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Community
$20 Haul: Taste of Downtown Waterfront Attending a popular food event on a budget
Words and Photos by Sylvana Uribe Community Editor
Gladstone’s Lobster Mac and Cheese Chocolate Martini Tickets Spent: 6 Buono’s Pizzeria Spicy Eggplant Rolls Pizza Slice Tickets Spent: 5 Michael’s Pizzeria Baked Ziti Tickets Spent: 4 The Pie Bar Whiskey Peach Pie Tickets Spent: 3 Total Spent: $18
Chocolate Martinis topped with whipped cream from Gladstone’s were one of many menu items available at the Taste of Downtown Waterfront on Aug. 24 and 25.
One of my biggest obstacles in exploring Long Beach events has been the potential damage to my bank account. Whether it be the pop-up markets or annual festivals, I often don’t immerse myself into those experiences for I fear I can’t afford it. Determined to no longer be held back by the fear of monetary chains, we’ve launched the “$20 Haul” series. The objective is to see how much a person can experience at popular events and shops on a $20 budget. The first haul to initiate this series was at the Taste of Downtown Waterfront. On Aug. 24 and 25, the tasting event transformed the Pine Avenue Pier into an end of the summer party. Both evenings were a lively celebration of local cuisine and artistic talent. While there isn’t an entrance fee, samples from local eateries could be obtained through tasting tickets. Each tasting ticket cost one dollar, so I handed over my money and embarked into the evening with 20 tickets in hand. With some of the food items priced upwards to 5 tickets, I had to be strategic about how I spent my remaining tickets.
Since it’d be nearly impossible to indulge in samples from the 15 restaurants represented at the event, I allowed my love of carbs and cheese to show me the way. Without hesitation, the first of my tickets went to Gladstone’s for their lobster mac and cheese. How can you go wrong with flaky lobster tossed in creamy cheese? You can’t. I found my way to dishes like baked ziti and cheesy eggplant rolls whose size seemed generous considering all menu items were only meant to provide attendees with a sample of what its corresponding restaurants had to offer. My sweet tooth was also satisfied with a visit to The Pie Bar’s tent for a slice of its Whiskey Peach Pie, as well as with another shameless trip to Gladstone’s for its decadent Chocolate Martini. As the night neared its end, I realized I couldn’t possibly continue eating. Although a friend and I had shared almost every sample, our stomachs were full. Two wrinkled tasting tickets were still in our possession, but we opted to stow them away until the tasting series returns next year. I’m certain I’ll have room for more lobster mac and cheese then.
Rummaging Through Lost Treasures Venturing inside the Long Beach Antique Market The third Sunday every month may just be any other Sunday for those who may have not heard of the Long Beach Antique Market. But for the early risers and experts, it’s an opportunity to fill their shopping bags. As I waited in line to pay the $6 admission, drivers weaved through the Veterans Memorial Stadium parking lot at Long Beach City College, anxious to join other shoppers. The market gives you a taste of time and history through the items sold in each stand. Each vendor had something unique to offer. There was a row of shining silver utensils all with distinctive handles, toys dating back to the 60s like bobble heads of former U.S. presidents in boxes that were still in mint condition. Rusting license plates from all states like Ohio, Arizona, and Michigan were piled up next to wooden containers filled with
Words and Photos by Martha Giron Quijano Staff Writer
A collection of rotary phones on display at the Long Beach Antique Market.
colorful miniature toy cars. From collectors to window shoppers, they were all there for the same reason, and people of all ages walked around. As I viewed the items laid out on tables and tarps, I overheard people negotiating prices and stories of people coming from neighboring cities to
find the best of the best. Yolanda Flores is an experienced vendor who has sold antiques for over 30 years. However, she has only spent 10 of those years selling in Long Beach. “We get here around 5 am to 5:15 am until 3 pm,” Flores said of her long days among
other eager vendors. Flores said the most valuable item that she has up for sale are a pair of golden giraffe statues that stood close to my five foot height. She hoped a buyer would take it off her hands for a mere $700. As much as I wanted to splurge, I had no idea the prices were going to be what they were. Vintage denim jackets were priced for about $50 and designer bags were sold for less than half their original price. Clearly the market was no garage sale. I ended up walking out empty handed, but kept in mind to have a better budget plan the next time I visit. As someone who would usually not have given the event a chance, I never thought I’d have so much fun browsing through items that provide a glimpse into the past and meeting new faces. I can honestly say that I’m glad to have something to look forward to each month from here on out.