BJ Bull Bakery — Restaurant in Elko

During the 70’s I ate frequently at the BJ Bull’s location in Los Gatos CA. They were phenomenally good. I only remember one variety, which was “Cornish,” and these came generously stuffed with chunks of beef, potatoes and vegetables. 40 years later I stumbled across this place which carried the same name as my former favorite place to eat. I wonder if it was a chain and this is the last surviving outpost? We bought a half dozen different varieties to try, and all were decent but just a shadow of those Cornish delights I loved so much. The new ones are much smaller and with a less flaky crust and noticeably less seasoned. And the beef ones seemed to eschew savory chunks in favor of ground beef. Still, I liked them and will likely return in a year next time I pass through Elko. And be sure to try them if you’re ever in the UK - there they are still just like the ones I remember from Los Gatos so...

I've never had a Cornwall pasty before so I was intrigued to stop by to try one. I asked for the most popular pasties, and the cashier told me it depends on the day, but chili verde, beef & cabbage, and beef & potato were popular. I ended up getting a beef & cabbage pasty, since it was the first one on the menu. Anyway, I was asked if I wanted to eat it here or to-go, and I looked around and decided to stay, despite covid. The counter seating had three stools with six feet apart, so I sat and ate. The pasty was okay, it was lukewarm but not very flavorful. I saw the sauces when I was ordering and paying, so I went over and got some of their BBQ sauce and spicy sauce. That made the pasty a lot better, but it was still really bland. For $5.30, it was a bit pricey, especially for not...

So, I’ve been in Elko for two weeks and I am very sad. I am sad that I JUST discovered this place the day before I leave. FANTASTIC pasties. I’m supposed to leave to go home at 7am, but I’ve decided to extend until they’ve opened and I’ve had time to get some pasties for the road. The second I brought the beef, potatoes and onion pastie to my face, I felt an overwhelming sense of comfort at the smell. The first bite did not disappoint. Neither did the next, nor the next, nor the next until I was done. At the point I was a little sad it was gone, but I had another so my sadness was quickly subdued. If you love comfort foods, this is it. When you’re in Elko, or just passing...