“If you find yourself hungry in Long Beach, California, contemplate a visit to Crack, a haven for comfort food lovers craving premium sandwiches and stellar burgers.” It’s hidden in plain sight at the Bixby Village Golf Course with no exterior sign. Located at 6180 Bixby Village Dr, this charming spot with golf course view patio dining personifies casual dining with its cozy, laid-back ambiance. Crack was one of the crowd favorites of the recent Long Beach Burger Week. The burgers are cooked on an outdoor grill on the patio deck. Talk about an enticing aroma! They are particularly acclaimed for their portfolio of Smash Burgers including The Dirty (with Cheddar, Bacon Jam & Chipotle Mayo), Bacon Jam, and Hatch Pepper. The personable Burger-Meister with the well-used spatula, Dave Trepanier, takes a break from the action grill to join us.

“Set against the stunning coastal backdrop of one of America’s most beautiful cities, Manhattan Beach Food & Wine (the 2nd Annual) is a spectacular two-night strolling culinary extravaganza with an Opening Night Celebration on Friday, September 12th, 2025, and Grand Tasting on Saturday, September 13th, 2025. Each evening will bring together the industry’s top tastemakers and culinary enthusiasts and beverage connoisseurs to celebrate an all-star lineup of 23 of the best chefs and restaurants each night, illustrious wineries, premier spirits, handcrafted cocktails, craft breweries, curated selection of non-alcoholic beverages, live entertainment, and much more.” Host Chef Neal Fraser (Redbird and Vibiana) joins us to preview the upcoming festivities.

“Tiki bar fans, rejoice — and grab a place at Strong Water Anaheim. This reimagined classic of the genre, with its curio-shop-in-a-shipwreck atmosphere, its supercharged, elevated bar-food menu, its encyclopedic list of classic and creative tropical libations (zero proof options included), and its treasure chest of rare artisanal rums worth drinking straight.” Strong Water shares the distinction of having been twice nominated for the prestigious James Beard Award for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverage Programs. Strong Water has an accomplished executive chef, Steve Kling, with serious culinary credentials including overseeing the kitchens at the historic Five Crowns in Corona del Mar. He has created the seasonal changing menus for both Dinner and Weekend Brunch at Strong Water. Dinner highlights include Hawaiian Garlic Shrimp, Spinach Rangoons, Sweet Chili Salmon and Rice Noodle Salad with Ribeye. Worth mentioning is the Loco Moco Burger with an 8 oz. American Wagyu patty, Spam, Fried Egg, Tempura Battered Onion Ring, Mixed Greens and Bone Marrow Gravy & Polynesian Spread and served on a Hawaiian Bun. Items to contemplate for Weekend Brunch are Bananas Foster Buttermilk Pancakes, Sisig Breakfast Burrito and Loco Moco Bowl. Chef Steve Kling takes a break from his busy Brunch service to be our guest.