Whitney, a Long Beach local since 2008, celebrated her 40th birthday in style at Ammatolí, the downtown hotspot known for its Levantine cuisine and welcoming vibe.

Surrounded by friends, Whitney reflected on her journey to California and her roots in the city, praising Long Beach’s warmth and diversity.

She’s spent years in the restaurant scene before becoming an esthetician at Facialworks in Huntington Beach, where she helps locals feel confident in their skin.

Her milestone celebration was made even sweeter by heartfelt service, especially from Marry, plus shoutouts to friends Robert Brennan and Kolby Woods for their support.

Ammatolí’s Mosa’bakka dish was the highlight, blending tradition with bold, modern flavors inspired by chef-owner Dima Habibeh’s Palestinian heritage.

This family-owned Long Beach favorite, open since 2018, remains a go-to destination for celebrations, where every meal offers a soulful taste of the Levant.

We promote small local businesses and nonprofit organizations, helping them make a lasting impact in their community. We do this by creating a central hub where they can connect, grow, and be seen.

Experience a serene, candlelit performance celebrating the music of Adele. A perfect blend of intimacy and artistry.

Date: September 11, 2025; Time: evening (check event page); Location: Downtown Long Beach, 1126 Queens Hwy; Admission: tickets required; More info here.

A celebration of Cambodian cinema, showcasing local and international films that highlight culture, history, and storytelling.

Date: September 12–14, 2025; Time: screening times vary; Location: Retro Row, 4th Street, Long Beach; Admission: refer to festival website; More info here.

Brought to you by Hella Plants Market and Plantiitas—this is the ultimate plant gathering featuring rare finds, workshops, food, and a chill, green-themed vibe.

Date: September 13, 2025; Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm; Location: Downtown Long Beach (exact venue via event calendar); Admission: check event site;

More info here.

A community run wrapping up at a festive post‑race celebration with live music, dancers, and aloha spirit.

Date: September 13, 2025; Time: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm; Location: Downtown Long Beach; Admission: check event page;

More info here.

Kick off Hispanic Heritage Month with live salsa music by Gabrielito y la Verdad in this breezy, beachside vibe.

Date: September 18, 2025; Time: evening; Location: 2ND & PCH, Long Beach; Admission: check site;

 More info here.

A vibrant artisan market celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month—shop local vendors, enjoy the culture, food, and community.

Date: September 21, 2025; Time: check event listing; Location: 2ND & PCH, Long Beach; Admission: check site;

More info here.

A haunted, immersive Halloween experience aboard the Queen Mary—complete with mazes, live scare actors, performances, and spine‑chilling thrills.

Date: Fall 2025 (weekends through October); Time: evenings; Location: RMS Queen Mary, Long Beach; Admission: tickets required;

More info here.

The Deli That Stood the Test of Time

Nearly a Million Sandwiches Strong — A Forgotten Landmark Still Toasting

In 1996, Orsa Modica opened the doors to what would become one of Downtown Long Beach’s most enduring landmarks. A Sicilian immigrant with a gift for hospitality and a love of good food, Orsa brought classic Italian flavors and old-world warmth to a busy corner of Ocean Boulevard. Her vision was simple: serve honest meals, welcome everyone like family, and stay rooted in the community.

For decades, Orsa has been a daily presence — whether taking orders, greeting customers, or managing the kitchen. Her dedication helped turn Modica’s from a small deli into a downtown ritual, known for its 200+ sandwiches, cozy patio, and live jazz on Friday nights.

Yes, Modica’s is still family-run. While Orsa remains at the heart of operations, day-to-day responsibilities are now shared with her children and longtime staff who feel like family. They’ve adapted with the times — adding wine, expanding the menu — but the essence hasn’t changed.

They seem to stay small on purpose, because once you grow too big, it’s not Modica’s anymore.

Even through tough times — downtown development, safety concerns, and shifting crowds — Modica’s never shut its doors. It’s still standing, still serving, and yes… still toasting.

The Sandwich That Speaks for Itself

The pastrami sandwich isn’t about wild flavors or fancy toppings — it’s about portion, presence, and pride. The slices come stacked thick, spilling past the edges of warm toasted bread, with just mustard and pickles to keep it honest. It’s simple, visual, and deeply satisfying — the kind of sandwich that turns heads when it hits the table.

Why You Should Go

If you’ve never been, now’s the time. Grab a table on the patio, order the pastrami, and take a bite of Long Beach history.

In a city that keeps changing, Modica’s is one of the rare places that reminds you what staying power tastes like.

Modica’s Deli

📍 Location: 455 E Ocean Blvd, Suite 14, Long Beach, CA | 📞 Phone: (562) 435‑7011

🌟 Yelp Rating: 4.3|✅ LA County Health Grade:  ?|💲 Price Range: $15–$22

🌐 Website | Google

🧾 Family-Owned: Yes (since 1996) |

📄 Details: A beloved downtown staple since 1996, Modica’s Deli delivers a refined yet cozy Italian deli experience, complete with patio seating, fresh paninis, espresso, and Friday jazz.

🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri: 7:30am–3:00pm, Sat: 8:00am–3:00pm, Closed Sunday

• 🪑 Seating: Indoor + Outdoor Patio

• 🎷 Live Music: Fridays – Live Jazz

• 🥡 Service Options: Dine-in, Takeout

Each autumn, the RMS Queen Mary in Long Beach transforms into a living nightmare as Dark Harbor returns to haunt the harbor.

Using the ship’s storied, ghostly reputation, this immersive Halloween event lures guests aboard for a chilling journey through haunted mazes that wind through real cabins and engine rooms.

Expect live scare actors, legendary maritime spirits, and interactive horror set against authentic, creaking steel corridors.

Dark Harbor’s multiple labyrinths—both aboard the Queen Mary and onshore—combine theatrical scares, spine-tingling effects, and atmospheric lighting that blur reality and nightmare.

The event also offers themed bars, performers, and eerie eats, while VIP upgrades and cabanas tempt those looking for an exclusive fright.

Nationally acclaimed, this Long Beach staple draws crowds eager for a frightful night where history and horror entwine—if you dare, book early.

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