We Chat with Karen Barnett about Small Bar's second life

Small Bar's second life, a contest seeking SD's best taco recipe, plus lots of food news We got the scoop on what's happening with Small Bar in University Heights by chatting with owner Karen Barnett. Karen gave us an update about the renovation and the bar's new life, and how her new partnership with chef Brad Wise (Trust, Fort Oak) is taking shape with the refreshed menu. She also shared with us how she got into the industry (she gave up a career in construction management to open the bar) and what it's really like to own a popular neighborhood watering hole. Her pick for two people, $50 were the tacos at Lola 55. In Hot Plates, we learned that Grand Old BBQ Y Asado on 32nd Street in North Park is undergoing a remodel — it looks closed down, but it's not. When it reopens later this fall, the popular barbecue spot will have more covered seating and a new bar. Holy Matcha's new Instagrammable East Village café is now open. Bankers Hill Bar & Restaurant is hosting a special beer pairing dinner with Abnormal Beer Co. on March 13. We also got word of some great dining deals: GBOD Hospitality Group, which owns Monkey King, Meza Greek Fusion, El Chingon and Havana 1920, debuted a four-course pre-fixe meal for $49 per couple — and the price includes wine! Born & Raised, the swanky steakhouse and cocktail bar in Little Italy, just launched a happy hour menu with a $7 Wagyu Old Fashioned, waffles and caviar, and "Le Slim Jim" beefsticks. In food news elsewhere, we talked about what's happening at Feva Restaurant in the town of Castelfranco Veneto in Northern Italy, where chef Nicola Dinato came up with a dish called "Aria Fritta," or fried air. Listen to find out what's actually in the dish. Calling all home chefs and aspiring bloggers: Do you think you have the best taco recipe in San Diego? Puesto and San Diego Magazine have partnered up to find the city's best taco — and are giving one lucky winner $1,000 for their recipe!