Local diners have been enjoying the Filipino fare from Sarap Filipino BBQ & Grill’s new brick-and-mortar location since March. Now they can celebrate the local business’s latest venture during its grand opening on Thursday.
John Aliwalas and Jeneryn San Antonio, co-owners of the Filipino eatery, left health care careers during the pandemic to bring a taste of the Philippines to Bakersfield.
Their food truck fed hundreds of hungry locals at farmers markets and special events like the Food Truck Nights at the Kern County Fairgrounds before they started looking for a more permanent location.
Last year, Sarap popped up inside Mochido on Coffee Road in the former Frugatti’s Plaza as it prepared for its own brick-and-mortar spot.
Sarap is known for traditional dishes like pancit (noodles), barbecue chicken, barbecue pork belly, lumpia and chicken adobo, which is cooked in soy sauce, vinegar and garlic.
The grand opening and ribbon cutting with the Kern County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will begin at 6 p.m. at the restaurant, 6023 Coffee Road.
Visit @sarapbakersfield on Instagram for the latest updates on the business.
Treat a teacher
Along with hosting a grand opening, Sarap is also offering a discount for teachers as part of Teachers Appreciation Week. Now through Friday, the restaurant will offer teachers 20% off their order for dine-in or takeout orders.
To redeem, customers must show a valid school ID during checkout.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar (9000 Ming Ave., Suite M) is offering a free appetizer (up to $12) or dessert for teachers and nurses (it’s also Nurses Appreciation Week) now through Friday.
The offer can be redeemed by showing a valid school or hospital ID.
At The BLVD (3200 Buck Owens Blvd.), teachers can enjoy 20 percent off their dining purchase (excluding alcohol) now through 5 p.m. Friday with proof of employment.
Now through May 10, Buffalo Wild Wings (3316 Coffee Road and 5677 Gosford Road) is offering teachers, school staff and nurses 20 percent off their order with a valid school or hospital ID.
Something to Dish? Do you have a tip, question or recommendation on Bakersfield restaurants, trends or food news in general? Email thedish@bakersfield.com, and your input might wind up in a future column.
Stefani Dias can be reached at 661-395-7488. Follow her on Twitter at @realstefanidias.
