{"id":85138,"date":"2025-03-09T07:36:07","date_gmt":"2025-03-09T14:36:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/hi-lo\/?p=85138"},"modified":"2025-03-09T07:40:06","modified_gmt":"2025-03-09T14:40:06","slug":"local-produce-pork-belly-bahn-mi-and-more-check-out-union-compounds-new-lunch-menu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lbpost.com\/esd\/hi-lo\/food\/local-produce-pork-belly-bahn-mi-and-more-check-out-union-compounds-new-lunch-menu","title":{"rendered":"Local produce, pork belly banh mi and more: check out Union @ Compound\u2019s new lunch menu"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Visitors at Compound, the nonprofit art and wellness space in the Zaferia neighborhood, can now grab lunch, coffee and new items on the dinner menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The recently launched lunch menu from Union @ Compound<\/a> features 10 items crafted by Chef-in-Residence Eugene Santiago.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One unique offering is the pork belly banh mi served on a baguette made by local bakery Hey Brother Baker<\/a>. Another is the crispy rice salad with tangerine, edamame and sesame dressing along with a slew of fresh-cut vegetables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Thai basil gnocchi part of a new lunch menu at the Union in Long Beach on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
Blush Crush part of a new lunch menu at the Union in Long Beach on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

All lunch menu items cost between $7 and $18, many with produce from Farm Lot 59 \u2013 an urban farm on California Avenue in Signal Hill.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Santiago originally moved to Long Beach because of his passion for hyperlocal produce.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

His food concept, Baryo<\/a>, found its home in Compound in January 2024, when the art space reopened its restaurant and bar<\/a> after a nearly two-year hiatus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Small plates on the dinner menu include a Thai basil gnocchi, pork asado bao buns and Santiago\u2019s signature roasted cauliflower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Large plates include steak frites, roasted half chicken and a Filipino style Galbi made with short ribs, a green garlic chimichurri and a side of coconut rice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
A Crispy Rice Salad is part of a new lunch menu at the Union in Long Beach on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"
A three-cheese grilled cheese sandwich is part of a new lunch menu at the Union in Long Beach on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Compound aims to be a \u201cthird place,\u201d a space where visitors can explore and connect with art in a casual environment, according to Executive Director January Parkos Arnall.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On Thursdays this month, Compound will also host Auru Photographer Meredith Gradishar, of Long Beach, during lunch service and an open mic night starting at 6:30 p.m. with guests welcome to sign up for a five-minute spot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Parkos Arnall said she aims to weave together three elements at Compound: art, wellness and community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The art space\u2019s newest exhibition, by Los Angeles-based artist Fay Ray, features nearly two dozen works, including clay sculptures and large-scale metal hanging sculptures based on the Latin word Puerperal, defined as \u201cwoman who has given birth.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n Link<\/a>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

One of the ceramic sculptures depicts Ray and her mother sitting side by side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ray\u2019s intent with the exhibition was to \u201copen a dialogue about the period of childbirth that is recognized as the \u2018fourth trimester or postpartum,\u2019\u201d she said in a statement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compound\u2019s gift shop contains items from a variety of local vendors like Twelves<\/a> record store in the East Village.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its warehouse at the back of the 14,000-square foot property hosts a free drop-in drawing event every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

More events scheduled this month include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n