On today’s Happy Half Hour, hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson along with producer Archana are talking restaurant news, including the opening of The Pendry. The downtown hotel is home to multiple food and drink concepts, including Lionfish, Provisional (led by former Cowboy Star chef Chris Osbourne), Nason’s Beer Hall, Oxford Social Club, and Fifth & Rose, a cocktail, beer, and wine lounge with small bites. Plus, North County favorite Lofty Coffee has opened a location in Little Italy. Expect pastries, egg dishes, indoor-outdoor seating, and, oh yes, coffee.
Today’s special guest is Davin Waite, the owner and chef behind Oceanside’s Wrench & Rodent Seabasstropub and next-door ramen house The Whet Noodle. He tells us about his journey working at The Fish Joint and Cafe Japengo, what we need to know about eating sustainable seafood, and why Oceanside is the place to be. He also explains why “octopus is the new pork belly.”
He sticks around to talk about the new produce butcher program at select Whole Foods markets, and a South Pacific island that’s planning to ban Western junk food.
We also talk Small Bites, including where to get a great meal for two for under $50, and Liquid Courage about Braulio, an Alps-inspired Italian liquor.
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Recent Episodes
- Happy Half Hour: Episode 32
- Happy Half Hour: Episode 31
- Happy Half Hour: Episode 30
- Happy Half Hour: Episode 29
- Happy Half Hour: Episode 28
- Happy Half Hour: Episode 27
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San Diego Happy Half Hour Podcast: Episode 33
