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.
I Luv Ur Buns continues Cambodian collaboration with special Battambong bun
One of the season’s most heartwarming collaborations is officially kicked off at Steelcraft in Bixby Knolls for Cambodian Heritage Month. The always-awesome queer-and-Cambodian bao master Sonya Suon of I Luv Ur Buns partnered with chicken wing master Hawk Tea of Shlap Muan earlier this month. Now, she’s inviting the Cambodian Cowboy himself for a collaboration with their appropriately named “Cambodian Cowboy” bun. Using Chef Chad Phuong’s brisket and I Luv Ur Buns’s pickled veggies, it’s a smokey-meets-tart delight available for the rest of the month.
La Casa de Iris is opening a brick-and-mortar
La Casa de Iris—the Puerto Rican popup that Bill Esparza from Eater LA turned me onto—is moving into a brick-and-mortar space at 1260 Long Beach Blvd. Owner and chef Maria Negron, who opened the space with her husband Eddie following her mother Iris’s desire to “have her food in a restaurant.” Pastel pastelillos. Puerto Rican tamales. Rellenos de papa
Look for Bill Esparza’s full feature in the coming weeks on Eater LA.
LUNA takes over former 562 Pacific Grill/On the Rocks space in Bixby Village Plaza
It has been a spattering of perpetually failed spaces—a college sports bar, On the Rocks, 562 Pacific Grill…—but if there is one thing to say about LUNA owner Christian Alvarez’s massive renovation of the space, it is the fact that it resembles nothing of the restaurants before. Clearly taking influence from the array of resorts that line the Mexican Riviera, LUNA will also reflect the food of Mexico.
Look for a full profile in the coming days.
Angel’s Share in Belmont Shore has a $5 happy hour burger
Angel’s Share in Belmont Shore has a $5 burger—yes, $5—Monday through Friday from 3PM to 6PM for their Happy Hour. (And you can add fries for just $4 more.) Then they have what they are calling the “Happiest Half Hour” from 5:30PM to 6PM Monday through Friday and 10PM to 10:30PM on Fridays and Saturdays. What’s being offered? $1.50 Long Beach Beer Lab Blonde, Pilsner, and Red ales; Golden Road Mango Cart; and Modelo pours.
Noble Bird to host a succulent class on their patio—which just sounds awesome.
Noble Bird will have Soulful Succulents taking over their patio for a family-friendly succulent workshop. Craft your own unique arrangement using a teacup, teapot, or mushroom planter—which is kinda perfect for Mother’s Day or crafting a simple keepsake for home.
ICYMI: The Long Beach origins of the terribly awesome Terrible Burger
The world of popups and burgers in Long Beach has never been more impressive—and Terrible Burger occupies a space in both. Ran by Long Beach residents Nicole and Ryan Ramirez—who have been together for 13 years —this amazing burger stand is one that upholds community, compassion, and collaboration.
And speaking of collaboration: they have a stellar Lola’s Mexican Cuisine chile relleno burger dubbed ‘Whatever Lola Wants’—and it will be exclusively available Friday, April 25 at The Hawk from 8PM to sell-out. It’s genuinely rad to see old-school and new-school vibe. Read the full feature here.
ICYMI: With lunch now open, Olive & Rose continues to reflect Chef Philip Pretty’s most soulful food
Olive & Rose is Chef Philip Pretty’s most soulful endeavor—and his new lunch deeply reflects that. This isn’t to say it lacks the quality of his Michelin starred space, Heritage; no. Rather, the methodical approach that defines Heritage’s style is eschewed in favor of food that fits the SoCal vibe of the space.
And Olive & Rose—with its open-air space officially in the warmer months and lobster salads with fried chicken thighs and Kampachi tostadas—is definitely a vibe. Read the full feature here.
ICYMI: Long Beach is home to one of the country’s leading cheese experts. Here’s how to get a tasting with Irene Clemente.
One of my absolute top cheese experiences, few know Long Beach is home to a cheese expert unlike any other. While she’s not judging cheeses at European award banquets, Irene Clemente wants Long Beach to discover a side of cheese that is nearly impossible to discover in a store because of her deep relationships with cheese makers across England, France, Ireland, and more. Click here to read the full article.
