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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.
Colossus scores glowing review from L.A. Times
Colossus founder, owner, and master baker Kristin Colazus-Rodriguez and Chef de Cuisine Jeff Paletz have much to celebrate: Following their current expansion in the Shore (which is nearing completion), the duo received a rightfully glowing review in the Los Angeles Times from food critic Jenn Harris.
A portion read, “At Colossus Harbor, Rodriguez works with executive chef Jeff Paletz to expand her bread program into something that resembles a full restaurant menu. For breakfast, Rodriguez’s croissant roll is split to cradle an inch-thick cloud of fluffy egg under a melted slice of Muenster cheese. It is one of the finest croissants in Los Angeles, with a pronounced butter flavor and delicate pastry that shatters into the soft eggs.”
Sura Korean BBQ recognized as a legacy business by City of Long Beach
Speaking of recognitions, Sura Korean BBQ—Claire Kim and Brandon Su’s stalwart of a restaurant—has been recognized by the City of Long Beach as a legacy business. The achievement has been long in the making: Approaching twenty years of service to the community, the space has been the city’s main teacher in Korean cuisine, while consistently adapting, evolving, and elevating itself in the region home to one of the world’s most signficant Koreatowns.
Cyclops Coffee signage goes up on Zaferia location
Cyclops Coffee’s new Zaferia location—an expansion from their flagship location on Clark Avenue—officially has its Scrabble-like signage up. And it looks adorable.
Espresso Bar opens in Belmont Shore
Lola’s Mexican Cuisine has partnered with CoffeeDrunk to create a play on classic cafe de olla. You can score the drink hot or iced, with espresso or matcha, and it includes house-made cafe de olla, milk, orange, and cinnamon.
Chef Giuseppe Musso leaves Fairmont; takes over Courtyard by Marriott
Chef Giuseppe Musso—the much-loved Italian culinary leader who led the former Michael’s Downtown to its glory—has formally stepped away from Nettuno at the Fairmont Breakers. He is now heading the Salt & Grove kitchen at the Courtyard by Marriott, where he will soon debut an entirely new menu.
Los Compadres expands bar area at Pine Avenue location
My personal favorite Los Compadres—significantly more lowkey than the Anaheim location and still the only Long Beach location with pozole—has officially expanded its bar area. Expect it to be packed for the upcoming World Cup games.
Wild Chive expands hours; hosts Vizzi nighttime residency
Wild Chive has not only expanded its hours—Tuesday through Friday from 7AM to 3PM and Saturdays and Sundays with coffee & pastries at 7AM and brunch from 9AM to 3PM—but they are also handing over their space during the nighttime to Vizzi, another vegan food brand.
Shlap Muan to expand, open San Gabriel Valley location
Shlap Muan will officially be opening a San Gabriel Valley location in Monrovia, with owner Hawk Tea dubbing it “Shlap Muanrovia.” This marks the first formal expansion of the brand after dipping into the world of Coachella and DTLA’s Smorgasborg. And we’re happy, because now SGV will taste SoCal’s best wings.
Queen Mary hosts CSULB’s Hospitality Management Program for Argentine wine dinner
CSULB’s Hospitality Management Program is returning to the Queen Mary for its Wine & Culinary Excellence Dinner, inspired by wines from Argentina.
“This special evening will showcase the talents of hospitality students as they present a premium Argentinian selection of wines, thoughtfully paired with a variety of delicious culinary creations,” said managing director Steve Coloca. “Join us on Friday, April 24, from 6PM to 9PM, aboard the ship as students demonstrate their passion for food and wine pairings, blending flavors to enhance the dining experience. This is a fantastic opportunity to support our future hospitality leaders, connect with industry professionals, and indulge in an evening of great food and wine.”
Boss Burrito to change name to ‘El Jefe Mexican Grill’
Were they served a cease and desist from the Midwest taco chain, Taco John’s? That’s unsure—but one of Long Beach’s best spots for breakfast burritos is changing its name. Same owners, same menu, just a different name.
Panvimarn patriarch and co-founder, Paknavin ‘Joseph’ Khemsap, passes
Paknavin “Joseph” Khemsap, who opened Panvimarn Thai Cuisine with his wife, Tin, in 2009, has passed away. One of the leading figures in upping the Thai cuisine game in Long Beach, the restaurant made an announcement via social media stating:
“With heavy hearts, we share the passing of Paknavin Khemsap (Joseph), beloved founder and creator of Panvimarn Thai Cuisine, on March 15, 2026. We warmly invite you to join us in celebrating his life, legacy, and the joy he brought to so many.
- Date: Tuesday April 28th, 2026
- Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Panvimarn Thai Cuisine
“If you knew Chef Joe and would like to pay your respects, please come by and share in honoring his memory. Reception to follow.”
ICYMI: Bixby Knolls gem Wood & Salt to permanently close April 19
Well, this one hurts: Wood & Salt—restaurateur Björn Risse’s California-centric Bixby Knolls gem that served as a sister to his first Long Beach restaurant, Rasselbock—will host its last day of service on Sunday, April 19. It marks the most devastating closure of 2026 thus far, as Wood & Salt—along with staples like Sushi Nikkei and Nonna Mercato—uplifted the Bixby Knolls food scene in ways previously unseen.
Its food—started by Chef Brian Lavin and taken to new heights by current Chef Albert Lopez—and cocktails—thanks to bar maestro Gabriel Ducharme—are and will be remembered as some of our city’s best.
For the full article, click here.
ICYMI: Dolores is Chef Luis Navarro’s love letter to 4th Street in Long Beach (and his mom)
Sometimes, when the right story presents itself at the right time, food storytelling can be deeply cathartic. Writing this was such an endeavor because it makes me so proud of the Navarro family.
And let’s just get one thing out of the way, Long Beach: There is no need to lament The Social List when you have something like Dolores birthed out of it.
It is unquestionably the best food to be churned out of the space by Chef Luis Navarro, with wife and business partner Brenda Rivera’s “fingerprints all over the menu because she is so willing to step outside the comfort zone,” as Chef Luis puts it. Its menu reflects everything The Social List was: Comforting, if not outright nostalgic; just slightly elevated and better executed this round.
Click here for the full article.
For the fourth year in a row, Long Beach’s Baby Gee recognized with prestigious Spirited honor
What do we love? Long Beach businesses being nationally recognized. And for (an incredible) fourth year running, Baby Gee has been recognized by the Oscars the bar world, the Spirited Awards.
All with no PR team. No financial backing. Just a space where its owners are actually behind the bar.
