Pete Tittl

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Details add to standard smokiness

Fred's a better value than nearby spots
Don't pass up the papusas here

Salvadoran eatery serves great dishes
Camille's definitely a winner

Low-calorie wraps, service to die for
The elephant in this room is superb

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

By PETE TITTL
Pete Tittl: Firehouse needs a spark in the kitchen

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.
A pizzeria with Midwestern pride

Jimano's serves up deep-dish done right
Pete Tittl: Cheers for food at Amestoy Grill

If an artist is working in the kitchen but his customers are inebriated, will his work be truly appreciated?
Pete Tittl: Bar food, groovy atmosphere and primo beer — life is good at Lengthwise

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.
Hungry buckaroos know where the good stuff is served

Crystal Palace still a fine, fun experience
Pete Tittl: Hungry buckaroos love the Crystal Palace

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?
Pete Tittl: New beef recipe overtaking Joe's chicken

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.
Pete Tittl: Cactus Valley preserves hospitality, impressive menu

It would be hard to get evidence that the economy is in trouble if you visit Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant on a Friday night.
Pete Tittl: Pull in to the Station for homemade goodies, grilled tri-tip

Someone visiting the Union Station Deli wondered when the building last housed an actual gas station.
Pete Tittl: Flat screens a nice distraction from slow service

Sports bars come and go in Bakersfield, but this does seem the perfect type of town for all things celebrating games. After all, how many top-flight sporting goods retailers keep coming to town, and reportedly another big name is on its way.
Pete Tittl: IHOP doesn't have franchise on quality, as this cafe proves

Owning a franchise restaurant can seem like a great deal — big name, instant credibility with customers — but there is the bite known as franchise fees. Could be 6 percent of the gross, could be more, could be less. Could pay for ad campaigns that put money in your cash register, could pay for fruitless trips, seminars and advice from clueless bigwigs in corporate headquarters who have no idea what people in Bakersfield want.
Pete Tittl: Shabu takes concept of self-serve to a new level — but give it a try

Are you in a dining rut? Are you one of those who say all Bakersfield restaurants are pretty much more of the same?
Pete Tittl: Moo Creamery is the next great Bakersfield dining mecca

I’ve read about the “brain drain” problem affecting Bakersfield. Our best and brightest get educated elsewhere and don’t return with their college degrees to help make our community vital
Dining out: Logan's potatoes and veggies are real winners

At this time of year everyone wants to eat healthy. A seafood that I’ve enjoyed in the past is tilapia, a thin, light-tasting whitefish that, I assumed, was better for you than, say, red meat.
Pete Tittl: L.A. Pizza Veloz gives city more great Italian — and at crazy-good prices

I do love a good Italian restaurant, and no city can have too many of them. Of course I’m not in the business so I can say stuff like that, but Italian is one of the great cuisines in the world and we’ve had our share of great ones.