The community of Long Beach
In keeping with this new theme of enlightening the masses ;-), here is a short and sweet post about three more favorite dining haunts that LA foodies and visitors really deserve to know about. This post’s focus is on the diverse community of Long Beach, and these places are all in three different neighborhoods.
If you’re in the mood for some of the best authentic Italian food or Thai/Cambodian cuisine in town, you’re in for a treat. If you just want to go home (you Americans, or other weary travelers), please keep reading!
Jongewaard’s Bake n’ Broil
This jewel may soon become a blessing my family is cursed with, as the experience is so special and we are inclined to eat there so often, it is likely to become an obsession. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days, their Americana homestyle specialties are splendid enough to warrant calling your name on a regular basis. Fresh baked cakes, pies, pastries, breads; “Blue Plate” style meals (protein, starch, vegetable); homemade soups … all made with fresh, quality ingredients, are all winners. The service is warm and wonderful, and prices are very moderate for the generous portions and great quality. Blackboard specials like Grandma’s Pot Roast and Spaghetti with Meatballs, surely intend to make all of us feel like we’ve been welcomed home. Don’t miss this place!
La Parolaccia Osteria
I first met Roman owner Stefano just as Italy won the World Cup in July 2006. I traded some exquisite chocolate cupcakes for one of his posters of the Italian national team, and we’ve been soulmates ever since. Walking into La Parolaccia can make one feel they are not in Long Beach anymore, or even in America, for that matter. Open for dinner 7 nights and also Sundays for lunch, their purely-authentic menu items range from antipasti like roasted eggplant rolls filled with prosciutto, mozzarella and tomato; to wood-fired pizza topped with radicchio, cheese, roasted garlic, and spinach; to specialty entrees that include fresh fish and Braciole (stuffed pork chop) with Marsala; to homemade tiramisu for dessert. Crave-worthy doesn’t begin to describe how much I love the food, ambience, and service here. Just please trust me when I say that I feel blessed to be here when I’m homesick for the motherland!
Sophy’s Thai and Cambodian Cuisinesophycrepes
Sophy’s is another fabulous gem in Long Beach that shouldn’t be missed. Saying that the food is “eyes-roll-back-in-your-head-delicious almost begins to describe how outstanding it is. Sophy came here as a young refugee from Cambodia and this is now her own beautiful, spacious haven, where she proudly serves over 100 fresh, authentic menu items. I tried (and loved) the Asian crepes, and Fried Eggplant with Ground Pork. Tons of vegetarian and wheat/gluten-free selections (crepes, wraps, and noodles made of rice flour) are available. Important heads up: entrance at back parking lot! Open 9am – 10pm, 7 days.
Treat yourself to a stop at these places as soon as possible, and dine well! Very well!
Until next time, I remain ~
Your Chef and Tour Maestra
