's a cute little niche restaurant,  and I appreciate their wholesome fare, but the diversity of menu items is really lacking and it's ludicrous to compare them to an Applebee's.  The fact of the matter is that City Slickers, The Apple Shed, Kelcey's, Village Grille, and Jake's Steakhouse combined can't match the diversity of an Applebee's menu.

Perhaps the writer is unaware that we once had a Sizzler in this community.  Do they really think that a community this size, that can't keep a Sizzler open, can generate enough business to support an Olive Garden or Red Lobster?  Give me break.  Neither restaurant will even consider a market without at least a six figure population base nor will Outback Steakhouse, T.G.I. Fridays, Chli's, or any number of dining establishments.  When Tehachapi get's big enough to support that kind of restaurant, it will be time to move.

While I might prefer KFC ,  Albertson's, SaveMart, and the Wild Rose, all serve similar fried chicken items.  I would also agree with previous comments that the kitchens of most KFC's I have seen are somewhat less than wholesome.

One restaurant that was rumored to be coming to the new shopping center on Tucker, but that was not mentioned in the most recent newspaper article about same, is Panda Express.   I would welcome a Panda Express over another taco stand any day.

Applebees blows.  Been to one lately?  All the charm of a cafeteria.  Kelceys, on the othe hand?  That place has charm - and fried chicken!

 

Usually the worst looking taco shops have the best food. I can't wait for taco samich to reopen.They by far are the best place to get real Mexican food.

It kinda like Chinese places- you never go to the ones that have an "A" rating.  The ones with a "C" are the best :)

Jewels- have you had the fried beef over vermicelli and lemongrass??  I can never decide between that and pho!! 

City Slickers and Kelcy's are the only two places I eat at here in town.   I guess I should try more restaurants here locally...heck I love Mexican food.   Where is the best place in town to eat Mexican food?  I hear a Del taco is coming to town..is this true?

 Taco Samich is the best!! Does anyone know when they'll be a go again? Las Palmas has very good food, but the atmosphere is kind of blahh.  I know some people haven't been thrilled with Que Pasa, but I've liked what I've gotten the two times that I've eaten there. I like their chips and salsa the best! 

Oh, and Scottso! Sorry to inform you that my SIL just missed a whole week of work after eating at Domingo's!!

Oh, and yes, Del Taco will be in the new shopping center next to Albertsons. They are hiring now so they should be open pretty soon.

 

I talked to the owner of Taco Samich the other day.  She laughed when she saw me approaching her.  She knew my question.  She says, they are working quickly.  No idea of when though.  Taco Samich hands down.  Haven't been to Que Pasa yet.  Went to the other one in the shopping center behind Taco Bell.  Not impressed.  Mexican food is my favorite.  I'd eat it everyday.  By reading the comments I guess you know now why so many Mexican Restaurants.  Tehachapi people love Mexican Food!!!!