Cuizine - 1.1

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cuizine | long beach volume one, Issue threevisit cuizineonline.com for 50% off at participating restaurants

FEATURING

volUmE oNE , IssUE ThREE

Cuizine, Long Beach edition, Winter 2011, is an advertisement. Rights to all articles and images are reserved by Cuizine, Inc. Any reproduc-tion of Cuizine’s content without the express written consent of Cuizine, Inc. is strictly prohibited. Cuizine is located at 5150 E Pacific Coast Hwy. Suite 206, Long Beach, CA 90804. Please direct all correspondence to the same address, call (714) 845-7477, or email [email protected]. Cuizine, Long Beach edition is published quarterly by Cuizine, Inc.

Publisher Patrick Dooley Creative DireCtor Sean Danson eDitors Patrick Dooley, Matt Dupree PhotograPher Jeff Gould, Roni Ramos aDvertising DireCtor Patrick Dooley sales Managers Ian Dooley, Scott Slotkin Distribution DireCtor Ian Dooley webMaster Jeff Gould sPeCial thanks Elsie and the Dooley Families, Erin Tyson, Tony Vallez and Brian Taylor Cuizine, inC. 5150 E Pacific Coast Hwy. Suite 206, Long Beach, CA 90804 (714) 845-7477

to reserve sPaCe in Cuizine, Call us at 714.845.7477 x101

7th st. Chophouse 12

abbey, the 04

at last Café 06

avia kitchen 13

belmont brewing Company 11

berth 55 14

big nick’s Pizza 10

blondie’s 04

bottom’s up 09

brien o’Connor’s 11

buono’s authentic Pizzeria 08

Canadian Pizza 10

Corner store, the 06

Delightful Crepes Café 13

Dogz bar and grill 06

Fresh Foods Café 16

Fresh kabobs 10

gaffey street Diner 12

golden star Family restaurant 14

kitchen outfitters 08

la Ceiba 06

le Yen Chinese restaurant 05

lola’s Mexican Cuisine 09

Michael’s Pizzeria 07

naples rib Company 11

new York’s upper Crust Pizza 14

omelette inn 10

open sesame 13

Panda Palace 08

Paradis ice Cream 05

Paradise Piano bar 09

Pizza Place and garden Café, the 04

rocco’s Deli italiano 14

sushi saurus 07

tavern, the 07

tavern on 2 01, 03

titi’s ice Cream and treats 12

two umbrella’s Café 08

whale & ale, the 05

To build a dining community in Long Beach. Everything we do starts with the print edition you’re holding—it’s a community resource, a treasure map for great restaurants, but most importantly, a way to get you through the doors and introduce you to the food, all without even leaving the couch. It’s on the web, however, at cuizineonline.com, where we can really build a menu of dining services. The obvious favorite is that we offer 50% discounts to many of the restaurants you’ll find within Cuizine. But there’s much more. If you like a restaurant in the magazine, you’ll be able to view alternate dishes from the same places online. We’re really proud of the next item. Over the last few months we teamed

up with the Big Red Bus to introduce an awesome way to spend a Sunday. We call it Restaurant-Teurs, and it’s exactly what it sounds like—a tour of Long Beach dining, usually a three-stop, high-energy, low-cost event. The feedback has been incredible, and we’ve introduced dozens of LB’s foodies to places like Fresh Foods Café (on the back cover), Titi’s Ice Cream, Kitchen Outfitters and Berth 55. Follow us on our facebook page to be the first to know about new 50% off deals, the latest Restaurant-Teurs events, as well as daily specials and events from the restaurants throughout Cuizine. It’s just a bit of what we’re doing here at Cuizine to build the best dining community we can. We’d love your help! Log on and tell us your thoughts, tips, experiences and favorite dishes!

C u i z i n e wa s C r e at e d w i t h a s i n g u l a r m i s s i o n :

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tavern on 25110 e 2nd st | Long Beach 90803 (562) 856-4000 | tavernon2.common 5pm-10pm t-th 11am-10pm fri 11am-11pm sat-sun 8am-11pm

Tavern on 2 is like heaven for our city’s foodies, but you don’t have to be an enthusiast to appreciate the nuanced flavor crafted into every dish served by this gastropub. The owners have built To2 into a powerhouse in the Long Beach food scene, seemingly overnight, with uncompromising top-quality in all areas, a mind towards going green, and health-consciousness that reaches well beyond the everyday. On the cover of this magazine you’ll find the Chorizo Burger, an absolute breakthrough in the boundaries of the burger status-quo, with a lamb and pork chorizo patty. It’s

built with real palate appeal, topped with Manchego cheese, Spanish tomatoes, onion chutney, arugula and pimentón mayo, all served on a pretzel bun. Best yet, their meats are steroid and hormone-free and never frozen, instead bought daily from the local butcher then ground in-house. The reaction to their hamburgers has said it all. Brian, the man behind To2, tells us, “Although we don’t salt or spice our hamburgers, I constantly get new people telling me, ‘This is the most flavorful burger I’ve ever had!’” You’ll also find a fan-favorite salad, the Chicken, Goat Cheese & Pear Salad, with a mix of ingredients as unique as its presentation. It starts with arugula tossed with candied pistachios in Sherry Honey Vinaigrette, then come slices of whole pears and free range chicken, and the whole thing is topped with a deep fried chunk of absolutely excellent goat cheese. And of course all produce is bought fresh from local farms every day. If you prefer something warm for winter time, we suggest starting your meal with simple French Onion soup, and ending it with the Maple Bread Pudding, topped with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. There’s also a whole host of micro-brewed beers to pair with any meal on the menu, and if requested, both gluten-free buns and beers are available any time. Come find out what’s got Long Beach talking, and if you bite off more than you can chew, take it home in their biodegradable to-go boxes.

ChICkEN, GoAT ChEEsE & PEAR sAlAd, FRENCh oNIoN soUP, mAPlE BREAd PUddING

“Nua nc ed f l a vor c ra f t ed

i n t o e ve r y d i s h”

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drink up!

Pollo mARsAlA

the pizza place & garden café

The popular, family owned and operated Pizza Place and Garden Café was established in 1979, which has given them plenty of time to perfect this Pollo Marsala. The juicy chicken breast and plump mushrooms take their full-bodied flavor from being sautéed in imported Marsala wine. With penne pasta topped with shredded parmesan and fresh steamed veggies on the side, you may need a to-go box to finish up. Try it on “Two for Tues-day,” when you can buy any chicken dish and get 50% off the second!

BAjA TURkEy BURGER

the abbey306 main st | seaL Beach, ca 90740 | (562) 799-4246 | theaBBeyseaLBeach.com | mon-th, sun 11:30am-10pm; fri-sat 11:30am-12am; sun 9:30am-10pm

If you’ve ever finished a burger and realized you’re still hungry, there’s no way you were at The Abbey. Behold the “Baja Turkey Burger,” a tasty tower that brings the heat. Burger purists may scoff at the idea of a turkey patty, but this bird packs a mean bite while being health-friendly.

With Applewood Bacon, guacamole, Serrano butter and pepper jack, all on a massive brioche bun, this is the sort of burger legends are made of. They’ve even added the extra Abbey touch, with their homemade mayo, mixed greens, and fresh roma tomatoes. It’s the perfect way to

build up a thirst for the all-new 16-beer sampler plank, stocked with a selection of The Abbey’s amazing craft beers and impossible-to-find imports. But be sure to bring a friend and all your courage; the sampler plank will test the mettle of even the heartiest beer-tasters.

mEG’sCITREAT

blondie’s

The Meg’s Citreat at Blondie’s is as sweet and radiant as the lovable bartender who lends her name to the tasty drink. It’s perhaps best enjoyed on sunny afternoons, but it’s known to brighten up days in need of a little more sunshine. The Citreat starts with Absolut Citron Vodka and finishes with Trader Vic’s Rock Candy Syrup, making for a hard drink with a mellow burst of sweet citrus joy and just a hint of vanilla. Enjoy several, and be sure to tip Meg well for her mixology expertise.

2259 n Lakewood BLvd Long Beach 90815(562) 498-2661sun-th 10am-12am; fri-sat 10am–2am

1431 e Broadway | Long Beach 90802 | (562) 432-6000 | sun-th 11am-10pm, fri-sat 11am-11pm

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BEEF WEllINGToN

the whale & ale327 west 7th st | san pedro 90731 | (310) 832-0363 | whaLeandaLe.com | open 7 days a week. check onLine or caLL for hours

The Whale & Ale has set San Pedro abuzz with many decidedly English mainstays, none so celebrated as this Beef Wellington. It tastes every bit as delicious as it looks, with an ultra tender 8oz. USDA Choice filet mignon as its centerpiece, crowned with mushroom duxelles, and the whole thing wrapped

in a puff pastry. Drizzled atop is Périgourdine sauce, a beef stock reduction with Marsala wine and chopped black truffle that adds the perfect touch to a brilliant dinner. There’s plenty more waiting at The Whale & Ale to complete your home-grown English experience. They boast

13 beers on tap, including British-born Boddington’s, for which Whale & Ale had the very first tap ever in America. They’ve also collected the prestigious “Perfect Pour” award from the higher-ups at Guinness, in addition to the “Best Fish and Chips” award from LA Hot List.

lEmoN ChICkEN

le yen chineserestaurant

Le Yen’s complex dishes always burst with an array of flavors, but our deep admiration for their culinary skill comes from all the attention paid to detail. Take this Lemon Chicken, for example. What its mild-mannered exterior belies is an impeccable balance of flavors and textures. The lemon is pungent without bitterness, sweet but not overwhelming. The chicken gives a crunch, but it immediately melts into tenderness. This level of ex-pertise is exactly why Le Yen has been a staple of Bixby Knolls for 40 years.

ICE CREAm ANd soRBET mAdE FREsh dAIly

paradisice cream5305 e 2nd st | Long Beach 90803 | (562) 438-8580 | mon-wed, sun 12pm-10pm th-sat 12pm - 11pm

Paradis (pronounced “paradese”) took hold in Denmark, where they wooed customers with over 200 rotating ice cream recipes made fresh daily with milk, so they’ve got less fat. That’s just the start for the company, now open in Belmont Shore, the third SoCal location. There’s nothing artificial—neither colors, nor flavors. Instead they get their fruit day-to-day from local farmer’s markets, and choose the day’s flavors accordingly. Their sorbet, like the Cranberry pictured here, contains 40% less sugar than frozen yogurt, and has only 75-120 calories per scoop!

4140 atLantic ave | Long Beach 90807 | (562) 427-1937 | Leyenrestaurant.com | tue-sat 11am-9pm; sun 11:30am-9pm

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PUPUsAs

sEAREd oNo

la ceiba

at last café

If you haven’t had La Ceiba’s Pupusas, you’re missing out on one of Long Beach’s great hidden meals. Honestly, they’re the perfect dish. Fluffy and warm, the dough’s exterior would be a treat on its own. All of their filling

choices are spectacular, and they offer a wide variety for your mix-and-match pleasure. Better yet, Tuesdays through Thursdays they’re only a dollar each, so why not pick up a dozen? They’ll go quicker than you think.

Breaking all known laws of restau-rant economics, At Last Café is con-tinuously creating masterpieces and offering them at outrageously low prices. This Seared Ono, for instance, features an enormous slab of Ono fish set on a lumpy

bed of smashed potatoes, golden zucchini, mango, roasted red pep-pers, and baby tomatoes. Drizzled in a specialty Lime & Ginger sauce, this is the sort of meal you can only expect from a world-class kitchen crew like At Last Café’s.

CARNITAz PlATE

CIABATTA ChEEsEBURGER

dogz bar and grill

the corner store

Dogz may specialize in top-notch frankfurters, but that doesn’t mean they don’t branch out with excellent specialties. Their Carnitaz Plate is a tortilla-topping extravaganza, and its tentpole carnitas explode with flavor.

Slow-simmered in garlic, black pepper, salt, orange juice and cola, these succulent morsels will keep you craving for more. Be sure to include one of their gigantic margaritas; we promise you won’t need to order a second.

Everyone who has witnessed the small-town coolness of The Corner Store has their own reason for falling in love with the San Pedro staple. Part restaurant, part eclectic market, you’ll find everything here from craftsman sodas to this awesome Ciabatta

Cheeseburger. You’ll be hooked after one bite into the soft, thick ciabatta bread and grilled beef patty, but hold off swearing your allegiance—there’s a full menu of crowd-pleasing bites sure to make you the latest Corner Store love story!

1118 west 37th st | san pedro 90731 | (310) 832-2424mon-fri 6am-6pm; sat-sun 7am-6pm

204 orange ave | Long Beach 90802 | (562) 437-4837jmchefcatering.com | tue-sat 11:30am–8pm

5300 e 2nd st | Long Beach, ca 90803 | (562) 433-3907 | dogzBa-randgriLL.com | mon-fri 11am-2am sat-sun 9am-2am

1436 e 7th st | Long Beach 90813 | (562) 590-3186LaceiBarestaurant.com | mon-th 9am-10pm; fri-sun 9am-12am

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sEAREd oNo

drink up!

PIzzA mARGhERITA

michael’s pizzeria5616 e 2nd st | Long Beach, ca 90803 | (562) 987-4000 | michaeLspizzeria.common-th 12pm-3pm, 5pm-10pm; fri-sat 12pm-11pm; sun 12pm-10pm

When Owner Michael Dene decided to create his pizzeria, he didn’t just do his homework, he went for his Master’s degree. Michael spent two years traveling around the globe in search of the perfect pizza, and now he’s brought it from Naples, Italy to Naples, Long Beach. From mozzarella made fresh daily to

locally-grown basil and imported San Marzano tomatoes (the best in the world for sauces), these pizzas are crafted with the utmost quality from start to finish. And the best part is, you get to witness the excellence during its creation. The dough is thrown, topped, and slid into the brick oven right in full

view of the dining room. For a crash course in specialty pizza, get the Pizza Margherita. Its simplicity proves that less is often more, with just mozzarella, tomatoes, basil and olive oil. Served unsliced, the Pizza Margherita is just a taste of what makes Michael’s a whole new level of pizzeria.

sAURUs TUNA sAshImI sPECIAl

sushi saurus

If you’re in the camp that thinks tuna at a sushi bar is meant to be spicy, diced up and wrapped in rice, prepare to pull up stakes when you try Sushi Saurus’ Sesame-Crusted Bluefin Sashimi. Served on a pad of thick avocado slices, these morsels are perfectly seared, and their flavors enhanced with a light drizzle of mustard-soy sauce. Be sure to visit during their absolutely dynamite happy hour for the hands-down best sushi deals in Long Beach.

ThEmIsTlEToE

thetavern1739 e artesia BLvd Long Beach 90805 (562) 900-9370 mon-fri 11am-2am; sat-sun10am-2am

Just in time for the holiday season, The Tavern is rolling out their festive new concoction, The Mistletoe. It’s like a lot of drinks at the Tavern: colorful, delicious, and sure to get you jingled all the way. Built around a big pour of Tanqueray Gin, this drink gets into the Christmas spirit with a trimming of Grenadine and Lime Juice. So maybe it’s not as festive as Egg Nog, but after a few Mistletoes, you sure will be. Join the free drink club by texting “thetavern” to 353535.

5260 e 2nd st | Long Beach, ca 90803 | (562) 439-1950 | mon 4:30pm-10:30pm; tue-th 12pm-10:30pm; fri-sat 12pm-11pm; sun 12pm-10pm

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vEGAN BENEdICT

PIzzA BIANCA

two umbrellas café

buono’s authentic pizzeria

Vegan cuisine is sometimes met with skepticism by Non-vegans, but this Vegan Benedict will make believers of them all. With Grilled Tofu, homemade pesto and fresh spinach on a toasted English muffin, it’s smothered in a vegan

béarnaise sauce that lives up to its egg-based sibling. Over top of this goes chopped spinach and tomato, and we couldn’t be happier with the result. So don’t fear the tofu, because this Vegan Benedict is pitch-perfect.

Buono’s Authentic Pizzeria is offer-ing up one more reason to love the holidays, with their seasonal master-piece, Pizza Bianca. It takes its tradi-tionally festive colors not from sauce (it’s sauce-free!), but flavor-packed sun dried tomatoes, and the green from sautéed spinach. Prosciutto

lends a mellow smoky flavor, and blends marvelously with pizza’s three cheeses—provolone, ricotta and parmesan. With Buono’s signature thick crust and a host of contrasting flavors, it’s a true treat. Get it while you can, because it’s only available through January!

szEChUAN sCAlloPs

Ham & Brie on πPretzel BAGUETTE

panda pal ace

kitchen outfitters

The Szechuan Scallops at Panda Palace take their name from a province in China renowned for its bold blend of spices, anchored by regionally-grown peppercorn, garlic and chili peppers. This generations-old specialty sauce is offered on a variety of dishes,

though we recommend the scallops. Battered and deep fried, these plump jumbo scallops are served alongside steamed broccoli and white rice, making for a traditional Chinese meal you can enjoy without renewing your passport.

Kitchen Outfitters is fast becoming the favorite sandwich shop of Naples, especially due to this monstrous Ham & Brie sandwich. Served on a pretzel baguette, it’s piled with Nueske’s Applewood Smoked Ham, Brie, and a Dijon spread. Enjoy it with

one of their special coffee creations or your choice of craftsman bottled sodas, and you’ve got a lunch that’ll ensure a late dinner. It’s what you’d expect from the folks devoted to raising the culinary bar for every meal, at home or out on the town.

5650 e 2nd st | Long Beach 90803 | (562) 434-2728 | kitchenoutfit-ters.com | mon-fri 7am-7pm; sat 8am-6pm; sun 8am-5pm

250-a w ocean BLvd | Long Beach 90802 | (562) 432-2211 Buonospizza.com | mon-sun 11am–11pm

16400 pacific coast hwy, suite 112 | huntington Beach 92649 (562) 592-3048 | pandapaLacehB.com sun-th 11am-9:30pm; fri-sat 11am-10pm 1538 e Broadway | Long Beach 90802 | (562) 495-2323

twoumBreLLascafe.com | tue-sun 8am–1:30pm

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drink up!

ChIlE EN NoGAdA

lola’s mexican cuisine2030 e 4th st | Long Beach 90814 | (562) 343-5506 | LoLasmexicancuisine.com mon-sun 11:30am–9:30pm

Lola’s continues its tradition of authentic and innovative cuisine with this jaw-dropping Chile En Nogada. The Nogada, for those outside the know, is a creamy walnut sauce that coats the pasilla chile pepper, itself loaded with a finely chopped picadillo of ground pork, ground beef, pineapple,

toasted almonds and raisins. The pepper is roasted, then drizzled in Nogada and topped with a sprinkling of pomegranate seeds. Combined, the dish salutes the three colors of the Mexican flag: green from the pepper, white from the Nogada sauce, and the pomegranate seeds provide the red.

It’s like a great big, tasty national salute! And the swirling tastes of sweet, savory, sour, and spicy pay tribute to everything we love about Mexican cuisine. It’s just the kind of dish you’d expect from Lola’s—a finely-tuned orchestra of flavors straight out of the family recetario (cookbook, that is).

sEsAmE-GINGER & GRIllEd P INEAPPlE ChICkEN

paradise piano bar

Paradise Piano Bar is known far and wide for their amaz-ing dinner menu. This is the precise reason why we’re more than a little excited about their special table d’hôte on Thursdays, offering two entrees, an appetizer and dessert for $30. We’ve picked our favorite: this beauti-ful chicken breast topped with grilled pineapple and a sesame-ginger glaze, all over a mash with seasonal vegetables. In a restaurant known for excellent food and local art, this meal qualifies for both categories.

hAWAI IAN holIdAy

bottom’sup9080 artesia BLvd | BeLL-fLower 90706 | (562) 900-9370 | myBottomsup.com mon-fri 11:30am-2am; sat-sun 10am-2am

If Jack Frost’s got you wishing for warmer weather, here’s a drink that’ll transport you to the tropics during the holiday season. Featuring Midori, Malibu Rum, Tropical Pucker, and pineapple juice, this glorious green beverage is like relaxing in the shade of a palm tree—or perhaps a giant evergreen pine. And with plenty of kick, this one’s sure to warm you up on the inside. Join the free drink club by texting “bottomsup” to 353535.

1800 e Broadway | Long Beach 90802 | (562) 590-8773 | paradisepianoBar.com | mon-th 3pm-2am; fri-sat 10am-2am, sun 10am-12am

vEGAN BENEdICT

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johN’s hEAlThy ChoICE

NEW yoRk sTEAk & EGGs

big nick’s pizza

omelette inn

Big Nick’s has made their name as a haven for top-notch pizzas and pastas of all varieties, but it’s the John’s Healthy Choice that’s winning favor in San Pedro’s beloved Italian eatery. Like a great pasta dish without pasta, it’s loaded with

sautéed red and green peppers, zucchini, carrots and mounds of diced chicken, spiced to scorch with garlic and red peppers. And there’s plenty of room to enjoy it with friends, as Big Nick’s just opened up their newly expanded dining room!

If there were ever any doubt that Omelette Inn offers the most robust breakfast in Long Beach, this New York Steak puts it to rest. The steak is perfectly seasoned with garlic and pepper, then grilled for a mouthwa-

tering sear. The breakfast is rounded out with your style of eggs and home fries, but it’s not really complete with-out one of Omelette Inn’s signature mimosas. Now that’s a breakfast sure to satiate your heartiest appetite.

lAmB shANk

ThE mExICAN PIzzA

fresh kabobs

canadian pizza

The popularity explosion enjoyed by Fresh Kabobs isn’t happening because they’re just like every other Indian restaurant; it’s happening because Long Beach loves quality, and found it in dishes like this Lamb Shank. It’s imported from New Zealand and grilled to perfection

after a long soak in a Tandoori-like marinade. The result? It falls right off the bone. Served with Basmati rice, grilled zucchini, fresh sautéed veggies, and organic greens picked up from the farmer’s market on the same block, this is Indian cuisine sure to get you talking.

The photo of this Mexican Pizza doesn’t even show you the best part. No, it’s not the crisp jalapeños, the delectable chorizo or the buttery avocado. It’s not even their famously crisp crusts. The best part of this pizza is that

it comes with another specialty pizza of the same size, absolutely free. And for your second pie, may we recommend… another Mexican Pizza. Honestly, we just can’t get enough of this spicy crowd-pleaser.

1241 e 4th st | Long Beach 90802 | (562) 980-7605canadianpizza.net | sun-th 11am-10:30pm; fri-sat 11am-11pm 318 pine ave | Long Beach 90802 | (562) 437-5625

omeLetteinnLBc.com | mon-sun 7am-4pm

220 e 4th st | Long Beach 90802 | (562) 951-1227fresh-kaBoBs.com | sun-th 11am-9pm; fri-sat 11am-10pm

1110 n gaffey st | san pedro 90731 | (310) 732-5800Bignickpizza.com | mon-sun 10am-12am; fri-sat 10am-1am

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mACAdAmIA CRUsTEd mAhI mAhI

belmont brewing company

It’s tough to find a cozier spot in winter than nestled by the fire pit on Belmont Brewing Company’s celebrated patio. Grab a spot and try this Macadamia Crusted Mahi Mahi. It’s got a subtle crunch and mellow island flavor, contrasted by a bed of fire-roasted

tomato sauce. On the side, enjoy chipotle rice, a spicy medley of corn with chopped onions, and absolutely giant broccoli florets and carrot slices. Even better on the side: any one of Belmont Brewing Company’s signature house-brewed beers!

IR Ish sTEW WITh IR Ish sodA BREAd

brien o’connor’s

Not all Irish Stews are created equal, but the recipe gifted to Brien O’Connor’s by Miss O’Connor (of no relation) on a 2007 trip to the Emerald Isle was created to appeal to an Irishman’s own heart. Made with beef shank and served with homemade Irish Soda

Bread, the secret ingredients are Guinness and Magner’s Hard Cider. So don’t tell anyone. Just tell them it’s the best darned Irish Stew you’ve had ‘cross the pond, tell them it’s less than eight bucks, and it’s only available at Brien O’Connor’s.

4130 paramount BLvd | Lakewood 90712 | (562) 627-8999mon-fri 10am-12am

johN’s hEAlThy ChoICE

NEW yoRk sTEAk & EGGs

PUllEd PoRk sANdWICh naples rib company5800 e 2nd st | Long Beach 90803(562) 439-7427 | riBcompany.common-th 4pm-9pm; fri 4pm-10pm;sat 12pm-10pm; sun 12pm-9pm

To anyone who’s already paid a visit, there’s no question Naples Rib Company’s barbeque is a treat. What’s not to love about their Pulled Pork Sandwich? It’s served on a long roll tasked with a singular mission: to try and maintain structure under all the sweet, tangy goodness that is Naples’ generously-portioned pulled pork. A caution, however: it’s so tasty you may find your plate cleared in awkward, record-setting time, while your dinner-mates steadily work their way through an enormous pile of ribs or grilled prime rib. There’s no cause for alarm; remain calm and order one of Naples Ribs’ Onion Bricks. Your pals will applaud you for supplying the group with golden-fried onion strips, and you’ll have something extra to snack on. Be sure to make your way to the bar for some fine beers and mixed drinks, or for designated drivers, treat yourself to the valet’s car washing service, and they’ll have a clean car waiting for you after diner.

25 39th pL. | Long Beach 90803 | (562) 433-3891 BeLmontBrewing.com mon-fri 11:30am-12am; sat-sun 10am-12am

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WAFFlE ICE CREAm sANdWICh

titi’s ice cream & treats

If you’ve got a case of winter blues that can’t be cured by mere ice cream, Titi’s Ice Cream and Treats is still your ticket for a sweet, mood-lifting dessert. Their Pie Cakes are a blissful pairing of pie richness and warm cake fluffiness, like the sweet

potato pie, carrot cake combination seen above. And they’re upping their game yet again, with this ice cream sandwich on waffles, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. It’s the best excuse yet to have ice cream for breakfast!

hoT TURkEy sANdWICh

gaffey st. diner

The San Pedro hot spot known for massive portions is ready for the holiday rush with this Hot Turkey Sandwich. It’s big on flavor, too, with turkey prepared in-house and gravy generously ladled atop. On the side there’s a heap of mashed potatoes,

some fresh steamed vegetables and a small bowl of cranberry sauce with whole cranberries. It’s like a great lunch the day after Thanksgiving, but if you made a meal this size at home, there would be none left for the family!

247 north gaffey st | san pedro 90731 | (310) 548-6964 | gaffey-streetdiner.com | mon-fri 5am-2:30pm; sat-sun 5am-3pm

718 orange ave | Long Beach 90813 | (562) 591-titimon-fri 7am–9pm

sURFANd TURF 7 th s treet chophouse465 west 7th st | san pedro 90731(310) 684-1753 | 7thstreetchophouse.com | tue-wed 5pm-9pm; th-sat 5pm-10pm

Beauty may be skin deep, but the Jumbo Prawns sitting atop this filet mignon are rich throughout. Marinated and sautéed in Chef Chris’ Cajun pesto recipe, they burst with flavor at the first bite! The filet is masterfully grilled, with its own special marinade accented by ginger and mustard seasonings for a mouth-watering zest. For even more bold flavors, how about a bed of jalapeño cream corn finished with pepper jack cheese? For a special night out, order the Surf and Turf during Friday Night Live, with live Smooth Jazz or R&B starting at 8:30. The full dinner menu is available, so you can enjoy all the best from 7th St. Chophouse while you’re wowed by the entertainment. Best of all, it’s only a $10 cover fee, but make sure to call ahead to save your spot! Reservations are a must, as these nights always fill up quickly!

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BRAIsEd shoRT RIBs &BUTTERNUT sqUAsh RAvIolI

avia kitchen

There’s a warmth felt as soon as you enter AVIA Kitchen, a feeling as though you’ve made it home for the holidays. Perhaps it’s the décor, with design swaths straight out of Mom’s kitchen, but more probably, it’s great comfort food like the Braised Short

Ribs and Butternut Squash Ravioli picture here. Braised for nearly four hours, the lean short ribs pull apart with a little help from gravity. The ravioli’s soft pumpkin-like sweetness is so smooth, it could easily be served as warm dessert.

CRèmE BRûléE CRêPE

delightful crêpes café

There’s always a creative new crepe right around the corner at Delightful Crêpes Café. Their Specials menu makes sure of it, and with crowd-pleasing favorites like the Mediterra-nean, it’s no surprise that most orders come right off the chalkboard. Good

thing for us, the Crème Brûlée Crêpe isn’t going anywhere! This creamy desert crepe topped with fresh ba-nanas and strawberries has won over the hearts and bellies of Long Beach’s foodies, with a smooth sweetness that’ll bring you back again and again.

1190 studeBaker rd, suite h | Long Beach 90815 | (562) 594-9400deLightfuLcrepescafe.com | mon-th, sun 8am–8pm; fri-sat 8am–9pm

285 Bay st | Long Beach 90802 | (562) 436-1047 | aviahoteLs.com Breakfast: mon-fri 6:30am-10:30am; sat-sun 7am-11am;dinner: tue-th 5:30pm-10:30pm; fri-sat 5pm-11pm

kABssA open sesame

Open Sesame knows its way around the world of spices. Owner Ali Kobeissi worked in a Lebanese spice factory before setting up his 2nd Street Mediterranean paradise, and his expertise comes through in every dish. Just in time for the cold winter weather, their Kabssa is a subtle, full-bodied meal that will have your palate doing backflips. Featuring fall-apart tender chunks of lamb cooked over a low flame, this mixed rice dish is as aromatic as it is hearty, with a flavor profile that is oceans away from anything like it. Tossed with bell peppers, onions, carrots, raisins, and a perfect blend of spices, Open Sesame’s Kabssa will question everything you thought you knew about Mediterranean cuisine. Or, if you’re a novice in the ways of Lebanese food, this choice will show you exactly what you’ve been missing.

5215 e 2nd st | Long Beach, ca 90803 | (562) 621-1698 | opensesamegriLL.common-th, sun 11am-10:30pm; fri-sat 11am-11pm

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berth 55

new york’supper crust pizza

Berth 55 sits on the water like a lighthouse for wayward seafood lovers. In place of million-megawatt lamps to guide in Long Beach foodies, there’s a buzz surrounding mouth-watering items like this Grilled Lobster and New England Clam Chowder, served in a fresh, delicious bread

bowl. It would be literally impossible to get lobster that’s any fresher, and it’s perfect with the zesty seasoning sprinkled generously atop. Their chowder is just stellar. With thick chunks of clam and hearty veggies, it’s the perfect treat to keep you warm in winter!

New York’s Upper Crust Pizza gets lasagna just right. Layered with ricotta and romano cheeses and generously crowned with chewy mozzarella, it perfects a mild blend of texture and flavor. Tastiest of all, thick-cut slices of spicy Italian

sausage provide that kick you’d expect from food created in a country shaped like a boot. Pop in between Thursday and Sunday for Tossed-to-Order Pasta Specials, featuring favorites like Carbonara and Penne al Pesto Cream.

ChIl I & ChEddAR omElETTE

BRoCColI RABEsANdWICh

golden starfamily restaurant

rocco’s deli italiano

It’s said that this Chili & Cheese Omelette has attracted some high-profile Hollywood attention, which may be a normal phenomenon when you serve scrumptious comfort food in your community for 48-years like Golden Star Family Restaurant has. After one bite, we’re sure—this is one breakfast

ready for its close-up. Topped with sharp cheddar cheese, loaded with home-style chili and served with filling breakfast potatoes, this omelette has star power all its own. Wash it down with a hot chocolate towering with whipped cream and sprinkles, perfect in its supporting role.

No one can accuse Rocco’s of skimping on quality, as evidenced by this Broccoli Rabe sandwich. It’s loaded with tender roast pork tenderloin, sharp provolone and, of course, sautéed Broccoli Rabe, a favorite in the delis of the Bronx.

For more East Coast favorites, go for some Tastykake Krimpets and a Manhattan Special Espresso Coffee Soda. It’s no wonder Rocco’s is the favorite stomping ground for Long Beach’s New York transplants.

2420 e 28th st #1 | signaL hiLL 90755 | (562) 424-8400roccosdeLi.com | mon-sat 10am-3pm

5291 e 2nd st | Long Beach, ca 90803 | Long Beach 92649(562) 987-4700 | nysuppercrustpizza.comsun-th 11am-11pm; fri-sat 11am-1am

2001 e carson st | Long Beach 90807 | (562) 426-8869mon-sun 6am-9pm

555 pico ave | Long Beach 90802(562) 435-8366 | Berth55fishmarket.com mon-th 10am - 6pmfri-sun 10am - 7pm

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There’s a reason that Fresh Foods Café has become the premier restaurant choice for working professionals downtown. In fact, there’s a rather long list of reasons. We’ll start where most FFC regulars start their day: at the True Beans coffee counter, where the hands-down best coffee in Long Beach is roasted in-house and served fresh. These beans are flown in from small farms spanning all corners of the globe, specially roasted and prepared by one on California’s greatest baristas. One sip of this coffee will school your taste buds, and once you’ve been privy to the intricacies of fine coffee, they’ll be happy to teach you the ways of the bean during one of their coffee brewing classes.The artisan sandwiches, wraps, burgers and paninis at FFC are the perfect lunch choices, all crafted by resident culinary expert, Chef Aaron Yorty. All of his creations are built from the bottom up with a mind toward pairing contrasting flavors and preserving standards of the highest quality. Their meats are roasted in-house for a rich, full flavor that sets FFC’s lunch menu apart from their competition. We’ve grown fond of their Pomodoro Panini, with roasted chicken breast, provolone cheese, spinach, fresh basil, roasted tomatoes and pesto mayo on grilled sourdough. For those on the hunt for something a little more exotic, consider the amazing and innovative sandwich, The Firm. Built around curry chicken salad, the Firm’s got a powerful kick complemented by smooth provolone and roasted red peppers. It may sound a little experimental, but it’s the sort of culinary prowess we’ve come to expect at Fresh Foods Cafe. So if you’re finding your morning coffee lacking, or your lunch a little too ordinary, Fresh Foods Café is the best experience in town.

“ThE FIRm” sANdWICh, TRUE BEANs CoFFEE & CATERING sAmPlER

340 goLden shore st, suite 160 Long Beach 90802 | (562) 980-9200 | freshfoodscafe.com mon-fri 8am-3pm

fresh foods café

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