San Diego December 2017

H O M E ///AWAY EDI T I ON

#72

MARK H AMILL

DISH IT OUT CHEF BRENT

HERSANT MAKES HIS FAVORITE HOME COOKED MEALS

LET’S GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO TACO BOUT PUESTO OFFERS A FIESTA EVERY DAY WITH VIBRANT MEXICAN DISHES

TEN, NINE, EIGHT...

WE HAVE YOUR NEW YEAR’S EVE PLANS COVERED

ON THE ROAD WEI-EN TAN OF

RIDING UP FRONT SHARES IMMIGRANTS’ INCREDIBLE STORIES

Contributor Call Out PHOTO BY:

KAMBRIA FISCHER kambriafischer.com @kambria_fischer_photo New Year’s Ready - Ten, Nine, Eight...

Modelo USA @modelousa www.modelousa.com Photoshoot Location: The Smoking Gun 555 Market St San Diego, CA 92101 619.233.3836 www.thesmokinggunsd.com DATE TAKEN: OCTOBER 13, 2017 8 LOCALE MAGAZINE

DECOR PROVIDED BY: Where’s the Party?

270 E 17th St Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949.722.1803 www.wheresthepartyoc.com

LOCALE MAGAZINE 9

THE TEAM ERIK HALE Publisher + Founder erik@localemagazine.com | @local_e ASHLEY SMITH COO/Co-Founder ashley@localemagazine.com | @ashleyelainexo REILLY KAVANAUGH Art Director reilly@localemagazine.com | @localereilly | @reillyek EDITORIAL JORDAN LIGONS Editor jordan@localemagazine.com | @justjayyL CHELSEA RAINERI Editor chelsea@localemagazine.com | @chelsearaineri CHARLOTTE FARRELL Editor charlotte@localemagazine.com | @charlottefarrell KALYNN NGUYEN Photoshoot Coordinator kalynn@localemagazine.com | @kalynncnguyen SALES & MARKETING MIKE TODD SMITH Vice President of Sales & Marketing mts@localemagazine.com | @miketoddsmith JASON KOSKY Sr. Market Manager jason@localemagazine.com | @locale_jason JAMES ULRICH Market Manager james@localemagazine.com | @j_bubbs BRIAN CONOPASK Market Manager brian@localemagazine.com | @goconogo BRIANNA ROMANO Partnerships + Marketing Director brianna@localemagazine.com | @briannabanawna KALEIGH BORGSCHATZ Event & Social Coordinator kaleigh@localemagazine.com | @kaleighmborg FINANCE VALERIE KERR Accountant accounting@localemagazine.com DISTRIBUTION RICK RAMIREZ & ROBERT JONES

THE CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS AMEIHIA TURINGAN iridescentglimmer.wordpress.com | @ameihia ANGELA HATCHER @hatcherangela AYLIN OF STYLIN BY AYLIN stylinbyaylin.com | @stylinbyaylin ELAINE MORGAN CUTTING literarilyemc.com | @el2aine EMILY TORRES thepostgradfiles.com | @espressoandendorphins FRANCY LOPEZ @francy.lopez | KASSANDRA STEWART KEANA MCGRATH @kayonuh KELLI WITHANEYE @kelliwithaneyeee LEAH HOFFHINES @l.a.hoffy MATTHEW J. BLACK blackinkfurther.com MAYANDRA ROBBINS @mayajro OLIN CHOW alohaloha777.yelp.com | @wanderolin NICOLE HAKIM @nikkicola24 REBECCA GRAZIER @rebeccagraz SARAH HOOD @bookangel94 TAMARA AUSTRING @candid.california | WILL LANGE PHOTOGRAPHERS ADAM GENTRY gentryimages.com | @adamgentry ANGELA GARZON angelagarzonphotography.com | @angelagarzonphoto BHADRI KUBENDRAN facebook.com/urbancellvault | @urbancell_gastronomy BRIANNA CLINE briannecline.com | @brianneclinephotography BRIANNA MOSS missmossphoto.com | @breezymoss CHAD MELLON chadmellon.com | @chadmellon DAVID KING davidchristianstudio.com | @david_christian ED VISIONS edvisions.pixieset.com | @edvisions GEORGE DUCHANNES duchannes.squarespace.com | @georgeduchannes KAMBRIA FISCHER kambriafischer.com | @kambria_fischer_photo JOE NARDELLO flickr.com/photos/jnardello | @joenardello JOSIE GONZALES gallery.qsphotography.com | @josgonzales JULIE JONES jonesphotographycompany.com | @jonesphotographycompany KRIZIA LOECHLE kriziaxlo.wordpress.com | @kriziaxlo MICHAEL WESLEY polarizedstudios.com | @bluewesley NICK ISABELLA nickisabella.photography | @nickisabella.photography VICTORIA FILICE victoriafilice.com | @victoriafilice_ FA S H I O N S T Y L I S T S JACLYN KERSHEK jaclynkershek.com | @jacandginger MELISSA SOUZA havenst.com | @melissasouzastyles BEAUTY STYLISTS LAUREN SCACCIA of Toni & Guy Newport Beach toniguy.com | @lauren_michelle LISA LEEDY lisa-leedy.com | @lisaleedybeautydesign *For full information on our team & contributors go to www.localemagazine.com/about

®

A NOTE FROM OUR

PUBLISHER even know the day before that I needed her, but in those five years since, she has become my cheerleader, support system, travel partner, stepmom to my children, fiancé and now wife. I now cannot imagine existence without her and any day away from her is a day away from home.

Home has never had an address for me. From my earliest recollection, our family was loading up a moving truck nearly every year. Mostly, we moved around the same city, usually less than a few miles from our previous address. We had a couple of larger moves, including a move my senior year of high school that took me from my home state of California to Flagstaff, AZ. The desire to change homes so rapidly must be genetic.

My dad was a mover, his dad was a mover and from what I can tell our family has always been on the move. I have carried on with this tradition, and as of writing this, I am now living in my 35th house in the last 38 years.

Erin, if you are reading this for the first time or the fifth, I hope these words I stole from Edward Sharpe ring true to you and become more real as the years wear on, “Home is wherever I'm with you.ˮ Now, back to our regularly scheduled programming.

In this Home///Away issue, we will help you stock your bar cart (p.

107), upgrade your closet (p. 84) and give you our ABC's of home decor and travel (p. 47).

Home has always been more of a feeling. Home is the way you fold your towels, the way the house smells when your mom is cooking and the people you choose to snuggle on the couch with. Home is where the people I care the most about are.

We were lucky enough to witness the beauty of a woman giving a voice to immigrants (p. 68) and show you where to celebrate your New Year’s Eve (p. 104).

On Oct. 20 my definition of a home changed forever. Even though my fiancé Erin and I have lived together for almost five years and had been engaged for more than two, the celebration and ceremony on that date in October made home mean so much more to me. It’s now how we fold our towels, the way our cooking makes the house smell and the snuggles on the couch with our family that will mean home to me for the rest of my life.

Within 28 stories, we also talk to one of our favorite local chefs in the friendly confines of their own kitchen (p. 94), give you an insider’s look at Westfield UTC (p.

141) and show you where to grab the best burgers in San Diego (p. 101).

We hope you can find plenty of our suggestions helpful and we hope you tap some of the local companies we recommend in this issue to make your house feel like a home.

Erin Frances Price did not exist to me before Feb. 5, 2012. I didn't

ERIK HALE PUBLISHER + FOUNDER erik@localemagazine.com | @local_e

ISSUE RELEASE 12.7.17 // 7-9PM

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JOIN LOCALE MAGAZINE TO CELEBRATE THE GRAND OPENING OF IDEA1!

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HANGOVER PREVENTION

LOCALE MAGAZINE

TA BL E CO NTEN T S of

DECEMBER 2017

THIS ISSUE: HOME/AWAY

39

Home Experts

72

SWEET HOME CALIFORNIA

YOU’RE TRIPPIN

62

84

Away Experts

Meet the Experts in All Things Travel, Adventure and Escape

From Designers to Realtors, These Nine Experts Aim to Get Your Home on Point

Building the Closet

Setting the Table

LET’S GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO TACO BOUT

HANG IT UP, BEFORE YOU GO-GO California Closets Can Help You Design a Closet That Would Make Carrie Bradshaw Blush

Puesto Offers a Fiesta Every Day with Vibrant Mexican Dishes

47

Home/Away Guide

68

Humanitarian Profile

ON THE ROAD

Wei-En Tan of Riding Up Front Shares Immigrants’ Incredible Stories

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H IS FOR HOME

How to Style Your Home and Travel From A to Z With This SoCal Guide 66 Hotel Paseo

82 Shop for Your Home

DESTINATION VACATION

#HOMEINSPO

Hotel Paseo is About to Be Your Favorite Palm Desert Getaway

Shop at These Hot-Spots to Make Your Home the Flyest on the Block

88 Su Casa

PACIFIC HIDEAWAY

Live Your Best Life at Villa Campagna

LOCALE MAGAZINE

TA BL E CO NTEN T S of

DECEMBER 2017

20

LOCALENDAR

STYLE/BEAUTY

GO/DO

20 San Diego Events to Ring in 2018

34 BRABUS

JOY RIDE

24

Give Your Car an Extreme Makeover With BRABUS

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

Where to be Monday-Sunday

98 Trendy Foods

32

WHAT THE FORK!

These Trendy Bites Will Leave Your Taste Buds Satisfied and Boost Your Likes

INSTA-WORTHY

Home Makeover Inspo We Love

EAT/DRINK

104 New Year’s Ready

TEN, NINE, EIGHT...

We Have Your New Year’s Eve Plans Covered

117

Gift Guide

140 WAYS TO KNOCK THEIR STOCKINGS OFF

94

Eat Profile

Fear No More—We’ve Done Your Holiday Shopping for You! Flip the Page to Find the Perfect Gift for the Perfect Person in Your Life

DISH IT OUT

150

Cover Story

A LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

Legendary Star Wars and Voice Actor Mark Hamill Talks the Past, the Present and What’s on the Horizon

LOCAL SOUND: VOKAB KOMPANY

BURGER BREAKDOWN

These Burgers Are Totally Drool-Worthy

Vokab Kompany Talks Hip-Hop For the Funk of It

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164 Glow in the Dark

GLOW FOR IT

Style Profile

These Activities Make the Dark So Much More Fun!

MEXCELLENT

Casa Artelexia is Here for Your Mexican Décor Needs

We Have the Cocktail Recipes You'll Be Craving This Holiday

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146 Waylon Salon & Boutique

158 Music Spotlight

Meals Deconstruccted

OH COME, ALL YE THIRSTY

These Colorful Sunglasses Aim to Better Your Mood

Alli Hayes of Waylon Salon Gives Top Notch Hair Care Tips

101

Drink Feature

BRIGHT IDEA

TAME THE MANE

Chef Brent Hersant Makes His Favorite Home Cooked Meals

107

138 Rainbow OPTX

141

That's What She Said

AYLIN JUST WANTS TO HAVE FUN

Stylin by Aylin Takes Us Around Her Favorite La Jolla Hot Spot

166 Palm Desert First Weekend

160 Do Expert

JUST DID IT

Personal Trainer Lindsay Gagnon Talks Health and Wellness

FIRST DIBS

Drink, Explore and Dance Through First Weekend in Palm Desert

®

All rights reserved © 2017, the entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in any forms or by any means without express written prior permission of the copyright owner.

LOCALE MAGAZINE

ph: 949.436.8910 | fax: 949.682.4807 info@localemagazine.com Locale Magazine is printed by SOUTHWEST OFFSET PRINTING 13650 Gramercy Pl, Gardena, CA 90249 | 310.323.0112 | www.southwestoffset.com

COVER

Photography Provided By: John Wilson/Lucasfilm (c) 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

Model: Mark Hamill, @HamillHimself

MAKING THE ISSUE The moment we found out Mark Hamill would be on our cover for the San Diego December issue, there was a collective gasp of joy mixed with disbelief. Hamill is a busy man. With all the buzz that surrounds the second installment of the revived Star Wars saga, it seemed highly unlikely that we could secure a moment from the legend. But, to our surprise, the response was immediate. He was thrilled to lend a moment to discuss his time in the city he calls his hometown. Considering he has lived all over the world, San Diego is that gem of the West Coast that has always stayed in his heart.

From his home in Malibu, Hamill chatted with me over the phone, touching on his fondest childhood memories in the city, his storied voice-acting career and, of course, all things Star Wars. His fervor and passion for his profession was tangible. His voice, as I talk about in the cover story, is clear, energetic and full of life. My nerves at the start of our conversation—and the 24 hours before our interview, to be honest—magically disappeared like the Millenium Falcon going into hyperspace. We laughed about using a lightsaber to cut perfectly toasted slices of bread, shared stories about our departed princess and agreed on the importance of storytelling and fantasy in light of current events.

By the time you read this, the newest Star Wars installment will have made headlines with record breaking ticket sales. Fans will be dressed in costume, waiting in line to watch as Rey, Kylo Ren and Luke battle it out. The rumors will be answered and when the dust settles, we look forward to what bag of tricks Hamill has up his sleeve. The excitement is strong with this one.

LOCALENDAR 20 San Diego Events to Ring in 2018 WRITTEN BY: MAYANDRA ROBBINS

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PUB CRAWL YOUR WAY THROUGH THE GASLAMP QUARTER December 31 ¢ Ring in the New Year with

the San Diego New Year’s Eve Pub Crawl! Come enjoy what the Gaslamp Quarter has to offer from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Check-in is located at Taste & Thirst off of 4th Avenue. Cheers! www.pubcrawls.com

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CAPTURE INSTA GOLD AT THE 10TH ANNUAL GASLAMP HOLIDAY PET PARADE December 10

¢ Is there anything cuter than your furry little friend adorned in holiday fashion?

For those of you who cannot resist such an adorable sight, look no further than the San Diego Union-Tribune Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade presented by Blue Buffalo.

Beginning at 1 p.m. at 401 K Street, pet lovers will be able to revel in this jolly affair and spread some festive cheer! www.holidaypetparade.com

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¢ In order to celebrate the Festival of Lights, the Congregation Beth Am will host the annual lighting of the menorah Dec. 17 at 6 p.m.

Enjoy choral performances and refreshments as a way to celebrate the revered holiday of Hanukkah. delmarhighlandstowncenter.com 20 LOCALE MAGAZINE

ICE SKATE THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS Until January 2 ¢ Nothing says holiday cheer in San Diego like ice skating at the Hotel del Coronado. For the month of December, patrons will bask in holiday cheer as they participate in the annual event of Skating by the Sea through New Year’s Day, surrounded by the famous building with the twinkling lights of the holidays. www.hoteldel.com

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SIP ON MIMOSAS DURING THE CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH CRUISE December 25 ¢ Celebrate Christmas with a Champagne Brunch Cruise in San Diego. Come aboard the Hornblower at 11 a.m. to enjoy a gourmet brunch, free-flowing Champagne and Christmas merriment for an eventful two-hour cruise in the San Diego Bay. www.hornblower.com

DANCE AT THE DEL NEW YEAR’S EVE GALA December 31 ¢ Usher in the New Year with

a glamorous black tie event at the prestigious Hotel del Coronado. This year’s gala will celebrate Indian culture.

The transformed ballroom will teleport all attendees to the breathtaking land of India to celebrate the incoming New Year. www.hoteldel.com

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¢ If you love music, then hop on over to the House of Blues and enjoy the mind-blowing musicianship of singer/ songwriter Ron Pope. Tickets start at $18, so get them asap to enjoy the raw talent of this highly sought musical artist. www.ronpopemusic.com

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¢ Commemorate the beginning of the New Year in style. Hosted at the Red Card Cafe, the New Year’s Eve Gala is the event you can’t miss.

With a black-tie dress code, ladies and gentlemen are encouraged to don their best gowns and tuxes for the event of the year. Doors will open at 8:30 p.m. New Year’s evening.

¢ Come on down to the San Diego Botanic Garden’s annual Garden of Lights celebration. After sunset, the magic of this winter wonderland comes to life for all to enjoy in a spectacular showcase of lights for the month of December from 5 until 9 p.m. Activities will include snow fun, horsedrawn carriage rides, holiday crafts, marshmallow roasting and much more.

KICK OFF THE NEW YEAR IN STYLE AT RED CARD CAFÉ December 31

www.eventbrite.com/e/ new-years-eve-galatickets-35664789345

SHINE BRIGHT AT THE GARDEN OF LIGHTS December 2-23 & 26-30

www.sdbgarden.org/lights.htm

CRUISE INTO THE NEW YEAR WITH MOONLIGHT SAN DIEGO NEW YEAR’S EVE CRUISE December 31 ¢ All hands on deck for the 6th Annual Moonlight San Diego New Year’s Eve Cruise! The California Spirit will be departing for a night of festivities at 9 p.m. Your ticket to one of the hottest parties in all of San Diego will include an open bar, gourmet food, two dance floors and much more. www.sdnewyears.com

Photos - Garden of Lights: Rachel Cobb

EXPERIENCE THE MENORAH LIGHTING BY CONGREGATION BETH AM December 17

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ENJOY MUSIC FROM RON POPE February 23

LOCALENDAR 20 San Diego Events to Ring in 2018 WRITTEN BY: MAYANDRA ROBBINS

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¢ Come on down to the Old Poway Park in order to experience the joyful holiday cheer of a traditional Christmas celebration. The festivities begin at 3:30 p.m. and will include events such as live performances, sweet treats and even a horsedrawn carriage ride! To top it off, the annual lighting of the Christmas tree will take place a couple hours later, ushering in the holiday spirit.

¢ During December to February, experience the unique music of King Taylor Project. The soulful blues band will be gracing locals with their music all across San Diego. Come on out and support one of San Diego’s local favorites.

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GET IN THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT WATCHING THE NUTCRACKER December 8-24

¢ Experience the beauty of

The Nutcracker at the historic Spreckels Theater. This awe-inspiring performance exhibits the magic and beauty of the holiday season while showcasing the timeless art of ballet. www.cityballet.org

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WATCH THE BALLOONS AT PORT OF SAN DIEGO HOLIDAY PARADE December 28 ¢ The Balloon Parade will

grace the Port of San Diego once again. With world-class marching bands, spectacular floats and gigantic festive balloons, The Holiday Bowl Parade is an event the whole family will enjoy. www.holidaybowl.com 22 LOCALE MAGAZINE

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START 2018 WITH A TRIP TO VEGAS December 31 ¢ It’s the end of the year, so make it end with a bang! Join the Five Star Tours Dec. 31 for a trip to Las Vegas from San Diego. Enjoy the hottest casinos and restaurants the strip has to offer, as well as a New Year’s fireworks display to welcome in 2018. www.fivestartours.com

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HAVE BREAKFAST WITH SANTA December 10 ¢ Stop by The Pine Hills Lodge for breakfast with Santa. Enjoy a scrumptious, traditional Christmas meal for the family with jolly Saint Nick between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Call to reserve your seats early for some holiday fun! www.pinehillslodge.com

SEE THE 128TH ANNUAL ROSE PARADE January 1 ¢ Join Five Star Tours as they take you from San Diego to experience the breathtaking Rose Parade on New Year’s Day. Enjoy reserved seats that allow you to view the creatively crafted floats, high-stepping equestrian units and some of the best marching bands in the state.

Tour buses will depart from designated locations at 4 a.m. www.sdsuntours.com

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ENJOY DINNER AND SHOW AT THE DINNER DETECTIVE MURDER MYSTERY December 23 ¢ Love a good mystery? Well come on down to Courtyard

by Marriott and channel your inner Sherlock Holmes in order to solve the murder mystery. Tickets include an amazing dinner as well as a chance to uncover the suspect of the case. www.thedinnerdetective.com

www.kingtaylorproject.com

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SEE THE DIEGO BAY PARADE OF LIGHTS December 10 & 17

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GO TO CORONADO VALENTINE’S DAY FUN RUN February 11

¢ There are fewer things more magnificent than witnessing the awe-inspiring splendor of the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights. For the 46th year, participants will partake in a magnificently adorned boat procession on the San Diego Bay. This year, spectators will be able to relish in the remarkable pirate’s Christmas theme parade at 5 p.m.

¢ Work off the extra holiday pounds with the 8th Annual Coronado Valentine’s Day 10k, 5k & 1 Mile Fun Run! The event is enjoyable for the whole family; each contestant will receive a medal, commemorative t-shirt, and a continental breakfast after the run.

www.sdparadeoflights.org

www.valentinesday10k.com

Photos - The Nutcracker: Julia Hiebaum | Diego Bay Parade of Lights: Marv Sloben

LISTEN TO THE SOUNDS OF KING TAYLOR PROJECT December 16-February 23

www.poway.org

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ENJOY CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK December 9

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS /// WHERE TO BE MONDAY-SUNDAY

SHIRT & BLAZER PROVIDED BY: Maceoo Maceoo.com

GO GREEK

Shane Nicolopoulos Knows a Thing or Two About What’s Good in San Diego

EXPERT: Shane Nicolopoulos CREDENTIALS: General Manager at Andaz San Diego

MONDAY ¢ Monday mornings, I am passionate about jumping into the week by dressing in my personal style with Maceoo attire. This stimulating clothing brand always seems to create a positive confidence with me. maceoo.com TUESDAY ¢ I always look forward to chatting with Alexander Salazar, an international art dealer, in creating new inspirational projects that will really create unique experiences for our guests and employees. alexandersalazarfineart.com WEDNESDAY ¢ Mid-week is always exciting since I can begin to brainstorm ways to create new and experiential touchpoints from what I have learned throughout the week.

While embarking on this process, I always find it easier when I am sipping down my fresh Cafe Moto coffee. cafemoto.com THURSDAY ¢ Thursday is my engagement day, and I always love interacting with the staff and guests in our lounge area. While kick-starting our guest visit experience in San Diego, we feel it is always important

to put them at ease with a welcome beverage from a local brewery, Rough Draft Brewing Company, straight from the tap at check-in. roughdraftbrew.com FRIDAY ¢ Concluding the work week at times can be stressful, so I always feel it is important to relax and wind down with my team. At times, we find ourselves indulging with a premium hand-rolled cigar from the Gran Havana. granhavana.com SATURDAY ¢ Now that the work week is behind me, it is time to bond with my beautiful wife and crazy, energized Greek kiddos. I always enjoy watching my two sons participate in local Scripps Ranch sporting events, and look forward to concluding the day with local hidden gem, Santorini Island Grill. santoriniislandgrill.net SUNDAY ¢ Just when I thought it was time to take a load off, I am always awoken by the kids with their desire to visit Dunkin’ Donuts.

This may not be a locally derived outlet, but for a born and bred Massachusetts individual, it is always local no matter where I am. dunkindonuts.com

“Now that the work week is behind me, it is time to bond with my beautiful wife and crazy energized Greek kiddos.”

ANDAZ SAN DIEGO 600 F St San Diego, CA 92101 619.849.1234 www.sandiego.andaz.hyatt.com Photoshoot Location: MACEOO 600 F St San Diego, CA 92101 888.733.5755 maceoo.com

Photographed By: Josie Gonzales

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LOCALE MAGAZINE

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS /// WHERE TO BE MONDAY-SUNDAY

OUI, OUI!

“Monday is my day off, my two constants are yoga in my garden and lunch out.”

Marielle Giai Shares Her Week Living the California Dream

EXPERT: Marielle Giai CREDENTIALS: Owner of Maison en Provence

MONDAY ¢ Monday is my day off; my two constants are yoga in my garden and lunch out.

Nothing fancy, but fast and delicious. Most times we’ll go to Las Cuatro Milpas under the bridge of Coronado.

You can eat in the kitchen and watch them make everything—it’s the real deal!

TUESDAY ¢ Tuesday, it’s back to work and usually a hectic day with deliveries. But what I love so much about San Diego is that after work I can drive to Ocean Beach and 15 minutes later be taking a walk along Sunset Cliffs—this is my California dream! After it gets dark, we’ll head down on the other side of the hill to Old Venice restaurant to eat in the patio or hang out by the fireplace in the bar. oldvenicerestaurant.com WEDNESDAY ¢ If I do not want to cook at night, then La Bonne Table in Hillcrest is our home. The French owner and chef serve the best duck confit, blood sausages, steak frites and mousse au chocolat.

THURSDAY ¢ Thursday is date night!

We are lucky to have worldrenowned Chef Pascal Lorange’s new restaurant, Crudo, here in the Carmel

MAISON EN PROVENCE 820 Fort Stockton Dr San Diego, CA 92103 619.298.5318 www.everythingprovence.com

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Valley. His menu is inspired and incredible; never been disappointed. crudopl.com FRIDAY ¢ We do not go out on Fridays or Saturdays— restaurants are packed so it is time to stock up on some good food for the weekend. [I’ll grab] cheeses at Venissimo on Washington Street on my way to work. venissimo.com SATURDAY ¢ I love to meet friends for a breakfast/brunch in one of the restaurants near my shop in Mission Hills— The Patio on Goldfinch, Brooklyn Girl and Farmer’s Bottega all have great options without the crowd of certain breakfast places. thepatioongoldfinch.com brooklyngirleatery.com SUNDAY ¢ Sunday is my other day off. One thing I can only find on weekends is the “pane chocolate” from Con Pane Rustic Breads & Cafe, the bakery in Liberty Station. It is a loaf of bread with dough mixed with cocoa powder and chunks of dark chocolate— just so good! libertystation.com/go/conpane-rustic-breads-and-cafe

Photographed By: Josie Gonzales

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS /// WHERE TO BE MONDAY-SUNDAY

PARTY STARTER

“After a long week, a show at the legendary Casbah is the perfect place to let loose with a couple drinks and listen to some amazing music.”

This San Diego Local Shares His Favorite Late Night Spots

EXPERT: David Chan CREDENTIALS: Marketing Manager & Talent Relations, Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows MONDAY ¢ With remarkable production value, the Tonight in San Diego live taping is not to be missed. It’s a late night variety show that highlights local personalities, leaders and entertainers.

After the show, check out Small Bar’s $15 ribeye deal only on Mondays. tonightinsandiego.com smallbarsd.com TUESDAY ¢ While everyone is doing Taco Tuesday, I’m in Convoy doing Asian food at either Dumpling Inn or RakiRaki Ramen. Afterwards, check out Iceskimo for some amazing Taiwanese snow ice and Min Sok Chon for karaoke. dumplinginn.com rakirakiramen.com WEDNESDAY ¢ Get a fresh cut mid-week at Barber Side on Adams Avenue in Normal Heights, which is open until midnight.

Don’t expect to get your hair cut quickly, as they don’t take reservations and typically have at least an hour wait.

Write your name on the list and get a pizza and beer at Blind Lady Ale House or Luigi’s while you wait. barberside.com THURSDAY ¢ Once a quarter, The San Diego Museum of Art puts on my favorite event: Culture & Cocktails. Everyone is dolled up and there’s food, drinks

and most importantly an impressive collection of art to check out. If the event isn’t occurring, you can’t lose with City Tacos and live music at Soda Bar. sdmart.org/culture-cocktails citytacossd.com FRIDAY ¢ After a long week, a show at the legendary Casbah is the perfect place to let loose with a couple drinks and listen to some amazing music. Izakaya Masa is a little hidden gem in Mission Hills for killer late night eats ‘til 1 a.m. casbahmusic.com izakayamasa.com SATURDAY ¢ The family-owned Las Cuatros Milpas in Barrio Logan has the best limited Mexican menu in town.

Order the rice and beans—it comes with tortillas and it’s basically all you need.

La Bodega Gallery, also in Barrio Logan, typically has some great art shows on Saturday nights. labodegagallery.com SUNDAY ¢ If it’s during the summer, then I’m technically “working” the pool parties at the Lafayette Hotel. They’ve been voted as San Diego’s best three years in a row. If I’m not working, then you’ll find me strolling Balboa Park and taking it easy. lafayettehotelsd.com

LAFAYETTE HOTEL, SWIM CLUB & BUNGALOWS 2223 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92104 619.296.2101 www.lafayettehotelsd.com

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Photographed By: Josie Gonzales

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS /// WHERE TO BE MONDAY-SUNDAY

PERFECT VISION

TWENTY/20 SHERATON CARLSBAD RESORT & SPA 5480 Grand Pacific Dr Carlsbad, CA 92008 760.827.2500 www.twenty20grill.com Photoshoot Location: TRUE NORTH TAVERN 3815 30th St San Diego, CA 92104 619.291.3815 www.truenorthtavern.com

From Trivia Night to Tequila, David Pucknicki of TWENTY/20 Shares His Ideal Week

EXPERT: David Pucknicki CREDENTIALS: Food and Beverage Manager at TWENTY/20

MONDAY ¢ Mondays are typically my day off, so I love going out in the evening with friends to enjoy a cold beer and True North Tavern’s weekly trivia night! Plus, it’s a great place to watch football with $4 drink specials including Jameson and Saint Archer cans. truenorthtavern.com TUESDAY

¢ I like to start my day at

Lestat’s on Park. They offer one of the best house-brewed coffees in San Diego and they make a great Dirty Chai Latte—my favorite! I love the relaxing and friendly environment of the place, a great way to have your morning coffee and read a book to start the day off. lestats.com WEDNESDAY ¢ The views alone at Kate Sessions Park are worth the trip. It’s gorgeous. I love heading to Kate Sessions for a great mid-week spot to hang out after work. sandiegocoastlife.com THURSDAY ¢ EscoGelato is a small, offthe-beaten-path gelato house and is always changing it up.

I look forward to seeing the different and unique flavor choices every week. Their gelato is made fresh daily with high-quality ingredients

so the result is a super creamy gelato full of flavor. escogelato.com FRIDAY ¢ To kick off the weekend I head to The Pony Room—a fun, lively tequila bar hidden in the middle of Rancho Santa Fe. The bar features 100 varieties of tequila, alongside one of the most impressive collections of high-end wines and handcrafted cocktails. ranchovalencia.com SATURDAY ¢ With over 200 tents, Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market is one of the biggest farmers’ markets in San Diego. Get there early before all of the wonderful produce sells out, then grab something to eat from the countless food vendors that also participate! littleitalysd.com SUNDAY ¢ After working a busy Sunday brunch at TWENTY/20, Stone Steps is the perfect place to stop on my way home down to San Diego and unwind as I generally begin my weekend.

This locals’ favorite is fairly secluded and doesn’t get the weekend rush as many San Diego beaches do. sandiegocoastlife.com

“Mondays are typically my day off so I love going out in the evening with friends to enjoy a cold beer and True North Tavern’s weekly trivia night!”

Photographed By: Josie Gonzales

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LOCALE MAGAZINE

IN STA- WORT HY Home Makeover Inspo We

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ALL YE CITIZENS @allyecitizens

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PRISCILLA LEE Priscilla Lee @bypriscillalee

PANORAMA INTERIORS Andy and Amy Pugh @panoramainteriors

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CORAZONES DE PAPEL @corazonesdepapel

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KNOTTY DICKENS Kayla Dickens @knottydickens

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CAROL ESTES @cestesdesign

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LODA @lodadesigns

NATIVE POPPY @native_poppy

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CRAFT + FOSTER @craftandfoster

F O LLO W LO CA LE M AG A Z I N E O N I N STAG R A M @localemagazine • #localemagazine

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From the Pages Of LOCALE ORANGE COUNTY You have recently purchased a top-of-the-line MercedesBenz that runs effortlessly, has several upgrades and factory-installed amenities, all wrapped up in a shiny, new classic paint job.

However, when you visualize your ultimate dream car, your Mercedes might otherwise be decked out in a striking custom hue, perhaps Vista Blue or Cadmium Green, with ultra matching executive-style interior, low profile spoilers and 900 horsepower.

Creating super cars is another way BRABUS fulfills dreams. For campers, hikers or outdoorsy adventure seekers, BRABUS offers an exclusive and extreme off-road beauty called the BRABUS 550 ADVENTURE 4x42. This spectacular cross country vehicle boasts 550 horsepower and is based on the Mercedes G500 4x42.

If “off the beaten path” is what turns you on, then BRABUS’ engineering is prepared to give you the best off-road driving experience imaginable.

BRABUS, the world’s most renowned and high-performance tuning corporation, which specializes in Mercedes-Benz, Smart, Tesla and Maybach vehicles, offers limitless custom automobile solutions and is able to provide all of your vehicle improvements and heart’s desires. An award-winning company, BRABUS is in a class all by itself. “We are the world’s best aftermarket tuner; our craftsmanship speaks for itself,” said Marketing Manager Cameron Tokumoto.

“BRABUS is really about taking everything to the extreme—leaving nothing stock because it simply can be done better,” said Tokumoto.

Y

JOY RIDE Give Your Car an Extreme Makeover with BRABUS WRITTEN BY: ANGELA HATCHER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: BRABUS USA

WHAT’S IN A NAME

BREAKING RECORDS

The company name is derived from the first three letters of the original co-founders’ last names: Brackman and Buschmann; hence, BRABUS!

The BRABUS Rocket takes the world’s Top Speed Record for production for saloons at Nardò with a speed of 227 miles per hour in 2006.

INNOVATION IS KEY In 1982, BRABUS first installed an audio/ multimedia system with television and video.

Offering an unlimited wealth of technologically advanced and individually customized solutions for dreamers everywhere, BRABUS personalizes luxury automobiles. Specialist craftsmen can incorporate any conceptualization you may have from satellite navigation or suspension and engine upgrades to out-of-the-box ideas such as body conversions, vehicle height or advanced A/V entertainment—to name a few.

City slickers have not been left out as BRABUS has introduced a smaller limited edition automobile, the BRABUS Ultimate 125, a smart sports car that is based on the smart fortwo, and is dressed up in Blu Glauco (bright turquoise). The BRABUS 650 Cabrio was unveiled this year as well and is based on the brand new Mercedes C63S Cabriolet.

Whether purchasing an automobile directly from BRABUS or taking your car to BRABUS for customization or complete renovation, BRABUS is the ultimate in finding ways to make lives more comfortable, more tailored to suit your needs and more exciting as the rubber meets the road.

“BRABUS is really about taking everything to the extreme— leaving nothing stock because it simply can be done better.”

—Cameron Tokumoto

BRABUS USA 1711 McGaw Ave, Irvine, CA 92614 949.229.1770 www.brabus-usa.com | @brabususa

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LOCALE MAGAZINE

HOME PHOTO BY: Josie Gonzales

///AWAY

DEC 2017

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HOME EXPERTS Talented Designers, Garden Extraordinaires and Awesome Realtors Are Here to Give You Some Home Inspo

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HOME/AWAY GUIDE From A to Z, How to Bring the California Cool to You

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SETTING THE TABLE Enjoy the Happiest Hour at Puesto

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HOTEL PASEO Check Into This Hotel and Get Away

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HUMANITARIAN PROFILE See the World Through Tolerant Eyes

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AWAY EXPERTS Our Get-Away Pros

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SHOP FOR YOUR HOME Eight Places to Shop for Home Accessories in SoCal

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BUILDING THE CLOSET Design Your Dream Closet With California Closets

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Photoshoot Location: Native Poppy 2335 University Ave San Diego, CA 92104 619.535.0245 www.nativepoppy.com

HOME/AWAY GUIDE H is for Home

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SU CASA You’re Never Going to Want to Leave This Villa

How to Style Your Home and Travel From A to Z With This SoCal Guide

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LOCALE MAGAZINE

HOME EXPERT

SWEET HOME CA L I F OR N I A

F R O M D E S I G N E R S TO R E A LTO R S , T H E S E N I N E E X P E R T S A I M TO G E T Y O U R H O M E O N P O I N T WRITTEN BY: SARAH HOOD PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BHADRI KUBENDRAN, JULIE JONES & KAMBRIA FISCHER

San Diego is truly a place of beauty, and nobody knows that better than the city’s leading home and garden experts. With their talents ranging from interior design to home decorating to real estate, these industry leaders are drawing from the region’s finest qualities—the sunshine-drenched beaches, the cloudless skies, the laid-back atmosphere—to transform local architecture and outdoor spaces. In these exclusive interviews, LOCALE chats with nine home specialists to discover how they got started in their fields, how they stay inspired and how they are making a difference for San Diego clients.

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Rita Perwich

MASTER GARDENER AND MEMBER OF THE SAN DIEGO ROSE SOCIETY Q: How did you first develop an interest in rose gardening?

Rita Perwich: Every April, Coronado puts on a beautiful flower show in Spreckels Park. There is also a section for roses. I was new to gardening and had planted 10 roses in my garden. The day of the show, I cut one rose and entered it in the show. It won the Best Novice Rose trophy and I was immediately hooked on roses! I was asked if I wanted to co-chair the Rose Section. I accepted and am still chairing the Rose Section. That was 17 years ago!

Oscar Bravo

Q: What led you to become involved with the San Diego Rose Society?

RP: I attended an all-day seminar put on by the SDRS. I learned so much and was so impressed by the speakers, and everyone’s passion for roses was contagious. Plus, everyone was so friendly. It was wonderful but I wanted more, so I started attending the monthly meetings in Balboa Park.

Q: Tell me about what the title of Master Gardener entails. What is your role in assisting the rosegrowing public?

RP: In San Diego, Master Gardeners are trained by University of California Cooperative Extension specialists in home horticulture and pest management. Master Gardeners are involved in many programs such as community gardens, the Braille Institute, a program with incarcerated youth, our hotline and you have probably seen us at the San Diego County Fair and farmers markets.

Q: What are your top suggestions for growing spectacular roses?

RP: First and foremost, pick the right rose. This is also why you want to get input from the SDRS and local growers.

Take care in planting your roses well and amend your soil with organics. It is so important to feed the soil. They also need to be pruned every year in order for them to start their new year’s growth on healthy and vigorous canes.

OWNER AND INTERIOR DECORATOR FOR OSCAR BRAVO HOMES Q: Tell me about how you colonialism, and I enjoy combining became an interior decorator. different design eras in my projects.

What drew you to this Q: You work closely with your enterprise? clients to match their unique tastes Oscar Bravo: I’ve always and needs, as well as their had a passion for visual budgets. In what ways has BOOKSMART design. When I was this positively affected • Oscar Bravo growing up, my mom your clients and your attended kept our house well-decorated relationships with them? the Fashion while sticking to a budget. But OB: The more I get to Institute of I really started to get involved know my clients, the more I Design and with interior decorating when Merchandising understand what makes them I bought my first house and in Los Angeles, feel happy and comfortable I found new ways to express where he and how I can tailor my myself through its décor. studied the services to their individual Q: From where do you draw inspiration and ideas for the various projects on your blog?

OB: I find inspiration everywhere—at local flea markets, from other decorators and even on social media like Pinterest and Instagram. But most of my inspiration comes from nature, and you can see that reflected in the rooms I work on for myself and for clients. I love natural finishes and earth tones.

history of fashion design.

LET’S GET VIRTUAL • His blog features custom e-designs for clients to shop at their own leisure.

Q: How would you describe your own decorating style?

OB: It’s a mix of different styles. I’d best describe it as eclectic with a coastal vibe.

I love creating a beach-like atmosphere with elements like palm trees and shades of coral. I’m also fond of British Oscar Bravo Home www.oscarbravohome.com @oscarbravohome 40 LOCALE MAGAZINE

needs. I’m able to show them how to add elements of style to their décor that are functional and that accommodate their lifestyles.

And because many of my clients have younger children, I get to show them that they can enjoy stylish living spaces that are still kid-friendly.

Q: How do you want your future projects to impact in the San Diego area for the better?

OB: I want people to realize that interior design is not just for the elite and wealthy. I decorate for people who have realistic budgets, and I want to be the person that middle-class America can come to for help.

Photoshoot Location: Chula Vista, CA

EXTRA! READ ABOUT ROSES • Rita Perwich writes a monthly column called “The Sustainable Rose Garden” for the San Diego Union Tribune on the first Saturday of each month.

San Diego Rose Society www.sdrosesociety.org Photoshoot Location: Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden 2125 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104 619.235.1169 | www.balboapark.org/gardens/rose-garden

LET IT GROW • She strongly recommends utilizing “nature’s biological controls” such as lady beetles and praying mantises, and even larger creatures like birds and spiders, in tandem with proper gardening techniques to help your garden grow.

Photos - Oscar Bravo & David Malmuth and Pete Garcia: Bhadri Kubendran | Rita Perwich: Kambria Fischer

DISNEY DREAMIN’ • Co-Founder David Malmuth worked for the Walt Disney company for nine years, during which he developed the Feature Animation Building in Burbank and the New Amsterdam Theatre in New York City.

ISSA (YOUNG) VIBE • Both Malmuth and business partner Pete Garcia sought input from the future residents of IDEA1 by inviting young adults out for pizza to discuss what amenities and features they would like to see in this innovative complex.

David Malmuth and Pete Garcia PARTNERS AND CO-FOUNDERS, I.D.E.A DISTRICT

Q: Tell me your vision for the I.D.E.A District. How did the idea for the project come about?

David Malmuth: We started by considering what San Diego needs to attract this generation of welleducated and highly creative young adults, who are key to building a thriving economy. So, we asked ourselves, ʻhow do we create a place in downtown San Diego that attracts both talented individuals and the companies that want to employ them?ʻ Pete Garcia: We decided that we needed a vision to guide us, so we devised the IDEA name, which stands for Innovation, Design, Education and Arts. Our goal for the I.D.E.A District is to develop an innovative community that will produce new jobs in the design and tech industries while providing residents with amenities like entertainment and cultural hot spots and reliable public transportation.

Q: What kinds of people do you want to take up residence within IDEA1?

DM: We want to attract a ‘creative class’—people who are intellectually curious, who are always asking themselves ‘What’s next?,’ who are seeking to make an impact.

PG: And that includes people from all walks of life. If we wanted an exclusively wealthy clientele, we would have based our project in La Jolla. We’re both pro-social justice and we want the IDEA1 apartments to be home to individuals who will contribute to the community both economically and socially. We want to see our residents use their talents to fight injustice and bring about prosperity for everyone.

Q: How do you hope the I.D.E.A District will transform the East Village community?

PG: Essentially, we’re hoping to bring high-paying jobs and vibrancy to a neighborhood that holds great potential but has been overlooked by developers. We want to transform the Upper East Village from a run-down, formerly industrial district into a prosperous, diverse community where creative minds can gather and develop the next big thing!

IDEA1 895 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 619.304.3955 | www.idea1sandiego.com

Q: Once IDEA1 opens in December, what will be the next step in expanding the I.D.E.A District?

DM: Well, we are working on IDEA2, but we can’t say too much yet… Stay tuned!

LOCALE MAGAZINE 41

Daniela Deutsch

LECTURER OF ARCHITECTURE, NEWSCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN Q: How did you first develop an interest in architecture?

Daniela Deutsch: My father was an urban planner when I was growing up in Romania. Seeing him work in this field was my inspiration from the beginning. I loved to draw, and I was very interested in buildings and in creating spaces. By the time I was 12, I knew I wanted to be an architect. I’ve noticed that many of my students and my fellow architects chose this path early in life like I did!

Kevin Landie & Kris Garrett

CEO AND EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, ARAN CUCINE Q: How did you first become involved with Aran Cucine and what is your current role in the business?

Kris Garrett: I first became aware of Aran Cucine in late 2015, right when I was in the process of selling another business.

I’ve always had a passion for cooking and woodwork, so it seemed like a perfect fit. My current position mostly entails business development, but I do dabble in other aspects of the company such as design, marketing and pricing.

Q: How you would describe the types of designs that Aran Cucine has to offer its customers?

KG: We have a full suite of designs ranging from ultramodern and contemporary to traditional, and there are hundreds of finishes that customers can choose from.

Our clients generally tend to swing towards one end of the spectrum or the other, but we’ll sometimes incorporate a combination of new and old

trends; for example, we might soften up a modern design with a natural finish.

Kevin Landie: Everyone loves and recognizes all the design trends that come out of Italy. We are able to offer a innovative designs that meet each client’s needs from traditional to modern to transitional. In other words, Aran looks to customize the kitchen design experience for each client.

Q: What is something that you are excited for in 2018 with Aran Cucine?

KL: So many things! We are excited to have an Italian designer joining our team at the end of the year, a new kitchen line being released first quarter of 2018, onboarding an additional member of our team for the contract division, trip to Milan for the bi-annual Euro Cucina show and bringing in an exchange designer from Italy to work with us on designs here in our Solana Beach showroom.

Aran Cucine 118 S Cedros Ave, Ste A, Solana Beach, CA 92075 858.800.4233 | www.arancucine.com 42 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Q: I’ve been told that you specialize in designing for sustainability and healthy living spaces. What exactly does that entail?

DD: It entails incorporating the fundamentals of energy-efficient design into my courses and demonstrating how society’s need for sustainable energy should touch upon all aspects of architecture. Throughout my architecture and environmental science classes, I help my students realize that they, as citizens and future designers, are responsible for meeting the demand for ecologically reasonable buildings. I have developed my studios and curriculum a way that will encourage new architects to respect the environment and use natural resources wisely.

Q: What do you hope your undergraduate students take away from your classes?

DD: In all my classes, I want to strike a balance between teaching, research and practice so that my students can function effectively within all three areas. I also would like students to realize that even though technical skills are important in this field, there are other aspects that they need to keep in mind. I want them to develop critical thinking skills so that they can understand the key issues within the world of architecture and have informed positions. My greatest hope for them is that they will become confident designers and big thinkers who work optimistically, provocatively and creatively.

Q: What sort of an impact do you hope to have within San Diego’s community of architectural experts?

DD: I’m trying to take what I’ve learned from other places, both here in America and abroad, and apply that knowledge within San Diego in order to build a more energy-efficient community. I am convinced that my current and future projects will help other architects come up with innovative solutions and show cities how to make choices that benefit the environment.

RULE THE SCHOOLS • Daniela Deutsch has taught in Germany, is multilingual and has held exhibitions in both Germany and San Diego.

DESIGN CRED • Aran Cucine is accredited

by IQNet Association, Forest Stewardship Council and Quality Austria.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE • Other divisions of the company include Newform Ufficio, which designs office furnishings and Newform Notte, which optimizes closet and bedroom space.

ECOFRIENDLY • She and her students are currently working with professional architects on a project that will develop 30 blocks of energy efficient buildings in downtown National City.

NewSchool of Architecture and Design 1249 F St, San Diego, CA 92101 800.490.7081 | www.newschoolarch.edu

Photos - Kevin Landie and Kris Garrett & Daniela Deutsch: Bhadri Kubendran | Kelly Hinchman: Kambria Fischer

Studio H Design Group 614 5th Ave, Unit K San Diego, CA 92101 619.230.5343 www.studioh-int.com

Kelly Hinchman LEED AP AND DESIGN PRINCIPAL, STUDIO H DESIGN GROUP Q: Tell me how the idea for Studio H came about. What steps did you take to make it happen?

Kelly Hinchman: I wanted to become an interior designer ever since I was a little girl. I used to love changing up the furniture in my room and decorating my dollhouses. As a young adult, I received my degree in this field from the Design Institute of San Diego. After working for a local design company for a few years and being mentored by professionals within the field, I founded the Studio H Design Group in 2013 after my business partner retired.

Q: How would you describe Studio H’s style and/or designs?

KH: We have a California modern aesthetic, although we do tailor our design choices according to our customers’ tastes. We usually like to start with a simple monochromatic palette and then throw in different textures and edgier accents on top of that.

Q: From where do you draw inspiration?

KH: I frequently travel to places like

New York, Los Angeles and even Paris to attend design shows and to be exposed to as many different resources as possible. However, when I need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, I’ll also go and visit my family in Ireland to clear my mind for fresh ideas. I often get the best inspiration after I take a break and let my mind relax. Of course, it also helps to have a good team behind you to brainstorm ideas and pick up details that you might miss.

Q: What kind of impact do you hope to have on the interior design community within San Diego?

KH: San Diego is more of a coastal, beachy design community compared to other metropolitan areas. One of Studio H’s goals is to help the design scene here to become more cutting edge, more outside the box. With more media exposure on places like Instagram and Pinterest, we hope that San Diego will become more eager to embrace modern trends and that local designers will realize that they don’t have to look to Los Angeles for the next big thing.

GIVING BACK • Studio H supports the group Home of Guiding Hands, which offers housing and various other services to individuals with disabilities.

CAMERA READY • Kelly Hinchman also serves as a contributing professional for HGTV’s official website.

LOCALE MAGAZINE 43

WE GOT HISTORY • Although it was founded in 1914, Willis Allen received its name in 1942 when a young broker named Willis M. Allen purchased the company from Frederick L. Brown.

ACROSS THE MAP • Willis Allen has offices in downtown San Diego, Del Mar, Coronado, Point Loma, Rancho Santa Fe and La Jolla.

Christine Baker

REAL ESTATE AGENT AND ADVISOR, WILLIS ALLEN REAL ESTATE Q: How did you come to be involved with Willis Allen?

Christine Baker: I was working as an agent, for another national firm back in 2008, when the market was badly deteriorating. As the market declined, I realized the importance of working with a locally owned brokerage with a strong management team rooted in the San Diego market and I joined Willis Allen in 2010. I was hugely impressed with their reputation in the luxury market, the technology and marketing tools that afforded me a competitive edge over the competition and their unwavering integrity.

Q: What sets Willis Allen apart from other independent real estate firms?

CB: I think part of what makes our firm so special is that we view our agents as part of a professional family. Willis Allen does not hire every agent who interviews with them. Instead, we make sure that we hire the right people for the job—people who uphold our business principles of expert market knowledge, integrity and honesty.

Q: How do you think Willis Allen has influenced San Diego real estate for the better?

CB: Willis Allen has been in business in San Diego for over 100 years.

It’s always been a locally owned and operated brokerage focusing on desirable luxury communities like La Jolla, Coronado, Rancho Santa Fe, Point Loma, Del Mar and Downtown San Diego. We understand the local real estate market and can best share that insight, knowledge and expertise with our clients who ultimately benefit.

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Willis Allen Real Estate 1131 Wall St La Jolla, CA 92037 877.515.7443 www.willisallen.com Photoshoot Location: 13888 Etude Rd San Diego, CA 92128

Photography By: Julie Jones

Q: Willis Allen has property listings in many desirable San Diego communities including La Jolla, Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe. What specific qualities do you look for in the homes you decide to list under the Willis Allen name?

CB: In terms of the high-end properties we list, we examine a property’s architectural style, quality of construction/design to ascertain the best marketing strategy and price. Properties with water views, city views or canyons are highly desirable, as are homes with historical significance as there can be huge tax savings to the buyer. But the basis for our listings is focused on the client relationship and experience.

H is for Home

HOW TO STYLE YOUR HOME AND TRAVEL FROM A TO Z WITH THIS SOCAL GUIDE Written By: Emily Torres and Ameihia Turingan

Whether you’re looking to revamp your interiors or escape on vacation, getting some inspo is always essential. Maybe you enjoy bringing your travels home and decorating with unique pieces from far away lands. Maybe you like to fill your kitchen with designer appliances. Or maybe you have your interior design dialed and are just looking to get out of town and relax on a beach for a few days. Whatever your desires are, we got you covered in our Home and Away guide.

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Bar Cart Essentials

Locale Magazine HOME + AWAY GUIDE

Art

Art for Your Cart DECORATE YOUR BAR CART WITH THESE ARTSY ESSENTIALS

u Spruce up your space with bold frames and eye-catching art. Not only will this serve as a picturesque backdrop while you’re pouring your favorite drink, but it will also add that perfect artsy addition to your home.

Bar Cart

u Trend alert! Bar carts are the hottest item to have in your home these days.

Add some flair with a gold-trimmed cart and add some metallic-themed decor throughout for extra style.

NAPKINS Meri Meri $6.50 The Balvenie

us.thebalvenie.com

STRAWS Party Partners $5.95

A Art

LET’S CELEBRATE DISH Mudpie $39.50

PROFILE FRAMES $59-$99 Room & Board roomandboard.com

B

Bar Cart

BRIXTON BAR CART $799 Room & Board roomandboard.com

Where’s the Party? wheresthepartyoc.com

Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskey

tullamoredew.com

CLAMSHELL JULEP STRAINER Twelve24 $20

Hendrick’s Gin

hendricksgin.com

JAPANESE JIGGER Cocktail Kingdom $10 MACH 2 MIXING GLASS Twelve24 $42 SPEEDY PEELER $13 DIAMOND CUT OLD FASHIONED GLASS Hardstrong $19.95 TEARDROP BARSPOON 30CM Twelve24 $24

Milagro

milagrotequila.com

The Mixing Glass the-mixing-glass. shoplightspeed.com

Photographed By: Krizia Loechle Styled By: Melissa Souza

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Photoshoot Location: Room & Board, 3309 Hyland Avenue, Ste A, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 | 714.549.5995 | www.roomandboard.com

Locale Magazine HOME + AWAY GUIDE

Home Accessories

C

THE WORD IS IN: ACCESSORIES ARE NO LONGER JUST FOR OUTFITS. THESE ITEMS WILL COMPLETE YOUR HOME’S LOOK. THE DESIGN IS ALWAYS IN THE DETAILS.

Chandeliers

$1,495 Ambiance Home ambiancehome.com

G

F

Gold Accents

Farmhouse Decor

LOUISE VASES $35-$95 Pelago Palm Springs pelagopalmsprings. com

GOLD LANTERNS $32-$52 Bungalow 56 Interiors bungalow56.com

DREAM HOME DECOR Go to Marc Pridmore for a Fresh Look From luxury dining sets to upscale office decor, Marc Pridmore's 42,000-squarefoot showroom is our destination for interior design and decor. Based in Costa Mesa, Marc Pridmore offers classic, yet current, furnishings perfect for your dream home.

D

Designer Kitchen Accessories

TOASTER $499 Dolce & Gabbana dolcegabbana.com

Chandeliers

u Catch your guests’ eyes from the moment they walk in with an elegant entryway chandelier. You can’t go wrong with a beautiful light fixture that shines radiantly.

Designer Kitchen Accessories

u Live like you’re in Italy everyday with Dolce & Gabbana’s “Sicily Is My Love” kitchen collection in collaboration with SMEG. Symbols of Mount Etna, friezes, bright red cherries and lemons adorn the brand new collection’s toasters to slow juicers.

Embroidery

u We love the look of a few embroidered throw pillows on

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couches and beds. Give your lounging spaces personality with different needlework designs.

marcpridmoredesigns.com

Farmhouse Decor

u If Chip and Joanna Gaines are #goals, then farmhouse decor should be your style go-to.

What better way to brighten up your home than with some barn doors or lanterns? Add in some farmhouse classics to bring the southern vibes to California.

Gold Accents

u Gold is the new black. Opt for gold-legged side tables, gold frames, gold lamps or these gold trimmed vases for a touch of elegant edge.

E

Embroidery

$15 Knotty Dickens knottydickens.com

Locale Magazine HOME + AWAY GUIDE

H

Home Away from Home Balboa Bay Resort meritagecollection. com/balboabayresort Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa indianwells.regency. hyatt.com

Travel Influences

Leather Travel Case Set, $110 Cuyana, cuyana.com

USE INSPIRATION FROM YOUR VACATIONS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME, AND MAKE EVERY DAY A GETAWAY.

J

I

Jet Away

International Influence

LE SUD OVERNIGHT $215 Cuyana cuyana.com

Home Away from Home Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa u Experience the comforts of your home—a plush bed and cozy decor—with a twist: a luxury spa and pools, championship golf course and multiple restaurants.

Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort and Spa offers an experience beyond any staycation we could have ever imagined.

Balboa Bay Resort u We love to sip our morning coffee with a waterfront view at Balboa Bay Resort. This luxury— yet—casual resort in Newport Beach offers the best of both

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SOUKIE CERAMIC CANDLE $150 Soukie Modern soukiemodern.com HAMSA TUNISIAN CERAMIC BOWL $44 The Souk thesoukmb.com

worlds: outdoor sports, stand-up paddleboarding and a top-notch spa and wine selection. We will see you there.

International Influence u Make your space an homage to travels abroad. Keep a vintage globe in your office, decorate your kitchen in Moroccan decor to inspire flavorful dishes or place candles with colorful markings throughout your home.

Jet Away

u When we leave home, we like to travel in style. We love trendy passport holders and large carryons to fit all our in-flight essentials.

“

Make your space an homage to travels abroad.

Locale Magazine HOME + AWAY GUIDE

K

Kitchen Essentials

MIELE OVEN $8,199 KBC by Benjamin Sullivan kbcofpalmsprings.com

L

Lamps

ACCENT TABLE LAMP $1,885 Kelly Wearstler kellywearstler.com

Finishing Touches COMPLETE YOUR HOME’S LOOK WITH THESE MUST-HAVE ITEMS.

“

These simplistic pieces are perfect for subtle details.

M

Message Boards

N

Neutrals Kitchen Essentials

u No kitchen is complete without a top of the line oven, elegant, porcelain ramekins reminiscent of French patisseries, a cast-iron skillet that speaks to a rustic and plenty of greenery.

Lamps

u Whether you go one with a crystal element or a wooden base, lamps are a great way to bring some light into your home.

Message Boards

u Write quirky notes to your

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family and friends with message boards. We love to keep ours in the entryway to welcome guests!

Neutrals

Made to Order WKNDLA wknd.la

u Balance out the bold with neutral splashes. Our current favorite? Fringe wall hangings.

These simplistic pieces are perfect for subtle details.

O

Ombre Statement Rugs

$6,970 Kelly Wearstler kellywearstler.com

u Go bold and make a statement in your living room with an ombre rug. Our favorite colors? Grey, pink or blue ombre!

Ombre Statement Rugs

$26.95-$39.95 Mercenary General Store mercenarygeneral.com

P Paséa Hotel & Spa meritagecollection. com/paseahotel

“

Nothing says paradise like an ice-cold Pacifico!

PINEAPPLE SHOT GLASS SET $29 Pigment shoppigment.com

$7.99 for a Six Pack Pacifico discoverpacifico.com

Paradise

WHAT’S YOUR PARADISE? DO YOU CRAVE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE, TRENDY RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTCLUBS AND BEAUTIFUL DOWNTOWN ARCHITECTURE? OR DO YOU DREAM ABOUT SAND BENEATH YOUR FEET AND SALTY OCEAN BREEZES? CREATE YOUR OWN PERSONAL MODERN CITY OR RELAXED BEACH PARADISE SO EVERY DAY FEELS LIKE A VACATION.

P

Paradise Paséa Hotel & Spa

u Indulge in a modern coastal oasis at the Paséa Hotel & Spa in Huntington Beach. With views that overlook the Pacific, a Balineseinspired luxury spa and a coveted wedding venue, Paséa Hotel & Spa is the perfect spot for some sandy R&R.

Pendry San Diego

u Enjoy a sophisticated and stylish stay in the city at Pendry San Diego. The hotel’s modern decor and classic vibes gives you a side of San Diego rarely seen. Bonus: this spot features a relaxing rooftop pool and private cabanas.

Pineapples

u Create your year-long tropical paradise with pineapple accents. We love wallhangings, lamps and even these gold pineapple shot glasses.

Pendry San Diego pendryhotels.com

Pacifico

u Nothing says paradise like an ice-cold Pacifico! Sit back, relax and enjoy this crisp refreshing lager as your troubles melt away.

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Locale Magazine HOME + AWAY GUIDE

R

Relax and Rejuvenate

Newport Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa marriott.com The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel ritzcarlton.com

Wall Art Print, $15 Abbie Paulhus, abbiepaulhus.com

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U

COASTAL CHIC SAND DOLLAR $9.35 Per Square Foot The Finishing Touch Floors, Inc. ftfloorsinc.com

EDISON BULB $335 for a Set Urban Lighting Inc. urbanlighting.net

Trendy Tiles

Queen Bee Market

u Owned by sisters Kellie Dooley and Allison Gharst, The Queen Bee Market is a haven for all things home decor. The two-day show, convened in San Diego and Las Vegas, brings together local and national artisans to ensure that the marketplace buzzes with current and trendy booths that offer high quality and handmade goods. Their next San Diego show takes place Dec. 15-16 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Relax and Rejuvenate

u Need a place to unwind? Leave your worries at home and head to the spa. Close your eyes and relax. Book a visit to either hotel for a memorable and rejuvenating experience.

Solar

u In sunny SoCal, installing SunPower solar panels will create a clean source of energy for your home. Decrease or eliminate your electricity bill and go green by having Renova Energy install panels on your roof to generate “watts” of energy and savings.

Trendy Tiles

u Tiles pack a punch of personality and can bring a room to life. If you’re looking for something

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Urban Decor

that will elevate a room, consider putting in wall or floor tiles from The Finishing Touch Flooring, Inc. in a way that suits your style!

Urban Decor

u Urban-chic decor provides a warm and industrial ambiance to a room. Add in elements like geometric patterns, metals, exposed brick walls, contemporary artwork and Edison bulb fixtures to complete the urban look.

Virtual Reality

u Utilizing technology, Brookfield Residential allows customers to easily envision their home before it is built through their virtual reality feature. Rather than viewing images about the home online, these immersive experience tours enable future homeowners to walk through the space and get a head start in figuring out how to decorate it before signing on the dotted line.

It’s the Little Things

Queen Bee Market

thequeenbeemarket. com

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Wood Floors WHEATHER IT’S ADDING DECOR TO YOUR HOME OR TAKING TIME TO PAMPER YOURSELF, IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS IN LIFE THAT COUNT

Wood Floors

u Looking to transition from carpet to wood? Warren Christopher Flooring provides beautiful flooring made from materials such as American Beech, French Oak, African Cherry, European Oak, Walnut or reclaimed wood.

Q

V

Virtual Reality

Brookfield Residential brookfieldresidential.com

WESTERN EUROPEAN OAK Starting at $12.29 per Square Foot (Depending on Width, Thickness and Grade of Wood) Warren Christopher Flooring wchristopher.com

S

Solar

Renova Solar renovasolar.com

X

eXtra Cozy

Snuggle Up

CHUNKY KNIT THROW $395 Modern Wool modernwool.com

GET HOMEY WITH THESE ESSENTIALS SHEEPSKIN PILLOW $49 Room & Board roomandboard.com

Z

Zig Zag

Y Yurt

Skyfarm Yurt airbnb.com

CHEVRON VASE $155 Barclay Butera barclaybutera.com HERRINGBONE THROW PILLOW $149 Room & Board roomandboard.com

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Chunky knits are essentials during cool autumn and winter nights. eXtra Cozy

u Chunky knits are essential during cool autumn and winter nights. Instead of relegating the material to just your clothes, look into purchasing big knit blankets, decorative pillows and crochet knit cozies to wrap around your mugs. Make sure to bundle up under the blankets and drink hot chocolate for an extra toasty time.

Yurt

u A type of domed tent originating from nomads in Central Asia, modern yurts are decked out with features like furniture, beds, windows and doors. The spacious tent allows you to reap the benefits of outdoor camping while residing in a comfortable room. Invite your friends to camp in style and enjoy the night sky by renting one in Joshua Tree or in Los Angeles through Airbnb.

Zig Zag

u The chevron shape provides a wonderful dash of detail for your table spread. Details in this trendy zig zag pattern comes in a variety of customized colors and different sized patterns so you can decorate your space tastefully.

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Locale Magazine HOME + AWAY GUIDE

Flower Power

SHOP THESE LOCAL BLOOMS TO GIVE YOUR HOME A FRESH LOOK

Make Arrangements

customized with seasonal colors. Plus you can learn how to make your own; attend classes to learn the secret to creating these one-of-a-kind arrangements.

NOTHING SAYS ‘COMPLETED’ LIKE A FEW EXTRA DETAILS.

PETALS & POP SEAL BEACH petalsandpop.com NATIVE POPPY SAN DIEGO nativepoppy.com

‘TIS THE SEASON Create Your Perfect In-Season Arrangement Paper Ave

u Dahlias u Roses u Anemones u Peonies

Native Poppy u Cosmos u Marigolds u Amaranth u Roses

u A floral design company that shares space with local favorite Communal Coffee has a slight edgy feel. They keep it “throwback” with bicycle deliveries in town and offer subscriptions to keep your home (or office) super fresh.

Add these blooms to your home decor to make for a whimsical color palette.

SAGE SISTERS SAN DIEGO shopsagesisters.com u This sweet little flower shop in San Diego brings a second life to their floral arrangements.

Day old flowers are bundled together and sent to local non-profits. Choose a bouquet from a variety of sizes and they’ll use unique flowers in an arrangement that couldn’t be storebought.

PAPER AVE HUNTINGTON BEACH paperave.com u Looking for something unique and everlasting? Try out Paper Ave where luscious blooms are made of paper! Every product is made to order and can be

Photoshoot Location: Native Poppy 2335 University Ave San Diego, CA 92104 619.535.0245 www.nativepoppy.com

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u Shop arrangements and pop some corks.

Petals & Pop offers you an experience of blooms with a side of Champagne. Pick your colors or tell them your theme and the professionals at this location will put together a centerpiece that will be the talk of your party.

CACTUS MART MORONGO VALLEY cactusmart.com u Cactus Mart is a plant emporium featuring cacti and succulents located in Morongo Valley.

They’ll put together a customized arrangement for you and include maintenance instructions.

MARISCAL CACTUS & SUCCULENTS DESERT HOT SPRINGS mariscalcactussucculents.com u With fields of options, you can’t go wrong with this nursery in Desert Hot Springs. This location is ideal for purchasing succulents in large quantities and you can even create a dreamy wreath for your holiday event with their individual succulents.

Written By: Kelli WithanEye Photographed By: Josie Gonzales

Locale Magazine HOME + AWAY GUIDE

Flip the Script

ADD SOME FLAIR TO YOUR SPACE FROM THESE TALENTED CALLIGRAPHY ARTISTS

Stroke of Genius GRAB SOME BEAUTIFUL CALIGRAPHY TO GIVE YOUR HOME THAT EXTRA FLAIR.

LINDA YOSHIDA lindayoshida.com @lindayoshida

u Whether it comes to wedding invitations or just hanging something on your walls, you want a piece that is personal, was handmade with care and has beautiful detailing. It might be tempting to get a poster from a chain store or just have those invites printed, but think twice, because going the extra mile will pay off in the long run. Look no further than these local artists who are taking calligraphy and delicate watercolors to the next level.

LAUREN SAYLOR afabulousfete.com @afabulousfete

OLD SCHOOL u From the 1700s to 1800s, most calligraphy writing was done with a quill; a long, wing tipped feather of a swan, goose, turkey or many other birds.

WHAT’S IN A NAME? u The word calligraphy is from the Greek language and means “beautiful writing.”

MKC CALLIGRAPHY & PAPERIE etsy.com/shop/ MKCcalligraphy @mkccalligraphy

LAUREN SAYLOR afabulousfete.com @afabulousfete

Photographed By: Adam Gentry Styled By: Melissa Souza

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REBECCA EICHTEN rebeccaeichten.com @rebeccaeichten

LET’S GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO

TACO BOUT PUESTO OFFERS A FIESTA EVERY DAY WITH VIBRANT MEXICAN DISHES

WRITTEN BY: ELAINE MORGAN CUTTING PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BRIANNA MOSS PROP STYLIST: CARMELLE PIÑA, PUESTO

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“AT PUESTO WE STRIVE TO HAVE A PARTY ATMOSPHERE. OUR WALLS ARE NEON COLORED, AND AT NIGHT WE’VE GOT LOUD MUSIC—IT’S A BEAUTIFUL RESTAURANT.” —EXECUTIVE CHEF KATY SMITH

PUESTO La Jolla 1026 Wall St La Jolla, CA 9037 858.454.1260 The Headquarters 789 West Harbor Dr, Ste 155 San Diego, CA 92101 619.233.8880 Photoshoot Location: Los Olivos Marketplace 8577 Irvine Center Dr Irvine, CA 92618 949.608.9990 www.eatpuesto.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 63

MENU

Ò Esquite

Ò Coctel Campechana

Ò Taquitos

Ò Queso Fundito Verde

Ò Taco Trio: Zucchini & Cactus, Tamarindo Shrimp, Chicken Al Pastor Ò Puesto Perfect Guacamole

Ò Mezcal Pickled Watermelon

Ò Taco Trio: Cochinita Pibil, Baja Fish, Mushroom Ò Mexican Street Bowl

W

alking into Puesto is like entering an urban jungle. The design, modeled after architecture found in Mexico City, is bold and colorful, just like the fare Puesto serves. Puesto specializes in authentic and colorful Mexican cuisine, and is most popular for their vivacious array of tacos. With two locations in San Diego, The Headquarters at Seaport Village and Downtown La Jolla, Puesto offers guests a fun environment amidst great food, a full bar and colorful artwork to keep the fiesta alive!

In Spanish, “puesto" means post or stand. At Puesto the restaurant, it means a place where friends and family gather for a good time and great Mexican food. The design of Puesto is unique. For the San Diego locations, Puesto chose vibrant and internationally acclaimed designer Thomas Schoos (Morimoto and Searsucker) who imagined the spaces as an industrial homage to the streets of Mexico City that evoke all of the ambiance and excitement one associates with the culture. Puesto’s original location in La Jolla Village sits two blocks from the La Jolla Cove. The walls of the two dining rooms flip open, bringing the outside in. Puesto’s location at The Headquarters resides in the original San Diego Police Headquarters building near the historic Seaport Village. The large patios stagger in and out of towering steel doors, which open to original walls exposing layers of history.

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C O C K TA I L S

Ò Mango Margarita Ò El Mezcalito Ò La Rosita

Ò Puesto Perfect Margarita

A number of modern design elements add life and color to the surroundings of both locations.

Nature is evoked through bright orange planters on the patios, trees hang from the ceilings in massive concrete pots, and massive murals by a noted graffiti artist Chor Boogie add a riot of rich graphical interest.

A uniquely Mexican love of color is invoked by brightly modern upholstery on eclectic furniture pieces.

When dining at Puesto, it’s important to start with appetizers, as all are designed to help your palate anticipate the taco greatness to come.

The chicharrónes are a staff favorite; the perfect blend of crunchy and salty compliment anything on the menu, if you can stand saving some for later. Puesto also serves three different types of guacamole at all times. In addition to a classic recipe and rotating seasonal inspired mix, Puesto also serves their Puesto Perfect blend, a mix of classic creamy avocado and salty parmesan cheese. It’s an oddly unique combination that your palate will thank you for.

The main event at Puesto is their tacos. Colorful blue, stone ground tortillas wrap the vivid ingredients of these intriguing dishes. Some favorites are the Chicken Al Pastor with a sweet and spicy pineapple salsa, Zucchini and Cactus,

Tamarindo Shrimp, and Mushroom, which is surprisingly refreshing topped with stone fruit salsa. Thankfully, guests don’t have to decide on just one flavor. Mixing and matching is encouraged, and three tacos fit comfortably on the perfectly photographable Puesto plates.

However, the Puesto taco experience is incomplete without a classic Mexican beer alongside it, especially at happy hour. Puesto serves a wide variety of Mexican beers and spirits, a perfect complement to the exciting menu. The classic Modelo Especial is the most popular and pairs best with most of the cuisine offerings. With a full bar, Puesto also serves a variety of ingenious cocktails such as the El Mezcalito made of Vida Mezcal, guanabana, tamarindo soda, lime leaf and charred orange.

For classics like the Piña Colada and Tijuana Lime Micheladas, the beauty is found in freshness and simplicity. With no twists, these drinks are simply a perfect combination of the traditional recipe.

Finally, what meal would be complete without dessert? Puesto offers a flavorful frozen horchata to finish off the night with a little sweetness, with the option to top it off with some rum. After the bill is paid and the check is signed, you won’t want to leave your seat.

Photos - Chef Katy Smith: Courtesy Third Coast Photography

THE CHICHARRÓNES ARE A STAFF FAVORITE; THE PERFECT BLEND OF CRUNCHY AND SALTY COMPLIMENT ANYTHING ON THE MENU, IF YOU CAN STAND SAVING SOME FOR LATER.

INTERVIEW WITH Puesto’s Executive Creative Chef Katy Smith Q: Walk us through some of the highlights of the menu.

Katy Smith: Our menu is all about the tacos, but we do have some really fun starters that are great for getting your palate ready for all the flavors you’re going to get when eating our tacos. My favorite is our Baja striped sea bass that we serve raw with a spicy guava broth and then some beautiful fresh garnishes to cool out the spice.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration for the dishes?

KS: I’ve done a lot of traveling in Mexico, so some of them are memories of dishes that I ate while visiting. And some of it is more ingredient focused, seeing what’s seasonal and how I can turn it into really awesome Mexican food.

Q: What’s your favorite thing to make?

KS: I get really excited about making the soups. I love things that are braised; I love slow cooking sauces. We can make them in bigger batches so I can take my time with them.

Q: A big thing at Puesto is the beer and taco combinations. Why do they make such a great combination?

KS: None of our tacos are simple, they’re super flavorful. We’ve got flavorful meat followed by flavorful salsas, usually at least one kind of salsa on every taco. They are really rounded and balanced and vibrant, and pair perfectly with a beer.

THE HAPPIEST HOURS

Ò Taco Tuesday is from 3 p.m. to close. Puesto offers $2.50 tacos and $3.50 Modelo cans for a perfect evening of tacos and beer.

Happy hour is Monday through Friday 3-5 p.m. and offers $3.50 tacos, and $6 Puesto Perfect margaritas.

NO ORDINARY TORTILLA

Ò Each tortilla is handmade from organic, nonGMO, Americangrown blue corn.

Q: What can guests look forward to at Puesto?

KS: At Puesto we strive to have a fun, party like atmosphere. Our walls are neon colored, and at night we’ve got loud music—it’s a beautiful restaurant. Our food is not fancy, but it is delicious and it doesn’t take itself too seriously. We want people to come here and have a great time. I think it really ties into Mexican food well. It’s about feeding your family. Ultimately, we’re all about celebrating food.

Q: How would you say the food ties in with the design?

KS: It’s new, it’s fun, it’s bright and colorful.

Q: Where’s the best seat?

KS: Maybe it’s just me because I’m a chef, but I love going to restaurants that have those bar seats that face the kitchen. The best spot is where I can see the kitchen, but I’m not completely enveloped by it.

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HOME/AWAY

HOTEL PASEO 45-400 Larkspur Ln Palm Desert, California 92260 760.340.9001 www.hotelpaseo.com

Destination VACATION Hotel Paseo is About to Be Your Favorite Palm Desert Getaway

WRITTEN BY: AMEIHIA TURINGAN PHOTOGRAPHED BY: GEORGE DUCHANNES

Known as a city where “snowbirds” come to escape the cold of winter, Palm Desert is adding a new place for them to relax in. Hotel Paseo, the newest venture in Palm Desert, invites you to check in for a stay at its establishment.

Nestled in the Coachella Valley, Hotel Paseo is the first luxury hotel to be built in Palm Desert in 30 years. The Autograph Collection hotel contains an array of amenities and experiences to guarantee that you’ll have an enjoyable time. “[Ten years ago], our owners saw that there was something missing in the El Paseo shopping district; they thought that a luxury hotel could anchor and complement the shopping area,” said General Manager Gil Reyes.

Described as an “homage to the effortless style of the Golden Era” by Reyes, the hotel is meant to provide a warm and fun environment that “empower[s] visitors and locals to find their path.” Inside the hotel, guests can check into one of the 150 rooms or the renovated 25-foot vintage 1950s Airstream Cruiser trailer located on the backyard lawn.

All rooms are decorated with local artwork and equipped with smart TVs to stream Netflix, Hulu Plus, Pandora and YouTube. “It's uniquely in a position to incorporate modern technology to the overall guest experience,” said Reyes.

Along with the lodgings, the hotel boasts a spa, restaurant, fitness center and pool. At the spa, you can relax with couples massages, manicures and pedicures. To eat, guests will be served breakfast, lunch, dinner and happy hour at Chef Andrew Copley, Juliana Copley and Tony Marchese’s AC3 Restaurant + Bar, which specializes in new American cuisine with global twists and serves cocktails, California craft beers and wine. The hotel also has an expansive workout room featuring new equipment, bicycles, morning yoga and tai chi classes as well as a pool to help guests burn off a few calories. After swimming a few laps, you can treat yourself to the cabana bar or play lawn games with the bocce ball court, cornhole or shuffle board.

If you decide to venture out and soak in the desert sun, the hotel is located right in the premium shopping, dining and art gallery destination of El Paseo. Reyes recommends that visitors also watch performances at the McCallum Theater, see animals at The Living Desert and play golf at Desert Willow Golf Resort, as all three will have a partnership with the hotel.

With all these incredible amenities close at hand, what are you waiting for?

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DREAM STREAM

GIL REYES

General Manager

• To expand the workout room, the hotel added the 1950s Airstream Cruiser for extra lodging. The trailer was restored

by David Winick and will undoubtedly be a signature element of hospitality (and Instagram posts).

BLOCK PARTY • Every first weekend from November to May, Palm Desert hosts a city-wide celebration event that features art and cultural activities.

Trnovo - Bosnia and Herzegovina Illustrated By Nina Rupena

H U M A N I TA R I A N P R O F I L E

On the Road WEI-EN TAN OF RIDING UP FRONT SHARES IMMIGRANTS’ INCREDIBLE STORIES

WRITTEN BY: MATTHEW J. BLACK PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ANGELA GARZON

Great, even world-changing, ideas can begin with the smallest of happenings. Wei-En Tan started Riding Up Front (RUF), a website that articulates and visualizes stories of refugee and immigrant Uber and taxi drivers, because of a passing comment her boss made. He said, “Wei-En, you’re good at everything.” He’s right; Wei-En holds two Ph.D.’s in Political Science and Comparative Literature, speaks four languages and is a certified commercial pilot, but he also added, “You just lack EQ.”

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“I view each person as a touchpoint with an amazing story that has the potential to ignite compassion and increased understanding in others.”—Wei-En Tan

RIDING UP FRONT www.ridingupfront.org @ridingupfront Photoshoot Location: SAN DIEGO, CA

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That kind of blanket statement by a boss would send a chill through any of us, and add more fuel to the fire we picture burning below their feet. Wei-En took it personally and used it as motivation to create her “EQ Experiment.”

RUF began as a blog in 2012 and created a place where immigrants could share their stories. But Wei-En didn’t stop there. She realized that her whole world was wrapped up with like-minded people; her colleagues, friends and her family. In order to really gain an understanding of people and their struggle, she’d have to talk to people she wouldn’t normally converse with.

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That’s when Wei-En began chatting up her barista, shopkeepers, attendees at conferences and her Uber drivers. “You’ve got to open up and talk to people,” Wei-En tells me.

“I travel a lot for work, so the first chance I had to use this philosophy was with taxi drivers.”

Now, Wei-En’s “EQ Experiment,” has given a platform for silent voices to speak.

Take Marine Sergeant Aurora, stationed in San Diego. The Jamaican-born wife and mother of a three-year-old daughter cooks for her family every evening, works a full-time job with the Corps and also drives for Lyft every morning at 4 a.m. Her secret to maintaining this gauntlet can be found on the RUF website, along with wonderful visual adaptations. Wei-En explained, “Through these shared experiences and storytelling, we hoped to ‘humanize’ the immigrant, so people realize immigrants are just like you and me, who work hard and share the same values of family and love.”

Wei-En is happy about the community of immigrants, writers and artists she has created.

“I view each person as a touchpoint with an amazing story that has the potential to ignite

compassion and increased understanding in others,” said Wei-En. It’s a connection meant to withstand the world turning, in a world where it managed to turn itself around. When the travel ban was thrust upon the country and the world, Wei-En “wanted to do something more,” and that’s when the blogger became the activist.

Picture this: A surgeon of Iranian descent lives in the United States with her mother. The surgeon’s mother is diagnosed with stage four cancer. It is sudden, and her mother doesn’t have much time. She informs her family in Iran, who go through the rigorous visa process to come to the United States. Then the travel ban goes into effect, they never make it. She never gets the chance to say goodbye to her family before she departs.

The trickle down of that effect is felt right here at home. Wei-En helped write a story for a lady that was called the “n-word” from a passing car. That was odd to the woman because she’s Latina. Wei-En herself was heckled from a passing car that yelled, “Go back to China!” Wei-En thought that was weird too, considering she’d never been to China and was born in Singapore.

Fayzan - Paris Illustrated By Paula Vrinceanu

A Driver and Me Illustrated By Loraine Yow

Disability Illustrated By Alexandra Burda 70 LOCALE MAGAZINE

FLYING UP FRONT Wei-En is not only listening to drivers; she’s instructing pilots. She flies helicopters and has logged enough hours to fly a commercial airline.

BIG PLANS Down the road, they hope one day to create a dedicated space in San Diego for a gallery to showcase the art and stories, and make it into an educational initiative for students to collaborate across schools as artists and writers.

STORY TIME A rideshare driver named Emal in Austin, TX picked up a man who asked where he was from, which happened to be Afghanistan. The man yelled, “How dare you come here you terrorist!” Wei-En asked what he did after the man insulted him.

He said, “I brought him to his hotel. It’s my job.”

Salma - Long Beach Illustrated By Paula Vrinceanu

Why RUF Illustrated By Paula Vrinceanu

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE Riding Up Front is a nonprofit, and your donations go towards the ACLU, the American Immigration Council, the International Rescue Committee, and help support their upcoming artists.

Andrei - Copenhagen Illustrated By Pedro de Elizalde

These are examples of the reckless hate RUF is tackling head-on. Ignorance is blind to color and perpetuates when we see people as we are. Justice is blind too, but unlike justice who treats everyone fairly, ignorance is as dangerous as driving without being able to see. The good news is that in this world, we have the ability to see with at least one eye, and if we open it we’ll see wonderful, inspiring stories, illustrated and shared on the nonprofit RUF website.

It took a village to create what RUF has become. It’s very much a collaboration, and Wei-En’s volunteer staff have created a forum that gives voice to the silent amidst loudening shouts of blind rage. Her “EQ Experiment” grows louder as more people tune in. She said, “This is a labor of love, and there’s always a future for love.”

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A W AY E X P E R T S

You’re Trippin MEET THE EXPERTS IN ALL THINGS TRAVEL, ADVENTURE AND ESCAPE WRITTEN BY: NICOLE HAKIM PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BHADRI KUBENDRAN, CHAD MELLON, GEORGE DUCHANNES & VICTORIA FILICE Vacations are always a time of the year to look forward to. After months of hard work, people are ready to take it easy and have an experience they will always remember. However, it all depends on the folks behind the scenes taking care of you during your well-deserved break that will determine whether your memorable experience is one you will always cherish or one you will always condemn. Each person in this list has dedicated themselves to ensuring that their customers have a wonderful holiday—whether it’s a week long or just for the day—they will look back on these memories with fondness.

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HOME BASE

San Diego

Amanda Szabo FOUNDER OF RESORTPASS

Q: What inspired you to create ResortPass?

Amanda Szabo: There are so many resorts in San Diego and all I wanted to do is lie by the pool, have a drink and go in the hot tub at hotels near where I live. I didn’t feel comfortable sneaking in, so I’m thinking these pools are empty a lot of the time; so why can’t I pay just to be there? I hadn’t been able to do that because hotels didn’t have a system, so I connected these two sides by providing that system for hotels to benefit from hotel day-guests.

Q: Which hotels have accepted and began selling ResortPass?

AS: There are a few. The first one was the Estancia La Jolla Hotel &

Spa. They had a beautiful pool and a really nice spa. They benefitted from locals looking to use their pools and cabanas. Other hotels include the Hilton San Diego Resort & Spa and the Paséa Hotel & Spa, as well as hotels in Hawaii, Texas, Florida and Arizona.

Q: What is the best part about creating a way for people to have a “daycation”?

AS: It makes me happy that people can enjoy luxury. They don’t have to sneak around, and the pass allows them justifying going to a hotel.

It opens up more opportunities to people, and I look forward to allowing them the opportunity to experience it.

ResortPass www.resortpass.com @resortpass Photoshoot Location: AquaVie Fitness and Wellness Club 234 Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 619.557.3663 www.westgatehotel.com/services/aquavie-spa-wellness-club 74 LOCALE MAGAZINE

WORK, WORK, WORK, WORK • Szabo is now too busy to enjoy the product, but she loves that she is able to bring that experience to other people.

CALI ORIGINS • ResortPass was launched in May 2016, operating in San Diego, Palm Desert and Santa Barbara.

It’s now extended to Orange County, Los Angeles, Napa Valley and Texas, Florida, Hawaii, Arizona and New Mexico.

Written By: Nicole Hakim // Photographed By: Bhadri Kubendran

“IT MAKES ME HAPPY THAT PEOPLE CAN ENJOY LUXURY. THEY DON’T HAVE TO SNEAK AROUND, AND THE RESORT PASS ALLOWS THEM JUSTIFYING GOING TO A HOTEL.” —AMANDA SZABO

Ilsa Butler

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES AND MARKETING AT EVANS HOTELS AND THE LODGE AT TORREY PINES Q: What inspired you to work in the hotel industry?

Ilsa Butler: I can’t think of a better way to become oriented to a new city than working in the hotel industry first-hand. It forced me on the fast track of learning all I could about San Diego as a destination, and of course our own collection within Evans Hotels: the Bahia Resort Hotel, Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa and our AAA Five Diamond hotel, The Lodge at Torrey Pines.

Q: Where is your favorite place to travel to and why?

IB: I have many favorites, but one that has stuck in my mind over the years is Florence, Italy. I love “I ENJOY LIVING THE SAN DIEGO LIFESTYLE

BY PLAYING GOLF, VISITING OUR BEAUTIFUL BEACHES AND CATCHING SUNSETS WHENEVER POSSIBLE.” —ILSA BUTLER

Evans Hotels www.evanshotels.com Photoshoot Location: The Lodge at Torrey Pines 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 858.453.4420 | www.lodgetorreypines.com

the people, architecture and the birthplace of gelato (I always got two a day). Plus, it was my first real experience travelling abroad with a local, like a local. It’s so different than being a tourist. I recommend those thinking of visiting San Diego to speak to our locals and explore it like a local. There are many hidden gems and unique neighborhoods to be discovered.

Q: When you’re not working, what do you like to do in your spare time?

IB: I enjoy living the San Diego lifestyle by playing golf, visiting our beautiful beaches and catching sunsets whenever possible. I’m also an animal lover, and start off every morning by walking my dog.

AND THE AWARD GOES TO...

• Butler has received the HSMAI’s Gold Key Award for “Sales Person of the Year.”

BUSY BEE • Butler has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from State University New York (SUNY).

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HOME BASE

Los Angeles

Written By: Nicole Hakim // Photographed By: Chad Mellon

“WHEN I WAS 18, I ALWAYS WANTED TO WORK ON A BOAT AND CATALINA EXPRESS HIRED ME AS A DECKHAND.” —CAPTAIN MANDO

Captain Mando CAPTAIN OF THE CATALINA EXPRESS Q: What drew you to work in the ferry business?

Captain Mando: I grew up on the water. When I was 18, I always wanted to work on a boat and Catalina Express hired me as a deckhand. I had no experience, but I had a great mentor who took me under his wing. It was my calling. I’ve been doing it for 27 years now.

Q: What is your favorite part about working for Catalina Express?

CM: People are friendly and the crew is like my family. I met a lot of good people here, and it opened up more doors for me, like working on a tugboat on the side.

Catalina Express 320 Golden Shore Long Beach, CA 90802 800.613.1212 www.catalinaexpress.com 76 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Q: What is your favorite activity to do on Catalina?

CM: I fish on the backside of the island with a lot of my friends who have boats. I do a lot of watersports, including snorkeling and spearfishing.

Q: If you could travel by boat anywhere, where would you go?

CM: Maybe the Virgin Islands or Greece. I’ve always wanted to do something like that. Maybe when I retire, I can rent a boat and just go sailing. It seems like the ocean has always called to me.

I-SEA-YOU • Captain Mando has told himself that he would stay away from the water when he retires, but he always gets an itch to go back if he stays away for too long.

I’M ON A BOAT! • For contests, events and promotions sign-up for the Catalina Express monthly e-news at CatalinaExpress.com.

Written By: Nicole Hakim // Photographed By: Victoria Filice

“IF PEOPLE KNOW WHERE THEY ARE GOING TO PARK BEFORE THEY LEAVE THEIR HOUSE, THEY WON’T HAVE TO SPEND 20 MINUTES LOOKING FOR A SPACE, AND THEIR CARS WOULDN’T POLLUTE OUR AIR. AND WHO DOESN’T LOVE CLEANER AIR?” —SARAH ZURELL

Sarah Zurell CHIEF BRAND OFFICER AT PAVEMINT PARKING APP Q: What inspired you to create Pavemint?

Sarah Zurell: I love solving real life problems with human powered technology, and so when I met Randall Jamail, Pavemint’s CEO, I knew parking was a problem I could help solve. Thirty percent of city traffic is caused by people looking for parking, and that comes to 4.2 billion tons of CO2 every year just in LA alone. If people know where they are going to park before they leave their house, they won’t have to spend 20 minutes looking for a space, and their cars wouldn’t pollute our air. And who doesn’t love cleaner air?

Q: How much does a parking spot typically get rented out for? What factor determines the price?

SZ: It is a wide range. Our Pavemint www.pavemint.com @pavemint

Photoshoot Location: Los Angeles, CA

reservations vary from $5 to $100, and it all depends on demand and where the space is located. In Silver Lake, you might pay $5 for a few hours, whereas if you were going to a Ram’s game at USC, you might pay up to $100. Typically beach city spaces go for around $10 to $30 for the day.

Q: What are your hopes for the future of Pavemint?

SZ: Pavemint is so much more than a parking app. We are working to make it easier to drive an electric vehicle, as well as working with the city to make parking lots into parks and integrating Pavemint into self-driving cars so people can drive around like a VIP.

STAND UP! • As well as fighting for a cleaner environment, Zurell is also an active combatant against bullying.

WONDER WOMAN • According to her Twitter, Zurell is also an aspiring superhero.

HOME BASE

Orange County

Kenneth Chouinard

DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING AT AVENUE OF THE ARTS HOTEL Q: What inspired you to work in the hotel industry?

Kenneth Chouinard: I’m an avid traveler. I spend most of my disposable income on travel. That’s what drew me into the industry. You get perks, and it’s good to be involved in something you like to do. There are hotels everywhere, so it doesn’t really matter where you live there is opportunity.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of your job?

KC: My favorite thing about my job is that working at a boutique hotel we are not very restricted by guidelines.

I get to really express myself. I’m in charge of the brand of our hotel, so it feels like my personal hotel. We Avenue of the Arts Hotel 3350 Avenue of the Arts Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.751.5100 www.avenueoftheartshotel.com 78 LOCALE MAGAZINE

get to work with community leaders, and to be able to have the flexibility to do whatever we want to help the guests is really awesome.

Q: What has been the most interesting moment during your time at Avenue of the Arts?

KC: Everyday is interesting. One of the things about the hospitality business is that it is always evolving and things are always different. We get rock bands to cast and crews of Broadway shows to royalty from the Middle East to giant parties to small private wine dinners. There’s always something happening. Since we’re in such a unique location in a city that’s a center for cool, it’s really good to be a go-to place for those kinds of things.

WALK THE WALK • Costa Mesa being “the center for cool” as Chouinard says, the Avenue of the Arts Hotel is only about a five-minute walk to the Segerstrom Center of the Arts.

WORTHY CONTENDER • Chouinard says the biggest challenge is standing out amongst big names, and with a Marriott and a Westin only a five-minute walk away, the challenge is even more pronounced.

Written By: Nicole Hakim // Photographed By: Chad Mellon

“WE GET ROCK BANDS TO CAST AND CREWS OF BROADWAY SHOWS TO ROYALTY FROM THE MIDDLE EAST TO GIANT PARTIES TO SMALL PRIVATE WINE DINNERS.” —KENNETH CHOUINARD

Joanna Bear GENERAL MANAGER OF SURF & SAND RESORT Q: How did you start working with the Surf & Sand Resort?

Joanna Bear: Another general manager I worked for gave me the opportunity to work for the Surf & Sand Resort. I came out from Arizona and interviewed and it went great. It’s been almost 14 years since then.

Q: What makes Surf & Sand Resort different from other resorts?

JB: It’s family owned. The location alone is amazing. The people are very special. We have tenured employees that help create a familylike environment.

“I CAME OUT FROM ARIZONA AND INTERVIEWED AND IT WENT GREAT. IT’S BEEN ALMOST 14 YEARS SINCE THEN.” —JOANNA BEAR

Surf & Sand Resort 1555 S Coast Hwy Laguna Beach, CA 92651 855.690.7114 www.surfandsandresort.com

Q: How do you push through any difficulties you have faced?

JB: I actually take a deep breath and hit one issue at a time. I have to prioritize, then reprioritize again and again until each challenge is eventually solved.

Q: What is your favorite aspect of your job?

JB: The people. It’s all about the people. Whether it’s the guests I meet and create connections with or the team members I am able to mentor and work with.

GET ON BOARD • As well as being the General Manager, Joanna Bear is also Chairman of the Board for Visit Laguna Beach.

SOAK IN THE SUN • Surf & Sand Resort offers a variety of amenities, including an oceanfront pool, aquaterraspa, Splashes Restaurant and much more.

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HOME BASE

Greater Palm Springs

Matthew La Vine GENERAL MANAGER AT MIRAMONTE INDIAN WELLS RESORT & SPA Q: What inspired you to work in the hotel industry?

Matthew La Vine: It was mainly self-driven. I got a job out of high school working in a local hotel, and that’s what got me the bug to continue. I enjoy the fact that there’s something new everyday that prevents the job from becoming monotonous.

Q: What is the best part about working in the hotel industry?

MLV: For me, it’s the people I work Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa 45000 Indian Wells Ln Indian Wells, CA 92210 760.341.2200 www.miramonteresort.com 80 LOCALE MAGAZINE

with. It makes all the difference. I like making people happy and doing all I can to create memories for them and make them feel comfortable.

Q: What makes Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa unique?

MLV: It’s a small, intimate hotel.

It’s in the heart of the valley, and when you step onto the property, you feel like you are worlds away.

It is a very relaxing area with relaxing scenery, like the beautiful, majestic mountains.

THAT’S AMORE • Matthew and his wife enjoy vacationing in Italy because of the scenery, food and experiences.

CALIFORNIA LOVE • An LA native, Matthew loves that the hotel industry allows you to move to different cities.

Written By: Nicole Hakim // Photographed By: George Duchannes

“IT IS A VERY RELAXING AREA WITH RELAXING SCENERY, LIKE THE BEAUTIFUL, MAJESTIC MOUNTAINS.” —MATTHEW LA VINE

Kathrin and Brian Smirke OWNERS OF WE ARE IN OUR ELEMENT Q: What is the Dome in the Desert?

Katherine Smirke: The Dome is a secluded house in Joshua Tree. It is a place of solace and solitude that can be rented through Airbnb.

Q: What inspires you to create these spaces?

Brian Smirke: Before we had the Dome, we were in LA buying properties and fixing them up in terms of how people were going to live in them. The Dome gave us the ability to create a space totally devoid of what other people wanted.

Knowing that it wasn’t a full-time residence, we didn’t have to be totally practical. We could design the spaces in a more interesting way and do it purely to our likes and dislikes. That was what inspired us to continue; it’s such a creative process.

“IT’S NOT A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE JUST COME TO SLEEP; WE TRY TO CREATE A MOOD AND ALLOW THE GUESTS TO EXPERIENCE THE DESERT IN OUR EYES.” —KATHRIN AND BRIAN SMIRKE

Q: What makes you different from other homes on Airbnb?

BS: What makes us different is that we buy some of the most run-down

properties and fix them up with budget restrictions. We can reenvision and create the way we like.

We like creating an experience for our guests. It’s not a place where people just come to sleep; we try to create a mood and allow the guests to experience the desert in our eyes.

Anyone can book a hotel, but we don’t think they would be able to feel as connected.

Q: What is your favorite part about the Airbnb business?

KS: Doing this stuff is great because it gives us opportunities to be creative. Once it’s done, we have time to pursue other things we’re interested in. Of course, we have to keep in touch and see if everything is flowing smoothly. We give our guests a lot of privacy, but we enjoy hearing about their experiences.

Some people even get engaged at the Dome, or have other life altering experiences. Some people have even bought their own places in the desert because they loved it so much; it makes it so special.

CH-CH-CH-CHANGES • Kathrin Smirke originally moved to Los Angeles in the hopes of becoming an actor, but now, in addition to her Airbnb projects, is a stained glass artist.

JACK OF ALL TRADES • Brian Smirke wanted to pursue a career in writing music. Now, in addition to working with his wife, he is a real estate developer, designer and part time musician.

We Are In Our Element www.weareinourelement.com/dome-in-the-desert @domeinthedesert LOCALE MAGAZINE 81

HOME/AWAY

Orange County City Life 720 E Imperial Hwy Brea, CA 92821 714.255.9696 www.citylifehome.com

Los Angeles DACHA 1219 Highland Ave Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 310.545.8990 www.dachainteriors.com

Palm Springs Soukie Modern The Shops at Thirteen Forty Five 1345 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 www.soukiemodern.com

Orange County The Found Shop 122 N Harbor Blvd, Ste 105 Fullerton, CA 92832 714.252.8551 www.thefoundshop.com

Los Angeles Room & Board 8707 Washington Blvd Culver City, CA 90232 310.736.9100 www.roomandboard.com

San Diego Pigment 3801 30th St San Diego, CA 92104 619.501.6318 www.shoppigment.com

Palm Springs Flow Modern 768 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.322.0768 www.flowmodern.com

#HomeInspo Shop at These Hot-Spots to Make Your Home the Flyest on the Block WRITTEN BY: FRANCY LOPEZ

Looking for a custom-made chair to settle into, a hand-stitched pillow to cuddle with or a refurbished chandelier to accent your home? Well, search no further than these eight places across Southern California for that perfect home piece, whatever it may be! Regardless if your style is homey and rustic, or modern and edgy, you are guaranteed to find something within these stores that offer next level home decor. Though all different, these spots vow to bring your home only the best, and aim to give you the quality you deserve.

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San Diego Graffiti Beach Boutique 2220 Fern St San Diego, CA 92104 858.433.0950 www.shopgraffitibeach.com

B U I L D I N G the C L O S E T

Hang It Up, Before You Go-Go CALIFORNIA CLOSETS CAN HELP YOU DESIGN A CLOSET THAT WOULD MAKE CARRIE BRADSHAW BLUSH

WRITTEN BY: REBECCA GRAZIER PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JOE NARDELLO

Looking to spice up your closet space? California Closets offers custom designed closets that can fit anyone’s space and style needs. California Closets uses a software called ClosetCad Pro, that allows the designer and client to create their dream closet one component at a time. The designer starts by dragging and dropping the partitions and the very top shelf, then building from there.

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Clients have the option of choosing from the most basic type of closet with shelves and partitions or going with a completely decked out, Carrie Bradshaw type of closet.

However, it’s not so much about the simplicity than it is about how the client wants the space to work for them.

For the main structure of the closet, clients can choose from a variety of different finish options ranging from classic white to the upgraded Tesoro™ Collection which is exclusive to California Closets and imported directly from Italy.

Now, this is where the real fun starts. After choosing the type of finish, clients are able to select upgraded drawer and door fronts with gorgeous patterns and glass inserts, clear glass or leather shelves and a range of contemporary to luxurious handle options. They’re also able to choose stunning quartz countertops, angled shoe shelves, numerous lighting options—pretty much all the accessories a closet would ever need. Pull out belt racks, tie racks, jewelry trays and hamper rods can be added in as well. If you can think of it, they probably have it.

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“We have this amazing showroom with our design studio. It’s beautiful.”

—Kristina Alcocer

CALIFORNIA CLOSETS 7603 Girard Ave La Jolla, CA 92037 858.367.9810 Photoshoot Location: 532 S Lake Ave Pasadena, CA 91101 www.californiaclosets.com

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Q&A WITH CALIFORNIA CLOSETS DESIGN CONSULTANT

Kristina Alcocer

Q: What is your inspiration when designing?

Kristina Alcocer: We have this amazing showroom with our design studio. It’s beautiful. Once you open up all the different drawers and see all the different colors and materials that we have, you can start pulling it all out and putting it all together to a vignette, which is kind of your drawing board of what you can possibly play with. That’s kind of where my inspiration comes from, and I also just look at other beautiful closet ideas that I see on Pinterest.

Q: What is the process for designing a closet?

KA: That’s the fun part. During the initial consultation, that’s where we first start off with just talking to the client, understanding their needs and making sure that we are a proper fit for the client. Then we measure the space and we actually sit down on the first consultation with the client, open our laptops and plot it all into our ClosetCad Pro software.

It’s a really collaborative process.

Q: What is a typical day for you?

KA: My day is always different, and that’s what always makes it really interesting and fun.

Pretty much, I have one to two 86 LOCALE MAGAZINE

appointments set for the day, and I visit the client’s home and I manage my time around that.

So it’s kind of always changing, but it’s what keeps it interesting.

[I have] multiple projects that are always going on, so even though I work from home, it feels like I have a very social job because I have so many clients that I’m working with.

Q: How would you describe your style?

KA: I’d say that my style is that I like to keep the closet very balanced. I want it to look good, and I try to start off with a focal point of that closet and then I work my way out from that point to kind of build the rest of the space around it so it can all fit together.

Q: What’s your favorite part of the closet?

KA: That is a tough question because my favorite is probably how the closet comes together as a whole. But, if I had to choose a favorite, it would probably be a tie between floor to ceiling angled shoe shelves behind beautiful glass doors or a large island with a quartz countertop.

I commonly use these as a main focal point in the closet and then everything else comes together from there.

Clients have the option of choosing from the most basic type of closet with shelves and partitions, or going with a completely decked out, Carrie Bradshaw type of closet.

SAVE THE PLANET California Closets strives to maintain sustainable products. In fact, all their boards meet the California Air Resources Board (CARB) standards.

CLOSETS, OFFICES AND LIVING ROOMS OH MY! Don’t let the name fool you, California Closets designs everything from garage workbenches and libraries to entertainment centers and wine storage.

SU CASA

Pacific Hideaway LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE AT VILLA CAMPAGNA

WRITTEN BY: SARAH HOOD PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: WILLIS ALLEN REAL ESTATE

Even the most ardent lover of urban San Diego occasionally feels the urge to retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life and seek refuge amongst one of the many rural neighborhoods whose properties seamlessly melt into the dips and curves of the inland countryside.

The crown jewel of these communities is, of course, Rancho Santa Fe, where extensive country manors perch on gently sloping hills or in tree-lined valleys, with enough distance between the private drives and the main roads to shield these glamorous homes from the public gaze. The further east into this district you travel, the more you feel as if you have been whisked off into your own private fantasy world; and as you approach a certain three-acre lot on El Mirador road, you are almost certain that you are not in San Diego anymore.

WILLIS ALLEN REAL ESTATE 877.515.7443 | info@willisallen.com LISTING AGENTS: Shawn Rodger CalBRE# 01276557 858.922.7912 | info@willisallen.com Linda Sansone CalBRE# 01219378 858.775.6356 | info@willisallen.com

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17009 El Mirador Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067

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“What you don’t see is nearby houses— being the pinnacle of privacy that it is, Villa Campagna is almost completely isolated from its neighbors.”

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“The further east into this district you travel, the more you feel as if you have been whisked off into your own private fantasy world.”

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BRIGHT AND NEW Villa Campagna was originally built in 1999, but it underwent renovations in 2008 and 2012 to modernize the appliances and update the exterior.

TAKE A LISTEN The family room features a Sonos music system with individual volume monitors and surround sound.

his property, affectionately dubbed Villa Campagna, evokes an aura of serenity as you slow to a halt on the spacious driveway outside the approximately 7,090-square-foot residence.

As you survey the expansive grounds from the front entrance, you notice rows upon rows of lemon, orange and olive trees, which compose the property’s three producing orchards. What you don’t see is nearby houses—being the pinnacle of privacy that it is, Villa Campagna is almost completely isolated from its neighbors. Further evidence of the home’s emphasis on solitude can be found within the main courtyard, whose sparkling fountain and warm bronze hues recall images of an Italian country estate.

Just off this sun-drenched area is one of the property’s “his and her” offices, from which an individual can complete projects and conduct business affairs without disturbing fellow housemates.

As you step inside the residence for the very first time, you pass through the foyer and find yourself within an immaculate living area featuring Venetian plaster walls, French limestone floors and a hand-painted ceiling. This room’s visual perfection is intensified by custom-made furniture in shades of cream and gold, all of which have been hand-selected by Villa Campagna’s current owners. And when you move onto the adjoining veranda, your breath is further taken away by stunning 270-degree views of the Del Dios mountains.

However, this is not the only spot near the entryway from which visitors can admire the surrounding countryside. Even when the front doors are closed, sizable panes of glasses embedded within the wooden frames allow for sweeping views of the grounds.

Adjacent to the living room is the formal dining room, which sports a high ceiling and bronze light fixtures in addition to more specially made furniture in various neutral hues. Twin arches on the righthand side of the room lead to a butler’s pantry that includes a built-in wine cellar as well as gorgeous wood cabinets. Walking through this area will take you to the full working kitchen, where meal preparation can be accomplished with ease thanks to ample counter-space and a center island topped with black granite. Exposed wooden beams grace the ceiling, and a welcoming breakfast nook sits in a nearby alcove, surrounded on three sides by large windows overlooking the back patio. From here, you move into the dedicated family room, where maple barrel wood lines the ceiling and broad French doors lead to an outdoor kitchen, complete with a brandnew Lynx barbecue.

Down the hall from the family area, you discover a wing comprised of two of Villa Campagna’s four bedrooms. Each suite boasts maple hardwood floors and contains a walk-in closet and an attached bathroom with a stone tub. Meanwhile, wandering down the opposite side of the house leads you to the second “his and her” office, and a flight of stairs leading to a multi-purpose bonus room, which could potentially double as another bedroom. The final room within this wing is, of course, the master suite, in which you find a lounge area, a set of French doors leading off to an outdoor patio, and a fireplace (one of five within the house) outlined by the same Venetian plaster covering the living room walls. The master bathroom is equally luxurious; individuals can pamper themselves in

complete privacy thanks to the steam shower and Whirlpool tub.

Venturing outside, the main living area and down a set of grass-covered steps reveals an open-air paradise, perfect for an individual who loves outdoor living but still craves the comforts of home. The sweeping rectangular lawn is bordered by neatly trimmed shrubs on either side and a wooden trellis adorned with leafy vines on the far end of the yard. On the righthand side of this gorgeous green stretch of land, you see a shimmering pool and spa that boast a Pebbletec finish as well as a retractable cover to ensure the residents’ safety and the water’s cleanliness. As you wander down the multi-level patio and pass the outdoor kitchen, you spy the 1,000-square-foot guest house. A peek inside unveils amenities that are sure to delight visitors, including travertine stone floors, a grand fireplace and a full bar. Moving on to the left-hand side of the yard, you pass by several gleaming water fountains and suddenly find yourself amid an enormous garden that sports elegant rose bushes, an assortment of exotic fruit trees and smaller dirt beds with raised stone borders displaying home-grown vegetables ripe for the picking.

Villa Campagna and the seclusion it offers is truly one of a kind; you cannot help but feel grateful for having received a respite from the chaos of modern life and the monotony of the daily grind. With a newly found sense of peace that only the hidden nooks of Rancho Santa Fe can give, when you purchase this property you’ll feel refreshed and ready to face the world ahead.

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PHOTO BY: Josie Gonzales

E AT

///DRINK DEC 2017

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MEALS DECONSTRUCTED Burger Breakdown These Burgers Are Totally Drool-Worthy

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EAT PROFILE Chef Brent Hersant Takes Us Into His Home Kitchen

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TRENDY FOODS Boost Your Instagram Cred With These Trendy Foods

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MEALS DECONSTRUCTED Sink Your Teeth Into These Awesome Burgers

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NEW YEAR’S READY The Best Way to Spend Your New Year’s Eve in SD

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DRINK FEATURE How to Make These Three Must-Have Holiday Cocktails

LUMBERYARD TAVERN 967 S Coast Hwy 101, Ste 101 Encinitas, CA 92024 760.479.1657 www.lumberyard101.com

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E AT P R O F I L E

dish IT OUT CHEF BRENT HERSANT MAKES HIS FAVORITE HOME COOKED MEALS

WRITTEN BY: MATTHEW J. BLACK PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JOSIE GONZALES

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GARAGE KITCHEN + BAR 655 Fourth Ave San Diego, CA 92101 619.231.6700 www.garagekitchenbar.com THE SHOUT! HOUSE 655 Fourth Ave San Diego, CA 92101 619.231.6700 www.theshouthouse.com Photoshoot Location: CARLSBAD, CA

“When cooking for my family and friends they expect it to be really good, but that’s the life I chose!”

—Chef Brent Hersant

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“Cooking at home is a lot harder because you don’t get to use high performance cooking stoves.”

—Chef Brent Hersant

a chef’s

natural element is the kitchen. Chef Brent Hersant spends a lot of time in his natural element, cooking for two restaurants and a family at home. Those restaurants are side by side; GARAGE Kitchen + Bar, and its neighbor The Shout! House. If you’ve never stopped in, then you’re missing out on Chef Hersant’s delicious, classic-style meals with modern twists. But there’s certainly more to a chef than the magic in the kitchen. What happens when the chef goes home and cooks for himself and his family?

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Chef Hersant enjoys the process of adding his personal touch to the classics. A good example of this is his Fried Chicken Sandwich, but he rarely cooks something like this at home. With different mouths to feed and kitchens that are like comparing apples and oranges, we wanted to visit with Chef Hersant to find out what the differences are between cooking at home and cooking en masse.

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“Cooking at home is a lot harder,” Chef Hersant said, “because you don’t get to use high-performance cooking stoves.” With his limited resources at home, Chef Hersant opts for the barbecue more often than not. He likes preparing his food before tossing it on

the grill, and then he sits back with a cold one. While his meat cooks, he’ll look to his garden and pick vegetables to include in his meal.

Back in his kitchen, you’ll find some of his favorite ingredients to keep around. Chef Hersant enjoys pickling food, so there’s always plenty of material for that in his pantry. In his refrigerator, you’ll find Valentina hot sauce, a Mexican hot sauce with a lot of flavor. And since Chef Hersant will do different takes on tacos, this ingredient is a must.

For the main course, Chef Hersant likes to add a modern twist to Asian cuisine, like with the Chinese Lobster Roll. “This is my take on a classic Lobster

MAKE THIS: Chinese Lobster Roll and Seared Diver Scallops With Pork Belly How to Make Chef Hersant’s Favorite Meal at Home

CHINESE LOBSTER ROLL WITH CHILI BUTTER • 4 oz. knuckle and claw meat • 1 tsp sambal chili paste • 1 dash lemon juice or yuzu • 2 oz. unsalted butter • 4 oz. fresh basil • Salt and pepper to taste • 3 steamed bao buns • 2 oz. Sriracha mayo • Curled green onion for garnish Recipe: 1. Heat up the lobster meat in a pan with the first four ingredients and combine. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Steam buns in microwave or bamboo steamer for two to 15 minutes depending on brand.

3. Liberally coat inside of bun with Sriracha mayo and place lobster in buns.

4. Garnish with green onion.

SEARED DIVER SCALLOPS WITH PORK BELLY AND PEA PURÉE • 8 oz. uncured pork belly • 5 oz. orange juice • 5 oz. Coca-Cola • 5 oz. Sprite • 5 oz. whole milk • 2 Handfuls of sweet peas (deshelled) • 2-4 oz. warm cream • 2 oz. softened butter • 1 oz. roasted garlic • 4 oz. beech mushrooms • 1 oz. minced garlic and shallots • 1/2 oz. white wine • 4 fresh, cleaned diver scallops • 3 oz. soft unsalted butter • Salt and white pepper • 1/2 oz. olive oil For the Pork Belly: 1. Sear in oven with

salt and pepper until surface is browned.

2. Place in dutch oven or in a slow cooker with the orange juice, Coca-Cola, Sprite and whole milk and a small amount of water to ensure the meat is covered in liquid.

3. Cook four hours at 350 degrees until tender.

4. Take remaining braising liquid and reduce in pot until a thick syrup.

5. Cool in fridge overnight.

For the Pea Purée: 1. Purée one handful of peas until smooth in blender.

2. Place in squeeze bottle.

For the Scallops: 1. Sauté scallops in hot pan with olive oil. Make sure your scallops have a decent crust of salt and white pepper on them before you drop them in the pan.

2. When caramelized, flip, then baste with butter until golden brown.

3. In a separate pan sauté the second handful of peas, the mushrooms, the minced garlic and shallots until seared.

4. Deglaze with wine and cook to au-sec.

5. In a separate pan on medium heat, place the piece of pork belly (salt and peppered generously) in an oiled pan and cook until warmed through, then take the reduction you made and glaze the meat.

6. Dot the purée on a circle plate off center.

7. Place ingredients in a zigzag formation.

8. Garnish with your favorite microgreens.

9. Place pork belly to the right and enjoy!

Roll, but with Asian fusion,” said Hersant. “To prepare, I steamed the bao bun, then crisp it in salt and pepper and butter.” Next, he sautés the lobster with chili butter, Asian lemon yuzu and fresh basil. Once ready, he stuffs the lobster into the bun and adds green onion as a garnish, after placing it in ice water, which makes it curl.

For his next dish, seared diver scallops with pork belly, he starts by sautéing the scallops in salt, pepper and olive oil, and then finishes them with butter.

The pork belly is cooked for four hours in the oven at 350 degrees. Then, he adds something you wouldn’t expect—orange juice, Coca-Cola, Sprite and milk. The soda and the lactic acid from the milk help to soften the meat before he brazes the pork with this mixture.

After four hours in the oven, he cools it down, cuts it up and uses the remaining marinade as a glaze as he sears the pork. He finishes it off with a sweet pea purée, cannellini beans and microgreens as a garnish.

Even though Chef Hersant loves to cook meat and seafood, he prefers to eat vegetables. He likes to soften them up by sautéeing them in a pan, and then he usually adds a grain like rice. At home, he keeps it simple, and he’s very health conscious. This is important because not only is he feeding himself, but his wife and four kids. Even with all these mouths to feed, he still has to be aware of making smaller portions, something he’s not accustomed to at GARAGE Kitchen + Bar. GARAGE Kitchen + Bar and The Shout! House offer challenges of their own, and most chefs don’t have to be as creative as Chef Hersant. The restaurant and the bar share a single kitchen. Two venues under one roof, with two completely different menus. The Shout!

House and their Dueling Pianos serves top notch bar food, and GARAGE Kitchen + Bar serves farm fresh American-Asian-fusion cuisine. “We use a lot of the same ingredients, but you’d never know it,” he said.

With a diverse food background, Chef Hersant is well-equipped for the challenge of running two menus through one kitchen. In culinary school, he learned French cuisine, which teaches the best methods in the world for cooking food, he said. After stints at a classic French restaurant named Hexagone, and Italian restaurant Cin Cin Simply Italian, Chef Hersant worked under three different Executive Chefs at Beaumont’s in La Jolla. “The volume of food we cooked was enormous at Beaumont’s,” he said. “It taught me a lot about teamwork, and how to control your costs.”

Now he’s the Executive Chef of CHW Entertainment’s two restaurants. At the end of the day, he finds himself in his home kitchen where he’s just Brent. He likes the quiet and taking his time, but the expectations are no less great. “When cooking for my family and friends they expect it to be really good,” he said with a laugh, “But that’s the life I chose!”

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EAT/DRINK

OC CRUFFINS

WHAT THE

FORK! These Trendy Bites Will Leave Your Taste Buds Satisfied and Boost Your Likes WRITTEN BY: OLIN CHOW PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BRIANNE CLINE

We’ve all seen the Instagram foodie pictures, and from time to time have partaken in snapping a quick photo of a beautiful meal we are about to indulge in. Whether it’s Cruffins from Mr. Holmes Bakehouse or a cup full of bright green matcha from Holy Matcha, we’ve got you covered with trendy foods from LA to San Diego that were tailor made for your California lifestyle. So grab a fork, a napkin and, of course, your phone, because these dishes are about to be your new go-to spots.

SHACK POUTINE FRIES Ò Satisfy your inner child with these seasoned French fries topped with juicy pulled pork, crispy-diced bacon and covered in white cheddar bacon gravy. Forget the calories; your cheat day is long overdue!

Carnitas' Snack Shack carnitassnackshack.com

Photoshoot Location: CARNITAS' SNACK SHACK 2632 University Ave San Diego, CA 92104 619.294.7675 www.carnitassnackshack.com

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Ò Let them eat Cruffins! A cross between a croissant and a muffin, this sweet treat will delight your taste buds. These meltin-your-mouth desserts come in multiple flavors including Chocolate Passionfruit Cream, Blackberry Port Jam and Smoked Vanilla Cream.

Mr. Holmes Bakehouse mrholmesbakehouse. com

PORK PESTO PIZZA Ò You can’t go wrong with pizza— especially when it’s topped with crispy prosciutto! The Pork and Pesto Pizza from Il Barone is topped with homemade pesto, toasted bread crumbs, prosciutto cotto, fennel sausage and pepperoncini aioli with dough that is cooked to perfection. Yum! Il Barone Sicilian Street Food ilbaronessf.com

GRILLED OCTOPUS Ò For the more daring, the Grilled Octopus at Five Crowns makes for the perfect start to your meal. With favas, scallions and lemon vinaigrette, you’re going to keep coming back for more!

Five Crowns lawrysonline.com/ five-crowns

ARRACHERA CHILAQUILES Ò Located at the Anaheim Packing House, you’ll find some of the most flavorful Mexican dishes at URBANA. Come here for the ambiance, stay here for the Chilaquiles.

With crisp tortillas smothered in queso fresco, crema, pico de gallo, and arrachera skirt steak topped with a fried egg, you will not leave hungry!

URBANA Mexican Gastronomy & Mixology urbanaanaheim.com

SD CRAZY LOADED HOT DOGS Ò Hit this restaurant for your carb cravings! These delicious, top quality dogs are the crème de la crème of hot dogs. Order their Sooo Cali with arugula, tomato, crispy onions, spicy basil aioli and avocado nestled between grilled Hawaiian rolls.

Dog Haus doghaus.com

SAN GERMÁN Ò Who doesn’t love a good pineapple picture? At Casa de Bandini, pineapple lovers will be pleasantly surprised to find the San Germán. This award winning dish comes with shrimp sauteed in butter, brandy and pineapple mixed with a creamy wine sauce over a bed of arroz amarillo, all served in a halved pineapple— that’s right.

Casa de Bandini casadebandini.com

MATCHA DONUT Ò Heaven does exist and it’s inside of Holy Matcha! Freshly brewed in front of your eyes, the matcha is both rich and satisfying. Pair it with one of their matcha donuts, both vegan and gluten free, for the ultimate brunch.

Holy Matcha holymatchasd.com

LA GOLD FLAKED DONUT Ò This donut is a sinful pleasure of carbs with a touch of Midas! At $100 a pop, this 24 karat gold donut will fill your Insta followers with food envy. Be sure to call 48 hours ahead to order!

Birdies birdiesla.com

LOBSTER MAC N’ CHEESE Ò Surfside Venice is serving up Lobster Mac N’ Cheese with a sustainably harvested amount of thick, Canadian lobster with chives, penne pasta, panko breadcrumbs and three-cheese sauce to finish off this comfort dish.

Surfside Venice surfsidevenice.com

LUMBERYARD TAVERN 967 S Coast Hwy 101, Ste 101 Encinitas, CA 92024 760.479.1657 www.lumberyard101.com

M EALS DECONSTRUCTED

BURGER B RE AKDOWN

THESE BURGERS ARE TOTALLY DROOL-WORTHY WRITTEN BY: WILL LANGE PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JOSIE GONZALES

Lumberyard Tavern's

Lamb Burger

101

1 PRETZEL BUN

MUST ORDER: Hickory Burger

Lamb Burger

Deconstructed

2 TZATZIKI SAUCE

u This classic diner serves

up comfort food at its finest. With fun decor and an Americana vibe, it’s fun for the whole family. Try the Hickory Burger. It comes with two slices of melted cheddar cheese, thickcut bacon, crisp lettuce, tomato, RubySauce, crispy RubyRings, and zesty barbecue sauce.

Ruby’s Diner 1640 Camino Del Rio N, Ste 360P San Diego, CA 92108 619.294.7829 rubys.com

5

3

PICKLED ONIONS

TOMATO

6 SPINACH

MUST ORDER: Coconut Club Burger u Located on the seaside

strip of Mission Beach, Miss B’s is a casual place outdoor space for you and all your friends. Try out the Coconut Club Burger and you might find yourself feeling an island vibe. It has an all-natural Angus beef patty, LTO, bread and butter pickles, spiced mustard roasted garlic aioli, kolache roll and your choice of cheese.

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FETA CHEESE

7 FRESH GROUND LAMB

Situated off coast highway in beautiful Encinitas, the Lumberyard Tavern is a long-time haven for tourists and locals.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: Need to bring your pup with you to lunch? Not a problem!

Lumberyard Tavern has a dog-friendly patio.

Photos - Ruby’s Diner: Ed Visions

Miss B’s Coconut Club 3704 Mission Blvd San Diego, CA 92109 858.381.0855 missbcoconutclub.com

4

GAME DAY Lumberyard Tavern has 12 TV’s inside to ensure you’ll always a good view of the game.

MUST ORDER: Nason’s Burger u Part of the posh Pendry

San Diego in downtown, Nason’s is special as it claims space as one of San Diego’s only Germanstyle restaurants. Nason’s Burger is bringing in flavors from overseas.

It’s stacked with braised purple cabbage, bacon and mustard jam, housemade pickles, a pretzel roll and comes with a side of house potato chips.

Q&A With

Owner Lisa Belasco Q: What drink pairs best with this burger?

Lisa Belasco: We always have a rotating selection of great local beer so it’s a tough choice. But an amber ale would go perfectly with the creamy Tzatziki.

Nason’s Beer Hall 570 J St San Diego, CA 92101 619.738.7000 pendryhotels.com/sandiego/dining/nasons-beerhall/

Q: Tell me what’s special about the Lamb Burger. What sets it apart?

LB: Lamb is big in many countries, but the US is still catching on. It has a bolder flavor than beef and there are not many places you can get something like it!

Q: What was the inspiration to pair these ingredients?

LB: I have a passion for Greek food and we knew these classic flavors would go perfectly together.

MUST ORDER: Better Than a Classic Burger u Harvest by The Patio’s

famed chef Amiko Gubbins might be known for lighter fare, but she pulls out all the stops with her Better Than a Classic Burger. It boasts a halfpound Angus patty, white cheddar, smoked tomato jam, lettuce, tomato and onion all on a toasted brioche bun.

Harvest by The Patio 369 10th Ave San Diego, CA 92101 619.541.8301 harvestbythepatio.com

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Situated off coast highway in beautiful Encinitas, the Lumberyard Tavern is a long-time haven for tourists and locals. It’s been open for eight years, which says a lot, considering it’s parked on prime real estate in the middle of one of the hottest dining areas in San Diego.

S

This casual establishment boasts a large selection of premium whiskeys, craft beers and great food. Walking into the restaurant, raw wood paneling and an exposed ceiling gives the space an open, modern feel that’s warm and inviting.

But what to order? If you ask owner Lisa Belasco, it’s the Greek-inspired Lamb Burger, which has become a crowd favorite since it landed on the menu.

The dish starts off with perfectly ground lamb cooked to a succulent medium-rare.

Then, it’s layered with fresh spinach, tomatoes, pickled onions and a creamy Tzatziki sauce. Finally, to add structure, it’s all piled high on a fresh pretzel bun.

The pretzel bun is found on almost all of the burgers at Lumberyard Tavern and draws in diners with its unique flavor and texture. Of course, nestled on the plate is your choice of sweet potato fries, french fries, salad or onion rings.

ORDER THIS: "Grilled Cheese" Burger

ORDER THIS: Double Bacon Cheeseburger

ORDER THIS: Chef's Cheeseburger

ORDER THIS: Surf 'N Turf burger

All American Burgers allamericanburgers.beer

Hodad's hodadies.com

Duke's La Jolla dukeslajolla.com

barleymash barleymash.com

SIP, SIP Lumberyard Tavern has a list of over 40 whiskeys available to complement your meal.

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Take a break from the familiar hoity-toity draws of San Diego nightlife and chime in on something a bit homier and fun-loving this New Year’s Eve. The Smoking Gun sends you a sweet, nostalgic blast-fromthe-past feeling before you look to the future. Retro tunes play as you reminisce while sitting at your table, all the while taking in the pleasant ambiance. The Smoking Gun’s environment encourages you to come as you are, “rest easy, and speak loudly,” as their motto states, while you enjoy the modern appeal of atmosphere with the classic craving satisfiers of southern-comfort fare.

T

Ten, Nine, Eight...

We Have Your New Year’s Eve Plans Covered WRITTEN BY: LEAH HOFFHINES PHOTOGRAPHED BY: KAMBRIA FISCHER

The Smoking Gun delivers all your favorite smoked meats including, but not limited to, their Duroc Pork Shoulder. This finger-licking dish is smoked to perfection, prepared with green chili mustard, giving it a savory, mild spice that will have you reaching for a great beer to

pair it with! We recommend you wash it down with the Modelo Negra, a Dunkel-style lager with a smooth finish. The subtle smoky notes within the beer compliment the succulent flavors of the pork.

They are truly a match made in barbecue heaven.

If you’re one for fun and games, then you may want to stick around.

The Smoking Gun offers ping-pong, shuffleboard and other games to pass the time while you sip on some of their signature cocktails.

Though this New Year’s Eve, they have something even more special planned for you with rockin’ beats and plenty of dancing. Don’t forget the traditional Champagne to toast to new beginnings, as this new restaurant deserves it! Only open since this past summer, this fresh new location is already making it on our list of one the hottest restaurants/ bars in San Diego. Without a doubt, The Smoking Gun is certainly worth a ‘cheers’ all around!

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE Ò The Smoking Gun’s side dishes consists of all vegetarian options. Don’t be alarmed, the Brussels sprouts are still pleasantly barbecued to match the flavor profile of any entree.

Ò Looking for something with a kick this New Year’s Eve? Opt for the Modelo Chelada Tamarindo Picante—a michelada drink made with Modelo beer and the flavors of sweet tamarind and spicy chipotle peppers.

MODELO USA @modelousa www.modelousa.com Photoshoot Location: THE SMOKING GUN 555 Market St San Diego, CA 92101 619.233.3836 www.thesmokinggunsd.com

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DECOR PROVIDED BY: Where’s the Party? www.wheresthepartyoc.com

EAT/DRINK

DRINK FEATURE

Oh Come, All Ye Thirsty WE HAVE THE CO C KTA I L R EC I P ES YOU'LL BE CRAVING THIS HOLIDAY

WRITTEN BY: TAMARA AUSTRING PHOTOGRAPHED BY: CHAD MELLON STYLED BY: MELISSA SOUZA HAIR AND MAKEUP BY: LAUREN SCACCIA MODEL: HANNAH FOWLER-KIMSEY OF BRAND MODEL & TALENT, www.brandtalent.net

HENDRICK'S GIN www.hendricksgin.com Photoshoot Location: VILLAS FASHION ISLAND 1000 San Joaquin Plaza Newport Beach, CA 92660 855.247.5870 www.irvinecompanyapartments.com ALL APPAREL & JEWELRY PROVIDED BY: Novecento Boutique www.novecentofashion.com ALL DRINKWARE PROVIDED BY: The Mixing Glass www.the-mixing-glass.shoplightspeed.com

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Shake It Up

HENDRICK'S GIN www.hendricksgin.com

2

PARTS HENDRICK’S GIN

1

PART FRESH LIME JUICE

DRINK

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Preparation: Mix gin, lime juice and rasberry syrup in a shaker. Pour over ice in a tumbler and top with ginger beer

Occasion:

COCKTAIL SHAKER

TUMBLER

108

Flora

Dora

TOP WITH GINGER BEER

But after you’ve read through these mixed drink how-tos, we’ll put you in the spirit to invite your family or co-workers—21 and over, of course—to your home to whip up some of the finest holiday drinks. We have a few exclusive recipes to make playing at-home-bartender over the holidays seamless, and will surely impress your guests. Whether you’re celebrating by roasting chestnuts over a fire or laying out by the pool somewhere warm near the equator, we have a drink to tickle your yuletide fancy. And always remember to drink responsibly!

You certainly don’t need to host a holiday party to create and indulge in craft cocktails.

½

PART RASPBERRY SYRUP

Feliz Navidad! Take a trip down to Cancun— or even Palm Springs, for that matter—and enjoy the sunshine as you sip this refresher.

Top with a lime, and you have yourself a duo of Santa’s favorite colors. Now that’s a holiday!

Cup of Cheer

1

PART TULLAMORE DEW IRISH WHISKEY

DRINK

2

1

CUP BLACK COFFEE

The Original

Irish Coffee

TULLAMORE DEW IRISH WHISKEY www.tullamoredew.com

1

DASH OF SUGAR

Preparation: Pour a cup of fresh coffee, drop in one part Tullamore DEW Irish Whiskey, and a splash of sugar. Top with whipped cream.

TOP WITH WHIPPED CREAM

Occasion:

HIGHBALL

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While you can drink this with your breakfast, don’t let the coffee limit you to enjoying this in just one section of your day. This is the ultimate night cap after a long day of family chats and party planning. Grab a seat, lounge and sip.

TOAST THE GOOD LIFE Irvine Company’s Villas Fashion Island is the ultimate Newport Beach luxury apartment community. And, it's the perfect place to make one of these delicious craft cocktails to enjoy in the comfort of your stylish residence, by one of the pools, at an outdoor fireplace or under the palms and the stars.

Simmer Down

DRINK

3

1

PART SAILOR JERRY SPICED RUM

Jerry

SUITE SIPS

Cider

If you love these cocktails, keep a lookout for these other fine liquors to make more holiday-inspired drinks:

CINNAMON

The Balvenie Drambuie Glenfiddich SAILOR JERRY www.sailorjerry.com

3

PARTS MULLED CIDER

CLOVES

Preparation: Heat Sailor Jerry and slowly add cider and desired spices. Stir and let cool before serving in a coupe glass.

Occasion:

COUPE

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The Jerry Cider is classic at any holiday party—it’s good for the soul. However, this is the best after a long day of skiing. Take a sip and feel it slowly warm you up. Enjoy.

Repeat.

Monkey Shoulder

PHOTO BY: Josie Gonzales

STYLE

///BEAUTY DEC 2017

117

GIFT GUIDE Consider Your Holiday Shopping Handled

134

STYLE PROFILE Mexican Culture Meets Home Décor and Gifts

138

RAINBOW OPTX These Colorful Sunnies Will Boost Your Mood

141

THAT'S WHAT SHE SAID Stylin by Aylin Loves UTC, and So Do We

146

WAYLON SALON & BOUTIQUE Learn How to Give Your Hair Life From the Pros

134

STYLE PROFILE Mexcellent

Casa Artelexia is Here for Your Mexican Décor Needs

Photoshoot Location: CASA ARTELEXIA 2879 University Ave San Diego, CA 92104 619.501.6381 ARTELEXIA 3803 Ray St San Diego, CA 92104 619.544.1011 www.artelexia.com

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FEAR NO MORE—WE’VE DONE YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING FOR YOU! FLIP THE PAGE TO FIND THE PERFECT GIFT FOR THE PERFECT PERSON IN YOUR LIFE

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ED VISIONS

STYLED BY: JACLYN KERSHEK

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EAT

4

for the foodie

3

2 1

Spatula

$11.95 Williams Sonoma, Westfield UTC williamssonoma.com

Measuring Spoons

Toffee

$7.95-$16.95 B. toffee btoffee.com

Safi Stoneware $38 Tripli-Kit triplikit.com

Hand Towel

Coast & Cotton $18 Tripli-Kit triplikit.com

5 Cookie Cutter

$4.99 Williams Sonoma, Westfield UTC www.williamssonoma.com

6 Cookbook

On Vegetables By: Jeremy Fox $49.95 Diesel, A Bookstore dieselbookstore.com

7

Cookbook

$29.95 Hi Sweetheart hi-sweets.com

8

Monogram Board

$39.95 Williams Sonoma, Westfield UTC williams-sonoma.com

9 Recipe Cards Rifle Paper Co. $12 Tripli-Kit triplikit.com

16

15

10 Jam

Bonnie's Jams $12 Tripli-kit triplikit.com

11

Sugar

12

Oven Mitt

13

Apron

14

Cast-Iron Saucepan

Farfalle Pasta

Borgo de’ Medici $10.99 La Quinta Olive Oil Company laquintaoliveoilcompany.com

Decorative Plate $25 White Lilac whitelilacinc.com

17

Spatula

$16.95 Williams Sonoma, Westfield UTC williams-sonoma.com

$6.95 $9.95

$29.95 Le Creuset $180 Williams Sonoma, Westfield UTC williams-sonoma.com

18 Decorative Plate $15 White Lilac whitelilacinc.com

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19

Salad Servers

$39.95 Williams Sonoma, Westfield UTC williams-sonoma.com

20

Olive Oil & Balsamic

$20-$28 La Quinta Olive Oil Company laquintaoliveoilcompany.com

DRINK

for the weekender 22

Shaker- Usagi

21

Cocktail Kingdom $50 The Mixing Glass the-mixing-glass. shoplightspeed.com

Magnet Set

Seltzer Goods $12 Tripli-Kit triplikit.com

26

Florence Filigree Vetro 24k Gold Compote

23

24

$95 Each White Lilac whitelilacinc.com

Mini Mule Sippy Cups Sertodo Copper $13 each Tripli-Kit www.triplikit.com

27

Eagle Rare 10yr Single Barrel

28

$32.99 The Mixing Glass the-mixing-glass. shoplightspeed.com

Chocolate

Goodio Chocolate $9 Huset huset-shop.com

Whiskey Glasses

Normann Copenhagen $50 for Set of Two Pelago Palm Springs pelagopalmsprings.com

25 Hard Seltzer

$7.99-$10.99 for a Six Pack White Claw Hard Seltzer whiteclaw.com

33

31

29

Cocktails Tea Towel Seltzer Goods $16 Tripli-Kit triplikit.com

30

Bottle Opener

Oak Lane $17 Local Fare oclocalfare.com

32

Roost $18 Pelago Palm Springs pelagopalmsprings.com

Felt Coasters

34

Graf & Lantz $21 Pelago Palm Springs pelagopalmsprings.com

Pineapple Tumbler The Pineapple Co. $32 Tripli-Kit triplikit.com

1

35

39 Leather Coaster Set

37 38

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Corkscrew

Julep Strainer $12-$26

Teardrop Barspoon $24-$34 The Mixing Glass the-mixing-glass. shoplightspeed.com

HOLD - Del Mar $28 Moniker General monikergeneral.com

Gum Syrup

Liber & Co. $9.99 The Mixing Glass the-mixing-glass. shoplightspeed.com

40 Cocktail Kit

W&P Design $24 Ice Cream & Shop(pe) icecreamandshop.com

41 Matcha Powder Tin & Whisk

$20-$32 Shuhari Matcha CafĂŠ shuharicafe.com

36

Flask

$29.95 Williams Sonoma, Westfield UTC williamssonoma.com

Bitters

Crude Bitters $22.99 The Mixing Glass the-mixing-glass. shoplightspeed.com

STYLE

45

for the fashion forward 42

43

47

Watch

ROLEX Yacht-Master 40, Everose Gold With Oyster Flex Strap, Pave Diamond Dial and Gem Set Bezel Price Upon Request Rolex Boutique South Coast Plaza BaronandLeedsSCP.com

Backpack

44

Lady of Leisure Get it Together $64 Hi Sweetheart hi-sweets.com

46

Watch

ROLEX Cosmograph Daytona, 18k White Gold With Blue Dial Price Upon Request Rolex Boutique South Coast Plaza BaronandLeedsSCP.com

Sweater

$158 Velvet by Graham and Spencer velvet-tees.com

48

54

Eyebobs $79 Pelago Palm Springs pelagopalmsprings.com

T-Shirt

50

$29.50 Tankfarm & Co. tankfarmco.com

Day Pack

Bradley Mountain $199 Moniker General monikergeneral.com

Ring Pouch

OTAAT/Myers Collective $160 Poketo poketo.com

Sweater

Dream Scene by Wild Fox $64 Wild Dove Boutique wilddoveboutique.com

Ring

14k Rose Gold Tourmaline Ring Contains 13.5 Carat Oval Cut Tourmaline With 1.00 of Pave Set Brilliant Cut Diamonds $17,100 Swiss Watch Gallery & Fine Jewelers, The Shops at Mission Viejo swisswatchgallery.com

Earrings

Matched Pair of Natural Museum Quality 26.49k Sapphires 3 Carat White Diamonds Collection Quality $49,000 Winston’s Crown Jewelers winstonscrownjewelers.com

55

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Sunglasses

Sketch Inc. $14.95 each Mercenary General mercenarygeneral.com

52

53

$24.50 Tankfarm & Co. tankfarmco.com

Enamel Pins

49

51

Custom Snapback

Sandals

Melissa $85 Wild Dove Boutique wilddoveboutique.com

56

Phone Case

Sonix $35 Wild Dove Boutique wilddoveboutique.com

57

Credit Card Holder

58

Driving Wallet

Mywalit $25

Stewart/Stand $59 Pelago Palm Springs pelagopalmsprings.com

59

Shoes

Satorisan $206 Tankfarm & Co. tankfarmco.com

BEAUTY

for the glam squad 62

Mini Blast Travel Ionic Blow Dryer $26 Sephora sephora.com

60 Coconut Bath Soak

63

Herbivore Botanicals $33.50 H2O Closet h2ocloset.com

61

$15 Bronzed Bunny bronzedbunny.com

Matte Pomade

Byrd Pomade $22 Moniker General monikergeneral.com

65 64

VIP AF Canvas Tote

Face Mask

$6 Sephora sephora.com

Sparkle Zip Pouch Tracy Tanner $38 Burro Goods burrogoods.com

66 Shampoo & Conditioner

Rahua $34-$36 The Detox Market thedetoxmarket.com

67 Wave + Shine Spray Oribe AprĂŠs Beach $42 Waylon Salon waylonsalon.com

69 68

Beer Soap

Craftsman $7.50 H2O Closet h2ocloset.com

70

Perfume

Ineke $95 H2O Closet h2ocloset.com

Bath Salts

Herbivore Botanicals $19 H2O Closet h2ocloset.com

73 71

Soap & Soap Stand

Ash Soap $10-$22 Ice Cream & Shop(pe) icecreamandshop.com

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72

Lip Oil

Ogee $22 Olive and June olivejune.com

75

Cleansing Oil

Beauty Nouveau Botanical Beauty $28 Waylon Salon waylonsalon.com

74 Nylon Hair Brush Mason Pearson $150 H2O Closet h2ocloset.com

Perfume Oil

Soul Sisters $64 Shanghai Salon shanghai-salon.com

GO

for the man on the go

78

77 Mint Flight Blanket

79

$45 Burro Goods burrogoods.com

Poncho

$188 Faherty fahertybrand.com

Surfboard Leash

Creatures of Leisure $29.99 Katin katinusa.com

76 Rechargeable Lantern

Fermob $108 Pelago Palm Springs pelagopalmsprings.com

80

Boots

$169 TOMS toms.com

81

Rocks Cup

Wander Ware $11.25 Burro Goods burrogoods.com

82

11-in-1 Survival Tool

SFG Utility $15 Tabula Rasa Essentials tabularasamb.com

83

Canvas Zip Pouch

Sugarboo & Co. $18 Tabula Rasa Essentials tabularasamb.com

90 84

Men’s Polo

Shaker

Travis Matthew $80-85 SilverRock Resort silverrock.org

Wander Ware $18 Burro Goods burrogoods.com

86

Mustache Band-Aid Tin $6.95 Hi Sweetheart hi-sweets.com

88

Bug Spray

$20 The Detox Market thedetoxmarket.com

91 Golf Glove

Nike $12 SilverRock Resort silverrock.org

89 Golf Ball Wine Stopper

85 Book

$35 Lido Village Books lidovillagebooks.com

87

$14.95 Hi Sweetheart hi-sweets.com

Fin

$110 futures. futuresfins.com

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Water Bottle

Swell $36 Burro Goods burrogoods.com

DO

for the ultimate do-er

95 96 94

Headband

$12 Lululemon, Westfield UTC lululemon.com

Seamless Bra Splits59 $50

Sneakers

Zee Alexis $95 Novecento Sports novecentosports.com

93 Cap

$36 Poketo poketo.com

98 Hair Ties

Knotty $12 Pure Barre Palm Desert purebarre.com

99

97

Low Rise Socks

$16 Pure Barre Palm Desert purebarre.com

Accustick $19.99 Sklz sklz.com

100 Towel

101

$14 Pure Barre Palm Desert purebarre.com

Dream Weaver Mist Fat and the Moon $13.50 Burro Goods burrogoods.com

102 Tumbler 103

Corkcicle $25 Tabula Rasa Essentials tabularasamb.com

PROLite Mat Manduka $84 RA Yoga rayoga.com

Yoga Mat Cleanser 105 From Molly With Love $14.99 The Detox Market thedetoxmarket.com

Legging 106 VIMMIA

$105 Novecento Sports novecentosports.com

Bluetooth Earbuds 107 $24.99 JLab Audio jlabaudio.com

104 Go Lightly Rucksack

$128 Lululemon, Westfield UTC lululemon.com

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Book 108 “The Little Book of Yoga� $14.95 Mercenary General mercenarygeneral.com

HOME

Reversible Throw 113 $225

for the home-ies

Moniker General monikergeneral.com

Bowls 112 Normann Copenhagen & Hawkins $34-$50 Pelago Palm Springs pelagopalmsprings.com

Succulent Box 109 $35

Lula’s Garden lulasgarden.com

Pillow 111 $117

White Lilac whitelilacinc.com

110 Pineapple Desktop Tray $18 Hi Sweetheart hi-sweets.com

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116

Light Box

My Cinema Light Box $50 Ice Cream & Shop(pe) icecreamandshop.com

120

Candle

Succulent Terrarium

$44 Sugar Paper sugarpaper.com

$21 Uni Home Store unihomestore.com

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121

Cactus Cushion OYOY $51 Huset huset-shop.com

Journal

$32 Sugar Paper sugarpaper.com

117 Book

$35 Destination PSP destinationpsp.com

Vintage Match Bottle 118 Skeem Design $13.95 Mercenary General mercenarygeneral.com

Melting Mugs 119 Studio Arhoj

$29 each Huset huset-shop.com

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123

Fia Blanket

Slippers

Pappelina $115 Pelago Palm Springs pelagopalmsprings.com

$225 Jenni Kayne jennikayne.com

AWAY

for the vacationer

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Women’s Bikini Top & Bottom $96 Each

Men’s Short 128 $72

Rash Tee 129 O’Neill

$28.99 Katin katinusa.com

Sauvage Swimwear sauvagewear.com

124 Carry-On

$225 Away awaytravel.com

125 Cactus Pom Pom Pouch

Meri Meri $16 Ice Cream & Shop(pe) icecreamandshop.com

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Ready in 5 Eye Brush Set $20 Sephora sephora.com

126 Tank Top

$75 Novecento Sports novecentosports.com

131 Large Orange Mesh Bag

Walker $13 Pelago Palm Springs pelagopalmsprings.com

Travel Journal 133 $18 each Poketo poketo.com

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Shot Glasses

Pineapple Party $15 for Set of Four Local Fare oclocalfare.com

Travel Sized Dry Shampoo 138 Oribe Aprés Beach

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$22 Waylon Salon waylonsalon.com

‘The Lotus’ Beach Towel $59 SLIPPA slippa.co

Corkscrew 136 W&P Design 135 Rocks Glasses

Sisters of Los Angeles $52 for Set of Four Ice Cream & Shop(pe) icecreamandshop.com 132 LOCALE MAGAZINE

$17 Ice Cream & Shop(pe) icecreamandshop.com

Pineapple Party Picks 137 RICE $6 Huset huset-shop.com

1 oz Travel Essential Kit 139 Malin & Goetz $30 Ice Cream & Shop(pe) icecreamandshop.com

Natural Rest Travel Remedy 140 Hope Gillerman $48 The Detox Market thedetoxmarket.com

STYLE PROFILE

MEXC E L L E N T CASA ARTELEXIA IS HERE FOR YOUR MEXICAN DÉCOR NEEDS

WRITTEN BY: EMILY TORRES PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JOSIE GONZALES

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NATIVE KNOWLEDGE:

Artelexia is home to one of San Diego’s most Instagrammable spots—a colorful mural on the intersection of North Park Way and Ray Street. Designed by local artist Channin Fulton, the mural states that “You Are Radiant!” and was painted by neighborhood locals.

Photoshoot Location: CASA ARTELEXIA 2879 University Ave San Diego, CA 92104 619.501.6381 ARTELEXIA 3803 Ray St San Diego, CA 92104 619.544.1011 www.artelexia.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 135

UPCOMING EVENTS December 2: Lil’ Libros Book Signing December 9: Ray at Night Art Walk December 16: Christmas Party ELEXIA DE LA PARRA’S MUST-VISIT SPOTS • Oaxaca

W

While downtown San Diego is just a mere half-hour drive from the border, Artelexia brings the border even closer to San Diegans with two colorful retail fronts

in North Park, interactive events and neighborhood block parties for holidays.

Bonus: no passport required!

Inspired by childhood memories of walking through markets in Mexico with family members, founder, owner and girl boss Elexia de la Parra launched Artelexia in 2008 as a regular stall at the weekly La Jolla Farmers Market. For a year, de la Parra and her parents woke up at 5 a.m. to set up the colorful stall and stock it with affordable, but highquality folk art products from various regions of Mexico.

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NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: • Be on the lookout, because art workshops are added weekly!

• San Miguel de Allende • Mexico City

Within a year, de la Parra’s stall grew a cult-like following and she decided to take the leap and open up Artelexia’s first retail space in Little Italy, which has relocated to North Park. Thus, Artelexia became Casa Artelexia—the name change reflective of the permanent retail space.

Just a few years later, Elexia de la Para now owns two booming retail locations in North Park that transport visitors to Mexico without ever having to leave their backyard. The retail fronts are designed with bright and bold colors, the Ray Street location even has a large mural as a tribute to famed Mexican artist, and fellow girl boss, Frida Kahlo, reminiscent of Mexican art and are filled with authentic folk art pieces, including cards, wall décor, kitchen supplies, journals, pins, clothing and everything in between. During trips to Mexico, de la Parra handpicks each of the items in both shops from local markets. The air fresheners, enamel pins and buttons, bilingual cookbooks and children’s books, painted glassware and embroidered pillows are among de la Parra’s favorite items in stock right now.

“I only buy things that I really like! If I don’t sell them, I can keep them! I really love everything I have,” laughed de la Parra.

And she doesn’t stop her tribute to her heritage with just craft and clothing items. Artelexia offers dozens of workshops and events that give San Diegans an interactive and one-of-a-kind way to engage with another culture. Artelexia hosts meet and greets with artists and painters, paper flower workshops and altar making

lessons. Not to mention the weekly piñata workshops, where groups can make their own fiesta special!

Our personal favorite event? de la Parra’s sister company’s Eat.Drink.Cook.Mexico. Mexican tours in Oaxaca and San Miguel de Allende.

“When I went on my first [trip] to Oaxaca, I just fell in love. I wanted to stay there, but I had just signed a lease. So I thought, ‘What can I do to keep going back?’ So, I started these week-long craft and culinary tours to keep going back to Mexico. I arrived a few days early [to] do my buying for the shop. When guests arrive, I take them on market tours, visit with our vendors and eat at my favorite restaurants. They have a week to get to know the city. It is really fun for me to share the city and to experience it with them,” said de la Parra.

What’s in store for Artelexia in 2018? de la Parra says the second space is an event space for craft workshops and available to rent out for your events.

However, at the moment, de la Parra is focused on growing both stores and continuing her trips to Mexico.

“It’s home for me. It’s comfortable and familiar.

It’s just a magical place. I love the feeling and the warmth of the people and the culture. When you go to a restaurant, for example, people wish you a happy meal. You don’t get that anywhere else,” said de la Parra. We beg to differ, as Artelexia gives us the same magical, bright feeling.

“I only buy things that I really like! If I don’t sell them, I can keep them! I really love everything I have.” —Elexia de la Parra

STYLE/BEAUTY

I AM LOVE These aviators help you see the world through rose-colored lenses—literally. It’s supposed to uplift and awaken your mindset.

RAINBOW OPTX www.rainbowoptx.com @rainbowoptx

POWER OF YELLOW Put on these round lenses when you want to activate your power and will. All colors, including yellow, come in round, aviator, heart and wayfarer frames to match your style.

RELAX The blue Rainbow OPTX lenses elicit feelings of relaxation, calmness and assuredness. If this is what you need, also try colors aqua and green for similar vibes.

Whichever color you choose, these moodboosting shades will have you chasing rainbows.

Bright Idea These Colorful Sunglasses Aim to Better Your Mood WRITTEN BY: JORDAN LIGONS PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ADAM GENTRY STYLED BY: MELISSA SOUZA

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WEAR YOUR CROWN Violet targets the crown chakra focusing on awareness.

Correct those energy imbalances by rocking these glasses.

San Diego, it’s time to check into color therapy. Local North Park biz Rainbow OPTX wants you to change your perspective to a more colorful one. Each stylishly colored lens aims for the seven chakra centers of your body.

Throw on red-colored sunnies to feel more grounded or orange wayfarers to feel stable and balanced (hello, we all need this) and to feel a sense of harmony. Whichever color you choose, these mood-boosting shades will have you chasing rainbows.

NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: Purchase your order Monday through Saturday before 12 p.m. PT and your order will get shipped that same day!

T H AT ' S W H AT S H E S A I D

Aylin Just Wants

TO HAVE FUN

WRITTEN BY: AYLIN OF STYLIN

BY AYLIN

WESTFIELD UTC 4545 La Jolla Village Dr San Diego, CA 92122 858.546.8858 www.westfield.com/utc

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: NICK ISABELLA HAIR & MAKEUP BY: LISA LEEDY

STYLIN BY AYLIN Takes Us Around Her Favorite La Jolla Hot Spot

AYLIN www.stylinbyaylin.com @stylinbyaylin

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HI, MY NAME IS AYLIN— wife, mom, interior designer turned style blogger and

creator of the lifestyle-fashion blog Stylin by Aylin. I love to help and inspire others to dream big, think positive and to have more confidence when they get dressed every day. I was born and raised in California and would say my style is sophisticated-casual. I love mixing dressy and casual

pieces and comfort is always key! With the new expansion and renovations at Westfield UTC, I’m officially calling this place my home away from home. They’ve opened up so

many new stores, restaurants and even places to sit, chill

and relax. I’m so excited to take you with me while I share some of my favorite spots!

LUSH Handmade Cosmetics

ChaChing!

Westfield UTC recently went under a $600 million expansion, which was completed in October, adding restaurants, shopping destinations and more.

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I felt like a little girl in a candy shop! You’ll know exactly what I mean when you visit the yummy smelling LUSH store. Most of their soap products are packaged in pretty craft paper. Everything looks and smells so good you almost want to eat it. From fizzing bath bombs, lotions and soaps, it’s a great place to pick up a gift and a little something for yourself too. I was very excited to learn about their “Charity Pot.” One hundred percent of the charity pot’s purchase price is donated to grassroots organizations. They support groups in North America and around the world in the areas of environmental conservation, animal welfare and human rights. I love this great cause. And by the way, the girls working at LUSH were so welcoming and sweet!

858.552.9082 | www.lushusa.com

From fizzing bath bombs, lotions and soaps, it’s a great place to pick up a gift and a little something for yourself too.

I have my eye on a couple of their accent chairs and love the flexibility of customizing the fabric.

I’ll be back soon!

The Winery Restaurant & Wine Bar I love a good happy hour!

If you’re a martini fan, I would recommend the Basil Drop Martini or the Golden Pear Martini. They also have a great selection of wines and delicious eats on the happy hour menu.

Everything from pizzas, beef sliders and ahi tuna—okay, I’m getting hungry now.

4301 La Jolla Village Dr, Ste 2040 San Diego CA 92122 www.thewineryrestaurant.net

Room & Board Even though my career now is in the fashion industry, my main background is interior design.

I like styling my home the same way I would style my wardrobe. When I visited Room & Board at their new location at Westfield UTC, I literally wanted to take the store home with me. It’s laid out beautifully and I love how they make you feel at home. Most of their pieces were simplistic and elegant. They also have pillows, throws and other home pieces for sale. I have my eye on a couple of their accent chairs and love the flexibility of customizing the fabric. I’ll be back soon!

4525 La Jolla Village Dr, San Diego, CA 92122 858.732.9535 | www.roomandboard.com

Native Knowledge Westfield UTC is home to 70 unique pieces of art including driftwood murals, woven textile art and several massive outdoor installations.

Plus, the center's new “Artwalk,” an outdoor sculpture garden, is a must-see!

Brazilia Skin Care & Spa This family-owned business has been serving San Diego for over 12 years. I love how it’s a one-stop shop! From waxing, threading, Brazilian waxing, brow waxing, lashes, facials, peels, body bronzing, massages and more, it’s a day-spa destination.

858.909.0250 www.braziliaskincare.com

I’m so excited to go back soon and create new memories there with my kids.

Shake Shack

UTC ICE I have such great memories at this exact ice rink. When I was five, we moved to La Jolla. Our apartment building was just a couple blocks away from UTC. I remember walking to the mall with my mom and she would take my brothers and me ice skating. I’ve been to other ice skating rinks, but this one is the most comfortable.

And what I mean by comfortable is that they don’t make it freezing! You can comfortably go in your jeans and a sweatshirt.

But no need to bundle up like you’re skating in a freezer. I’m so excited to go back soon and create new memories there with my kids.

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Life of Aylin “I love shopping, making pancakes with my kids, happy hours with my girlfriends, writing in my gratitude journal, date nights with my hubby, going out to eat…and impromptu dance parties at home.”

Other New Foodie Spots in UTC • Din Tai Fung: Opening 2018 • Javier’s Finest Foods of Mexico: Opening 2018 • True Food Kitchen • Great Maple • Smokeyard BBQ and Chop Shop • Larsen's Steakhouse • Sweetfin Poke

The Shake Shack first started out as a hot dog cart in Madison Square Park in Manhattan.

They had Shake fans creating long lines for three summers. Now they have multiple locations! Their food is so good and who doesn’t love a milkshake?

They use no hormones or antibiotics and all their beef is vegetarian fed, humanely raised and source verified—I love that.

4309 La Jolla Village Dr, Ste 2350, San Diego, CA 92122 www.shakeshack.com

Sun Diego Boardshop I’m a California native and feel so grateful to have lived close to the beach my entire life. Ever since I was in junior high school I’ve been attracted to anything surfing related. Surf T-shirts, stickers, I even had surf posters in my room, but the funniest part about it is I don’t surf. I’m just a wannabe—and darn proud of it. I now love visiting Sun Diego with my husband and two kids. My husband actually does surf so he gets full credit. They have backpacks, shoes, apparel etc. so we had fun this past fall going there for all of our back to school shopping!

4465 La Jolla Village Dr, Ste H-14, San Diego, 92122 858.646.0632 | www.sundiego.com

This is the perfect place to meet friends after work, a date night or even a night out with the family.

Red O Taste of Mexico If I had to list my top restaurant picks for San Diego, Red O Taste of Mexico, located across from Westfield UTC, would definitely be one of them! Every bite is full of delicious flavor and you can tell there is a lot of love that went into every dish. Some of my favorites are the Ahi Tuna Tartar appetizer, the Classic Guacamole (amazing), Lamb in Mole Negro and Yellowtail Aguachile. For dessert you must try their Passion Fruit Butter Cake and, if you’re thirsty, try their La Paloma cocktail. This is the perfect place to meet friends after work, a date night or even a night out with the family. I went back to Red O Taste of Mexico with my hubby and kids and they loved the tacos and steak!

4340 La Jolla Village Dr San Diego, CA 92122 858.291.8360 www.redorestaurant.com

STYLE/BEAUTY

Tame

the Mane Alli Hayes of Waylon Salon Gives Top Notch Hair Care Tips WRITTEN BY: MAYANDRA ROBBINS PHOTOGRAPHED BY: KAMBRIA FISCHER

In the midst of the bustling holidays, it’s important to keep your hair in good condition—just in case there’s a holiday event to attend. That’s where owner Alli Hayes and her team at Waylon Salon & Boutique come in. Nestled in La Jolla, Waylon is the perfect place for a classy, chic and trendy hairstyle. Loved and cherished by their community, the staff at Waylon is ready to take on any hairstyling need that may come their way. Waylon Salon & Boutique offers quite a few services like extensions, hair coloring, men’s styles, smoothing treatments and even teaches clients how to take care of their own hair as well.

Hayes, who has been a part of the hair industry for over 15 years, shared some of her top tips for gorgeous, healthy hair.

I

Without a doubt, one of the most important aspects of hair care is conditioning. “Ask anyone who has met me, and they will tell you that I always preach about using leave-in conditioner.

It works and keeps your hair healthy,” said Hayes. Leave-in conditioner helps to keep your hair detangled, and protects it from dryness. It also gives your hair that smooth and silky look everyone desires.

Hayes adds, “It is important, it is necessary, leave-in conditioner will work miracles in your hair.”

Although leave-in conditioner is an essential step for personal hair care, it is equally important to have a deep conditioning treatment every once in awhile. “Always condition your hair. I’m not kidding, it works. Sometimes people wonder if it’s necessary and I just tell them that conditioning their hair is the one thing that will keep their hair healthy and give them that glossy look,” she says. Partaking in a deep conditioning treatment adds life to your hair and protects it from damage.

“We offer a deep conditioning at Waylon, but we also explain how to properly carry out the process at home.”

Last, but certainly not least, is remembering to keep the integrity of the hair intact. “As a stylist, I will never do something that will push a client’s hair too far. I do not want to damage a person’s hair in exchange for achieving a certain look,” explained Hayes. Whether a client wants a specific haircut or even if they’re thinking of giving unicorn hair a try, Hayes and her team will make sure that the client leaves with beautiful, healthy hair.

Perfect Pair • When a customer makes an appointment at Waylon Salon & Boutique, the staff will place them with the best person suited for their needs.

Crafty • Looking for the perfect spot to sell your product? The boutique at Waylon sells products from local artisans!

Native Knowledge • Alli Hayes used to be a competitive golfer before becoming a top rated hair care specialist.

WAYLON SALON & BOUTIQUE 5726 La Jolla Blvd, Ste 105 San Diego, CA 92037 858.230.7992 www.waylonsalon.com

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PHOTO BY: Nick Isabella

GO ///DO

DEC 2017

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COVER STORY Mark Hamill Talks Star Wars, San Diego and What’s Next

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MUSIC SPOTLIGHT Get to You Know SD Favorite Vokab Kompany

160

DO EXPERT Get Fit With AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club’s Personal Trainer

164

GLOW IN THE DARK Get Glowing With Bright Things to Do in SoCal

166

PALM DESERT FIRST WEEKEND Mark Your Calendars for These Amazing Desert Events

VOKAB KOMPANY www.vokabkompany.com @vokabkompany Photoshoot Location: MUSIC BOX 1337 India St San Diego, CA 92101 619.795.1337 www.musicboxsd.com

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MUSIC SPOTLIGHT Local Sound: Vokab Kompany

Vokab Kompany Talks Hip-Hop For the Funk of It

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MARK HAMILL @HamillHimself

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LEGENDARY STAR WARS AND VOICE ACTOR MARK HAMILL TALKS THE PAST, THE PRESENT AND WHAT’S ON THE HORIZON

W R I T T E N B Y: C H A R LOT T E FA R R E L L P H OTO G R A P H Y P R O V I D E D B Y: JOHN WILSON/LUCASFILM (C) 2017 Lucasfilm Ltd. All Rights Reserved.

I don’t get starstruck, but at 12:55 p.m., I felt a little nauseous.

I had two laptops and two phones at the ready. In five minutes, I would hear a voice come over one of those phones, a voice that I grew up listening to through the speakers of my television. At 1 p.m., the phone buzzed and I jumped to answer. A few seconds later: “Hello, Charlotte!” That voice was none other than MARK HAMILL. Luke Skywalker, the Joker, the Trickster, the list goes on. Whatever that voice means to you, it probably means a lot.

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W H E N I T CA M E TO TA KI N G T I M E O U T O F H I S B USY SC H E D U L E FO R O U R I N T E RV I E W, I T WAS A N O B R A I N E R . “W E H A D TO D O I T, B ECAUS E I T ’S SA N D I EG O,” H E SA I D. T H E C I T Y H O L DS A S P EC I A L P LAC E I N H A M I L L’ S H E A RT. H I S FAT H E R WAS I N T H E N AV Y, SO M OV I N G F RO M P L AC E TO P LAC E WAS T H E N O R M . B U T S A N D I E G O ST U C K , AT L E AST FO R T H E LO N G EST A M O U N T O F T I M E . “ I WAS CO N STA N T LY

H

T H E N E W KI D,” H E R E F L ECT E D.

Hamill was always interested in being in show business, and from the summer of 1960 to the summer of 1964, Hamill’s itch to perform became stronger while in SD. “I was always putting on shows in the backyard...I did magic, I had puppets and I recruited other kids to come...I was that weird kid that was annoying them with magic tricks…‘pick a card any card’.” But duty called, and after four years in the sunshine, the family packed up again and moved across the country. “San Diego was the first place I really was sad to leave. It’s the first place I felt like I could stay forever. It’s the perfect community...it was an idyllic sort of suburban life. I have so many great memories there.” And if he had to pick a hometown? “It would be an easy pick. It would have to be San Diego.”

And San Diego is proud of that. In fact, they named a street after him in Clairemont, and proclaimed July 30 as National Mark Hamill Day. “It’s overwhelming...when I first heard about it on Twitter I thought someone was pranking me,” said Hamill.

“They had to go to every house in Clairemont to get a thumbs up or a thumbs down. And the fact that they were in support of it was really moving. It meant a lot to me.” It was an honorary naming, of course, but all the same, to live on that street would be something to brag about. “I wish someone would address it to Mark Hamill Drive and see if it gets there,” he said with a laugh.

San Diego is also home to Comic-Con, where Mark has found himself many times, surrounded by fans

clamoring for an autograph from the legend, be they devotees of his character on the screen or behind the mic. “Comic-Con is a gigantic enterprise now! I was so glad they were able to keep it in San Diego.

They deserve it! They started it!” But the comic book scene wasn’t always the sold-out mega-event that we know and love today. “I’ve seen it grow from a convention held in a basement of a hotel…[to] now, of course, it’s absolutely gigantic!” The Marvel and DC machines have been pumping out blockbusters left and right, capitalizing on the untapped market of comic book fandom. Hamill agreed, explaining that “a lot of that has to do with how comic books have become mainstream in entertainment with TV shows and movies...I’d never thought I would see the day with several [comic book movies] every year.

Right now it’s full speed ahead.” And at the moment, Star Wars is at the helm.

Before we dive into Star Wars, it is important to touch on the side of Hamill’s career that has been somewhat undercover but is still impressive and noteworthy. As a voice actor, Hamill found comfort in the freedom of using his voice to bring life to animation. “I really enjoyed doing voiceover because it’s not as high profile. With Star Wars, it’s almost too high profile for comfort...there's worldwide interest. The great thing about animation is that they cast with their ears, not their eyes. You get to play a lot of characters that you never get to play if it were on camera.” One of his most iconic voices lies behind the evil mastermind in the Batman comics, the Joker. “I’m usually happy doing whatever it is I’m doing, but little did I know that the Joker would have such an impact. All of a sudden, I was hot in voiceover,” he exclaimed. “The Joker is 180 degrees

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“

“ W E H A D A P R I N C ESS A N D A S PAC E P I R AT E , A N D A W I Z A R D A N D A FA R M BOY. . . A L L O F T H OS E E L E M E N TS H AV E STO O D T H E T EST O F T I M E I N T E R M S O F STO RY T E L L I N G .”

—— M A R K

removed from the icon of virtue that I was known for [as Luke Skywalker]. I loved it...you're liberated to make outrageous choices you would probably not make if you were on camera,” and I could tell from his clarity that he was truly as big of a comic book nerd as the rest of us.

Hamill’s relationship with his fans is something remarkable, too. From the die-hards to the newbies, each generation holds significance in Hamill’s eyes.

“The fans that were fans all those years ago are parents themselves, and they are passing those stories on to their children..that's so gratifying,” he expressed with true humility. “The world feels like they know me and that’s one of the most incredible things about being in my position. No matter where you go, people share these stories, personal stories...[like] how the films got them through terrible times or illness, or how they met their wife standing in line for the movie, and had twins named Luke and Leia...it’s jaw-dropping,” said Hamill. And the joy of meeting the fans never gets old. “Here I am, talking to you on the phone, and after this I’m going to go swimming and take the dogs for a walk.

It’s a sort of mundane existence, but when you go to these conventions and you meet these fans face to face...you can’t believe the passion they have and it’s palpable...they're just shaking with excitement.”

And he genuinely is grateful. You can feel the honest gratitude through the speaker of my iPhone.

Now, thanks to social media like Twitter and Instagram, his following goes beyond just lovers of Star Wars. There is a whole new fanbase that he is interacting with, and on a massive scale. When it came to promoting a film he had just starred in, Sushi Girl, he had an “aha” moment. Compared to the legwork involved in answering hand-written fan mail, these platforms offered instantaneous

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HAMILL

interaction. “You establish a relationship with the public, and it’s sort of a chat room, electronic fan mail, an exchange of ideas and so-forth.”

But his love for the fans doesn’t stop him from joking around. He does voice the Joker, and has also donned the face of the Trickster, so don’t put it past him to have a bit of fun, especially on social media. “I’m always teasing the fans.” Hamill just can’t help himself. “Lucasfilm would rather me ignore these things but I just love it. I don’t call it trolling, [more like] I’m teasing them and having fun with them.” One event in particular made headlines.

Hamill decided to play a prank on his followers, posting on his Twitter that he would be releasing a sneak preview of the trailer, only to post a video of himself peeking out the door of his actual trailer.

Some laughed, some not so much, but it didn't matter. Hamill is a child at heart with a playful attitude when it comes to all the mayhem and hype that surrounds him.

Now, back to Star Wars. At the tail end of our interview, I told Hamill that we would finally be addressing the subject I was sure he was tired of talking about. But his response was just what I had hoped it would be. “I never get tired of talking about anything,” he declared.

I began with the fact that we need a Luke Skywalker right now. The film seems to have landed at the peak of tension between good and evil in the real world. I asked Hamill what the biggest theme or draw that he hopes fans and first-timers will take from the films, and how important this kind of storyline is in light of what is happening currently.

He took a moment, then went on to describe how escapism is therapeutic. “When we’re having these casual comments about World War III, I mean, it’s

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CO M I N G S O O N Up next on Hamill’s schedule is utilizing his golden voice once again for Star Citizen Squadron 42.

SO TE CHY If Hamill could take one piece of technology from the films, it would be hyperspace. He broke it down: “You can get from LA to London in a minute and a half. I love being places but I hate getting there.

These 12-14 hour flights are brutal!”

IT TAK ES TWO When asked who was worse, the Joker or Darth Vader, the answer was instantaneous. According to Hamill—and anyone else who is a fan of DC—the Joker is truly the worse of the two. He is unpredictable, but also never boring!

“

“YO U D O N ’ T T H I N K O F YO U RS E L F. YO U T H I N K O F W H AT T H E R I G H T T H I N G TO D O I S FO R E V E RYO N E .”

—MARK HAMILL

absolutely terrifying! I think now more than ever, people need some happy place to go to, whether it’s Middle Earth or Hogwarts or The Land of Oz, there’s some comfort in being able to go to a place that’s not related to the harsh realities of everyday life,” he said. The message of Star Wars has always been one of hope and optimism, and the idea that one can do good solely for the purpose of doing good. “You don’t think of yourself. You think of what the right thing to do is for everyone. It’s an idealized sentiment, but one that I believe in,” he added.

and she was one of the pioneers.” The “she” that Hamill refers to is, of course, Princess Leia, whose iconic character was played by the late Carrie Fisher. When the news of Fisher’s passing broke, the grief was worldwide. “We'll never stop missing her...even if you didn't meet her, the world feels they knew her. There’s no happy spin I can put on it… it’s just unthinkable...she is wonderful in this movie and in my mind I can't think of her in the past tense,” he said as he cleared his throat. “Her spirit will live forever.”

The films are a modern fairytale. In the originals, “We had a princess and a space pirate, and a wizard and a farm boy...all of those elements have stood the test of time in terms of storytelling.” And even though having a female protagonist as the heroine in the recent films is long overdue, Hamill reminds people that Princess Leia was no “shrinking violet.”

“She didn't need anyone to rescue her, in fact, she took over the rescuing herself and started bossing us around! It was effortless feminism without hitting you over the head. Actions speak louder than words,

As the healing continues, so grows the anticipation for the next installment. Hamill will find himself once again at the center of it all, as both young and old fill the theaters to watch with bated breath to find out what will happen to Luke Skywalker and the rest of the gang. Looking back on this revival of the saga, Hamill isn’t taking one second for granted.

“It’s like when you find an old pair of pants that you haven't worn in years, and when you reach in the pocket you find a $20 bill. Well, that $20 bill is worth so much more than a $20 bill you have in your

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ROOT S Hamill’s favorite planet in the Star Wars Universe?

Tatooine, “because there’s no place like home” he said.

“

“SAN DIEGO WAS THE FIRST PLACE I REALLY WAS SAD TO LEAVE. IT’S THE FIRST PLACE I FELT LIKE I COULD STAY FOREVER.” —MARK HAMILL

wallet, because you didn't know you had it! It's a wonderful surprise and an unexpected one, and the last five years of my career have been that for me.”

I saw my first Star Wars movie at age seven, and it has stuck with me since. As a tween, I followed his career behind the mic, but the geek in me will be just as elated to see him in the Dec. 15 release of The Last Jedi as I was to see him in the last few seconds of The Force Awakens back in 2015. And whatever happens to Luke Skywalker, I know Mark Hamill will be enjoying every minute doing what he loves; keeping hope alive in the hearts of his fans across the globe.

T H E N EXT GEN ER AT I O N A scene from Star Wars: The Last Jedi, featuring actor Oscar Isaac as Poe Dameron, out in theaters Dec. 15.

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LOCAL SOUND:

Vokab Kompany Vokab Kompany Talks Hip-Hop For the Funk of It WRITTEN BY: JORDAN LIGONS PHOTOGRAPHED BY: NICK ISABELLA

BAND TOGETHER

Vokab Kompany’s Band Members From Left to Right Ò Richard Galiguis (Bass and Guitar) ,Matt “Burkey” Burke (Vocals), John Avery (Sax), Tyler Olson (Drums), Robbie Gallo (Vocals) and Geoff Nigl (Keyboards)

With a little over a decade of upbeat, funky, hip-hop and electronic music under their belt, the “two-headed monster” that leads the live band Vokab Kompany isn’t slowing down anytime soon. MCs/ singers Robbie Gallo and Matt Burke, aka Burkey, came together first on Robbie’s Liquid Language album where a mutual friend felt like they were a match made in hip-hop heaven. Robbie spilled on a possible rerelease on that rare-to-find album as sort of a 10-year anniversary gift to us (praise hands emoji). Since, our eardrums have been blessed with albums like The New Kong, VKCE and The Good Kompany and collaborative singles like “Back to the Past” and “Burn It Down” notably known for being the soundtrack to Kia Optima and Southern Comfort’s national commercials.

W

“Everybody’s been so supportive of us in all of our communities and that’s kind of why this thing has had legs for so long,” says Burkey about the ebb and flow of fans up and down the coast from San Diego to Washington. Here in SD, radio station 91X FM, San Diego Music Awards and Music Box have been in their corner all along. “We’re a little social phenomenon of NorCal meets SoCal. We’re just really grateful at this point that we’re able to do this for so long. We’ve been able to climb new goals and that’s really rewarding within itself,” adds Burkey.

But before there was Vokab Kompany, there was Lake Tahoe’s “Rapping Robbie” winning rap battles at 12, who was a product of the Bay Area Hyphy Movement, and young Boston-born Burkey sitting on his mom’s coffee table nodding along to Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. Music was imprinted on them at a very young age and it stuck. Burkey recalls memories of a 1984 “I

Feel for You” Chaka Khan concert and a Beastie Boys Licensed to Ill experience in ‘87 to what fueled his love for hip-hop. Robbie was naturally drawn to the genre for the drums, the rhythms, the East Coast word-play versus West Coast beats and for the culture.

As we know from hip-hop history, the rhymes have reflected what was currently going on at the time— whether that may be police, people in power, or politics altogether. Vokab Kompany aims to do the same with their upcoming seven-minute single “Politrix”: “This is a crazy ass time right now,” says Burkey. “I literally felt cleansed from this song after I wrote it. For me, it was therapy.” The soon-to-be-released track includes two other local MCs, gangsta rap artist Mitchy Slick and local poet Alfred Howard, to spit on systematic oppression and other reality-driven topics. “It’s cool that we have this medium as an artist to express ourselves,” Robbie said and Burkey chimes in, “I’m so proud of this song; it’s so focused. Not one word is out of place.”

Vokab’s most recent show at Music Box in November was surely a crowd pleaser; people were movin’ and groovin’ all night long. With half their set dedicated to their love and admiration for Outkast, this marks their second run with remixed beats of their idols. In 2015, Vokab teamed up with Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe for a funkified Run DMC tribute tour (yes, adidas sweat suits and all) and that’s what sparked the idea for a “Hey Ya!” show. “We’ve been able to stick it out, through all of life’s trial and tribulations,” Robbie says about his partner-in-crime Burkey. “It’s been cool; a journey for sure.” This traveling, Spotify-sharing, best-friend, dynamic duo seems like they’re in this forever, forever ever, forever ever.

RAPID FIRE Ò Dream Duo to Link up With: Outkast Ò Favorite Place in SD to Grab a Bite: Sandwiches from Rubicon Deli Ò Last Song Played on Your Spotify: Mickey Slick’s “Gas” Ò Looking Forward to in 2018: Primal Energy EP, a personal project that will be a fun and a different style than what they’ve ever done.

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NATIVE KNOWLEDGE

Ò Based off their first album The Big Kong, Vokab has branched out into the apparel realm of creating hats and t-shirts to spread their “big sound” with a larger-than-life Kong symbol inspired by the San Diego Zoo.

VOKAB KOMPANY www.vokabkompany.com @vokabkompany Photoshoot Location: MUSIC BOX 1337 India St San Diego, CA 92101 619.795.1337 www.musicboxsd.com

DO EXPERT

JUST DID IT Personal Trainer Lindsay Gagnon Talks Health and Wellness WRITTEN BY: KEANA MCGRATH

PHOTOGRAPHED BY: MICHAEL WESLEY

Expert: Lindsay Gagnon Credentials: Certified Personal Trainer at AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club Higher Ground: Gagnon will be hiking the highest mountain in Costa Rica, Cerro Chirripo!

Lindsay Gagnon is a certified NCSF member and has been a certified personal trainer for over two years. Working currently as a group fitness instructor and personal trainer at the Westgate’s new $14 million health and wellness center, AquaVie, Lindsay also has her own fitness company, JustDo.Fit as well as an adventure company, Adventurous Travelers. In an interview with Gagnon, we dived into her health and fitness routine, how to stay on track with fitness goals and all of the dreamy new amenities at AquaVie.

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“It’s important to stay focused in your workout—stop watching TV, reading a book, talking/texting or using your phone.”

—Lindsay Gagnon

AQUAVIE FITNESS + WELLNESS CLUB 234 Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 619.557.3663 aquaviewellness.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 161

One In a Million AquaVie is the only fitness club in downtown San Diego that includes a full-service spa.

Bump, Set, Spike!

Lindsay’s favorite place to play beach volleyball is in South Mission Beach. This past summer, she played in the San Diego Beach Volleyball League and won second place with her partner.

Q

Q: What makes AquaVie a state-ofthe-art fitness and wellness center?

Lindsay Gagnon: To start, our awards! Our 40,000-square-foot club was nominated for the 2017 Orchid Architecture Award. And we have everything! Two-hundred plus cardio machines featuring the Excite Line

by Technogym, as well as Precor’s Experience Series 880.

Native Knowledge AquaVie is free for hotel guests and offers memberships for San Diego locals.

“Physically preparing for a trip is important.”

—Lindsay Gagnon

Q: What's your favorite amenity at AquaVie? LG: I would say the rooftop running track because of the beautiful space and views of downtown. The rooftop is also a great place to relax by the pool after a workout.

Q: What got you started on your professional fitness career?

LG: My love and passion for health and fitness grew from a young age with a healthy foundation coming from my parents who instilled the importance of eating balanced meals. Keeping active was easy to do with a gym in my backyard and being involved with figure skating and dancing.

Q: You're also the owner/operator of JustDo.Fit What makes your company stand out from other fitness companies?

LG: I created JustDo.Fit out of the desire to help people get fit for their active travel trips. I also have another company called Adventurous Travelers, where I take groups of people on active adventure trips. My programs support self-sufficiency and efficacy. I sometimes bring my clients to AquaVie to train and join in on the fitness classes.

Q: Many people try to incorporate fitness into their travel and vacations. How does your company prepare people for this?

LG: Physically preparing for a trip is

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important. Through my fitness company, I plan a personal training program for my client, depending on their fitness levels and needs, about four to 12 weeks prior to their trip. As far as staying on track, this is a two-part answer—watching what you eat and reminding yourself of your commitments.

Q: What is your personal fitness routine and what motivates you to stay on track?

LG: I teach five group classes a week at AquaVie and usually add in two days of strength training along with playing and competing in beach volleyball about three times a week. Motivation is temporary and needs reinforcement daily.

I remind myself daily of my goals in order to motivate myself to do the work necessary to achieve those goals. We have a generally unrealized power and control over our thoughts.

Q: Any final workout tips?

LG: It’s important to stay focused during your workout—stop watching TV, reading a book, talking/texting or using your phone. You are dedicating a certain amount of time for your health, so don't waste it by letting yourself be distracted. Crawl into your body and connect with each movement so that you feel what body part you are working out, focusing on form and breath.

“My love and passion for health and fitness came through my parents.”

—Lindsay Gagnon

GO/DO ORANGE COUNTY

GLOW

FOR IT

These Activities Make the Dark So Much More Fun! WRITTEN BY: NICOLE HAKIM PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DAVID KING

Life can become a bit routine, and the things that you once considered to be fun may become stale once you’ve done them over and over. The best way to rectify this is to try something out of the ordinary.

Glow in the dark activities are exciting and offer something that’s unlike anything you’ve done before, and for those who are apprehensive about stepping out of their comfort zones, they may just add a colorful new twist to already loved activities.

L

LEND A HAND

ONE OF A KIND

AFTER PARTY

The Blacklight Slide supports several charities including Ronald McDonald House and Make-AWish Foundation.

Laser Oasis is the only indoor facility of its kind in the valley and features 17,000 square feet of fun.

Compete against your co-workers and book your next corporate event at K1 Speed!

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Glowzone hb.glowzone.us The Glowzone offers a variety of glow in the dark activities including a ninja course, a laser maze, Spin Zone Bumper Cars and more! You can even host your next birthday party here and customize it to be unique and exciting for you and your guests.

LOS ANGELES Velveteria velveteria.com At Velveteria, you’ll find a room known as the Black Light room where you will discover a new way to view and appreciate art: through glow in the dark. The Black Light room allows you to lounge in bean bags as your eyes wander over the fluorescent pieces that make for a unique art experience.

SAN DIEGO K1 Speed k1speed.com K1 Speed turns your average go karting into Glo Karting, Monday through Friday at 7 p.m.

until closing. Ride in glowing go karts and race against your friends down tracks illuminated by the black lights above. The race will feel much more suspenseful, and maybe even a bit more dangerous, which is perfect for those customers looking for an adrenaline rush.

PALM SPRINGS Friends of the Desert Mountains desertmountains.org Shining their black lights, excited guests try to spot glowing scorpions wandering along the trail.

Along with the Friends of the Desert Mountains, guests will not only be able to see these creatures giving off brilliant glowing lights, they will be able to learn about them as well.

Laser Oasis laseroasis.com Channel your inner Barney Stinson as you explore the 6,000-squarefoot arena and forget the other team members are friends and family as you aim to earn points by hitting anyone that is now your enemy. You can also

take part in a laser maze and face your fears by trying out a rope course.

RIVERSIDE Glo Mini Golf glominigolf.com Take mini golf to another level by playing—you guessed it—in the dark. The Glo Mini Golf course will not only provide you with a new way to play mini golf, but it will also take you around the world in just 27 holes. Throughout the course, you will see famous, glowing landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, as you take on putt after putt.

SAN BERNARDINO Blacklight Slide blacklightslide.com If you’re looking to get glowed yourself, the Blacklight Slide will make your wish come true. The slides are filled with neon glow in the dark water ensuring that you’ll get splattered with the shining substance. After you’ve tuckered yourself out on the slide, head to the DJ to glow as you dance.

Ride in glowing go karts and race against your friends down tracks illuminated by the black lights above.

K1 SPEED 6212 Corte Del Abeto Carlsbad, CA 92011 760.929.2225 www.k1speed.com

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CELEBRATE THE SEASON The Gardens on El Paseo Dec. 1 WILDFLOWER FESTIVAL Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center March 3

FIRST DIBS

u Surround yourself with colorful wildflowers, vivid art and enjoy a glass of wine from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at this Wildflower Festival in the Coachella Valley. If you’re feeling active, there will be a 5k run and interpretive wildflower hikes. Also there will be a beer and wine garden with live music to enjoy, if that is more your speed. With a kid’s zone and different activities and raffles, this is great for the whole family. www.desertmountains.org

u Baby, it’s not quite cold outside, but you can nonetheless sip on some hot cocoa and warm apple cider to help you ring in the winter festvities at The Gardens, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free pictures with Santa will be available along with many children’s activities and you can enjoy live music from carollers and the Bobby Sanchez Combo, who will be performing ‘50s covers.

ONGOING EVENTS TO CHECK OUT AT FIRST WEEKENDS First Fridays at The Galen

psmuseum.org/palmdesert

El Paseo Art Walk elpaseoartwalk.com

Palm Desert Library Public Art Tours palm-desert.org

Drink, Explore and Dance Through First Weekend in Palm Desert WRITTEN BY: KASSANDRA STEWART

Pencil in some culture to your weekends, because Palm Desert First Weekend is back this month, welcoming in a new round of creative inspiration with a multitude of events featuring art of all kinds, live music, food trucks, festivals and more! Make sure to bring an appetite and grab some buds (or your family) because we have rounded up some of the best events First Weekend has to offer!

PALM DESERT FIRST WEEKEND www.pdfirstweekend.com

College of the Desert Street Fair codaastreetfair.com

SWING 'N HOPS STREET PARTY El Paseo between San Pablo and Larkspur Feb. 3, 2018 u Swing into your best ‘40s attire for the 3rd Annual Swing 'N Hops dance party, taking place on the famed El Paseo. This street festival features a live jazz quintet for dancing, gourmet food trucks, swing dance instruction and craft beer gardens. Held from 1 to 5 p.m., there will also be interactive crafts, swing era fashions and a special collection of vintage cars. Bring all your friends, come in ‘40s era attire and dance the day away!

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palmdesertart.org

El Paseo Cruise Night

elpaseocruisenight. com

Desert Mountains Art Faire “TAKE ME HOME HUEY” Freedom Park Dec. 1-3 u Renowned artist, Steve Maloney, shares his powerful mixed-media experience that all started with a boneyard US "Huey" helicopter from Vietnam that was used as an air ambulance and shot down in 1969. The three-day event includes the Huey Helicopter sculpture, the screening of a documentary about the creation of the sculpture and more, all taking place in Freedom Park.

LIVE WELL FESTIVAL Palm Desert Civic Center Park Jan. 6 u Devote a day to yourself, your mind, body and spirit at the 2nd Annual Live Well celebration that takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m at the beautiful Civic Center Park.

Welcome in the new year with with this all-inclusive fest that includes over 100 booths spread out across the park, live music and other performances in the amphitheater, group fitness demonstrations, yoga, clean eating demos and more. Learn new tips about healthy eating, exercise and ways to keep you and your family healthy and happy. www.livewellfestival.org

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Civic Center Park Public Art Tour

desertmountains.org

BREW AT THE ZOO The Living Desert Zoo & Botanical Gardens April 7 u Take a trip to Africa for the ninth annual gathering for beer and animal lovers alike.

Starting at 6:30 and going until 9:30 p.m., The Living Desert Zoo opens up for a special beer tasting, which craft beer fans shouldn’t miss, along with food offerings from Coachella’s top restaurants. Along with the delicious plates, guests can explore and see animals such as zebras, cheetahs and oryx in the newly opened African section of the park. www.livingdesert.org/ event/brew-at-the-zoo

Sunday Sounds Concert rivlib.net

Monument Young Explorers Maps and Compass desertmountains.org

Monument Story Time

desertmountains.org

T H A N K YO U TO OUR PARTNERS

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Bazaar Del Mundo | Casa De Bandini | Casa Sol y Mar

Lumberyard Tavern

BCBG Max Azria Group

Miss B’s Coconut Club | Park 101 | Duck Dive

Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar | Pokewan Love Boat Sushi Oceanside

Pacific Standard Coastal Kitchen | Evolution Hospitality

Board & Brew Brian’s 24 Browology Studio Carnitas’ Snack Shack Cinépolis Classic Club Clique Hospitality | Lionfish Cody’s La Jolla Constellation Brands Duke’s La Jolla | Jake’s Del Mar Eat.Drink.Sleep.

ELE COLLECTIVE Evans Hotel Group Florent Restaurant & Lounge Gaslamp Quarter Association ® Hard Seltzer Beverage Company Hi Sweetheart Gift Boutique Hotel Republic San Diego Hyatt Palm Springs IDEA 1 - Pinnacle Living Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern KOI Wellbeing

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Pendry San Diego Puesto Red O Taste of Mexico RMD Group Room & Board Schaffer Dental Excellence Señor Grubby’s Snake Oil Cocktail Company Social Syndicate Solterra Winery The Acoustic Spot The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows The Patio Restaurant Group The Sheraton Carlsbad The Shoppes at Carlsbad The Shout House | The Garage Kitchen & Bar The Westgate Hotel The Wood Group | El Prez | Truckstop | Avenue Voltaire Beach House Waylon Salon & Boutique William Grant & Sons Willis Allen Real Estate