Noriega’s Hotel has been serving Basque food in it’s restaurant since it opened in 1893. It’s still owned and operated by the Noriega family. The family settled here in Bakersfield California in the 1800’s and first opened the hotel/restaurant as a male boarding house. The food has been prepared in the same manner for over a hundred years. Basque style food and plenty of it. Breakfast, lunch and dinner and all you can eat. Noriega’s has recently been awarded the 2011 James Beard Foundation America’s Classics Award.

(Restaurants with timeless appeal, beloved in their regions for quality food that reflects the character of
their community. Establishments must have been in existence at least 10 years and be locally owned.)
The story comes to you from photojournalist Noe Gonzalez and reporter Paige Hansen.

from Noe R. Gonzalez