SoCal Foodie Adventures: A Year of Bites & Bitespots

A Meal of Compassion: Ellie’s in ⁤Long Beach and the Power of Community

The recent wildfires across Los Angeles County touched communities ⁤far and​ wide.Even in Long Beach, the impact resonated deeply, prompting an outpouring of support for those affected. Recently, a dinner at Ellie’s, a beloved Italian American bistro, exemplified this spirit of generosity ⁤in a ​truly remarkable way.

Ellie’s, ⁢nestled just blocks from the ocean, is known for its charming atmosphere‍ and comforting cuisine. However, a recent evening there transcended a typical dining‍ experience, becoming a powerful presentation of⁣ community solidarity.

Upon arrival, ⁣it was clear⁤ this wasn’t just a meal; it was a fundraiser for a friend, Andre Soto, who⁣ tragically​ lost his home in the Eaton ​fire. Chef Jason Witzl addressed the entire dining room ⁢with an unexpected announcement. He declared ‌he wouldn’t be accepting payment for anyone’s‍ meal that night.

Instead, he asked guests⁤ to donate directly to andre and his ⁢family.‌ A collective gasp filled the room, followed by an overwhelming sense of admiration. This selfless act of ⁣leadership rallied the ‌Long Beach community around someone⁢ in need, making it a ​profoundly meaningful evening.

The menu featured classic Italian-American fare, perfectly suited to the occasion. The chicken parmesan, in particular,‌ was a standout. Imagine a deliciously breaded chicken breast,⁤ generously blanketed in melted mozzarella, and⁢ bathed ⁣in a vibrant San Marzano tomato sauce. It was served⁤ alongside a simple,refreshing arugula salad.

This wasn’t just tasty ‌food; it⁢ was comforting food. it was exactly what you crave during times of hardship, a reminder of warmth and generosity. It felt like a perfect way to ⁤celebrate a friend ⁤and contribute to a worthy cause.

visiting Ellie’s: What⁢ You Need to Know

If you’re planning a visit to ​experience the warmth and deliciousness of Ellie’s for yourself, here’s what you should know:

* Location: ⁤204 Orange Ave., Long ‌Beach
* Hours:

⁤ * Monday: 4 ⁤p.m. to 9 p.m.
⁢ * ⁢ Tuesday – Thursday: 11:30⁢ a.m. to 9 p.m.
* ‍ Friday: 11:30 a.m. to‌ 10 ​p.m.
* Saturday: 10:30 a.m.‌ to 10 p.m.
* ⁣Sunday: 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Ellie’s embodies the best‍ of‍ what a neighborhood‌ restaurant can be.it’s a place where you can‌ enjoy exceptional ⁢food, but more importantly, experience a ‍genuine sense of community. It’s a reminder that‌ even in the face of adversity, kindness and generosity can prevail.

ultimately, ‍the evening at Ellie’s was a powerful testament to the human spirit. It demonstrated how a‍ simple meal can become a ​catalyst for compassion and support. You ‍can find similar pockets of community⁢ spirit throughout long Beach, and it’s these moments that truly make a city special.