THE DISH: Okihi to host Fried Chicken & Waffles Brunch

Nov. 2—Nature lovers are invited to "come hungry, come curious and come to be part of Okihi's story" on Saturday for its inaugural Fried Chicken & Waffles Brunch.

The event promises a delightful meal and the knowledge that you are contributing to the restoration of the 14-acre retreat space, which is the last remaining public access point on the north side of the Kern River.

With a farm-to-table philosophy, the chicken on the menu is harvested from the birds raised at the property, prepared by event organizer Sam Ames and his team.

The fried chicken will be paired with waffles prepared fresh upon your arrival.

Diners can enjoy a variety of syrups or apricot-jalapeno and bourbon jam, said to be a "perfect balance of sweet and spicy."

Choose from a complimentary mimosa, beer or glass of wine. Other beverage options will be available for purchase.

For dessert, enjoy apricot coconut cobbler and cupcakes — "a sweet farewell party for your belly."

Food will be served from 10 a.m. to noon but guests can opt to linger and explore the natural setting until 4 p.m.

Okihi is located at 13227 Round Mountain Road.

Admission is $40 for the meal with picnic-style seating or $50 for limited table seating with cushioned seats. Children aged 6 and younger eat for free.

Visit eventbrite.com to purchase tickets.

Head to whitewolfwellness.org/okihi for more information on the property, which is overseen by White Wolf Wellness.

Brunch on a break

Brunch is not on the menu everywhere. Two local restaurants have put their weekend offerings on hold.

On Tuesday, Buck Owens' Crystal Palace management announced via Facebook it would suspend the venue's popular Sunday brunch through the end of the year due to "staffing challenges."

The statement went on to state management would instead focus on "enhancing the dining and entertainment experience during Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights at the Palace."

Earlier this month, downtown hot spot Zama Latin American Cuisine shared via Facebook it would put its brunch services on hold to focus attention on a new concept in the works that is under construction.

The post continued: "'The Zama Experience' is all about giving our customers a place to celebrate life's special moments by offering the best food, service and ambiance in Bakersfield."

The restaurant team also shared that it looks forward to serving brunch on the new patio "in the near future."

Stefani Dias can be reached at 661-395-7488. Follow her on Twitter at @realstefanidias.