Here’s your latest in the local food scene:
- Plancha Latin Kitchen, the pan-Latin American concept at the Long Beach Exchange, has permanently closed after opening in 2019. It marks the first of stand-alone restaurants inside the complex to close—multiple spots within The Hangar, Long Beach Exchange’s food hall concept, have shuttered, including Popbar and Portola Coffee—of which spots like ReMix, The 908, and Georgia’s continue thrive.
- Meanwhile, Fire Wings has finally opened at 2nd + PCH after years of their signs being up. The wing concept is offering 85-cent boneless wings Mondays and Tuesdays along with $5 beers.
- According to Long Beach Food Scene member Brandon Postale, Holé Smokes, the barbecue offshoot of the Holé Molé fast-casual Mexican chain at 4th and Almond, will slowly return to its former menu as it begins to stop serving barbecue (minus the brisket tacos). While I have yet to personally confirm this, you can read Brandon’s post here.
- Cambodian Restaurant Week has kicked off, running through March 26. From Chinitos Tacos and Shlap Muan to A&J Seafood Shack and Tasty Food 2 Go, all you have to do is ask each restaurant what their special is for the week. For more information, click here.
- The annual Long Beach Foodways Summit—an cluster of free events throughout the city that explores everything from popups and vendors to restaurants and gardening—will return Wednesday, April 5, through Sunday, April 9. For more information about the events included, click here.
- The Beach Culinary & Wine Excellence series continues at CSULB’s Earl Burns Japanese Garden, this year featuring Simi winery. The annual event focuses on a specific winery or wine region while being paired with menu curated by students in the Hospitality Management Program. For more information, click here.
- After first announcing their move into the Shore in August of 2022, Dave’s Hot Chicken is looking to open within the coming weeks as signage is officially up, furniture moved in, and postings regarding potential positions listed. It comes as great news because…
- …Chix Nashville Hot Chicken at the northwestern corner Stearns and Palo Verde Avenues has permanently shuttered after just one year of being open. A sign on the door thanked their customers and noted “with a heavy heart” that their final day of service was March 19.
