loving your locale

Long Beach is growing on me. Every once in awhile we discover places and things to do that endear me to this city. When we find hidden treasures like we did last night, it makes things like Kent's commute and the "scary" LBC pockets worth it.While I don't think we'll live here forever, I would be content to stay for another year or so.

We took advantage of our older-feeling part of town (lots of diners and small businesses) for 'date night' last night. I always run by the restaurant below and I thought it was high time we tried it.

Baba Ghanouj

It doesn't look like much from the outside, but the inside was well-decorated, the food was authentic and very good, and the waitresses were friendly and accommodating. The hostess even had an accent. I'm not sure if she was actually Lebanese, but it was a nice touch. Their sauteed potatoes and lamb sausage (I can't remember what it was called) were my favorite entrees. It reminded me of my Near Eastern study abroad experience (something I hold dear to my heart) so I couldn't help but love it.

Unfortunately, we were running a little late for out next activity, so we had to pack up our food and rush across the street to watch....

A Christmas Carol

The production was held in a furniture warehouse so we didn't know what to expect when we walked in. Luckily, we were pleasantly surprised. I'm not sure if the performers were Long Beach locals, but I do know they did a fantastic job. All of the characters were portrayed well and were really talented. You could definitely tell they had experience; good singing and acting.

Side note: Direct mail works. If we hadn't received a little postcard in the mail from the Long Beach Shakespeare Company, we wouldn't have known about the play and we would have missed out on a great, festive performance.

Oh, Long Beach. Such mixed feelings we have for you, but thank you for making our evening so enriching last night. We're going to try to get to know you as well as possible before we leave.

What's around the corner in your neighborhood?

the apple pan

If you're craving a burger and you want to feel like you're living in 1947, visit the Apple Pan in Santa Monica. Kent's mom told us about this place and it is delicious, and when I say delicious, I mean delicious in the most simplistic, all-American way. They serve burgers, fries and apple pie. It doesn't get more 1950s dineresque than that. The burger Kent and I order includes: a beef patty, cheddar cheese, a slab of lettuce, pickles and hickory bbq/ketchup sauce. I think that's it and it is so good. I just ate lunch, but I could go for a hamburger right about now.

The Menu.

The Burger.

The Experience.

If you're in the area and need a place to eat and some eating partners, Kent and I would be happy to you join you at the Apple Pan.