GED Magazine - November 2022

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Fall is here and the temperature has dropped. We can now look forward to all the events that the last quarter of the year is bringing us. Be sure to join GED Magazine and LE Parties for the return of our MEGA Pride Pool Party on Saturday, No vember 5th from 12-7pm. Our DJ lineup is bigger than ever with four of the hottest DJs around, headlined by superstar Grammy nominated DJ Chris Cox. You will not want to miss this signature event - with extended hours, VIP Cabanas and bottle service, live performances by singer-songwriter Nick Osin and international pole dancer Miles Yung, taco station, multiple full bars, and some other surprises - all at the ulti mate Palm Springs pool oasis Margaritaville Resort. Look for the ad in this issue and scan the QR code for tickets or visit GEDmag.com. This event will sell out, so get your tickets early!

After Pride, our thoughts turn toward the holidays. We at GED Magazine are very thank ful to our readers, advertisers, and partners for being part of the GED Family! Upcoming issues include our annual December Holiday Guide and Health and Fitness issue in Janu ary. Email sales@gedmag.com to reserve your ad space now and get into these exciting upcoming issues.

Visit us on the web at GEDmag.com and sign up for our monthly insider newsletter. Insid ers will be entered into drawings for trips, event tickets, dinners and more. And for all the updates on social media, follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @GEDmagazine and tag us in your photos to be featured… #GEDmag #GrabItLikeIt.

GED MAGAZINE is here for YOUR entertainment!

Photo Courtesy of Jackie Beat

Jackie Beat is Psycho

By Alexander Rodriguez

Even though her Grindr age is just shy of 26 years old, Jackie Beat has been entertaining us for over 25 years. An internation al part of drag history, she is wildly known for her biting wit and camp (in its true form) parodies of songs by Britney Spears, Cher, Madonna, and more that have streamed to the millions… oh, and she can actually sing them live. These evocative gems have been featured just about everywhere including The How ard Stern Show, E!, and America’s Top Forty with Ryan Seacrest Emerging from the NYC club scene in the 80s (1980s, not 1880s), her live performances continue to sell out around the nation and her stand-up has ended up on Comedy Central, VH1, and MTV. She’s even admitted to opening for Roseanne Barr. If it’s not stand-up, she’s doing one of her one-woman shows or playing Bea Arthur in The Golden Girlz Live (rumor has it she made a pass at Chris Pine when he stopped by).

As a card-carrying Writer’s Guild member, she’s written for just about every type of show for networks like Syfy, E!, and Com edy Central. As the go-to comedy queen, she’s written mate rial for other queens like Ross Mathews, Margaret Cho, Rosie O’Donnell, Sandra Bernhard, Jennifer Coolidge, and even Elvi ra. Adding to TV writing, she’s a playwright, screenwriter, and magazine columnist.

Can she act? Well, we know she can act UP. But who can forget her performance in Gingerdead Man 3: Saturday Night Clever? She’s also appeared on many TV shows, including Sex and the City (though they didn’t reboot her role for And Just Like That) and the most recent Huluween, and in movies that include Flawless (rumor has it she called Robert DeNiro daddy) and the festival darling Wigstock: The Movie. Now, after appearing in everyone else’s projects, someone has inexplicably greenlit her own TV show. Danger – she is literally in your living room now.

She can now be called Dr. Jackie: Unlicensed Psychotherapist This six-episode series from OutTV features this “doctor” helping her famous friends with life issues. Co-starring Sherry Vine, the show features appearances from the drag world that include Alaska Thunderfuck, Katya, Bianca Del Rio, Monét X Change, Sherry Vine, Tammie Brown & Kelly Mantle, Bendelacreme and Trixie Mattel, and other celebs like Margaret Cho, Elvira, John Cameron Mitchell, Alec Mapa, and more. We love the show and wonder if maybe for Season 2 she can be another kind of doc tor and give rectal exams to reality TV stars?

We caught up with Jackie in between her therapy sessions to chat about cancel culture, the fundamentals of comedy, and, of course, blowing Jake Gyllenhaal.

What took so long to get your own TV show finally? We’ve been waiting for this!

Trust me, if I were in charge, it would have happened a long time ago. I guess you could say the planets have aligned!

What makes you the best person to dole out advice to some of LGBTQ’s sassiest personalities?

Well, I’m very bossy and bitchy and I’m always right. Um, do the math!

In what area of your life could you use a psychotherapist?

I’m actually surprisingly well-adjusted and mentally healthy. I guess if I really had to think of an area where I might need some professional help I would say maybe my sex life. And career. And my eating habits. Okay, I’m a mess!

How did you prepare for the show?

I piled about two pounds of makeup on my old man face and plopped a wig on my bald head. Seriously, I studied different methods of psychotherapy and specifically re searched the correct way to do things. And then I did the exact opposite!

What moment from the debut season is the most memorable for you?

When I punched Bianca Del Rio in the nose with a Dr. Jackie puppet. God, that felt good!

What did you love most about filming the show?

The fully catered lunches. Free food tastes best!

So many of your famous friends stop by the show, who is the craziest?

Look, if I say one person is crazier than another then someone might feel left out or bad. I will just say that they are all really, really, REALLY crazy. I’m sorry to seem so noncom

mittal, but I have to think about Season Two!

When you look back at your quarter of a century of entertain ing, how have you changed the most?

All joking aside, sometimes I would sit down to do my makeup with stress and negativity. Then it dawned on me that preparing for a show - especially a show as magical and mystical as a drag show - is a lot like cooking. You need to cook with love for the finished product to be satisfying and delicious. And so, I guess you could say I cook my face with love!

Cancel culture is a hot topic, do you feel the need to monitor your comedy for today’s social climate?

Of course. Things that were once funny or acceptable many years ago are now considered neither. But I will say I mourn the loss of irony. Saying the opposite of what you are trying to express is a classic way to present comedy. I love noth ing more than showing just how stupid some people are by portraying a racist, homophobic, misogynistic and/or transphobic person. I’m making fun of the character’s igno rance. But there is very little critical thinking right now. We are attempting to right the wrongs of the past and sometimes people get too sensitive and go too far when doing that. And you know what? That’s fine. Hopefully, one day, when we all truly love one another, we’ll be able to joke about anything and everything.

In your opinion, what are the basic rules of comedy?

Be funny! As Joan Rivers once told me, it can be mathe matical. But oftentimes there is no rhyme or reason to why something is funny. Sometimes it is just ridiculous or phonetic or simply a matter of timing. And of course, what makes one person howl with laughter will leave another person just sitting there with their arms crossed and a look on their face like they just sucked a lemon.

How is Jackie Beat the person most different than Jackie Beat the persona?

Well, one is a loud-mouthed, filthy, in-your-face bitch... And the other is the performer you see on stage.

You have played out to sold-out houses all over the country. Why do you think fans love you so much?

I think I’m talented, but I also don’t take myself too serious ly. After all, it’s just drag. I do the kind of drag show I would want to see. I often joke that if you are blind then you get to hear my amazing singing and hilarious comedy, and if you’re deaf you at least get to see my over-the-top glamorous look. But... if you happen to be blessed with both sight and hearing, then you hit the jackpot! Or should I say, “Jackie pot?”

What are current comedy personalities doing right, what are they doing wrong?

I don’t care about anyone but me. Oh my God, did I say that out loud!?

Photos Courtesy of Jackie Beat

Now that you have your TV show, what’s next on your bucket list?

Blowing Jake Gyllenhaal.

What do you love most about performing?

Making people forget about their problems for a brief period. It sounds corny, but it’s true. It’s that simple. That and the fact that maybe just maybe I’ll blow Jake Gyllenhaal one day.

You have met just about everyone in the biz. Do you ever get starstruck anymore?

Oh my God, of course! I once performed at a private holiday party at a hotel in Beverly Hills - looking like a hooker gave birth to a Christmas tree - and, as I was leaving, I walked around a corner and almost bumped right into Barbra Streisand! She looked me up and down and said, “Oh my goodness!” I almost died! Every one asks me, “What did you say?” and I have to explain that when you’re that close to Barbra fucking Streisand all the oxygen in stantly disappears and you can’t talk!

What celebrity has been your favorite to meet?

Liza Minnelli was amazing! She was in the audience at one of my holiday shows with my friend Parker Posey and I always joke, “A drag queen looking out and seeing Liza in the audience is like a priest walking out and seeing Jesus!”

We love the Golden Girlz Live…what was your creative process in pay ing homage to Bea Arthur but also making the performance your own?

I always say you have to give people what they think they remem ber. So, the voice is a little lower and a little gruffer than how she really spoke. She also never points at people. If you look, she’s actually always pointing at herself. And it’s all about her owl eye brows. And triple shoulder pads. God, I love her!

There is so much LGBTQ content out there right now, a much different climate than when you first started in the biz. Do you think gay con tent can become too commercial?

The biggest problem is when something is Gay first and entertaining or funny or scary or whatever it’s trying to be second. For the longest time we as Gay people were so starved to see ourselves onstage or onscreen that we settled for less-than-satisfying material. I think that has finally changed. The subject matter of sim ply being Gay isn’t enough anymore - it’s got to be good.

What is your message to your fans?

Watch my f’ing TV show!

You can watch Dr. Jackie: Unlicensed Psychotherapist on OUTtv.com and on the OUTtv Apple TV Channel in the US and Canada. Follow Jackie (if you dare) on IG: @JackieBeat

We take PRIDE in your health

Varla! Varla! Varla!

By Ethylina Canne

When I think of LEGENDARY queens, Varla Jean Merman is the first person that comes to mind. I’ve seen her more times than Liza Minnelli and have had the pleasure of getting the chance to work along side her in my career. She is someone who I look up to in the entertainment world and if you haven’t had the chance to see her show, you’re in luck. Her brand-new show, hot off the circuit from Provincetown, “Varla Jean Merman’s Ready to Blow” arrives in Palm Springs beginning Pride weekend! This limited run begins November 3rd at Toucans Tiki Lounge.

This show is sure to sell out, so hurry over to www.reactionshows.com to get your

I’m so thrilled she was able to take some time to chat with me as she recovers from a life-threatening accident and that the show will go on….

How did you come up with the name Varla Jean Merman?

As a kid, I always loved the name “Darla,” one of the characters in “The Little Rascals.” Oh my God! Talk about an old reference…thank God you have readers in Palm Springs! Anyway, so when I was introduced to the character of “Varla” in Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill! I knew that had to be my drag name. Around the same time, I read Ethel Merman’s autobiography and there is a chapter titled “My Marriage to Ernest Borgnine.” When you turn the page IT’S BLANK! (Wow, more dated references!) I decided, that if Ethel Merman had a baby from Ernest Borgnine, she would’ve hated it so much because it would’ve reminded her of him and their disastrous 38-day marriage, so she shipped the baby off to an orphanage in Louisiana. That is where my character of Varla was born. And I added the middle name of “Jean” because it just sounds innocent and southern…well, at least I’m southern.

You’ve been performing and entertaining crowds for decades! Out of all those shows, what has been your favorite moment so far in your career?

Yes, I am a proud drag relic, and that’s why I have so many dated references! Performing at the Sydney Opera House was one of the highlights of my “career.” That and the movie “Girls

You “Rule the School” in Provincetown every summer and debut your new show there every

I first came to Provincetown in 1997, and I opened for Lipsynka. I wasn’t allowed to perform

Photo Courtesy of Varla Jean Merman

on the stage because she wanted the stage set to be a reveal, so I was singing in one of the aisles in the audience. Even at that close distance, everyone thought I was a real woman. Back then I could sing very high, but that was before “the drop” and I transitioned from a twink to a bear. One of the great show biz pioneers of Provincetown, Phyllis Schlossberg, heard about my performance, because very few drag queens were singing live at the time. She came to see me at Caroline’s Comedy Club shortly after in New York City. It just so happened that Joan Riv ers was there that night. So, I think it fooled Phyllis into think ing I was a big deal! She booked me and I’ve been there every summer since! This will be my 26th summer! I love performing in Provincetown because I do so many shows, usually about 80 each summer. Because of the repetition, I can really fine-tune a show, so I love that. Also, the people there are so wonderful and so supportive. It is because of Provincetown that drag is my full-time job. I am so grateful!

“Girls will be Girls” is the most EPIC film ever and I think that it’s a right of passing for any LGBTQ+ person. Will there ever be a sequel?

Oh, I love everyone who worked on “Girls Will Be Girls.” It was the most educational thing I could’ve ever done for my career, working with greats like Jack Plotnick and Miss Coco Perú and the writer and director Richard Day. They taught me how to act in film and showed me some of the things you need to know so that you can give the editor more to choose from. The film was even in movie theaters when it came out, but no one went to see it. I even remember someone coming to my show and after saying “Varla! I saw your movie today! I was the only per son in the movie theater.” Then, two years later I was walking down the street in Provincetown in drag, and someone driving by threw a handful of candy at me and said, “Take these for the ride you huge cow!” I was truly offended! Then, I remembered that was a line that Evie says to me in the movie. After that, it got bigger and bigger and bigger. We filmed a sequel in 2011, and I’m not exactly sure what happened. Although I am sad that the movie has never come out, and a bit perplexed, it was still one of the greatest three weeks of my life, learning from these comedic greats again. And if that’s all I get from it, it still was completely worth it.

You have the gift of a very dual life of Varla and Jeffery. You can go from a chanteuse to a daddy in the drop of hat. I think it’s so refreshing to see someone live out loud no matter if they have a wig on or not. What was the driving force to begin the path to building up your body?

I have had many different phases in my life. When I was young, I was very obese until I was about 30. In fact, I weighed 300 pounds when I opened for Lipsinka in Provincetown. I lost over 100 pounds because I was cast in a modern dance piece in New York City that was going to move off Broadway. I wasn’t a dancer, but I could move well. But a fat girl doing high kicks in a corset eight shows a week seemed like an invitation for a heart attack.  I lost the weight and then I didn’t end up doing the piece because I was cast in the Broadway touring company of “Chicago.” It was during that time that I realized I was athlet

ic. I started doing CrossFit and totally loved the community of group exercise. It took my fear away. I realized that I never tried to be athletic as a kid because of fear. CrossFit has nothing to do with making your body look a certain way. The goal is to be as athletic and in shape as possible to do certain tasks. But I started to really like the way I looked. Then I started to get a kick out of making Varla a total illusion. I am not that lady person, so it was almost more fun to trick the audience into thinking I was.

She fell and she couldn’t get up! You have just recovered from an injury that left you temporarily in a wheelchair. You went with the “show must go on” attitude and finished out your time in Ptown and altered your show to make it work. How import ant is it to have a positive attitude when tragedy hits and how have you delt with the steps needed to heal?

During my show in Provincetown, I slipped on a TicTac during my dance break in “Anything Goes” and had a bone break! I used TicTac’s as pills and every night they would be all over the floor. Usually I would just crush them, but that night I decided to do a fancy pivot, and the TicTac‘s were like marbles from “Show girls.” Someone said they saw Miss Richfield with an empty bag of marbles fleeing the scene! [Laughs] I fell so hard, my knee bent completely the wrong way fast and hard and I snapped my quad tendon and fractured my knee cap. The bigger the girl, the harder the fall. I was rushed to the hospital, which is an hour and a half away, with my kneecap sticking up through my pantyhose! After surgery, the next night alone in a hotel room in Hyannis, Massachusetts, I felt defeated that my show and my season were over. But then I started to think of the jokes and how I could work this accident into the show. I have always used comedy in the most tragic moments of my life, I guess to survive. I thought “Fuck this. I’ll just do the damn show in a wheelchair. It will be hilarious, with a hint of desperation, which really works for Varla!” The audiences were amazing! And I nev er broke a sweat! I think I’m gonna do my shows in a hospital bed next year. The people in Provincetown brought me to tears every night, showing their support! They even brought TicTac’s and shook them as they applauded, making the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard.

After I finished my last week of shows, I went home, and I start ed physical therapy. I had to cancel all my gigs in September and October because I wanted to heal correctly. And patiently. So, coming to Palm Springs is my comeback! I may still be in a leg brace, but I am going to give a hell of a show because I have truly missed the audiences so much.

What is one thing that you haven’t done as Varla that is on your bucket list?

I used to have lofty dreams of being the world’s most famous drag queen. I think someone beat me to it. So, I’ll settle being the world’s most famous drag queen taken down by a breath mint.

See you at the show! Joyfully, Ethyl

Photo Courtesy of Mike Mulderrig

MIKE MULDERRIG

The right place the right time

By Alexander Rodriguez

You may know Mike as the bad boy of reality TV with stints on Lindsay Lohan’s Beach Club, Ex on the Beach, and the most recent All Star Shore, or from his successful YouTube channel doling out cocktail or life advice, or even from his podcast, The Messy Pod, but that’s only part of the story. Known for his impishly good looks and proclivity to overindulge, Mike is growing up and is ready to part with some of his past ways and look to the future.

Mike’s start in entertainment wasn’t even focused on appear ing on screen. He worked in communications and marketing and served as a PA. His debut in reality TV happened like a Hol lywood myth, being discovered at the right place at the right time by a casting team.

I was a PA and as we all know, PAs make no money. Then I walked by the Abbey in West Hollywood) and I was ap proached, “Hey, do you wanna work in Greece for the summer?” I thought it was a job! And then they were like, “By the way, we’re gonna film it. It’s gonna be a TV show.” And I was like, Okay, cool. And then they took my pants off and got me fired.

Yes, his debut in reality TV on Lindsay Lohan’s Beach Club was cut short, but the damage was done, he was a bonafide reality TV star. Cast as a bartender/VIP ambassador, Mike’s bad boy im age immediately solidified as he went over and above to make sure his customers were happy, whether that meant over-im bibing with them, flirting with them (no matter the gender), making out with them (no matter the gender), or even parad ing around naked encouraging touching (and more). Lindsay was having none of it as it threatened to damage her brand. (No comment, Lindsay.) But Mike’s behavior and frat boy good looks (and open sexuality) instantly made him a show standout and his star was on the rise. He quickly learned the game and his PA days were over.

I always tell people, LA is all about putting yourself in the right spot, and you have top act right when you’re there. I’m not somebody who acts right all the time. Trust me.

Above all, Mike owns his “stuff.” Unlike other reality TV people who can play at being a certain personality or of a certain level, Mike is just Mike.

That’s why I think they like me on these shows, because I call it out. We call it posing on the show and I don’t do that. If you look at every show I’ve been on, I’ve only ever fought

with the people I was friends with previously because they were the ones I actually cared about. Obviously, I’ve watched Housewives, I love Housewives. So, the only thing I told myself was, I’m going to go there. I don’t care if I look bad. People can tell I’m not an actor. None of us are going on an acting audition.

It WAS a lot to handle. Viewers of MTV’s Ex on the Beach saw Mike’s tumultuous best friendship turned romance with trans model Arisce on display, bumps and all. Add in some kissing and flirting from other cast mates, and Mike wasn’t always pre sented in the best light. In true Mike form, he has a lot to say about the experience.

First of all, everyone said I gaslit her. I let her know exactly what was going to happen. She wanted to be open, and I didn’t. So I said, “You wanna see open? I’m gonna hook up with people in front of you.” And then when I did, she’s like, “You’re a cheater. You’re a monster.” And everyone just sid ed with her and said I was a monster.

Although the edited version of Mike’s storyline wasn’t present ed through rose-colored glasses, the MTV generation got to see and experience a queer relationship, a trans relationship with out presenting it as out of the norm. It was just a relationship, and that was that. Although Mike’s experience may not have been ideal, the LGBTQ community was getting representation in mainstream media. But Mike expects more from reality TV.

MTV didn’t know how to handle queer people. Represen tation is great, but in production, there needs to be queer producers to produce queer people. Arisce and I were like, okay, let’s be open. They had no idea what to do. They’re like, “what do you mean, open?” I’m like, “well I love her, but I’m just going to sleep with other people in the house.” They had no idea what to do.

Mike’s sexuality has often been a focus of whichever show he is on, the media headlines, or social media comments. Mike brushes it off, he is who he is. Raised in a staunchly Italian up bringing, his blossoming sexuality was not met with the resis tance one would assume from a conservative culture. The idea of masculine versus feminine, though, would still be an expe rience.

There was never a “you can’t be gay.” Growing up for someone like my dad who was more of the leader, he never made fun of me or bullied me or made me feel bad. He was his high school

bully so, when I was feminine, he thought I was opening myself up to being bullied. When he would put me in sports and put that pressure on me, that wasn’t really him trying to bully me, it was him trying to protect me, which was wrong. Any parents out there, just tell your kids they’re perfect the way they are. You don’t have to do anything to prove it. But my dad didn’t know that - he knows that now.

But now that I’m out and I live proud, I’m like, you know, you guys made me do this to prove that I wasn’t going to be that queer kid, that I wasn’t going to be that little feminine boy that the parents in town used to cancel play dates with with because they didn’t want their kids to catch the gay. Now, it’s like, I beat all your kids in sports. I did all those things that were supposed to prove how straight and mas culine I was and now I’m gay as can be.

In addition to his sexuality and his antics, Mike’s body has often taken center stage. His Italian good looks, his biceps, and his signature booty have made him a star on both MTV and social media. How does Mike juggle his sex symbol stardom with his advancing career?

Let’s be real, sex sells, the body sells. If I want more likes on Instagram, let me be in a piece of underwear just to prove to myself that I can get it. This is a tool in LA - the looksthey’re a tool that helps without a doubt. But I don’t want that to be my focus. I always say I would rather someone compliment my comedy or my bartending skills or my ed-

iting ability or my production quality over my looks any day. And that’s why I don’t lead with it. But we all gotta play the game, but I try hard not to. At the end of the day, we could all look good. It’s a job, though, to look good. We all know how much work it takes to look good. It’s hard. But at the end of the day, I want to be known for my skills. That is what’s going to take you farther.

Mike dropped a pretty sobering video on his YouTube…he was walking away. From reality TV? From drinking? From what?

I am walking away from the party scene in West Hollywood. There are things that I know I can’t handle, I shouldn’t do, I don’t want to do. And it’s not me preaching or judging –there are just things and substances that I don’t want to do. Sometimes it’s even hard for me to go out and support my friends and be in the culture of West Hollywood. There’s nothing wrong if you want to have fun, do it. But I just want something different for myself and I want to focus. And that’s what I was doing, I make these videos called heart to hearts because my YouTube channel’s more therapy for me than anything else. And I feel like a lot of people relate to them and that’s why they do so well.

And he’s not just playing a part on TV, this is his reality.

At the end of the day, I started my YouTube channel because I had no one to relate to. Here, I can turn on the cam era and just talk for 30 minutes and be uninterrupted; and

Photos Courtesy of Mike Mulderrig

then I get to watch it back to remind myself later down the road. When I was a kid and I didn’t have anybody to talk to in my hometown, I would go to YouTube to find people that I could relate to and make me feel not so alone. So, there could be somebody that’s going to say, “Oh, there’s this person that I love watching who like I love their videos and I love their content. I’m a fan of that person and oh my God, they’re going through something like me.”

The jury is out on whether Mike’s adulting period will last, but he’s not afraid to share any missteps either. It is important to Mike that his fans see all of this journey, even when he makes mistakes. In Mike’s opinion, nightlife can only get you so far. You have to want more.

There’s a cap. It’s being able to pull yourself out of West Hollywood. I tell people all the time, West Hollywood is a lot of fun, but it is a black hole. It’s a black hole because people make it in West Holly wood and then they get safe and satisfied and stop being hungry.

At the end of the day, in addition to the reality TV projects that come his way, the many streams on YouTube, or the likes on his Instagram, Mike only has himself to answer to.

I didn’t find the people in my life until I learned to love myself and be unapologetically myself. So, if you’re afraid to be unapologetically yourself, all you’re doing is keeping away the people that ac tually matter and love you for you. So, there’s nothing to be afraid of.

You can follow Mike on IG: @MikeMGTV

Photo Courtesy of Mike Mulderrig

Neil Simon’s classic stage comedy about marriage

Nov

ON STAGE

MOULIN ROUGE: All right, already. This is probably the sixth time this year I have talked about this show plus we ran a terrific photo spread of it a couple of months ago. I’ll willingly confess that I’m smitten. The spectacle, pop music and acting make for an absolute delight. Well, this is your LAST CALL for performances in California. This wonder ful, delightful, spectacular tour leaves us after this month, so I strongly suggest you hustle your butts over to Costa Mesa’s Segerstrom Center to see it now 11/9-27. www.scfta.org

THE BOOK OF MORMON: Another title I have talked about many times (and have seen at least three times), The Book of Mormon is mak ing a quick flurry through the southland this month. I refuse to believe that I need to tell any gay theatre goer what the show is about – mere ly that it’s coming back. The only disappointment is that you have to leave all the adorable tap-dancing missionaries on the stage! Palm Desert McCallum Theatre 11/18-20 (www.mccallumtheatre.org); San Jose Civic Center 11/22-27 (www.BroadwaySanJose.com); and Hol lywood Pantages 11/29-12/11 (www.BroadwayHollywood.com).

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD: Aaron Sorkin’s (West Wing, A Few Good Men) script of this American classic opened on Broadway at the end of 2018 starring Jeff Daniels and closed in early 2020 due to Covid. It re-opened for a couple of months after the Pandemic, but this is the play’s first visit to the west coast. Richard Thomas (yes, John-Boy Walton) has been earning rave reviews for his performance as Atticus Finch and is scheduled to play all California dates. The action is cen tered in a courtroom, a venue that Sorkin knows well. Hollywood Pan tages through 11/27 (www.BroadwayHollywood.com); San Diego Civic 11/29-12/4 (www.BroadwaySD.com ); Tempe ASU Gammage 12/6-11 (www.ASUGammage.com ); Costa Mesa Segerstrom 12/13-

A PICTURE OF TWO BOYS: We once had LGBTQ theatres in LA, San Diego, San Francisco, Orange County and Palm Springs. We now only have San Diego and San Francisco producing on a regular basis, and frankly, that’s a damned shame. The best thing we can do to perpet uate productions that look and sound like us is to patronize them, and I can promise you that neither of the remaining companies will disappoint. San Francisco’s New Conservatory Theatre is presenting a premiere this month, A Picture of Two Boys, and I really wish I could see it. Markey and Pete are unlikely friends, the studious Latino Markey with dreams of college and a life beyond the southeastern PA coun tryside, and the volatile African American Pete with drunkenly fueled fantasies. Brought together by their shared feelings of alienation in their mostly white and more than vaguely racist little town, the boys’ relationship fractures when Markey announces to Pete he’s hoping to graduate early and get out of the sticks ASAP. We see these two boys first at that critical juncture, and then almost ten years later after they are reunited in the wake of a startling event that dredges up a con nected trauma from their past. Different actors play the boys as teen agers and then in their late 20’s. This company’s productions always feature skilled actors and top production values and are a wonderful hothouse for new works. See it through 11/27. (www.nctcsf.org)

18 (www.scfta.org ); and Las Vegas Smith Center 1/10-15 (www.The SmithCenter.com).

with STAN JENSON

NOW OPEN

Eco Terreno Urban Tasting Room Lyon & Swan Supper Club

In the historic Jackson Square, San Francisco. The place for great wine, memorable food, engaging entertainment, and hospitable service.

To reserve your experience, visit e ecoterreno.com

GAYME GUIDE

The Case Study of Vanitas

By Josh Jaquez

Vanitasu no Karute or The Case Study of Vanitas follows the adventures of Noé Archiviste a traveling vampire, who meets the enthusiastic Vanitas, a human claiming to be a vampire doctor on a trip to Paris. At first the two are at odds due to Noé stepping in to fight Vanitas, thinking he was attacking an innocent woman. As it turns out she is a vampire suffering from malnomen, which causes vampires to lose control and become “curse-bearers” and attack those around them indiscriminately. Noé learns that Vanitas has a book that he uses to cure the affected vam pires, that he received from his teacher. The two join forces to cure as many malnoman affected vampires as possible or die trying. It is soon reveled that Noé is a special kind of vampire that can see the life experi ences and memories of those he drinks blood from. His ability is covet ed by those who would use it to rule both vampire and humankind. The beautifully illustrated fight scenes are perfectly paired with the come dic timing between the two. Along their quest the duo gets introduced to a variety of vampire clan members, each with a talent unique to their family. The Hellfire Witch Jeanne is one such character, she is chevalier to Lucius “Luca” Oriflamme a young noble vampire. Vanitas falls in love with Jean at first sight, and Vanitas has no issue letting her know his feelings as often as possible. The series is based on the Japanese manga illustrated and written by Jun Mochizuki, who also wrote and illustrat ed the manga series Pandora Hearts. To find out just how things play out you can watch the subtitled or dubbed series on Hulu, FUNimation, Crunchyroll, or Amazon.

The Last of Us Part 1 (Remake)

By Steven H. Garcia

The Last of Us Part I is a Single-player action-adventure game developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment. A remake of the 2013 game now completely rebuilt from the ground up, taking advantage of the power of the PlayStation 5 with revised gameplay and controls. Enhanced combat and exploration with expanded accessibility options and new character models have been made to show the improved animations and facial expres sions, giving us deeper emotional depth of the characters. All the environments have been given massive upgrades as well enhancing the already beautiful visuals. The Last of Us has been known to be one of the greatest games/stories from PlayStation, and it’s wonderful to see new life brought into an already amazing game.

The year is 2033, an outbreak of a mutant fungus called Cordyceps ravages the United States. It transforms its hu man hosts into aggressive creatures known as the Infected. The infection has spread to about 60% of the human pop

ulation, basically it’s the Last of Us’ version of zombies. In this post-apocalyptic world Joel and Tess are tasked with smuggling a teenage girl named Ellie to a radical group known as the Fireflys. They travel from the Massachusetts State House outside the quarantine zone, then out of the military Boston quarantine zone. After being bitten three weeks prior, Ellie is found to be immune to the infection plaguing the world. The Fireflys want Ellie, thinking that her immunity may lead to a cure and saving the world.

The game includes the excellent story expansion The Last of Us: Left Behind, a single-player campaign following Ellie and her best friend Riley. Sadly, the original game’s online multiplayer mode is not to be found. The Last of Us will also be getting its long-awaited live action adaptation as a se ries on HBO MAX starring Pedro Pascal as Joel and Bella Ramesy as Ellie.

The Last of Us Part I remake is out now on PlayStation 5.

with JOSH JAQUEZ AND STEVEN H. GARCIA

LOS ANGELES DIRECTORY

BARS & CLUBS

AKBAR 4356 W. Sunset Blvd Silverlake, CA 90029 323.665.6810 akbarsilverlake.com

BEACHES WEHO 8928 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.360.0395 beachesweho.com

FIESTA CANTINA 88565 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.652.8865 fiestacantina.net

FUBAR 7994 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046 323.654.0396 fubarla.com

GYM Sportsbar 8919 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 424.313.8202 gymsportsbar.com

HAMBURGER MARY’S 8288 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 323.654.3800 hamburgermarys.com

Heart Weho 8911 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 heartweho.com

HI TOPS 8933 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 hitopsbar.com

MICKYS 8857 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.657.1176 mickys.com

ROCCO’S 8900 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 424.343.0123 roccosweho.com

SAINT FELIX 8945 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.275.4428 saintfelix.net

THE ABBEY 692 N Robertson Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.289.8410 theabbeyweho.com

THE CHAPEL 692 N Robertson Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.289.8410 theabbeyweho.com

THE EAGLE 4219 Santa Monica Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029 323.669.9472 eaglela.com

REVOLVER VIDEO BAR 8851 SANTA MONICA BLVD. WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069 424.382.1108 REVOLVERWEHO.COM

STACHE 8941 SANTA MONICA BLVD WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069 310.402.0770 STACHEWEHO.COM

THE BAYOU 8939 SANTA MONICA BLVD WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA 90069 310.273.3303 THEBAYOUWEHO.COM

TRUNKS 8809 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.652.1015 west.hollywood.trunksbar.com

CLOTHING & LEATHER 665 Leather & Fetish 20810 Lassen St Chatsworth, CA 91311 818.678.9193 665leather.com BRICK & MORTAR 8713 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310.652.6605 shopatbrick.com

CHI CHI LARUE’S 8861 Santa Monica Blvd and 8230 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 323.337.9555 circusofbooks.com

ROUNDERBUM 802 N San Vicente Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 844.284.2968 rounderbum.com

ROUGH TRADE LEATHER 3915 Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90029 323.660.7956 roughtradegear.com

THE PLEASURE CHEST 7733 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046 323.650.1022 thepleasurechest.com

HAIR SALONS BLADES 801 N. Larrabee St, Ste #1 West Hollywood 310 659-6693

LOS ANGELES DIRECTORY

SHORTY’S BARBER SHOP 755 N Fairfax Ave West Hollywood 323 297-0554 shortysbarbershop.com

COMMUNITY RESOURCES HEALTH/COUNSELING AID FOR AIDS AFA 8235 Santa Monica Blvd #200 West Hollywood, CA 90046 323 656-1107 aidforaids.net

AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION/MENS WELLNESS CENTER

• 6255 W Sunset Blvd, 21st Fl Los Angeles, CA 90028 888 AIDS CARE

• 1300 N Vermont Ave, Ste 407 Los Angeles, CA 90027 866 339-2525 800 367-2437 inspotla.org

AIDS HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION PHARMACY 8212 Santa Monica Blvd The David Geffen Center West Hollywood, CA 90046 323 654-0907 ahfpharmacy.org

APLA HEALTH CLIENT & COMMUNITY SERVICES The David Geffen Center • 611 South Kingsley Drive Los Angeles, CA 90005 213.201.1600 213 201-WALK (9255)

• 3743 S. La Brea Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90016 323.329.9900

• 5901 W. Olympic Blcd. #310 Los Angeles, CA 90036

• 1043 Elm Avenue #302 Long Beach, CA 90813 562.247.7740 apla.org aidswalk.net

AIDS RESEARCH ALLIANCE 1400 S Grand Ave Ste 701 Los Angeles, CA 90015 310 358-2429 www.hopetakesaction.org aidsresearch.org

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY 3333 Wilshire Blvd #900 Los Angeles, CA 90010 800 227-2345 cancer.org

BEING ALIVE PEOPLE WITH HIV/AIDS ACTION COALITION 621 N San Vincente Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90069 310 289-2551 beingalivela.org

GAY & LESBIAN CENTER Orange County 1605 N Spurgeon St Santa Ana, CA 92701 714 953-5428 thecenteroc.org

HOLY FAMILY SERVICES, ADOPTION & FOSTER CARE 840 Echo Park Ave Los Angeles, CA 90026 213 202-3900 hfs.org

LA FREE CLINIC

• 5205 Melrose Ave Los Angeles, CA 90038 323 653-1990 – appts 323 653-8622 – admin lafreeclinic.org

• 6043 Hollywood Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90028

• 8405 Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90048 LA Public Health reallycheckyourself.org

OUT OF THE CLOSET THRIFT SHOPS

• 8224 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA 90046 323 848-9760

• 3500 East Pacific Coast Hwy Long Beach, CA 90804 562 494-0340

• 1726 East Colorado Blvd Pasadena, CA 91106 626 440-1719

• 360 North Fairfax Ave Los Angeles, CA 90036 323 934-1956

PROJECT ANGEL FOOD 922 Vine St Los Angeles, CA 90038 323 845-1800 angelfood.org

THE TREVOR PROJECT 9056 Santa Monica Blvd #100 West Hollywood, CA 90069 310 271-8845 thetrevorproject.org

VALLEY COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE 6801 Coldwater Canyon Ave North Hollywood, CA 91605 818 301-6314 - HIV testing 818 301-6390 - Medical Services smarthealthla.com

LEGAL LAMBDA LEGAL DEFENSE & EDUCATION FUND INC.

Western Regional Office 3325 Wilshire Blvd #1300 Los Angeles, CA 90010 213 382-7600 lambdalegal.org

NATIONAL G & L TASK FORCE 5455 Wilshire Blvd #1505 Los Angeles, CA 90036 323 954-9597 thetaskforce.org

PALM SPRINGS DIRECTORY

ATTRACTIONS

THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS 47900 Portola Ave Palm Desert, CA 92260 760 346-5694 livingdesert.org

PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM 745 N Gene Autry Trail Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 778-6262 palmspringsairmuseum.org

PALM SPRINGS ART MUSEUM 101 Museum Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 322-4800 psmuseum.org

PALM SPRINGS AERIAL TRAMWAY 1 Tram Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 888 515-8726 pstramway.com

BARS & CLUBS BLACKBOOK 315 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.832.8497 blackbookbar.com

CHILL BAR 217 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.327.1079 chillbarpalmsprings.com

EAGLE 501 301 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.327.0753 eagle501bar.com

HUNTERS 302 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.323.0700 hunterspalmsprings.com

ONE ELEVEN BAR 67555 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.537.3111 oneelevenbar.com

OSCAR’S 125 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 108 Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.1188 oscarspalmsprings.com

PS AIR BAR (Speakeasy inside Bouschet) 611 S. Palm Canyon Dr, Suite 22 Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.327.7701 psairbar.com

QUADZ

200 S. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.778.4326 Spurline.com

STREET BAR 224 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.1266 psstreetbar.com

THE BARRACKS 67-625 E. Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.321.9688

REFORMA 333 S Palm Canyon Dr Unit 2, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-902-6630 reformaps.com

THE ROOST LOUNGE 68718 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.507.8495 theroostcc.com

TOOL SHED 600 E. Sunny Dunes Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.320.3299 pstoolshed.com

TOUCANS TIKI LOUNGE 2100 N. Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.416.7584 toucanstikilounge.com

TRUNKS 36737 Cathedral Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.321.0031 trunkscatcity.com

CLOTHING OPTIONAL RESORTS BEARFOOT INN 888 N. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA. 92262 760.699.7641 bearfootinn.com

DESCANSO 288 E. Camino Monte Vista Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.320.1928 descansoresort.com

DESERT PARADISE 615 S. Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.320.5650 desertparadise.com

EL MIRASOL VILLAS 525 Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.327.5913 elmirasol.com

INNDULGE PALM SPRINGS 601 Grenfall Rd Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.327.1408 inndulge.com

SANTIAGO RESORT 650 San Lorenzo Road Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.322.1300 santiagoresort.com

THE HACIENDA 586 S. Warm Sands Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.327.8111 thehacienda.com

TRIANGLE INN PALM SPRINGS 555 San Lorenzo Rd. Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.322.7993 triangle-inn.com

TWIN PALMS 1930 S. Camino Real Palm Springs, CA 760-841-1455 twinpalmsresort.com

VISTA GRANDE RESORT 574 S. Warm Sands Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.322.2404 vistagranderesort.com

CLOTHING & LEATHER GAYMART 305 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.416.6436

GEAR LEATHER & FETISH 650 E Sunny Dunes Rd #1 Palm Springs, CA 92264 760.322.3363 gearleather.com

ROUGH TRADE LEATHER 321 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.699.7524 roughtradegear.com

GIFTS DESTINATION PSP 170 North Palm Canyon Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 354-9154 destinationpsp.com

GREETINGS PALM SPRINGS 301 N Palm Canyon Dr # 102 Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 322-5049 greetingspalmsprings.com

JUST FABULOUS 515 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 864-1300 bjustfabulous.com

PALM SPRINGS DIRECTORY

MISCHIEF CARDS & GIFTS 226 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 322-8555 mischiefcardsandgifts.com

PEEPA’S 120 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 318-3553 peepasps.com

PS HOMEBOYS 108 S. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.318.7388 pshomeboys.com

Q TRADING COMPANY 606 E Sunny Dunes Rd Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-416-7150

HAIR SALONS CUT BARBER 1109 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 322-2999 cutbarber.com

DADDY’S BARBERSHOP 192 S Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92264 760 537-1311 daddysbarbershop.com

MEN’S GROOMING SPOT 68487 E Palm Canyon Dr Suite 43 Cathedral City, CA 92234 760 992-0028 mensgroomingspot.com

PALM SPRINGS FINE MEN’S SALON 750 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Suite 3 Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.904.0434 psfinemenssalon.com

REALTORS 3 BEARS REALTY 2905 E Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760-699-6175 3bearsrealty.com

PALM SPRINGS HOME TEAM Conrad Miller (DRE #01973983) 760.464.9559 Brandon Holland (DRE # 01986968) 760.413.1220 Palmspringshometeam.com

RESTAURANTS

1501 UPTOWN GASTROPUB 1501 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, 92262 760-507-1644 1501uptown.com

BLACKBOOK 315 E. Arenas Rd Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.832.8497 blackbookbar.com

BOOZEHOUNDS PALM SPRINGS 2080 North Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.656-0067 boozehoundsps.com

EIGHT4NINE RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE 849 N Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.8490 eight4nine.com

FARM 6 La Plaza Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.322.2724 farmspalmsprings.com

JOHANNES 196 S. Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.778.0017 johannespalmsprings.com

NICOLINO’S CATHEDRAL CITY 35325 Date Palm Drive, Unit 111, Cathedral City, CA 92234 760-324-041 nicolinos.com

RICK’S DESERT GRILL 1596 North Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.2127 ricksdesertgrill.com

ROLY CHINA FUSION 1107 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.548.0041 rolychinafusion.com

SAMMY’S PLACE 69034 E Palm Canyon Drive Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.770.4030 originalsammysplace.com

SHAME ON THE MOON 69950 Frank Sinatra Dr Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760.324.5515 shameonthemoon.com

SHERMAN’S DELI 401 E Tahquitz Canyon Way Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.325.1199 shermansdeli.com

TRILUSSA 68-718 E Palm Canyon Dr Cathedral City, CA 92234 760.328.2300 trilussarestaurant.com

TRIO RESTAURANT 707 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA. 92262 760.854.8746 triopalmsprings.com

WILMA & FRIEDA’S 155 S Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.992.5080 wilmafrieda.com

COMMUNITY RESOURCES

DAP HEALTH 1695 N. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 323-2118 daphealth.org

DESERT CARE NETWORK 760 561-7373 desertcarenetwork.com

DESERT OASIS HEALTHCARE 275 North El Cielo Road Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 325-DOHC (3642) mydohc.com

EISENHOWER HEALTH 39000 Bob Hope Drive Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760 340-3911 eisenhowerhealth.org

MICHAEL’S HOUSE 1910 S Camino Real Palm Springs, CA 92262 844 768-0633 michaelshouse.com

PALM SPRINGS ANIMAL SHELTER 4575 E. Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs, CA 92264 760 416-5718 psanimalshelter.org

PALM SPRINGS FRONT RUNNERS & WALKERS frontrunners.clubexpress.com

STONEWALL GARDENS 2150 N. Palm Canyon Drive Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 548-0970 stonewallgardens.com

LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE DESERT 1301 North Palm Canyon Dr, 3rd Floor Palm Springs, CA 92262 760 416-7790 thecentercv.org

PUERTO VALLARTA

By Kevin Perry

Even though gay people have existed since the dawn of time, we share a complicated relationship with history. Most of us were raised in straight households, so our legacy begins and ends with the individual. It feels like we are writing our heritage as we live it. Every night out, every gay bar, and every romantic rendezvous is momentous because it must encapsulate the en tirety of our existence.

But queer culture is not an island; it’s more of a beach - Playa de los Muertos, to be specific.

Contrary to its name, this “beach of the dead” gives us life! The gregariously gay shoreline of Puerto Vallarta has been a mag net for LGBTQ+ travelers for decades. When Elizabeth Taylor was filming Night of the Iguana in the early 1960s, she was able to carve out some privacy to nurture her blossoming love for Richard Burton. Much like Palm Springs, Puerto Vallarta became a getaway for salaciousness, a playground for taboo desire and truthful expression.

Enter the gays!

Queer cavorters flocked to PV in the 70s and 80s, but the city was still experiencing growing pains. Authorities would rou tinely raid gay bars and demand hush money until activists like Paco Ruiz stood their ground and planted their flag. Zona Romantica became a seductive safe space that continues to sprawl from the Pacific Ocean into the heart of Puerto Vallarta.

And smack dab in the middle of the mirth, you’ll find Daiquiri Dick’s.

The restaurant was started 50 years ago by a guy named Richard who loved daiquiris. Hence Daiquiri Dick’s!

These are the words of Chef Wayne Elias, one of the esteemed establishment’s owners. It is situated on the bones of Club Ka limay, an eternally inviting enclave perched at the intersection of seafaring and city life.

After the pandemic shut our restaurant down in LA, we decided to regroup and take an adventure in Mexico. We found this amazing restaurant with its iconic location and

wonderful business legend for decades. We have reimag ined the space and brought our culinary talents down to the Zona Romantica for everyone from locals to tourists to enjoy.

Daiquiri Dick’s fits right in (pun firmly intended) with the intox icating landscape that surrounds it.

The warm weather, friendly locals, great food, and drinks to say the least is why PV is a popular destination.

From its early club days to its evolution as a dining and drink ing destination, Daiquiri Dick’s has always embraced the fierce frivolity of Puerto Vallarta excess and leisure.

I started to come to PV from LA for long weekends and immediately fell in love with the culture, attractive guys, beautiful beaches and the friendly all-inclusive atmo sphere that is safe for all of our community.

Chef Elias brings a bouillabaisse of expertise and aesthetic prowess all the way from the City of Angels to the heavenly ha ven of Puerto Vallarta.

I have been working as a Chef for 40 years in LA. I worked in many different operations such as restaurants, hotels, and commissaries. The LA food scene has grown with amazing chefs, restaurants, and foodies all over town. We have such a diverse culture of ethnic backgrounds and all kinds of cuisine that is represented throughout the city. I have learned throughout the years all the different flavor profiles of dif ferent regions in the world and have experimented and educated myself in recipes and trial and error. Lol. So, I am bringing to DD what I do best and what I feel will be a great addition to the local food and restaurant scene.

Ever the gourmet, Elias peppers his ambition with a healthy dash of humility. He revels in the chance to share credit for the simmering success that is Daiquiri Dick’s.

Myself, Chris Diamond and Javier Jimenez have created a beautiful, warm beach chic environment with Cali/Latin cuisine. Our partner and Chef de Cuisine Martin Gonzales

What’s Old is New Again - Daiquiri Dick’s

is at the helm in the kitchen.

So, what’s cooking, exactly? Buckle up your taste buds because the offerings are a who’s who of hoo-boy!

On our menu the popular go-tos are Grilled Octopus Zaran deado, Captain Crunch Onion Rings, Spicy Tuna Tacos, Birria Short Rib Tacos, Blackened Salmon with Saffron Risotto and Pineapple Salsa, Vegan Coconut Corn Chowder, Roast ed Beets, Cashew Cheese, Cucumbers & Chive Oil to name a few… Oh and my signature Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie with Chocolate Sauce.

O– and we don’t say this lightly– MG! It’ll take a lusty libation to wash down all that decadence. Luckily, Chef Wayne is prepared.

For the drinks we have four signature daiquiris - Coconut, Mango Basil, Lime, and Strawberry.

Translation: there’s a party in your mouth! Speaking of soirees, Elias is an expert. His partner, Chris Diamond, is the executive director of White Party, the scintillating festival that lights up SoCal annually. As the tastemaker he is, Chef Wayne is kind enough to whet our collective appetites with a preview.

Chris is going to build on what Jeffrey Sanker created. He will bring a new sexy, fun, upbeat environment to his Glob al White Party brand. It will bring all of the LGBTQ+ com munity together to celebrate our unity and to continue to be strong and show our forces. We will have fun, dance, cry and support various causes as the White Party continues in this new regrowth.

With this heartfelt declaration, Chef Elias has ushered us to the main course of the conversation. His dedication to philanthro

py is tireless and triumphant, bubbling up to the highest ech elons of pop royalty. In fact, Wayne casually refers to Sir Elton John by the initials “SEJ” - but there is nothing casual about the remarkable achievements the celebrity chef has served up over the past several decades.

I have had the honor to cater for SEJ and his Oscar Gala, EJAF [Elton John AIDS Foundation]. I am proud to give my talents to help them raise needed funds to help so many people around the world. I lost my partner to AIDS 35 years ago and my two best friends. From that time, I have been involved any way I can to help raise money and awareness.

https://www.eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org/

When you are seated at the table with Chef Elias, either literally or figuratively, you are truly welcomed. No dinner conversation is off-limits; no truth is silenced.

Love each other for who we are no matter if we are not on the same page all the time.

As a final compliment to the chef, we’ll give Wayne the last word. Spoiler: it’s a message of inclusion, immersion, and im peccable taste.

When you come to PV, please stop by and check us out. The atmosphere, views on the beach and sunsets are amazing. The food and cocktails are creative and delish. We have created a really nice comfortable atmosphere for everyone to enjoy and mix together.

https://www.daiquiridicks.com/