Art and po’ boys, a perfect combo

THE artsy vibe of Long Beach’s East Village Arts District might be best experienced communally -- the monthly Last Saturdays event draws quite a crowd -- but sampling its galleries, shops and eateries at a quieter time makes for a leisurely afternoon.

The Museum of Latin American Art’s diverse collection is a good kickoff to exploring the area’s emerging art scene.

An exhibition on kinetic art was intriguing, though dizzying. And the works from Mexico to Argentina, many underpinned by sociopolitical themes, make for plenty of conversation fodder.

Afterward, my date and I wandered over to the heart of the district, a surprising enclave of creativity just blocks from the waterfront area. Fuchsia floral overhangs and shiny tiled murals give the area a splash of spunk.

We stopped in a gallery, then made our way to Open, an eclectic bookstore.

Along with the walls of words, Open hosts a rotating art display each month. One of its walls is dedicated to photographs of “open” signs -- including red neon and graffiti-like yellow on brick. A rack of weathered novels for $3.50 a pop was irresistible.

A chatty clerk explained that the area doesn’t always have the critical mass for a lively social scene. “There is usually something going on every weekend,” he said. “But during the week, it’s sometimes sleepy.”

By all accounts, the Last Saturday event turns Linden Avenue between 1st and Broadway into an open-air promenade with a main stage for performances. There are art receptions and extended hours for many shops, restaurants and galleries.

The denizens have an infectious pride in the district’s growing scene. And they are quick with the dinner suggestions.

Several folks suggested Utopia, a trendy restaurant offering California cuisine and a jazz piano bar. But I was stuck on a recommendation from a woman in a red tunic at the African art gallery, Village Treasures.

“If you like catfish, you have to try Uncle Al’s,” she said, convincingly. “It’s the best around.”

A compromise: Before settling down for some soul food, we stopped at Utopia for a drink.

At Uncle Al’s Seafood, the corn bread was buttery, and the catfish po’ boy couldn’t have been tastier. Even at the most down-home restaurant in the neighborhood, a stylish artwork hung over our table.

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The tab

Museum $10.00

What: Two tickets, Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave., Long Beach. (562) 437-1689

Books $7.68

What: Two used paperbacks, Open, 144 Linden Ave. (562) 499-6736

Drinks $13.53

What: A glass of wine and a beer, Utopia, 445 E. 1st St. (562) 432-6888

Dinner $19.05

What: Two po’ boys, collard greens, corn bread and two sweet teas, Uncle Al’s Seafood, 400 E. 1st St. (562) 463-2553

Total $50.26