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San Diego Happy Half Hour Podcast: Episode 88

Soda & Swine goes to college, rainbow cakes land in Del Mar Heights, and Barbusa's PJ Busalacchi drops by
Little Italy's Barbusa. | Photo: Sam Wells

By Archana Ram

This episode is sponsored by Kaaboo Del Mar, the three-day music and comedy festival, featuring Katy Perry, Foo Fighters, Robert Plant, and more at the Del Mar Racetrack and Fairgrounds September 14–16.

On today’s show, hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson along with producer Archana Ram are talking about Soda & Swine coming to UC San Diego, University Heights’ upcoming restaurant-brewery, and a new dessert shop in Del Mar Heights with rainbow-colored cakes.

Our special guest is PJ Busalacchi, general manager of Little Italy’s Barbusa and part of San Diego’s famed restaurant family. PJ dishes about the evolution of the family’s brand, shifting focus back to Little Italy after years in Hillcrest, and what it was like growing up with his Sicilian father, or as Troy calls him, Papa Joe.

We end with Two People/$50, including Little Lion Café, Harumama, Queenstown Public House, and OB Garden Café.

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 88

Little Italy’s Barbusa. | Photo: Sam Wells

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