Dine with Pride

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The Long Beach Pride Festival takes place at the 9.4 acre Marina Green Park on Shoreline Drive between Pine and Linden Avenue. The dining options nearby are as diverse as the crowd will be. Here are two wonderful options for you to partake in:

Three years ago, Pier 76 Fish Grill opened as an American seafood eatery that combines an artisanal approach, with a West Coast flair. You will find a menu inspired by a casual, yet contemporary gourmet style of cooking, utilizing fresh, local ingredients.

Co-founder Christopher Krajacic, the creator and curator of the menu at Pier 76, believes in a clean approach to food. He brings a minimalist view of ingredients to his old world perspective, mixed with innovative techniques, ideas and creativity. Krajacic combines flavors from America's rich, cultural mix, with traditional techniques that cultivates a menu focused on the sea and centered on grilling.

The concept revolves around ordering at their counter, followed by table delivery. The dishes that we sampled were fantastic and Pier 76 is the perfect stop for quick, quality food during all the Pride festivities. My philosophy is that if the Clam Chowder is good, it's a tell-all for the entr�es that with follow suit. Theirs hit the mark perfectly and was a delightful mix of ocean clams, potatoes and fresh cream that soothed the soul.

We sampled a couple of the Pier 76 "Bites"and they did not disappoint: The Albacore Poke was sumptuous and wild caught, tossed in cucumber, tomato and seaweed with sesame oil and seeds. You will also adore, as we did, the Langostino and Lobster Roll, sprinkled with crisp bacon and drizzled with a spicy chipotle sauce.

I found their Cobb Salad to be visually stunning and delicious. Greens buried in fresh avocado, hard-boiled egg, tomato, bacon and blue cheese, with red wine vinaigrette and your choice of blackened salmon, grilled chicken or shrimp. We're talking seriously tasty.

To choose an entr�e was a tough one, with so many fresh grilled options to choose from. Would it be the Yellowtail with Roasted Garlic Butter, the Salmon with Cucumber Tartar, Tilapia with Sesame Lime, Grilled Chicken with Apricot Poblano Glaze or the Live Maine Lobster, among others? Each is served with rice and choice of sides: Kale Salad, Broccoli Coleslaw, Green Salad, Skin-on Fries, Grilled Zucchini or Sweet Potato Fries. My guest chose the Grilled Trout slathered in Honey Mustard and I had to try the Skewered Grilled Shrimp; basted in a lemon and chili sauce. I must tell you that both were outstanding. The food here is fast, fresh and phenomenal.

Hamburger Mary

Hamburger Mary's is known for being an open-air bar and grill for all open-minded people and probably even a few closed-minded people who have had the nerve to walk in and experience the love. They pride themselves in serving a full menu of tasty items, from gourmet burgers, bar fare appetizers, soups, salads and entrees. Each location has an extensive bar menu featuring craft beers and tons of specialty cocktails. Amanda, our personable bartender/ server took our drink orders from their sassy, suggestive cocktail menu. So many great choices -- I opted for a Raspberry Mule; a mixture of Stoli Berri, ginger beer, fresh lime and mint. My guest enjoyed the Cool Cucumber: A concoction with organic vodka, cucumber, tonic and fresh lime. We both had the same reaction-- delish, and very thirst-quenching!

Amanda suggested the Mary's Handbag Sampler, a little bit of everything on the appetizer menu. "Oh is it b-i-g, honey!" is its motto on the menu: Chicken tenders, cheese balls, chicken egg rolls, hot wings, onion rings and French fries. Needless to say, we were in need of a to-go container! It's the perfect choice for two, three or even four hungry pride revelers.

It's not called "Hamburger" Mary's for no reason. Their burgers are big and juicy and totally cool, because you pick your meat, pick your style, and pick your sides! Meat choices include: Ground chuck, turkey patty, Kobe (American wagyu), fried chicken breast, buffalo, a homemade vegan patty, organic free range beef, fresh salmon from the Atlantic and finally, ostrich when in season!

If that weren't enough, you have 12 burgers to choose from: The Mac Daddy Burger; choice of meat topped with creamy homemade mac 'n' cheese, the Big Kahuna Hawaiian Burger; Mary's teriyaki, grilled pineapple, saut�ed mushrooms, bacon, jack cheese, lettuce and tomato and the Queen Mary Burger; melted cheddar and jack cheeses, with grilled onions, crisp bacon, thousand island dressing, lettuce and tomato...And girl, that's just three of 'em!

I went for the Black and Blue Boy Burger with Kobe Wagyu American beef, blue cheese crumbles and bacon, bleu cheese dressing, lettuce and

tomato. It melted in my mouth and the blue cheese turned on my taste buds and warmed my heart. My guest opted for the Classic Mary Burger; the

"not so classic"ostrich meat, thousand island dressing, lettuce, tomato and

pickles. He just loved it. Saturday and Sunday mornings, the "Brunchettes" bring their smash hit Brunch Drag Show, with a meal that includes: bottomless Mimosas and a breakfast buffet, plus crazy, two-hour performances and hosted by the one and only Jewels. Take note, she will be

hostess for Brunch on Pride Saturday and during Sunday's parade, will also

be hosting the live telecast! Hamburger Mary's is a flamboyant

dining experience, offering nightly entertainment from their Dining with the Divas drag shows and charity HamBingo Mary's to MaryOke-Karaoke and trivia nights.