BURY ST. EDMUNDS — With winters that can stretch into May here in the East of England, weary Americans often go in search of eateries where the grub is fresh and where they are reminded of warmer climes.

Look no further than the California Kitchen — one of the newest restaurants in this charming market town. It’s a blend of Tex-Mex and West Coast cuisine that fits in nicely amid Bury’s litany of pubs, British chain restaurants and mobile sausage stands.

The restaurant is not terribly big (there’s just enough room for two dozen patrons, max) but it compensates with made-to-order freshness that’s alien to so many English restaurants.

In short, you won’t find any out-of-the-cardboard-box microwaved burritos hiding under the serving of red salsa and sour cream. But you will find oodles of fresh ingredients whipped up into entrees that speak to the authentic California dining experience.

The meals are filling, but still light; tasty, but not overwrought with spice. And the portions are large enough that you won’t leave hungry.

The food gets its California edge from owner Sue Sidney, a Newport Beach native who moved to England after she married a Brit.

She opened the restaurant in July 2007 and has been greeted by a steady stream of loyal customers.

“We have one American from the Air Force who’s already come in four times,” she said.

She has a supplier who gets authentic Mexican ingredients that have helped make the Mexican nights on Friday and Saturday a big hit.

On the weekdays, there is a steady lunch clientele, but the weekends are when the California Kitchen really heats up. Stop by for your own taste of the Golden State in Suffolk.

California Kitchen Location: 2 Langton Place, Hatter Street, Bury St. Edmunds.

Phone: 01284 702900.

Hours: Varies by day, call ahead as dinner is normally not served on weekdays.

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