Modern Times opens a vegan restaurant, and Burning Beard Brewing’s Mike Maass is our guest

Happy Half Hour

Lobster rolls with yuzu aioli, pollo a la abrasa on buttery brioche, spicy drunken noodles—we’re feasting at The Willows Hotel & Spa at Viejas Casino & Resort, today’s sponsor alongside chefs Antonio Votta and Larry Banares. We kick off with Hot Plates. Popular Kensington Tex-Mex spot Ponce’s has opened a new location in Del Sur and Modern Times’ new plant-based eatery has debuted in Encinitas. Plus: Helix Brewing Co. has a new sours-only bar in La Mesa, Umami Japanese comes to San Marcos, and La Catrina takes over the old Tostadas space with a chef who previously worked with Javier Plascencia. Our guest is San Diego native Mike Maass, the cofounder of Burning Beard Brewing, an El Cajon brewery that opened in 2016. He explains the metaphor behind the brand name, starting with home brewing in a bathtub, and why canning beer is the “old new thing.” In Two People/$50, we’re recommending Bivouac Ciderworks, Shank & Bone, The Cork & Craft, and Fifty-Two East. We’re also discussing Scout, a new craft beer and wine distributor that’s revolutionizing marketing for beverages.