Good restaurants in the area? - Life, The Universe and Everything - scottso's Blog - Tehachapi News

Jan 30, 2007 at 04:01 PM : Thai Palms for Yellow...

Thai Palms for Yellow Curry, Gracians for beef enchiladas. We have not yet got there in regards to a really good restaurant. I will make an exception for Don Juans. I haven't tried that restaurant yet. What passes for good food in this town is very questionable.

Jan 30, 2007 at 04:01 PM : Ok failing good...

Ok failing good restaurants in Tehachapi proper, how about in Bakersfield or Palmdale/Lancaster? :)

Jan 31, 2007 at 07:01 AM : For breakfast or...

For breakfast or lunch, Henry's Cafe is my favorite. They are on Tucker Rd just north of Bank of the West and across the street from Albertsons. City Slickers is good also. They are by Walgreens. In Bakersfield my favorite restaurant is Tahoe Joes. It's a steak house but has much more than steak and a killer bloody mary. To get there take the 58 west to the 99 south. Get off at Ming and head west about 5 miles. You'll come to Edwards Movie Cinema on the right. It's in the same center.

Jan 31, 2007 at 07:01 AM : In Bakersfield:...

In Bakersfield: Valentien (NW corner of Oak and California). absolutely wonderful; try their prix fixe luncheon -- soup or salad, entree, dessert, and wine for $18. cacrider

Jan 31, 2007 at 08:01 AM : Thanks for the...

Thanks for the suggestions! I will check those out. Now I'm hungry!

Jan 31, 2007 at 09:01 AM : Scott- Hello and...

Scott- Hello and welcome!

For some great mexican food that is very low key or even take -out(this is what we normally do) try Taco Samich on Tehachapi Blvd. Great food at a great price!

We also really like Cattleman's Grille. They also serve breakfast all day and have great prime rib and my personal favorite chicken fried steak!! Best part is you normally NEVER have to wait for a table!!!

I have also heard a lot abot Jake's Steakhouse. I haven't personally eaten there. I've heard the food is very good, but a bit pricey.

As far as Bakersfield goes I have to agree with Blaze. Tahoe Joe's is great!

Jan 31, 2007 at 10:01 AM : And I will second...

And I will second Countygirls opinion of Jake's... It's good food too. And while I'm on the subject again, try Uricchios in downtown Bakersfield on 17th St. if you like italian food. Click here for a map.

Jan 31, 2007 at 10:01 AM : Hey Scott - welcome to...

Hey Scott - welcome to Tehachapi! I've lived here most of my life so I know a few good places to eat. :) Here are a few I go to: Gracians has great Mexcian food and their soups are pretty incredible, especially the spicy chicken noodle and cream of mushroom; Kelcy's has insane french fries; Village Grille has very good clam chowder, and their breakfasts are a really good deal; Apple Shed for pot pies (MMMMMM) or for breakfast they make several eggs benedicts that are good; but my favorite in town is Kasagiri across from the sheriff's station downtown. If you like sushi, this is the place to go. And if you don't like sushi, this is the place to go as well! They've got traditional japanese dishes like tempura and teriyaki, as well as things like chicken mornay, steak, battered fried fish. It's way yum. :)

Jan 31, 2007 at 11:01 AM : I agree with Mimi on...

I agree with Mimi on Kasagiri. They have an amazing Avacado Chicken Bowl. For Mexican, my favorite is La Costa Mariscos in Bakersfield. I belive they are on 21st Street. For sandwiches The Burger Spot is great, they deliver, and Kohnen's (the German Bakery).

Jan 31, 2007 at 11:01 AM : This is...

This is great! Now I have a whole list of places to try! Thanks so much everyone!! I had no idea there were so many different kinds of food here. I haven't had a chance to cruise all throughout town so its easy to miss things! Once we're all unpacked and not living out of boxes I'm looking forward to just cruising around and seeing whats here. :)

Jan 31, 2007 at 12:01 PM : I have a web site just...

I have a web site just coming on line anyday now that lists every restaurant in town with menus and other info: www.tasteoftehachapi.com we are also having a live event on Sept. 22 hosting several restaurants in one location. stay tuned

Jan 31, 2007 at 01:01 PM : That is AWESOME!...

That is AWESOME! Can't wait to see that website. Please let us know when it is up and running.
Maybe the editor will showcase it in the paper!

Jan 31, 2007 at 02:01 PM : Don Juans is prob the...

Don Juans is prob the best food in Tehachapi, Love it!!!!

Jan 31, 2007 at 06:01 PM : SOL2RIDE----You are...

SOL2RIDE----You are absolutely right!! Don Juan Rocks!! I like City Slickers too! As far as Bakersfield is concerned try BJ's its a new micro brewery down by the University.

Jan 31, 2007 at 06:01 PM : Hey Tonyorbit that...

Hey Tonyorbit that resturant list sounds fantastic, let us know when it's up and running. What's this "Welcome to Joomla! " ? are they helping you with the new webpage?

Jan 31, 2007 at 07:01 PM : Scottso I forgot to...

Scottso I forgot to tell you that if you like chili, believe it or not, Quiznos has the best!

Feb 1, 2007 at 10:02 AM : Wow I wouldn't...

Wow I wouldn't have thought of Quiznos for chili! I'll have to try that.

This ended up being a good blog for food! I can't wait to try all these places out. :)

Feb 1, 2007 at 09:02 PM : Welcome Scott! I...

Welcome Scott!

I like the Thai Palms restaurant on South street, Domingo's and Village Grill. If you don't and the occasionally artery clogger, frosty freeze has a pretty good pastrami sandwich (don't forget the peppers and pickles) but it's not for the faint of heart!

I am not really crazy about Jake's, It's overpriced and to me, the food is really mediocre, but most people just don't know better because this is a small town. The ambiance is classy but honestly the food is not anywhere near what it could be, and I found the service in general to be sloooow, and too pricey for the haute cuisine/ high price steakhouse it is trying to mimic.

We need a good Northern Italian joint up here, with real NY style Pizza. Old Town pizza is pretty horrible, but I go there cause my kid likes the video games. Has any body tried that Guido and the blonds place? I haven't and would like to hear some reviews.

Feb 1, 2007 at 09:02 PM : I have not...

I have not been to Don Juans, where is it?

Feb 2, 2007 at 10:02 PM : 20700 South St....

20700 South St. according to the phone book.. Just before Woodford-Tehachapi Road off the 202. I think I will be trying it this weekend. :)

Feb 4, 2007 at 01:02 AM : After reading this...

After reading this blog my husband & I decided to go try out Don Juans today. It was great! The service was great, the food was excellent & was actually something different from the same old stuff, and the prices really weren't that bad. I was impressed.

Another suggestion of good restaurants for you is Hungry Hunter in Bakersfield. It's a little pricey but very worth the experience. They even make your salad at the table so you can choose what you want on it. Excellent food and atmosphere!

Feb 4, 2007 at 04:02 PM : We stopped by Tahoe...

We stopped by Tahoe Joe's in Bakersfield yesterday. GOOD prime rib. And when you order it rare -- its RARE!! Yum. The dinner for two was great. Nice big slice of cheesecake to share. :) And if you like calamari, try their calamari steak appetizer! Good stuff! I give it a big thumbs up! Nice call, Blaze!

I'm looking forward to trying Don Juan's now. We will have to make time this week. :)

Feb 6, 2007 at 08:02 PM : Another vote for...

Another vote for Kasagiri...but the Thai place on South street is to die for, and you can get anything you want there...even if it is not actually on the extensive menu. The proprietress is a sweetheart and she will cook you anything if you tell her the ingredients you'd like.

Feb 17, 2007 at 10:02 AM : My wife and I tried...

My wife and I tried Don Juan's and I concur with all the thumbs up reviews! The food was excellent and the service equally so. I'll admit I was expecting it to be more of a Mexican restaurant but was pleasantly surprised to discover that its more of a Mediterranean sort of menu!

Feb 25, 2007 at 11:02 PM : Don Juans is great!...

Don Juans is great! I've been their about six times. they recently got their liquor license. The drinks are great. The food is delicious!!! As for the service I try asking for those beautiful Spanish loking girls Lora and Flora. They are great and give excellent service. You should try the Chocolate chimiganga it's delicious!

Feb 25, 2007 at 11:02 PM : I forgot to mention,...

I forgot to mention, that the manager might be a little lose in the head(she is the one sitting down with random cutomers with a wine glass). So don't mind her. Other than that it's GREAT!!!!!

Apr 11, 2007 at 02:04 PM : I have been to Don...

I have been to Don Juan's on at least six occasions, the service is excellent and the food is even better. The resturant is owner operated By Juan (Chef) and Yolonda (General operations and wine and beverage) They do a wonderful job together and will occasionlly randomly mingle with the customers, I think it is a very charming atmostphere. Try the bacon wrapped shrimp! Happy Dining!!

Mar 25, 2008 at 11:03 PM : I know this blog is...

I know this blog is like a year old now, but my wife and I finally got a chance to try Kasagiri and I felt the need to comment. Our kids are up north visiting family, and its hard enough getting them to eat "regular" food never mind sushi, so after almost a whole year without a kid break, we jumped at the chance.

In a nutshell the food is awesome. I can't believe there is such a great sushi place hidden away here in the mountains! It compares with any of the sushi places I've been to down in South Bay and LA proper. Now I'm going to have to figure out how to sneak off there while the kids are around. ;) I'm also going to have to practice my chopsticks skills again!

I highly recommend checking it out. Even if you don't like sushi, they have plenty of cooked food on the menu!

Apr 14, 2008 at 11:04 AM : Yay! So glad you...

Yay! So glad you finally got a chance to try Kasagiri, Scott. Yes, it's one of very few restaurants in our area that we find ourselves going to again & again.

They did a wonderful job for us recently when we had some visitors from Japan, and we wanted to take them to a very special meal. We had them order some special Kobe beef for us, and the ways they prepared it was delicious! We were the envy of the restaurant that night. They also order special bottles of sake for us, when we request them. We took some friends with kids there for dinner, who had never had Japanese food before. The kids actually had a blast, trying new food with the "special" chopsticks provided by the staff (rubber banded together so they were able to use them easily.)

I'd also like to write about the new Mediterranean place downtown, Petra. It's small, but the food was delicious & authentic. I had the lamb kebabs, and our friend tried the falafel. Hmmm, good! The side dishes (hummus, stuffed grape leaves, pita bread) were very good, too. The only drawback, for me, was the lack of wine & beer on the menu. I hope they can get a license to serve these soon.

At least it's not another Mexican place!

;-)

Apr 14, 2008 at 07:04 PM : Yeah I'm a...

Yeah I'm a Kasagiri fan now. :) I know there's a proclaimed japanese chef that used to post on the blogs here who says he left in the middle of a meal it was so terrible, but I certainly haven't had that experience. Its like so many people here bashing Domingo's. I don't get it. I take the family there, literally, every single Friday. If they had bad food I would have eaten it by now. ;)

I will add Petra to the list of places to try! So far Domingo's, Kasagiri, Don Juan's and Taco Sammich (for lunch, not dinner) are the only places I have found locally worth revisiting. I haven't tried Jakes or the Bear Valley restaurant yet so those are on the list too.

Apr 15, 2008 at 08:04 AM : Jake's is the...

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.

;-)

Apr 15, 2008 at 10:04 PM : Wife and I did...

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?

Apr 16, 2008 at 08:04 AM : I noticed that one...

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

Apr 16, 2008 at 01:04 PM : Yes, the new bistro...

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...

Apr 16, 2008 at 02:04 PM : You must try both Don...

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...

Apr 16, 2008 at 02:04 PM : I'll have to try...

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.

Apr 17, 2008 at 02:04 PM : lol...isn't it...

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.

Apr 17, 2008 at 03:04 PM : How is...

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!

May 2, 2008 at 02:05 PM : One of my most...

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

May 2, 2008 at 11:05 PM : I've been working...

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.