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The owner of Little Italy, who prefers to be known simply as Chang, said he's learned not to underestimate the people of Bakersfield.

"They know good food," said Chang, a Brimhall Estates resident who can be found seven days a week at his 85-seat, full bar, white -tablecloth restaurant, tucked away in the Town and Country Shopping Center on Stockdale Highway and Coffee Road.

"Most of our customers come at least twice a month, and many three times a
week," said Chang, who prepares every dish himself.

Chang, seated on a dark wood chair in the tiny dining room, which features two large murals, with music from "Phantom of the Opera" playing in the background, said we can thank his wife, Nu, for his ending up here.

More  about us ..

  

Born in Thailand –– where his mother owned a restaurant –– he moved with his family to Washington, D.C., in the 1970s, and stayed there to complete his education, make his way up in the restaurant business and raise a family of his own, which now includes three children and two grandchildren. He moved back to Thailand briefly in 1980 to open a Western steakhouse, but the market at that time wasn't accommodating.

Chang visited Bakersfield over the years with Nu to see her dearest friend from Chicago, a nurse at Kern Medical Center.

"Then she convinced me to come to the West Coast to try and make a living," said Chang. He was hoping for the "coast" coast, but agreed to try it out here first.

Chang chose the location for Little Italy because he found the shopping center pleasant and relatively quiet. He chose Italian because he finds it easy to cook.

The dignified Ben, who worked with Chang for years in D.C., came to Bakersfield  to man the "front of the house." "We're like brothers," said Chang.

If you plan on going to Little Italy, it's wise to make a reservation. Chang said there's always a crowd at 6:30 p.m. He wishes locals would dine a little later, and said he's mulling over possibly opening a late-night restaurant/nightspot here one day.
 

 

http://www.bakersfieldvoice.com/node/9776


 


 

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