MANAOW THAI - LONG BEACH

I know. And I even said it before myself, not that it's THAT important but not all of Long Beach's Thai restaurants are run by Cambodians.

When I order Huevos Rancheros, I don't want John Parker cooking it. You dig? So the first thing I asked them at Manaow was if they're Thai themselves. Yes - Thai owned and run. Both cooks are also Thai. Now I can move on.

Right on 3618 E. Broadway Long Beach, California 90803, Manaow is THE BEST THAI RESTAURANT IN LONG BEACH. Yes, that's right. I said it. It is. Trust me.




Nestled right next to a laundry mat and a dive bar, parking might be a little stiff but it's worth it.

Pictured here is the Pad Thai and Stuffed Chicken Wings. Pretty standard. But the outstanding items are their curries.

Southern Curried Noodles up front and Panang Curry w/Beef was all business out back.

We could not get enough of the curries. Not pictured is the additional Sticky Rice and Garlic Beef we also devoured.

You should know by now, when I say EAT HERE I mean it. EAT HERE! Another gem in Long Beach!

www.manaowthai.com

LITTLE LA LUNE - LONG BEACH

I KNOW - I haven't posted one of these or much of anything in a while. Life, family, jiujitsu and maybe a little work and travel have gotten in the way. Admittedly, my first dip into modern social media (Instagram) has gotten most of my brainless spare time.

But fuck all that. You don't wanna hear my jibba-jabba. Let's talk about this place, my favorite lunch spot right now in this great city. 

You know me, I wouldn't take time out to talk about ANY old place. And with this place, I'm seriously a little infatuated, more than I had been with Phnom Penh Noodle on Cherry and Siem Reap on Anaheim. Maybe I just need to go revisit those, to rekindle those warm feelings.

Little La Lune tho - its nothing really that special inside. I'd say its on par with Phnom Penh down the street. Probably nicer than Siem Reap, yeah.

The headlining dish here, their version of the Phnom Penh Noodle (yes, the other restaurant on Cherry is actually called that). Thin rice noodles, shrimps, beef, pork liver, scallion, garnished with fried onions and garlic. And if you order if you order "dry style" like I did...

...it comes with the broth on the side. Included is this amazing pork bone in the mother fucker! Yes. Its beautiful. You get your spoon, pour a little hot broth over your noodles, eat, pour, eat, pour. Don't be doing something crazy and dumping it all in at once (just get it "wet style" instead). I highly recommend dry style. 

Last and least but very necessary, fresh bean sprouts and limes. Can't do it without it. 

You need to eat here. I highly recommend it. 

2054 East Pacific Coast Highway, Long Beach, CA 90804

(562) 856-5800

By the way, this place closes early. 8am to 5pm daily.

LUAU STEW... IN LONG BEACH?!

Finally, a real deal plate lunch place in Long Beach as I had mentioned before. 

And what really got me totally frickin' stoked was she HAD LUAU STEW AS A SPECIAL!

If you don't know what luau stew is, well, just trust me and know that this place is legit. NOT A #shakastealer. Real local grinds from real locals from Hawaii. 

HULA'S HAWAIIAN GRILL

Eh, you know me. You gotta at least kiiiiinda know me by now if you come to pakajunk. I got my frickin' food radar on full blast 24/7. Like I got satellites shooting back reports.

Sometimes I get excited about random things for example - "I love giant size corn dogs!" or "the lengua tacos from this cart is tastier than the fucking rest of the cow it was attached to". 

This place though, is not so random. Every month or so I put the word "Hawaiian" on yelp juuuuust in case. Even when I'm out just riding shotgun on the way to San Diego, I'll do a random search. 

Sometimes I hit the mini jackpot. This time I found Hula's in Long Beach.

I admit, I miss home. I love Hawaii and the food there. Oh, and my family and friends too. But for a few short moments just to be somewhere like I'm back home again, being welcomed into a hole in the wall plate lunch spot like this, it's a special thing for a kanaka. 

Check out this counter. Looks like a solid plate lunch spot on Any Island, Hawaii. 

I wanted to order one of each!

Check it out. This is the BBQ Mix Plate above. Beef & Chicken. Couple scoops rice and one scoop mac daddy. Solid plate. Just like I would have back home. I inhaled in seconds. 

This above photo is a week later when I went back! Starving for meat again, trying hardest to be health conscious (HA HA), I got the BBQ Chicken again with one scoop mac. Lucky for me, the owner Aunty Char hooked me up with a special kale salad (call ahead, she might be out). This plate is the fucking bomb. Ka-boom. And the sauce, braaaaaah. So good. 

I was told that this BBQ chicken recipe was passed down from her grandma. I appreciate her sharing it with all of us. 

EAT HERE. Go check this place out. 

Real locals from Waianae  - University of Hawaii Alumni!
Tell Char that pakajunk sent you, she might hook you up!

• 4901 Long Beach Blvd
• Long Beach, CA 90805
• (310) 867-9796

CONTINENTAL GOURMET MARKET - LOMITA, CA

Stumbled upon this place in the south bay - Lomita to be exact. Every Argentinean market, bakery, restaurant, whatever I've ever eaten at has always been a treat. This place was no different. 

Just off of PCH on Narbonne.

The market itself seemed a little sparse to me. Any time I walk into a cuisine thats fairly that's new to me, I gotta stand around and check things out for a bit. Few regulars were having lunch, watching soccer of course.

Sasha had the Milanesa Sandwich, breaded steak. We swapped halves of course so we could sample both. I thought this one was good, nice breading...

...but holy shit, dude, this Churrasco Sandwich was the bomb. They had the thinly sliced beef crisped perfectly, like total pros. It was delicious. The bread tasted freshly baked too. 

Oh, I can't possibly go to any Argentinean spot without trying the empanadas. I ordered three of them. Beef, chicken and Pomodoro. They were all good, tasted very freshly baked. The pomodoro stood out, especially if you're into that Italian taste of cheese and tomato sauce. 

If you live anywhere near the south bay, this spot is a definite must. 


25600 Narbonne Ave Lomita, CA 90717
(310) 530-3213
http://continentalgourmetmarket.com

REVISITED: SIEM REAP - LONG BEACH

Back in March I had posted about this place, Siem Reap on Anaheim here in Long Beach. Cambodian restaurant with a few Chinese and Vietnamese items on their menu.

Just because I like this place so much, figured I'd try to coax you into checking it out again.

These bold red words on their window should attract any real kanaka from Hawaii.

 This Cambodian kim chee thing, I forget what its called, but its good. I had to ask for seconds.

The atmosphere in this place was so... Southeast Asian! Being family owned and run, they take a lot of pride in their dishes. Talked to one of the members for about half an hour just on Cambodian cuisine.

Had a visitor in town from Japan so he wanted to try the Fried Quail, after mentioning I had it on my last visit. We got a bird each. 

And then, of course, had to get the Oxtail Pho again. It ruled as usual. These guys choose to buy good oxtails for their customers. Lot of places will give you big fatty pieces with very little the actual ox. I want beef, give me beef!

1810 E Anaheim St
Long Beach, CA 90813
(562) 591-7414

SiemReapKhmerCuisine.com

EAT HERE! 

ROBERT EARL'S - THE BEST BBQ IN LONG BEACH

If you're the type of person that's fine with eating drive-thru for a "fine" burger or maybe Subway completely satisfies your craving for a solid sandwich, this post is not for you. This blog is not for you. Then again, you're very likely not here if any of that was the case.

It drives me crazy when people tell me about their favorite BBQ spots that consist of peanut shells purposely thrown about the floor and the same old blues collection being piped in digitally to put you in the perfect southern facade. How can one eat BBQ from a chain restaurant? How can any chain eatery be considered 'a good place to eat'? [aside from the occasional In & Out Burger, come on now]

Robert Earl's is absolutely none of that funny business. It's the real deal, independently owned and operated by him and his wife. 

I might be getting a little too preachy, but I'm just really stoked on this new restaurant here in the LB. So consider this a mini-review because my hungry ass couldn't help but to start eating before I could get solid photos of everything. I'll have to go back for further investigation! But for now, let me tell you that Robert Earl's BBQ is in North Long Beach, just off of Artesia near Jordan High School. Easiest to get there right off the 710/Artesia, just blocks from where I used to reside.

Oh, I did manage to get this one photo though right before I inhaled it. Going clockwise from the dinner roll, we have an AMAZING turkey neck (which I consider the "Oxtail of Fowl"), three pork ribs, a chicken leg, potato salad and BBQ beans. Notice that I'm eating all this WITHOUT sauce, I'm consuming it dry style like I had it in Tennessee. Robert Earl himself is that confident in his BBQ that it can be eaten without sauce (or with sauce on the side, how I like it!). 

EAT HERE!  

Check out Robert Earl's BBQ!

703 E Artesia Blvd
Long Beach, CA 90805
(310) 961-6548

CAFE AU LAIT & BEIGNET ICE CREAM

THE BEST ICE CREAM I EVER ATE IN MY ENTIRE LIFE.

Yes, you read that right. THE BEST. IN MY LIFE. EVER. I couldn't believe it. I had a whole pint in front of me. Took a bite, couldn't stop. Ended up eating a third of it before I finally found the strength to put... it... DOWN (Sasha later polished the rest of it).

So, the beignets were actually made first.

Then it was put in Cafe Au Lait ICE CREAM! Yes - what? YES!

Are you wondering, "how can I have some?" Here's THE PROBLEM: it's available only in limited quantities (I heard there was only 10 fucking pints!!!) but its for sale this Saturday at Sasha's farm (address below), 10AM until sold out. It'll probably all sell out within an hour, so if you're not there at 10am you may as well shoot yourself.

Farmlot59
2714 California Ave
Long Beach, CA 90755

Oh, the lady the makes it is called Long Beach Creamery and she lives 2 doors down from us. I can assure you she's cool and her ice cream is off the hook. I'm not exaggerating or getting free ice cream for this plug, just trying to pass the word! You can check her out here.

This Saturday at 10am sharp!

TOKO RAME - BELLFLOWER

It had occured to me that I had never once mentioned (didn't I?) Toko Rame on Bellflower, in Bellflower, just off the 91. Serious Indonesian delights going on here.

Sasha and I been coming here for a while, more than 3 years now.

Yesterday, I naturally had to go for the oxtails. I don't remember exactly what this dish was called, but it was Fried Oxtails, Fried Tofu, Crispy-Something with a peanut type of sauce over bean sprouts and white rice. Super good!

That's all I got for you right now but trust me, you GOTTA EAT HERE! 

17155 Bellflower Blvd
Bellflower, CA 90706

(562) 920-8002

ALICIA'S MARKET - KALIHI

Been hearing about this place and Bruddah Rod over at SXA had made the claim that this place was full legit... and that's all he had to say! I was sold. When I saw this sign, I was getting pretty excited and hungry.

It was fucking BLAZING hot when we got out of the truck. Industrial area, right off Nimitz Hwy, one street over from Sand Island Access Road.

The handrails on the second floor was all items that Alicia's carries. Frickin dope.

This is where the excitement really began. I knew I was in for a treat. This menu looked fucking ridiculously great. RIDICULOUSLY. I've never seen such a combo of local items all in one spot! How can it be?!

Got lucky and missed a mad rush of people, which happens throughout the day at Alicia's. So many choices, not enough room in my big belly.

Rod got a mini (haha MINI! was huge!) plate with one scoop rice, Top Sirloin Beef, Poke and Kim Chee.

Sasha was getting nuts. She got two kinds of poke over a salad, which I believe was the Spicy Ahi on the left and Limu Poke on the right. HUGE plate she mopped, good job Sasha! The selection of poke they had was crazy too. Rod said the place is like a wasteland come Xmas time.

Interesting looking and very good was Rod's pick: Tofu Poke! Looks like alien food, I know.

This terrible photo did not do this lunch any justice. I had a Lau Lau, Lomi Salmon, Roast Beef and Poi.

Alicia's Market is just... choice. You HAVE TO this place out when you're in Hawaii. Wish I could fly there now. Go by their website just for drool too! I highly recommend it as a EAT HERE spot!

267 Mokauea St
Honolulu, HI 96819
(808) 841-1921

CHECK OUT DA HAWAIIAN KITCHEN!

You still didn't go? STILL?

What you waiting for! Nos flew in from Hawaii last night for a trade show in Long Beach.

I asked Nos, what you feel like eating? He said "if can, good local kine grinds..."  And as of right now, this place is the best I've found in all of Orange County.

Nos got a custom mix plate: deep fried Chili Peppa Chicken and Short Ribs. He had a side of Portuguese Sausage too (comes as a half sausage, split and grilled in half)

I had the Furikake Salmon with Brown Rice. It's the 2nd time I've had this and its EXCELLENT.

I was getting jealous of Nos and his order, so I had to get a side of the original Chili Peppa Chicken too (also available in spicy, garlic, and spicy garlic).

Check this place out! The owner and his wife's from Kauai and their plate lunches are sssssolid. 

9842 Adams Ave Ste 104
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
(714) 968-8900
http://www.dahawaiiankitchen.com

BABE'S KITCHEN - LONG BEACH

If you're looking for a breakfast spot in Long Beach, like old school, independently operated (I despise chains, I'm sure you know!), EAT HERE. Located in the California Heights neighborhood, this place is a gem.

It's one of those places you'll drive by and never see.

Counter or table service. The waitress is 92 years old and she's still a firecracker. Sitting in this place, I could've been Anywhere, USA. And all the employees are very friendly. Even a trouble maker old guy that was cracking wise when asking what we'd like to drink was pretty entertaining.

Breakfast and lunch. I should've taken a better picture of the menu, but you get the gist of it. This past Sunday, they were opened from 7am to 2pm.

I got the Corned Beef Hash with Extra EXTRA crispy Hash Browns. And that they were. So fucking good. I love cripsy hash browns!

Mrs. Hater posted a photo on her instagram while she was in Georgia, some sort of hash brown house. The hash browns looked so amazing there, it kept popping in my little head for weeks.

I actually wanted Corned Beef Hash from a can. The kind my mom and dad used to make me in Hawaii. I don't want someone attempt at making their own homemade version, with bits of sliced corned beef and chunky potatoes. NO. I want the shit out of a can style and that is what I got! AND they were crispy patties! KETCHUP PLEASE!

Oh, and this place is known for their HOME MADE JAMS and JELLIES. You get to choose them yourself for your Texas sized toast. 

EAT HERE BEFORE THIS PLACE IS GONE OR SOLD OR SOMETHING!


1106 E Wardlow Rd
Long Beach, CA 90807
(562) 427-4897