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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.
Fluffy’s Sno-Ball owner Kevyn Lee Wellington dies at 44
Just one week before his 45th birthday, much-loved community member and Fluffy’s Sno-Balls owner Kevyn Lee Wellington has died on Sept. 30, leaving behind his husband Darren. His family will be hosting a birthday celebration on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 1PM to 5PM at 2105 W. Century Blvd. in Los Angeles.
Fluffy’s was the stuff of legend when it opened in Long Beach, skyrocketing to accolades (including being named the fifth best sweets shop in the entirety of the United States by Yelp). Unfortunately, due to a string of break-ins, Kevyn and Darren closed their Long Beach shop in February of this year and moved their operations to Los Angeles.
“This one hurts my to my core,” said longtime patron and Long Beach Food Scene member Annie Banks. “He was always so nice and friendly whenever I went to get a snoball. Going to miss him so much. Prayers for his husband and family. RIP King.”
Everywhere Beer’s 4th Street taproom inches toward opening
Everywhere Beer inches toward opening its 4th Street taproom and retail space. Owner Daniel Munoz had originally wanted his beloved Orange-based brewery in Long Beach (given he is from here) but didn’t have the chance. With this new taproom space, that potential has opened up—though it has taken nearly a year to get the process toward a place where it can move forward.
“We’re finally buidling out the space and will be handling permitting across the next few weeks,” Daniel Munoz said.
Soon-to-open Dilly’s Sandwich Shop is hiring
With a Dave Van Patten mural and the final touches going into the space, Dilly’s Sandwich Shop in Lakewood Village’s Village Shops is ready to hire. Here’s how the post read:
“If you love 70s garage rock, made-from-scratch sandwiches, independent craft beer and a fun, fast-paced work environment, we want to hear from you!
“Open Positions:
• Cashiers: Friendly and efficient with great customer service skills.
• Craft Pourer: Detail-oriented, quick on their feet, and ready to pour beer, wine, cbd and Mocktails for our customers.
• Cooks: Passionate about fresh, quality ingredients and servinging delicious sandwiches.
“Why Work With Us?
• Competitive pay
• Flexible hours
• A vibrant work atmosphere with great music and good vibes
• Opportunity to work with boutique wines, independent craft beers, CBD drinks, and mocktails
“How to Apply: Send your resume to dillyslb@gmail.com or stop by Dilly’s Sandwiches and drop your resume in the mailbox. We can’t wait to meet you!”
This comes after annoucning back in December of 2023 that they are taking over a space near Cali Chilli and a bit from Vino e Cucina.
Mangette will be closing on Sunday, Oct. 6
Mangette owners Alicia Kemper and Marie DelBarry have announced that the French-style bistro will be having its last day of service this Sunday, Oct. 6.
“With heavy hearts, we’re announcing that this Sunday will be our final service,” a post on Instagram read. “It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re beyond grateful for the love and support you’ve shown us. To our amazing staff, thank you for pouring your heart into every dish, every cup, and every smile. To our wonderful guests, thank you for making Mangette a part of your days and for sharing in this special space with us. And to the Long Beach community, thank you for embracing us so warmly. Join us this weekend for one last bite, one last sip, and let’s celebrate the memories we’ve made together. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.”
Alicia said her neighboring Buvons wine bar will remain open under her ownership.
Ginger’s October tasting menu was chosen by its patrons
The renaissance at Ellie’s (and it’s neighboring, private dining room space Ginger’s) is reflected no better than through Ginger’s October tasting menu.
“We opted to have our patrons choose their favorite dishes across the dinners that have happened at Ginger’s,” said Chef Jason Witzl. “And I have to admit, they menu they created is nothing short of spectacular.”
Fairmont Breakers announces chefs for restaurants
Per their press release, here are the chefs heading the team—two of which are Long Beach staples—at the Fairmont Breakers, set to open Nov. 7.
Jared Reeves, Executive Chef
Executive Chef Jared Reeves joins Fairmont Breakers Long Beach with over 15 years of international culinary expertise, spanning prestigious kitchens across the globe. Jared’s lifelong passion for cuisine dates back to childhood afternoons cooking with his grandmother. Originally from Kansas City, Chef Reeves honed his skills at Le Cordon Bleu in Sydney, as well as in Australia’s most iconic restaurants, including Lucio’s and The Wood’s Restaurant at Four Seasons Sydney. Returning to the U.S. in 2016, Jared played a pivotal role in the opening of Four Seasons New York Downtown and later joined Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa as Executive Sous Chef, where he earned accolades such as 2020 Leader of the Year.
In his new role as Executive Chef, Jared will oversee the culinary program at Fairmont Breakers Long Beach, driving innovation and excellence across the hotel’s dining venues. With a passion for California’s terroir and fresh, farm-to-table ingredients, Chef Jared focuses on celebrating local producers with contemporary takes on classic dishes, bringing his creative flair and expertise to the culinary team at the new hotel.
Giuseppe A. Musso, Chef de Cuisine – Nettuno
Hailed as an acclaimed chef by the Long Beach community, Chef Giuseppe A. Musso will helm Nettuno, serving a seasonal menu inspired by authentic Italian home-cooked meals. Known for his innovative approach to Italian cuisine, Chef Giuseppe A. Musso brings nearly a decade of expertise and artistry to Nettuno, pushing the boundaries of Italian cuisine through dishes that marry his deep-rooted Italian heritage with modern techniques and global influences.
With a prolific career, Chef Musso’s journey began in Forlì, Italy and has continued through some of Europe’s finest kitchens as well as leading renowned restaurants in Los Angeles. From mastering French cuisine at Negresco Hotel in Nice to embracing Spanish flavors in Lloret de Mar, Giuseppe has fused European flavors to create a one-of-a-kind culinary style. At Nettuno, innovative à la carte dishes highlight Chef Musso’s culinary talent and dexterity in creating vibrant, imaginative dishes, artfully blending both coastal Californian and Italian favorites.
Max Pfeiffer, Chef de Cuisine – Sky Room
A Long Beach native, Chef Max Pfeiffer brings a deep connection to the destination and a passion for fine dining to his new role as Chef de Cuisine at Sky Room. Growing up frequenting Sky Room, Max has a deep reverence and familiarity with the restaurant’s tradition and status as a legendary icon within the Long Beach community.
A graduate of Cal State Long Beach, Max’s gastronomic career has since taken him across the country from the acclaimed Sotto in Cincinnati to top-tier restaurants in Southern California, including Roe and Michelin-starred Knife Pleat in Costa Mesa. Max’s homecoming to Long Beach will be a pivotal moment in his career – the talented chef is eager to elevate Sky Room’s dining experience through his unique local perspective and innovative culinary techniques.
ICYMI: 4 Shore permanently closes in Naples
The thing with 4 Shore wasn’t just its brow-furrow-ing name. It was its lack of connection to the community; its disjointed concept and discombobulated culinary character. The first red flag of a business is always its chosen emotional distance from its community.
Click here to read Brian Addison’s full feature.
ICYMI: Chef Carlos Jurado of Selva Long Beach uplifts Colombian food in a way no one else does
To watch the crazy evolution of Chef Carlos Jurado at Selva has been both a pleasure and honor. What is specifically so awe-inspiring is his perpetual dedication to lifting up Colombian cuisine in a food landscape where Latin American food is absolutely dominated by Mexican food.
Click here to read Brian Addison’s full feature.
ICYMI: I Luv Ur Buns, the queer women-owned, Cambodian-led steam bun joint, is celebrating its first year in Long Beach
Whenever I have the privilege of writing about our Cambodian community, I immediately get inspired at their resilience and tenacity. Sincerely. And the incredible story behind I Luv Ur Buns is no exception.
For Brian Addison’s full feature, click here.
ICYMI: A Cambodian food festival finally arrives in Long Beach
If there is one egregious gap in Long Beach’s food events scene, it is the lack of a Cambodian food festival. Thanks to the leadership of Chef Chad Phuong of Battambong BBQ, that’s about to finally change. The Long Beach Cambodian Food Festival kicks off its inaugural year at Ten Mile Brewing on Saturday, Oct. 19 from noon to 8PM. We’re talking Steak with teuk prohok. Banh chao. Nom pang. Nom ansom. Kuytier, sometimes spelled kuy teav. Bok lahong. Egg rolls. Spring rolls. Sour fruit stand…
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