After nearly a two-year hiatus, the Zaferia district’s nonprofit art and wellness space, Compound, is reopening its restaurant and bar on Jan. 26.

Just one year after opening, Compound closed in September 2022 citing “unforeseeable and insurmountable challenges” due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a post online from its founder, Megan Tagliaferri, at the time.

This time around, the space will offer new food concept, Union @ Compound, with a menu curated by Chef Eugene Santiago, founder of the popular local food concept Baryo.

More scheduled programming, including classes and workshops, will begin in February.

Santiago, who has over two decades of culinary experience, founded Baryo in 2016 to showcase the diverse flavors of Southeast Asian and Pacific Islander cuisine. The concept has been operating out of local ghost kitchen food hall Daisy Diner in the Washington neighborhood and partners with local business and farmers for pop-ups, cooking classes, and catering services.

“At the core of Baryo, we’re all about building a vibrant and inclusive community through the art of cuisine, celebrating the richness of various cultures. Our mission is rooted in our personal experiences and upbringing, serving as a platform to share our vision,” Santiago said in a statement. “We’re excited to partner with Compound to amplify our mission of building community and celebrating all cultures through cuisine at Union.”

The menu will use locally sourced, seasonal produce for Santiago’s twist on Southeast Asian dishes with a distinctly California feel. One of Santiago’s signature dishes is a roasted cauliflower with red onion, cucumber, tomatoes, fresh herbs like dill and parsley, topped with a tamarind dressing.

One of Chef Eugene Santiago’s signature dishes. Roasted cauliflower with red onions, tomato, fresh herbs and a tamarind dressing. Photo by Caitlin Antonios.

“Union at Compound fulfills that original intention making whole our vision for an affirming “third place” where our neighborhood in Long Beach, visitors and guests from Southern California and all over can gather and stimulate their senses through food, art, interactions and shared experiences,” Tagliaferri said in a statement. “We’re grateful to our partners, collaborators and community in Long Beach for their support.”

The 13,000-square-foot location spans two warehouses, one of which contains a full bar, and an outdoor space with contemporary art displays.

Beginning in February, the organization plans to host programming supporting multidisciplinary arts and artists, community and farmers’ markets, and more for free or at a low cost.

Some scheduled programming includes:

  • The first of the Artist Talk series will feature an in-depth conversation on the creative process with composer Alyssa Weinberg and Director George R. Miller, moderated by Long Beach Opera’s Artistic Director James Darrah on Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m.
  • Long Beach Opera will premiere a part opera, part art instillation named “Isola” in its intimate Laboratory space. Performances are scheduled for Feb. 3, 10 and 11 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Compound’s Art For All is a series of workshops where people can learn various art mediums like painting, ceramics, making music, and more. Workshops will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Feb. 25, March 10 and March 24.
  • Compound’s Community Market is a marketplace with local artisans and businesses sharing their craft. Entrance to the market is free. The first will be held on Feb. 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. and will be curated by Baryo.

Reservations to dine at Union @ Compound aren’t available yet, but updates can be found here. Tickets and more information on all of Compound’s upcoming programming can be found here.

Compound will be open from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Wednesdays through Saturdays and from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.

Compound is located at 1395 Coronado Avenue. Follow Compound on Instagram for updates. 

Editor’s note: This article has been updated with new information from Compound about how “Union @ Compound” is styled.