Originally posted on Beach City Food Tours | By Layla Ali-Ahmad
I dare you to find a more selfless job than being a mother. I’m not a mom, but I have one….and she deserves WAY more than a bouquet of flowers and brunch every 2nd Sunday in May. Unfortunately, we all know that Mother’s Day is one of the busiest restaurant days of the year. It’s overbooked, overcrowded, and overrated. Instead, let’s try showing her some TLC with a homemade breakfast-in-bed (yes, you have to wake up before her), and a sweet bite to follow from one of Long Beach’s best dessert spots. Here’s a list (in no particular order) of 10 drool-worthy spots to take Mom this Sunday, May 13th.
Long Beach Creamery
When it comes to ice cream in Long Beach, there’s really only one correct answer. It doesn’t get better than the Long Beach Creamery. Lucky for us, their new downtown location is up and running! So whether you’re north or south of the 405…you’re out of excuses. I suggest going out on a limb and trying the Cashew Fennel Chip. You’ve got nothing to lose (free samples!). Splurge on a flight of 6 flavors, for only $14. Be sure to check their Instagram page to see what flavors they’re scooping that day.
Romeo Chocolates
Surprise, surprise! Of course, Romeo Chocolates is on this list. If your mom loves chocolate, then this one is kind of a no-brainer. You can pre-order truffles, or RSVP to their Mother’s Day Tea service for something unique. Choose from chocolate dipped strawberries, berry tartlets, house-made truffles, brownies, dipped shortbreads and classic chocolate chip cookies. If you’re gonna buy chocolate, make sure it’s from Romeo. You can also visit Romeo Chocolates on our Downtown Long Beach Food Tour! We’re offering 10% OFF Gift Certificates until Mother’s Day. Just use promo code: MOM2018 at checkout.
Saints & Sinner’s Bakeshop
Who doesn’t love a warm, gooey cinnamon roll? Well, Traci Delatorre, owner of Saints & Sinners, makes a KILLER cinnamon roll. Be sure to say “yes,” when they ask if you’d like yours topped with cream cheese frosting. If cinnamon rolls aren’t mom’s thing….then get a sampling of their fresh-baked cookies. Some flavors include: chocolate chip, peanut butter, salted caramel, & s’mores. Want to order a custom cake? Contact the shop!
Bundts on Melrose
It’s hard for me to think of a bundt cake without picturing scenes from “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” Nevertheless…Bundts on Melrose makes some damn good cake! The best part? They’re mini….so mom can try a variety of flavors. Grab a dozen of their daily flavors: Red Velvet, German Chocolate, Devil’s Food Chocolate, Zesty Lemon, Strawberry Lemonade, Pistachio, Cookies ‘n Cream, Classic Vanilla.
Sweet Retreat Donuts
You’d think that in a city this size, great donut shops would be easy to come by. While the landscape is surely improving, there’s one shop that started upping their game long before the others. Enter, Sweet Retreat Donuts. Owners, Dary and Sreyrot Chan, put their heart and soul into their craft. If you’re looking to really surprise your mom…pre-order custom donut letters by phone. That way you can tell her “THANKS FOR PUTTING UP WITH ME,” in a new way. Vegan donuts available upon request!
Under the Sun
What if your mom is looking for something sweet, but without the guilt? We suggest visiting Rainbow Juices’ sister vegan/raw cafe: Under the Sun. If you’ve never had one of their cheesecakes, you haven’t experienced the creativity that makes this shop so special. One bite, and you’ll forget why you ever thought you needed dairy and an oven. Whole pies and cheesecakes available for pre-order. If you’re thinking morning mimosas, pick up some of their cold-pressed juice, next door, at Rainbow Juices.
The Pie Bar
There’s always an occasion for pie. Everything at The Pie Bar is made in-house: whole pies, cutie-pies (mason jars), pie shots, pot pies, hand pies and pet pies. For all those Dog Moms out there….grab the whole family (including the fur baby) and sit on their brand new parklet to enjoy your slice (or jar). Just be sure to save your cutie-pie jars! If you return 8 washed jars…you get the 9th for FREE.
Frosted Cupcakery
2nd Street staple, Frosted, has been dishing out their cupcakes for years. If you’ve never had one of their Hi-Tops (mini cupcake sandwiches)…you’re missing out. Grab mom, and try them all! Did we mention they make ice-cream-cupcakes too? YES.
Jongewaard’s Bake n’ Broil
Bixby institution, Bake n’ Broil, still makes some of the best desserts in town. Good luck getting in for breakfast on Mother’s Day. I suggest bee-lining it to the dessert counter and taking it all to-go. With an endless selection of cakes and pies, the hardest part will be deciding what not to get.
The Merchant
Around the corner from the Long Beach Creamery, lies The Merchant. Part coffee shop, part bakery, part market. Their pastry spread will not disappoint. We suggest their Cinnamon Bombs! Imagine the love-child of a churro and a dinner roll.They also make the best cinnamon roll, north of the 405. If you find yourself there on any other day, you might get lucky and hit one of their Flash Happy Hour sales. Be sure to get a horchata latte to-go, too.
