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Welcome to the Long Beach Post’s new food newsletter! I’m Caitlin Antonios. Each week I’ll be in your inbox talking about what I’m eating around the city and what I’m dying to try. I’ll also be sending out information on sweet deals (especially in this economy!), pop-ups and food festivals. Got tips? Email me: [email protected].

If you want to hear more about me, check out my episode on The Word with Jackie Rae. 

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Alder & Sage was on my go-to list after a reader recommendation (thanks, Walter!). I swung by recently with a group of friends for lunch. The ambience was great and the menu had enough variety that my party of five was able to each find something to enjoy. 

You could say I was a little boring with my choice and went for some over-easy eggs and crispy bacon ($18), but when simplicity is done right, there’s really no room to complain. And I made sure to get bites of my friends’ quiche of the day ($18), which happened to include herbs and goat cheese, a wagyu smash burger ($20) and an avocado tartine with a soft-boiled egg on top ($14). 

Alder & Sage is at 366 Cherry Ave. Directions | Website.

Dishes on my to-try list

• Selva’s Salmon Tiradito: salmon sashimi with black tobiko, fermented aji rocoto, chlorophyll oil and basil oil.
• Another reader, Helen, wrote in to tell me about Rivera’s and specifically their chicken verde. I’m planning to catch that as a special soon. 

New eats around town

District 4 Pizza opened recently, with 14 signature pies and the option to customize. If you’re not feeling pizza the menu also offers Italian classics like chicken parmesan and various pasta options. 

The much-anticipated, Mediterranean-inspired restaurant, Marlena, in Naples is finally open. Owner Robert Smith described the menu as “a road trip from Sicily to Andalusia” aka it’s got things like a fried ricotta gnocchi with fennel sausage, nduja (spicy Southern Italian sausage), roasted tomato, broccolini and caciocavallo (Italian cheese) on the menu. But the restaurant’s philosophy follows California cuisine, a movement that started in Northern California that usually describes menus that use fresh, sustainable and local ingredients. 

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

Events and Specials

You can now bring your own charcuterie board into Fior Di Latte at LBX and receive a discount when you order a board. Details can be found here.

The Breakfast Bar is holding a block party on Sunday, Nov. 12, from 5 to 11:30 p.m. The event will benefit the non-profit Kind Acts Factory, tickets will be priced at $20 and include food, drinks, games and more. More information can be found here. 

KUBO LB, a new creative collaborative workspace, is hosting a cookbook launch celebration for “We Cook Filipino” on Sunday, Nov. 19. The book has over 50 healthy Filipino recipes with contributions from three female Filipino chefs. Tickets are $24.99 and will include a reading, Q&A with the authors and a book signing. 

Lastly, I would be remiss to not acknowledge today’s holiday. If you’re looking for something spooky to do, we’ve been cranking out Halloween content. And if you just want a stiff drink, check out our visit to the Social List for their Halloween cocktails.