The shockingly giant meat platters at House of BBQ in Mission Hills are apparently selling like hotcakes – about 10 a week says a manager. The Chicago-style barbecue house, which opened about six months ago, has quickly gained a reputation for its charred flesh, particularly when plated for gaggles of four or more. The first super-size option sells for $59.95, and comes with a half slab each of beef and baby back ribs, a half chicken, eight ounces each of pulled pork and brisket, plus onion rings, fries, beans and coleslaw. If you want to up the ante, the six-person deal features full slabs of the ribs, two whole chickens and 16 ounces each of the pulled meats. It sells for $89. Look for a review in Epicurious Eating in the coming month. 3959 India St., 619-298-7176.

Modern art meets classic Mediterranean fare at the new SDMA Sculpture Court in Balboa Park, opened by Giuseppe Ciuffa of Giuseppe Restaurants and Fine Catering. The menu features artisan cheese plates, salads, paninis and pizzas, along with wine, beer and spirits. Open for lunch and dinner Tuesdays through Saturdays. 1450 El Prado, 619-702-6373.

What were the corporate wigs of Carl’s Jr. thinking when they implemented flat-screens with controlled programming set at high volume in many San Diego locations? The recent addition of loud televisions to these already noisy dining rooms makes it nearly impossible to read a newspaper or converse with friends while eating. At the Morena location, a manager recently admitted that he receives complaints about the televisions daily, adding that employees can’t lower the volume or turn them off. Carl’s Jr.’s headquarters did not return two phone calls regarding the matter.

Peace Pies in Ocean Beach is the place to go for raw, vegan foods that include a line of pies sold whole or by the slice. The big sellers are cream and apple pies, although owner John Paul Alfred says he is gearing up for his first “pumpkin season” since opening the store/eatery a couple of months ago. In addition to the pies, customers will find pizzas, wraps and other confections – all raw and gluten-free. Alfred also appears at five different farmers markets each week, including Hillcrest on Sundays and North Park on Thursdays. 4230 Voltaire St., 619-618-6960.

Campbell’s Soup Company last week announced that it has altered the sodium content in its famous tomato soup, bringing it down to 480 milligrams per serving – the new healthy sodium level reccommended by the U.S. government. The change reflects about a 12 percent sodium reduction, achieved by adding natural sea salt to the new recipe, which will reach an estimated 25 million customers when the soup hits grocery shelves in the coming weeks.

Stay tuned for a major new wine bar coming to Middletown near Pacific Highway, in a large space formerly occupied by Pier 1 Imports. The venture, still not officially named by the owner, will feature a gourmet deli, retail wine section, wine bar and storage lockers and a plant-filled patio.