Under the California Sun

Even though Bell Marker is looking for a new home (?), the ABC group and their New Original Breweries are expanding.

I visited under cover of press, the upcoming pizza project from Tony Yanow and crew, California Sun.

Sunset Junction has a new pizza player with a healthy side of beer.  California Sun will be opening for business of February 11th and this has vaulted into the top 3 of pizza places and I haven’t even tried the non Detroit-style pizzas yet.

This ABC Group outpost slots nicely in between the snugness of Tony’s Darts Away and the expansiveness of Mohawk Bend.  It has the vibes of both but also breaks new ground.  CalSun straddles the to-go and eating in line with a large cooler (with cans only) of a wide ranging amount of beers.  The whole layout is fun with arrows pointing the way to the order counter and a zig-zag communal table that can allow for new conversations or to stay insular.


The 12 taps will pour the typical Yanow split of IPA and Non-IPA.  Russian River was seen on both sides with Pliny the Elder and STS Pils and you will see a smattering of New Original beers on tap as well.  The cooler had a little of everything from cider, kombucha, foreign and local beers at a slightly elevated price point but if you are there to get a pizza to go, getting one or more cans won’t hurt, especially if it is something you haven’t seen or want to try.  Considering Flagship February, tall Duvel cans were sighted so that would work especially well with the food.

And the main draw will be that vegan and meat eaters (count me in the latter) will both have pizzas to choose from and some weird ones at that.  (taco pizza anyone) By the slice or whole pies on offer.  The Detroit style had a lovely light bready and carmelized cheese taste to it.  My harsh pizza judge and significant other deemed them excellent which is high praise.  She also wants to schedule a return visit which is another feather in the pizza makers cap.