Tulare is a city of culinary delights
By Pamela O'Brien
Nestled in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley, Tulare, Calif. is a city with a rich culinary heritage. From traditional American fare to international cuisine, farm-to-table authentic Mexican and Brazilian to good ole comfort food like mom made, Tulare has something to offer every taste palette. Many dining establishments are family-owned, where staff and management enjoy creating delicious food and a welcoming atmosphere for diners.
Rancho Brazil
144 N. K St., Tulare, (559) 651-6006, ranchobrazil.net
Nourishing souls at the church he ministers to, known as Unchained Church, isn’t the only aspiration native Brazilian Joshua Mateine has his heart set on in the close-knit community of Tulare. Some say breaking bread with one another is the best way to form strong bonds. So with that in mind, the Mateine family is sharing their culture through the mouth-watering, all-you-can-eat experience at Rancho Brazil steakhouse. Mateine and his family have created an elegant, authentic Brazilian gastronomic setting, much like a diner would have in Brazil, yet right in historic downtown Tulare at Rancho Brazil.
Joshua isn't stopping there. With rave reviews already pouring in after opening in the spring of 2023, he said the family aspires to create the best restaurant and banquet venue in the Central Valley. Genuine gauchos serve 17 meats tableside, including perfectly grilled picanha, filet mignon, lamb chops, port, beef and sausages. Arrive with a robust appetite so you can also relish unlimited, traditional sides and salads at the buffet.
Apple Annie’s
1165 N. Blackstone St., Tulare, (559) 686-3411 appleanniestulare.com
“Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. And they're always glad you came.” Sound familiar? Those iconic lyrics could easily be said about Apple Annie's Restaurant, a Tulare institution of 50 years. Not only do they serve up delicious homemade pies, American classics like burgers, steaks and fried chicken, but also an ample heaping of kindness and care. Just talk to Kari Ramirez, one of the owner/ managers, who started at Annie’s in 1998 as a hostess.
“Customers become good friends and are like family to us,” Ramirez beamed. “They look forward to seeing us, as we do them.”
Apple Annie’s might be known for its signature dishes, including the more than 20 varieties of omelets, handmade apple pie, dumplings that taste like someone’s grandma is behind the rolling pin in the kitchen, or the freshly churned apple ice cream blended by a local creamery. But care might just be the secret ingredient that keeps generations coming back for more.
Black Bear Diner
1161 E. Tulare Ave., Tulare, (559) 684-9152, blackbeardiner.com
When guests walk through the door at Black Bear Diner in Tulare, they might prepare to feel like a bit of fairy dust has been sprinkled their way. The warm and inviting atmosphere doesn’t stop with the rustic accents and bear-themed memorabilia of a cabin in the woods. That child-like joy continues to build when guests are greeted by the restaurant mascots, two black bear characters, of course. And along with the enchanting ambiance that’s ideal for families and kids-at-heart, there is nothing more delicious than the comfort foods dished out in generous portions at affordable prices to make families visit often.
The menu is a treasure trove of American classics such as juicy burgers piled high with the fixings, waffles, omelets and pancakes. Amy Rose, one of the first franchisees in the Central Valley, whose family owns seven, emphasized that being a community hub, which gives back, is central to Black Bear Diner’s narrative.
Braised Kitchen
1323 E. Prosperity Ave., Tulare, (559) 510-4600, braisedfoods.com
If you are looking for an elevated culinary experience with the freshness of farm-to-table sourcing, visit Braised Kitchen, featuring seasonal dishes made with fresh, local ingredients.
It offers a unique dining experience merging exquisite Latin American cuisine, classic French techniques and California fresh cooking. Committed to utilizing locally sourced ingredients whenever possible ensures that the food at Braised Kitchen is always fresh and delicious and supportive of the local community.
Some of the most popular menu items include the braised short ribs, the grilled salmon and the truffle mac and cheese. To keep the menu innovative, it may frequently change, but you can always find delicious and creative dishes, such as seared scallops with roasted cauliflower puree or braised short ribs with mashed potatoes. Braised Kitchen also has a full bar serving craft cocktails, beer and wine selections. Whether craving a casual weeknight out or a special occasion meal, Braised Kitchen is a welcome breath of fresh air.
Vejar's
1293 S. K St., Tulare, (559) 688-0355, vejarsonk.com
Family-owned and operated since 1968, Vejar’s Mexican Restaurant has been a warm and inviting, beloved restaurant in Tulare, where diners are immediately rapt in the vibrant welcoming space and enticing aromas of freshly prepared traditional Mexican dishes.
Over the years, Vejar’s has become an institution among locals and visitors alike. The menu includes an array of Mexican favorites, prepared with time-honored recipes with the finest ingredients.
Whether one is craving smothered enchiladas, crispy tacos or sizzling fajitas brimming with flavor, Vejar’s offers a gathering place where family and friends can come together. Be it a family dinner or special occasions, Vejar’s offers colorful dining space, a banquet room and an outdoor patio to provide for festive gatherings. And to ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy, their menu also includes classic American dishes.
Bravo Farms
1691 Retherford St., Tulare, (559) 684-1600, bravofarms.com
Bravo Farms staff and owners, the Ryn family aim to make the visitors' experience one that is brimming with smiles, laughter, outstanding hospitality and some of the best Tex-Mex Food in the Central Valley.
At its core, Bravo Farms is best described as a family-friendly restaurant serving local, farm-fresh delicious meals that reflect the richness and culture of the region. Travelers have described Bravo Farms as an absolute must on their itinerary when passing through the Central Valley. Whether diners are in the mood for freshly made pizzas, wraps, generous gourmet salads created with local ingredients or something heartier, like a grilled rib eye steak, Bravo Farms will fit the bill.
After dining, Bravo Farms boasts a gift shop with a plethora of unique items to please the hardest to shop for, including locally-crafted cheeses, paired with carefully selected wines.
Eden Café
210 E. Tulare Ave., Tulare, (559) 967-5959
The soon-to-open Eden Café will bring a little bit of France to the heart of downtown Tulare, but also some direction, hope and mentoring to the youth of the Central Valley. Raised by parents who were missionaries, owner Myriam Thevenet, a native of France, has a vision of bringing people together, perhaps one croissant at a time!
“There is so much hatred in this world, so many differences by so many people. We are teaching a young generation to be self-centered instead of coming together,” she said. “We need to change the conversation to say, ‘ours,’ not ‘mine.’”
At Eden Café, Thevenet and her husband Marc envision and foster a new narrative where iconic, yet simple French food will be featured, including baguettes, croissants, quiches, salads and beef bourguignon. Come afternoons, as part of a non-profit, the café will be open as a space for youth and volunteer mentors.
For a nominal fee, their full, commercial kitchen will be available to youth interested in incubating small food business ideas. She envisions youth workshops and mentorships to help recreate the sense of “We.”
The Protein Spot
576 E. Kern Ave., Tulare, (559) 619-5870
Gerardo Cervantes and his wife Laura Pimentel had a little time on their hands during the pandemic, so they worked at getting in shape and improving their nutrition.
What began as a goal to improve their own health led to the launching of their brainchild, the Protein Spot, a cozy nook where the community can find nutritious, high-protein, low sugar and carbohydrate drinks, smoothies, snacks, breakfast or lunch, and in Cervantes' words, “good vibes!”
Not only are their creations such as protein bowls, waffles, donuts and oatmeal delicious, but they are energy-enriched to keep bodies fueled for hours without the sluggishness or crash which accompanies eating sugary or carbohydrate-loaded meals and drinks. Innovative, delicious unique protein shake flavors designed by Laura include Strawberry Cheesecake, Snickers and Chocolate Brownie. Antioxidant, clean-energy teas with names like Jolly Rancher, Cherry Bomb or Cucumber Lime also share top billing.
