How Bakersfield Became Famous for Fried Chicken

Bakersfield may not come to mind when you’re thinking about foodie destinations, but this Central California ag town has made quite an impression on folks for its many delicious Basque restaurants. If you want a taste of their famous fried chicken topped with a punchy parsley and garlic topping (you do), then you’d better make a reservation or get there right when the restaurants open. Home to the second-largest Basque immigrant population in the U.S., these restaurants act as both a friendly community hub and a place to enjoy and remember traditional foods from the homeland.

Family style is the name of the game at places like Wool Growers and Pyrenees Cafe located in Old Town Bakersfield in an area known as “Basque Block.” Portions are hearty and no matter where you go you can expect dinner to start with a “setup” consisting of sourdough bread, cabbage soup, spaghetti, beans, salsa and pickled tongue. From there the main course can rotate through classic Basque dishes including roast lamb, oxtail stew or fried chicken. There’s a real sense of community there where stories and laughter are served up in equal measure to the gigantic portions of delicious food. Everyone is welcome and everyone is treated like family — it’s a unique and memorable stop on a California road trip. But if you can’t get to Bakersfield just yet, our recipe for Basque-Style Fried Chicken is below.

September is California Wine Month

Did you know that September is California Wine Month? There’s no better time than now to visit wine country. Harvest season is a busy and exciting time of year for anyone and everyone involved in the winemaking process. And there’s also plenty of fun to be had for visitors. Check our calendar of events to learn more about festivals, concerts, grape stomps, harvest dinners, tours and more ways you can experience the excitement for yourself.

In the vineyards, harvest is happening and grapes are tested daily for sugar, acid and pH levels both with scientific tools and the old-fashioned taste test. Once the grapes are determined to be at their ideal ripeness, crews spring into action to harvest the grapes quickly and efficiently. 

With over 80% of California wines being produced in a certified sustainable winery, harvest season is a great time to see sustainability in action. Many grapes are harvested at night when cooler temperatures help preserve the flavor and aroma of the grapes. Night harvesting also reduces overall energy use at the winery as grapes don’t need to be cooled once inside the production facility. And importantly, cooler temps also make for better conditions for vineyard crews. During harvest, juicy, ripe grapes also become particularly attractive to pests and birds. Many vineyards employ falconers that help chase away smaller birds looking for a snack. 

With 60% of the state’s roughly 615,000 vineyard acres certified to one of California’s sustainability programs (Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing, Fish Friendly Farming, LODI RULES, Napa Green and SIP Certified), sustainability is a way of life in wine country all year long. When you buy wines from the Golden State, you’re helping to support these sustainable practices while also enjoying world-class wines. We call that a win-win!

Experience Harvest in California’s Central Valley

Just an hour or so from Bakersfield you’ll find many wine tasting opportunities in California’s Central Valley. It’s a low-key destination with some delicious wines. Though the region’s hot days and warm nights make it ideal for sweet and dessert wines, you can also find everything from Albariño to Zinfandel as well. Be sure to check out the Madera Wine Trail where you can visit small and family-owned wineries in a relaxed and friendly setting. And if you’re still hungry after noshing on that Basque-Style Fried Chicken, the Fresno restaurant scene is a food-lover’s paradise.