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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.
Due Fiori—first restaurant from Baby Gee crew—to open Mar. 26
An array of offerings and a look into the Due Fiori space. Photos by Brian Addison/Eater LA.
The much-anticipated space from the owners of Baby Gee Bar—Daniel Flores and Gianna Johns—will officially open Mar. 26 in the former Shady Grove Foods space on 4th next to Gusto. The space, headed by Chef Waldo Stout of Waldo’s Pizza, is one that masterfully executes everything a patron would want from an Italian restaurant in California: Masterful execution, top-notch local ingredients, and a kick-back vibe which simultaneously oozes class and chill.
For my full feature on Eater LA, click here.
Tanuki Curry opens in Signal Hill
Tanuki Curry, taking over teh former Kashiwa Sushi space in Signal Hill, has officially opened.
Here’s what Long Beach Food Scene member Ryan Rainstar experienced: “Tanuki does not disappoint on the curry front. The curry is solid, has a great depth of flavor, all the classic notes of good Japanese curry, rich meaty body, and umami that punches its way through, without any particular spice being overbearing and the katsu is juicy while maintaining a light and delicate, yet crispy-crunchy panko breading. The small pinch of fukujinzuke on the rice and scallions on the curry are enough to break the diminished returns of a large plate.I found the proportions of this dish to be absolutely perfect. I literally cleaned the plate.”
Serving the Signal Hill community since 2011, Kashiwa Sushi quietly closed its doors back in January (not long before its entire original kitchen had departed from the space). While it was one of the few, far more traditional sushi spots, I think we can all agree that a proper Japanese curry space is warmly welcomed.
& Waffles opens in DTLB
Los Angeles mini-breakfast chain And Waffles (stylized as & Waffles) has officially opened its Long Beach location at the former Pier 76 space in Downtown Long Beach at 95 Pine Ave. For more information about the place, read the original announcement.
Eat Fantastic opens on 4th Street
After it was announced in April of 2024 that Eat Fantastic would be taking over the diner at 4th Street and Junipero Avenue, and then formally shuttering the Golden Burger space in July of 2024, the space has finally opened.
Construction and activity was finally back in January seen after the place had been boarded up for months following its rebranding. The mini chain currently has seven locations across Arcadia, El Segundo, Lomita, Tustin, North Torrance, Norco, and yes, Long Beach already—making this its second one locally.
Sky Room at Fairmont Breakers debuts tasting menu
The Sky Room at Fairmont Breakers—which debuted back in November and has since seen its menu evolve—is introducing its first tasting menu beginning Mar. 25 for $135 per person, with an additional charge of $75 for the wine pairing. The menu? Glad you asked:
- Course 1: Tsar Nicoulai Estate Caviar with loaded baked potato custard, neuskes bacon, créme Fraiche. Served with Charles Le Bel “1818” by Billecart Salmon NV if doing wine pairing.
- Course 2: California asparagus with grilled an chilled lobster, brioche crouton, champagne foam L’ecole Luminesce. Served with Walla Walla Valley, WA 2023. -OR- Supplement $42 for Perigold truffle: Black truffle grits, wine-braised artichokes, confit egg yolk, artichoke chips & tableside shaved truffle. Served with Jean Marc Brocard, Grand Cru Chablis, 2022.
- Course 3: Whole roasted quail stuffed with duck sausage, roasted rhubarb, baby turnips. Served with Rhys Pinot Noir, Santa Cruz Mtns, CA 2019
- Course 4: Spring Cascade creek lamb loin, merguez’en croute, glazed fava beans, lamb jus. Served with Alain Grailliot, Crozes Hermitage, Rhone Valley 2021.
- Course 5: Strawberry tartlet wtih Harry’s Berries’ strawberries, vanilla cake, and buttermilk ice cream. Served with Inniskillin Cab Franc Ice Wine, 2022.
For reservations, click here and look under “Experiences.”
Urbane Kitchen opens
Ventura-based chain Urbane Cafe opened at the Long Beach Exchange retail complex earlier this month, with a series of events benefitting various causes.
” It is important for our team to connect with our guests and to care about our community in the very same way we care about the preparation of our hearty, fresh, focaccia sandwiches and delicious, healthy salads and bowls,” said Urbane Cafe owner and founder Tom Holt in a press release.
Upcoming support, per their press release, includes:
MARCH 25-26: TEACHER & STAFF APPRECIATION DAY
- Teachers and education staff deserve our thanks… and also a complimentary sandwich, salad or bowl!
- Sign up to receive your free meal at www.urbanecafe.com
FRIDAYS (MARCH 14 – APRIL 4): SERVICE GIVE BACK DAYS
- To support and thank our local civil service personnel and first responders including law enforcement, fire personnel, active military and veterans.
- Show service ID or come in uniform for a free sandwich, salad or bowl during our first four Fridays.
ICYMI: The essential Long Beach burgers list
Long Beach’s burger game has never been more on-point, healthily competitive, and outright delicious. Here are the city’s finest.
For the full listicle, click here.
ICYMI: Black-owned Mangiafoglie is a welcomed addition to a dwindling Long Beach vegan scene
Mangiafoglie—Chef Paul Reece’s first restaurant following his uber-popular vegan pizza popup—has officially opened.
It not only brings a sense of stability to a building on 4th Street that has sat mostly empty for years but also brings an incredibly fresh take on what Long Beach vegan cuisine can be. Eschewing derivative takes on vegan food and diving into the innovative, if Paul and his crew keep evolving, it will remain a steady addition to our food scene.
For the full feature, click here.
ICYMI: ISM Brewing’s burger menu is popular for a reason, Long Beach
In the world of the mighty burger, Long Beach definitively has some options—look for my updated guide in the coming days—but the latest warrior to enter the battle is none other than ISM Brewing.
It has been honing and growing its burger menu since last year. And the result? A growing patronage—especially families—looking for something familiar, comforting, and affordable.
Click here to read the full article.
