A $100 Million Waterfront Mall Could Remake Long Beach’s Restaurant Scene

Go big by the beach

Long Beach is eager to capitalize on the shifting retail market with its own oversized shopping center, to the tune of $100 million. That’s how much the build of a new mixed-use project along the coast will cost, but it should come with plenty of benefits for that money.

Primarily, says the LA Times, the new Pacific Coast Highway mall called 2nd & PCH will be a haven for upscale restaurants, rooftop relaxation, and carefully-curated retail shops. The project is set to span some 220,000 square feet, and be completed in 2019. So far, there are no confirmed restaurant names attached to the project.

Downtown bento that’s new

The man behind Downtown’s White Boy Tacos is turning his attention to casual Japanese food next, with the arrival of Benji’s Bento Box inside Mission Market at the Spring Arcade.

A different holiday meal

LA Times shares a scene that could only happen in California: A family with a farming background and influence on restaurants like Spago and Chez Panisse gathers for the holidays, as the latest in the lineage prepares to open Farmhouse at the Beverly Center. Sounds like a blast, in the foothills of the Angeles National Forest no less.

NYT x Rosaline

The New York Times (paywall) explores the return of chef Ricardo Zarate, who has built a new chapter in his personal and professional life with the rise of Rosaline, his modern Peruvian restaurant on Melrose.

Party at Pez

There’s a lot to like about Pez Cantina’s New Years Eve bash in Downtown. The casual coastal Mexican restaurant includes three drink tickets, a champagne toast at midnight, and all-you-can-eat food plus live music and dancing. Sounds like a party.