By Neena Strichart
I had a wonderful day with my friend Mark Eastman last Saturday. Mark used to do quite a bit of writing and photography for us a while back.
We started our morning at Community Hospital’s “Come Celebrate Family” event. The weather was perfect. It was fun watching families gobble up their pancake breakfasts while listening to the music performed by local band Sausage Grinder. One of the band members is Chris Berry— a real cutie with a heck of a good voice. It just happens that his mom is the community relations director for the hospital. The band’s down—home Andy Griffith Show—type of mountain music— complete with washboard, mandolin and banjo, kept the crowds’ toes tapping. After a while, we headed off to the office so I could tend to some paperwork. I also wanted to show Mark our new office pets— three little turtles named Janet, Sam and Ella. I’ll explain the choice of names another time. Anyway, after I did my office thing, we headed out for lunch.
I gave Mark several suggestions— hoping I’d name a place he hadn’t tried. BINGO! When I mentioned Arnold’s Family Restaurant he lit up and said he’d love to try it. I couldn’t believe he’d never eaten there. Off we went for a yummy lunch— he with pork and dressing— me with ham and veggies. It was fun to visit a favorite with someone who had never experienced it before. It made me wonder how many other places we have in our own back yards that we’ve never bothered to try. After all, Mark has lived in Long Beach all of his life. How in the world did he miss Arnold’s? What have you missed?
Have you tried Curley’s on Cherry and Willow? They have great chili and adult beverages. How about Café Bixby? Try their Greek cuisine and giant muffins— and say hello to Jack while you’re there— he owns the place. What about Bamboo Teri at Wardlow and Atlantic? I love their sushi and attentive wait staff— I’m also crazy about the owners Mr. and Mrs. Ota. Speaking of sushi, have you tried the new Sushi Boy at Carson and Atlantic?
Do yourself a favor, or flavor, and enjoy the new trifecta of local Italian eateries: Il Poggio, Trattoria Limone and La Vineria Italiana. Want old—school Italian food? Stop by Nino’s at Bixby and Atlantic. Are you in the mood for good old American cooking? Don’t miss Bake ‘N Broil or George’s ’50s Diner.
Unfortunately, I don’t have room to list more, but you get my point. Save your gas money and enjoy the restaurants in your own neighborhood— even the ones you’ve never tried before. Who knows, you may find a new favorite!
