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San Diego Happy Half Hour Podcast: Episode 29

A new Hillcrest restaurant opens, the restaurant industry faces a major bubble, and Urban Solace's Matt Gordon stops by

By Archana Ram

In today’s episode of Happy Half Hour, hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson along with producer Archana Ram are coming to you from the Ronald McDonald House Charities’ Dream House in Bird Rock. The multi-million dollar oceanfront home—as well as a Tesla, vacations, and more—is up for grabs in the charity group’s 13th annual raffle. That means a $150 raffle ticket could win you oceanfront property in Bird Rock. (The early bird ticket deadline is February 10.)

In Hot Plates, we’re talking about the new Hillcrest eatery, Concept Two Seven Eight, now open in the former Tractor Room space, and two Orange County restaurants coming soon to Westfield UTC.

Plus Matt Gordon, chef and owner of North Park staple Urban Solace and Solace & the Moonlight Lounge in Encinitas, joins us to talk about his restaurant’s upcoming tenth anniversary, how he’s remained a huge force during North Park’s renaissance, and what’s going on with America’s restaurant industry bubble.

We also talk Small Bites, including a great date night restaurant, the best things we ate this month, and more.

Subscribe to the Happy Half Hour on iTunes or Google Play, or listen below.

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For all previous episodes, click here.


Would you like to sponsor a podcast episode at your restaurant or bar? Email David, our producer and digital media director.

San Diego Happy Half Hour Podcast: Episode 29

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