Bakersfield.com Pete Tittl

Come hungry, leave happy

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 18:24:04 PDT

Eatery thrives while others go under

Easily missed, but what a find

Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:50:19 PDT

Delimart at new spot is worth the visit

Can't beat this deal

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:36:57 PDT

Honey Baked Ham's lunch a tasty bargain

Details add to standard smokiness

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 18:45:59 PDT

Fred's a better value than nearby spots

Don't pass up the papusas here

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 17:25:04 PDT

Salvadoran eatery serves great dishes

Camille's definitely a winner

Wed, 27 May 2009 16:33:27 PDT

Low-calorie wraps, service to die for

The elephant in this room is superb

Wed, 20 May 2009 18:33:31 PDT

New Thai eatery serves up quality Blue Elephant server Duke Rojvithee delivers two plates of fresh Thai cuisine to a couple's table. FELIX ADAMO / THE CALIFORNIAN

Pete Tittl: It's independents' day for Bakersfield pizza, so let's celebrate

Mon, 11 May 2009 11:31:53 PDT

By PETE TITTL

Contributing columnist

Pete Tittl: Firehouse needs a spark in the kitchen

Tue, 05 May 2009 14:02:08 PDT

I really wanted to like the Firehouse Restaurant, a spectacular new place on White Lane in the southwest that has a fun environment and a slogan -- "Eat Drink Play" -- touting three of my favorite things in life.

In fact, at first glance it reminded me of the Dave & Buster's chain, which I have visited in Irvine. Of course it doesn't have the extensive video games of D&B, but there are so many pool tables in the back (more than a dozen) that you can rent by the half-hour or hour. A perfect activity while you're waiting for your food.

A pizzeria with Midwestern pride

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 10:40:19 PDT

Jimano's serves up deep-dish done right

Pete Tittl: Cheers for food at Amestoy Grill

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:15:17 PDT

If an artist is working in the kitchen but his customers are inebriated, will his work be truly appreciated?

Doubtful, as we all know that alcohol dulls the ability to discriminate in culinary matters. Put a gangrenous leg of lamb in front of someone stumbling out of a bar and they dig in as if they're on their last meal on this planet. Thus I have mixed feelings about the work of Benjamin Lindquist, a Culinary Institute of America grad who is in the kitchen at the Amestoy Grill cooking up great burgers, pizzas and sandwiches, but also offering "breakfast" near closing time for those wandering souls who somehow can't stumble into Denny's after imbibing vigorously all night.

Pete Tittl: Bar food, groovy atmosphere and primo beer — life is good at Lengthwise

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:23:19 PDT

In these tough economic times, restaurants like the Lengthwise Brewing Company undoubtedly will continue to thrive. The menu is not as extensive as what the chain brew pubs offer, but the food is solid and the atmosphere bar-casual. The owners have a nimble touch when it comes to tweaking what is offered.

And what has always struck me is that the guys working there always seem so happy to see you. They seem to get that it’s a hospitality business. Since I have noticed many local restaurants now serving their beer, I figured the big tanks behind the bar at the Schirra Court restaurant were just for show, or at least were used to produce only a part of the company’s output. No, the bartender assured me breezily, it’s all made here.

Hungry buckaroos know where the good stuff is served

Thu, 19 Mar 2009 09:29:05 PDT

Crystal Palace still a fine, fun experience

Pete Tittl: Hungry buckaroos love the Crystal Palace

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 16:27:06 PDT

One might have wondered how the Crystal Palace would survive the death of founder Buck Owens. Would the attraction fade over time? Would all the other forces that seem to threaten live music in our era conspire with his passing to take the place down?

I’m happy to report that with the help of his son Buddy Alan Owens, the Buckaroos and singer Monty Byrom, it’s still a great weekend dinner spot. The food is just as good, if not better, and though there’s a $5 charge to visit (I recall getting free admission with dinner a year ago), I don’t begrudge the restaurant that if it’ll help keep the mystique alive.

Pete Tittl: New beef recipe overtaking Joe's chicken

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 18:16:29 PDT

If, like me, you thought the food, particularly the tri-tip, was slipping in recent months at Coconut Joe's Beach Grill, you may need to revisit.

As a longtime customer and fan, I thought something was amiss at the restaurant owned by Joe Coughlin. The beef seemed to have a lot less spunk and flavor than it used to. I've always appreciated the way the owners are never satisfied, always tinkering with the formula, trying to keep the restaurant moving in the right direction.