Meet Cute – Dining at Jongewaard’s Bake N Broil

You know how when the two leads meet in a romantic comedy it’s often called a “meet cute?” Like, “oh man I can’t believe I got stuck in an elevator with this total nerd…wait a minute…he just took off his glasses and he’s kind of handsome…and he’s listening to Arcade Fire on his Ipod…and is that a copy of Anna Karenina under his arm?…oh boy!” Meet cute.

Well recently I had a meet cute with a restaurant. Hey! It can happen. It wasn’t so contrived but when I walked in Jongewaard’s Bake N Broil it was like, “hello there! You’re just my type.”

If you can read the small print on the sign you’ll see that this Long Beach spot has been in business since 1965. But when you walk inside it’s clear that it’s firmly got its foot planted in this century. Cus, seriously, the restaurant is SO DANG CUTE! It’s like something out of Martha. Warm colors, cozy booths, cake platters filled with mouthwatering desserts, FIESTAWARE! Bake N Broil where have you been all my life?

And don’t for once think that the cute interior masks a sub par menu. Nosiree. Case in point – my last dinner there. I opted for the hamburger special which was under $10. Here’s what I got.

A lovely salad with tasty homemade croutons

and a massive hand formed burger on a tasty toasted bun with lettuce, tomato, and special sauce WITH a pile of fresh from the fryer, delicious french fries. FOR UNDER $10!

And if that’s not enough, the Bake N Broil also makes all their own desserts. An array of pies, cakes, muffins, cupcakes, and more are available daily. Just check out this piece of pie.