FINE magazine February 2015 The Romance Issue

THE ROMANCE ISSUE

Baja California’s Private Paradise:

HACIENDA CERRITOS

Italian

DINING SPECIAL PAGE 58

Introducing

San Diego’s

FINEst Doctors GOLF GURU Discover 2015’s Best Golf Gadgets and Explore the Desert’s Premier Courses

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VOLUME 9 ISSUE 2

Worth the Weight

START THE NEWSPA WARS: THE BEST LOCAL SPAS YEAR FASHIONABLY STRONG SAN DIEGO’S MOST UNIQUE DATES

FINE’S ANNUAL SEXY WINES SECTION

Covenant

RANCHO SANTA FE O F F E R E D AT $ 6 , 1 9 9 , 0 0 0

T his single story Greg Agee designed estate was built to maximize the security and privacy from this tier one lot, while enjoying

breathtaking views towards the West. As you retreat into your private West side Covenant estate you will feel the gentle breeze coming from the West. The grounds come with a detached guest home, gym and a paneled library/office. The gourmet kitchen opens to the family room as it overlooks the infinity pool outside. This home is the perfect home to raise your children and to feel and know their safe! This home is perfectly located to the village market, soccer fields, equestrian facilities, local churches and you can get to the freeway and restaurants in just minutes to truly make this location one of the best in the ranch!

Presented by Brian Guiltinan M: 619.972.4650 Brian@TheGuiltinanGroup.com www.TheGuiltinanGroup.com LIC BRE # 01210738

ALL INFORMATION DEEMED RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED . Photography by warmfocus.com.

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444 South Cedros, Suite 188 | Solana Beach, CA 92075 858.481.1500 | sandiegoranchcoast.evusa.com Andora • Argentina • Austria • Belgium • Canada • Chile • Columbia • Croati • Cyprus • Czech Republic • Denmark • France • Germany Greece • Hungary • Ireland • Italy • Liechtenstein • Luxembourg • Macao/China • Malta • Mexico • Montenegro • Netherlands • Oman • Peru Portugal • Qatar • Russia • South Africa • Spain • Switzerland • Thailand • Turkey • UAE • UK • Uruguay • USA

ALVARADO ESTATES 4940 ARMIN WAY, SAN DIEGO

Set at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in the gated community of Alvarado Estates, this single level home offers privacy, an exclusive, sought-after location & sweeping canyon views. Inviting and stylish, the property boasts a convenient circular driveway, an entertainer’s backyard w/ a pool and outdoor kitchen, & a professionally-designed interior w/ numerous upgrades. A mahogany entrance door creates an appealing first impression, leading to a large office directly off the main entry.

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7622 CAMINO ABIERTO, CARLSBAD With Golf Course views, a prime location in La Costa & highly upgraded chef’s kitchen, this home will not stay on the market long. Constructed in 2010, this attractive Spanish-style home features engineered hardwood floors, wrought iron staircase & all the latest conveniences. The open & spacious floor plan includes 3 BD plus an office that could easily be re-purposed into a 4th BD. Home also features spa-like bathrooms, oversized windows, custom paint, & an additional 375 sf not included in building sf.

OFFERED AT $674,900

JACOBO REALTY GROUP #01355906 info@jacoborealty.com www.jacoborealtygroup.com 760-632-8900

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Š 2015 W.J. Bradley Mortgage Capital, LLC. 6465 Greenwood Plaza Blvd, Suite 500, Centennial, CO 80111 Phone #303-825-5670. NMLS ID 3233. Trade/service marks are the property of W.J. Bradley Mortgage Capital, LLC. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. All rights reserved. Some products may not be available in all states.

WJB is not acting on behalf of or at the direction of HUD/FHA or the federal government. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act RML No. 4131002 and under the California Finance Lenders Law CFLL No. 603 K495.

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The Country Friends consignment shop is filled with upscale furniture, rugs, paintings, crystal, china, and objects d’art. Two floors of new treasures weekly.

When you think of consigning or donating your home accessories or furnishings, think of The Country Friends.

Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and our website for new arrivals of merchandise and our upcoming events.

Heather Winfield EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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Local to Encinitas and a UCSD Graduate, I not only have my own considerable experience to offer, I also have the technology, resources and innovative loan products available from New American Funding.

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Publisher’s L E T T E R

ebruary is one of my favorite months as a publisher. Love fills the air– and our inboxes, documents, and creative minds– here at the FINE offices. Our annual romance issue is positively bursting with the most enchanting ideas for you and your lover. We scoured all of San Diego for the best and most unique dates for your Valentine’s day; our Sexy Wines section highlights the FINEst vintages for your date night; and if you’re a traditionalist when it comes to Valentine’s, check out our Italian dining special, where we hand–selected the best Italian dining options in San Diego.

February is also about loving yourself, which is why we wanted to feature the best spas in San Diego in our Spa Wars article. Choose your new signature scent in our gift guide and treat yourself to a night at the theater or the ballet, both of which are kicking off new seasons this month. However you choose to spend your month, we hope your days are filled with love!

Wishing a very happy February to our favorite Valentines- our readers!

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Contributors Maria Desiderata Montana is the publisher of the award-winning food website San Diego Food Finds (www. sandiegofoodfinds.com). Maria is the author of several books, including the Food Lovers’ Guide to San Diego, the San Diego Chef’s Table and San Diego Italian Food: A Culinary History of Little Italy and Beyond.

Natalie Neece is a freelance journalist finishing her degree in Communications from California State University San Marcos. Born and raised in San Diego, she breathes the SoCal culture. Her passions include writing, fashion and traveling. Natalie loves to explore and travel in America’s FINEst city… San Diego.

Dr. David Melendez, D.C. is a leading expert on restoring health and vitality utilizing the latest structural, rehabilitative and nutritional methods. As the director of Gold Coast Chiropractic Center for the past 24 years in Cardiff by the Sea, a 100 Year Lifestyle affiliate office, Dr. Melendez is a popular speaker in the community, empowering people to heal and live well. www.goldcoastchiro.net

Caitlin Johnson is a freelance multimedia journalist. She has a strong love for food and culture and is always searching for the stories that aren’t on the front page. Her experience has taken her around the world, and she aspires to continue traveling in search of the stories that must be told.

Wayne McCollum has been a travel and resort contributor to publications in the Pacific Northwest, California, Arizona and the Southwest for the past 20 years.

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Jeanne Ferris enjoys writing for FINE magazine because it is a refreshing respite from the challenges of writing fiction. Jeanne is also a contributing journalist for local community newspapers. For the latest news on her blog, log on to: jeanneferris.com.

When Chanté isn’t traveling and enjoying delicious food, she can be found positively promoting women chefs on her website, Chasing Women Chefs, or assisting her travel clients by planning their optimal travel experience on her travel website, Chicks That Trip. Chanté is also a freelance writer who contributes to various food and travel related websites, such as Travelhoppers.com and TRO (Travel Research Online).

Melissa Porter is a San Diego native and a recent San Diego State University graduate where she earned her B.A in Journalism.

She enjoys writing about fashion, beauty and health.

Moving to and falling in love with San Diego from the Bay Area in 2000, Robin Satterwhite has explored the county through her work in PR & Marketing, as a writer and as a matchmaker/ life coach. When not working on career pursuits, Robin enjoys international travel, education, volunteering and all that San Diego county has to offer.

Former Metropolitan Opera violinist Erica Miner has had a multi-faceted career as an award winning author, screenwriter, arts writer, and lecturer. Her San Diego Opera reviews and interviews have appeared on the music websites LAOpus.com, BroadwayWorld. com, USBachtrack.com and OperaPulse.com. She resides with her French husband in their Carlsbad chateau.

Del Mar Bluff DEL MAR

O F F E R E D AT $ 3 3 , 9 0 0 , 0 0 0

Covenant

RANCHO SANTA FE

Presented by Brian Guiltinan Brian@TheGuiltinanGroup.com www.TheGuiltinanGroup.com LIC BRE # 01210738

O F F E R E D AT $ 8 , 1 0 0 , 0 0 0

M: 619.972.4650 O: 858.756.8770 6105 La Granada . Rancho Santa Fe . 92067

ALL INFORMATION DEEMED RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED . Photography by warmfocus.com.

February 2015

F E A T U R E S

43 Spa Wars

A Look at San Diego’s Best Spas

46 Fashion Redux!

A Preview of FINE’s Youngest Fashionistas

52 Diversify Your Date

San Diego’s Best and Most Unique Valentine’s Day

COVER: Shot on location at Hacienda Cerritos. Photography courtesy of imagen360. com.

THIS PAGE: Model Nikki Smith in a “then” look designed by Stephanie Castro. Hat, Diana Cavagnaro. Bracelet available at Designer Consigner. Rug available at Taba Rugs.

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Del Mar Country Club RANCHO SANTA FE

O F F E R E D F O R R E N T AT $ 1 5 , 9 0 0

Del Mar Country Club RANCHO SANTA FE

Presented by Brian Guiltinan Brian@TheGuiltinanGroup.com www.TheGuiltinanGroup.com LIC BRE # 01210738

O F F E R E D AT $ 2 , 5 9 9 , 0 0 0

M: 619.972.4650 O: 858.756.8770 6105 La Granada . Rancho Santa Fe . 92067

ALL INFORMATION DEEMED RELIABLE BUT NOT GUARANTEED . Photography by warmfocus.com.

February 2015 D E P A R T M E N T S 22 February / March Calendar

FRONT & CENTER 24 Hacienda Cerritos

A Magical Place Not Far Away

28 Helping Homes

BILY Strengthens the Bond Between Parents and Children

30 Love Potions

Sweet Scents to Gift Your Valentine

32 Fly Me to the Course

The Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational Returns to the California Desert

H E A LT H & B E AU T Y 34 Lady in Red

Your Little Red Dress Guide for Valentine’s

36 Happy Heart, Happy Health

Prepare Your Heart to be the Best

Possible Valentine

HOME & STYLE

40 The Covenant of RANCHO SANTA FE

WINE & DINE

54 FINE Magazine’s Sexy Wine 2015 58 Bada Bing

BiCE Introduces Authentic Italian with a Twist to San Diego

60 Artfully and Affably Italian

Vigilucci’s Trattoria Italiana Serves Authentic Italian with a Side of Happiness

62 Bringing Italy Home

Personal Wine and Dine Parties

64 Realizing Pangea

Gourmet Latin Cuisine in Little Italy

68 Recipe

Coconut Raspberry Muffins 70 Conquer Your Kitchen

20

Quick Culinary Tips and Tricks to Bring Out Your Inner Chef FINEsd.com • facebook.com/FINEmagazines

ART & SO CIET Y 72 Social Scene

76 La Quinta Arts Festival

The Ultimate FINE Art Experience!

78 Ballet’s Best

San Diego City Ballet Carries on

Balanchine’s Traditions

80 Music To Our Ears

San Diego Musical Theatre Moves

to Spreckels

82 Performing Arts

Romance is in the Air

Sirena’s Aguachile. Photo courtesy of Maria Desiderata Montana.

Calendar is performed by two players, one playing the detective, the other embodying the ten suspects and both animated by the piano! theoldglobe.org

SEA WORLD’S 50TH CELEBRATION Where: SeaWorld Our favorite San Diego family theme park, SeaWorld, is celebrating their 50th Anniversary this year and it will be a splash!

SeaWorld is pulling out all the stops with their energetic and entertaining SeaWorld Surprise Squad, enhanchanting animal encounters, and recently added sea-themed sculptures, an exhibition of art made from debris washed up onto shores.

SeaWorld has also included special 50th Celebration ticket offers and family vacation packages for guests. Don’t miss out on this momentous year for the most popular sea animal destination! seaworld.com THE GRIFT AT THE LAFAYETTE HOTEL Where: La Jolla Playhouse When: January 27–February 22nd The audience becomes part of the action in this newly conceived interactive approach to theatre!

As the latest presentation in the acclaimed Without Walls (WoW) series, The Grift at the Lafayette Hotel takes spectators on a journey through the miraculous rooms and spaces of this 1940s era landmark. The audience is introduced to a life­–long guest named Ben whose last wish is to enlist the audience in helping him accomplish a final act of fraud. lajollaplayhouse.org MURDER FOR TWO Where: The Old Globe When: January 24–March 1st Great American novelist Arthur Whitney has been murdered at his own birthday party with any one of his guests as possible suspects. Yet this is no ordinary murder mystery: the entire play 22

THE DARRELL HAMMOND PROJECT Where: La Jolla Playhouse When: January 31–March 8th Famed for his uncanny impressions of personalities like Bill Clinton on “Saturday Night Live,” comedian Darrell Hammond has made an impressive mark on American pop culture as a beloved entertainer.

Catch this rare glimpse into the harrowing events of Darrell Hammond’s life that helped shape his comedic talent. lajollaplayhouse.org

U.S. watercolor and watermedia societies have submitted their digital works. Artists, art collectors, and painters: come appreciate the exemplary art that Fallbrook Art Center has to offer! fallbrookartcenter.org THE TWENTY-SEVENTH MAN Where: The Old Globe When: February 14–March 15th Set in a Soviet prison in 1952, twenty–six notorious writers of Yiddish literature have been arrested during tumultuous times. Suddenly, an unknown and unpublished teenager surfaces as the twenty–seventh writer in the arrests. Artistic Director Barry Edelstein returns to the chilling play by award–winning novelist Nathan Englander. theoldglobe.org

MACY’S MUSEUM MONTH Where: San Diego Museums When: February 1–28th In its 26th year, Macy’s Museum Month will help celebrate Balboa Park’s Centennial as it offers half–off admission to over 40 local museums both inside and outside the park. Pick up a Macy’s Museum Month Pass at any local Macy’s store for half-off admission to any participating museum.

Celebrate Balboa’s Birthday and San Diego’s rich art and history scene with Macy’s Museum Month. sandiegomuseumcouncil.org

6TH ANNUAL SIGNATURE AMERICAN WATERMEDIA EXHIBITION Where: Fallbrook Art Center When: February 7–March 22nd Internationally–known water media painter and notable writer Stephen Quiller will be the juror for the 6th Annual Signature American Watermedia Exhibition at the Fallbrook Art Center. Signature Members of

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THE 27TH FRANK SINATRA CELEBRITY INVITATIONAL Where: Eagle Falls Golf Course and the Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino When: February 19–21st Barbara Sinatra is the gracious host along with her longtime friend, Robert Wagner, for the two–day celebrity–amateur golf tournament. Proceeds benefit the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center for Abused Children. The organization provides counseling for victims of physical, sexual and emotional child abuse. Multiple levels of event participation are available, including golf & party packages, as well as individual event tickets. franksinatragolf.org

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR Where: Copley Symphony Hall When: February 20th The internationally–renowned, charming young choristers from a centuries–old singing tradition return to the Jacobs Music Center for a grand–scale event filled with the melodies of choral classics.

Guests can anticipate tunes from composers of European tradition including Bruckner, Haydn, Mozart, Schubert and more. sandiegosymphony.org SAN DIEGO WINTER BREWFEST Where: Hall of Champions in Balboa Park When: February 20th & 21st The Winter Brew Fest celebrates craft beverages from around California and beyond and features live local music and food. This event benefits Outdoor Outreach and the San Diego Mountain Biking Association (SDMBA).

Sample some amazing brews from over 40 breweries throughout the night and listen to great live music. sandiegobrewfest.com 37TH ANNUAL WOMEN’S AUXILIARY GALA: EMERALD CITY Where: Hyatt Regency, La Jolla at Aventine When: February 21st The Women’s Auxiliary of Seacrest Village Retirement Communities will host the 37th Annual “Emerald City” gala benefitting their Seacrest Village’s Resident Assistance Fund. This fund helps senior residents by providing them with housing and financial assistance. Guests will enjoy a Wizard of Oz–themed evening that includes dinner, entertainment, and a live auction. kpbs.org

SAN DIEGO NEW MUSIC Where: The Auditorium at TSRI When: February 24th Catch this production promoting music appreciation featuring members of the San Diego Symphony and San Diego New Music, a nonprofit dedicated to the public performance of music from the 20th and 21st centuries.

This year, San Diego New Music is celebrating their 20 year anniversary! sandiegonewmusic.com

Ringwald graces the stage of Martinis Above Fourth with her crowd–pleasing concert, “An Evening with Molly Ringwald.”

She returns to her roots as a singer, performing a flavorsome arrangement of jazz songs from her album, “Except Sometimes.”

Ringwald’s performance melds traditional jazz with hits from the Great American Songbook, creating a unique show with beautiful, unexpected musical connections. martinisabovefourth.com

BLACK TIE CEO PRESENTS: TOO BAD YOU DON’T LIVE IN SAN DIEGO When: February 24th, 6–10pm Where: TBA In support of abused dogs, the Black Tie CEO Club is hosting a professional swimwear fashion show & networking event, as well as a contest for the general public, aged 23+ with over $1000 in prizes. Their last fashion show drew 350+ people and this one is expected to be even bigger.

100% of profits support vet bills for abused dogs in San Diego; the BTCC has no executive salaries.

BlackTieCEOClub.com

LA QUINTA ARTS FESTIVAL Where: La Quinta’s Civic Center Campus When: March 5–8th Come see why the La Quinta Arts Festival has been rated the #1 Fine Art Festival in the nation for the past three years as it returns to the breathtaking La Quinta Civic Center Campus for an evening of live entertainment, delicious food, wine and beer! La Quinta Arts Foundation, in partnership with its Premier Sponsor the City of La Quinta, is raising funds for the Foundation’s non–profit mission of promoting and cultivating the Arts.

This award–winning event attracts art patrons and tourists from across the nation as one of the Coachella Valley’s premier attractions. lqaf.com

GOODE PLAYS MOZART Where: Copley Symphony Hall When: February 27–March 1st Join two noted individuals in Classical and Romantic music for an evening of musical prowess.

Esteemed as a renowned figure in classical piano, pianist Richard Goode makes his Jacobs Masterworks debut performing Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 25 in C Major.” To conclude the evening, Music Director Jahja Ling takes center stage with Franz Schubert’s revolutionary “Great C Major Symphony,” a monumental work that lives up to its name. sandiegosymphony.org

AN EVENING WITH MOLLY RINGWALD Where: Martinis Above Fourth When: March 5th Film icon and jazz singer Molly

19TH ANNUAL SAN DIEGO BIRD FESTIVAL Where: Marina Village at Mission Bay Park When: March 5–8th The San Diego Audubon Society is highlighting the birds and their habitats in San Diego county.

Bird enthusiasts from around the country and abroad will enjoy four days of field trips, birding, workshops, and more. The proceeds of this festival support the education, conservation, and sanctuary programs of San Diego Audubon Society. The theme for this year’s festival is “Look Up!” Guests have the opportunity to encounter rare bird species within ideal birding sites and learn about their various habitats. sandiegoaudubon.org TEMECULA ROD RUN Where: Old Town Temecula When: March 6th & 7th Race on over to the Temecula Rod Run for their famous “Friday Night Cruise” to see hundreds of classic vehicles from all over the country.

The City of Temecula locks down Old Town to allow over 700

cars, including classics, special interest vehicles, hot rods and custom cars to show off their best features. The second day of the event, “Show and Shine,” allows car lovers to get an up close and personal look underneath the hoods of the cars. This event offers music and entertainment, great food, community, vendors and much more. rodruntemecula.com THE MIDTOWN MEN: FOUR STARS FROM THE ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST OF JERSEY BOYS, A CITY LIGHTS CONCERT Where: Copley Symphony Hall When: March 6–7th Take a musical journey back in time to the birth of one of Motown’s most iconic groups. Jersey Boys’ original Broadway cast (Tony Award Winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony Award Nominee J. Robert Spencer), perform hits that defined a generation including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Let’s Hang On,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” along with other 1960s classics. sandiegosymphony.org

SAN DIEGO UNDY RUN/WALK Where: Mission Bay Park When: March 7th Colon Cancer Alliance is grabbing everyone’s attention with The San Diego Undy Run/ Walk. Participants can run or walk a distance of 5K individually, as a team, or a company. Each runner will receive a pair of complimentary custom–designed boxer shorts and are encouraged to dress in underwear–themed outfits to focus the attention on the main cause. With this walk, the CCA is raising funds for local screening partners to pay for colon cancer screening tests that help increase survivorship. support.ccalliance.org 15TH ANNUAL AXLINE LECTURE Where: Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego When: March 7th The Museum of Contemporary Art and the San Diego Museum

of Art are commemorating the magnificent work of internationally–renowned artist El Anatsui in the exhibition Gravity and Grace: Monumental Works.

Beginning at 9:30 am, MCASD Members at the Patron level and above, and special guests of The San Diego Museum of Art, are invited to a hosted brunch in Axline Court. The lecture will then begin promptly at 11 am in Sherwood Auditorium. mcasd.org

SPRING BUSKER FESTIVAL Where: Seaport Village When: March 7–8th San Diego’s Seaport Village hosts the only Busker Festival in Southern California. Professional street performers from across the country will exhibit their bizarre talents from sword swallowing to pogo stick tricks. Throughout the two–day festival, some of the nation’s top performers draw visitors to shop, dine and enjoy an entire day of one–of–a–kind entertainment. The evening event Buskers After Dark will continue into the evening for guests 18 and older with unedited amusement. seaportvillage.com VOICES FOR CHILDREN 23RD ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Where: The Grand Del Mar When: March 8–9th Bring your best golf swing to The Grand Del Mar golf course for Voices for Children’s 23rd Annual Golf Tournament. Sponsors are able to purchase name and logo recognition in the tournament as well as tickets for the cocktail party and auction. Proceeds from the sponsorships will go toward providing Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASAs) to ensure abused children in San Diego a safe and permanent home. Guests will attend a pre–tournament cocktail and auction party on Sunday evening and partake in an 18–hole golf tournament and awards ceremony on Monday. speakupnow.org

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T R AV E L

Front &

C E N T E R

Hacienda Cerritos A MAGICAL PLACE NOT FAR AWAY

BY JEANNE FERRIS PHOTOS COURTESY OF IMAGEN360.COM

O

ver the hills and not far away by silver jetliner, there is a magical place. It is a sanctuary simply named Hacienda Cerritos. Presiding over an imperious bluff, she watches the waves of the azul océano Pacífico worship the shore in eternal supplication.

This mission–style five acre estate is only a mere 40 steps from the pristine and riptide–free Playa Los Cerritos and its two sister properties, Cerritos Beach Club and the Mayan Village Resort. Yonder in the big blue ocean are yacht moorings available for the seaworthy and nearby is a helipad for swifter arrivals.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

“When I pulled up to the Hacienda, it was like I was transported back in time- it felt like a hacienda created for royalty.

The attention to detail is amazing.”

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Hacienda Cerritos overlooks some of Baja’s most stunning bluffs.

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Pushing the heavy, double wooden doors handcrafted with the revered image of the Virgin of Guadalupe, you enter into a mission courtyard complete with a traditional Spanish fountain. This is a sacred space that induces an exhalation of breath and eases the cares of another world.

Octagons interspersed with diamond shaped terracotta tiles mute the footsteps as you enter the great room. A forty–foot–high red tiled bovida compels the neck to crane backwards and gaze with open mouth. An acoustic hush competes with the waves. You have arrived.

Only 10 Señor and Señora master bedroom suites are available. Within are stone fireplaces and personal refrigerators to chill the rosé sangria.

The suites’ Jacuzzi bathtubs and the two person open air showers, covered in butter-yellow Mexican tile, are massive. Some rooms even have an outside shower with a private balcony and an expansive view. How does one ever leave the boudoir or, in Spanish, la recámara?

A chef is on the premises and two gourmet kitchens with all the modern conveniences are available (one for avid foodie guests who like to cook). Dare to throw away your ruby red stilettos or golf shoes and go barefoot in the rotunda game room on the second floor, but bring the binoculars for the bird or whale watching.

Luxurious corporate retreats vie with romantic weekend getaways, as do the yoga devotees and reclusive writers who find themselves attracted to the perfect solitude and serenity. This coveted ambience is easy to find in abundance and is actually considered “anti–Cabo.”

Entrepreneur Roger Pollock envisioned Hacienda Cerritos in the early 80s while on his first surfing expedition to the only safe swimming beach on the coast of Cabo. His discovery captivated him forever.

“Everyone said “no” when I wanted to create this,” said Pollock. “But I really felt that this was a truly special place that needed to be shared.”

He and architect John Nordy designed it to showcase the dramatic and stunning views.

In continuance with the Latin American theme, there are black wrought– iron chandeliers throughout and furniture of traditional wormwood hand– crafted with recycled and sustainable materials from Guadalajara, Oaxaca and Puebla. Local authentic artworks frame the clay walls.

“My favorite aspect is the mission entry,” said Pollock. “Because when you walk in, the courtyard just feels- magical.”

Spanish colonial architecture has a lot of angles with peaked roofs, while the Mexican hacienda has a flat roof and a compound of multiple square buildings, but this is a grand home of contemporary stone, brick and concrete made to look like old adobe. Strong archways and rounded dome ceilings are in every room. Hacienda Cerritos brings to mind an ancient building in disrepair and that has been lovingly restored back to glory.

“I had been warned about the dirt roads so I didn’t expect much,” said Nick Cavazos, a world traveler and professional photographer. “But when I pulled up to the Hacienda, it was like I was transported back in time- it felt like a hacienda created for royalty. The attention to detail is amazing.”

By car, the property is 10 minutes from the colorful artist and expats enclave of Todos Santos and 20 minutes from the thriving Sierra de la Laguna Biosphere Reserve. This reserve encompasses 300,000 acres of protected wildlife, emerald pools and foliage amidst the red rock formations.

There are plenty of hiking trails and horseback riding for the active eco-tourist or a paparazzi–free locale for the rich and famous. In fact, the Hacienda has hosted its share of Hollywood stars, such as actor Rob Lowe.

This exclusive luxury beachfront resort is in its 7th season with a successful 100% occupancy and is the largest single employer in Cabo. The surrounding areas abound with organic farms, which stock the Hacienda’s larder with ubiquitous avocados, tomatoes, mangos, and papayas. Dining is an authentic “farm to table” or “ocean to table” experience for the international gourmand and novice alike. The ocean yields a bounty of striped, black, and blue marlin, snapper, bonita and dorado.

Running a business in Latin America is not without its challenges and can be trying at times, and in response to the question for his advice to others pursuing their dreams, Pollock said, “It’s about building the team. Don’t settle for mediocre. Get up early. Never quit.

And don’t listen to the naysayer.”

But his primary motto? “Take care of the guests.”

Hacienda Cerritos’ ecru walls and domed cathedrals resound with this motto. The gracious hospitality and quiet abode only add to the natural, primordial energy that lives in the red earth here.

Hacienda Cerritos Playa Cerritos, Mexico +52 612 107 9935 or 503-850-4293

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FRONT & CENTER

C H A R I T Y

Helping Homes BILY STRENGTHENS THE BOND BETWEEN PARENTS AND CHILDREN

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BY CAITLIN JOHNSON

erhaps you’ve been in a similar position: you can’t seem to connect with your teenage child on any level; they won’t listen, they’re harsh and unpredictable. Maybe it’s an attitude problem. Maybe you suspect drug abuse. This isn’t the son you’ve raised since birth; your daughter never had behavioral issues in the past. What’s the real problem, you ask, the real reason you can no longer get through to them? Quite often the root of the difficulties isn’t specifically anyone’s fault, but rather a series of unfortunate events. Whatever the case, your family needs help.

Because I Love You, a national non–profit organization, has been helping parents cope with their troubled youth for more than 20 years.

The weekly meetings cost parents nothing to attend and are headed by volunteers who are typically veterans of the program or have been through similar problems within their own family and community.

Steve Cade, president of San Diego’s BILY (pronounced “Billy”) branch based out of Encinitas, said the program is a safe haven for parents to come and work through their issues, without worry of judgment or contempt from peers or counselors.

“When things go wrong, [parents] don’t want to tell anyone. They feel embarrassed, or maybe they feel that they’re a failure,” he said.

“This is a very safe environment of parents helping parents.”

The program has thrived in San Diego for the past four years. The idea for a San Diego branch came about when Cade and his wife went through hard times with their own child. After attending parent–to–parent meetings and experiencing the success that followed, the Cades decided they needed to reach out to other troubled parents in their community.

Initial meetings begin with a one–hour orientation to the program after which participants are assigned to smaller groups that will best help aid their situation. Each group is run by two leaders, one male and one female, who direct conversation and implement techniques, such as role playing, to draw out the root of the problem and explore all potential outcomes. Everything discussed in a BILY meeting is strictly confidential.

BILY San Diego has already helped more than 400 parents throughout San Diego and Orange counties. Most are directed to the program through referrals and everyone is welcomed with open arms,

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whether the issue is as simple as a behavioral problem or something as serious as drug abuse or trouble with the law.

“It’s like a shockwave hits you,” Cade said. “As a parent you’re devastated, you don’t know what to do and you don’t have any experience with this.

We help build them up and become strong, build up their strength and selfesteem and help them regain control in their home.”

The program employs strategies and written plans to help parents create change within their household. Each week they are expected to reflect on the specific goals set in place by them and their counselors, and discuss what worked and what didn’t. The meetings are in–depth, structured and designed to help each parent with his or her specific problem. BILY uses documented evaluative metric to track progress and so far results have been astoundingly positive.

“We help the parents change themselves and that causes the change in the family,” Cade said. “A fundamental part of our mission is to create a peaceful home.”

Cade hopes to expand the program in an attempt to reach even more troubled families throughout the county. Already a branch has been spearheaded in San Clemente by one of Cade’s volunteers and he’s looking for more help. His goal is to create four or five additional groups around San Diego County to better reach more parents in trouble and he’s calling upon parents to step up in their community and set a strong example for others to follow.

So far the results have been overwhelmingly life–altering.

Testimonials from thankful parents on the group’s website express the successes achieved by following BILY’s thorough guidelines. Through intense self–reflection and practiced strategies inspired by the group’s volunteers, many participants have found solace and are finally able to begin repairing the damage caused by miscommunication and frustration. BILY gives parents an opportunity to step outside the issue and really dig down to its roots in order to carefully and effectively begin to return their home to normal.

“It’s been an incredible experience,” Cade said.

To learn more about BILY San Diego or to get involved with the program, visit the group’s website at www.bilysandiego.org.

FRONT & CENTER

T R E N D S

Love Potions

SWEET SCENTS TO GIFT YOUR VALENTINE B Y E M I LY G L A S E R

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ith the season of love upon us, men across the country are struggling with gift ideas for their sweethearts this Valentine’s Day. What better gift than one that keeps on giving– and one that the giver gets to enjoy, as well? Perfume is the perfect gift for your lover this Valentine’s and there are so many delicious scents to choose from you’re sure to find one that’s perfect for her.

SPICE Warmer scents, such as deep musk and sandalwood, appeal to men’s senses as much as women’s. Cross-pollenate between the sexes with this toasty scent.

Pour Femme Intense by Dolce & Gabbana: Intense is a harmony of contrasts. The perfume opens with subtle green mandarin before shifting into orange blossom and tuberose. But finally and most powerfully, sensual musky notes combine with warm sandalwood to define this passion–inducing scent. ($65.99 at FragranceNet.com)

ROSE Roses are traditionally associated with Valentine’s Day. This year, treat your lover to roses that will last with this romantic, rose-infused scent.

Rose by Paul Smith:

The rose upon which this scent is based was cultivated and gifted to Paul by his wife on his birthday– a perfectly romantic gesture. This fragrance opens with notes of violet, rose and green tea. The heart is composed of peony and magnolia with a warm, musky base. ($41.99 at FragranceNet.com)

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VANILLA For centuries, it’s been believed that the scent of vanilla is a natural aphrodisiac, especially for men. Scientific studies have even shown that men associate the scents of cinnamon and vanilla with love and sensuality.

Share these warm vanilla and cinnamon fragrances to liven up your love life.

Shalimar by Guerlain: According to legend, Emperor Shah Jahan fell in love with a princess and built the Gardens of Shalimar in her honor. The tale inspired Jacques Guerlain who created Shalimar, the first oriental fragrance, in 1925. Shalimar perfectly combines a feminine, stylish character with exotic florals and vanilla for a romantic, complex fragrance built on a foundation of love. ($79.99 at FragranceNet.com)

Hypnotic Poison Eau Secrete by Christian Dior: Hypnotic Poison provides a yin and yang of Oriental juxtapositions.

Warm vanilla mixes with sweet citrus, both of which are offset by exotic Jasmine. This unexpectedly sweet fragrance is perfect for Valentine’s. ($94.99 at FragranceNet.com)

FLIPINISTA Your BFF (Best Flip Flop)

Each pair is designed and crafted entirely by hand.

312.399.2468 www.f lipinista.com

Lady in Red

Claudia Yates, MK Collab Stylist, 760-815-2627 www.mkcollab.com/profile/claudiayates

FRONT & CENTER

S P O R T S

Fly Me to the Course THE FRANK SINATRA CELEBRITY INVITATIONAL RETURNS TO THE CALIFORNIA DESERT B Y WAY N E M C C O L L U M

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Top: Barbara Sinatra, Joe Mantagna and Tom Dreesen. Bottom: Frank and Barbara Sinatra.

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s every February rolls around, locals and visitors alike look forward to one of the best golf and social events in the desert. This year marks the 27th annual Frank Sinatra Celebrity Invitational which will be held February 19th through 21st at the Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino. The Eagle Falls Golf Course will be the host course and all social events will take place at the Fantasy Springs Resort & Casino. Starkey Hearing Technologies will return to their role as proud sponsor of the event this year, the proceeds from which will benefit the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center for Abused Children at Eisenhower Hospital in Rancho Mirage, California. More than 18,000 children have been helped since the Center opened its doors in 1986. Barbara Sinatra is quick to acknowledge supporters and tournament participants who make it possible for the center to keep doing the work she considers critical.

Barbara Sinatra herself will graciously host the popular two day celebrity–amateur golf tournament, along with her longtime friend, Robert Wagner. Along with the celebrity golf event, there will be three nights of parties, entertainment and a luncheon and fashion show.

Festivities kick off Thursday, February 19th with registration as well as a pairings party for participants. Friday begins the first round of golf with a silent auction, luncheon and fashion show in the afternoon. Saturday will feature the final round of golf as well as a live auction and black–tie gala dinner with Burt Bacharach as the gala headliner.

Since 1988, “Frank’s Little Party in the Desert” has grown into a legendary weekend of golf and parties supported by athletes, celebrities and entertainers. The tournament takes place on Friday and Saturday on the Eagle Falls Golf Course at Fantasy Springs Resort. The 6,700 yard par 72 course is a stern test for the low handicap golfer and a fair test for the higher handicap player and the celebrities keep the fun–factor going throughout the round.

The format is a five player team gross and net scramble, with teams consisting of four amateur players with a different celebrity each day. Since the tournament’s beginnings, this exciting event has become one of the desert’s premier places to see and be seen.

There are many ways to be a part of this fun weekend! Start with free admission to see the action up close as part of the gallery; make sure you bring your camera, as the celebrities are always considerate of those wanting that special photo. The tournament has a limited field but is open to all who wish to participate; contact the tournament office to participate in the tournament or a single day of fun. Tickets and party packages are also available from the ticket office: franksinatragolf.org or 760-674-8447.

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Health &

HEALTH & BEAUTY

T R E N D S

B E A U T Y

Lady in Red

YOUR LITTLE RED DRESS GUIDE FOR VALENTINE’S

BY MELISSA PORTER

T

he little black dress is a timeless staple in every woman’s wardrobe. Whether you’re going to a night out with girlfriends or a romantic date with your significant other, the LBD never disappoints.

This Valentine’s Day, we’ve taken a new style approach to the classic black dress. The little red dress is an alluring and bold twist on the classic. Regardless of shape or height, there is a red dress flattering for every body type. With the help of our guide this Valentine’s Day, you’ll be sure to paint the town red in your little red dress!

Empire Waist Dress For ladies who don’t want to bring attention to their curves or for women with petite figures, empire waist dresses are the way to go. An empire waist dress creates a high–waisted look by cinching in just below the bust and flowing loosely downward. The high–waisted appearance of the dress is well-suited to a longer hemline, helping to elongate and slim the figure. This feminine silhouette also helps disguise the stomach and hips because it flows away from the body. Grab your empire waist dress and pair it with an edgy accessory to jazz up this delicate silhouette.

Available at Wysh Boutique

Shift Dress A shift dress is a breath of fresh air in any woman’s wardrobe. Instead of a curvehugging dress that accentuates flaws, the shift dress hangs simply on the body and glides over imperfections. The shift dress does not define the waist and is great if you’re looking for a silhouette on the modest side. Steer clear of chunky heels while donning a shift dress; instead, go for a strappy sleek heel to contrast with the dress’s boxy fit.

Strappy Silk Dress by Boutique, available at Topshop, $140

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A-Line Dress An a–line dress is flattering on virtually every body type. The flaring bottom helps disguise the stomach or fuller hips for those with pear shapes, while the tightly fitted top defines and whittles the waist. This a-line dress has a unique feature with the t–strap on the front of the dress, which brings an edginess to this traditionally feminine silhouette. Pair your red a–line dress with a printed pump to spice up the outfit.

Available at MINKPINK, $99

Looking for the perfect accessories to pair with your Little Red Dress this Valentine’s?

We’ve got you covered!

You can never have too much red on Valentine’s! Crimson polish is the perfect pairing for those red dresses.

MAC nail lacquer in Flaming Rose, $12.

Available at department stores.

While you’re at it, enhance those shades of red with a bold lip. Swipe on this punchy red and kiss with confidence. MAC lipstick in Russian Red, $16. Available at department stores.

You’ll need a tote to fill with make–up for touch– ups, which will be frequent when he can’t keep his hands off of you! Cardiff Pebbled & Smooth Carry All Travel Tote, $425. www.jessiegeorgina.com

Bodycon Dress On the opposite side of the spectrum, bodycon or body– conscious dresses accentuate what the name of the silhouette suggeststhe whole body. Bodycon dresses cling to the figure and are perfect for those looking to showcase their curves or hour–glass figure. The tightness of the dress can help accentuate the waist and bust, giving a va–va–voom Jessica Rabbit look. However, bodycon dresses can also bring more attention to problem areas. Save your bodycon dresses for a night out when you’re feeling ultra–confident and sexy.

Ribbed Midi Dress available at Topshop, $148

Pair your feminine empire waist dress with an edgy accessory, like this statement necklace. Available at Wysh Boutique.

(760) 453-7160

Surprise your lover at the end of the night with a special surprise under that red dress. Try this handmade signature crystal corset special designed to enhance your curves, giving you that svelte look. Available at Deja Vu Love Boutique, $695. (760) 598-5889 FINEsd.com • facebook.com/FINEmagazines

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HEALTH & BEAUTY

S TAY I N G

F I T

Happy Heart, Happy Health PREPARE YOUR HEART TO BE THE BEST POSSIBLE VALENTINE D R . DAV I D M E L E N D E Z

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n San Diego, cardiovascular heart disease is still the leading cause of death. With the month of February being National Heart Health Awareness Month, much responsibility is placed on diet and exercise for cardiovascular health, but little is written about how our hearts love: our emotional heart is controlled by our emotional brain for healthy love relationships.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, emotional health starts in the brain, in an area called the Limbic System, the seat of emotion. This is the area of the brain that produces all the feel–good chemicals called neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine. Dopamine gives us a sense of well–being. If dopamine is in short supply, one often feels anxious, more depressed, has difficulty focusing and is easily distracted.

Those that are dopamine deficient often seek ways to stimulate or self– medicate with sugar, caffeine, alcohol or drugs, all of which artificially stimulate dopamine. This unhealthy approach often leads to abuse, addiction and emotional instability.

Prepare your heart and mind to be the best Valentine you can be by developing habits that heal and promote your emotional heart health.

Regular exercise, especially high intensity interval training, promotes your emotional heart health. Adding intensity to your regular cardio workout (burst training on treadmill or elliptical, for example) stimulates a healthy flow of neurotransmitters and pain relieving endorphins (endogenous morphine). In addition, adding weight training with your aerobic exercise stimulates even more neurotransmitters that mitigate chronic anxiety, stress and depression. In fact, research shows that exercise can often match or surpass psychotherapy results.

To make sure your body has all the ingredients to make an abundant supply of neurotransmitters and pain–relieving endorphins you must feed your brain. The ingredients your body needs to make plenty of feel–good neurotransmitters are amino acids, the building blocks of protein. Make sure you’re eating a diet rich in high–quality protein, such as organic grass-fed beef, antibiotic and hormone–free turkey, chicken and eggs, and wild cold water fish like salmon and cod, which are rich in omega 3 fatty acids. All of these proteins provide your brain and body with the necessary ingredients to feel good, heal good and love well.

Another common bad habit that affects our emotional health and sense of well–being are faulty postures such as “tech–neck.” Our constantly flexed cervical spines, looking down all day at our smart phones and tablets or slumped in front of our computers and driver seats, set the stage for chronic pain. This continuous rounding of shoulders and reversing of the neck curve interferes with your spinal cord, creating abnormal tension and short– circuiting nerve supply and endorphin production, which restricts cerebral spinal fluid flow and diminishes that vital feel–good neurotransmitter dopamine. The top four vertebrae in your neck must move properly for your body to produce a sufficient amount of endorphins. Faulty posture and repetitive flexion of the neck shuts down these vital pain–relieving endorphins, resulting in increased pain, irritability and disability. Specific chiropractic care that incorporates posture training and spinal molding can do wonders for relieving chronic pain in the head and neck by taking tension off of the spinal cord, which increases the release of dopamine and endorphins, restoring a sense of wellbeing and emotional brain health once again.

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4 2 2 N O R T H C O A S T H W Y • E N C I N I TA S V I X E N S D.C O M

76 0 . 8 1 4 . 0 9 1 4

We’ re n e w i n to w n 1 5 % o f f yo u r f i rs t p u rc h a s e a n d a n o t h e r 1 5 % o f f fo r s p re a d i n g t h e l ove ( fo l l ow u s o n i n s ta a n d ta g u s i n a p h o to w h i l e a t t h e s to re. O f fe r g o o d o n e t i m e o n l y ) .

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T R E N D S

Setting the Trends AT HOM SETS IN MOTION THE LATEST IN DESIGN, BLURRING THE LINES BETWEEN SLEEK AND SENSUAL

Red Hot!

Designer John Black has gone Red… By creating a dining collection finished in hand– buffed high–sheen red piano lacquer topped with thick glass.

From the Runway to a Sunny day…

Trina Turk’s latest collection is perfect for a range of interior and exterior spaces. From modern and sophisticated patterns to subtle texture and fashion-derived color palettes.

Not for the birds…

The Nest series from Konna. All weather aluminum framed wicker–wrapped outdoor furniture. Modern lines with a clean look for any patio, lawn or deck area.

Chain me down….

Chrome trim frames the sensual drape of chainmail as it wraps around the fixture and falls to varied lengths in the center

Something to smile about... a teak “tooth” stool, elevated thick, chunky legs support a flat top.

The natural gaps in the wood have been filled with clear, acrylic resin and small light amber mirrored squares.

AT HOM, 2310 Kettner Blvd Suite B, San Diego, CA 92101, 619-744-9974, AT-HOM.COM 38

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Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or a date night outfit, LUX AVE BOUTIQUE has everything you need for Valentine’s Day.

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E S TAT E

This luxury property in Rancho Santa Fe is currently available and presented by Brian Guiltinan of the Guiltinan Group. Please contact Brian for more information: M: 619.972.4659, O: 858.756.8770, Brian@TheGuiltinanGroup.com. Photography by warmfocus.com

The Covenant of RANCHO SANTA FE B Y E M I LY G L A S E R

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ancho Santa Fe, commonly known as “The Ranch,” has a long history of luxury. The community originally got its start as “Rancho San Dieguito” when it was gifted to the first alcalde, or mayor, of the Pueblo of San Diego in 1842.

The mayor’s family resided in the rolling hills of the land until they sold the property at the beginning of the 20th century to the Santa Fe Railway, who eventually chose to develop the land into a community of desirable estates under the name of Rancho Santa Fe. The Santa Fe Land and Improvement Company chose Lilian Rice of Requa and Rice architectural firm, known for her Spanish Colonial Revival and Mediterranean Revival styles, to develop their exclusive neighborhood.

Rice’s architectural style still has a major influence on construction in Rancho Santa Fe today. During the development of The Ranch, the Rancho Santa Fe Association created a Protective Covenant which dictated the construction of new buildings within Rancho Santa Fe; from this covenant was born The Ranch’s third epithet, “The Covenant.”

Throughout its history, Rancho Santa Fe has been home to several celebrities, but none quite as notable or influential as Bing Crosby. Crosby purchased Osuna Ranch- a historical property renovated by Lilian Rice- in 1936 and frequently invited his Hollywood friends to his Ranch for weekends

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of relaxing and golf. During his time in The Ranch, Crosby began the Bing Crosby Pro Am Tournament and helped devise the Del Mar Racetracks.

Today, Rancho Santa Fe is one of the highest income communities in the United States and home to approximately 5,000 residents nestled among the curving roads and varied hills of its 10 square miles. At the center of the Covenant stands the Village of Rancho Santa Fe, home to the historical Inn as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. Residents of The Ranch enjoy countless privileges and amenities, including access to the Max Behr–designed Rancho Santa Fe Golf Club. Residents can also take advantage of the private horseback riding and hiking trails and tennis club. In addition to the comfort of its residents, a priority of the Rancho Santa Fe community is safety, which is why The Covenant employs a full–time private security patrol in addition to the San Diego County Sheriff ’s Department and Highway Patrol.

Rancho Santa Fe is truly unique to Southern California and the entire country. Nowhere else will you find private rural communities developed to such stringent and beautiful standards; dazzling views of ocean and meadows greet the eye from every peak. Countless accommodations lie at the fingertips of residents and first–class medical care, as well as pristine beaches, are a short drive away.

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atering to the Luxury Real Estate Market has been the focus of Michael Citrin’s career, which spans 30 years with over 1,050 homes sold to date.

Towns of specialty include the San Diego coastline from

Del Mar to Carlsbad, Citrin having lived in and enjoyed each of these communities personally. Also a matter of great expertise for Citrin is his knowledge of the Covenant of Rancho Santa Fe (he is a former resident

CARMEL VALLEY - SOLD

with an intimate knowledge of the RSF Trail System), plus all surrounding RSF communities and select neighborhoods of Escondido.

Blending lifestyle with views and client personality allows Citrin to target the market and seek out buyers for high end properties. Networking in both social and professional circles and keen listening skills are Michael’s best traits. Every home has special characteristics and presents those elements in a fashion designed to speak to the listener that comes with

RIMROCK - ESCONDIDO - SOLD

Michael Citrin’s marketing. Citrin is also fluent in Spanish and is capable of presenting a fine property to clients from both sides of the border. In an economy with a global flow of wealth, Southern California is at the heart of it all for those looking for excellence in a living experience.

After all, he is the ESTATEMAN 4 U, but doesn’t wear a cape! Contact him at EstateMan4U@gmail.com or just pick up the phone and text or call 858-688-6277, you’ll be glad you did!

CA BRE#0936083

Let’s dis c getting uss property your prior to ready bri it on the nging mark for sale. et

RIMROCK - ESCONDIDO - SOLD

SPECIALIZING IN HIGH NET WORTH DIVORCE ASSET DIVISION, CUSTODY DISPUTES AND COMPLEX LEGAL MATTERS.

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BY JEANNE FERRIS

SPA WARS A LOOK AT SAN DIEGO’S BEST SPAS For tourists visiting our fair city of eternal spring, if they don’t golf, don’t like to bet on the ponies and don’t like to swim in the cold Pacific blue, “to spa or not to spa” becomes the question. And for those of us who are blessed enough to live here, “where to spa” is the subsequent, decisive question. Choosing which of San Diego’s world–class spas, all of which offer an elegant and indulgent experience, to visit is no easy task. Here, we present the competitors. May the Spa Wars begin.

Ocean Pearl Spa at Carlsbad Sheraton Resort & Spa Ocean Pearl Spa is a sweet boutique day spa that is on the beautiful grounds of the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort and Spa- an unexpected oasis with a magnificent 180–degree view of the Pacific Ocean in North County and within walking distance to Legoland. It also serves as a boon for exhausted parents.

This aptly named spa has an interior decorated in the understated elegance of pearlescent grey pearls and is a hidden gem just like one would find in an oyster. In keeping with its proximity to the sea, this spa specializes in marine–based products and holistic and organic skincare. Products such as Valmont, Ilike Organic Skincare, Colorescience mineral make–up, COOLA organic sun care, glo Therapeutics, and Kimberly Parry Organics.

Valmont, for example, is used in the Vitality of Glaciers facial, which is a deeply nourishing and re-hydrating facial of glacier cold Valmont applied to the face. This is a not a facial for exfoliation but for regenerating continuous layers of collagen and stem cells, a masque that leaves the face in youthful dewy plumpness.

In consideration of water conservation, Ocean Pearl Spa practices Green Spa and does not offer private soaking tubs or Vichy showers for individual treatments. However, wet treatments are offered in privacy. This aspect is hardly missed with the sparkling consolation of the vast blue Pacific yonder to rest one’s eyes upon while sipping champagne at the nearby verandah of gourmet Twenty/20 restaurant.

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The Spa at Estancia La Jolla Opposite from the ubiquitous UCSD campus, the Estancia Resort has its own stoplight and street name- drive too fast through the green light and you’ll see it in your rearview.

Charmingly dissimilar from the overwhelming, big resorts, this spa has the boutique charm of a lush garden on a Mediterranean estate.

The award–winning spa, which was recently enhanced, is meticulously decorated to relax visitors. The spacious co-ed indoor and outdoor lounge area has a luxurious, Moroccan décor with French doors which swing open to reveal a beautiful outdoor space, complete with a lounging area with a grand fireplace and a Zen garden for meditation. Unlike most spas, where the first scent you note is nail polish, the stand– alone canvassed “Nail Bungalow” funnels the noxious fumes away from visitors in an open–air environment.

The women’s side of the spa offers a salt-water whirlpool with an outside rain shower and an indoor eucalyptus steam room. The menu of facials, massage therapies and body treatments is extensive and reads like a travelogue of exotic Southeastern destinations.

The Hanakasumi Body Ritual, for example, is inspired by Japanese traditions, with a warmed exfoliating cream of cherry blossom and rice powder. The Event, which has Chinese Lychee fruit and Iris flower, is a specially crafted body cocktail. The best part of these cultural explorations in beauty treatments? No passport necessary.

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Omni La Costa Resort and Spa Omni La Costa Resort and Spa has been named #1 Wellness Spa in the nation by Spa magazine and since 1965 has lured the rich and famous from Hollywood as the first U.S. resort to offer a full service spa replete with tennis courts and and champion golf course.

With a 50 million dollar renovation completed, it now offers not only a luxurious menu of spa treatments, but adjacent to the spa on the premises is the world–renowned Chopra Center, which offers Ayurveda therapies for those seeking East Indian applications for inner beauty. One of these Ayurvedic treatments, the Pizichilli, consists of a continuous stream of warm herbal oils onto the “third eye” while two therapists massage oils onto

The Spa at the Lodge at Torrey Pines The Spa at the Lodge at Torrey Pines is a world–class destination. Driving up to the valet is reminiscent of the mystical moors in Scotland as a tartan–plaid kilted gentleman steps out to greet you.

Situated next to the alluring but wicked greens of the Torrey Pines Golf Course, which hosts the Farmers Insurance Open annually, the Lodge can transport one to a portal where time stops.

Step into the exquisitely designed modern interior of the spa and let yourself be lead into the Vichy Room, where the signature treatment, Spirit to Soul Ritual, begins. This treatment features a gentle exfoliation with a natural orange peel body buff of argon oil and vitamin E. All cares swirl down the drain- literally; the scrub bed has a built–in drain with a shower situated above it, so that gentle drops of water slough away impurities while the attendant applies the scrub.

After the Spirit to Soul Ritual, glide down the dimmed hallways to the massage room. “Did you know that the argan tree lives up to 200 years?” Kirsten the masseuse asks as she pummels and kneads stress away with her sure and confident hands, which are slathered with the fabled tree’s oils. “And it is still cold pressed by hand. They’re having to implement conservation laws for protection because of the high demand.” Understandable, because your skin will soak it up like a parched desert Cholla cactus.

The Spa at the Inn, The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe

the body; it is an unworldly experience.

For those more comfortable with Western therapies, the Omni offers the Signature Citrus treatment within its European–inspired walls.

The customized body treatment of essential oil blends begins with an exfoliating scrub, a rejuvenating wrap and a hydrating massage with citrus body butter. Group packages, such as the Celebrate and Congratulate and the Birthday Bash, include a private patio for the celebrant and guests in the Spa Courtyard, a choice of one signature 50–minute spa treatment, Spa Café lunch, a spa gift, personalized menus and themed décor, complimentary valet parking and full spa access.

The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe just completed a $12 million restoration of its historic Spanish colonial features which are distinctive of early Californian architecture. Surrounded by a eucalyptus forest with wizened and gnarled Brazilian Pepper trees, the Inn was once the central feature of Rancho Santa Fe’s Town Square. Many Hollywood stars were attracted to the property, including organic architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who married his wife Olga by moonlight on the terrace.

The Inn recently updated its carefully preserved roots with the an enticing, 21st century addition: a brand new spa.

The spa offers amazing treatments, like the Inner Strength Massage, which includes 90 minutes of Essential Oil Aromatherapy with a full body massage; the treatment is both detoxifying and a physical de–stressor. The spa is not just a destination for women. The Rancher Facial is a classic gentleman’s facial replete with hot towels and includes a face, scalp and shoulder massage for those tense muscles. The core spa menu is simple, but there is a supplemental, seasonal menu with handcrafted treatments full of local ingredients. At the Spa at the Inn, even the choosiest visitor is sure to find a spa treatment to please.

Interested in scheduling your own spa stay-cation?

The Spa at The Inn, 5951 Linea del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067, 858.381.8255 Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, CA 92009, 760.438.9111

The Spa at Torrey Pines Lodge, 11480

North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, 858.777.6690 The Spa at Estancia Resort, 9700 North

Torrey Pines Road, San Diego, CA 92037, 858.964.6590

Ocean Pearl Spa, 5480 Grand Pacific Drive,

Carlsbad, CA 92008, 760.827.2700 FINEsd.com • facebook.com/FINEmagazines

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Model Joy Donaldson in a “then” look designed by Yan Yin, $400.

Vintage hat provided by Cat Frazier. Boa, necklace and bracelet available at Designer Consigner. Rug available at Taba Rugs.

PHOTOGRAPHY Siobhan Gazur Siobhan Photography PHOTOGRAPHER ASSISTANTS Howard Max Svetlana Kira STYLIST Samia Lavenant ASSISTANT STYLIST Cat Frazier MODELS Veronica Cecchetti with San Diego Model Management, Joy Donaldson, Samia Lavenant, Nikki Smith & Abbie Tucker with San Diego Model Management MAKE UP ARTISTS Alicia Bailey Anna Baker Marina A. Estrella HAIR STYLISTS Arianna Esparza Raylene Grier Hilda Berm

Fashion REDUX! A Preview of FINE’s Youngest Fashionistas

BY DIANA CAVAGNARO

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Model Joy Donaldson in a “now” look designed by Yan Yin, $400. Leather fascinator, Diana Cavagnaro.

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S

an Diego History Center and the Fashion Program at San Diego Mesa College will present the 4th Annual Fashion Redux! Finale Party on Friday, March 6th– but before the historic occasion, we would like to present our readers with the then and now fashions so meticulously crafted by students of the program.

Historic garments were designed from the time period of 1915 in keeping with the 100th Anniversary of the 1915 Panama–California Exposition in Balboa Park. Four inspiration pieces were chosen from the San Diego History Center archives, which students used as their starting points for design.

These garments will be on view at the San Diego History Center from Monday, February 23rd, 2015 until Sunday, March 8th, 2015, but FINE readers can enjoy these unique and timeless looks on our pages before and forever after.

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Model Nikki Smith in a “then” look designed

by Stephanie Castro.

Hat, Diana Cavagnaro.

Bracelet available at Designer Consigner.

INSET: Model Samia Lavenant in a “now” look designed by Stephanie Castro. Black hat, Diana Cavagnaro.

Jewelry available at Designer Consigner.

Model Abbie Tucker in a “now” look designed by Serenite Sao. Gold cocktail hat, Diana Cavagnaro. Rug available at Taba Rugs.

Vince Camuto ‘Chantel’ Asymmetrical Zip Bootie available at Nordstrom.

INSET: Model Abbie Tucker in a “then” look designed by Serenite Sao. Hat, Diana Cavagnaro. Rug available at Taba Rugs. Purse and necklace available at Designer Consigner.

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Model Veronica Cecchetti in a “then” look designed by Obed Aquino. Hat, Diana Cavagnaro. Rug available at Taba Rugs.

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Model Veronica Cecchetti in a “now” look designed by Obed Aquino. Black turban, Diana Cavagnro.

Necklace available at Designer Consigner.

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B Y E M I LY G L A S E R

D I V E R S I F Y SAN DIEGO’S BEST AND MOST UNIQUE VALENTINE’S DATES

his month thousands of candles will be lit and placed on freshly pressed linen tablecloths across San Diego.

The expected well-dressed couples will take their seats at their usual tables, sip their favorite wines and order their favorite dishes. Loving looks exchanged over candlelight will fizzle under the weight of years and tradition. Valentine’s dates will play out much like years before and those “nights to remember” will fade into a trail of similar memories.

We invite you to make this year different. Instead of revisiting those stuffy, monotonous restaurants, explore new destinations with your date. We’ve gathered the best and most unique date ideas from across the county, from formal to relaxing, to break up those mundane date night doldrums. So drop those annual reservations, put your tux back in the closet and grab your sweetie– this is going to be your FINEst Valentine’s yet!

GO TO A DIFFERENT KIND OF SHOW San Diego is bursting with small, unique shows you can enjoy with your loved one. The Red Spade Theater in Old Town, for example, is redefining magic shows. No longer are magicians top–hat–clad men at your children’s birthday parties; these magicians provide adult entertainment 7 nights a week. We suggest attending Intimate Miracles on Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm, where founder Sebastian wows guests with private and unparalleled magical performances. redspadetheater.com If you’d prefer a more low–key program, reserve a spot at Cinema Under the Stars in Mission Hills. The small, outdoor cinema offers showings of new and classic movies in a unique, backyard setting. Grab a snack and cuddle up in a low–gravity chair or love seat with the provided (and freshly washed) blankets and pillows. topspresents.com 52

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EXPLORE THE OTHER SIDE OF SAN DIEGO’S TOURIST DESTINATIONS As San Diego locals, we usually frown upon those slick– papered pamphlets so tightly grasped in visitors palms. But the truth is, those pamphlets might just be full of inspiration for your own Valentine’s.

Coronado is one of San Diego’s most picturesque tourist attractions.

The island provides a quaint picture of small–town America, from the crafty shops along Orange Avenue to the red caps of the Del presiding over the scenic palms. Grab a rental stand up paddle board from trendy, local–approved Emerald City surf shop and head down to the bay for a paddle session with your Valentine. Afterward, quell your appetite with a stop at one of the Ferry Landing’s culinary offerings (we’d suggest Il Fornaio for the beautiful view). coronadoferrylandingshops.com

YO U R

DAT E

“Surprise your Valentine with a new, exciting date and maybe they’ll have a surprise at the end of the night for you, too.”

If you’re looking for the perfect place to watch the Valentine’s sunset, there’s no better place than Sunset Cliffs. The epithet is well–earned as this natural park is consistently named as the best view in San Diego for watching the sun dip below the horizon. Grab a blanket, fill your picnic basket and settle down for that orange-y glow.

TAKE A DAY TRIP San Diego’s landscape changes dramatically with a short drive north or east. Pack your bags and drive east to explore the wooded mountains of Julian. Hike the well–maintained trails surrounding the small town in the morning before heading into charming Julian. Explore the picturesque streets lined with cute shops and restaurants– but don’t

forget to stop in for a bite of Julian’s famous apple pie! On the drive home, stop in at Alpine Brewing for a quick pint. julianca.com If you’d rather go north, turn your tires to the scrubby hills of Temecula. The region is famous for its countless wineries, many of which offer cuisine, as well. Book a stay at the luxurious Ponte Vineyard Inn for a romantic night away or book a ride with Aall In Limo for an elegant and safe ride. Whether your palate prefers red or white, Temecula is the perfect destination for every wine connoisseur and their lover. visittemeculavalley.com Whether you’re celebrating for the day, the night, or the month, we’re sure you’ll be able to find a fun and unique way to spend your Valentine’s. Surprise your Valentine with a new, exciting date and maybe they’ll have a surprise at the end of the night for you, too.

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a FINE Magazine’s Sexy Wine 2015 a

Wine...– You Sexy Thing

BY BOB MOREY

Wine and romance have gone together ever since mankind first figured out how to crush a grape and ferment it. Wine is first mentioned in the Bible in the book of Genesis when after the great flood Noah became drunk on wine. The oldest known winery discovered was dated at around 4100 BC and since then wine’s history was intertwined with the expansion of the human race around the world.

About a 1,000 years after that first winery, the Pharaohs rose to power and began making wine for ceremonies from red grapes. Soon contact was made with other cultures and wine began to spread around the world. As trade expanded across the Mediterranean, wine and grapevines became a commodity of trade.

By 1000 BC the Greeks began to perfect it and wine became a status symbol for wealth and religion. The Greek god Dionysus was even named in honor of wine. By 800 BC, the Greeks settled Sicily and southern Italy and wine found its way to Rome.

Around 146 BC, the Romans defeated the Greeks and started building an Empire of their own. They were the first to create wine in cultivated vintages. Wine was so ingrained into the Roman culture that they, too, created their own god of wine, Bacchus. As the Roman Empire expanded throughout Europe, they brought with them and planted grapevines in what is now Italy, Germany, France, Spain and Portugal.

It was around this time that tales of Jesus and his miracles enter history. The Bible tells us that Jesus’ first public miracle was to change water into wine. And the ritual first practiced during the last supper, the breaking of bread and drinking of wine, the body and blood of Christ, is a ritual that is continued today in religion as communion.

2,000 years later, what was once worshiped as a nectar of the gods now transcends across all walks of life, from the richest to the poorest. Wine is still celebrated as a life–style symbol. It’s used for religious ceremonies and still traded around the world. Grapevines now thrive in every region of the planet except Antarctica. The one fact that has remained consistent for 6,000 years: we love wine.

When you open a bottle of wine, something happens– the moment becomes special. There are few things more romantic then watching the sunset with the one you love while sharing a glass or two of wine. Or maybe that dinner, when the waiter pops out the cork and pours the first glass.

When the moment strikes, you don’t have to fumble in your search for the perfect vintage; we’ve done the work for you and found some of our most romantic and sexy wines. So sit back and relax with your new favorite glass– it’s right here waiting for you.

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a FINE Magazine’s Sexy Wine 2015 a Sexy Wines at Falkner Winery

W

ines are more than just an alcoholic beverage; wines are reflections of our personalities and our artistic sides. At Falkner Winery, we produce a series of wines created to express fun and sexuality that we call our “Seductive Series.” These wines have a slight sweetness that delights the palate and titillates the senses.

Consistent with the name of the wine series, we have named these wines Luscious Lips, Irresistible Rosato, and Risqué Riesling. The labels all express a sexual nature including large lush lips, high heels and lip stick, and female lingerie. Falkner Winery also produces a large range of high quality, dry wines that consistently win Gold and Silver medals in California Wine Competitions. For further information about purchasing any of the Falkner wines, contact their winery in Temecula at 951-676-8231 or visit their website at www.falknerwinery.com.

Bernardo Winery: Spicy and Satiating Syrah

The Romance of Beach House’s Winery

T

B

he 2012 Sunfresh Vineyards Syrah is a juicy robust red, sourced from San Marcos vineyards that have been kissed by the Southern California sunshine.

The dark fruits and velvety texture finish elegantly with hints of dark chocolate shavings. This wine pairs wells with a fire roasted tomahawk steak for two and a crackling fire. Winemaker Ross Rizzo describes this wine as “spicy, satiating and robust, making it a great date option, regardless if that date is with Netflix or not.” Available in the Bernardo Winery tasting room exclusively.

Bernardo Winery, established in 1889, is the oldest operating winery in Southern California. Nestled in the inland valleys of San Diego County and family owned and operated since 1927, Bernardo Winery is an oasis of old world hospitality and relaxing tranquility. With a village of unique gift shops, local artisans and an award winning restaurant, the Bernardo Winery offers something to all of its visitors.

858.487.1866 www.bernardowinery.com Daily wine tasting

each House Winery is a small, family–owned and operated winery located on the ridgeline of the “Sleeping Indian,” offering ocean and panoramic views. Established in 2005

by George and Kim Murray, it is the only vineyard/winery in the coastal region of North San Diego County.

George and Kim are highly experienced vintners of both red and white wines, ranging from Chardonnay, Viognier, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Late Harvest Merlot, to complex Bordeaux blends.

Beach House Winery name is derived from where they started it at their ‘beach house’ in Oceanside. They produce 2,500 cases annually and are looking forward to their future estate wines of Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and Sangiovese. Cheers!! www.BeachHouseWinery.com 1534 Sleeping Indian Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028 - (760) 732-3236 Tasting room hours are Saturday and Sunday Noon to 4pm, all other times/ days are by appointment.

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a FINE Magazine’s Sexy Wine 2015 a Masters of Their Own Domaine

D

omaine Artefact is a newly opened 30-acre estate vineyard and winery that is nestled in the Highland Valley area of San Pasqual Valley. We specialize in growing and producing wines from the Rhone and Provençal region of France. During the month of February, we will be featuring several of our wines paired with chocolate from Chuao Chocolatiers!

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We are open Saturdays from 12 noon until 6:00 pm and on Sundays by Appointment.

15404 Highland Valley Road www.domaine-artefactwine.com 760-432-8034

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GREAT WESTERN FOIL 134 PMS 7407 TO MATCH CAPSULE

CTUAL COLORS FROM RESTORATION HARDWARE SITE

TIONAL 15 71 60 2

207 104 95

7419

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Don’t Forget FourPlay with Carruth Cellars!

By Heather “Hayhay” Newman

W

hen romance is in the air, your first move should be to open a bottle of FourPlay from Carruth Cellars, a wine that caresses the pallet and leaves you craving more. Be warned: this wine lowers inhibitions and increases emotional intimacy between the consumer and others. Carruth Cellar’s wine is enjoyed as much as the flirtatious title of this blend of Mendocino Pinot Noir, Napa Syrah, Russian River Zin, and Petite Sirah. Whether it’s with a meal or with a special someone, FourPlay is sure to be savored. For $40, you can pick-up a bottle at Carruth Cellars on Cedros Ave in Solana Beach (open 7 days a week).

Learn more about Carruth Cellars at www.carruthcellars.com

Sexy Sipping at San Pasqual Winery

D

o it with Passion! - Passionfruit wine, that is. Try our award– winning, SummerVine wines by the glass or in a mimosa-style PassionFlute at any of our three San Diego area locations.

For a sexy sipper at home, try a Hot PassionTini - our SummerVine Habanero blended with iced vodka!

San Pasqual Winery La Mesa / Seaport Village www.sanpasqualwinery.com (619) 462-1797

Deja Vu Love Boutique, 2130 Industrial Ct., Vista, Ca 92081 (760) 598-5889, dejavuloveboutiquevista.com

Take your passion to the next level with our wide selection of sensual heighteners for men and women

Large selection of intimate lingerie

Sensual bath and body • Luxury bedroom toys

Wine &

D I N I N G

IN IAN D ING SE AL CT IT

Sezione Speciale Pranzo Italiano

Below: The pistachio cake, a gluten– free option, will delight every palate.

OPPOSITE: Top right and below left: BiCE is renowned for their selection of cheeses; BiCE offers a unique twist on favorite Italian classics; Francesca Penoncelli and Mario Cassineri, designers of BiCE’s menu.

N IO

SPEC IA L

D I N E

Bada Bing!

BICE INTRODUCES AUTHENTIC ITALIAN WITH

A TWIST TO SAN DIEGO

BY CAITLIN JOHNSON

hen executive chef and entrepreneur Mario Cassineri shrugged off his corporate persona in 2009 to open a restaurant with his partners, BiCE Ristorante became one of San Diego’s best spots for authentic Italian cuisine. It’s five years later and those specific Italian influences are still flowing strongly in the rare wines, exotic cheeses and house-made pasta that make BiCE uniquely authentic.

Don’t let the simple modern décor fool you—BiCE is as Italian as the Tower of Pisa. From antipastis designed to whet your appetite, such as the light kale and farro salad, to delectable main dishes, such as rich lamb ragu and rigatoni with marscapone and Italian sausage, the menu is designed to meet all of your desires for an exquisite taste of Italy.

“You have to serve quality,” Cassineri said. “Most of my customers go to Italy twice a year. And when they come back, they know; they’re coming here for Italian because they know we do authentic.”

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Cassineri and chef de cuisine and pastry chef Francesca Penoncelli bring to the restaurant their unique skills, perfected after years in the culinary industry. Together they opened restaurants around the world and now pour their experience and expertise into their fully customized menus at BiCE. Everything is meticulously selected and intended to inspire customers with a taste for something different.

BiCE’s assortment of delectable cheeses are intended to showcase the wide variety of flavors and textures of the cheese world. Its near–famous cheese bar offers just about anything you could want, from soft, mild cheeses to the firmer, sharper and sometimes bitter varieties. I was given a quick lesson when my platter was brought to the table, the five selected samples arranged in order of how they should be enjoyed. When paired with the paper–thin aged prosciutto, I felt as if I’d died and gone straight to Italian heaven.

If you’re in the mood for a simple fettuccini alfredo, you won’t find it at BiCE; instead, you’ll be teased and tempted with high-quality main dishes made entirely from scratch using premium meats hand–cut in house and the freshest, local, organic produce. Cassineri himself developed the fresh pasta recipes used in many of the menu’s dishes, stating it was important to be able to control the elasticity and consistency of the pasta in order to produce a perfect dish every time.

“We teach [our cooks] how to cook Italian and to be respectful with the ingredients,” Cassineri said. “If you respect the ingredients, you’re going to get the best product.”

Guests are encouraged to try something outside their comfort zone,

which the cooks deliver with creative twists on traditional favorites, including rabbit ravioli with a creamy leek and thyme sauce and beet potato gnocchi drizzled with a light scallop and Porcini mushroom sauce. I chose a thick, three–meat lasagna perched atop a fresh tomato sauce. Each mouthwatering bite was as good as the first; the only disappointment came from the last forkful.

Like most high–end restaurants dedicated to delivering an experience rather than just a selection of food, BiCE’s menu changes every four months with the change of seasons. Summer’s light and fresh favorites are replaced by hearty winter meats, like lamb and venison. When the rare trifola d’Alba becomes available once per year, Cassineri spares no expense and weaves it into various dishes.

“At the end of the year, I make less profit on my part, but I don’t care because I am serving an experience,” Cassineri said.

Even the desserts are particular to BiCE. Penoncelli developed the entire gluten–free dessert menu, but gluten–free certainly doesn’t mean flavorless. The popular Tortino al Pistacchio e Cuore Morbido al Cioccolato (pistachio cake filled with molten chocolate) explodes with flavor and texture and pairs perfectly with the light hibiscus ice cream and tart raspberry sauce.

BiCE offers a unique Italian dining experience that strays as far from the mainstream, Americanized Italian food of bottomless breadsticks as possible. You may not be able to stroll the halls of the Palazzo or glide through the rivers of Venice, but step into BiCE and you will feel as though you stepped into your own little piece of Italy—without ever leaving downtown San Diego.

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WINE & DINE

Italian VIGILUCCI’S TRATTORIA ITALIANA SERVES AUTHENTIC ITALIAN WITH A SIDE OF HAPPINESS

BY R O B I N S AT T E R W H I T E

INE dining is a true art form, one that has progressed through formalities into the simple elegance and romance of more casual dining in eateries like Vigilucci’s Trattoria Italiana in the coastal town of Leucadia. Fun and friendly, yet elegantly casual, the romantic and dimly lit atmosphere is perfect for a Valentine’s date night. The expansive windows, dog–friendly patios and an authentic Florentine wood–burning brick oven add a whimsical touch to the authentic experience that can be described as no less than Italian art.

A warm and personal spirit can be felt as soon as one arrives at Vigilucci’s and only continues to grow while indulging in such appetizers as the Carciofini al Forno (seasoned and roasted artichoke hearts) and a glass of wine, such as the heavy Tuscan red, Muralia, made by owner Roberto Vigilucci’s childhood friend from Italy. Paired with such sensory experiences as live piano in the evening hours of every night, one is guaranteed to relax into a blissful ambiance of smiling conversation.

Whether appetizer or entree, any dish which features the fresh and fluffy mozzarella is worth a taste. The Pollo Parmesan, for example, could easily challenge the title of best of the traditional dishes. If looking for a more health–conscious entree, the Vegetali Alla Griglia is heaped with a colorful assortment of open–fire– grilled mixed vegetables that is satisfying and filling for vegetarian diners or equally 60

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delicious when paired with grilled chicken or fish. And for dessert, the citrusy lemon of the Torta della Nonna, paired with the crunch of pine nuts, will satisfy every sweet tooth.

As can be seen through the magical charisma and laughter of the accent–infused family of their staff and patrons, every hour seems to be happy at Vigilucci’s. Add to that their famous weeknight (4–7 pm) and weekend (Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 11–6 pm) happy hours and Vigilucci’s may just challenge a nearby park for the happiest place on Earth. Discounted treats featured on the extensive happy hour menu include $5 glasses of house wine, $3.75 pints of a local favorite, Ballast Point’s Sculpin IPA, and appetizer specials, including the ever-popular prime beef braised meatballs and ahi sliders. In addition to happy hour, specials are offered throughout the week, such as Monday’s date night, which includes two entrees and two glasses of house wine for $39.

Good dining is more than food. It is an experience of the palate as well as ambiance, personality and heart. Whether hosting a private party in the intimacy of the cozy garden or in the exclusive and whimsical cottage, dining for a celebration or coming in for a relaxed happy hour, Vigilucci’s Trattoria Italiana guarantees to give one FINE experience.

To see a full menu, list of locations and other information, refer to the Vigilucci’s website at vigiluccis.com

Vigilucci’s provides guests with traditional Italian fare.

WINE & DINE

Bringing Italy Home PERSONAL WINE AND DINE PARTIES

BY N ATA L I E N E E C E

ave you ever been to a fine dining restaurant and seen someone order a lobster and Cabernet Sauvignon, or a juicy steak with a Chardonnay? Such pairings would make a sommelier cringe- but the advice of such experts comes at a price. Why pay $200 for a meal when you can spend under $50 for a similar culinary experience at home? At least, that’s the question occupying the minds of local chef Jason Holmes and wine expert Andrew Sholtes.

Jason Holmes is a local chef and food blogger in San Diego. In addition to his morning cooking segment on FOX news called “Honey, what’s for dinner,” Holmes writes about his adventures across Southern California exploring all that our region has to offer the culinary world on his blog,“The Fork Lifter.” Andrew Sholtes is a San Diego wine enthusiast who loves to teach people how to enjoy wine. With their combined expertise, they create the perfect match of wine and food for clients without breaking their bank.

“People enjoy food and wine but the missing ingredient is how to pair them to enhance the taste,” explains Sholtes. Historically, wines were developed to match local foods throughout France, Italy and Spain.

Holmes and Sholtes host private food and wine pairing parties to create a fine–dining experience within private homes. Holmes prepares traditional and authentic dishes from specific regions, especially Italy, while Sholtes provides the corresponding wine from the region. For their upcoming party at a residence in Carlsbad, they will incorporate pairings from the Campagnia, Veneto, Tuscany and Piedmont regions of Italy.

Leading up to the event, Holmes researches the region and finds the freshest simple ingredients for the recipes he makes. He starts with lighter dishes, pairing them with white wines, before gradually transitioning to dishes with robust flavors for the reds. The parties, which Holmes prefers to limit to smaller groups of 12 or less, begin with a quick cooking lesson on how to make three kinds of pasta sauces. While he is finishing the final touches of the three course meal, Sholtes holds the wine education portion of his course.

For one of his upcoming parties, Holmes has a tour of Italy planned in courses. For the first course, from the Veneto region, the appetizers will include an asparagus crustini, a salmon crustini, and a chicken liver patee crustini paired with a light crisp Soave Classico white. The second course, hailing from Tuscany, will feature a braised pork shoulder in a rosemary white bean puree, paired with a Brunello. The third and final course, from the Piedmont region, will include a risotto with a Barollo.

“Eating well and enjoying wine doesn’t need to be expensive,” Sholtes notes. “I tell my clients that the price is the poorest indicator of the quality of wine. An extraordinary dinner can be done within your budget.” What makes this food and wine pairing dinner truly unique is that there is one–on–one personal interaction between the chef, wine expert and diner. Customers can easily ask questions as to how to recreate these exquisite recipes. For more information and to book your own private food and wine pairing, contact Jason Holmes at jasontheforklifter@gmail.com.

“EATING WELL AND ENJOYING WINE DOESN’T NEED TO BE EXPENSIVE”

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WINE & DINE

D I N I N G Aguachile

Realizing Pangea GOURMET LATIN CUISINE IN LITTLE ITALY W R I T T E N & P H OTO G R A P H E D BY M A R I A D E S I D E R ATA M O N TA N A

irena restaurant offers a true gourmet Latin Cuisine–inspired menu, with many dishes having roots in the food culture of South America. Located on the corner of Columbia and Fir Streets in San Diego’s Little Italy, this new and vibrant restaurant boasts a neutral color palette accented with wooden walls and dark tables, making it the perfect spot for a romantic date.

The philosophy behind the menu at Sirena is to showcase fresh ingredients with simple flavors. “We wanted to bring San Diego a unique and unmatched culinary experience with a one–of–a–kind menu,” says Executive Chef Jaime Chavez. Sirena stands out from other restaurants in the area by a few trademarks. First, Sirena is the only true Latin American–inspired restaurant while still taking on a new life with modern and inventive preparations. Secondly, the caliber of their fresh, seasonal and sustainable ingredients is unmatched. “We do everything we can to feature only locally or regionally–caught seafood and in– season produce,” Chavez says. “We even grow some of the produce ourselves. The menu is creative and complex, while still allowing simple ingredients to shine through.”

Sirena utilizes a unique combination of ingredients for a distinct 64

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flavor and appearance. For example, their purple cauliflower is delicately pickled and prepared with oysters, while a fresh coconut– ginger sauce is paired with braised scallops. Additionally, even though Sirena is a seafood restaurant, they also cater to vegetarian and vegan diners. Chavez explains that several members of his kitchen team are not meat–eaters, so much time has been devoted to developing techniques to replicate some of their favorite dishes into vegan– approved options, including cauliflower that tastes like ceviche or mushrooms that imitate raw oysters. “Food can be very creative, which is our inspiration in the Sirena kitchen.”

The majority of the ingredients on the menu at Sirena are not only fresh, but sustainable. Born in Puerto Montt, one of the main cities in the south of Chile, Chavez liked to go to his grandfather’s house in a little fishermen’s city called Maullín where they had a farm. At a very young age, he learned about fish and seafood. “I was able to open clams before reading,” he says. Chavez also says his first approach with cooking was during the holiday season. “It is common in my family to slow roast a half lamb with a chimichurri lacquer. So, while it was very annoying for adults to rotate the lamb for four hours, it was a very attractive job for a little kid.”

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yanya morton “The Kiss�

coolhaus art gallery 345 north coast hwy 101 Solana beach, ca (619)572-7400 coolhausart.com by appointment only

WINE & DINE

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In the south of Chile, Chavez explains that there was a significant German influence, thus his family developed German pastry traditions.

“I think cooking and baking is in my blood,” he says. “To be honest, while growing up, I never thought I wanted to cook for a living, but at some point what was in my blood was stronger than my own wishes.”

Chavez attended Inacap, in Santiago de Chile, the oldest culinary school in Chile. He started in 2004, studying in the daytime and working in different places at night. From fast food to taco shops, Asian eateries to sushi restaurants, he’s worked all of them, gaining invaluable skills, techniques and experience. In October 2006, Chavez moved for an internship to Peralada, a little village in Alt Empurdá, Barcelona.

There he learned the importance of respecting his ingredients. During his internship, he spent several weeks at El Cingle, a Michelin star restaurant. It was there that he received his training in contemporary Catalan cuisine with Montse Estruch, a revolutionary in the field.

Eventually, Chavez headed back to Chile to finish school. Looking for new experiences, he moved to a restaurant called Emilio, the best Peruvian fine-dining restaurant in Santiago. He started there as a line cook and in less than three months he was promoted to sous chef.

He stayed with Emilio until he received an offer to open a Peruvian restaurant in his home city. “It was a beautiful and hard experience, but it was there that I realized that I really loved this life,” he says.

One day, Chavez was in his office and received a call offering him a pastry position at El Cingle, the Michelin star restaurant at which he had trained. It was an opportunity he could not turn down, pastry or not. When he arrived at the restaurant, he was informed that there was actually no chef de cuisine at the restaurant, so he jumped from pastry to chef de cuisine in a matter of minutes!

Chavez explains that managing a Michelin star–awarded restaurant was very different than managing any of the other restaurants he had 66

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Top row, left: Berlines with Chocolate Center; Top row, right: Salmon & Ají; Bottom row, left: Chicken A la Mocho; Bottom row, right: Chocolate Mango.

worked with before that time. At El Cingle, there was no space for mistakes, an environment that was very demanding. Eighteen-hour days became the norm. “There are so many details to take care of that you can’t even imagine,” he says. “I had so much to read about, invested several hours in research, practiced my plating skills, and developed a creative process for making new dishes. That place made me who I am now.”

Eventually, Chavez left Spain to follow his wife to Tijuana, Mexico.

There, he was an instructor at a cooking school, teaching students how to experience food and cooking. From Tijuana, Chavez and his wife came to San Diego, where they have worked in several hotels and restaurants in the city, finally bringing him to Sirena as the new Executive Chef. “Now, I wish to provide a way for anyone to enjoy and experience those possibilities through my culinary creations,” he says.

The menu at Sirena is inspired by Chavez’s background and by the food culture of South America. Many of the dishes are inspired by things his mother would make, but with a special spin. “I love simple, clean flavors with complex preparation,” he says. “But, there are also other menu items that play up the quality of seafood we are able to get here in San Diego. Nekkei, our take on a sushi-style dish, spotlights how fresh and flavorful our seafood is, even when served raw.”

One of Chavez’s favorite dishes on the menu is the Peruvian Ceviche, where the flavors are very fresh and clean with a hint of spice. The fresh oysters are also a favorite, offering a unique presentation, served with pickled vegetables and toasted squid-inked black bread. As a main dish, the braised scallops set atop a fresh coconut-ginger sauce, mirasol chili oil and a cauliflower puree is absolute perfection. “I love every dish we have on the menu,” says Chavez. “When I started, I was convinced about the flavors but I had to test the textures. I especially love the scallops because it’s a simple dish and the flavors are amazing. There are so many textures, that every bite is a difference experience.”

WINE & DINE

R E C I P E

“I LOVE TO BE IN THE KITCHEN CREATING NEW RECIPES FOR MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS.”

Coconut Raspberry Muffins

P H OTO G R A P H Y & R E C I P E BY M A R I A D E S I D E R ATA M O N TA N A

I recently discovered a luxury at my local supermarket called coconut milk. I love it so much that I decided to try it out in a muffin recipe with one of my favorite fruits, raspberries! The combination of flavors is absolutely wonderful and a perfect treat for your sweetheart for Valentine’s Day.

INGREDIENTS 2 cups all purpose flour ½ cup granulated sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 1 egg 1 cup coconut milk ¼ cup canola oil 1 cup raspberries 1 cup shredded coconut

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PROCESS Preheat oven to 400 Degrees F. Line a twelve 2 ½- inch muffin pan with cupcake wrappers.

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

In a small mixing bowl, combine egg, milk and oil; whisk and gently stir in raspberries.

Add the egg mixture to the flour mixture and gently stir until mixture is moistened and ingredients are incorporated. Avoid over stirring which causes toughness; batter should be lumpy.

Evenly distribute batter into muffin cups. Evenly sprinkle shredded coconut on top of each muffin.

Bake muffins for 20 to 25 minutes or until light golden brown and toothpick inserted into the center of one comes out clean and dry.

Immediately remove muffins from pan onto a wire rack and serve.

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Maria Desiderata Montana is the publisher of the awardwinning food website San Diego Food Finds (www. sandiegofoodfinds.com).

Maria is the author of several books, including the Food Lovers’ Guide to San Diego, the San Diego Chef ’s Table, and San Diego Italian Food: A Culinary History of Little Italy and Beyond.

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Dawn Hough Sebaugh

MURDER

FOR TWO

A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY Great American novelist Arthur Whitney has been murdered at his own birthday party, and his killer could be any one of the guests. But this is no ordinary murder mystery. The entire world of this hilarious musical is brought to life by two incredible performers: one plays the detective, the other plays all 10 suspects, and both play the piano! Murder for Two is an irrepressibly wacky tour-de-force musical that NY1 dubbed “a must-see 90-minute jolt of caffeinated creativity!”

MURDER FOR TWO Book and Music by Joe Kinosian Book and Lyrics by Kellen Blair Directed by Scott Schwartz

January 24 - March 1 TICKETS START AT $29

(619) 23-GLOBE (234-5623) www.TheOldGlobe.org Ian Lowe and Joe Kinosian. All photos by Joan Marcus.

Award winning and world–renowned artist Dawn Hough Sebaugh brings her gift collection of hand–painted glass accessories to market in February. “Va Va GLAM” dots, mosaics and blow are techniques used on her one–of–a–kind glassware.

Sebaugh paints on reclaimed and recovered glass located in old collections around the country. Norcatur, Kansas is where she found items for her current inventory. “Each of my pieces are one of a kind,” Sebaugh says. “No two pieces are exactly alike.”In her current collection there are wine glasses, champagne glasses, shot glasses, chargers, vases, center pieces and much more. To contact her for current inventory: www.dawnsebaugh.com or dawn.sebaugh@gmail.com

WINE & DINE

R E P O R T

Conquer Your Kitchen

QUICK CULINARY TIPS AND TRICKS TO BRING OUT YOUR INNER CHEF

BY CHANTÉ OWENS

alking into your kitchen is the equivalent of an adult wonderland. The alabaster Carrara marble countertops glisten like newly fallen snow; the gleaming, silvery set of All–Clad cookware hangs down from ceiling racks; the elegant Viking range takes center stage, waiting for the proud moment when you pull your culinary masterpiece from its hot belly to tantalize your guests’ taste buds. There’s just one problem: you can’t decipher a sweat from a sauté.

And what exactly does “temper” have to do with your chocolate? Let’s explore a few of these potential kitchen land mines.

A technique that is becoming increasingly popular is a process called sous–vide. Leave it to the French to create a divine-sounding name for a mere water bath! The exact translation in French stands for “under vacuum.” It is a technique whereby food is sealed in airtight plastic bags and then submerged in a water bath or in a temperaturecontrolled steam environment for hours. This process is primarily utilized in order to ensure the inside of the food being prepared retains the proper level of moisture, without being overcooked on the outside.

Despite their similarities, sweat and sauté are two distinctly different techniques. In French, the word sauté means “to jump.” Oftentimes a simple dish like quick stir–fry can be completed by sautéing your vegetables or meats. When you sauté, you are cooking these items at a medium–high to high temperature for a short period of time.While a sweat is similar to a sauté and vegetables may be cut up into smaller pieces, the sweating process is typically a step that is done in order to build flavors as you prepare these items to be added to another dish. A recipe will typically note to sweat onions until they are translucent, or carrots are cooked through.

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When making baked items that you may drizzle with chocolate or if you are dipping fruits, you will need to temper your chocolate.

The temper process heats and cools chocolate to form stable crystals, ensuring the chocolate will be firm at room temperature and adhere to your finished product. You also need to temper egg yolks to prevent curdling when adding them to hot sauces.

When preparing a dish, you not only want it to taste delicious, but to look fantastic, too! Unfortunately, there are those occasions where you may be served some green beans that are as grey as a gym sock and taste just as horrid. There is a process to maintain those fresh, crisp green beans and the vibrant color they were meant to be. This technique is usually used when preparing vegetables, and there are two parts to this process: blanching and shocking. The vegetables are cooked in boiling, salted water, which is blanching. The vegetables are then transferred to an ice water bath to stop the cooking process where they are shocked!

The blanching cooks the vegetables al dente, and the shocking helps them retain their vibrant color. Voilà, no more sad veggies.

Whether your culinary creations are for special occasions or simply a picnic in the park, some of these techniques can help you masterfully prepare dishes that will not only be a feast for your taste buds, but will also provide visually stunning presentations that will impress and mesmerize your guests. Bon appétit!

S O C I A L S C E N E

Art &

S O C I E T Y

Left to right: Jeffrey Trout, Lisa Thompson, Jacob Rannochio, Lindsey Dowyer

Vixen Pop–Up Boutique Grand Opening Encinitas, California Photos courtesy of Heather Winfield and Digital Expressions by Becki Encinitas’ newest boutique had their grand opening December 4th.

The beer sponsor featured was Artifex Brewery from San Clemente.

Guests dined from Curiocity, a local food truck and sipped on craft cocktails featuring VIXEN inspired drinks. DJ Phreek spun tunes, along with a live band and a special performance by Camron Zibaie.

Vixen also had one of their vendors’ airstream boutique in the parking lot for people to shop. Stop in today for some trendy styles!

Jeff Roorda and Violette Baldwin

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Diamonds are Forever The Westin Emerald Plaza, San Diego Photos courtesy of Osceola Dubois, Becky Freed, Chris Brake, Marcello Moccia Diamonds are truly forever. On New Year’s Eve 2014, the Black Tie CEO Club hosted their annual NYE bash with the theme of “Monte Carlo.”

Guests arrived decked–out in diamonds and gold as they helped sponsor the Black Tie CEO Club, which helps provide veterinary care for abused and abandoned dogs in San Diego.

Venessa Johnson and Heather Winfield

Lovica Reulet DJ view of the dance floor.

Maria Rossing and Becki Freed John Winfield and Steve Lorber

Jose Maria and Tony Acevedo

David Mandelman and Emily Butler

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ART & SOCIETY

S O C I A L S C E N E Samuel Pergande (Johnny) and the company of the North American tour.

San Diego Broadway Theatre, Dirty Dancing Premier Broadway, San Diego Photos courtesy of Matthew Murphy The classic story hit the sage at the San Diego Broadway Theatre from January 6th–11th 2015.

The audience had the “time of the their life” at the premiere! Guests lucky enough to attend the premier mingled with the stars of the stage production and got to see the timeless classic performed on stage as the rest of San Diego waited with bated breath.

Samuel Pergande (Johnny) and Jillian Mueller (Baby) in the North American tour of DIRTY DANCING: THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE.

Left to right: 4th Season Winner of So You Think You Can Dance Joshua Allen with Mary Murphy, Billy Garton and Francine Garton

Students in one of the workshops

Royal Academy of Performing Arts Ribbon Cutting Royal Academy of Performing Arts, Sorrento Valley, San Diego Photos courtesy of John Winfield.

TV personality and dance aficionado Mary Murphy was on hand to help Francine Garton with the ribbon–cutting for her new school, the Royal Academy of Performing Arts.

The longtime owner of the Royal Dance Academy in Carmel Valley is proud to open her second school in Sorrento Valley. The celebratory afternoon included music, dance and acting demonstrations, opportunity drawings, gift certificates, free classes, voice and music trials, and children’s activities. In addition, the event provided tours of the new campus, which is state–of–the– art– each room even has a video camera recording each class so that teachers can closely track students’ progress.

Francine Garton and Mary Murphy

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OPERA’S ULTIMATE BAD BOY!

San Diego Symphony Orchestra

Fe b r uar y S c h e dule Jacobs Masterworks

MOZART AND STRAUSS Fri & Sat, Feb 6 & 7, 8pm Sun, Feb 8, 2pm Jahja Ling, conductor Nicole Cabell, soprano Sheryl Renk, clarinet International Passport Series

RUSSIAN NATIONAL BALLET THEATRE*

Feb 10, 7:30pm - Sleeping Beauty Feb 11, 7:30pm - Don Quixote Feb 12, 7:30pm - Swan Lake City Lights

NATHAN PACHECO: BE MY VALENTINE* Sat, Feb 14, 8pm

FEB 14 • FEB 17 • FEB 20 • FEB 22 • 2015 Lustful, pompous and sadistic, Don Giovanni stalks his latest conquest, but he cannot escape his past sins or the ones who try to bring him to justice. In a shocking conclusion, we find that the living are not the only ones who can seek vengeance.

Tickets start at $45 sdopera.com (619) 533-7000 Tickets also available at

Jacobs Masterworks

VIENNA BOYS CHOIR* Fri, Feb 20, 8pm

Jacobs Masterworks

GOODE PLAYS MOZART Fri & Sat, Feb 27 & 28, 8pm Sun, Mar 1, 2pm Jahja Ling, conductor Richard Goode, piano

All performances at the San Diego Civic Theatre.

Free lecture one hour prior to each performance.

ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS DISPLAYED ABOVE THE STAGE

Make a sound investment. Donate to the San Diego Symphony today!

Call 619.615.3908 or Visit www.sandiegosymphony.org/donations A SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR SERIES SPONSORS:

Financial support is provided by the City of San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture.

ALL SINGLE TICKET FULL PRICES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UP UNTIL SHOWTIME WITHOUT ANY GIVEN NOTICE. All artists, programs, dates and times subject to change. All sales final, no refunds.

*San Diego Symphony Orchestra does not appear on these programs.

CALL 619.235.0804 or VISIT sandiegosymphony.com

ART & SOCIETY

A R T S C E N E

La Quinta Arts Festival THE ULTIMATE FINE ART EXPERIENCE!

BY K AT H L E E N H U G H E S

rt lovers throughout Southern California are blessed with relatively easy access to a myriad of outdoor art festivals throughout San Diego, Orange County and greater Los Angeles. But there is one show that stands apart from all others, promising “the ultimate four day fine art experience.”

The La Quinta Arts Festival offers the best arts festival experience imaginable!

As the reigning #1 FINE arts festival in the nation for the past 3 years (Art Fair SourceBook 2013, 2014, 2015), La Quinta Arts Festival 2015 offers visitors a trip to the Coachella Valley for an experience everyone is raving about.

Here’s a glimpse of what’s to come for the 33rd annual event held March 5–8, 2015 on the unparalleled venue of the visually stunning La Quinta Civic Center Campus in La Quinta, California, just a short drive down the I-10 from legendary Palm Springs.

The superb quality of the artists is what truly defines the La Quinta Arts Festival and sets it above competitors. This year it will host 230 of the nation’s premier contemporary artists arriving from 35 states, Canada and Israel to exhibit their original works. Artists will present works in ceramics, drawing and pastel, fiber/textile, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and wood. The exhibitors were invited through a rigorous jury process that reviewed the works of 1,159 applicants vying for a coveted spot in this event.

You don’t have to be an art expert to know what you like and you are sure to discover that one special piece made just for you at the La Quinta Arts Festival. There really is something wonderful for everyone in every price range.

La Quinta Arts Festival 2015 Featured Artists will include painter Guilloume, who hails from Sandia Park, New Mexico. Guilloume was chosen as the 2015 Poster Artist for his original painting entitled

Clockwise: Lorra Lee Rose’s “Mambo” is a beautiful representation of her unique work; Enjoy the sights and sounds of this year’s festival; Guilloume’s “Windows of the Soul” is an image definitive of the festival.

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“Windows of the Soul,” the image featured for the museum quality La Quinta Arts Festival 2015 commemorative poster. Passion, love, joy and commitment: these are the themes that permeate the work of Columbian–born and award winning Guilloume. Guilloume is an artist who uses understated but timeless forms in paintings, bronze sculptures and reliefs to depict the value, commitment and feelings of family and friends.

Lorra Lee Rose, who works in mixed media, will also be present at the festival. Lorra Lee’s flamboyant “Mambo” feather creation is featured as one of the primary images for the festival’s 2015 marketing campaign. Her “must–see–to–believe” artworks are created using brilliant, naturally– colored feathers to make life–size human figures and masks.

Lorra Lee’s work has a mythic, fantastic quality, evoking a sense of belonging to another time and place, a magical world of dream–beings, while still being intensely vivid and present.

La Quinta Arts Festival is a total sensory experience and even as you see every art medium imaginable, you will delight in the variety of musical entertainment, too! This year’s lineup takes you on a trip around the world, starting with the smooth flamenco guitar stylings of Milton Merlos, meditative Bolivian Pan Pipes by master Oscar Reynolds, and favorites Steve Madaio and Friends will have you swinging and singing to those Sinatra standards. For the classically inclined, a new alliance with OperaArts brings Operetta and Broadway from some amazing talent. Just when you thought your entertainment journey was over, make one last stop on Sunday from 2 pm to 5 pm to salsa, merengue and cha cha to the Louie Cruz Beltran EPK Latin jazz band.

Patrons can enjoy a leisurely lunch at Fisherman’s Market & Grill Restaurant on Restaurant Row or lighter fare, fine wines and craft beers at the Island Bar and Oasis Lounge.

And do not miss The Chocolate Bar tended by the sweet masterminds from Brandini Toffee who dip creamy vanilla ice cream bars into decadent milk or dark chocolate before rolling them in their famous toffee.

Everything you need to know: • The 33nd Annual La Quinta Arts Festival is slated for March 5-8.

2015 at La Quinta Civic Center Campus, 78495 Calle Tampico, La Quinta, CA. Event hours are 10 am to 5 pm.

• Admission: Adults $15, Multi-Day Pass $20, Children under 12 are free. Tickets may be purchased at the gate or in advance at www.LQAF.com.

• Free parking is available in the Village of La Quinta, along with paid valet and self parking options.

• La Quinta Arts Festival is presented by La Quinta Arts Foundation in partnership with Premier Sponsor The City of La Quinta. Major corporate sponsors include Rabobank and Integrated Wealth Management.

• Event proceeds have funded LQAF scholarship awards totaling $1,147,752 to students pursuing an education in the visual arts.

More Info: www.LQAF.com or 760-564-1244.

ART & SOCIETY

P E R F O R M I N G A R T S

Ballet’s Best

SAN DIEGO CITY BALLET CARRIES ON BALANCHINE’S TRADITIONS

BY ERICA MINER

f experience is the root of success, then Steven and Elizabeth Wistrich of the San Diego City Ballet are towering oaks. Both had remarkable careers as dancers, working together at Boston Ballet with legendary director Virginia Williams and later, on his own, Steven worked with celebrated icon George Balanchine.

Often called the “Father of American Ballet,” Balanchine merged his dance technique learned at St. Petersburg’s Imperial Ballet School with experience and knowledge gleaned from stints choreographing on Broadway and in Hollywood to create his distinctive “neo–classical” ballet style of choreography. A prolific choreographer, his ballets are admired for their unique brilliance and companies worldwide still perform his pieces. Balanchine not only founded the worldrenowned School of American Ballet and built it into one of the most celebrated dance conservatories on the planet, but also created his signature company, the New York City Ballet. To have worked with or studied with Balanchine is considered a great privilege and the ultimate training in dance.

In 1993, Steven and Elizabeth tried their hand at co– directing their own company, San Diego City Ballet (www. cityballet.org). This month they are producing three Balanchine ballets: Rubies, The Four Temperaments and Walpurgis Nacht (music by Stravinsky, Hindemith and Strauss, respectively). Steven elaborated on the company’s accomplishments and goals.

Steven Wistrich: It was always part of our mission to present Balanchine’s ballets here. I coached with him in some of these ballets, so I have this long–standing connection with him and New York City Ballet. When we danced our first Balanchine ballet back in 1994, it was such a thrill…

Now we’ve become the largest center of Balanchine’s work in San Diego, 18 of his ballets in our repertoire. There’s a particular joy a director has in knowing he’s putting the best of the ballet world out on the stage. To me, choreography doesn’t get better than Balanchine.

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ABOVE: “Walpurgisnacht Ballet” Choreography by George Balanchine ©The George Balanchine Trust Photo by Dale Stokes BELOW: “Rubies” Choreography by George Balanchine ©The George Balanchine Trust Photo by Dale Stokes

22nd Anniversary 2014-2015 Season

Balanchine Spectacular Ballets by George Balanchine

Spreckels Theatre with The City Ballet Orchestra, John Nettles conducting

Rubies from Jewels Choreography by George Balanchine The George Balanchine Trust © Photo by Dale Stokes

Includes: Rubies from Jewels The Four Temperaments Walpurgisnacht Ballet

Erica Miner: What was your journey to bring these ballets to your company?

SW: The George Balanchine Trust, based in New York’s Lincoln Center, are the caretakers of Balanchine’s ballets. You have to go through them to receive permission to dance his works. We had to first send them videotapes of the company, since they’re very concerned that the work be danced at a high enough level. They knew I had worked with Balanchine, and liked what they saw.

We staged Valse Fantaisie first, music by Glinka, which I had danced many times… Over time, various women from NYCB have come to work with the dancers and got to know the company and dancers really well. It’s been thrilling. So we try to present Balanchine’s work as often as possible. Last season we performed a wonderful all–Balanchine program. For the first time, somebody from the Trust in New York actually flew in to see the company in person. She was thrilled with what she saw, and so impressed that such a small company like this had an orchestra. Sandra Jennings, one of the repetiteurs from the Balanchine Trust, will be coming and staging two of the three Balanchine ballets here this month.

EM: Is any one of those more challenging for the dancers?

SW: They’re all incredibly challenging. Rubies is sensual, jazzy, energetic and athletic and requires a lot of technique. Walpurgis Nacht is much more romantic. The Four Temperaments is one of Balanchine’s most famous contemporary ballets, created back in the 1950s. Balanchine was such a pioneer. Nobody was doing ballets of that kind, very modern, startling. He created a whole new vocabulary that no one else was using. It looks as fresh and brilliant and effective now as it was back then. That’s the true test of a genius, over time. The work doesn’t fade.

Fri, March 6 at 8:00 pm Sat, March 7 at 8:00 pm Sun, March 8 at 2:00 pm Tickets: $29-$79 Discounts for students, seniors & military

Funded in part by:

Call: 858-272-8663 or Order Online www.cityballet.org

ART & SOCIETY

P E R F O R M I N G A R T S

Music To Our Ears

SAN DIEGO MUSICAL THEATRE MOVES TO SPRECKELS

BY ERICA MINER

ince 2006, Erin and Gary Lewis have been on a mission: to bring top quality Broadway musical theatre hit productions, presented with professional actors, musicians, and technicians, to San Diego’s discriminating audiences via the non–profit San Diego Musical Theatre (www.sdmt.org).

With this month’s offering, the couple is especially excited about a SDMT first. Having closed White Christmas in December, their final show at the North Park Theatre, the company will hold performances at the handsomely refurbished, historic landmark Spreckels Theatre in the heart of downtown San Diego, starting with their run of the incomparable West Side Story on Feb. 13. Erin Lewis had much to say about the current season, the splendid new venue, and about her passion for musical theatre.

Erica Miner: Erin, since you and your husband Gary founded SDMT, you’ve won numerous awards and produced some of the greatest musicals of all time.

How do you choose your productions?

Erin Lewis: It is a combination of what we would like to produce and what our audiences are asking for. We let our audiences vote on their favorites, see which ones received the greatest amount of votes and then decide on a season. Choosing our season is very important, because it means whether we break even or not on a show.

EM: Describe your passion for musical theatre. How did that begin?

EL: My Dad sang and played sax in a Spreckels Theatre.

1940’s dance band, so music was always an important part of our household. Gary and I were exposed to musical theatre growing up since our parents took us to local productions. Our daughter began performing in musical theatre at the age of 11 (26 years ago). As a parent you have to drive them to all the rehearsals and shows, so you spend a lot of time sitting and watching. We really enjoyed the process and the people and started volunteering, giving of our time and resources. We love it!

EM: What have been some of your favorite productions so far?

EL: That is a really hard question, because we have truly loved them all. If I had to pick, I’d say early favorites would be Dreamgirls and A Chorus Line. More recently, Next To Normal. And White Christmas is such a feel–good favorite!

EM: West Side Story is one of our most cherished shows, and so appropriate for Valentine’s Day! How exciting is it to be producing it at SDMT? What was it like making this show happen?

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EL: It took a long time to get the rights to West Side Story, and we were so excited to get it! We are still in the process of making it happen. We have had auditions and have a wonderful cast lined up. Now we are designing the set, securing the costumes, crew, orchestra … there is a lot to do. We enjoy the process of putting the show together and then seeing it all happen on Opening Night. We are really proud of all the effort and care that everyone puts into making the “magic” happen.

EM: How do you come to choose the actors playing these iconic WSS roles?

EL: It’s a group effort! Besides ourselves, there is the casting director, director, choreographer and music director that all weigh in. There are so many things to look at. Of course, the acting, singing and dancing - but there are also the intangibles such as the essence of the person. Sometimes there is just something about the person that you think would be good for that specific role.

EM: Tell us about your Boys and Girls Clubs outreach program. When did you first start it, and how has the response been?

EL: We started the Boys and Girls Club outreach program about six years ago. As everyone knows, the arts have been taken out of schools. It has been documented that children who are exposed to the arts at an early age are better students, citizens and grow into more responsible adults with better jobs. This is our way to help. We invite the boys and girls from the Military Boys and Girls Clubs to a free performance. It is so rewarding to watch them come into a theatre, many for the first time, and see how excited they are.

EM: That invitation to the Military seems like a great choice, given the importance of that sector in our city. I heard that you have added some innovations in the program this season.

EL: Something new that we started with the last show and going through our 2015 season is our YOU GIVE WE GIVE fundraising campaign. We are a local non–profit, part of many local non–profits throughout San Diego who need monetary help. For each one of our productions we choose one local non–profit that has something to do with the particular show we are doing and call them our production partner. We donate 10% of the monies raised at the theatre, doing our production, to our “production partner.” So when you give to SDMT, you are also giving to another deserving, local non–profit.

EM: Sounds like a winning partnership, Erin, and a worthy effort for audience members to keep in mind when they are enjoying SDMT. Thanks so much for all the great info, and best of luck with the season.

EL: Thanks very much, Erica.

A WORLD-PREMIERE PLAY

JANUARY 31 – MARCH 8, 2015 BY

AND

DARRELL ELIZABETH HAMMOND STEIN

DIRECTED BY

CHRISTOPHER ASHLEY

A FUNNY AND DEEPLY MOVING PORTRAIT OF ONE OF OUR MOST PROLIFIC COMEDIANS This world-premiere play offers a fascinating peek inside the life and mind of an American comic genius. At once heartbreaking and hilarious, the show will take audiences from Hammond’s troubled childhood to the set of Saturday Night Live, as he shares his story of how he climbed from the depths of despair to become a world-class comedian.

LaJollaPlayhouse.org

ART & SOCIETY

P E R F O R M I N G A R T S

Romance Is In the Air

BY BOB MOREY

his is the time of the year when romance is in the air and you can feel it. From the children that exchange Valentine’s Day cards right up to the adults who plan out the candle–lit dinner (maybe with a little gift from one of our fine jewelry stores). For most of us, our first Valentine’s date involved Mom dropping ourselves and our date off at the mall, a stop by the food court for something she liked, going to a movie and getting some popcorn and cokes, then finding a pay phone to call for a ride home while trying to squeeze in a kiss.

As we got older, we got cars and that opened up a wider range of dating options. From the malls and movies, we added restaurants, concerts, parties and coveted dates at the drive–in. As we aged, a small group of us added the Preforming Arts. Usually, this was born when our friends landed parts in college or community theatre plays or signed on with the stage crew behind the scenes. The bottom line is we went to see one of their shows and the door opened to go see more like it elsewhere.

For me, my love for the Preforming Arts started at around the age of 13. My parents had season subscriptions for the whole family to the Starlight Theatre in Balboa Park. For those of you who

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have never made it to the Starlight Bowl, it’s nestled between the Air & Space Museum and the Hall of Champions on the south side of Balboa Park. During the performances, at times the actors will freeze in place as the planes landing at Lindbergh Field fly overhead, then resume on beat as the sounds of jet engines fade away.

Those warm summer nights launched me onto an education and career path. I started drama courses in school and in the years following. Then came a gig working at the Fox Theatre (now Symphony Hall) as an usher for the touring productions that came through town. There were extra and bit parts in the TV shows and films that came here to shoot. Then it was off to college and more theatre. By the time I was 23, I was producing theatre here locally beginning at The Theatre in Old Town.

Last month I wrote about my New Year’s Resolution of taking friends to the Preforming Arts and sharing those experiences. But as I write this, I’m going to tell you about a night that has not yet happened. On Valentine’s Day, I can see how the evening will play out. We’ll be at dinner, the lights will be dim with candles glowing across the table top, pools of their flickering light will set the mood. Our waiter will pour us each a glass of deep red wine then take our order, dinner will be multiple courses and timed perfectly. There will be a post-dinner drink and from there, we’ll be off to the Opera. The sounds of Mozart will fill the room as Don Giovanni fills the stage. Afterwards… well, let’s just say love is in the air.

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