Cuisine & Cocktails | LB Living by Long Beach Home + Living

SUMMER/FALL 2021

LBHOMELIVING.COM

VISIT LONG BEACH’S FIRST AND ONLY GRAIN TO GLASS DISTILLERY!

TABLE SIDE TASTINGS • BOTTLE SHOP • EATERY • CRAFT COCKTAILS • LOCAL CRAFT BEERS EXPANDED OUTDOOR DINING • BRUNCH • SEE WEBSITE FOR HOURS

EXPLORE OUR MENUS!

CALL FOR QUESTIONS: (562-435-4411) WEBSITE: www.portugusebenddistilling.com INSTAGRAM: @portuguesebend_distilling 300 THE PROMENADE NORTH LONG BEACH, CA 90803

TABLE OF CONTENTS 04

Cocktail Hour in Long Beach

Taste of Central America

Take Out & Chill

Wood & Salt

Where to Eat & Drink In Zaferia District

The Anatomy of Grazing Tables with Primal Alchemy

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Chocolate Cake with Passionfruit Curd Buttercream

hen You’ve had a Bad W Day, District Wine About It

owntown Long Beach: A D Flourishing Past, Present, and Future

Retro Row

Uptown District

Cuisine & Cocktails WRITERS

Cassidy Liston

Durban Delicacies

James Tir Lisa Khiev Lisa Mendoza

PUBLISHED BY KAHLO CREATIVE

Photographed by Cassidy Liston at The Hideaway @yesplease.food & @thehideawaylbc

Morgan Baker LilyAnne Rice

140 LINDEN AVE | LONG BEACH

Erika Paz

562.366.3111 lbhomeliving@gmail.com www.kahlocreative.com

Stephanie Gardner PHOTOGRAPHY Elizabeth Martinez

TEAM

Cassidy Liston

SAL FLORES-TRIMBLE

James Tir

DAN 0’BRIEN

Morgan Baker

ELIZABETH MARTINEZ

LilyAnne Rice

JUNE 2021

Cocktail Hour in Long Beach Written and photographed by Cassidy Liston | @yespleasefood

In a city as large and diverse as Long Beach, you can find a little something for anyone. Come along as we visit different corners of the city and find some unique and unforgettable sips.

STOP ONE: The Grasshopper The Grasshopper has the décor of a vintage speakeasy and drinks that match. The signature drink is of course the bars namesake, but I have to recommend the Butterfly which was a refreshing mix of vodka, lime, and strawberry shrub garnished with a beautiful fresh strawberry.

STOP TWO: Port City Tavern The new kid on the block, Port City Tavern is serving up some of the most creative cocktails in the city. With a set of familiar faces to any local behind the bar, you can trust only the best. After more than a few samplings, I landed on my favorite which was the Stay Salty. An incredibly complex, but easy to drink sipper with lemongrass gin, mezcal, pepita, hoja santa, lime and of course a salted rim.

STOP THREE: Remix Nestled up near the Long Beach Airport, Remix is serving up some stellar Filipino fusion food, but the drink menu is nothing to ignore. The bartenders are pros and the skill shows in their Midnight Margarita. A classic tequila and lime blend expertly topped with red wine. As you sip through the cocktail you get waves of dry wine and the tart citrus making this an unexpected hit.

“Nestled up near the Long Beach Airport, Remix is serving up some stellar Filipino fusion food, but the drink menu is nothing to ignore. ”

STOP FOUR: The Hideaway Every item on the vast menu at the Hideaway is unexpected, but when I saw the Lion’s Tail I knew I had to try it. Boasting old overholt, lime, cinnamon, and the surprising pimento dram; when I read the ingredients, I wasn’t sure what I was in for. What I was in for was a new favorite cocktail. Pro tip: pair it with the lamb tartare, you will not be sorry. I hope you find your new favorite drink, but don’t forget to try something new every once in a while.

JUNE 2021

Taste of Central America Written and photographed by Lisa Mendoza | @beachcityfood

THERE are a few things in life that make me as happy as when hearing the clapping sound of a pupusa being prepared. If you’ve never had the pleasure of enjoying a pupusa, think of a steaming pan-fried corn flour disk filled with one or more combined ingredients such as cheese, chicharron, refried beans, loroco (a vine flower native to Central America), then served with tangy cabbage slaw, curitdo, and thin tomato salsa. Though frequently associated with quesadillas or mulitas, pupusas are in a different league of their own. Pupusas are El Salvador’s most popular and national dish, and rightfully so. However, pupusas created by Pipil natives over 2000 years ago didn’t become popular in most of El Salvador until the 1950s. So how did this dish make its way to Long Beach? During the late 1970s, a civil war erupted in El Salvador and forced many to flee to various countries, including the United States, many settling in Los Angeles. In fact, we have an area in Los Angeles called Little Salvador on Pico and Union.

Once you arrive at a Salvadorian restaurant, enter it with curiosity, and you’ll find that Comida Salvadoreña (Salvadorian food) is more than just pupusas. While pupusas are at the center of Salvadorian gastronomy, many other dishes deserve to be recognized. Fortunately, Long Beach has several Salvadorian restaurants for you to explore this Central American cuisine like Pan con Pollo, a torta-like sandwich often described as a Latin American chicken salad smothered in a tomato broth. Pasteles, are similar to South American empanadas, usually filled with ground beef and vegetables, and yuca con chicharron, all served with a cabbage slaw. For those with a sweet tooth, there are Salvadorian empanadas, a mushed plantain filled with refried beans, then deep-fried, drizzled with sugar, and served with sour cream to dip. One of the first and oldest Salvadorian Restaurants in Long Beach is Cafecito Salvadoreño, which I have driven past many times curious about their pupusas. Luckily last week, I met owner Doña Martha Anderson. She started in Long Beach in the late 1980s with a small stand and eventually opened her small lookalike diner. At Cafecito, my favorite is the pupusa de frijol y queso (beans and cheese) and the yuca con chicharron, a popular appetizer. This hidden gem (much like most of Long Beach) has no parking but worth the walk. Further north in Long Beach, you’ll find Pupuseria Brisas de Acajutla on Atlantic; this newest addition to pupuserias in Long Beach is cash only and serving up my personal favorite Ensalada in Long Beach. Ensalada is a chopped refreshing mixed fruit drink that beats any fruit punch out there. If you’re looking for a crunchier yuca con chicharron, this is the place for you. A few miles up is Restuarante El Kiosco, the most popular of all three restaurants serving serious Salvadorian vibes from loud cumbias, Pilsner (leading beer in El Salvador) micheladas, and pictures of Salvadorian Landscape. Here you’ll enjoy the pupusas and much more. On a cold day order, Caldo de res, on a warm day order the salpicon. Nevertheless, you’ll always find people walking out with pupusas to-go. If there’s one thing we can rely on is that pupusas are an affordable way for your taste buds to travel to Central America. Some tips for visiting Salvadorian restaurants: Food is prepared to order, so always expect a wait. Pupusas are made by hand, so ditch the fork and enjoy them with your hands. Service is rarely their strong point. Take cash, and for a crunchier experience, ask if they make rice flour pupusas. Nevertheless, enjoy the sounds of the freshly made food and the cumbias flowing. Last but not least, always tip well.

www.lbhomeliving.com

Pupuseria Brisas de Acajutla: Yuca con Chicharron 7

JUNE 2021

Scratch Kitchen + Coffee House Open 7am - 4pm Tuesday through Sunday

“Their biscuits and gravy are what dreams are made of!” – Yelp User

2201 N Lakewood Blvd Suite E, Long Beach, CA 90815 (562) 342-6116 | @steelcupcafe | steelcupcafe.com

Take Out and Chill?

The Best Family Friendly (and BudgetFriendly) Outings in Long Beach Written by Stephanie Gardner | @explorelongbeach

My wallet has been taking a beating since the day I had my first daughter. Or if you want to count pregnancy bills, kids are expensive starting at conception. And now, taking them places is expensive too! But walking the same block in our neighborhood or playing chalk in the driveway can also get old. We like to jazz up our outings by heading somewhere free, but grabbing some local takeout to eat while we’re there. If you’d

rather dine in somewhere, check out the best family friendly places to eat in Long Beach. But if you’re looking for an outing that can take up a good portion of the day and also includes an affordable meal, here are some ideas for you. Don’t forget to visit the LB Home Living website each week for more kids activities, outings, and tips, brought to you by Long Beach Home + Living and Explore LongBeach!

Rubio’s and Livingston Park Playground RUBIO’S 4702 E 2nd Street

LIVINGSTON PARK 4700-4798 E Livingston Drive

Livingston Park has been a favorite of ours since the kids were babies. The terrain is a mix of rubber under the playground equipment, grass under the trees, and there’s even a sandy area with things like funnels to dump sand into. Occasionally people leave sand toys here for community use, but not always, so bring some with you if sand play is important. The playground equipment itself is a good mix of things for very young kids (under 2), and a mix of things for kids between ages 3-8 or so. There is an area in the corner with a few options for big kids, but in my opinion, this is not the park I would choose for 10 and up if I planned on staying for a few hours. Another things to note is that this park is usually cold, even in the summer. It has a lot of shade and the ground tends to hold in the coldness so we usually bring jackets, even on hot days. It’s also one of the best places to find mom friends in Long Beach! One of our favorite ways to extend a visit here into a long afternoon is by grabbing lunch at Rubio’s. They have excellent kids meals that are a great price. For around $6 you can get entrees like a quesadilla with 2 sides, a burrito with 2 sides, or even classic chicken bites and fries. Sides for the quesadilla and burrito entrees include rice, beans, fries, chips, applesauce, and churros. Each comes with a drink as well. I’ve had a few adult entrees here such as the Citrus Grilled Shrimp Burrito and the Fish Taco plate. I have enjoyed every dish I’ve had here, but I’m going to be honest and admit that when we do take out and park days, I usually don’t even get myself anything because the kids’ meals are so big that I just pick at their leftovers. One downside of Livingston Park is that there isn’t a bathroom at the park, but we use the bathroom at Rubio’s when we go for our takeout. Lastly, if you choose to leave the park and dine in at Rubio’s, they have a pretty good beer selection and the prices are around $4-5! https://www.rubios.com/restaurant-locations/california/long-beach-belmont-shore 9

JUNE 2021

Shoreline Aquatic Park and Q’s Smokehouse Q’S SMOKEHOUSE 300 S Pine Ave

SHORELINE AQUATIC PARK 200 Aquarium Way

You may have seen the lighthouse from Shoreline Village, but I lived here for years not really knowing how to get to it or what a great area it is. The address is technically 200 Aquarium Way, but that will put you at the aquarium. After you park, keep walking along the water past the aquarium and you’ll arrive at Shoreline Aquatic Park. There is so much space here to enjoy. You can walk around the perimeter and enjoy the view, there is an electric scooter hub here if your kids are older and you feel comfortable riding with them, there’s even a sandy area. My kids love to run up the hill to the lighthouse and then roll down. One thing to note is that this park is located on a peninsula so it’s not a place to go and let young kids run around unsupervised. The drop off is steep and rocky. There is also no swimming here. Lastly, because it’s on a peninsula, you’re getting the ocean breeze on all sides and even warm days can get surprisingly chilly so don’t forget jackets. We make a visit here into an outing by getting takeout from Q’s Smokehouse. Their kids meals are an incredible value, at $8 each, and each one comes with an entree, a side, an oreo, and a drink. Entree options include things like a pulled pork sandwich, a burger, and Mac and cheese. Sides include fries, coleslaw, and carrots and celery to name a few.

Salud and *The New Park* SALUD 1944 E 4th Street #15

*THE NEW PARK* On the beach at Ocean and Junipero

*Disclaimer: At press time, the new park is temporarily closed while they perform some work but it should be reopen shortly* So first of all, if you haven’t checked out the new park here, (which to my knowledge does not yet have a name? I may be wrong…), it’s amazing. It’s like a ninja warrior park. Plus it’s literally on the beach! Definitely somewhere you could spend several hours, and there are even bathrooms right next to it. One way to extend your visit is to come prepared with delicious takeout. We all know that kids are bottomless pits who need constant feeding. When we head to this park, we like to park in the lot at the beach. It’s free to use street parking, but with a family, lugging everything from the street down to the beach is a lot of work. Leave your things in the car, and head up the ramp towards 4th Street. If your kids are young, you may want to bring a stroller for this because the ramp is steep and it’s a few blocks’ walk. Salud is located on the corner of 4th St and they have a ton of healthy options that the kids will still love. We usually get a few of their food options to share, like the oatmeal and avocado toast, and then we eat get a smoothie to drink too. It’s plenty of food to fuel the kids for an afternoon of climbing and swimming. https://www.saludjuice.com/ www.lbhomeliving.com

The adult menu is plentiful as well, from salads to classic bbq dishes to tacos. My boyfriend and I love to get the 2 meat plate with 2 sides for $23. An afternoon at the park is always better with smokey BBQ! https://www.q4bbq.com/

Local Harvest Farmer’s Market and Bixby Park/The Bluff LOCAL HARVEST FARMER’S MARKET 130 Cherry Ave Tues 3-7pm and Saturday 9am-2pm

BIXBY PARK Same location as the Farmer’s Market THE BLUFF Ocean Blvd between Cherry and Junipero

Bixby Park is a great park for kids of all ages. The ground is mostly sand, and there’s a big selection of playground equipment of varying difficulty. There are baby swings and regular swings, which some of the other parks don’t have. There’s also a good selection of climbing equipment. This park is fenced in, but there are 2 entries/exits so you need to watch a little more closely than the parks with only one. There’s a decent mix of shade and sun areas, and it can be busy during farmer’s market days. Coming here after the farmer’s market is a great way to make our shopping/dining into an outing. In addition to the playground here, there is ample space to run around and play or set up a picnic at the park. There is also the bluff across the street with more grassy space overlooking the ocean. The bluff has donation based yoga daily (if your kids are the type who would join in or sit quietly. Mine do not, but I’ve seen several other people there with babies and young kids.). Aside from yoga, there are often people here working out, relaxing, playing soccer, etc. It’s also a good place to set up a picnic or kick a ball around. When we go to the Local Harvest Farmer’s Market, we grab some locally grown fresh fruit and veggies to bring home, and usually get dinner here as well (on Tuesdays, or lunch on Saturdays.). There are vendors selling artisan items such as yogurt, salsa, and bundt cakes. There is also a large selection of prepared foods which include almost anything you can imagine.

Long Beach Pizza Co and “walking dinner” LONG BEACH PIZZA CO 3430 E Broadway

WALKING DINNER... Beach Walking Path (or anywhere)

“Walking dinner” is something we started during the pandemic and it’s exactly what it sounds like. Basically, you throw the kids in the stroller or wagon and let them ride and eat dinner while you walk around. (We actually have a stroller/wagon combo that we love and it’s perfect for this!) With nothing open for a while, the kids were going a little stir crazy. Because takeout was available, and walks were permitted, we invented walking dinner and the kids liked it so much, it’s something we still do. Sometimes, walking dinner included going to Long Beach Pizza Co and getting takeout like pizza, pasta, or a sandwich. What we got depended on the mess level we were prepared to deal with. My kids were 2 and 4 when the shutdown started, so with pizza, we’d need to cut it up and put it on the stroller tray for them. Noodles were usually a giant mess, especially red sauce, so we steered them toward butter noodles they could eat with their fingers. This was a little greasy, but not a red mess. Sandwiches were the easiest to share, though cut up pizza wasn’t really as messy as it sounds. It’s worth it to get out of the house and do something affordable and different. Not to mention Jason and I can eat our pizza as we walk and take turns pushing the stroller, so it was something we really enjoyed too. It doesn’t sound that exciting, but it’s actually a pretty fun experience that our family still regularly does when we want to get out but aren’t in the mood for a sit down dinner. Once we’d get the kids loaded up in the stroller with their cut up takeout (and a bunch of napkins), we’d head down to the beach walking path or bluff park and just walk a mile or so in each direction. Everyone seemed to enjoy the view, and because the kids had some delicious food in their mouths, they stayed quiet for a good part of the walk, which all parents know is a treat! If you’re feeling ambitious, you can take the beach path all the way down to Shoreline Village. We’ve done this a few times and it’s about 3 miles each way once you get to the walking path from Long Beach Pizza Co, so you’re looking at a good hour each way with the stroller. Once there, we would decide on a dessert like a funnel cake from The Funnel House or an ice cream cone from Ice Cream on the Boardwalk. During the pandemic, the kids would eat their desserts in the stroller, but now when we do this, we let them out to run around for a little bit before heading back home. It’s a super affordable way to spend an afternoon or evening. http://www.lbpizzaco.com/

When we go here, we usually grab some teriyaki chicken on sticks for the kids, popcorn, a yogurt for them to share, and then they’ll also pick at the berries and peppers we bought to bring home. For myself I usually get bread or pita and then choose a few yummy dips and spreads. My fav is the sun dried tomato and goat cheese spread! https://www.facebook.com/Local-Harvest-Farmers-Markets-277082705646707/ 11

JUNE 2021

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Written by Erika Paz Photographed by Elizabeth Martinez | @ecm_photo_ Despite multiple obstacles, Baked Vegan Sweets thrives under the ownership of young entrepreneur Nicolle Allen.

At multiple points in her life, Nicolle Allen has been told that pursuing her dream wouldn’t be a good idea. “I always really wanted to do baking because it’s kind of like an art,” she said. “The whole time I was in high school, the counselors were like, ‘That’s dumb. Why would you do that? You’re not going to make any money.’” So what did she do? She went to culinary school. She even won a scholarship that paid for half of her tuition at The Art Institute of California. Once there, she heard the same advice. “I went through the whole course of culinary school knowing that this is what I wanted to do. I would tell the chefs and they’re like ‘It’s a trend, that’s not a good idea,’” she said. Despite being told it wasn’t a good idea, Allen persisted. “I wouldn’t call myself rebellious, but I always do the opposite everyone tells me to do,” she said. Now 24 years old, that drive has propelled Allen’s success. She is the owner of Baked Vegan Sweets, a vegan bakery located on the corner of E 7th St. and Orange Ave. in Long Beach. The shop opened in July 2020, expanding the thriving vegan scene in the area. www.lbhomeliving.com

It’s taken a lot of work over multiple years. Allen began her business at age 19 selling cakes from her home kitchen while still working a full time job and attending culinary school. “It was 2016 when I started and that’s when vegan stuff kind of started to get more popular. Back then there was no fast food, no nothing,” she said. “So I was trying to fill the void in the market.” The following year, she moved to a commercial kitchen and began selling her baked goods at vegan restaurants, farmers markets, pop ups and festivals. At those events, Allen met other vegan food vendors like Chicana Vegana, Vegan by Zamorano, Munchies and MANEATINGPLANT. As the group went from event to event, they began building friendships. “We’re all this group of young entrepreneurs,” Allen said. “We all started popping up around the same time and then we all opened our stores at the same time.” Like her fellow entrepreneur friends, Allen came across a location where she could open her first shop. When she first found out about it, she was told that it was turnkey, ready to open. Once she got there, she realized nothing was up to code. After two years of renovation and construction, she was ready to get her permits and open her doors. That was April 2020.

“But then everything shut down,” she said. The pandemic halted everything, including the inspections needed to get her permits. “We were ready to go and we just had to sit on it for like three months.” The shop eventually got all of the permits required and officially opened for business on July 18, 2020. The two years leading up to that day, Allen was still selling her baked goods through online orders and pre order boxes. “Once we opened, it was totally different because now I have 20 menu items I have to bake every day. You never know what’s gonna sell and what’s not gonna sell,” Allen said. Even though running a bakery is different from running a pop up/ online shop, Allen has already found success with Baked Vegan Sweets. Every Sunday morning, you will see a line out the door before the shop opens at 10am. That’s when you’ll be able to purchase from the brunch menu, which typically includes the bacon egg & cheese bun, the turkey pesto bun, cinnamon rolls, and even gluten free items. Outside of being able to provide vegan items like brownies, ding dongs, cheesecakes, cupcakes of a variety of flavors, scones, fruit tarts, and macarons, Baked Vegan Sweets is also helping its community. Last summer, the shop participated in the #StandTogether campaign, helping raise money for organizations like My Brother’s Keeper Alliance, the National Bail Fund Network, and the Black Lives Matter organization. Even local neighborhood groups have praised Baked Vegan Sweets, according to Allen. “They definitely like that we made the neighborhood look nicer,” Allen said. “They’re like, ‘thank you for bringing business in the neighborhood so that people could see that it’s a nice neighborhood.’” But Allen’s favorite part about her business is being able to fill that void in the market that she saw so many years ago. “I like to mix it up and make sure that people keep coming back because there’s always something different,” she said. “I really like to be able to be the place where you can come and get what you can’t get anywhere else.”

JUNE 2021

Chocolate Cake with Passion Fruit Curd Buttercream Written and photographed by Morgan Baker | @mobaker

SERVINGS

PREP TIME

COOK TIME

18”

3-LAYER CAKE

INGREDIENTS FOR THE CAKE 2 cups granulated sugar 1 3⁄4 cups call-purpose flour 3⁄4 cups Dutch processed cocoa powder 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking powder 1 1⁄2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2 large eggs 1 cup whole milk 1⁄2 cup vegetable oil 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

MINUTES

PREPARATION 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease three 8-inch round baking pans with cooking spray. Dust each with cocoa powder, shaking out the excess. 2. In the bowl of a stand mixer sift together sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. With the mixer funning on low add the eggs, one at a time, followed by the milk, oil, and vanilla. Add eggs, milk, oil and vanilla. Raise the speed to medium and mix for 2 minutes. Return the mixer to low and slowly add the boiling water. The batter will be quite thin. 3. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans and bake 30 to 35 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center of each cake comes out clean. 4. Once baked, set the pans on wire racks to cool for 10 minutes. Then, lightly run a knife around the inside of the pans to help the cake edges release. Flip the cake pans over, one by one, and tap firmly with the palms of your hands. Carefully lift the cake pan; the cake should release easily. If it doesn’t drop right out, drape with a warm wet towel while continuing to tap. Cool the cake layers completely before frosting.

1 cup boiling water

5. While the cake layers cool, make the buttercream: Into a medium heatproof bowl whisk together the egg whites, sugar, and salt.

FOR THE SWISS MERENGUE BUTTERCREAM

6. Place a medium saucepot filled with about 1 inch of water over medium high heat. Once simmering, place the bowl with the egg whites on top of the saucepot, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the simmering water.

5 egg white, at room temperature 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1 1⁄2 cups granulated sugar 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt 1 1⁄2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1/3 cup passion fruit curd, bought or homemade, plus more for decorating zest of one lemon zest of one lime edible flowers, for decorating

7. Whisk the egg whites occasionally while the mixture warms. After about 2 minutes begin whisking constantly until the mixture reaches 160°F, the mixture should no longer be grainy. 8. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Whisk on high until you achieve room temperature glossy peaks, about 6 minutes. 9. Switch to the paddle attachment and while the mixer is running on low, add the butter 1 tablespoon at a time, making sure the butter is incorporated fully before you add the next tablespoon. 10. Once all the butter is incorporated add the vanilla, passion fruit curd, and citrus zest. Mix on medium-high speed until the mixture is no longer soupy. It should be light and fluffy. 11. One the cakes are fully cooled, frost the cake and decorate with edible flowers and passion fruit curd. 12. Slice and enjoy!

www.lbhomeliving.com

JUNE 2021

RETRO ROW has a ring to it, doesn’t it? Written by Lisa Khiev | @lisakhiev_

The name has existed since the 90s and is familiar to those who have been long-time Long Beach natives and members of the community. Us natives know the name well. How? You might ask. Well, just like you, curious reader, we’re looking for places to vibe, hang, sip, explore. All the things. As curious people, whether you’re visiting Long Beach for the first time or have been here forever, we ask around questions like, “What do we do in Long Beach?” “Let’s meet somewhere fun. Where should we go?” “Hey, do you know where we go to shop, eat, and hang?” “Forget the touristy stuff. Where’s the go-to spot that locals go to?” Retro Row is that spot. Photo source: Angelica “Jelly” C., Yelp Elite

www.lbhomeliving.com

Its name, if slightly mentioned in any conversation, by the way, a name that originated through the chatter of The Pike Bar & Restaurant Owner Chris Reese (a past bandmate of cool punk rock band Social Distortion) piques our interest. Does it not? We can’t help it, we just want to know more about Retro Row. So let’s dive in, shall we? Retro Row is also known as the establishment called Fourth Street located on (you guessed it) 4th Street between Cherry Ave and Junipero Avenue in the big wide city that we love, Long Beach, California. Just like the really cool streets in any cool cities, like Pico Blvd, for example, that stretches across Los Angeles serving good food and sips to Angelenos, Retro Row is similar in that sense to those who have lived and thrived in Long Beach. What makes this street so great is the fact that this is a completely independent community of creators, musicians, artisans, fashionistas, vintage lovers, and all the above. The community that makes up Retro Row are eclectic business owners with good vision and good taste and us, the consumers, customers, and epic supporters that keep Retro Row alive and thriving with our coins! The soul of Retro Row is in its close-knit people-loving community, business independence, and appreciation for diversity. The establishment celebrates its combination of uniqueness, its beautiful weirdness, its colorful and diverse differences. That’s the power of

4TH STREET

Retro Row. It’s self-made, and lives and breathes by the way of community. By the 2000s and onwards, the word of mouth of this destination grew and spread as the city grew along with it. Some might draw Retro Row’s birth to Kerstin Kansteiner who became one of the first business-owners and pioneers in the area who had the smarts to invest in her own coffeehouse now labeled Portfolio Coffeehouse and later owning and reimagining the Art Theater, a wine stop named Art Du Vin, and the bustling eaterie Berlin Bistro. In many ways, I’d like to think she inspired other unique business owners at the time to take the opportunity to expand on their business ideas.

RETRO ROW Gusto Bread

2710 E 4th St (for carb lovers)

Salud Juice

1944 E 4th St (for health nuts)

The rest is history, paving the way for what Fourth Street has become and continues to be today - a creative launching pad for ideas and enterprises.

Meow

I wouldn’t be doing you justice if I didn’t share with you the prime spots that I find most intriguing (and delicious!) - from dining, shopping, and great sips! So, here are the spots I find most illuminating and worth stopping by and checking out. Don’t forget to tell them Long Beach Home Living sent you!

The Social List

2210 E 4th St ( for vintage loving fashionistas + shoppers)

2105 E 4th St (for day drinking + bites)

#9 On The Go

2444 E 4th St ( for our Vietnamese pho lovers)

Photo source: Fourth Street

Photo source: Gusto Bread

BELMONT SHORE follow along with us @belmontshorelb!

shop. dine. indulge.

FOR UPDATES AND EVENT INFO, VISIT:

belmontshore.org

Bixby Knolls has nearly 900 businesses located north of the 405 Freeway to 46th Street on the north and 1 from the west side of Long Beach Boulevard to the east side of Atlantic Avenue.

Check Out A Few Bixby Knolls Highlights Below 1

LONG BEACH CREAMERY 4141 Long Beach Blvd

HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF LONG BEACH

LONG BEACH SHAKESPEARE COMPANY

LOLAS MEXICAN CUISINE

AMBITIOUS ALES

PIXIE TOYS

3914 Atlantic Ave

4260 Atlantic Ave

STEELCRAFT LB

3768 Long Beach Blvd

SOMI SOMI

3900 Atlantic Ave #102 3

4250 Atlantic Ave

LUCY'S BOUDOIR LINGERIE & BRA BOUTIQUE

4140 Atlantic Ave,

ROOTED

3805 Atlantic Ave

3925 Long Beach Blvd

PHIL TRANI'S

3490 Long Beach Blvd

THE NEXT LEVEL BARBER STUDIO

11 & PARTY ROOM

GEORGE'S 50'S DINER

DREAM COME TRUE TEA 3924 Atlantic Ave

4494 California Place

4390 Atlantic Ave

4019 Atlantic Ave

SEMILLITAS

3920 Atlantic Ave

Follow Bixby Knolls Business Improvement Association For community events, updates, and promotions

AND THEN LB 3803 Atlantic Ave

TWO THE ROOT

17 BEAUTY SUPPLY 3549 Atlantic Ave

DERRICKS

18 ON ATLANTIC 3502 Atlantic Ave

@BIXBYKNOLLS

BKBIA

ST 5

NG LO

ATLANTIC AVE

46TH

H AC

BE VD BL

AVE O I N

NTO

A SAN

E DR

ORN

IB CL A

7 8 9

CARSON ST 10 11 12 13 14

MARSHALL PL

ROOSEVELT

BIXBY ROAD 2

18 17

36TH STREET

35TH ST

ATLANTIC AVE

LONG BEACH BLVD

36TH ST

WARDLOW AVE

405

JUNE 2021

Learn your History with Long Beach’s UPTOWN DISTRICT ft. Uptown Commons Eats Written by Lisa Khiev | @lisakhiev_ Photo source: Pinhero Construction

This district is best known for its community retail services, family-style eateries, Spanish and art deco-style homes, bike-friendly programs, and a reemerging arts and business community. The latest addition to the Uptown District is Uptown Commons.

Uptown Long Beach is located just north of Signal Hill and makes up various neighborhood pockets in Bixby Knolls and California Heights including gems like Bixby Highlands, Bixby Terrace, the Virginia Country Club, Ridgewood Heights, and extending to North Long Beach. This district is best known for its community retail services, familystyle eateries, Spanish and art deco-style homes, bike-friendly programs, and a re-emerging arts and business community making its revival (due to community organizations like The Beats and The Uptown Business District). Real estate developments like Uptown Commons are the latest in the city’s exciting new culinary options for its North Long Beach residents.

www.lbhomeliving.com

Photo source: California Heights Neighborhood Association Facebook

This article explores the early developments of Uptown District and how its revival adds to the richness of the community, including a highlight on Uptown Commons.

History of Uptown Long Beach The historic district of Uptown would not exist without the Bixby Family, a family who, in 1844, owned much of The Los Cerritos Ranch House. Today, parts of this land have been sold off and exist today as North Long Beach, Lakewood, and Paramount. California Heights mural by Art Mortimer | Photo: California Heights Neighborhood Association Facebook. With oil-drilling becoming popular and the Long Beach Airport came to be in the 1920s, so did the demands for housing. This was when residents began to see home developments of beautiful Spanish and art-deco style homes that make up much of the California Heights and Bixby Knolls areas today. For historic neighborhood tours and more in these areas, you can visit http://calheights. org/. By the 1950s, Uptown District became a go-to area for neighborhood residents looking to fulfill their service needs, amenities, shop, and dine locally. After a slow decline of its retail business community, the Uptown District is making a comeback.

“By the 1950s, Uptown District became a go-to area for neighborhood residents looking to fulfill their service needs, amenities, shop, and dine locally.”

Photo source: Pinhero Construction

Community Revival + Uptown Commons Much of Uptown’s revival returns with small business and restaurant owners opening up shop up and down Atlantic Ave and Long Beach Blvd. You can find family style eateries, retail boutiques, and services as you trek or drive through Bixby Knolls. Community events like First Fridays Long Beach gathered residents to celebrate local businesses and artists, block-party style. The support for local artists and creative businesses remains a strong focus for the Uptown Business District. However, most currently celebrating their grand opening this May is Uptown Commons Long Beach at 6600 Atlantic Ave, a Steelcraftstyle location made up of colorful shipping containers! Debuting at Uptown Commons are casual fast-food chains and unique culinary options for NLB residents and any travelers passing through the Long Beach Airport (which is only 11 minutes away.) Uptown Commons is powered by Frontier Real Estate Investments and is built by Pinhero Construction. For more on the developments of Uptown Commons, visit Pinhero here.

Uptown Commons Long Beach Culinary Options + Services • • • • • • • •

Chase Bank Starbucks Wendy’s Mainchick Hot Chicken - Hot Chicken from Nashville Oi Asian Fusion - Filipino-inspired Food Portside Fish Co - Baja + Seafood-inspired Food Shomi Noods - Ramen + Handroll Bar Blind Donkey

Have you visited Long Beach’s Uptown District and Uptown Commons lately?

The Inaugural Long Beach Burger Week August 1 - 8, 2021 Organized by Long Beach Food & Beverage, Long Beach Burger Week will pay homage to America’s original culinary sweetheart:

THE HAMBURGER! From inventive specialty offerings with house-made sauce to traditional sesame seed buns and American cheese, plus hearty veggie and vegan renditions, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Long Beach Burger Week will feature ONE-OF-A-KIND Burgers at participating restaurants across the city! Featured eateries will offer a Long Beach Burger Week special with dine-in, to-go and delivery options available depending on the restaurant. Visit www.BurgerWeekLB.com for more information. Follow us on Instagram @burgerweeklb

THAI DISTRICT

Voted #1 Thai Restaurant in Long Beach ThaiDistrictRestaurant.com | 562.951.7181 149 Linden Ave. Ste E, Long Beach, CA 90802

JUNE 2021

Durban Delicacies and Delightful Desserts in East Long Beach Written and photographed by James Tir

As a college student, I frequently visited the El Dorado Duck Pond to feed peanuts to squirrels and decompress from the lifestyle of constant studying. Yes, I played a part in the escalating squirrel behavior problem. No, I’m not sorry. Anyway, after my squirrel shenanigans, I would often head over to the Eldo just a few blocks down to grab some grub, a few drinks, and listen to 80s cover bands if there happened to be a show that day. The Eldo was a steakhouse—but I was not there for the meats—I was there for the curry, of which, originated from South Africa. The Eldo first opened its doors in 1957 as the El Dorado Bar and Grill and for 55 years, they operated as a classic American steakhouse. In 2012, Trevor Nettmann purchased the place, and gave the steakhouse a South African twist. Trevor was born and raised in Durban, which is a coastal city in eastern South Africa. He grew up learning many traditional dishes from his grandmother, as well as participating in family braai, the South African equivalent of a barbecue or cookout. With that knowledge, he introduced curries, samosas, boerewors (a South African sausage made in-house), and more to the menu. Firstly, I want to rave about the curries. I have had the Durban lamb curry as well as the coconut prawn curry and I really dig them both. The Durban lamb curry is a whirlwind of flavor with www.lbhomeliving.com

spices heavily reminiscent of its Indian origin mingling with a playful heat. Texturally, it is smooth with chunks of braised lamb and potato evenly dispersed throughout. It is paired with saffron rice, papadum (a crispy flatbread), sambals (sort of like pico de gallo), and Mrs. Ball’s chutney (an apricot, peach, raisin, and chili condiment of South African fame).

EAST LONG BEACH

“Dubbed as the best ribeye in Long Beach by regulars, they serve aged choice Angus ribeyes that are cut in house.” The shrimp curry on the other hand had a completely different flavor profile. It was nutty and briny and was accompanied by the former accoutrements, along with shredded coconut, and…bananas. Yes, it seems like bananas are commonly paired with savory elements in many parts of the world. I was surprised to find that it worked! The starchiness and mellow sweetness of the banana balanced out the richness of the curry in a really nice way. Now, onto the things that they were initially famous for: the meats. They have been locally famous for their ribeye steak since the very beginning. Dubbed as the best ribeye in Long Beach by regulars, they serve aged choice Angus ribeyes that are cut in house. The result is a steak with character. Somewhere between tender and less-tender, that steak has a nice bite with an unctuous flow that is well supported by the sides of veg and mashed potatoes and gravy. The other meat of note is the behemoth of a pork chop. Easily fitting into the super heavyweight category, this thick monster comes in at two inches in height and is double stuffed with cheese. The surface is lathered in a maple glaze, so the result is a sweeter meat experience. Outside of the meat and South African fare, they also have an amazing dessert set up. Adjacent to the main restaurant is a space they call the Eldo Scoop which serves up a variety of dessert concoctions with Thrifty’s ice cream including ice cream sandwiches and boozy milkshakes. As East Long Beach’s primary demographic is comprised of families, the addition of Scoops has been a huge hit, quickly selling out every night! Obviously, I’m obsessed with this place. Most Long Beach residents have no clue that the Eldo even exists. It does not have the most obvious façade, however, once you enter, you are greeted by a space adorned with South African motifs and Green Bay Packers devotion. Okay, that last bit may turn some people off, but hey! Good food is good food, and I did not even mention their appetizer and drinks game. I will let you discover that for yourself. What I’m saying is that you would have to be nuts to miss out on this hidden gem. 27

JUNE 2021

Fire and ice. Thunder and lightning. Wood...and Salt? Written and photographed by LilyAnne Rice | @awriterwhoeats You’ll see what I mean. Some things just go together, and you better believe that wood and salt are some of those things. I recently returned to Wood and Salt Tavern on Atlantic for the third time, although all three visits have been under very different circumstances. The first time, in fact, the location was a sushi spot. The second time, it was during Wood and Salts’ September 2020 grand opening week, made a little less grand by COVID-19, but still grand all the same. This third time, I was pleased to discover things had changed yet again. Indoor dining was open for business, a new patio had been added to the back, and, like the main mechanism they use for cooking, their food was still fire. This particular location, where the name Wood and Salt now hangs its hat, has lived many lives. A sushi joint, another aforementioned sushi spot, a gastropub, a Mexican food establishment, a French eatery - nothing stuck. Unsurprisingly, Bixby Knoll locals began to call the spot cursed. So, when Wood and Salt moved in, you can only imagine that people looked at with raised yet hopeful eyebrows. But the owner was taking no chances. Like any professional restaurant connoisseur would, he gave the place a nice, proper saging, fighting that supposed curse with a taste of its own medicine. Speaking of taste - the food. Whether you believe in a curse, or whether you believe a restaurant simply needs good food to survive, the answer is always: good food. The focus here is on handmade pasta, along with seafood and meat prepared on their wood fired grill. I started with the charred corn croquetas, which are business in the front (crispy, crunchy) and party in the back (savory, creamy, and delightful once you bite in). I was also treated to the Santa Carota beef tartare. If you’re like me, you’re not accustomed to such exquisite (yet surprisingly affordable) cuisine, so I’d say try it at least once. It’s served up looking like the work of a fine architect, topped with crispy baby artichokes, smoked egg yolk, capers, and chives. The same architecture comment applies to the red & gold beet salad, a cheesy and zesty mix that’s like biting into the sun, if the sun were served cold and carefully curated by a chef. We then moved on from the enticing prelude to the stars of the show - the handmade pasta and the woodfire grill. I could taste the painstaking work that went into each pillowy lobster ravioli square. It’s rich, bright, and accented with balsamic vinegar. www.lbhomeliving.com

BIXBY KNOLLS

JUNE 2021

Then, the grand finale: Beeler’s Farm bone in pork chop, made in the wood fired grill. The fire that powers the grill is reminiscent of the fire that I’d light while camping, except instead of heating up a packet of top ramen and chicken, it’s an artful combination of baby sweet potato, cipollini agrodolce (balsamic glazed cipollini onions, for us laymen) and hazelnut picada (hazelnut blended with lemons, salt, and olive oil, for us again). The result is a balanced, flavorful blend of herbs and expertly prepared meat that’s way beyond glamping level status. I also cannot fail to mention the actual plates themselves that you receive your food on. They’re an eclectic mix of vintage China. One matched a plate in my own home that my mom proudly thrifted made in England. I asked the owner where he came up with that

www.lbhomeliving.com

treasure - also thrifted. All their dishes are locally hand-picked, creating a homey, cozy experience that you can’t help but sink into, which I’d recommend to Long Beach locals and out of towners alike. I myself am from out of town, but work takes me to this city often. Honestly, if you took a quarter to my skin and scratched me like I was a gas station lottery ticket, you’d probably find 562 underneath. And the main prize would be food, glorious food. So, thank you for letting me be part of your city, and your dazzling, expansive food scene. I’d tell you to direct your complaints to my address out of town, but I know you wouldn’t want to travel that far. For now, just head on over to Wood and Salt.

Where to Eat & Drink When You’re Ready to Explore Written and photographed by Lisa Mendoza | @beachcityfood

10 ZAFERIA LOCATIONS for you to re-explore as Long Beach is opening back up. You’ve watched all your favorite Netflix shows, and you’re finally ready to hit the town, but you’re not sure where to go. Well, we’re here to help! No pressure, but maybe it’s time to ditch the pajamas and put on your favorite pair of leggings (we have to transition back into jeans slowly). I gathered some new and classic spots to visit in the Zaferia district of Long Beach. If you’re not familiar with the area, Zaferia sits along the Eastside of Long beach surrounding Anaheim & Redondo. Whatever you’re in the mood for, Zaferia has it.

1. JOE JOST’S 2803 E. Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804 For those looking for a bit of history and comfort, check out Joe Jost’s. They soon will be turning 100 years, but Joe has never looked better. Still serving the coldest beer in the area and offering the best bang for your buck with the must-have, Joe’s special for $3.45. A polish dog served between two slices of Rye bread, swiss cheese, mustard, and a side of their famous pickled eggs. If you’re looking for a more luxurious plate, I recommend the spicy cut-up, spicy sausage sliced, served with two different mustards, pickles, pretzel bites, and cut-up swiss cheese—the perfect way to start (or finish) any day. Don’t forget to bring cash.

JUNE 2021

2. COMMODITY

4. The Bamboo Club

1322 Coronado Ave, Long Beach, CA 90804 So, you decided to go out and explore, but you need a little help from your friend caffeine. Commodity is more than coffee. They are serving everything from your classic coffee to kombucha and craft beer. If you’re like me and just seeing coffee beans gives you all the energy you need, I recommend their Rose Gold made from turmeric, cayenne, apple, cinnamon, and rose. They have it all here, and if that wasn’t enough, their breakfast is served until 2 pm. If you’re more of a lunch person, you can stop by on most Thursdays to find Hamburgers Nice pop-up. Grab your coffee and head next door to All-Time Plant’s, sit and share your time with some beautiful greenry.

3522 E. Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804 That Hawaiian vacation is still on hold, but that’s no reason you can’t start your tiki experience. Happy hour is the perfect time to explore those taste buds. Suppose you’re looking for classics. They make Mai Tai’s and zombies beautifully. Order shucked oysters to go with those cocktails and the must-have Thai-tea brined chicken sandwich. Check out their Instagram, so you don’t miss out on any events.

3249 E. Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804

www.lbhomeliving.com

5. Roundin 3rd 4133 E. Anaheim, St, Long Beach, CA 90804

3. JJ Chinese Food

You’re a bit tired from all the social activity, and now you’re ready to grab and go. JJ Chinese is perfect for that. A fast-foodish Chinese restaurant that takes a queue from Jack in the Box by not making it until you order it. I love food that is not sitting under any heated lamps waiting to get ordered. Here the most common Chinese-American dishes like orange chicken (many rave about their orange tofu), Mongolian beef, or roast pork fried rice are a no-brainer. May I recommend ordering their salt & pepper shrimp? The lady at the counter is very similar to Seinfeld’s soup character. She may have some inspirational words if you’re not ready to order, but the free soda included if you order over $40 makes up for that.

Ok, so you’re ready to hang out with friends, watch sports, and drink some brewskies no better place to yell at your team and grub on nachos and wings. Many restaurants have now expanded their patios and Roundin 3rd is no expection. They expanded their back patio with multiple TVs. If you’re looking to catch a game while enjoying the outdoors check them out.

6. Thai Curry Pizza 929 Redondo Ave, Long Beach, CA 90804

You’re probably thinking, “What?! Thai pizza?” but yes, if you’re a fan of Thai food and pizza, then let me tell you, the best combination is here. This take-out only pizza is serving some of the most unique pizzas in all of Long Beach. The tom yum pizza is a super popular pizza, and once you try it, you’ll know why. If you call to place an order and they don’t answer, keep trying. They are small operation and they try to get to everyone as quickly as possible.

EAST LONG BEACH

7. The Hideaway Steakhouse

10. Crooked Duck

4137 E. Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804

5096 PCH, Long Beach, CA 90804

Looking to be transported back to the Sinatra days with classic cocktails like old fashions? Look no more, and if you’re looking to come on a weekend, we recommend a reservation. I strongly believe their burger is highly underrated and a perfect dish to pair with any Japanese whiskey cocktail they offer. Happy Hour is served daily (Wed-Sun) and all-day Sunday. We’re also excited to hear they will be serving brunch fairly soon.

Laidback brunch serving the community since 2011. Joey Rooney and his wife Shelley run Crooked Duck, and if you’re curious about the name, you’ll have to visit to find out about this fascinating story. Like most, the pandemic hit them hard, and they are currently just operating until 3 pm, but still serving some of the best brunch in the area. If you’re craving mimosas this month, they have a $3 mimosa special until the end of May.

Joe Jost’s

2803 E. Anaheim St.

Commodity

1322 Coronado Ave.

3249 E. Anaheim St.

2913 E. Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804

The Bamboo Club 3522 E. Anaheim St.

You had a lot of time on your hands and went deep into the HBO catalog and started (more like binged) Trueblood. Now, you’re a fan of all things dark and want to feel some of the vibe. Lucky for you, Alex’s bar was featured in Trueblood and lives up to the punk scene. Alex’s remains as one of the best places to watch live music and enjoy a drink at an affordable price.

9. Supply & Demand

Roundin 3rd

4133 E. Anaheim St.

Thai Curry Pizza 929 Redondo Ave.

The Hideaway

4137 E. Anaheim St.

10. 11. Pho Hong Phat

2500 E. Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804 The newest music venue to Zaferia is probably serving the best banana pudding. Yes, wild it is to know a bar can have some great dessert, but they are indeed a gem with beautiful looking cocktails like the Ziggy Stardust. Supply and Demand are all about Sunday-Funday with mulitas to micheladas. Check out their social media to keep up with any events.

QUICK LIST

JJ Chinese Food

8. Alex’s bar

It’s ok if you’re still not ready to explore. Most of these options still have takeout and delivery available. As always stay safe and enjoy all Long Beach has to offer. *Yes, we know it’s 11 locations, we weren’t sure you would notice....

3243 E. Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804 Pho Hong Phat offers some of the most authentic pho in the area. Flavorful broth and fresh ingredients for garnish. Always remember to bring cash. They recently remodeled but are still serving piping hot soup for those in need of comfort.

Alex’s Bar

2913 E. Anaheim St.

Supply & Demand 2500 E. Anaheim St.

Crooked Duck 5096 PCH

Pho Hong Phat

3243 E. Anaheim St.

9. 33

JUNE 2021

The Anatomy of Grazing Tables with Primal Alchemy Written and photographed by Cassidy Liston | @yesplease.food

Charcuterie isn’t what you think it is. This was something I learned when taking an afternoon to watch the Primal Alchemy team assemble a breathtaking grazing table. A charcuterie board isn’t the cheeses, the dips, the crackers, it is only the cured meat! All of the other elements are what make something a charcuterie and cheese board, or a grazing table. This particular set up was special. It featured all of Primal Alchemy’s charcuterie which they cured in house for months, as well as some of their favorite dips and a wide variety of cheeses. Everything, down to the cocktail glasses, were vintage pieces supplied by Kathy Delgado, or @VintageWeave on Instagram. The set up was colorful and artfully crafted by Dana Buchanan using her husband and business partner Chef Paul’s inventive food. The star of the show was of course the incredible aged charcuterie but it was hard to pass up on their beet hummus spread across a crusty piece of Gusto bread. There is no wrong way to enjoy a masterful spread like this one.

www.lbhomeliving.com

JUNE 2021

When you’ve had a bad day, District Wine about it. Written and photographed by LilyAnne Rice | @awriterwhoeats

Let me be the first to admit: on a scale of amish to sommelier, I am just a casual wine drinker. Wine tastings amuse me, but not if I have to listen to the wine being talked about for more than five minutes before I get to drink it. Usually what I’m looking for is a great glass of red and a good vibe, and Wine District delivers that in droves. I walked onto the patio of District Wine on a breezy Sunday afternoon, and was seated on a cozy couch under an umbrella. A friend had previously told me I needed to try the pea tapenade, so I went for that first. It was a bold lime green color, and even though I’m not a fan of peas the vegetable, I’m 100% a fan of peas the tapenade - it’s a creamy, dreamy must order. They also have small bites. I tried the BBQ brisket flatbread, the new spring rolls, and curry mac and cheese. It’s impressive that a wine bar has all those options and more. Next time I think I’ll go for a charcuterie plate, because not only does that seem like an obvious choice, I believe that this place is really all about the drinks, the drink pairings, and the glorious interior. Another little birdie told me to try the wine flight, where for $18 you can taste three to four of their featured red and white wines. For a first time visitor, this is the right course to chart, especially for someone like me who can wing it with red, white, or rosé. If you’re a wine connoisseur but your friends are strictly beer savants, or even cocktail masters, you don’t have to leave them behind. District Wine is also district beer and cocktail, with several draft beer options, and more than several cocktail options.

“District Wine is also district beer and cocktail, with several draft beer options, and more than several cocktail options.”

www.lbhomeliving.com

I went for The Boss, which, if you’re easily amused like me, will easily amuse you. It’s a bubbly drink with a sugar cube inside that fizzes until you’re done drinking the last drop. They tell you that you shouldn’t play with your food, but never said you shouldn’t play with your drinks, so this is right on target. Stomach full on bold reds and pizza, I wandered into the interior of the restaurant from my comfy outdoor couch. I was met by stoic leather chairs and moody lamps, casting shadows of wine bottles on gold picture frames. The decor is a spectacular mix of storybook Beauty and the Beast castle vibes, and a roaring 20’s, velvety gin joint. It’s sectioned off into roughly three seating areas, all of which were places that made we want to cross my own legs, swirl my wine legs, puff a cigar, and discuss the ins and outs of the latest Fitzgerald novel. I’ve heard whispers of an underground joint that’s available under special reservation. If it’s anything like the upstairs - count me in. At District Wine, the glass is definitely half full.

DOWNTOWN LONG BEACH

www.lbhomeliving.com

DOWNTOWN LONG BEACH A Flourishing Past, Present, and Future Written by Lisa Khiev | @lisakhiev_

Photo by Corleone Brown on Unsplash

The city of Long Beach is currently the 2nd largest city in Los Angeles county and the 5th largest city in the entire state of California. Additionally, it’s considered the 25th most ethnicallydiverse in the nation. Today, at a growing population of 490,000, Long Beach continues to become a central location for new business, culture, the arts, commerce, and more. And at the heart of this amazing beach city? The rich and beautiful Downtown Long Beach district which sits on the edge of our California coast, overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. The city’s Downtown district begins and ends between Long Beach Blvd & Pacific Ave and currently neighbors the East Arts Village district, a district also a part of the greater Downtown area.

Long Beach - Bustling and Busy The Downtown Long Beach district cannot be explored without diving into the city’s brief history of emergence. A city originally named Willmore City, Long Beach has existed since the 1500s! It was originally inhabited by Native Americans and became incorporated hundreds of years later on December 13, 1897. A collective vote by residents of its time led to a name change of ‘Long Beach’, which was inspired by the wide coastal beaches that stretched across the city. Much of what Downtown Long Beach is like today was not much different than it was back in the 1890s. With the discovery of oil back in the day, the city grew to be bustling and busy. Long Beach attracted many travelers and tourists far and wide that were looking for a good time. Attractions like park rides, the amphitheater, etc., soon emerged like The Pike and Shoreline Village. These attractions and the city’s beachside living kept families and people entertained and became a prime destination for vacation-bookers everywhere. Long Beach also garnered much significance for its port location, which granted exports into the city and county of Los Angeles.

Earthquake-Resistant City and The Birth of the DLBA With so much promise, Long Beach’s growth was hindered when its downtown area was struck by a catastrophic 6.4 earthquake in 1933, which destroyed much of the downtown area costing over 120 lives and over $50 million in damages. However, this event gave birth to the city’s evaluation of building codes and how future buildings in Long Beach should be designed to prevent future tragedies. Today, you can still find hundreds of historical landmarks from this era that survived this past Downtown Long Beach earthquake. As Downtown Long Beach began to flourish again, a group of merchants on Pine Ave, including a store owner named Harry Buffum, created the Downtown Long Beach Business Association, which today exists as a non-profit organization with a mission to cultivate and preserve the safety and prosperity of the area, continuing to nurture the city’s business and economic growth. Today, the DLBA continues to manage and improve Long Beach’s business district by working to promote Downtown Long Beach events, programming, and services including area management, marketing, security, maintenance, advocacy, and economic and community development.

Photo by NBC Los Angeles

www.lbhomeliving.com

Long Beach Dining, Shopping, and Amusement • • • • • • •

The Pike Outlets Shoreline Village Long Beach Boutiques Modica’s Deli Dine Out DTLB Mezcalero Blind Donkey

A Future Focused on Changemaking The future of Downtown Long Beach continues with the Downtown Long Beach Business Alliance’s DTLB Vision 2020, a plan that has been introduced and put into motion since 2018 to best align with the district’s goals for business and economic growth. This plan focuses on reimagining the public realm for pedestrians, locals, travelers, and visitors and shares an aim that chooses to reflect a district driven by community. To learn more about the future of Downtown Long Beach and the Downtown Long Beach Business Alliance organization’s initiatives, visit https://downtownlongbeach.org/.

@silverfoxlb fb silverfoxlongbeach 411 Redondo Ave LB 90814

tell your story

CREATIVE a full service creative agency WWW.KAHLOCREATIVE.COM / 562.366.3111

always a vacation

Your local’s guide to the best places in town weekly specials curated guides best happy hours food reviews exclusive content & much more Get an insider’s take on this beachside metropolis

AVAILABLE NOW

www.lblivingapp.com

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD