Скачать или смотреть Vlog 34: Untraditional Mai Tai, Legendary Ribs, A Miami Vice Style Chinese Restaurant in Bakersfield

Daily Vlog #34 — January 29, 2026

Today’s vlog takes me on a work trip to Bakersfield, California—a drive I used to dread until I discovered one of my favorite local institutions: Bill Lee’s Bamboo Chopsticks.

This classic Chinese restaurant has reportedly been operating since 1938, and every visit feels like stepping into a piece of California history. I always make it a point to stop here when I’m in town, starting with their famously untraditional—but surprisingly delicious—Mai Tai, blended with rum, grenadine, pineapple juice, and whatever mysterious extras they throw in. It’s definitely not an authentic Mai Tai, but I know that going in, and I still love it.

Normally, after a Mai Tai, I also order their legendary flaming Zombie cocktail, which arrives at the table lit on fire before a shot of Bacardi 151 is poured in after the flame dies down. Today, though, I kept things simple and stuck with just one Mai Tai (remember, I'm not really drinking at the moment).

My usual go-to dish is their broccoli beef, but after doing a little research, I learned they’re especially known for their barbecue spareribs. So today I tried them for the first time—and now I completely understand the hype. I paired them with fried rice and a side of spicy mustard for an extra kick, and it did not disappoint.

After lunch, I took some time to explore the dining rooms. The entire place feels like it was remodeled sometime in the mid-to-late 1980s—almost like a set from Miami Vice. The walls feature geometric, stair-step recesses in shades of pink and mauve, illuminated by neon-like lighting that highlights the depth of the shapes in the drywall. It’s wonderfully retro and full of character.

I also discovered an upstairs dining room that appears to be reserved for special events. Even though it was dark and unused during lunch, I could make out large round tables with a rotating centerpiece—something straight out of the opening scene of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, where Lao Che dramatically places the antidote on the spinning part of the table.

If you’re ever passing through Bakersfield, Bill Lee’s Bamboo Chopsticks is absolutely worth a stop. Don’t miss the barbecue ribs—or the Mai Tai.

Because my second meeting in Beverly Hills was canceled, I was able to enjoy an extended lunch instead of rushing back to Ventura. I wrapped up the afternoon with a much-needed Starbucks coffee and headed home feeling grateful for a rare moment to slow down and enjoy the journey.

So happy to revisit this place—and I’m already looking forward to the next time.