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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.
Fairmont Breakers expands live music at its bars
Fairmont Breakers will have live music across the course of January:
Latin Jazz Fridays at Alter Ego:
- Friday, January 16 at 7:00 PM – ft. Nathan Zini
- Friday, January 23 at 7:00 PM – ft. John Villalobos
- Friday, January 30 at 7:00 PM – ft. Luca Pino
- Friday, February 6 at 7:00 PM – ft. John Villalobos
- Friday, February 13 at 7:00 PM – ft. Nathan Zini
- Saturday, January 17 at 7:00 PM – ft. BRYAN CABRERA
- Thursday, January 22 at 7:00 PM – ft. Pritesh Walia
- Saturday, January 24 at 7:00 PM – ft. BRYAN CABRERA, LEBRUN & LITTLETON
- Thursday, January 29 at 7:00 PM – ft. Andrew Renfroe
- Saturday, January 31 at 7:00 PM – ft. ROBERT KYLE QUARTET
- Thursday, February 5 at 7:00 PM – ft. Checker Trio
- Thursday, February 12 at 7:00 PM – ft. Sam Ross
CSULB Alumni Jazz Series: Held every third Thursday of the month, Alumni Sessions at Alter Ego is a live music series spotlighting talented performers who are proud alumni of California State University, Long Beach.
- Thursday, January 15 at 7:00 PM
Skyline Sessions at HALO Rooftop:
- Saturday, January 17 at 7:00 PM – ft. DJ Resolution
Bungalow expands live music and food specials across January
The Bungalow has massively expanded its happenings for January. Check it:
- Secret Service LBC, Thursday, January 15, 9PM: Sounds by Freaky Deaky, LARSa X Swanya, and Eder. Free Entry | Food & Drink Specials
- Soundcheck OC, Sunday, January 22, 2PM to 10PM: DJ Collective with House sounds by TOMMY MARINI, STEVØ, NICK ROZE, P8YTON. Free Entry | Food & Drink Specials
Selva releases January supper menus
If you haven’t had the chance to experience Chef Carlos Jurado’s Selva—and particularly his every-now-and-then prix fixe offerings—you’re missing out. This month’s menu is no exception. Here is what is being offered:
First course
- Oysters and caviar
- Chicha bites
- Classic selva croquettes
Second course
- Lamb shank
- Whole grilled branzino
- Skirt steak
- Duck confit
Third course
- Sweet buñuelos
- Colombian natilla
- Panna cotta
I Luv Ur Buns will close Jan. 18
The story of I Luv Ur Buns is a wondrous one: In a neighborhood better known for classic diners and old-school institutions, I Luv Ur Buns carved out something entirely its own in Bixby Knolls. A colorful, welcoming eatery that doubles as a statement of visibility and belonging. Owned and operated by Sonya Suon—queer, Cambodian-Thai-American, and one of the coolest human beings around—the shop isn’t just a place to grab soft, sweet bao or playful takes on comfort-food classics—it’s a space intentionally built for people who too often don’t see themselves reflected in the hospitality world.
“Though our story is not unique, of course, it’s very personal,” Sonya said. “We started our venture with so much enthusiasm and optimism, but the harsh realities of the restaurant industry, especially as they are now, wore us down.
“But to focus on the highlights — Mandy and I loved sharing our love of food with our neighbors. I’ll forever be proud of the unique menu I put together, the team members who stuck with us, and every friendly face we served. We walk away with our hearts full of gratitude for all the support we received along the way.”
That kind of presence matters in Long Beach’s ever-evolving food scene. While the city has no shortage of great spots, businesses like I Luv Ur Buns help broaden what “local dining” really looks like by centering voices that have historically been sidelined. It added cultural texture to Bixby Knolls, drew new energy into the corridor. And, perhaps most importantly, reminded diners that representation isn’t a trend; it’s foundational to a healthy, honest community.
Panama International Kitchen opens in DTLB
Now dubbed Panama International Kitchen, the brand formerly known as Caribbean Soul Kitchen LA now has a space at 211 Pine Ave. in DTLB. It is now open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3PM to 9:30PM, Fridays from 3PM to 10:30PM, Saturdays from 2PM to 10:30PM, and Sundays from 4PM to 9:30PM.
The former Wilshire Boulevard spot became a beloved destination not just for its witty take on Panamanian and Caribbean food, but for the entire experience provided by its owners, Rogelio and Mercedes Squires. Plates of jerk chicken and pargo frito are hitting tables. The scent of coconut rice and sancocho fills the air. And a crowd that often spills past the door. So much so, in fact, that owners Rogelio and Mercedes Squires have had to turn guests away because there just wasn’t enough room.
ICYMI: How Intertrend and CSULB students are giving Long Beach’s DoLy’s Delectables resources to move into the future
I love this story—and it feels so appropriately Long Beach.
Intertrend CEO Julia Huang looked across the street from her office at DoLy’s Delectables and pondered why she stopped going so often. And her answer was blunt: with more contemporary coffeeshops, DoLy’s felt unwelcoming and dated. So she decided to change that—because she knew the offerings were still quality.
She created a scholarship program for CSULB design students and partnered with the DTLB Design District to offer the space a pro bono rebranding while students worked on proposed interior updates.
For the full article, click here.
ICYMI: The Attic expands happy hour in Long Beach with $7 cocktails, mocktails, highballs, and more
I have your plans, Long Beach: $7 cocktails, mocktails, glasses of wine and beer—seven days a week. 3:30PM to 5:30PM. And one of the best happy hour burgers out there for $11.
This is The Attic’s updated and extended happy hour and, after 2025, Dry January can calmly take many seats.
Click here for the full article.
ICYMI: Ten Mile’s stacked lineup for Cajun Food Fest 2026: Battambong BBQ, Shady Grove Foods, Sal’s Gumbo Shack, SnoCorner
I wish Long Beach harnessed macro-festivals the way Ten Mile Brewing does. And it’s Cajun Food Fest lineup? Stacked: Battambong BBQ, Sal’s Gumbo Shack, Shady Grove Foods, and SnoCorner.
