By Jarad Mann

Photo Editor

For as long as I could remember, the lot of land at the corner of Stockdale Highway and Coffee Road has been empty. On a daily basis, I would drive by and wonder to myself when this patch of land will be developed. Well, it seems as if my curiousness is being satisfied.

Construction started in the spring of 2017, and as soon as I saw tractors tilling the Earth, I eagerly awaited for some kind of sign to be posted to notify me what was being built.

Then it happened. A variety of retail stores and eateries were going to be opening, including a Sully’s Chevron gas station with a Smith’s Bakery and a hotel. However, the crème de la crème is taking center stage and being located just a hop, skip and a jump away from the CSU Bakersfield campus.

Of course, I am talking about the building with three restaurants, the almost complete Blaze Pizza, Jersey Mike’s, and the now open Café Rio.

With choices being somewhat limited on campus, it is nice to know that these establishments are just a minute away from the thousands of hungry students eager for a reasonably priced yet delicious meal.

Café Rio has a manifesto, and in one word, it best describes their delicious Mexican cuisine – Fresh! Yes, fresh produce delivered daily and hand made freshly rolled tortillas that taste great.

Café Rio employs a farm-to-table methodology ensuring that their vegetables and meats are of the finest quality. This becomes obvious once you take your first bite of their many delicious dishes.

Whether you are a fan of tacos, burritos, enchiladas or, my favorite, quesadillas, you will taste the freshness with each bite. Another important staple when it comes to Mexican restaurants is the chips and salsa. Café Rio does not disappoint. Their tortilla chips are made fresh daily, and their salsa hits in all the right spots at just the right time.

So if you are in the mood for a decently priced delicious Mexican meal head on over to Café Rio. This non-foodie lover of food may see you there.