Cafe Gazelle — Restaurant in Long Beach

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I first ate at this restaurant in 1999. I have been back several times since, been very pleased and not fell ill. However, early this year I left the restaurant and attempted to walk back to my hotel near Redondo Ave. and PCH. Before I reached 7th St., the urge to relieve my bowels of diarrhea was overwhelming, so I found bushes and defecated. Moving on, I only got as far as just south of Anaheim Ave and went into the bushes again. I notified management the next day by returning the uneaten leftovers and leaving a note on the business's front door. He compensated me with a free meal, and I experienced no ill effects. The next time I went, unfortunately, I was able to make it back to my hotel room before suffering from diarrhea again. It was the same story tonight, though unlike the other times, I DID NOT FINISH MY BOTTLE OF WINE, EAT DESSERT OR CONSUME THREE CUPS OF BLACK COFFEE. Yet, I barely made it home before running to the toilet. Management keeps the establishment fairly warm, I am uncertain how food is stored or handled, but I am concerned about the frequency in which I became ill. I eat all over the country with all kinds of cuisine. I prefer spicy food, I drink routinely and am fine.

My repeated illness here can be no coincidence, and I am certain that management would rather I not return, as was apparent tonight. It appears that despite what I thought was an amicable resolution between me and the owner that let bygones be bygones, he harbored resentment that was unleashed upon me. Specifically, I ordered chocolate mousse and black coffee but expressly directed the owner to serve it AFTER I had consumed the last of my wine. Instead, the mousse was brought out to me IMMEDIATELY after our exchange. I sent it back and motioned for the owner to come speak to me again. He came to me enraged and said, "You're making trouble again and acting crazy. How would you like it if I '86'ed' you?" I finished the glass in my wine, paid the bill, walked out and hurried home to used the toilet...again. I notified the Long Beach Health Department about my recurring sickness from eating here.

The food tastes wonderful and the service used to be great, but may I respectfully suggest that food borne illness is no laughing matter, and the fact that it happens repeatedly in one restaurant shouldn't be ignored. If the owner here reacts angrily because a patron's clearly expressed preferences are not followed, then, despite an agreeable history that has become a thing of the past, one is better served taking one's business...

Cafe Gazelle has been around for decades and is well-known by locals. A tiny cafe with only about 6-7 tables, it does a superb job of getting out wonderful food at a reasonable price.

Is it a bit tight? Yes. Do you occasionally have to watch out for your neighbor or a server? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely.

All entrees include a wonderfully toasted, warm roll with fresh butter on the table! You then have a choice between a fresh little salad or a small bowl of soup. I always take the salad and it's light and refreshing. I usually chow down the whole roll but try to pace myself before my pasta arrives. I recently had the Artichoke Pasta and it was wonderful with olive oil, garlic, and, of course, artichoke hearts. My companion had the lasagna and raved about it. I loved that the lasagna had ample sauce on the plate for dipping one's bread!

Parking can be absolutely a problem albeit I lucked out and got a space right in front. Free parking after 7pm. Parking lot behind BofA for those of us who drive and find it easier just to pay.

Yes, you might have to wait for a table. There are a few outside. They turn over quickly! It's worth it! I'd get there before 7pm or after 8:30!

PS. They have a restroom but super small and through the kitchen. ...

Took my friend out for her birthday dinner. GPS directed us to parking a block over but there were spots right in front of the restaurant. We arrived right before opening time, so we were the only ones there; there are about 10 tables and a very small kitchen, so it has a cozy and intimate ambience. The owner warmly greeted and seated us, brought us water and warm bread with butter. We ordered the fresh bruschetta for an appetizer and the delicious lasagna for our entree, which came with a salad with raspberry vinaigrette. For dessert, we ordered the smooth chocolate mousse cake and citrusy lemoncello cake. All of the food was SO GOOD; I can honestly say this was the best lasagna I've ever eaten at a restaurant and even better than my own. The owner and server were perfectly attentive and we had a delightful visit. I would 100% return and highly recommend! Was so hungry that I didn't get pictures. *The only improvement would be to the bathroom/storage room: you have to walk through the kitchen to use it, it's a tight squeeze, the lock doesn't work, there were no paper towels, and the doors on the vanity cabinet were broken. I initially asked for the code to the bathroom in the hall next to them but he said I...