The food and beverage team on board the Queen Mary has upped their game at all seven of the ship’s eateries.
Executive Chef Andre Lane and the Queen Mary team have come up with some new creative items that make the ship seem more like a foodie destination than a tourist attraction.
Each location features a wink to the luxury of cruising with special occasion offerings- but there are also a slew of family budget friendly ways to dine on board.
Some of the various culinary offerings abord the Queen Mary in Long Beach. (Photo by Jo Murray)
Some of the various culinary offerings abord the Queen Mary in Long Beach. (Photo by Jo Murray)
Some of the various culinary offerings abord the Queen Mary in Long Beach. (Photo by Jo Murray)
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Some of the various culinary offerings abord the Queen Mary in Long Beach. (Photo by Jo Murray)
New menu items include an amazing seafood tower at Chelsea Chowder House, sweet heat pork belly sliders and smooth road brownies in the Observation Bar, a pressed UFO burger at Midship Marketplace, afternoon tea service with clotted crème made in house, a cup of Starbucks coffee or an ice cream with a view at the new Jubilee, and spinach artichoke dip at Promenade Cafe.
The flatbread choices at Midship Marketplace are an affordable $20 and they make an easy family snack while touring a ship that is celebrating 90 years since her maiden voyage.
The Royal Sunday Brunch in the Grand Salon is a great family celebration meal. It includes bottomless champagne and some of the best crab legs I’ve ever eaten, all for $90 per person.
Long Beach City College Bistro
The Bistro at Long Beach City College is now on Open Table, making reservations is so much easier.
The Bistro is run by students studying culinary arts, offering fine dining-level food on a revolving prix-fixe menu with a choice of appetizer or salad, entrée, and dessert for $23, tax included.
Each week, the Bistro focuses on cuisine from a different region, and vegetarian options are available.
New businesses
Luna Bistro, located in the Bixby Village Plaza at 5755 Pacific Coast Highway, has officially opened. The eatery, owned by restaurateur Christian Alvarez, serves outstanding tacos and burritos. My favorite is the shrimp tempura taco.
Luna Bistro has officially opened in Long Beach. (Photo by Jo Murray)
Matthew McIvor and his son Owen celebrate the opening of Proudly Serving’s new location in Long Beach. (Courtesy photo).
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Luna Bistro has officially opened in Long Beach. (Photo by Jo Murray)
Proudly Serving also opened its doors last week to lines of burger lovers.
Matthew McIvor, the burger spot’s founder, was able to text me answers to a couple of questions about opening day.
Q: Tell me how your first day felt — how was the vibe?
A: “Amazing! I always have a pit in my stomach when opening a new location and Long Beach was no different but we have a great crew plus everyone who showed up had nothing but positive things to say so I’m happy.”
Q: What sets Long Beach apart from other venues?
A: “Long Beach is a city with plenty of diversity, so we get to cater to so many different personalities. People from Long Beach truly love their city and we would love to be a fixture here for a long time.”
Proudly Serving is located in the former Beasties location at the Marina Pacifica Shopping Center.
Musical Theatre West
To celebrate its upcoming production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s “In The Heights,” Musical Theatre West will be hosting a free community block party on Saturday, March 21.
The event, dubbed “In The Belmont Heights,” will celebrate Long Beach’s vibrant Latino and Chicano communities, according to MTW’s website, and will feature music, dance, history, and activities for all ages.
“Meet local artists and community partners, take part in interactive workshops, enjoy live performances, and connect with your neighbors,” MTW said.
The event will get underway on Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Musical Theatre West, 4350 E. 7th Street. For more details, check out musical.org.