Jake's is the steak place, right? I have to say that we went there a few weeks after they opened & were not impressed. I can grill a steak 100% better than they did! The sides weren't anything special either. I hope they've gotten better since then!

The OTCC has made a significant change to their menu. We go there occassionally, mostly because it's close to home. The food has always been good, & they really know how to train service personnel for a nice dining experience. My hubby always flirts with the cute waitresses, so everybody goes home happy.

;-)

Wife and I did Petra's for lunch today.  Two thumbs up from us.  I had the falafel and my wife the lamb kabob.  The falafels were good but the lamb was GREAT.  Lucky for me there was so much food my wife couldn't eat it all so I got some lamb. ;)

As an aside, I noticed an Italian Bistro across the street and next to the movie theater.  Is that new?  I don't recall it being there.  Is that the "new" Guido and the Blondes?  Has anyone eaten there yet?  Is it any good?

I noticed that one too, Scott. I do believe it's Guido & the Blonde's place, but I'm not 100%.

Yes, the new bistro next to the theater is owned by the woman who had Guido's. I don't think she is using that name any longer. We did eat at Guido's when it was over by SaveMart, it wasn't the best Italian I've ever had, but it wasn't bad. 

And sorry, Scott, I'm one of those who thinks the food as well as the service at Domingos sucks. I won't eat at Village Grill ever again either. Don Pericos wasn't very good.  For Mexican I prefer Las Palmas. For pizza we go to Graciano's in Mojave as there aren't any decent pizza places here in town. I did hear however, that the new Wine Cellar has excellent food (heard the basil pizza is to "die for"). We will be trying them out on May 14th for the S.T.O.P. fundraiser. Hope all of you will come that night and help us out. 15% of what they sell that night will be donated to S.T.O.P.

Don Juan's and Kasigiri are on my to try list also. Loved Petras. For breakfast Primos is primo - so are thier pastrami sandwichs. A lot of food for not a lot of money. I also like the breakfast buffet at Apple Shed.

Ok, now I'm hungry...

You must try both Don Juan's & Kasagiri, Joty! You won't regret it...

I'm glad you mentioned the STOP fundraiser since I was just thinking about that the other day (happened to have my old PR hat on at the time.) Has anyone put together a brief press release to announce STOP's activities? Something that could be faxed out to the local media. I had several events (at a winery I used to work for) covered by the local TV & print media. You never know when they might want a little local flavor in our hometown news. Bakersfield & Mojave should be included on the fax list.

Sorry for the tangent, Scott. Now back to your regularly scheduled commentary...

I'll have to try that Mojave pizza place.  I haven't had good pizza since I left NY.

I will never go to Don Perico's ever again.   The food was really bad.  The salsa was basically diced tomatoes.  When I asked for some hotter salsa (my wife and I like super spicy), they literally brought us "hot" salsa -- as in temperature. I think they microwaved it or something.  And charged us an extra dollar for it!

Las Palmas I was unimpressed with.  To me it was just "Americanized" Mexican food. Wasn't much of a step up from Del Taco in my opinion.  But considering the long line of cars always at Del Taco, I guess that might a good thing! :)

I still stand by Domingo's as the best Mexican restaurant for 60 miles. ;)

We stopped by the Wine Cellar yesterday on our way back from Petras.  Seems like a really nice place.  The owners and employees are incredibly nice and outgoing.  We didn't have time to do much other than look around (and of course I picked up some wine) but we'll be coming back there.  They have some good wines that you can't find easily -- certainly not at Albertsons.  Try the Opolo Mountain Zinfindel, and any of the Eberle reds.  They are great wines from Paso Robles.  The Ruffino Il Ducale at the Wine Cellar is a good deal.  Its about $7 cheaper than at Albertsons and its really good.

lol...isn't it funny how tastes can be so different?  I feel about Domingo's, Scott, the way you feel about Las Palmas. I just cracked up at your "hot" salsa story at Don Perico's. I hope your tip was mucho smallo. I don't do Bakes, but in Lancaster we go to Dave's barbecue. I don't head down that way too often either though. Especially now with gas prices. So I will definitely have to hit Don Juan's and Kasigiri's for a meal out.

oohchild, Susie from Canine Creek is our publicity person for S.T.O.P. I'm not sure how she handles it, but please, email her with suggestions/ideas, she's really open - or come to our next meeting on May 8, 5:30 p.m. at Eidelweiss Deli.

I sure would like to see an El Pollo Loco or Popeyes up here for fast chicken. Don't like Kentucky Fried Grease.

 How is Edelweiss Deli? I bought some chocolate sauce there and it was great but I didn't try the food. The last time I went to Don Pericos I told the hostess that I thought the food had gone down in quality fast, the service was terrible , the drinks were weak and I wouldn't be dining there again. She was the one who asked how the dining experience was.  Coming from me it had to be really bad. I  don't like confrontation.

I still am not impressed with Kasagiri's but we all have different tastes.  I like the new Hot Dog place. Good Kraut dogs!

One of my most favorite places to eat in Tehachapi, CA is Jake’s Steak House. The owner, Barbara Ferrante has poured her heart and soul into making the restaurant one of the warmest and most inviting spots around. I’ve been there three times, and I can’t decide which menu item is better. Perhaps I’ll have to go back another half dozen times to find my favorite. The service is fine to excellent and always attentive – there are no problems here. The wine gets a gold star.

If there was a complaint is was because my parents each received a BIG hug from Barbara, and I received a firm handshake. I guess it pays to be a local.

Kenneth Turner

Sacramento, CA 95835-1538

I've been working in Cal City one day a week for the past couple of months, if you'd like some fantastic BBQ.  There is a place on the Blvd same shopping center as the chinese place.  I think it's called Rogers.  You know, Calif City is a strange little place but they have some good food.

My daughter and I go to Jakes quite often on our lunch break.  We love it.  They have really good sweet potato fries. 

So the new Chinese Buffet on Tucker is awesome compared to the older Chinese Buffet in the SaveMart shopping center.  They cost just a little bit more (like $3) but man its like $10 better.  I hope the competition makes both of them better than putting anyone out of business!