Tastemaker: John Sangmeister

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When you want to truly know a city you ask the locals. AVIA's Long Beach hotel did just that, and here are picks and tips for diving into Long Beach.

There is something fishy about John Sangmeister.   Could it be the New York native is hiding a secret?  Hardly.  He’s the owner of Gladstone’s, the popular seafood restaurant at The Pike at Rainbow Harbor.  This Big Apple transplant came west at the tender age of 10 and settled with his family on the Westside of Los Angeles.  A resident of Naples Island, one of Long Beach’s most enchanting neighborhoods, John now considers himself to be an LB local.
“I really love this city,” says John.  “It’s a big little town full of great neighborhoods, plenty of culture, and miles of beaches.  What more could you ask for?”
This busy father of three, which includes a set of twin boys age seven and their two-year-old brother, is well connected and quite active in the community.  He is on the board of trustees for Long Beach Memorial Hospital, as well as the board member director for the Downtown Long Beach Associates (DLBA) where he represents the interests of the waterfront district.  In addition to Gladstone’s, John is also part owner of Lahaina Mai Tai Lounge on the island of Maui. 
“I try to balance my life between work, family and giving back to the community,” says John.  “Some areas get more attention than others, but it all seems to balance out in the end.” 
And, John, if you were to sum up your life in three words or less? 
“That’s a no brainer:  My Three Sons.” 

Gladstone's

  • Where would you go to see intriguing local art?
    I really enjoy spending an afternoon at the Museum of Latin American Art (MoLAA).  It has one of the world’s largest collections of works by contemporary Latin American artists and I love bringing the family there on Sundays for their afternoon family workshops. 
  • Hands down, what is your favorite local event or festival?
    I guess my favorite is more trans-Pacific.  It’s the Long Beach to Honolulu Transpac Race, which is a yacht regatta featuring vessels from numerous countries that race some 2,000 nautical miles to Oahu.  The crews get a great send off from this end.
  • If Long Beach were a movie, what would be its soundtrack? 
    It would have to be Sheryl Crow’s Soak up the Sun.  Need I say more?
  • What is Long Beach best known for, as far as the locals are concerned?
    Long Beach is one of those undiscovered jewels – a best-kept secret.  It’s an immensely livable city that has the best of both worlds – the beach and waterfront plus a vibrant downtown district and plenty of charming neighborhoods.
  • What are some essentials that guests to Long Beach should be sure to pack?
    Like any visitor, you’ll want to capture the moment so bring a digital camera.  I’d also recommend a high SPF sunscreen because it’s rare if the sun isn’t shining.  Don’t forget some comfortable shoes; after all, this is a walking city.  And, most importantly, a good attitude – it goes a long way.
  • If you sought a truly “off-the-beaten-path” experience in Long Beach, where would you go or what would you do?  
    I would have to say Gondola Getaway.  There aren’t too many cities, with the exception of Venice, Italy, where you can cruise through picturesque canals in an authentic Venetian gondola while sipping wine and admiring the scenery.   I always tell people to request one of the singing gondoliers – it adds something to the overall experience. 
  • Where would you find the eclectic, underground nightlife in Long Beach? 
    Are you joking?  My nightlife consists of bubble baths and diaper duty.  Seriously, with three young boys ages 7 and under nightlife has taken on an entirely new meaning.  I’ll leave the clubbing to someone else.