LB Food Review

So by now you may know that last night was the first night of the Downtown Long Beach Associates’ Taste of Downtown at the Waterfront at the bandstand at Pine Avenue Circle.

While the downtown waterfront has more than its share of chain restaurants, there are several less conglomerate restaurants participating, including Aladdin’s Grill and Cafe, Buono’s, Kavikas, and Stefano’s. I was there last night to sample a variety of dishes. Like the Belmont Shore Chocolate Festival, the currency of the realm is tickets, which sell for $1 each or a book of 12 for $10. The various dishes range in price from 1-5 tickets, meaning you can sample several of the downtown eateries’ offerings for very little cash.

A full bar is available serving wine, beer, and mixed drinks, and it will be open throughout the event. Last night the band played a mix of classic rock covers and Michael Jackson tunes. Standing tables made for a handy homebase for the various food items.

My favorite items were the Pulled Pork Sliders from Kavikas, at 5 tickets, and the spaghetti and meatballs from Stefano’s, which cost 2 tickets for a generous half order or 4 for a full. Gladstone’s was serving sushi rolls as well as coconut shrimp, which were both tasty for 2 tickets, and Aladdin’s had a delicious baklava. It was a neat chance to try a few of the downtown restaurants for very little money, so if you’re not busy tonight, head down and give it a whirl.

As for that little parking issue, you can bring your ticket from the Pike or Aquarium structures and receive 90 minutes validation. That alone may be worth the trip downtown for a fun, affordable local night out!

Taste of Downtown at the Waterfront
Participating Restaurants (as of 3/16):
Aladdin’s Grill and Cafe
Auld Dubliner
Bubba Gump
Buono’s
Fuego at the Maya
Gladstone’s
Kavikas
Mai Tai Bar
Outback Steakhouse
Parkers’ Lighthouse
PF Chang’s
Stefano’s Pizza and Pasta