Greg Tracy is the dad you don’t want to follow at your kids’ school career day.  That’s because he’s one of the leading stuntmen in Hollywood and has been a stunt double in such movies as The Avengers, Talladega Nights and The Fast and The Furious, just to name a few.  He captured a Guinness Book of World Records title when he performed the Hot Wheel Double Loop on a seven-story orange track that was telecast live during the 2012 X Games in Los Angeles.  He’s also a six-time champion of the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, where there are no guard rails and racers compete on one of the most treacherous terrains in the world.  No, you probably don’t want to follow Greg Tracy on career day but you might want to know where he likes to eat in The LBC.

How long have you been a resident of Long Beach?

I have lived here for 25 years and have loved every moment.

What are some of your favorite Long Beach restaurants?

I have so many favorites. I went to La Strada a lot when this one server worked there.  I kept asking her out until she said yes – she’s now my wife, so La Strada is definitely a favorite.  Open Sesame is another favorite, too.

How about a favorite chef?

Eddie at White Wasabi. A great personality and sushi wizard.

Long Beach’s dining scene has changed so much over the years. Is there a restaurant that no longer exists that you miss?

I do miss Northwoods Inn. It was at the end of my street, and it just had that special vibe that made you happy. A snow-covered roof in the middle of Belmont Shore – priceless.

What’s the one food you can’t live without?

We have a tradition of tacos every Sunday that always turns into a party. We’ve taken it to a pretty gourmet level.

Being a stuntman must be exciting. What’s been your favorite scene of job so far?

Probably the car chase in the Bourne Ultimatum. However, the craziest one, and one I will never forget, was going through the seven-story Hot Wheels loop at the X Games in L.A.  There were only two options: Make it or disaster!

What’s your favorite Long Beach neighborhood for dining?

I really love Belmont Shore. It’s got great restaurants, and we always run into so many friends.

They’re bringing you your last meal: What is it?

I hope I’m not aware of my last meal, but if I had to choose it would be my mom’s tacos.

If you could invite 3 people to dinner, living or dead, who would they be?

Evel Knievel, Steve Jobs and my Grandma Connie.

Tell us about your most memorable restaurant experience in Long Beach.

We could never figure out why we got such over-the-top service when dined at 555 Steakhouse – especially when we parked our car out front. It finally dawned on us – our license plate is 555fmly because 555 is my racing number and it’s also the number of people in our family. However, those that worked at the restaurant thought we belonged to the family that owned the 555!

What do you think of communal tables at restaurants? Enjoy sitting with strangers or no?

I love communal tables. We’ve made some new friends in such settings. But, please, don’t be the cell phone guy or girl who never looks up to enjoy the moment.

As far as settings, do you prefer sidewalk dining, a table with a view, or saddling up to the bar for a brew and a burger?

I prefer a table with a great view on the sidewalk with a beer and a burger.

Us, too! You buying? Greg? Greg?