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San Diego Happy Half Hour Podcast: Episode 92

A major cocktail bar opens at Westfield UTC, Bird Rock Coffee expands, and Giardino chef-owner Marco Provino drops by
Lemon Grove's Giardino Neighborhood Cucina. | Photo: Nick Nigro & Bay Ewald

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 CH Projects’ cocktail concept now open at Westfield UTC, Uptown Tavern’s Dinners in the Dark series, Bird 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 the scoop on how IB reminds him of his Sicilian hometown and which neighborhoods he thinks could be the next restaurant hotspots.

Plus, we’re dishing on all sorts of new stories on our site, from Troy’s “two-bite rule” to an ultimate Mother’s Day guide.

In Two People/$50, we’re dining at Ibis Market, Dija Mara, Caroline’s, and Costa Brava.

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

Recent Episodes

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 92

Lemon Grove’s Giardino Neighborhood Cucina. | Photo: Nick Nigro & Bay Ewald

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