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Long Beach: The House of Madame JoJo

2941 East Broadway , Phone: (562) 439-3672
www.houseofmadamejojo.com
Closing day: Monday

Reviewed by: WilliamSD from CA, review #2531

When: 2007

The House of Madame JoJo's should be on your "must do" list at least once in your life.

Imagine yourself and a lover, partner, friend, seated in a replication of the world-famous Madame Jojo's bordello in London, except that you're only a short walk from the sandy shores in Long Beach, California. Now imagine that you're being handed a short but comprehensive and tempting reasonably priced wine list and then a menu with appetizers and entrees that will make you wish you had three stomachs to try all the delicious combinations of meat, fish, and pasta.

No matter which you select, the aroma of the seasoning and sauces will get your mouth watering before you even try a bite. And the tastes are unique, zesty, and so unusual you'll wonder why your pasta at home never tastes like this.

Owner, Sharon Philipson, opened the tidy little bistro in 1994 and has captured the friendly, seductive, elegant and fun flavor of the old school bordello where pleasure (in this case good wine and food) was as sensual as a luxurious scented bubble bath. The wait staff is courteous and attentive without being pushy or "hovering" to rush you out the door.

And did I mention the desserts? They offer a standard creme brulee that is well above standard and their own special version with chocolate as well as a lemon sorbet from Italy in the original lemon zest shell. Even the coffee is full-bodied, aromatic, and "old school."

The House of Madame Jojo's is freeway close for travelers and located near Long Beach's trendy newly renovated Belmont Shores area. It's one of those experiences that should be on your "must-do" list at least once in your life. You owe it to yourself to dine in decadence and the delicious food will make you want to return again and again.

This review is the opinion of a Slow Travel member and not of slowtrav.com.

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