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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.
Onigiri specialist Tenori arrives at LBX
Taking over the former Plaid Sheep GCB space—which closed back in May—inside The Hanger at Long Beach Exchange, Tenori has arrived with its very specific specialty: onigiri. Coming in a variety of seven flavors—tuna with mayo; KBBQ; spicy tuna; spicy salmon; mentai (cured pollack fish eggs); honey shrimp; and pork belly—the only thing the space serves is musubi. The company, based out of Orange County with two other locations in Irvine and Stanton, its refreshingly simple menu should be a hit with the casual diners flocking to The Hangar on the daily.
Selva returns with ‘Selva Sundays’ brunch menu
From burgers and eggs Benedict to more traditional Colombian fare like bandeja—for the paisas, where chorizo or blood sausage combines with fried eggs, chicharrón, rice and beans—Selva’s Sunday menu is spectacularly Chef Carlos-y. The all-day menu is served every Sunday from noon to 8:30PM.
Miracle at The Ordinarie returns with earlier opening date, reservations soon open
Miracle at The Ordinarie starts earlier this year: Thursday, Nov. 21, with reservations going live on Nov. 1 8AM. A big change in the reservations will be that only daytime reservations can be made; nightttime service (anything after 3:30PM) will be on a first-come-first-serve basis. Fear not: Last year went incredibly smoothly without reservations, with the worst wait times reaching 45 minutes on Friday and Saturday evenings.
Even more, the space will be open seven days a week from 11:30AM to 1AM—so you’ll have plenty of time to bring on the holiday cheer. For those that don’t know what Miracle at The Ordinarie is or just want to see more pretty pictures, I got you covered.
Shlap Muan introduces new flavors
A participant in this year’s Taco Death Match and an overall favorite of Long Beach, Chef Hawk Tea of Shlap Muan has done what he rarely does: introduce a new flavor. And yes, it is wok-tossed like their famed Dirty Elvis wings. Welcome Tamarind Tiger.
“‘Tuk Ampil’ is loosely translated to ‘tamarind sauce’ and is a popular Khmer dip that was the inspiration behind our Tamarind Tiger,” Hawk said. “A sweet tangy sauce that has bold and unique tamarind notes. Fish sauce lends the perfect amount of umami. Fried garlic adds smokiness. Finished with cilantro for brightness.”
They also introduced Khmanch—a lemongrass ranch dry rub—at their popup at Smorgasbord but it is unclear if the flavor will make the permanent menu.
Sonoratown is now open seven days a week
Praise the flour tortilla gods: Sonoratown is now open seven days a week from 11AM to 4PM. This marks a definitive step forward for the popular taqueria as owner Jennifer Faltham slowly but surely works up to future dinner hours.
Vintage LBC in Bixby Knolls introduces new collaboration items with Handy’s Smokehouse Delicacies
The Vintage LBC—Bixby Knoll’s vastly underrated sandwich shop-meets-market-meets-wine bar—has introduced three new items in a collaboration with (the also underrated) Handy’s Smokehouse Delicacies. They have a smoked tuna melt with grùyere; a smoked salami sandwich with Red Dragon Welsh cheddar; and a smoke salmon pinsa, a Roman flatbread. Bring it.
Yu-Me Japanese Restaurant opens in East Long Beach
Yu-Me Japanese Restaurant—which opened its first location in Pico Rivera—has opened in East Long Beach near El Dorado Park. Taking over the former Fusion Sushi space, Yu-Me is known for its highly themed interior, which makes it feel like nighttime and as if you are sitting outside.
ICYMI: Taco Death Match 2024 is coming—all competitors announced
Taco Death Match 2024 is upon us, Long Beach. Ten taqueros and chefs from Long Beach and L.A. are battling in the ultimate competition focused on SoCal’s favorite food. They were asked to create unique “ofrenda tacos” that honor dead loved ones in honor of the Day of the Dead. Those tacos will then be paired with a beer from a local brewery. Each will be judged by professionals in the field and the festival patrons, as in the spirit of of ofrenda competitions found throughout Mexico.
In addition to the tacos, there will also be plenty of tequila tastings. Which also means some shopping. Which then, accordingly, means some ultra-special VIP perks. And entertainment. Some giveaways. Because this is all for the chance for a taquero to proclaim victory in the ultimate Taco Death Match.
We have some Cambodian peeps competing. And chefs. And traditional taqueros (obviously)… So let’s talk about the restaurant chefs competing.
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