On today’s show we’re coming at you from our sponsor, The Willows Hotel & Spa at Viejas Casino & Resort, along with vice president of food and beverage David Duran. In Hot Plates, we’re talking about two upcoming events, including the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival and the first annual San Diego Food Tank Summit with bold-faced names of the industry (like the president of the San Diego County Farm Bureau and the co-owner of Café Gratitude) discussing how we can responsibly grow o...
Oct 31, 2018•40 min
What’s better than one Buona Forchetta concept in South Park? Two! On today’s show we’re talking about the debut of the Neapolitan pizza pro’s new wine bar, a Cohn Restaurant Group (Coasterra, Island Prime) concept coming to Mission Valley, and the closing of a Vista brewery. In the guest seat, meet Lee Chase, co-owner of Blind Lady Ale House, Tiger! Tiger!, and Balboa Park’s Panama 66, as well as the force behind Automatic Brewing. The San Diego native tells us about his start in home brewing a...
Oct 24, 2018•1 hr 5 min
In today’s episode of the Happy Half Hour, Troy, Erin, and Archana are discussing Mutual Friend Ice Cream, the hip new ice cream shop from the team behind Dark Horse Coffee Roasters,Surf Rider Pizza Co. coming to La Mesa, and a new hand roll concept coming to Liberty Station from Land & Water Co.’s chef Rob Ruiz. Plus, we have two Thanksgiving-centric events for you: Brian Malarkey’s demo and family-style dinner on November 7 at Farmer & the Seahorse and a November 14 ChefsGiving at Prov...
Oct 17, 2018•41 min
On today’s show Troy, Erin, and Archana are talking about The Brigantine’s new concept Ketch Grill & Taps, South Park’s Fernside courtesy of some of San Diego’s top talents, and the US Grant’s soon-to-debut Prohibition era-themed bar inside the downtown hotel. Our guest is David Cohn of Cohn Restaurant Group, the man behind San Diego staples like Island Prime, Coasterra, Corvette Diner, Bo-Beau, The Prado, Tacos Libertad, and more. He talks about what it was like to launch in Hillcrest in le...
Oct 10, 2018•51 min
On today’s show, we’re talking about two buzzy new imports: the new dumpling restaurant that’s landed at Westfield UTC by way of Tawian, as well as Cava, the fast-casual Mediterranean concept that started in Washington, D.C. and recently opened an Encinitas outpost. Less exciting news is the closing of Russian-Georgian restaurant Kafe Sobaka and Cat Eye Club, the downtown cocktail lounge that has shuttered to make room for a Blind Burro expansion. In the guest seat is Bernard Guillas, the France...
Oct 03, 2018•41 min
In today’s episode of the Happy Half Hour, Erin, Troy, and Archana are chatting restaurant news, like a new Mexican eatery at Fashion Valley started by the team behind True Food Kitchen and Flower Child. Plus, the mezcal tasting room Tahona is coming to Old Town next month and Common Stock is now open in Hillcrest. Our guest is Ben Simon, the CEO and co-founder of Imperfect Produce, the produce subscription service that sources “ugly” fruits and vegetables from farms and delivers them to your do...
Sep 27, 2018•39 min
On today’s episode of the Happy Half Hour, we’re talking about Hundred Proof, the gastropub in Hillcrest that just hired former George’s at the Cove bar director Stephen Kurpinsky to revamp their cocktail offerings. Plus, an Indian restaurant is opening next month in South Park and Aero Club will live on thanks to its new owners, The Waterfront’s Chad Cline and Jason Nichols. Today’s guest is Frank Vizcarra, the owner of the new East Village taqueria, Lola55. His resume spans professional soccer...
Sep 19, 2018•49 min
A local vodka co. wins big, and Bertrand Hug of Mister A’s and Mille Fleurs drops by by San Diego Magazine
Sep 12, 2018•1 hr 5 min
For today’s episode, Erin, Troy, and David are kicking things off with some beer—a saison San Diego Magazine created in collaboration with The Bell Marker. Our producer and in-office beer expert David shares the details on how we picked the style, the fruit he himself peeled, and where you can drink find it around town. In Hot Plates, we’re discussing the Daniel Boulud protégé who’s going to launch his own restaurant in San Diego next year, a new Carlsbad bistro, and Farm to Fork Week’s return. ...
Sep 06, 2018•53 min
On today’s show, Erin, Troy and Archana are chatting about the opening of Simsim in Kearny Mesa, the new brewpub coming to Chula Vista next year, and a food hall going into a mixed-use space in Poway. Our guest is Bill Keith, co-founder and CEO of Perfect Bar. Dubbed “The Original Refrigerated Protein Bar,” the bar was the brainchild of Bill and his 12 siblings, their way of sharinf their dad's whole food protein bar recipe with the world. Bill talks about how he dropped out of college after his...
Aug 29, 2018•38 min
In today’s episode of the Happy Half Hour, Erin, Troy and Archana are discussing Lola 55’s opening in the East Village, a new Mexican restaurant in Coronado, authentic Filipino in Miramar, and Lane Field Park Markets, the new weekly market on downtown’s North Harbor Drive featuring food, drink, and art. In the guest seat we have Angie Weber, co-owner of Cowboy Star Restaurant and Butcher Shop. She talks to us about how she and her husband never intended to open a steakhouse, the lengths they go ...
Aug 22, 2018•51 min
On today’s show Erin, Troy and Archana are talking about Ramen Ryoma’s entry into San Diego, Taproom’s new North Park location, and the San Diego restaurant that will be cooking at the prestigious James Beard House in New York. Our guest is Stone Brewing Co. co-founder and chairman Greg Koch, fresh off a trip to Shanghai to open the latest Stone outpost and on the heels the beer brand’s 22nd anniversary (which includes a beer festival this Saturday!). He gets candid with us about the challenges ...
Aug 15, 2018•1 hr 1 min
In today’s episode of the Happy Half Hour Erin, Troy and Archana are talking Hot Plates, from the new Death by Tequila in Encinitas and its claim to have “the best margarita in town” to chef Paul McCabe’s new project downtown. Our guest is Gina Freize, co-owner of Venissimo, the beloved local cheese shop that launched 14 years ago in Mission Hills and has since opened locations in North Park, Liberty Public Market, and Del Mar’s Flower Hill Promenade. She tells us about how she fell for the stin...
Aug 08, 2018•42 min
On today’s show, Erin, Troy and Archana are talking Hot Plates, including Pop Pie Co.’s new ice cream shop landing next month in University Heights, a new ramen spot in Kearny Mesa, a long-awaited holiday event coming to Polite Provisions, and more. In the guest seat is Sam “The Cooking Guy” Zien, the former biotech-er turned cooking show host, cookbook author, Emmy winner, and founder of Not Not Tacos at the new Little Italy Food Hall. He talks about why a “Jewish white kid from Canada” can mak...
Aug 01, 2018•45 min
In today’s episode, Erin, Troy and Archana are talking Hot Plates, including the Cohn Restaurant Group’s two-acre project in La Mesa (miniature golf in involved), the openings of Nomad Donuts and Young Hickory downtown, and a steakhouse chain that’s finally opened in the Gaslamp after years of construction delays. Joining us is Claudette-Zepeda Wilkins, whose resume includes: pastry chef at El Bizcocho, chef de cuisine at Bracero, contestant on both Top Chef and Top Chef Mexico, and now, partner...
Jul 25, 2018•40 min
On today’s Happy Half Hour, we’re talking about Simsim headed to Kearny Mesa, a new wine country-inspired restaurant in the Gaslamp, classic burgers coming to Barrio Logan, and new menu items at The Crack Shack and Mendocino Farms. We’re joined by Javier Plascencia, the prolific chef known for toggling both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border with his legion of Baja eateries (Misión19, Finca Altozano, etc.) and two former San Diego spots (Romesco and Bracero, R.I.P.). But good news! He’s spilling de...
Jul 18, 2018•39 min
On today’s episode of the Happy Half Hour—first things first—we’re announcing the winner of our 100th episode Fantasy Restaurant Draft. Plus, we’re dishing on Hot Plates news—Little Italy Food Hall, Casa Rústica in Carmel Valley, and a new project in Oceanside, helmed by ex-Bice chef/owner Mario Cassineri. Joining us is Master French Chef Patrick Ponsaty of Hotel del Coronado’s 1500 Ocean. He talks to us about using local farmers, the ingredients he grows at the hotel garden, and menu items like...
Jul 11, 2018•46 min
After last week’s intense fantasy restaurant draft, we’re back and aboard Hornblower Cruises for this week’s episode. Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson along with producer Archana Ram are talking restaurant openings, like Tocaya Organica in the Gaslamp, The Patio 101’s new Encinitas location, and Ramen Menma in Oceanside. Our guest is Peter Halmay, a 77-year-old fisherman with nearly 50 years of diving experience and the man responsible for bringing sea urchins to culinary fame. He walks us t...
Jul 05, 2018•30 min
Happy 100th episode! We’re toasting to our milestone episode aboard Hornblower Cruises’s Sights & Sips Cocktail Cruise, but before we get to our draft (more on that below), we open with restaurant news. The team behind Campfire is opening a modern French bistro in Carlsbad, You & Yours Distilling Co. is expanding their East Village space and has announced a new product, and our food critic Troy Johnson gives us the scoop on El Jardín, chef Claudette Zepeda-Wilkins’s new Mexican restauran...
Jun 27, 2018•47 min
In today’s episode Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson along with producer Archana Ram are taping from The Westgate Hotel, where we’re talking restaurant openings, including Cali Banh Mi in Pacific Beach, Dolce at the Highlands’ revamp, and Amplified Ale Works upcoming East Village outpost. Joining us is the Westgate’s executive chef Fabrice Hardel. He’s dishing on his spin on classic French cuisine and the menu he’s created for the hotel’s Jazz Series. Our guest is David Graham, the City of Sa...
Jun 21, 2018•40 min
Today’s episode of the Happy Half Hour is sponsored by The Westgate Hotel and their Sunset Poolside Jazz Series, hosted on the rooftop every Thursday through September 13. On today’s show, Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson along with producer Archana Ram are taping from The Westgate Hotel, where we’re talking restaurant openings, including the new El Carrito in Barrio Logan and El Tianguis in North Park, plus who’ll be a part of Carlsbad’s Windmill Food Hall. We’re joined by Gilbert Castellan...
Jun 13, 2018•44 min
On today’s show hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson along with producer Archana Ram discuss the shock of Anthony Bourdain’s death and the legacy he’ll leave. In our local scene, there’s the opening of Punch Bowl Social and Prepkitchen San Marcos, as well as the Red Fox Room and Aero Club’s moves. Today’s guest is Jennifer Davies, the San Diego Tourism Authority’s Director of Cultural Tourism for Balboa Park. We talk about the park’s Food Truck Fridays series and what’s going on with the r...
Jun 08, 2018•56 min
On today’s show hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson along with producer Archana Ram are dishing out restaurant openings, like Calozzi’s Cheesesteaks, JuneShine kombucha bar, and The Crack Shack’s collaboration with Salt & Straw ice cream. In the guest seat is Valentina Di Pietro, co-owner of Little Italy restaurant staples Monello and Bencotto, which earned Troy’s pick for Best Italian in this year’s Best Restaurants issue. Valentina chats about her career evolution from working in pu...
May 31, 2018•42 min
In today’s episode hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson along with producer Archana Ram are discussing San Diego restaurant news, like Supernatural Sandwiches heading to Pacific Beach, a major dinner event with all female chefs happening May 27, and a barbecue concept headed to San Carlos this summer. Joining us is Brian Malarkey, chef and co-owner of Herb & Wood, Farmer & The Seahorse, and Green Acre. He’s here to celebrate making the cover of our new Best Restaurants issue—that’s...
May 24, 2018•39 min
On today’s show, we’re chatting about a pasta shop headed to the East Village, Le Parfait Paris’s new beer and wine garden at Fashion Valley Mall, and a healthy eatery coming to Solana Beach. Our guest is Emmanuel Piqueras, executive chef of Pisco Rotisserie & Cevicheria in Liberty Station and Carlsbad. Over some ceviche and Peruvian beer, we’re discussing how he landed a TV show, partnering with Sammy Ladecki on the Peruvian concept, and why this New York-based chef wanted to work in San Di...
May 17, 2018•28 min
In today’s episode hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson along with producer Archana Ram are discussing the vendors heading into the Little Italy Food Hall this summer, Genteel Coffee in the East Village, and Frost Me Gourmet’s second outpost. Today’s guest is San Diego legend Ralph Rubio of the eponymous fish taco fame. He talks about his first job at Old Spaghetti Factory, how a 1974 spring break trip to San Felipe gave him the inspiration to launch Rubio’s Coastal Grill, and exactly how ...
May 09, 2018•40 min
On today’s show, hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson along with producer Archana Ram are talking about CH Projects’ cocktail concept now open at Westfield UTC, Uptown Tavern’s Dinners in the Dark series, Bird’s Rock’s new Del Mar outpost, and a charity bake sale happening this weekend. Plus, we’re taste-testing Salt & Straw’s “May Flowers”-themed flavors. Our guest is Marco Provino, chef-owner of Lemon Grove’s Giardino Neighborhood Cucina and Verandina in Imperial Beach. He gives us t...
May 03, 2018•34 min
On today’s show hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson along with producer Archana Ram are talking about The Pearl’s new eatery helmed by a former Campfire chef, Saffron’s new location debuting this summer, and One Door North’s new happy hour. Today’s guest is David Warner, corporate executive chef for Eat.Drink.Sleep. (Tower 23 Hotel, Lakehouse Resort & Hotel). After working the kitchen at JRDN and partnering on the now-shuttered Bottega Americano, Warner is back at Jrdn. He’s talking a...
Apr 25, 2018•30 min
On today’s Happy Half Hour, hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson along with producer Archana Ram are talking about The Cado, a pop-up museum about avocados that’s opening in San Diego, a new burger spot by way of Portland, and Great Maple’s second location. Our special guest is Saranash Oberoi, better known as OB and the chef-owner behind Masala Street, a La Jolla restaurant that’s elevating San Diego’s Indian cuisine. He’s talking about working at a two Michelin-starred restaurant, his jo...
Apr 19, 2018•36 min
In today’s episode of the Happy Half Hour, hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson along with producer Archana Ram are talking about Lionfish’s new rooftop dinner series, the upcoming restaurant-bar replacing South Park Abbey, and a new empanada spot downtown (we’re taste-testing some flavors on the show). We’re also taking FAQ reader questions. Where should you dine for your anniversary? What’s a hip and cool place that’s not crowded? Where should you take visitors? We’re answering it all. T...
Apr 12, 2018•44 min
