Show 454, December 4, 2021: Chef Melissa Ortiz, Rose Park Roasters, Pine Ave., Long Beach Part Two

Melissa Ortiz of Rose Park Roasters

The most unusual restaurant at the moment in Long Beach is arguably the Dinner and Brunch residency that Chef Melissa Ortiz is orchestrating at the Pine Avenue location of Long Beach’s popular Rose Park Roasters. At present it’s an intriguing seafood and vegetable focused menu available (without reservations) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings with Brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Just launched is Lunch from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Tuesdays thru Friday.

Melissa is a well-traveled military veteran who served a couple of tours on active duty and then a period thereafter in the reserves. She attended culinary school locally at The Art Institute of California Orange County (which has since closed.) Melissa loves to travel to distant and exotic locations exploring food and most recently was the chef at the United States Embassy in Kabul. Fortunately she returned earlier in the year.

Thanks to Anne Marie Panoringan, the inquisitive Food Columnist for Voice of OC, for tipping us off about Chef Melissa Ortiz after experiencing a memorable Brunch there.

The menu is constantly evolving but some standout items for Dinner include House Sea-Cuterie with seasonal fish nduja, shellfish terrine, marinated clams, spicy pickle relish, yuzu cream fraiche and Gusto flatbread (Long Beach –based boutique bakery,) and Shrimp Meatballs with wild shrimp, San Marzano tomatoes, pecorino toscano and Gusto dorado. Accompanying the creative food menu is a hand-selected variety of organic, biodynamic and natural wines available by the glass or bottle.

On Monday evening, Dec. 20th Chef Melissa is launching the monthly Rose Park Family Meal guest chef dinner series. These collaborative dinners with local chefs are designed to highlight Long Beach’s creativity, innovation and hospitality. “Dinners are chef curated, three courses and with no modifications. Per Chef Melissa’s ethos, there are no land proteins on the menu, solely seafood and vegetables.” The first guest chef is Alex Ruperto of Sakura Chocolates.

Chef Melissa takes a break from Brunch service and continues with us.

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