Saturday, October 5, 2024

A look at Telefèric Long Beach’s inaugural traditional Spanish menu

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Telefèric Long Beach—after announcing their plan to open a Long Beach location in October of 2023 and opening earlier this week—has unveiled their inaugural menu. Highlighting traditional Spanish cuisine, it is a reminder of the many gaps we have within our food scene. And for those seeking paella, aged-for-three-years jamón Ibérico, and croquetas.

They hosted a slew of media, influencers, friends, and family for a night with tidbits from their regular menu across a prix fixe dinner. But before we get to what was served, a little history first.

Telefèric Long Beach
The interior of Telefèric Long Beach. Courtesy of business.

Wait—what is Telefèric Long Beach?

Telefèric, which has its roots in San Cugat, just slightly northwest of Barcelona, opened in 1992. It pioneered what would become the Basque and Catalonia region’s staple: pintxos and tapas. The restaurant’s quick growth in patrons made the children of its owners, brother-and-sister team Xavier and Maria Padrosa, open shop in bustling Barcelona to equal acclaim.

After coming to the States on a scholarship, Xavier—called “Xavi” by friends—wanted to open up shop in NorCal, eventually having spots in Walnut Creek, Palo Alto, and Los Gatos before opening their first location in Los Angeles earlier this year.

“Southern California has really been a gem of a place for us,” Maria said. “Walnut Creek [our first location in the States] was a bit of a challenge getting people to understand the food. Here, people are either already knowledgeable of Spanish cuisine or, in the least, open to the experience of it… We’re truly honored to be a part of Long Beach.”

Telefèric Long Beach
A smoke-filled bubble for the La Flaca cocktail at Telefèric Long Beach. Photo by Brian Addison.

Some of the drinks at Telefèric Long Beach

The cocktails are one of the highlights of the space, contributing to Long Beach’s seemingly endless growth when it comes to cocktails—be it the success of Baby Gee or the understated quality of spaces like Marlena, Michael’s on Naples, Viaje, and Panxa.


Telefèric Long Beach
La Flaca. Photos by Brian Addison.

La Flaca: Mezcal Unión | Patrón Silver | Chile verde liquor | Prickly pear | Agave | Lime


Telefèric Long Beach
Catalan G&T. Photo by Brian Addison.

Catalan G&T: Bombay 1er Cru gin | Grapefruit | Rosemary | Juniper | Tonic


Telefèric Long Beach
Flamenquita. Photo by Brian Addison.

Flamenquita: St. Teresa Rum 1796 | Pineapple | Coconut | Curry and kaffir milk | Lime | Milk punch


Telefèric Long Beach
Bryan’s Legacy. Photo by Brian Addison.

Bryan’s Legacy: Scotch | Torres 10yr Brandy | Drambuien | PX Sherry | Bitters | Hickory


And what about the tapas?

When it comes to the food, tapas is where Telefèric Long Beach shines best. Specific highlights? The tuna tacos, crab croquetas, and, of course, their jamón Ibérico de Bellota.

Telefèric Long Beach
Iberian oyster. Photo by Brian Addison.

Iberian oyster: Oyster | Gazpacho | Fried Iberico ham


Telefèric Long Beach
Crab croquetas. Photo by Brian Addison.

Crab croquetas: Crab | Tuna sashimi | Spicy aioli


Telefèric Long Beach
Pan con tomate. Photo by Brian Addison.

Pan con tomate: Spanish bread | Macerated tomatoes | Olive Oil | Salt | Chorizo butter


Telefèric Long Beach
Jamón Ibérico. Photos by Brian Addison.

38-month jamón Ibérico de Bellota: What else is there to say? Perfection.

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Telefèric Long Beach
Pulpo Telefèric. Photo by Brian Addison.

Pulpo Telefèric: Galician octopus | Truffle oil | Pimento potato purée


Telefèric Long Beach
Tuna taco. Photo by Brian Addison.

Tuna Tacos: Ahi tuna | Mashed avocado | Spicy aioli | Wonton shell


Some of Telefèric Long Beach main entrées.

Telefèric Long Beach
Prime Wellington being injected with au jus. Photo by Brian Addison.

Prime Wellington: Braised short rib | Ibèrico ham | Puff pastry | Spanish-style potato balls


Telefèric Long Beach
Lobster paella. Photo by Brian Addison.

Lobster paella: Lobster | Gulf shrimp | Octopus


And yes, there are sweets.

Telefèric Long Beach
Photos by Brian Addison.

“Flan and Coffee” | Churros | Torrija with ice cream

Telefèric is located at 6420 Pacific Coast Hwy. #160 inside the 2nd & PCH complex. To make reservations, click here.

Brian Addison
Brian Addison
Brian Addison has been a writer, editor, and photographer for more than a decade, covering everything from food and culture to transportation and housing. In 2015, he was named Journalist of the Year by the Los Angeles Press Club and has since garnered 25 nominations and three additional wins. In 2019, he was awarded the Food/Culture Critic of the Year across any platform at the National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards.

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