Missed previous Long Beach Food Scene Intel updates? We got you covered, boo: Click here for the full archive.
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.
Congregation pushes forward on remodel
With speculation running high they had ran out of money, the paper which originally covered the Congregation Ale House windows back in summer have finally come down to unveil its new space. With the alabrije on the wall, it is clear they are sticking with the Mexican cocina concept that they blanketed over the original concept. That has, admittedly, left many patrons confused: They, after all, bought the IP that is Congregation. There is no doubt, however, the space feels incredibly more open. Marketing manager Lupita said they will have a formal update around the New Year.
Vons in Bixby Knolls will shutter in February
The Bixby Knolls location of Vons will be serving the community for its last on Feb. 8, 2025. It is one of the city’s longest operating grocer locations, having served Bixby Knolls since 1960.
Candy Warehouse is permanently closing; all sweets on sale
After opening its doors in 2017—and serving the online community before that for 20 years—Candy Warehouse is closing, with all its stock on sale. Owners Christopher and Peilin Pratt said their online operations will remain intact. The space—a wonderland of sweets that categorized candies by eerything from color to vintage—was unlike any other.
Albondingas de camerón debut at Ruta 15
The city’s best mariscos space—Ruta 15—is officially making it soup season with their fish-centric caldo, albondigas de camerón. While classic takes on albondingas come from some type of land meat—be it beef, pork, chicken, or ground turkey—Ruta 15 stays true to their mariscos soul with this drool-worthy dish.
Colossus expanding in San Pedro; taking applications
After facing an uphill battle with its Belmont Shore location, essentially losing any and every inch they could provide customers to stand and/or sit to eat, owner Kristin Colazus-Rodriguez and “Jeff de Cusine” Jeff Paletz have taken up a space at 5th and San Pedro Streets in San Pedro for a full-on, sit-down dining experience. Think pizza, brunch, beer, and wine on the bottom floor of the soon-to-open residential complex known as Vivo on Harbor.
Even more, they’re accepting applications:
- General Manager
- Kitchen Manager
- Barista/server
- Pizzaiolo
- Brunch Cook
If interested, send your resume and a cover letter to careers@colossusbread.com
ICYMI: Your guide to Long Beach holiday drinks and grub
We have never seen an onslaught of holiday participation quite like 2024—so here is your guide to all the places that decked both their halls and menus.
For the full listicle, click here.
ICYMI: 10 years in, Panxa Cocina keeps Southwestern food alive in Long Beach and beyond
I really enjoyed writing this because it’s a story about both loss and resilience. For those that don’t know, Long Beach’s Panxa Cocina is the one just two restaurants dedicated to the great cuisine of New Mexico between L.A. and Phoenix.
For the full feature, click here.
ICYMI: Ammatolí, Tacos La Carreta, Sonoratown rank on Los Angeles Times 101 Best Restaurants list
Long Beach keeps on winning: Ammatolí, Tacos La Carreta, and Sonoratown were all named on the 101 Best Restaurants list by the Los Angeles Times.
Click here to read the full article.
