Comfort Food at Comfy Prices
By Toby Johnson
If I had to sum it up in two words, “comfort food.” Here at Rick and Brian’s Cafe, you will find delicious, hearty, tasty meals.
Formerly known as The Magnolia Cafe, Rick and Brian’s features a friendly vibe and atmosphere the second you walk in the door. The place has a very cozy feel. Large windows all around bring in cheerful sunlight.
In addition to the usual tables and booths, there are barstools at the counter as well, always a great cafe or diner feel. A TV set is above the serving counter, as well as another one located up front, perfect to catch the morning news, a sports game, or the latest American Idol show.
From the moment you see the featured breakfast, lunch or dinner specials on your table, you will understand what I mean by “comfort food.” Plenty of tradional American fare with those Southern California and Hispanic flavors mixed in. From pancakes to omelettes, pot roast to quesadillas, you are sure to find your favorite comfort food here.
The breakfast menu is quite delicious, with a wide range of items, including your classic favorites to choose from. The French toast is what I always order. And I love that the lunch plate comes with a piece of toasted garlic cheese bread, always a delicious addition to a lunch plate. They have some great lunch specials too: meat loaf, salisbury steak, liver and onions and teriyaki chicken. Or try the soup and salad special, a great lunch.
For dinner some of your choices include fish and chips, pork chops, pot roast, steak or pasta, both spaghetti with meat or marinara and fettucini with alfredo are available. Or you could try my favorite, the meatloaf. Delicously seasoned, it will make you feel right at home. Dinners come with a soup or salad, dinner rolls, and your choice or potato or rice.
The dessert selection is a little limited, but I’m never bothered because I’m always so full. They do get great pies, and because I am so full from all of this home-cooked goodness, I love to take a slice home with me. Banana creme, coconut creme or chocolate creme – it doesn’t matter.
The staff here is so attentive and friendly. You will feel right at home. The motto here is “Where good food and friendship come together.” And you can just tell that this is a perfect place for that.
I often tell my friends that Rick and Brian’s reminds me of Liberty Street Diner from Queer as Folk or Joseph’s Cafe from The Sara Silverman Show. The type of place that one would frequent almost daily, a sort of world where everyone knows each other. I see some people step in for a cup of coffee to go. A very neighborhod feel is found here. The place always has fun decor too, just look up all around you, rotating displays, usually with lights are fun to look at, while you sip your cold beverage, which could now include a cold beer or glass of wine as they have recently aquired a beer and wine license.
Ample parking is available outside and the cafe is located in the heart of Long Beach at 6th and Redondo. The daily specials, friendly staff and the tasty, simple “comfort food,” are reasons to keep coming back for more.
Rick and Brian’s Cafe is located at 632 Redondo Ave., Long Beach, with plenty of parking next to Albertson’s. Call (562) 433-9241.
Bistro 400 Bats 1000
By Bill LaPointe
I was on jury duty a couple of weeks ago and they gave us an extended two-hour lunch break. Not wanting to partake of the cafeteria cuisine I decided to peruse the restaurants that were within walking distance of the court-house. Low and behold I saw a restaurant I had visited years ago called Bistro 400. This is one delightful restaurant both in the quality of their food, ambience and service.
I chose to sit out on their patio on this lovely day and ordered a sandwich I will remember for a long time. It was a baquette soaked in a pesto sauce, layered with grilled chicken and king crab meat, smothered with gruyere cheese. This was so delicious. It came with the tastiest sweet potato fries. All of this for the cost of $10.
Check out their menu at www.bistro400.com for starters at $7 and a wonderfully creative menu. There is a full bar and jazz and entertainment in the evening.
When in the area be sure to visit Bistro 400, you won’t be disappointed.
Hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday thru Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday from 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. 400 West Fourth St. Santa Ana (714) 543-9821