With the closing of Lasher’s Kitchen in Belmont Shore—one of several over the past year—the area once known as Long Beach’s prime destination is now facing an identity crisis as other neighborhoods like Retro Row and Downtown flourish.

Sarah Bennett and Brian Addison sit down with veteran Chef Raquel ‘Roq’ Jubran, who has not only been the chef at both Lasher locations but has also proved to be one of the most resilient people in Long Beach’s ever-changing food scene.

Explore more coverage of Belmont Shore’s food scene:

• Lasher’s Kitchen in Belmont Shore closes up shop: ‘There just isn’t enough traffic’
• Babette’s Feast, Magic Lamp close up shop in Belmont Shore
• Spot Cafe in Belmont Shore closes amid rising rents