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A Classy Café In Long Beach The Avenue Café, a casual diner/restaurant located in the heart of Long Beach, offers tasty, creative dishes at affordable prices. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner and their extremely extensive menu (with over 100 items to choose from) is bound to satisfy any palate. Their menu is constantly changing to please and surprise their customers, however traditional diner food is always available upon request.
The dining room features elegant décor and offers a casual, yet intimate dining environment. There is a party room upstairs, ideal for hosting your private parties and events, and they even have their own bakery on premises. All baking is done in house and they offer everything from cookies, cupcakes and pies to elegant, customized theme cakes.
Owners George and Chris Tsiropoulos opened The Avenue Café about a year ago, but have been in the restaurant business for roughly six years, as they previously owned a successful diner in the area. We began our dining experience with three delicious, innovative cocktails compliments of the bartender, Steve. We sampled the Pomegranate Martini (below left), which was refreshing and organic, the Creamsicle Martini (below center), which tasted just like a Creamsicle and lastly we enjoyed an Oreo Martini (below right), a specialty offering that features pieces of Oreo cookies and serves as a nice dessert cocktail.
Along with our cocktails came a breadbasket filled with delicious, homemade Challah bread (below left). They hand batter the bread in mayo, wine and butter, making it all the more irresistible. It was served with a medley of homemade spreads (below right) – whipped butter, sundried tomato spread and an olive spread, which all accented the bread nicely.
The chefs award winning New England Clam Chowder (below left) is very creamy, hearty, thick and definitely a must try. It is loaded with fresh clams and was quite enjoyable.
We
continued with the Jumbo Lump Pan Seared Crab Cakes (above right). They are served
atop a black bean and avocado relish with mango and roasted corn in a chipotle
roasted pepper remoulade with a roasted garlic and basil aioli. The crab cakes were
full of flavor and we were able to identify real lump crab in every bite. The
avocado was an excellent addition as it accented the crab cakes nicely. The Mussels were tender, meaty and pleasantly plump (below left). Bathed in a flavorsome marinara sauce, the mussels were clearly fresh and prepared perfectly. They were served with a roasted garlic baguette ideal for soaking up some of the tasty marinara.
Rounding
out our appetizers were the Stuffed Mushrooms filled with a homemade crabmeat
stuffing (above right). The mushrooms were impressively tender and amply stuffed
with fresh crabmeat. They were very creamy and quickly became a table favorite. The first entrée we sampled was the Braised Short Rib, which is marinated in a luscious marinade then pan seared and braised (below left). Served over creamy mashed potatoes with a side of sautéed broccoli florets with garlic and oil, the entrée is bathed in a port wine demi glace, further enhancing the flavors of the dish.
Next
up was the Dijon Crusted Salmon – a pan seared filet served with a puree of
carrots and parsnip and sautéed baby spinach in garlic and oil (above right). The
salmon was definitely a fresh catch, very tender and each bite offered a light Dijon
flavor. The sides also shined as the spinach was fresh and full of flavor and the
puree was pleasantly creamy. The Pork Chop Doran smelt amazing as it approached our table (below left). Topped with sautéed onions, mushrooms, whole potatoes, sweet sausage and hot cherry peppers, this chop was thick with a kick! It was tender and savory, offering your palate a minute spice, but nothing too overpowering. Large, homemade potato chips accompanied the entrée and were definitely a positive, crunchy addition.
We
continued with some delicious Sesame Crusted Tuna that was pan seared to perfection
(above right). The tuna features black and white sesame seeds and a ginger basil and
ponzu reduction. Served over creamy wasabi mashed potatoes with a side of snap peas
and carrots, the tuna was thinly sliced and exceptionally fresh. If a delicious, hearty burger is what you seek, we highly recommend you try the Chef Hass Burger (below left). This 12oz, flame broiled, New York steakhouse burger is served on a pretzel roll and topped with extra melted cheddar cheese, apple wood smoked bacon and Chef Nick’s special relish. (A combination of finely diced pickles, tomato and red onion tossed with chopped slaw with a touch of ketchup.) The burger was cooked to a desired medium rare and presented a nice char flavor. The special relish is a great additive and really enhances the burger, setting in apart from your average bacon cheeseburger. It was accompanied by hand cut, fried potato wedges, which were scrumptious and quite addicting.
Although
they don’t specialize in Italian cuisine, they offer an exceptional rendition of
Chicken Cutlet Parmesan here (above right). Served with a side of pasta and homemade
potato chips, the chicken was tender, juicy and thoroughly coated with melted
mozzarella cheese. You’ll feel as if you’re in an Italian restaurant after just
one bite of this standout chicken entrée. Looking to go Greek? If so, the Athenian Chicken is the perfect dish for you (below left). The breast of chicken is served “oreganata style” and stuffed with spinach, onions and feta cheese. The chicken is extremely tender and the stuffing was just delicious. If you like spinach pie, you’ll love this praiseworthy entrée.
Our
final entrée was the Shrimp Santorini which features sautéed shrimp with fresh
garlic, plum tomatoes, scallions and feta cheese over rice (above right).
Accompanied by large, homemade potato chips, the shrimp were fresh and the dish
presented a nice Greek flare. Before we moved on to dessert, we also sampled their roasted and baked Sweet Potatoes, which would make an excellent side to any dish (below left). They present a nice char flavor and are a very tasty concept.
Saving room for dessert is a must at The Avenue Café. We sampled an array of homemade cupcakes, including a Carrot Cupcake (above right), a Vanilla Caramel Cupcake (below left) and a Red Velvet Cupcake (below center). All three were exceptional.
We
also were treated to a few different homemade cakes beginning with the Black and
White Mousse Torte, which consists of two layers of chocolate cake filled with a
layer of French chocolate mousse and a second layer of rich white chocolate (above
right). The 7 Layered Cake is also a delicious option. It features a delicious mocha butter crème layered between vanilla cake and lightly coated with a grand marnier syrup and finished with a delightful chocolate glaze.
The
Chocolate Peanut Butter Mousse Tart is a “Reese’s dream”. Tasting much like a
Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup, this cake presents a rich, four-layer extravaganza
consisting of chocolate biscuit, chocolate mousse, peanut butter mousse, chocolate
glaze and a fudge decoration. From
their charming dining environment to their accommodating service and wonderful
cuisine, one visit to The Avenue Café will keep you coming back for more. The
extensive menu offers something for everyone and their desserts are not to be
overlooked. If you’re looking for a casual, relaxed night out, this is the place
to dine!
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