Best-kept Secret: Noriega’s
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Photo by Mark Nessia
or folks who grew up in a large family, eating at Noriega’s is a lot like eating at home. The reason it’s Bakersfield’s best-kept secret is not only because of the extraordinary fare, but the unique way that the food is served, said owner Linda ElizalzeMcCoy. “You are not handed a menu,” she said. “Everyone eats what is being served that day for that particular meal.” After more than 80 years in business, it seems to still be working. While Elizalze-McCoy has owned Noreiga’s with her sister, Rochelle Ladd, for the past 10 years, their family has operated the restaurant since 1931. When dining, prepare to feast on delicious dishes like rib-eye steak, served for dinner on Tuesdays, prime rib on Wednesdays and roast lamb on Fridays. But this type of food set-up comes with a strict timetable. Lunch is served at noon sharp, and dinner is promptly served at 7 p.m. So don’t be late, since everyone sits down to eat at the same time. You have a little leeway for breakfast, as it is served
• Dr. Ravi Patel, CBCC 6501 Truxtun Ave.; 322-2206; cbccusa.com
from 7 to 9 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday and includes your choice of fried eggs or an omelet; potatoes; Basque sausage, bacon or ham; salsa; bread; jack cheese; and even wine or coffee. “The food is good, very good,” she said. “And we have one waitress who has been here for 50 years, who used to be the cook and knows all the recipes. We’ve been cooking it the same way. Nothing has changed around here.” And that’s a good thing. No, make that a great thing. 525 Sumner St.; 322-8419; noriegahotel.com
• Dr. Christopher Hamilton, Southern California Orthopedic Institute • Dr. Jason Helliwell, Advanced Women’s Health Center
Food & Drink Best Bakery • Smith’s Bakeries Various locations including 2808 Union Ave.; 325-3411; smithsbakeries.com
Favorites • Sweet Surrender • Pyrenees French Bakery
Best Bar • Lengthwise Brewing Co. 6720 Schirra Court.; 836-ALES and 2900 Calloway Drive; 589-7394; lengthwise.com
Favorites • BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse • Brimstone Bar at the Padre Hotel
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