Josephine L.
Yelp
I hate sand.
I am the worst person to go to the beach with because I will do everything in my power not to touch sand. And may Ganesh help you if you put me through wet sand!
So I didn't want to go to Long Beach, but I was lured there with the promise of beach blankets, wine, friends, more wine--and I forget the rest because I stopped listening after wine. I suffered through the horrendous walks through sand--including the obligatory romantic stroll by the shoreline--and subsisted on wine and fruit until we were ready to call it a day.
That's how we wound up at Baldoria, where we were welcomed like the long-missed relatives of the world's friendliest Italian family. As the first guests of the evening, we were treated to off-menu tasties like freshly shucked oysters on the half shell. The unique Insalata Frutti di Mare is based in tomato sauce, and the Burrata and Meatball Skillet were both great.
For entrees, we did a family-style share of the Special: Squid Ink Fettucine with Seafood, the Pappardelle Bolognese, and the Grilled Branzino. Everything was quality, but the Special was next-level delicious, with perfectly al dente pasta and super fresh seafood.
After imbibing several bottles of wine, Sal--our new friend and co-owner of the restaurant--offered us complimentary Italian Rainbow Cake and Tiramisu. Why? Because when you're here, you're family. Oh, and they were delicious too. Nothing tastes better than free.