On today’s Happy Half Hour, hosts Erin Chambers Smith and Troy Johnson, along with producer Archana Ram are talking about the latest restaurant news, like the opening of Stella Public House in San Marcos and a new Cuban-inspired lounge in the Gaslamp. Our guest is chef Accursio Lota of Liberty Station’s Solare. He’s back from a recent trip to Italy where he was one of 20 chefs selected from around the globe to compete in Barilla’s 6th annual Pasta World Championship. He talks about charming a panel of five Michelin-starred chef-judges with his seafood carbonara and whether Italian food could be the next fast-casual trend. Plus, foie gras is illegal again. And we share our recommendations for Two People/$50, including Bar Bodega, Fattoush, and Supannee House of Thai.