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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.
EA Seafood now serves beer and wine
EA Seafood, the Cal Heights Cantonese gem that has uplifted classic Chinese food in Long Beach, now has a beer and wine license. We can finally thank the food gods that our salt and pepper tofu, Mongolian beef, Szechuan eggplant, and more can all be washed down with some ice cold Tsingtao.
The Local Spot in East Long Beach abruptly closes
An array of offerings and a look into the Due Fiori space. Photos by Brian Addison/Eater LA.
Much-loved breakfast joint The Local Spot abruptly closed its doors earlier this week, posting nothing but a note.
“It is with a heavy heart that I have to announce the closure of The Local Spot. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, the business will not be reopening. I want to sincerely thank all of the Locals who have supported The Local Spot over the years. Your smiles, conversations, and continued patronage have meant more to me than words can express. This place was more than just a business—it was a community, and you were all part of it. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this journey. I will always cherish the memories we created together. Wishing you all the best, Josh and Family”
Multiple business owners in the area have said the landlord has continued to raise rent despite protests from tenants. The family that owns The Local Spot has yet to return comment.
The Auld Dubliner to host Writers’ Tears Whiskey tasting
If you haven’t had the chance to attend a Flight Night at The Auld Dubliner, it is one of my favorite things you’re definitively missing out on. Publican David Copley’s wide-reaching relationships with Ireland’s re-birth in whiskey distilling is one that runs deep, harnessing personal relationships with some of the island’s most imporessive bourgeoning whiskey brands. This week’s Flight Night is no exception, bringing in the aptly named Writers’ Tears.
Spots are $24. RSVP by emailing david@aulddubliner.com
Mamá Juanas opens taco joint in Bixby Knolls
Boba Loca’s long-shuttered space has finally made way for a taqueria for Bixby Knolls by the way of Mamá Juana’s Taqueria. Owner Karen Cebreros signed her LLC in August for the space at 3600 Long Beach Blvd. and opened her doors earlier this month.
Long Beach Food Scene member Malissa Duong described it as a “a cute little gem located on Long Beach Blvd and 36th street. It is fairly new and has the sweetest family running the business . I was lead here by their yelp page and I am glad that I gave it a chance. I ordered the chicken and chorizo tacos with mild sauce. This was actually my first time having a chorizo taco, and it did not disappoint. The tortillas are also hand crafted corn tortillas that you can tell was definitely made with love. Workers were also very sweet and patient with my daughter.”
Nguyen’s Kitchen opens in former Grilled Fraiche space
Following the sad closure of the vastly underrated Grilled Fraiche space, the SoCal modern Asian cuisine chain Nguyen’s Kitchen has officially opened its first Long Beach location. With five existing locations—three in Orange County, two in L.A. County—Nguyen’s Kitchen is known for its rice bowls and contemporary plays on bánh mì sandwiches.
Long Beach Food Scene member Joanna Patterson called their grilled pork noodles as something that was “hitting the spot” on a drive home from the airport.
Eat Fantastic closes Marina Pacifica location
Shortly after opening its 4th Street location inside the former Golden Burger space, Eat Fantastic has shuttered its Marina Pacifica space.
ICYMI: BLACK Bar closes; Breakfast Bar owners to take over
BLACK Bar will be shuttering at the end of April, marking an end to the women-owned space that has defined the corner of Broadway and Hermosa Avenue for nearly a decade. The specific date is yet to be determined but will be announced through their social media. Come post-escrow, Pamela and Joshua Beadel—the hospitality workers-turned-owners who operate The Breakfast Bar’s two locations—will be taking the place the over.
ICYMI: Long Beach coffee pioneer Wade Windsor faces cancer, Lyme disease; family seeking help
Wade Windsor, the charming, affable, kind coffee pioneer who brought Long Beach some of its first taste of third-wave coffee with the (much-missed) Lord Windsor in Alamitos Beach, is facing one hell of an uphill battle. A double diagnosis of Lyme disease and pancreatic cancer has left his family struggling emotionally and financially.
For the full feature, click here.
ICYMI: Yes, there’s a free disco party aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach (costume contest included)
After hundreds boogied on down last year aboard the Queen Mary in true disco (and funk and 90s R&B) fashion, Longbeachize and Visit Long Beach are again partnering up to provide a night for Long Beach denizens aboard the Queen Mary. The free disco’n’funk party inside the ship’s famed Art Deco masterpiece that is the Observation Bar will be on Thursday, April 10 from 8PM to 11PM.
