Entertainment

Every Star Has A Beginning

Gabriel "Fluffy" Iglesias opens up about his humble Long Beach roots, career milestones and the healing power of comedy. Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Nirav Solanki On July 2, Gabriel Iglesias took a seat inside the Queensview Steakhouse at Parkers’ Lighthouse, staring out at the harbor view he once admired only from the sidewalk.  Long before he became “Fluffy” — the first stand-up comic to sell out Dodger Stadium — Parkers’ was out of reach for a much younger Gabe. “I used to...

Food + Beverage

Q&A: Chef Melissa Ramsay

‘Off The Yacht’: Ramsay talks food, family traditions and life in the LBC Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Atira Rodriguez and Candice Wong Melissa Ramsay’s journey to becoming a chef is a story of heritage, travel and community. Raised on the bold, smoky dishes of her Jamaican father and the soulful stews of her Cape Verdean mother, every plate she creates is a love letter to her roots. Through her catering venture, Fresh Off The Yacht, she blends coastal and island influences into an...

Food + Beverage

Hungry For Success

How Andrea Cruz turned pandemic uncertainty Into a charcuterie business built on heritage Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Nirav Solanki When Andrea Cruz decided to launch a charcuterie business during the height of the pandemic in 2020, she was really just leaning into the traditions she was raised on. “In Hispanic culture, food is the center of our life,” she said. “If you enter a Hispanic home, you're not leaving hungry, regardless of whatever social, economic level that home is...

Life + Culture

Brunch Chats with Atira & Kat

Long Beach City Lifestyle's publisher and editor have real talk about pop culture, Long Beach life and other unfiltered thoughts over weekend brunch. Article by Long Beach City Lifestyle | Photography by Atira Rodriguez The best conversations happen over shared meals — it's where ideas spark, stories unfold and connections deepen. Each month, publisher Atira Rodriguez and editor Kat Schuster will settle into a cozy corner of one of Long Beach's wonderful brunch spots to chat about whatever's...

Food + Beverage

Once Upon A Lime

The Wicked Wolf's bartenders share the magic behind one of their signature cocktails. Article by The Wicked Wolf Staff | Photography by Thea Mercouffer The Wicked Wolf isn't just a cocktail bar and tea house — it's a fairytale-inspired experience that infuses this theme into every detail, from whimsical decor to imaginative signature cocktails. These cocktails — dubbed "Wolf Classics" — all bear enchanting, storybook names that transport guests into a magical world. Now, the Wolf's talented...

Food + Beverage

Publisher's Picks Takeover

Food influencer James Tir (@lbfoodcoma) shares his favorite brunch plates. Article by James Tir Nonna Mercato’s Baked Eggs One of my favorite morning eats is eggs cooked in some sort of red sauce — shakshuka, eggs in purgatory, etcetera. Nonna Mercato's baked eggs are just that, but perfected. Delicate eggs, tangy tomato-red pepper stew, and goat cheese.  Zuzu’s Petals’ Fried Chicken N’ Waffles The chicken and waffles here are on another level. Buttermilk fried chicken. Blueberry compote...

Shopping

Publisher's Picks: Fall Style

Shop local for these five essential favorites for the season. Article by Atira Rodriguez 1 - Fond Sweatshirt, Rachel Comey, $275 Classic crewneck featuring drop shoulders, cropped sleeves, and raw edges for an effortless athleisure style. Shop at burkemercantile.com. 2 - Cropped Moto Jacket, Stoosh, $79 Vintage black wash vegan leather moto with cropped fit and on-trend statement belt. Available at City Lights Streetwear, 5243 E. 2nd St. 3 - A-Line Pencil Skirt, SPRWMN, $325 ...

Local Services

Long Beach Gives

Building Community and Making an Impact Through Collective Giving Article by Atira Rodriguez | Photography by Long Beach Gives and Atira Rodriguez What started as a graduate school project has blossomed into Long Beach's most impactful annual giving campaign.  Long Beach Gives, now in its seventh year, has raised $10.8 million for more than 380 local nonprofits, fundamentally changing how the community supports its most vulnerable residents. From Humble Beginnings to Major Impact The...

Food + Beverage

A Mexican Dreamscape In East Long Beach

Luna Bistro & Cafe blends Mexican fusion with ethereal design — part desert retreat, part retro-futurist lounge. Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Atira Rodriguez The juxtaposition of walking into LUNA Bistro & Cafe from an otherwise ordinary strip mall across from Cal State Long Beach is jarring — in the best way. East Long Beach’s newest Mexican fusion restaurant is a transportive experience. Before you’re ever sipping on a Berry Spritz or savoring the citric splendor of the Ceviche...

Professional Services

Tailored Roots

Evolving An Alterations Shop Into A Holistic Style Haven Article by Kat Schuster | Photography by Atira Rodriguez Christina Johnson and her sister grew up among spools of thread, the hum of sewing machines and the gentle bustle of customers coming through her family’s tailoring shop. Before she was old enough to work there (officially), she was already folding fabric scraps and organizing thread. “We were babysat in the store,” she said. “I think I was about seven when they started having me...