Food and bar reviews, press releases, and websites.

11. Long Beach Reef Restaurant Announces 50 Years with Nationwide
Anniversary Event
The Reef, a Long Beach waterfront landmark, will celebrate 50 years of business
on Saturday August 16, 2008 with its 23 themed sister restaurants of Specialty
Restaurants Corporation.
Long Beach, CA (BUSINESS WIRE) August 1, 2008 – The Reef, a fine dining
restaurant situated on the water at Long Beach Harbor, will celebrate its 50th
anniversary with a nationwide, synchronized ceremony on Saturday August 16th,
2008. At 2pm PST, The Reef and its 23 sister restaurants—owned by Specialty
Restaurants Corporation—will each plant a tree to commemorate the Reef’s
opening back in 1958. An open house from 1pm to 4pm will be held the same
day to increase awareness of The Reef’s concept evolution, new menu items,
and activities at the restaurant’s location, 880 Harbor Scenic Drive, Long Beach,
CA 90802.
“The Reef originated the idea of concept dining,” says Bill Tallichet, general
manager of The Reef. “Island themed decorations, shells, tapa cloth, tiki gods
and palm trees were not the normal restaurant decor for a high-end dining
experience in the early 60's. Yet…people from all over flocked to the waterfront
to enjoy…this tropical playground.”
Approximately 23 years later, The Reef caught fire, prompting a renovation and
new theme for the restaurant. The new concept was Ragin’ Cajun Southern
Cuisine. Today, The Reef has developed a more regional focus on food, cuisine,
and decor. It also serves as a fine dining venue for more than 300 annual
weddings and ceremonies, from private gatherings of 25 guests to grand
celebrations accommodating over 500 people.
About Specialty Restaurants Corporation
These 24 themed restaurants, ranging from World War II aviation to South Seas, were founded
th
by late WWII pilot and entrepreneur David Tallichet. Each restaurant—94 Aero Squadron, The
Castaway, Rusty Pelican, and Shanghai Red’s, to name a few—are known for their unique views,
event-hosting space, and casual dining atmosphere. Mr. Tallichet’s son, John D. Tallichet, is the
current Chairman of the Board. For more information, please visit specialtyrestaurants.com
About The Reef Restaurant
Employing more than 150 persons, The Reef is a community-based destination restaurant that
has served Long Beach since 1958. The Reef’s waterfront location at Long Beach Harbor and
Queensway Bay serves as a host to all kinds of banquets, from business events to large
weddings and parties. For nearly 30 years, the Reef and Specialty Restaurants Corporation have
been involved with an annual dinner for the homeless and underprivileged people, centered on
the efforts of the Salvation Army and the many homeless and family support shelters throughout
Long Beach and the Harbor Areas. Charity and community support offerings include the
American Cancer Society, The Long Beach Visitors and Conventions Bureau, The Long Beach
Grand Cru, The Long Beach Grand Prix, The Catalina Ski Race, AIDS Awareness Long Beach,
The Salvation Army, and The Spirit Of Christmas. For more information, please visit
reefrestaurant.com

12. Odyssey Restaurant Hosts Thanksgiving Dinner for Oakridge Mobile Home
Park Fire Victims
Specialty Restaurants Corporation is partnering with several sponsors to provide
a Thanksgiving meal at Odyssey, a fine dining steak and seafood restaurant with
panoramic views of the San Fernando Valley, for the Oakridge Mobile Home
Park residents who lost their homes in the Sylmar fire.
Granada Hills, CA (BUSINESS WIRE) November 26, 2008 – Oakridge Mobile
Home Park fire victims will get to enjoy a Thanksgiving meal this year, thanks to
Specialty Restaurants Corporation (SRC) and several other sponsors. The event,
funded by SRC in conjunction with Family Tree Produce, White Apron Meat Co.,
Newport Meat Co., Alta Dena Dairy, Royal Cup Dine-Mor, Uncle Ben’s, and LA
Bakery, will take place Sunday November 30th from 1pm to 3pm at SRC’s
Odyssey Restaurant & Banquet—the “Vision of the Valley”—located at 15600
Odyssey Drive, Granada Hills, CA 91344.
A traditional Thanksgiving buffet will be served to Oakridge residents and the
eight additional homeowners whose houses burned down in the Sylmar fire. On
the menu will be a collection of “Odyssey” salads like Organic Baby Greens with
Candied Walnuts, Hickory Smoked Bacon with Red Skin Potato, and Sweet
Carrots and Raisins with Honey Pineapple. At the carving station will be Honey
Glazed Roasted Ham and Herb Roasted Carolina Turkey Breast. Other proteins
and starches include Roasted Carolina Turkey Legs and Thighs, Basmati Rice
with Dill and Lima Beans, String Green Bean Almandine, Fresh Pear Stuffing and
Gravy, Buttermilk Mashed Potatoes, Traditional Candied Yams, and Fresh
Cranberry Sauce. For dessert there will be an assortment of cakes and pies,
including Pumpkin, Pecan and more. A variety of fresh baked breads will also be
served.
About Specialty Restaurants Corporation
This group of over 20 themed restaurants, ranging from World War II aviation to South
Seas, was founded by late WWII pilot and entrepreneur David Tallichet. Each
restaurant—94th Aero Squadron, The Castaway, Rusty Pelican, and Shanghai Red’s, to
name a few—are known for their unique views, event-hosting space, and casual dining
atmosphere. Mr. Tallichet’s son, John D. Tallichet, is the current Chairman of the Board.
For more information, please visit specialtyrestaurants.com.
About The Odyssey Restaurant & Banquet
This fine dining California cuisine restaurant located in the San Fernando Valley
specializes in steak and fresh seafood. Known as the “Vision of the Valley”, and for its
award-winning champagne Sunday brunch, the Odyssey’s panoramic views serve as the
perfect backdrop to any special event. Five different banquet facilities are available for
private functions, such as garden weddings or business meetings, and accommodate
groups of 75 to 550 guests. For more information, please visit
theodysseyrestaurant.com.