Love comes in many forms. All shapes and sizes. It knows no boundaries and we find ourselves doing almost anything for something that we truly love. Loving something firsthand is a truly remarkable experience but running a close second to that is watching someone else love something. You get to see the twinkle in their eyes, the adornment of their affections, and, if you’re lucky, you get to feel a little of that love yourself. I was fortunate enough to experience this love at my most recent visit to a small restaurant in Long Beach, The Rusty Pelican.
Linh Schmidt is the absolute personification of outward love. She loves her husband, she loves her country, and she really loves being the brand new owner and chef at The Rusty Pelican. Having arrived from Vietnam in 2018, speaking no English and knowing very few people, Schmidt immersed herself in everything Mississippi Gulf Coast and in 2019 she began working at The Rusty Pelican.
In May 2024, when the proprietor of over 40 years decided it was time to retire, Schmidt knew she had all the love in her heart to take over and take The Rusty Pelican to the next level. Schmidt has a love for all things fresh and healthy and enjoys simply making good food for others. Each dish is carefully crafted and while everything is presented is a modest and unpretentious fashion, Schmidt finds a way to show her love on each plate.
The house sweet teas are the most refreshing way to start your meal. Immediately, you recognize Schmidt’s love for flair with her beautifully-plated Crab Rangoon. Housemade daily, these fresh little fried delights are so rich and yummy. The house Pho is aromatic and uses Schmidt’s own blend of secret seasonings. She stresses the need for a carefully cleaned beef bone and the eight-hour slow cook is key. Daily specials are a customer favorite with the Grilled Pork Ling being extra tasty. Served with fried rice, vegetables, and a homemade fish sauce, it’s definitely filling for lunch, but not too heavy to keep you from accomplishing everything in the afternoon.
The meal I loved the most was Schmidt’s signature Crab and Swiss Po’boy. Her take on the well-known crabmeat and cheese, this po’boy blends fresh picked crab and shredded Swiss into a thin patty that is pan fried and served dressed on fresh bread. One bite and you’ll love it too. Vietnamese specialties like Bún Bò Xào (Beef Noodle Salad) and Shrimp and Pork Salad each maintain their authenticity while showcasing Schmidt’s added touch. The Beef Noodle Salad is tender and flavorful and served with house spring rolls. The Shrimp and Pork Salad features large gulf shrimp and delicious grilled pork and is adorned with a sweet tomato rose.
The Deluxe Breakfast is a true customer favorite having just been voted “Best Local Breakfast” in the WXXV Viewer’s Choice Awards. The Western Omelet, the house pancakes made from scratch daily, and everything in between are perfect examples of how love makes you a winner. The house Beignets and Vietnamese Coffee round out any meal regardless of the time of day.
Listening to Schmidt talk about what The Rusty Pelican and living on the Gulf Coast mean to her is a real tearjerker. Seriously, I cried. Like, borderline ugly cried. Schmidt went from knowing no one, having no income, and not speaking the language to becoming a U.S. citizen, marrying the love of her life, Perry, and owning her very own business. She is a living example of hard work, positivity, and true grace in a world that can always use more love.
Check out The Rusty Pelican daily from 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and get ready to share the love with just about anyone you meet.
The Rusty Pelican
6174 Beatline Rd., Long Beach
228.868.5511
Facebook: @rustypelicanlongbeach
Hours: Daily, 6:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
