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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 or repeated news where you might have missed the full features.
New concept from Michelin-recognized Heritage, Olive & Rose, now hiring
Olive & Rose, the new concept from the Michelin-recognized space Heritage, is now hiring for both front of house and back of house positions. For BOH positions, roles that are needing to be filled include chef de partie, commit, and dishwasher; for those interested, resumes need to be sent to t.p.claytor@gmail.com. For FOH, barista, host, and AM back server are roles that need to be filled; send resumes to ryanheritagelb@gmail.com. Things that are preferred? Culinary school graduates for BOH; for all others: a similar role plus fine dining experience and hospitality career-driven. Benefits include healthcare and family meal.
Gutso continues to score accolades—and this time, for a particular cookie
While Gusto owners Arturo Enciso and Ana Belén Salatino begin to prepare for their trip to Chicago—all in the hopes that after becoming the first Long Beach representatives, they might just bring home a James Beard award—they are celebrating their continuation of being celebrated locally: The Los Angeles Times has named it home to one of the region’s best cookies, noting specifically the alfajor de nuez.
Keep it happening, Gusto.
Lease for Rubio’s in Belmont Shore is up in December; lease sign displayed
Rubio’s in Belmont Shore—the fast casual chain that has had a presence in the Shore for nearly two decades—is likely doing one of two things: Negotiating its lease or closing up shop. A lease sign has gone up at the space while the restaurant’s lease runs through December.
Dave’s Hot Chicken in the Shore also likely to close
Just one year after opening, Dave’s Hot Chicken—the East Hollywood-birthed Nashville hot chicken that has exploded across the entire nation, with locations spanning from the East Coast to Vegas to the Pacific Northwest—will likely be closing their Belmont Shore location within the coming months. Rumor has it that its other soon-to-open location at the Traffic Circle yields too much competition; still awaiting a return comment from owner Clinton. Of course, locally, we understand that Belmont Shore and the Traffic Circle could not be further from one another and the two co-existing could work out fine but alas: corporate culture.
Roe to host Railsback Frères wine dinner
For those that haven’t been to one of Roe’s pairing dinners—sometimes they’re featuring spirits, sometimes wine—you are missing out: They’re back patio is almost as enchanting as their director of operations and special events Gillian Poe, whom hosts one helluva party. And those she has done many, this is one is particularly special to her.
“Their wines are truly special and unique, reflecting their personal paths in food and wine exploration and passion for the Provencal style of wine making,” said Poe. “A friend of mine in L.A. introduced me to Lyle [Railsback, co-owner of and some of his portfolio and I was very impressed. I love that Lyle is also the artist behind the artwork on his own labels. It gives his wines an extra special feel to me.”
Long Beach Bartender Guild to host Tequila Ocho for educational seminar
Bartenders and Long Beach Bartenders Guild members, reminder: The Guild will be hosting Paul Masterson from Samson & Surrey as they explore the “Principles of Terroir” with Tequila Ocho, the first single estate, single vintage tequila, and taste the Hand of the Maker with Mezcal Vago via the creations of the four different palenques. The event goes down tomorrow, May 29, from noon to 3PM at Panxa Cocina.
“We’ll also move into our bonus educational session, an introduction to Personal Branding with owner of Sol Hospitality and a competition judge for the L.A. Spirit Awards, Joseph Solis,” said Guild leader Tomas De Los Reyes. “This topic is key to understand in building yourself professionally while navigating all the channels of communication we have these days.”
The event is free but requires you to reserve your spot; RSVP link for May’s meetup.
Angel’s Share soft opens in Belmont Shore; grand opening June 6
Angel’s Share, the newest restaurant that quickly began construction inside the former Tap House space in Belmont Shore, has soft opened. It is a space that hopes to bring a little class to the Shore with a whiskey selection like no other, private chef dinners, memberships, and a setting that keeps it intimate.
To read the full article, click here.
Chapter II Coffee to host ribbon cutting ceremony June 8
After opening earlier this year, Chapter II Coffee is ready to call it official with a ribbon cutting ceremony come June 8 at 4PM. Quickly taking over the former Moon Mountain space after it permanently shuttered earlier this year, the space has already grown its own mini-patronage as it continues to make its presence known in the Shore. Owner Porenia Pen, who owns Board House Coffee in Los Angeles, has already put up an extensive breakfast menu that includes a multitude of breakfast sandwiches and plates, along with smoothies, acai bowls, lunch sandwiches and more.
Taste of Downtown returns June 12 & 13
Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Downtown Long Beach Alliance’s Taste of Downtown returns for its 2024 iteration along Pine Avenue and The Promenade come June 12 and 13 from 5PM to 9PM each night. Expect the usual: an array of restaurants offering smaller sized portions of their dishes while also slingin’ out cocktails, beer, and wine in exchange for pre-purchased tickets. You can buy tickets at the event or buy them ahead of time by clicking here.
Pizza Parlor in East Long Beach hiring
Pizza Parlor is one of East Long Beach’s most underrated gems—and certainly amongst the best pizzerias in the city. Chefs and owners Josh Knight and Mike Ortiz are hiring to help expand the pizzeria’s ability to serve the community. Those interested can email their resumes to chef mike.ortiz@pizzaparlorlb.com
To read the full profile on Pizza Parlor, click here.
Oh La Vache to host ‘California love’ wine and cheese pairing
Erika Ponzo and Jessica Sarwine, owners of Oh La Vache on 4th Street in Retro Row, love their cheese and love their wine—and perhaps just as much, love their home state of California, which is why they are hosting “California Love” come Thursday, June 20 (at 7PM) and Friday, June 21 (at 9:30PM). What’s to be featured? Four cheese and four wines, all made in the Golden State. For more information, click here.
For the full profile on Oh La Vache, click here.
California Turkish Fest to invade Shoreline Aquatic Park
Prepare for Turkish food, vibrant music, and cultural performances as the California Turkish Festival invades Shoreline Aquatic Park on Sunday, June 9 from 11AM to 5PM. Per the organizer, “Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Turkiye right here in Long Beach. Taste traditional dishes like kebabs and baklava, shop for unique crafts at the bazaar, and enjoy live music and dance performances throughout the day. Whether you’re a fan of Turkish culture or just looking for a fun weekend activity, this festival has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on this exciting event celebrating the best of Turkiye.”
The event is free but RSVP is required; click here to reserve your spot.
ICYMI: Playa Amor to close, host last week of service; women’s sports bar concept to take over
Bittersweet food news, Long Beach: Playa Amor—the Jonathan Gold-recommended Mexican restaurant—will likely have its last week of service through May 31 as it hands over the keys to a future women’s sports bar concept, Watch Me! Sports Bar. Chef Thomas Ortega’s other Long Beach location, Amorcito at Long Beach Exchange, is also loooing to close as it currently lays out a deal to transfer ownership to another taqueria.
Click here for the full article.
ICYMI: Most anticipated restaurants opening in Long Beach in 2024: UPDATED
This is your complete guide to restaurants opening this year in Long Beach—and there are some big updates as I continually return to it throughout the year. Explore it (as there are also updates about restaurants that were announced but are sadly not following through on opening).
