One of Balboa Island's most beloved institutions, Sugar 'n Spice, is expanding its frozen empire, with plans to open a second location in Long Beach's Belmont Shores neighborhood this December. The stand, which first opened its doors on the picturesque Balboa Island in 1945, has achieved a loyal following over the decades, even inspiring the fictional Bluth's Original Frozen Banana Stand on a well-known television series.
Sugar 'n Spice is targeting a December debut at 5269 E. Second Street in Long Beach, a detail Eater was told. This marks the first time the frozen dessert stand has expanded beyond its original Balboa Island home. Longbeachize first reported the news of the expansion. For nearly 80 years, the shop has been a fixture for its classic dipped bananas, spumoni ice cream cakes, and frozen tiramisu, all dipped in chocolate. They also offer the vanilla ice cream–based Balboa bar, alongside scoops of ice cream in traditional flavors like vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and rocky road.
Elsewhere in Southern California's bustling culinary scene, new dining options and recognitions continue to emerge.
In Downtown Los Angeles, Holy Basil's Arts District location is set to begin dinner service on Monday, October 26. The restaurant will serve lunch Monday through Friday from 12 to 3 p.m., and dinner Monday through Saturday from 5 to 9 p.m. The Arts District Holy Basil location will be closed on Sundays.
Los Angeles also earned national recognition for its pizza, with three local establishments making Food & Wine’s list of best pizza in America. Pizzeria Sei, Pijja Palace, and Quarter Sheets were all included in the roundup, which also highlighted places like New York’s Ceres and Philadelphia’s Down North Pizza.
In Highland Park, Chef Debbie Lee's modern pocha, Yi Cha, has refreshed its happy hour offerings. Patrons can now enjoy a new menu and discounted beers. Happy hour is available all day on Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday, or between 4 and 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. The updated menu features items like loaded hot dogs, gochujang Buffalo wings, and kimchi arancini, alongside $1 Orion on draft.
For those looking for a festive event, Joint Seafood's Downtown Los Angeles location is hosting a Halloween party on Sunday, October 25, from 5 to 9 p.m. The event will feature local vendors and a raffle, with food available from Birria Pa La Cruda and Domestic BBQ. Attendees who arrive in costume will be entered into a raffle for prizes, including a butcher’s box, Uochiba roll sets, and a Joint T-shirt.
From decades-old favorites expanding to new dinner services and seasonal celebrations, Southern California's diverse food landscape continues to offer a steady stream of local happenings worth noting.
