This week on Happy Half Hour, co-host Troy Johnson heads north to Solana Beach, where Lana has transformed the old California Pizza Kitchen space into a relaxed, wood-fired restaurant with real neighborhood soul. Co-owners Travis LeGrand and Mark Wheadon have built something rare for the coast: a spot that’s stylish but still feels local, where dishes like gold-spotted Baja sea bass with agua chile and a half-roasted Jidori chicken are fast becoming a San Diego classic.
At the bar, beverage director Brandon Curry keeps things bright and balanced with creative cocktails built around Bebemos Tequila, the local brand founded by Preston Caffrey that’s showing up everywhere great drinks are poured. Between sips, the crew talks about Solana Beach’s evolving food scene and the art of keeping things simple behind the bar.
