This year, I have discovered two places in town that feed into my love of cultural exposure and make my taste buds very happy.
The Croatian American Club (631 W. 9th St.) offers lunch plates on Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or earlier, if sold out) from late September to June. The lunches are hosted by the club’s president, Frane Jerkovic, and vice president, Glen Adamik. Each week, the options change, and there is something different—and, as far as I am concerned, exciting to try. The menu and cooking are handled by Danny Maricich, who predominantly focuses on Mediterranean options because the majority of folks who stop by are club members or of Croatian descent.
The rotating options are lamb, beef, or fish, which is freshly sourced from J&D Seafood here in town. Each plate usually includes two sides—vegetables, potatoes, pasta, or salad—along with a soft dinner roll and butter. Maricich shared with me that the most popular meal is the swordfish plate. He also mentioned that during the cooler months, he leans towards comfort foods such as sarma, stuffed bell peppers, pasta fazol, and goulash.
I have immensely enjoyed every lunch I have had so far because, to me, they taste like a delicious homemade meal.
Lunch can be requested as takeout or enjoyed at one of the many tables in the hall. The bar is also open during lunch. The food is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and is $20 cash.
The weekly Wednesday lunch menu and other events hosted at the hall are posted on the Croatian American Club’s Facebook (@croatianamericanhallofsanpedro) and Instagram (@croatianamericanclub) accounts.
Last year, I was very excited to learn from a post on one of our local Facebook group pages that the Norwegian Seamen’s Church (1035 S. Beacon St.) hosts a fantastic annual Christmas market. Upon following their social media account, I found out that they host lunch events on the first Wednesday of most months from October to June. Each month, the theme reflects the season.
During my first lunch last spring, there was a delicious Norwegian summer buffet of mostly seafood-based dishes, along with various salads and fresh fruit. My second lunch in October featured Norway’s national dish, fårikål—a comforting lamb and cabbage one-pot stew served with boiled potatoes. Each lunch includes lemonade, water, coffee, and a dessert.
During my first visit, I met Anna Spilling Isaksen, the director of hospitality, who is very welcoming. The two-hour sit-down lunch programs begin with a welcome speech by Petter Piita Isaksen, the diaconal worker, and a light but meaningful sermon by the sailor’s chaplain, Margit Lovise Holte, followed by lunch. Next, the program continues with some lighthearted fellowship, filled with good humor, led by Ole Martin Grevstad, also a sailor’s chaplain, and volunteers.
Sitting at communal tables with other guests provides plenty of opportunities to socialize. Despite not being of Norwegian or Scandinavian descent, much less religious, I have felt very welcomed by all the friendly people I have met; most importantly, the staff is warm and incredibly hospitable. After each lunch event, I have left feeling both emotionally and physically nourished.
The monthly lunch programs require reservations and cost $35 per person, payable upon arrival on the day of the event by cash or credit card.
This year’s Christmas market takes place November 14–23. There are Scandinavian artisanal items, baked goods, and food for purchase, including heart-shaped Swedish waffles. All events are announced on the church’s Facebook and Instagram accounts: @sjomannskirkenlosangeles. spt
Sanam Lamborn created the Eat in San Pedro Facebook group and Instagram page
@eatinsanpedro.
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