In 1978, a group of Native American activists set out to walk from San Fransisco to Washington D.C. to promote Native American rights and our way of life. It was a peaceful, spiritual effort to educate the public about Native issues. Now, thirty years later, it is being done again. The Longest Walk 2008 started just as the original, from San Fransisco on Feb. 11th. It will take five months to complete the walk to D.C.. The southern route is being led by AIM (American Indian Movement) co-founder Dennis Banks. This walk is a grassroots effort to bring attention to not only Native issues but to the environment and to the harmony of Mother Earth. Along the way, walkers will also pick up trash that has plagued our highways for years. Why do I tell you this??? Because, we in Tehachapi are fortunate to have them right here! The walkers will be in Tehachapi on Saturday and Sunday March 1st and 2nd.

As a Native American and a long time member of AIM, I have offered to do what I can to support this walk. As many of you know, I am a chef. I will be donating my time and materials to feed the 100+ walkers as they rest here in Tehachapi on Saturday night. They will be staying at the United Methodist Church on Backes Ln. (822-1440). They are due to arrive at 4:00p.m. This is not just a group of Native American activists. They are also being joined by Buddhist Monks from Japan and any and all supporters. Please visit their website www.longestwalk.org and see what you can do to get involved and educated. I do hope to see some of you and I also hope that some of you can take time and walk with them, even if only for a short time.

 

A few days back, I posted that I had heard that Don Juan's Grill was up for sale. I have heard from the owner and he told me that it is not true. Sorry if I freaked any of you out.

So as most of you know, I am looking for a place to open my restaurant. In doing so, I hear a lot of local restaurant news that many of you may or may not know. Please understand that what I am about to write may or may not be true. It is just what I have heard. First off, I have heard that Cattleman's is now a Mexican restaurant (just what we need). I have not been there so again, hearsay. I have also heard that Que Pasa is in trouble. I guess they have had some issues with their payroll. Don Pericos is for sale. That is what I was told by one of my Realtors (way too big for me and the lease is very high). I have also heard that Don Juan's Grill is up for sale. I hope not, as I think it is one of the better places to eat here in town. There is talk that another Italian restaurant is coming to the new complex where Del Taco is. There are a few others that I will wait to post as I am actually interested in them for my own place. I do hope you all come out to the Chili and Rib cook-off in June, here in Tehachapi. I do believe that I will be competing in both categories. If any of you know of any good locations opening up, let me know. I would really like to be up and running by the end of 08'.

I have a question for all of you (can you believe it has nothing to do with food?), I live out in Cummings Valley and we (family) have T-Mobile as our cell provider. The coverage is not very good and we want to switch to something that  works better here at home. Does anyone know if the "other" companies have a better signal here in Cummings Valley?

So here is some restaurant news that you may not have heard. I have heard from many people that the new restaurant called Petra (on Green St.) is pretty good. Although I do not know why people would go to a Mediterranean restaurant and order a sandwich when there are items like Shawerma and Kebbah on the menu (don't fear the unknown). Rigby's Pizza is out of business and there is a new Italian Bistro opening in it's place. Cappi's Bagel and Brew is for sale (there's a surprise) and there have been reports that someone is looking to open a Vietnamese restaurant there. Actually, the people looking to open the Vietnamese restaurant are looking all over town to open a restaurant (I know this because I too have been looking for a location to open my restaurant and I keep hearing about them from different realtor's that I have been in contact with). Let me know if you hear anything restaurant related.

I wanted to know if anyone has heard about the new Mediterranean Deli on Green St.? I do not know anyone that has gone there and I have not had a chance yet either.

I just wanted to let people know that the Fall Fair is this weekend. It will run from 10 to 5pm on Sat. and 10 to 4pm on Sun. at the City/Central park here in Tehachapi. Come and support our local craft vendors. There will also be food. Hope to see you there.

I want to hear honest opinions on the Tehachapi Farmers Market. I am a food vendor (Red House BBQ) at the Market and I would like to know what you think about it and how we can improve it.