From Highway 99 To Pais Vasco In One Exit
DESCRIPTION: If you're driving through the San Joaquin Valley and find yourself really, really hungry, get off at the Stockdale Highway exit of Highway 99, and go east one light, go north on Oak, and plant yourself at a table inside Chalet Basque. What's Basque, you ask? Well, it's a food atypical of a region emcompassing Northern Spain, Andorra and Southwestern France. Basque food includes chicken, lamb, beef and seafood, and traditional Basque dinners involve three courses and tons to eat. At Chalet Basque, one gets a good introductory lesson to Basque. Bakersfield natives say the place is mediocre at best and that there's no place like Wool Growers. If you can find it and don't mind traveling in an unsavory area of town, go for it. If you don't have much time to spare and only have an hour to chow down, head straight to Chalet Basque. The interior is nothing fancy -- straight out of the 1960s with a noisy bar adjacent to the dining room. But who cares, as you came for the food. One starts with a soup course, and you're served a huge portion of cabbage-vegetable soup -- good for three bowls full! The bread is French and damn good, too. Then comes the salad, and you'll get a big portion of shredded iceberg lettuce, a plate of marinated tomatoes and a most interesting dish: pickled tongue. It's cow tongue, but prepared much different than a Jewish deli would. It's dark and it's tasty but pickled. After noshing on all of that food, you'll still have a main course awaiting. I ordered the Chicken a la Basque, a French concoction that involves a boneless chicken breast covered in a layer of melted cheese and marinara sauce. Mmmm good. The green beans didn't look too appetizing and I avoided them until late. Big mistake. They were marinated in the same broth as my soup, and they were very tasty. The french fries (yes -- patate frites!) served with my chicken were great, too. If you're dining solo, as I did, come prepared. Don't eat lunch and drink plenty to wash down all the food. It's a gut bomb, but a real good one that won't make you ill and running to the toilet in an hour. Chalet Basque caters to couples and large groups, and that seems to be more fun when eating this kind of food. Also, Chalet Basque is a "traditional" restaurant as opposed to the family-style, sit with a stranger stories I've heard from other places. The total price for my three-course extravaganza, plus ice tea, tax and 20% tip: $20.50.
DATE: 2004-06-01
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Chicken A La Basque, any lamb dish, pickled tongue

Excellent Experience
DESCRIPTION: Alison By The Beach, located in Bridgehampton, replaces the former popular restaurant 95 School Street. The place is owned by the same lady who owned the highly-regarded Alison on Dominick Street in Manhattan, which closed its doors in 2002. Upon entering, a large dining room is visible on your left and a medium-sized bar with copper accents is on your right. Further to the right, through a doorway, is another dining area that has nice white bunting hanging from the ceiling and more windows, creating a light and airy feel. The menu features cuisine which might be best termed "American with European influences," with dishes that take advantage of the superb produce and fish available on Long Island. Our party enjoyed the following appetizers - Chilled sweet corn soup, scallop ceviche, black truffle risotto, orange-scented mussels and pan seared foie gras. Entrees that our party ordered, which were uniformly excellent, were the grilled angus shell steak, grilled rack of lamb, pan roasted free range chicken, oven roasted halibut, and pan seared scallops. We opted for dessert at the Candy Kitchen, so I can't comment on that part of the meal. The service was pleasant and professional. The wine list is well thought-out, with reasonably priced bottlings from all the major areas. Apps are in the $8-13 range, entrees $23-33. Not inexpensive, but in line with other top Hamptons restaurants, and fair given the quality of the experience. We enjoyed ourselves and will certainly be headed back.
DATE: 2004-07-26
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Chilled Sweet Corn Soup with lobster, beets and chives; Scallop Ceviche with tomato, avocado, lime and tarragon; Black Truffle Risotto with mushrooms and parmesan; Orange Scented Mussels with shallots and white wine; Pan Seared Foie Gras with almond chutney; Oven-roasted halibut with potato puree, braised fennel, and snap peas; Pan Seared Scallops with chanterelles and asparagus; Pan Roasted Free Range Chicken with mashed potatoes, organic carrots and baby greens; Grilled Rack of Lamb with new potatoes, cippolini onions, and pencil asparagus; Grilled Angus Shell Steak with bordelaise sauce and arugala salad.

The Best Dining in the hamptons
DESCRIPTION: Alison restaurant is still going strong. She has added some fun things like movie nights, paella nights. It's warm, charming - a great place to eat well and enjoy some terrific wines. We also had a private party there and had a private room with a large banquette table, it was fabulous, the best place to do a party. The menu planning was easy and they were really flexible and creative.
DATE: 2006-02-11
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : pan roasted red snapper, steak, all the desserts, goat chesese tart

fabulous fun, great food
DESCRIPTION: Yummy Basque influenced food. Great tapas at the bar. Nice feeling. All in all a perfect restaurant experience.
DATE: 2005-07-20
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8

Great Food and Wonderful Folks
DESCRIPTION: We ate dinner at the Star two nights in a row....Ohmygawd, the food! What impressed us the most was the friendly staff. Natalie was a delight behind the bar and owner Miquel so hospitable. This place was the greatest and we plan on a return visit very soon to try LUNCH.
DATE: 2004-04-06
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Salmon, Cod, Lamb Chops, Steak

I go there everytime I visit
DESCRIPTION: I recently moved out of Elko and I crave their food, I miss Miguel (the owner and best bartender) and all of the servers, I have never been treated so well :) I am planning a vacation their in about a month and I will definitely be there... I recommend this restaurant to anyone who wants great food in a perfect atmosphere.
DATE: 2004-05-03
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Their steak sandwiches are to die for but I would recomend everything. (seafood is the best there)

Good food
DESCRIPTION: The food was great! Like any Basque family dining everything was plentiful, but the main dish was simply outstanding! I had cod that was seasoned and cooked to perfection. The best cod I have ever had, and definitively one of the best fish dishes. The salad dressing was amazing, I wish I had the recipe... There are a few other restaurants I'd like to visit in Elko, and that is the only reason I will not return to the Star Hotel next time I am there.
DATE: 2005-06-28
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 6
RECOMMENDED DISHES : cod, lamb chops

Good Good Good
DESCRIPTION: The food is so good I would like to move there.
DATE: 2006-01-13
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Pork Chops, Lobster. Steak sandwich, Steaks

Landmark, Fresno's best kept secret
DESCRIPTION: The Landmark is one of the last fine dining eateries left in the ecletic Tower District of Fresno. Steak, seafood and a smattering of Basque cuisine is available. We have eaten at the restaurant twice recently, both times to savor the wonderful Scaloni, a compilation of scallops and abalone, served with baked potato, fetucinni alfredo or pilaf and glazed carrots. The Scaloni is served lightly sauteed in butter, with an egg batter. Wonderful, sweet and tender, it is one of my favorite seafood dishes. Although this pattie of two seafood delicacies is a "mystery meat" compilation, the quality and flavor is very consistent. The glazed carrots are tender and sweet. Angle cut and fresh. Always wonderful. If they could just keep them warm... The Fettucini Alfredo has been my least favorite part of the meal. Although the Alfredo sauce is tasty and dusted with fresh grated parmesean cheese, both times it has been served cold. I tasted my wife's pilaff. It was great, and HOT. The meal starts with a fantastic relish tray. Chilled, fresh generous portions of carrots, celery, olives, pepper and pickled string beans. The salad was exceptional. Fresh, chilled greens with beets and raisins. I enjoyed the balsamic vinigarette with crumbled, dry blue cheese. Overall, an excellent meal with a few details that need improvement. I suspect that the sides are plated in anticipation of the main course. A good heat lamp or two might help greatly. I also wonder if the small wait staff can handle a rush. We dined on a Wed and Thurs night and the service was a little slow. The ambiance is eclectic and fun, in keeping with the oveall theme of the Tower District. A full bar with live entertainment is featured Thursday-Saturday. If you prefer a quite meal, ask for a table in the back section of the restaurant. I suggest that give the Landmark a try, you won't be dissapointed.
DATE: 2006-02-05
FOODRATING : 8
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Scaloni!

Great Basque Food.
DESCRIPTION: There are good Basque restaurants in Bakersfield. We are so lucky to have them. They are all honestly good but I would have to say Benji's is the best.
DATE: 2004-03-24
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Rack of Lamb, Filet, Salmon

Wonderful French Cuisine
DESCRIPTION: Truly enjoyable. Having visited this establishment several times I can honestly say that I have not had a bad meal yet. The waitstaff is very attentive, as well as the maitre d'. There was no rushing and the food was prepared well.
DATE: 2003-04-17
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 8
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Chocolate souffl

Magnifique!
DESCRIPTION: We had a very enjoyable dining experience for our first time at La Bergerie, delighted with the Special Easter menu (great Souffl s!), a professional-and-friendly service (lovely French accent!). We loved it! Truly recommend it! A special note for the wine list: impressive choice at very affordable prices (compare to most equivalent places in the DC area!).
DATE: 2004-04-14
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : The Souffl ! Grand Marnier

Fabulous Dining
DESCRIPTION: My husband and I went to La Bergerie for our 1 month wedding anniversary. The food was simple, delicious and fantastic! The service was impeccable. It's not a quaint, small bistro that you would expect from a French restaurant, but the dining experience was fabulous. We will return to this place for sure!
DATE: 2004-05-24
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 8
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : beef tenderloin

Superb
DESCRIPTION: I dined at La Bergerie for prom last year. With most high end restaurants, teenagers would have been served reluctantly in a condescending manner, but that wasn't the case with La Bergerie. We were served personally by the charming owner himself, Laurent Janowsky, he was very helpful and personable. The atmosphere was elegant and romantic: dim lights, luxurious booths, french country decor. The food was exquisite, the foie gras chaud was succulent and the duck was delicious. No complaints about the La Bergerie experience, it was absolutely wonderful. If you're looking for a romantic place to take your loved one for a special event, La Bergerie is a sure thing to please.
DATE: 2004-06-24
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 10
AMBIANCERATING : 10
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Foie gras chaud

Neat little place
DESCRIPTION: The food's very simple and seems very authentic--not that I've dined in the Pyrenees. It's tasty stuff, and the place is really relaxed. The salmon is great.
DATE: 2000-03-06
FOODRATING : 6
SERVICERATING : 4
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 6

Squid in Its ink, Great!!!
DESCRIPTION: Flan and the Sangria the best.
DATE: 2003-06-29
FOODRATING : 10
SERVICERATING : 8
AMBIANCERATING : 6
OVERALLRATING : 10
RECOMMENDED DISHES : Boquerons, Croquetas de Cod