New restaurants change as the years go by, ideally for the better. Steak & Grape is one of those restaurants. I wasn't that impressed during my first visit after it opened two years ago, but I felt it had potential. It's improved in a lot of ways since then, with an impressive Sunday brunch, First Friday wine and beer tastings ($20, including appetizers), better service and now a new menu that has some tempting and satisfying choices, such as sea scallops chardonnay (available as an appetizer or dinner), four different types of soft-shell tacos, a fish sandwich made with tilapia and a Bolognese pasta ($13.95) made with sauteed beef and mushrooms.
I almost ordered that pasta, but was unable to resist another of the new menu items, the...
Some new restaurants open with all sorts of hype: spotlights scanning the skies outside, long lines, full parking lots, media attention. Coseree's Restaurant & Catering is not one of those places. In fact, one of the most valuable points...
Every city needs those restaurants that move blissfully through the decades, anchored as a reliable source of sustenance to the regulars. We have a few of those in the heart of the city, and one of those stalwarts, celebrating its 30th...
This week we've got something old, something new, nothing borrowed and after what we tasted, we're anything but blue. We're featuring two lunch spots, both recommended by readers -- one of which is an exceptional value. Los Comales...
Frosting Ink, one of Bakersfield's top cupcake bakeries, is moving from its current location northwest of the Padre Hotel and the downtown post office to 1913 Eye St., right in the middle of Bakersfield's growing arts district. Owner...
We're fortunate in Bakersfield to have some locally owned restaurants doing so well that they're expanding all over town: Que Pasa, Tony's Pizza, La Mina and now Cataldo's Pizzeria, which has opened its fifth Kern County location in what...
Bakersfield has not exactly been a hotbed for Cuban cuisine. We've got Mama Roomba (which was really busy on a recent Saturday night when we strolled by) but a fast-food Cuban buffet at the corner of California and Chester avenues didn't...
The most common complaint some folks have about Chinese restaurants is that what they serve is toned-down and Americanized. An example of a similar cultural disconnect is found at the Olive Garden, whose food is so far from genuine Italian...
I had figured that with other La Mina restaurants in town, including the always-busy Rosedale location, that the new restaurant at the corner of Gosford and District Boulevard in the southwest would not be packed. Major miscalculation on...
Years ago, Mimi's Cafe, a French-influenced chain based in Irvine, was early to jump on the low-calorie menu options trend and the "small plates" movement that is still growing nationwide. Now with their new menu, they've added a distinct...
One of the most popular episodes of "Seinfeld" ever was centered on a New York City restaurateur affectionately called the "Soup Nazi," inspired by Al Yeganeh's legendary midtown soup kitchen. You can now buy four of his soups at most...
Korean food is not considered one of the world's great cuisines, but it has to be one of the most addictive. I've received emails from servicemen who had extended tours there, and they speak of an almost religious need to get a fix of it...
Dickey's Barbecue Pit, a company born north of Dallas in 1941, is preparing to open its first Bakersfield location on Coffee Road north of Rosedale Highway. Dickey's serves up beef brisket, pulled pork, ham, Polish sausage, turkey breast...
Sheriff defends deputies' conduct, says Silva's death accidental (33)
A forceful Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood announced at a tense press conference Thursday that David Sal Silva, whose death earlier this month raised questions about use of force by deputies, died as a result of hypertensive heart disease and was not only intoxicated but had methamphetamine...
Council committee waters down anti-abortion ordinance (7)
A draft city ordinance that would have restricted abortion in Bakersfield was placed on hold Monday when the Bakersfield City Council's Legislative and Litigation Committee voted 3-0 to table its discussion indefinitely, and instead, ordered the drafting of a resolution that could be less...
Attorneys rebut sheriff's findings, criticisms (7)
Attorneys for the family of David Sal Silva and for the witnesses to his violent encounter with sheriff's deputies reacted with incredulity and outrage to the sheriff's statements Thursday.
INGA BARKS: Shame on the media is right (7)
BOY did Sheriff Donny Youngblood tell US how the cow eats the cabbage this week. By "us" I mean we in the media. In his Thursday press conference regarding the death of David Sal Silva, who died after an altercation with sheriff's deputies, Youngblood released results from a coroner's report and...
Sheriff defends deputies' conduct, says Silva's death accidental
A forceful Kern County Sheriff Donny Youngblood announced at a tense press conference Thursday that David Sal Silva, whose death earlier this month raised questions about use of force by deputies, died as a result of hypertensive heart disease and was not only intoxicated but had methamphetamine and other drugs in his system at the time of his death.
School canceled at Bakersfield High after small explosions
Classes were canceled at Bakersfield High School Monday after three small bottle bomb explosions struck campus, authorities said.
Silva's screams mark video that lacks baton strikes
David Sal Silva’s screams seem like they will never stop.
Dad who died during arrest 'begged for his life'; witness videos seized
Blood stains are still visible on the sidewalk at the corner of Flower Street and Palm Drive, where a Bakersfield man struggled with as many as nine officers and later died this week.