By ShuRhonda N. Bradley, Columnist
Exploring restaurants via Instagram can be hit or miss, but my friends and I have fun discovering trendy spots promoted on social media. Recently, we visited Angel’s Share Whiskey and Beer Restaurant in Belmont Shore, Long Beach. The restaurant had only just recently opened, and we were greeted warmly by the restaurant’s host. Angel’s Share is where Long Beach locals and visitors unite for a uniquely crafted lounge experience, blending gourmet cocktails, cuisine and community in a welcoming haven.
After we were seated, our server, Liliana, greeted us and took our order. From the start, Liliana proved attentive, knowledgeable, and well-versed in the menu and the range of innovative cocktails the restaurant’s bar offers — particularly the whiskey and curated cocktails. Liliana’s way of describing the food — from the goat cheese balls to the impressive short ribs — made us eager to experience whatever she recommended.
Culinary Highlights, Personal Touches
Based on Liliana’s recommendation, I ordered the savory short rib entree. When it arrived, Sunday dinner after church at my grandmother’s house came to mind. Liliana also recommended the baked potato with caviar. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed the salty and mild flavor of the caviar infused into the baked potato. The entire table fell silent as we all savored our entrées — steak, brussels sprouts and mussels — leaving nothing but empty plates behind. My friends didn’t just eat; all five of us ate until we were stuffed.
After the meal, I learned why Liliana was so knowledgeable and able to discuss the menu with such depth and offer spot-on recommendations. Chef Melissa Ramsay is her mother. Liliana introduced the chef, and I learned about Ramsay’s culinary journey, from starting a catering business to becoming the executive chef at Angel’s Share. Her passion and expertise were evident in every dish, and her personal touch in describing her journey made us feel deeply connected to her and her food.
A Deeper Dive
Chef Melissa Ramsay’s story is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage and family traditions. Growing up, food was central to her family life, with fond memories of Jamaican and Cape Verdean dishes. Despite initially pursuing a career in the medical field—where she became an orthopedic scrub nurse — Chef Ramsay’s love for cooking led her to run her own catering business. Her journey has been one of hard work, resilience and dedication, focusing on creating memorable culinary experiences.
Chef Ramsay’s catering business initially gained traction through word of mouth within the celebrity community, catering to high-profile events. This grassroots approach, combined with her exceptional culinary skills, helped build her reputation and client base. Her experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she adapted by doing pop-ups and participating in small festivals, showcases her creativity and determination to be successful.
In addition to her catering business, Chef Melissa Ramsay’s role as the executive chef at Angel’s Share demonstrates her community-focused vision and innovative culinary ideas. She aims to provide everyone with a luxurious dining experience without breaking the bank, introducing guests to sophisticated items like caviar in an accessible way. When asked how she comes up with these inspirational dishes, she simply replied, “I dream them up.”
Continuing her creative approach and expanding the guest experience to include children, Chef Melissa Ramsay involved her own kids in developing the children’s menu. Now, children can join their parents at Angel’s Share and design their own pizzas, which the chef will bake for them.
Chef Ramsay’s elevated yet approachable menu and her personal touch make Angel’s Share an exceptional dining experience. Her focus on family and community values enriches the dining experience and makes every guest feel valued and appreciated.
My food experience at Angel’s Share Whiskey and Beer Restaurant took me on an unforgettable journey, immersing me in Cape Verdean and Caribbean food culture. It aroused cherished childhood memories with Chef Ramsay’s savory short rib. It inspired a sense of exploration by trying food combinations such as caviar and baked potato, all while bringing immense happiness through its exceptional culinary delights and warm, welcoming atmosphere.