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It’s always a joy to write about a restaurant before it opens, see its unfinished walls and furniture barely moved in. But to return and see that it all came together is a whole other fascinating experience. And the feeling is tenfold when the food is killer. 

This week I made my way over to Pizza Parlor LB, East Long Beach’s newest gourmet pizza spot. I wrote about their plans to open up their doors in early December.

When I first spoke with chefs and co-owners Joshua Knight and Mike Ortiz, they had a lot to say about their pizza’s naturally leavened sourdough crust which takes roughly five days to make. And let me tell you, their pie definitely lived up to the hype. 

I went for the Bacon Jamming pizza ($23), which comes on that sourdough crust I mentioned, house made tomato sauce, mozzarella (not the shredded kind), crispy bacon bites and dollops of bacon jam. The pizza is definitely reflective of Ortiz’s extensive baking history. He used to work at Little Coyote (a local favorite) and at one point Lodge Bread and Tartine (Santa Monica). Meanwhile, the bacon jam is a creation that comes from Knight’s other cafe, COPA. 

Knight told me the bacon is ordered in slabs, broken down in-house and rending into, essentially, an onion soup. But it’s caramelized and cooked down so much it has a texture akin to apple sauce. But don’t worry, it does taste like bacon (not apples) — and it has an incredible depth of flavor. The onions retain their sweetness and the bacon adds a salty and smoked flavor. No one part overpowers the other. It’s good (and addictive), trust me.

The house made tomato sauce is generously given. And despite the rich toppings, the airy, light crust carries the pizza and sauce away from being all too much. It’s a tough balance, but one well achieved. 

A suggestion: Ask for some ranch dressing. I’m not a huge fan of pizza and ranch, but Josh suggested it and boy, that was a good move. Their ranch in particular has a tangy-creamy profile, which made the perfect dip for a rich pizza.

As I mentioned, this pizza is big so the price is both fair and more than a good deal in my opinion. Definitely a good option for two people (I’m bringing a lot home but I’m not mad about it). 

I wasn’t planning to try anything else this time around, but Josh kindly let me try some of their house made tiramisu ($12) and rice crispy bar on the house. (Disclaimer: During visits on my own or with Post staff, we do pay for our food. I paid for my pizza and if, like in this case, an item was given to me free of charge, I will always disclose). 

If you’re not a big sweets fan, this dessert is for you. It’s creamy and packed with cocoa, but not sweet or drowning in coffee. And the rice crispy was wonderful. The vanilla flavor comes through much more than anything you find store bought. 

Check out more of my conversation with the owners here. If you give this place a try, you know the drill — send me an email and let me know what you thought. 

Pizza Parlor LB is at 2936 Clark Avenue. Directions | Website

Dishes on my to-try list

• Maybe it’s the cold weather, but I’ve been craving some pozole. Rivera’s on 7th has one for just under $10 that I’m excited to try.
• Similarly, I’ve also been on the hunt for some great Indian food. Natraj in Belmont Shore’s lentil soup ($6.95) sparked my interest, as well as Bhel Puri (puffed rice, potato, onion, and veggies for $9.95). 

New eats around town

• After literally years of waiting, Belmont Shore’s newest pizzeria L’antica Pizzeria da Michele is set to have its “big reveal” (their words) this Friday. Details are a bit scarce, but follow The Long Beach Post’s Hi-lo page and I’ll have the latest news for you. 

• Not necessarily a new eat, but Shady Grove Foods decided to remain open after initially announcing their closure. The outpouring of community support, and a visit from Mayor Rex Richardson, went into the decision to change plans. Read more here. 

• This isn’t a new place you can try in Long Beach just yet, but Sonoratown is coming to the LBC. The popular Northern Mexican-style taqueria will open Downtown next year. Read more from the owners about the move and the painstaking process of making their tacos as close to North Mexican tradition as possible here. 

• Here’s a little intel for you: Zooks Kitchen, a vegan-friendly, acai-bowl shop is subleasing the V-Crepes space inside of V-Burgers so you’ll be able to grab some bowls on near Fourth Street. No opening date yet, but I’ll keep you posted. 

Have you been to any new restaurants or have some recommendations for me? I would love to hear your thoughts. Make sure to reply to this email or reach me here: [email protected]. 

Events and Specials

• Newly opened ISM Brewing has $1 wings every Wednesday so you can grab some cheap eats while sipping on craft beers. There are also weekday lunch specials, and of course, happy hour. 

• Similarly, NGHBRS Kitchen,  in the former Genkiyaki space, also does a $1 Wednesday Wings special. 

• What’s the best way to talk about politics? With whiskey of course. Roxanne’s is holding a Whiskey Wonderland: Election Season on Sunday, Jan. 14. Tickets include 10 whiskey tastings, live music and photo opportunities, as well as food. More details and pricing here.