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Long Beach Food Scene Intel is a series from Brian Addison that will recap food news throughout the city, both news that needs just a quick mention, is developing, or repeated news where you might have missed the full features.
Olive by the Bay abruptly closes post-winter break; space up for lease
What was intended to be a simple winter break and a return to serving on April 1 has become a permanent shutter for Peninsula space Olive by the Bay. The casual, continental space was a refreshing breath of small business air following the closure of the much-loved Vibes cafe (which actually seemed to be surviving well until the pandemic hit). The question, of course, is whether the space is cursed because of its location. While idyllic and beautiful in many senses, parking lacks and it very much depends on Peninsula residents to regularly visit.
No, South of Nick’s is not vacating its Belmont Shore space
A confusing lease sign that faces 2nd Street on the fencing surrounding the building set to be taken over by South of Nick’s has made many think the project is no longer moving forward. However, the sign is specifically for the 2nd floor space.
NYC Chop Cheese opens near 4th Street and Cherry Avenue
May the New York food gods bless this place with goodness: NYC Chop Cheese—the shop that took over the former V-Burger space near 4th and Cherry—has opened, with plans for a grand opening on April 20. The shop, happily open from 8AM to 10PM daily, has the classic offerings of an East Coast bodega. Chopped cheese. Philly cheesesteak (which we shall see how it compares to John’s in Seal Beach). Chicken cutlet. Subs, both hot and cold. It is a definitively welcomed addition to the food scene.
Look for a full profile in the coming days.
Zarape signage goes up in Belmont Shore
Zarape’s signage has gone up in Belmont Shore, a neighborhood that is becoming the epicenter of elevated Mexican cuisine as it joins Viaje. The West Hollywood-based taqueria, owned by Oneismo Mendez, will be “high-end but casual, not cheap but not outrageously expensive.” Zarape Long Beach will be taking over the former Rubio’s space at 2nd Street and Roycroft Avenue. While the fast casual Baja-inspired chain had a presence in the Shore for nearly two decades and its lease was technically running through to December, new leasing signs appeared in May of this year luring in new tenants.
Mama Fran’s takes over Wrigley BBQ
Wrigley’s BBQ has been formally replaced by Mama Fran’s, a soul food-meets-barbecue joint not far off from the roots of its predecessor. Open Wednesday through Sunday (with beef ribs on the weekends), the new space will be featured in the 3rd annual Long Beach Barbecue Festival on May 23.
Dilly’s Sandwiches hiring
Dilly’s Sandwiches—the Lakewood Village sandwich shop which also serves some of the city’s best craft beer—is looking for “a Craft Pourer to join our team—someone who loves great sandwiches, good music, and pouring indie beers with pride,” owner Rory Ann Clements shared. Email dillysLB@gmail.com to apply.
Panxa Cocina to host bottomless mimosas-meets-drag brunch
Come Saturday, April 19 from 10AM to 1PM, Panxa Cocina will host its drag brunch with “bottomless mimosas, fierce performances, raffles, giveaways, and nonstop fun,” according to Panxa rep Nikki Floyd. The brunch will be hosted by The Bearded Martha Stewart, with performances by Madame Ozma, JJ Allen, and Missy Vee, plus beats by DJ Lord Izag.
Ono Hawaiian BBQ to open first Long Beach shop near Traffic Circle
Ono Hawaiian BBQ is opening its first Long Beach location inside the Ralph’s shopping complex at the Traffic Circle off of Lakewood Boulevard. Opened in 2002 (and now with locations across California and Arizona), the fast-casual space is known for its island-centric plates, from chicken katsu and teryaki to kalua pork and their famed fire shrimp.
Bushfire Kitchen signage goes up in East Long Beach
Temecula-birthed Bushfire Kitchen, which has quickly expanded its presence across SoCal, has lifted the signage onto its first Los Angeles County location in Long Beach. Taking over the Images Nails & Spa space at 4610 Pacific Coast Hwy.—inside the newly minted Sprouts by the traffic circle—it is expected to open later this year. For the full feature, click here.
Hundreds drink and eat aboard Queen Mary for disco party
Just wanted to give a heartfelt thank you to the hundreds that came out for the free disco party I hosted aboard the Queen Mary. We had classics like Grasshoppers and amaretto sours along with some offerings from the ship. Is Sir Winston’s reopening soon? Maybe I’ll let you know soon…
ICYMI: Long Beach’s Roe revamps cocktail menu—and it’s their best to date
I love when businesses allow their qualified creatives to let the business evolve. And that is Roe in Belmont Shore. First, GM and all-around amazing human Gillian Poe kept the spirit of Chef Art alive and elevated its events and community connections. And now, bar manager Emilee Comeau (also a great human) is taking the cocktail program up to the same quality of its food, even focusing on how it can pair with the food.
If you haven’t had their spring cocktails, there really isn’t a middling order. Read the full feature here.
ICYMI: The annual ‘halfway to Halloween’ beer festival returns with 40 breweries and distilleries
My favorite people behind my favorite series of beer festivals return with Halfway to Halloween Hootenanny. And this year? Spirits are included with Chuntikis creating cocktail concoctions.
Yes, yes, and more yes. Read the full feature here.
ICYMI: Lucky Strike to open bowling alley at Long Beach exchange (with multiple bars)
Prepare, Long Beach bowling lovers: Lucky Strike will be opening a 34-lane, three-arcade, 40,000 square foot location at Long Beach Exchange.
