Andrade’s Cafe, taking over the space abruptly left by Olive by the Bay on the peninsula, knows it is facing an uphill battle.
The aforementioned Olives—which had a partial investment from the owner of the property, former Downey mayor Rick Rodriquez—and the much-missed Vibes—which brought to the Peninsula its first sense of something that could work before it quietly shut down during the pandemic—both failed to remain longtime businesses.
But owners Jorge and Nancy Andrade are hoping their first venture into restaurant ownership not only proves fruitful but that a return to basics—listening to the surrounding community, first and foremost—will be the ultimate key to a place that, in the words of Jorge, has knowingly been “cursed.”
Come Nov. 8, they open their doors with hope, pride, and a bit of communal connection.
“‘Cursed,'” Jorge said, laughing. “Yeah, we are hoping to change that, but we know it exists. You know, I understood why the previous businesses came here in the first place. The Peninsula is its own community—and they’ve not only welcomed us with open arms, but we have toward them. ‘Will you have burgers on the menu?’ someone will ask. No, I honestly didn’t plan on it; let’s add them. It’s a give-and-take as we’ve been tackling the space before opening. And we couldn’t be happier as we provide a space that I think this community has really been yearning for.”
The plan for now? That old-school cafe by morning that actually goes somewhat into the night.
Nancy said that the initial plan is to be open 7AM to 7PM seven days a week, with a coffee program headed by former Olives by the Bay barista Lawrence Jaime.
“We’re tenatively planning on having Sheldrake Roasters [from Belmont Shore] for our drip coffee and Rose Park Roasters for a slightly more expensive espresso experience,” Nancy said. “With Lawrence, we’re pretty sure everyone will have their caffeinated needs met.”
The caffeinated move is smart. On one hand, the old-school, dark-roast-forever Sheldrake for the crowd that loves those oily, dark as hell beans. (And with the success of places like Black Dog and Antica Cafe, there’s definitely a crowd for them.) On the other, the more contemporary-leaning, third-wave crowd that craves a light roast for their espresso or latte.
A look at some of the food to expect out of Andrade’s Cafe
Approachable. Mexican-centric. Andrade’s Cafe has a bit of something for everyone, thanks to Chef Raul Garrido.
Mojarra Fritta: Whole tilapia fried and separated from bones | Persian cucumber salad | secret sauce | served with corn or flour tortillas
Andrade’s Shrimp Ceviche: Shrimp | coconut | mango | tomato | onion | cilantro | peanuts | house-made sauce | served with tostada or salty crackers
Chicken & Waffles: Hand-breaded fried chicken breast | Belgian waffles | Piloncillo-rosemary syrup
Chilaquiles: Homemade tortilla chips | salsa (red, green, creamy green, or mole) | Mexican crema | avocado | onion | cilantro | eggs | beans
Huevos Divorciados: Eggs | red and green sauce | beans | country potatoes | tortillas | optional protein: pastor | rib eye | chicken | chorizo | cochinita pibil
Crema de Elote: Toasted corn | yellow corn | poblano chile | secret recipe blend | roasted chile strips | queso panela | toasted bread on the side
Chicken Tortilla Soup: Chicken tomato broth | tortilla strips | avocado | shredded cheese
Vegan Burrito: Rice | whole or refried beans | avocado | lentils | zucchini | spinach | tomato | wheat or flour tortilla | optional bowl style
Baja fish tacos: Battered’n’fried white fish | cabbage | sauce ‘de chef’ | blue corn tortillas | lemon
Andrade’s Cafe is located at 76½ 62nd Place, on the Long Beach Peninsula.
