Here’s what’s going on in the Long Beach food scene:
- Chef Melissa Ortiz has formally left the Rose Park on Pine space, effectively shutting down its entire food program. I have contemplated whether this deserves a larger piece because there are many angles to discuss—the boldness of a seafood-only program and whether Long Beach was ready to support it at the level it needed to be successful (which meant, according to owner Nathan Tourtelotte, being “incredibly packed every day;” the problems plaguing DTLB and small businesses, particularly food; how much of an anchor Rose Park on Pine has become for North Pine residents… Either way it is diced, it is a loss for our food scene. For my last full feature on the food, click here.
- Following a well-deserved recognition by the Michelin guide to California, Sushi Nikkei will open a second location in Belmont Shore—a smart extension of their tiny-but-mighty location in Bixby Knolls. They will be taking over the Haewah Dal space at 5020 E. 2nd St. For my full feature on their flagship location, click here.
- Heritage has (sadly, at least for me) announced the discontinuation of their sandwich program, which is what launched the brand back in August of 2020. Since opening his pre-fixe dinner concept—which garnered recognition from Michelin in both 2021 and this year—Chef Philip Pretty and owner/sister Lauren Pretty have built up a solid following that will now allow them to focus on what they have both always wanted: a higher end, dinner-focused space.
- Beach House, the restaurant at the tail of the Seal Beach jetty, has opened itself for applications and expects to open before the end of the year. Interviews begin Nov. 7.
