San Diego December 2020 by Locale Magazine

ESCAPE + SHOPPE EDITION

#118

HOLIDAY GIFTS THAT SLEIGH

ESCAPES NEAR AND FAR: FROM WEEKEND GETAWAYS TO NEXT YEAR’S ADVENTURES

AN INSIDE LOOK AT:

SPIRITED SIPS FOR YOUR NEXT SOIREE

cedrice

CAN’T-MISS FESTIVITIES IN CARLSBAD

F I N D I N G H E R VO I C E

plus

FOOD, BREWS AND VIEWS THE ANTICIPATED OPENING OF A BARCELONAINSPIRED CULINARY EMPORIUM

ESTANCIA LA JOLLA HOTEL & SPA

Contributor Call Out PHOTO BY:

MICHAEL WESLEY polarizedstudios.com @bluewesley Cover Story “The Voice” Found Her, and She Found Her Voice Cedrice @mscedrice Photoshoot Location: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa 9700 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 855.430.7503 | ww.meritagecollection.com/estancia-la-jolla DATE TAKEN: SEPTEMBER 22, 2020 8 LOCALE MAGAZINE

APPAREL PROVIDED BY: Van De Vort www.shopvandevort.com EARRINGS PROVIDED BY: Kuumba www.kuumbarecasner.com

La Jolla

LOCALE MAGAZINE 9

www.localemagazine.com • @localemagazine

THE TEAM ERIK HALE Publisher + Founder erik@localemagazine.com | @local_e ASHLEY SMITH COO + Co-Founder ashley@localemagazine.com | @ashleyelainexo REILLY HEINE Art Director + Co-Owner reilly@localemagazine.com | @localereilly | @reillyek EDITORIAL KAYLIN WAIZINGER Content Editor kaylin@localemagazine.com TAYLOR GORSKI Content Editor taylor@localemagazine.com | @taylorgorski CHRIS HUGHES Copy Editor chris@hughescopywriting.com DESIGN VICENTE MARTÍ SOLAR Illustrator vicentemartisolar@gmail.com PRODUCTION LAUREN LEWELLEN Partnerships Content Associate laurenl@localemagazine.com | @lauren__lewellen SALES & MARKETING MIKE TODD SMITH Vice President of Sales & Marketing mts@localemagazine.com | @miketoddsmith JASON KOSKY Sr. Market Manager jason@localemagazine.com | @locale_jason DANIELLE TROTTER Advertising Partnerships Manager danielle@localemagazine.com | @duhhhitsdanielle FINANCE VALERIE KERR Accountant accounting@localemagazine.com

THE CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS ALLIE LEBOS allieandla.com | @allielebos ANA A. NITA-POTTS CRYSTAL HARRELL crystalharrell.pressfolios.com | @theaugustvc DIEGO E. GAXIOLA diegoegaxiola.wixsite.com/website | @d.gax DONOVAN ROCHE @droche17 JENNIFER PELLERITO jenontherun.com | @jp_ontherun JORDAN NISHKIAN wordsbyjordan.com | @wordsbyjordan KERI BRIDGWATER keribridgwater.com | @keri.bridgwater MICHELLE STANSBURY michellewriter.com | @discoverwithmichelle STEPHANIE TEASLEY PHOTOGRAPHERS JOHN GLOVER johnglover.photography | @jgloverphotography KAMBRIA FISCHER kambriafischer.com | @kambria_fischer_photo MICHAEL WESLEY polarizedstudios.com | @bluewesley NATHAN COX nathancoxstudios.com | @nathancoxstudios NIKI CRAM nikicram.com | @nikicram FA S H I O N S T Y L I S T S JANELLE ARREOLA styledbyjanelle.com | @janellelyn BEAUTY STYLISTS NATALIE BOHLIN nataliesmakeup.com | @nataliebohlin *For full information on our team & contributors go to www.localemagazine.com/about LOCALE MAGAZINE PO Box 2971, Newport Beach, CA 92659 • 949.436.8910

Point Loma

Escape + Shoppe Guide

Boutique 8 Small but Sumptuous Staycation Spots That’ll Have You Swooning

The Pearl Hotel

editor's note I need a vacation. There—I said it. Yes, I’m working from home in my pajamas with my dog on my lap, so no, I don’t really neeeed one. But my gosh, I want one! And as the infamous 2020 nears its bitter end, we’re all eager for a change of scenery. After eight-plus months of being cooped up along with several disastrous events, 2020 is starting to feel like a monster under the bed that won’t stop spooking me. Unfortunately, life doesn’t come with a fast-forward button, so we’re forced to befriend that roommate monster. Now hear me out, I’m no Debbie Downer; I don’t want to dwell on the faults of 2020. After all, a new year is just around the corner, and there is nothing more exciting than a fresh start. And if you’re anything like me, I love the notion of “newness”—especially when it comes to new adventures. So with that in mind, we’ve pieced together an issue packed to the brim with some

of the most splendid staycation spots in SoCal. From cozy cabins and waterfront resorts to glamping getaways and dreamy desert retreats, this guide is sure to turn you into the ultimate escape artist. Dig a little deeper and you’ll find an assortment of holiday gifts for everyone on your list. Whether it’s a new watch for dad (pg. 61), snazzy jewels for mom (pg. 46 & 48) or toys for the tots (pg. 66), this guide has it all. Adorning the cover of this issue is eccentric singer Cedrice [Webber], who dives deep into her early struggles with alopecia, developing an authentic identity and how she found her voice through it all (pg. 28). Wherever you find yourself this season—home or away—I hope this issue tickles your travel bug and sparks a sense of joy. Southern California is truly a special place, and despite this year’s many trials, we can always be thankful for where we live. Here’s to joyful endings and new beginnings. Cheers!

KAYLIN WAIZINGER Content Editor kaylin@localemagazine.com

making the issue December 2020 /// Escape + Shoppe Edition La Jolla

COVER

Photographed By: Michael Wesley, polarizedstudios.com | @bluewesley Model: Cedrice, @mscedrice Location: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, 9700 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037 | 855.430.7503 www.meritagecollection.com/estancia-la-jolla Written By: Jordan Nishkian, wordsbyjordan.com | @wordsbyjordan Styled By: Janelle Arreola, styledbyjanelle.com | @janellelyn Makeup By: Natalie Bohlin, nataliesmakeup.com | @nataliebohlin Apparel Provided By: Van De Vort, www.shopvandevort.com Earrings Provided By: Kuumba, www.kuumbarecasner.com

After Cedrice’s cover shoot one thing was made clear— everyone absolutely loved working with her. Her kindness, beauty and positivity radiated throughout the entire afternoon. She was a dream subject in the most stunning setting. Ray of Sunshine • Twirling around in a free-flowing dress on the staircase of the charming Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, Cedrice is an absolute vision in yellow on the day of the cover shoot. Smiling from ear to ear, she dances around to the music that echoes from the speaker as the photographer snaps away. “The yellow dress from Van De Vort has a special place in my heart,” says wardrobe stylist Janelle Arreola. “The carefree style of the dress fit Cedrice’s personality perfectly!” Down to Earth • Earthy tones and neutral colors gave each look a natural, unrefined elegance. “Doing Cedrice’s make up was such a delight. She is a beautiful woman inside and out,” says makeup artist Natalie Bohlin. “She is an amazing talent, yet so down to earth!” She’s A Natural • “Her energy was authentic!” exclaims photographer Michael Wesley. “She brought a certain vibe on set, and as a musically creative person, she was equally as talented at immersing herself into the location and moment—a photographer’s dream!” Written By: Lauren Lewellen

All rights reserved © 2020, 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.

the team

LO CA L E M AG A Z I N E 949.436.8910 info@localemagazine.com

Michael Wesley

LOCALE MAGAZINE

Jordan Nishkian

Janelle Arreola

Natalie Bohlin

Locale Magazine is printed by SOUTHWEST OFFSET PRINTING 13650 Gramercy Pl Gardena, CA 90249 310.323.0112 | southwestoffset.com

table of contents December 2020 /// Escape + Shoppe Edition

Mission Bay

Escape + Shoppe Guide

A SoCal Wish List This Guide of Gifts and Getaways Is All You Need to Make Your Season Merry and Bright

Paradise Take a Trip to the Tropics Without the Pricey Plane Ticket

CATAMARAN RESORT HOTEL AND SPA 3999 Mission Blvd San Diego, CA 92109 858.488.1081 www.catamaranresort.com

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: CATAMARAN RESORT HOTEL AND SPA

LOCALE MAGAZINE

table of contents December 2020 /// Escape + Shoppe Edition

La Jolla

Pg. 88 North Park

alive 96

Carlsbad

24 Hours

WALK THIS BLOCK

Get Your Steps in and Spend a Day at Del Mar’s One Paseo

10 Things We Love

LIGHTS, LIBATIONS, STAYCATIONS

Here’s How to Celebrate the Season in Carlsbad This Year

ELEVATING THE FOOD SCENE

100

Get the Deets

Pg. 75

foodie 75 Feature

STILL GOTTA EAT

From San Diego to Los Angeles, These Restaurants Pivoted to Be Successful in 2020

Two Things We Love

Native Knowledge

Cover Story

16 LOCALE MAGAZINE

THE DECADENT SEAFOOD PAIRING SURE TO IMPRESS YOUR NEXT DINNER DATE This La Jolla Eatery Serves Up the Freshest Seafood Imaginable

Feature

First-of-Its-Kind Gastronomic Experience Comes to Carmel Valley

JOYEUX NOËL

For Work, Play or Holiday, Cabo San Lucas Is the Perfect Escape

FRENCH QUARTER FEAST

106

Feature

Swing Into the Holiday Season With These Festive Cocktail Recipes From Lillet

Meals Deconstructed

North Park’s Louisiana Purchase Turns up the Heat With the Dragos Stuffed Lobster

Feature

MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT

Take Your Fiesta to the Next Level With This Festive, Seltzer-Topped Michelada Recipe

HEAD SOUTH FOR THE WINTER

Pg. 98

Behind the Brand

FIRE, WATER AND STONE

This SoCal Company Is Shaping the Art of Pottery as We Know It CHECK OUT EXTENDED STORIES AND MORE ON OUR WEBSITE AT Localemagazine.com

native knowledge

Making My Way Downtown The Downtown Dish on Spa Days, Staycations and Shopping Local

Downtown NAME: Vanessa Saenz JOB TITLE: Sales Manager, The Westgate Hotel

3 MUST-DO ACTIVITIES AT THE WESTGATE HOTEL:

RESIDENT OF: Downtown/Cortez Hill

1. Attend an afternoon tea! Think three courses and plenty of champagne. 2. Get in a workout at AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club—the biggest gym in downtown. 3. Throw on a plush robe and order room service. Pro tip: the lemon ricotta pancakes are divine.

LOCAL LIVING: 1.5 years

HAPPIEST OF HOURS

Take full advantage of happy hour at our restaurant, Veranda, with $7 drinks and appetizers like charcuterie boards, crab cakes and coconut shrimp! Ask for Alex, he makes a killer sidecar.

THE WESTGATE HOTEL 1055 Second Ave San Diego, CA 92101 619.238.1818 www.westgatehotel.com

www.littleitalysd.com www.oceanbeachsandiego.com

YOU HAD ME AT TAJIN RIM

Ò Don’t get me started on El Chingon’s “Bad Ass” drinks. My favorite is the Bad Ass Chamango Marg made with tequila, triple sec, lime, chamoy and mango puree, served in a goblet glass with a tajin rim and topped with a tamarindo straw and a Lucas Mango Paleta. Happy hour takes $7 off these big boys! As for food, you can’t leave without trying their crispy potato tacos… I’m not drooling, you are. www.elchingon.com

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DREAM DAY

Ò When it comes to staycations, it’s no surprise The Westgate Hotel is at the top of my list. My unofficial itinerary would start at AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club— our downtown urban oasis. Then, I’d lounge by our heated rooftop pool (the biggest pool in downtown), order drinks, maybe get a massage at AquaVie Spa, and then walk to Gaslamp for dinner. www.westgatehotel.com

WALK IN THE PARK

Ò Kate Sessions Park has to be one of my favorite spots for socially distanced fun in the sun. In May, I went out there maybe two or three times per week to read, picnic or hang with friends. There’s so much space that everyone can distance without worry. Best part is, the park has the most amazing views of Mission Bay. www.welcometosandiego.com/katesessions-park

GET YOUR GLOW ON

Ò With all of the added stress from the pandemic paired with the lovely masks we have to wear all day, my skin was in need of some serious TLC. #Maskne is no joke! I found Skin Habit a few months ago, and I was hooked after my first consultation! I love my monthly facials, and most of their products are clean and paraben-free! www.skin-habit.com

Photographed By: Kambria Fischer | Illustrations By: Vicente Martí Solar

“I love that The Westgate is a family-owned company. There’s no birthday, work-iversary or department appreciation that goes unnoticed—which is why I no longer eat donuts.”

OFF TO THE MARKET

Ò One of my favorite ways to support small businesses is by visiting local farmers markets. My favorites are Little Italy’s Mercato on Saturday mornings and the Ocean Beach Farmers Market on Wednesday nights—two totally different vibes. Indulge in the threelayer dip from Baba Foods Hummus stand in Little Italy or enjoy a variety of freelance vendors, musicians and fire dancers in Ocean Beach.

native knowledge

Here’s the Loew-Down How This San Diego Newcomer Gives Thanks and Gives Back to His Community

Coronado NAME: Tony Phillips JOB TITLE: Managing Director, Loews Coronado Bay Resort

3 FUN FACTS ABOUT LOEWS CORONADO BAY RESORT:

RESIDENT OF: San Diego

1. We have direct access to Silver Strand Beach. 2. There are four gardens at the resort: Nectar, Bliss, Solstice and Grow. 3. We grow and harvest produce in the gardens that we use in our dishes and craft cocktails.

LOCAL LIVING: Since February 2020

THIS YEAR HAS TAUGHT ME... “To be thankful and take nothing for granted. Our industry has been significantly impacted by COVID-19. I am thankful to work for a brand that makes the safety of our team members and guests the top priority.

SHRIMPLY THE BEST

Ò With many restaurants closed or serving at limited capacity, it is important to support the local fishing industry too. Catalina Offshore Products, a local seafood market, has done a fantastic job of implementing safety protocols and communicating via social media, all while feeding locals and supporting the local fishing community. It’s all fresh and straight off of a boat; you can’t go wrong!

LOEWS CORONADO BAY RESORT 4000 Coronado Bay Rd Coronado, CA 92118 619.424.4000 loewshotels.com/coronado-bay-resort

www.catalinaop.com

SWANKY EATS

Ò My sister and her husband have lived in San Diego for about 20 years. Anytime I would visit (which was frequently), it always included a stop at Starlite. This stylish eatery has a perfectly lit atmosphere, great music and refreshing, creative cocktails. My go-to is tequila, and I will order any of their drinks with tequila. Order takeout or enjoy on the patio! www.starlitesandiego.com

LOCALE MAGAZINE

HAPPY CAMPER

Ò If you’re looking for a great local experience, camping at Carlsbad State Beach is simply the best. At this campground, you can pitch your tent right on the beach! And don’t forget to pack all of the s’mores essentials and a sweatshirt for when it gets chilly at night. www.parks.ca.gov

GET INKED

Ò Tattoo artists, like so many Americans, have really struggled with the impacts of COVID-19. Now that tattoo shops are able to open up, I’m anxious to get back in the chair. I’ve read a lot about Full Circle Tattoo and love seeing their new work posted on Instagram. My main artist is in Nashville, but I like to support locally owned businesses also! www.fullcircletattoos.com

LET’S TACO ‘BOUT IT

Ò I love to bring out-of-towners to ¡SALUD! Barrio Logan—a hip, casual Mexican eatery. You can get two of my favorite things there: breakfast and tacos! I come from Latino heritage, and I love the atmosphere, tattoo-inspired artwork and also the proximity to Chicano Park, which is beneath the San Diego-Coronado Bridge. www.saludtacos.com/locations/ barriologan

Photographed By: Kambria Fischer | Illustrations By: Vicente Martí Solar

“I love that our resort serves as a little private oasis with its own community. Our team here is like family, and we welcome everyone like family, caring for our guests like we care for our own.”

native knowledge

It Takes a Village This East Village Executive Knows Where to Eat, Sip and Stay

East Village NAME: Diane Peabody Straw JOB TITLE: Executive Director, East Village Association

3 MUST-DO ACTIVITIES WHEN IN EAST VILLAGE:

RESIDENT OF: San Diego

1. Check out the murals! Tip: there is a map on our website. 2. Visit the Central Library—the views from the dome are magical. 3. Enjoy beer or cocktails! East Village has over a dozen local breweries and distilleries.

LOCAL LIVING: 30 years

AN ARTISTIC PARADISE

I love getting to work with artists to bring public art into the community. East Village has over 20 murals, and we are adding more! It's a dream to be a part of adding that to my hometown.

SKY HIGH STAYCATION

Ò Hotel Indigo is one of my favorite spots for a San Diego staycation. Level 9 Rooftop Bar has incredible views of Petco Park and the gorgeous San Diego skyline. The property is also in walking distance to pretty much everything, so you can shop, eat and explore all that the surrounding neighborhood has to offer.

EAST VILLAGE ASSOCIATION 1041 Market St San Diego, CA 92101 619.546.5636 www.eastvillagesandiego.com

www.hotelinsd.com

EGG-CELENT EATS

Ò The Mission in East Village is a cozy urban bistro with a cottage-like feel, making it the perfect spot for an al fresco brunch. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu! My favorite savory option is the soy chorizo and eggs, and my favorite sweet option is the cinnamon raisin French toast. Both dishes are artfully prepared and totally worth the splurge! www.themissionsd.com

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SOMETHING TO SING ABOUT

Ò Café de L’Opera is simply amazing! The owners bake their own pastries fresh daily, including their delicious croissants. There are few spots that compare to what you find abroad, and this is one of them. It is definitely worth stopping in for breakfast or lunch—or even ordering a box to go to treat family or coworkers. www.cafedelopera.com

WHAT’S QUACKIN’?

Ò Duck Foot Brewing Co. in East Village is an award-winning craft brewery; I love them because they have great glutenfree food and beer! Also, they just reopened with a new chef and a whole new menu, which is super exciting! They also offer dine-in, takeout and beer to go, so you can sip and snack at home. www.duckfootbeer.com

KNOTTY OR NICE?

Ò Knotty Barrel is one of my favorite places to watch the Padres play. Their industrial-style back patio has plenty of TVs and is complete with games, fire pits, a full bar and plenty of seating. And you can never go wrong with one of their deliciously stacked burgers. www.knottybarrel.com

Photography Provided By: Steve Cooper, OneMediaSD | Illustrations By: Vicente Martí Solar

“East Village business owners are a passionate and diverse group of people who really care about the community. As an association, we have focused on providing the behind-the-scenes help these folks need.”

native knowledge

Compliments to the Chef This Chef and Restaurant Owner Spills the Deets on Where to Get a True Taste of San Diego

San Diego NAME: Brad Wise JOB TITLE: Executive Chef and Owner, Trust Restaurant Group

4 MUST-TRY DISHES FROM EACH OF MY 4 RESTAURANTS:

RESIDENT OF: Claremont

1. Trust Restaurant: Ricotta Agnolotti 2. Fort Oak: Charred Caullini and Fried Quail 3. Cardellino: Ribeye and Spicy Fusilli Pasta 4. Rare Society: Bacon (appetizer)

LOCAL LIVING: 14 years

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

Being an owner of a business is extremely difficult; you have a lot of people that look to you for answers, and you must have those answers for them. I like to surround myself with the best people I can who are respectful, genuine and share the same vision.

“You can’t run a company by yourself. I learned that life lesson when I was young.”

BETTER TOGETHER

Ò Throughout this year, we’ve formed partnerships with local businesses, such as Heartwork Coffee, GTC Design and Pop Pie Co., which are all great companies. GTC Design now designs all of our projects, Heartwork Coffee is now served in all of our restaurants and we are always collaborating with Pop Pie Co. to come up with new, creative foods.

TRUST RESTAURANT www.trustrestaurantsd.com

CARDELLINO www.cardellinosd.com

www.poppieco.com www.heartworkcoffeebar.com www.gtcdesign.studio

MEX-CELLENT!

Ò I love supporting small, local businesses close to my house. Maritza’s Mexican Food Restaurant is a local counter-serve joint that serves up some of the best Mexican food and burgers in town. This spot is a no-frills kind of place with a focus on homestyle, southof-the-border cuisine. Try their hot sauce—it’s fantastic! www.maritzasmexican.com

LOCALE MAGAZINE

RARE SOCIETY www.raresocietysd.com

FLAVORS, SIGHTS AND SOUNDS

Ò Head to Convoy St, also known as “Asian Restaurant Row,” for some of the best Asian food in America! This street is lined with Vietnamese, Japanese, Korean and Chinese restaurants, serving up some of the most flavorful dishes anywhere. Dig into an assortment of handmade noodles, sizzling hot pots filled with tofu, fresh sushi and baked tea cakes! www.convoydistrict.com

2020 HAS TAUGHT ME...

Ò I think 2020 has been the most educational year of my life. I feel when your back is pushed up against a wall, you’re forced to make decisions you wouldn’t normally make. You have to think outside the box more than you ever have. So this year has been huge as a business owner.

ISLAND STAYCATION

Ò San Diego has so much to offer, and when you’re out in Shelter Island, Kona Kai Resort & Spa is a great spot with a private beach, tiki bar and a newly renovated adults-only pool. I recommend looking up a tourist site and doing something on that list you haven’t experienced before! www.resortkonakai.com

Photography By: Jim Sullivan | Illustrations By: Vicente Martí Solar

FORT OAK www.fortoaksd.com

native knowledge

Let’s Be Blunt This Local Dispensary Owner Is High-ly Knowledgeable About His Hometown

San Diego NAME: George Phillip Diaz JOB TITLE: Founder, Klover

3 MUST-TRY PRODUCTS FROM KLOVER:

RESIDENT OF: San Diego

1. CODA Gummies (Pineapple Jalepeño) 2. Lagunitas HiFi Hops Sparkling Water by AbsoluteXtracts 3. Fuzzies Live Resin Pre Rolls by Sublime

LOCAL LIVING: 17 years

AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

Klover not only offers a selection of top-notch cannabis products, but they’re willing to bring them to you! Place your order online and opt for in-store pick up, curbside or delivery to your door. It doesn’t get easier than that! www.kloverup.com

“I couldn’t be more blessed with my work family. Opening a business on the cusp of a global pandemic has presented numerous challenges that we have risen above.”

SHORELY WORTH SEA-ING

KLOVER 3500 Estudillo St San Diego, CA 92110 619.688.0888 www.kloverup.com

www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm

GET JUICED

Ò Juice Kaboose is a great, healthy way to seize the day with fresh organic juices and a friendly staff. I love to stop by on my way to work or the beach. All of their organic vegetable juices are made onsite and right in front of you. They also offer low-calorie, healthy wraps, sandwiches, salads and gluten-free snacks. www.juicekaboose.com

LOCALE MAGAZINE

ALL-STAR BAR

Ò Home & Away is a great local spot to watch sports. This rustic yet modern pub is usually filled with locals and features a big screen set up on a cozy, open-air patio. They offer a well-rounded menu of tasty pub fare with a twist. I have yet to try a dish or drink I didn’t like! www.homeandawaysd.com

STAY IN STYLE

Ò When it comes to a weekend staycation in San Diego, The Guild Hotel takes the cake with its impeccably stylish design. For me, a staycation is about literally staying in. I like to stay in a basement room and sleep in late. The Society Rooms pair nostalgic elements with unique contemporary amenities—it’s the way to go. www.theguildhotel.com

LET’S ROLL

Ò Located within Tower 23 Hotel and right on the Pacific Beach boardwalk, JRDN offers a casual dining experience with gorgeous ocean views. This is a great spot to take out-of-towners! If you and your crew are sushi fans, try the Roulette or Aguachile Roll—they’re both totally worth the splurge. www.t23hotel.com/jrdn

Photography Provided By: KLOVER | Illustrations By: Vicente Martí Solar

Ò Cabrillo National Monument at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula has a spectacular vantage point and holds some of my most cherished childhood memories. Be sure to explore the tide pools during the fall and winter months; this is when the tides are low and you can easily spot the wildlife.

CEDRICE @mscedrice Photoshoot Location: ESTANCIA LA JOLLA HOTEL & SPA 9700 N Torrey Pines Rd La Jolla, CA 92037 855.430.7503 www.meritagecollection.com/estancia-la-jolla

APPAREL PROVIDED BY: Van De Vort www.shopvandevort.com EARRINGS PROVIDED BY: Kuumba www.kuumbarecasner.com

28 LOCALE MAGAZINE

“The Voice” Found Her, and She Found Her Voice CEDRICE’S JOURNEY TO DISCOVERING (AND LOVING) HER AUTHENTIC SELF WRITTEN BY: JORDAN NISHKIAN /// PHOTOGRAPHED BY: MICHAEL WESLEY STYLED BY: JANELLE ARREOLA /// MAKEUP BY: NATALIE BOHLIN

LOCALE MAGAZINE 29

There are many words you could use to describe Cedrice [Webber]: intelligent, kind-hearted, beautiful, talented—but the one she would probably agree with the most is authentic. scale of society,” she continues. “It was long, straight hair, and that equaled feminine.”

But this authenticity didn’t come naturally to the singer at first. At the age of 10, the same time her parents were going through a divorce, the singer was diagnosed with alopecia areata, an autoimmune disorder that caused her hair to fall out.

“When I lost my hair, I was looking for something to identify with,” she explains. “I looked in the mirror and didn’t like what I saw. My hair was falling out in clumps, and everyone was teasing me. I didn’t look like I belonged anywhere—I just kind of looked like this little awkward being.” Cedrice retreated into the desire for normalcy.

While the wigs made her more comfortable with her appearance, they were itchy, hot and highmaintenance. So, when she was older, she decided to join her mom on a quick errand to the store without a wig or headscarf just to see how she would feel. “I hated it,” she says. “I was like, ‘Everyone is staring at me; what’s wrong with me?’ Everyone stared and my mom kept whispering to me, ‘Everyone thinks you’re so beautiful.’” Despite her mother’s encouraging words, she still felt the need for her wig. She kept working on going wigless, though, with small steps like going out to get the mail, walking the dog and eventually going back to the store. “I would take all these little quick trips in order to inch my way out of feeling uncomfortable without my wig,” Cedrice explains, “so as I gradually stepped away from the wig, I started stepping into myself.”

At the time, she was enrolled in a performing arts school to sing. When her parents divorced, she stopped singing and began paying more attention to what wigs she was wearing to deflect attention from her hair. “I learned how to fit the mold of everyone else in order to not stand out,” says Cedrice. “I didn’t start singing again until I got past the wigs and the autoimmune disorder.”

“I didn’t have a choice when I was 10 years old to keep my hair—it just came out,” she continues, “and I had to face myself in the mirror and decide how long I was going to keep this act up.”

For years, the singer wore wigs to fit in, but she found that in the process of concealing her alopecia, she was concealing herself as well. She noticed that whatever wig she was wearing that day would dictate how she expressed herself in other ways, including how she spoke.

Something that helped Cedrice with this transition was music. “With music, when you’re on stage, people don’t care. They expect you to be different and unique,” she says with a smile. “It’s a different expectation when you’re an artist—you’re free to be whoever the hell you want to be—so I gave myself the permission to do that when I became a singer.”

“I really used hair to cover myself up. My hair determined how I spoke to people, how I moved my body and how I dressed,” Cedrice says. “I used to wear a particular style—long, straight and dark.” While this wig resembled her Filipino mother’s beautiful locks, Cedrice knew that this look strayed from her natural hair. “Back in the ‘90s, there wasn’t a lot of promotion of natural hair—which is deeply rooted in me because I’m also Black,” she explains. Growing up during a time where natural hair wasn’t really supported (it wasn’t until this year that the CROWN Act, which forbids discrimination against natural hair, was passed in California), Cedrice was often teased when she wore a wig that resembled her natural hair texture. “So the hair that I chose to wear was appropriate for the larger

Cedrice’s journey into her musical career began when she was 24 years old. Although she was enrolled in a university with a major in communications and a minor in theater, she didn’t feel that she was on the right path. “I didn’t really feel the calling to do anything in particular,” Cedrice explains. “I was kind of searching for something to be passionate about.” Then one day on campus, Cedrice was humming a tune when a musician approached her, asking if she was a singer. She told him that she sang, but didn’t consider herself a singer—but he wanted to hear her sing a few bars, which, of course, she nailed.

Locale Magazine

(Extra) Ordinary People • After her audition for “The Voice,” John Legend told Cedrice: “No one else looks like you. No one else sounds like you.” “I die a little bit every time I remember he said that,” she laughs.

APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES PROVIDED BY: Van De Vort www.shopvandevort.com

“I didn’t have a choice when I was 10 years old to keep my hair—it just came out, and I had to face myself in the mirror and decide how long I was going to keep this act up.” —Cedrice

LOCALE MAGAZINE 31

APPAREL PROVIDED BY: Van De Vort www.shopvandevort.com EARRINGS PROVIDED BY: Kuumba www.kuumbarecasner.com

32 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Team Player • In her time on “The Voice,” Cedrice blew the judges away—she was on John Legend’s, Kelly Clarkson’s and Blake Shelton’s teams!

“I wasn’t given these gifts and these challenges to act like everything’s great and dandy and that I’m perfect. I’m here because I’m supposed to be sharing my struggles and giving other people inspiration to share theirs and to be okay with that.” —Cedrice LOCALE MAGAZINE 33

“I feel like I have the responsibility to turn the narrative around for my people.” —Cedrice

He invited her to join his band, which was a welcoming opportunity for her. Before this, she had joined a Pacific Islander music club, a gospel choir and theater on campus, but had never quite felt that she truly belonged to any of them.

In her 2017 TEDxSan Diego Talk, “Tell Me About Your Identity Crisis,” Cedrice recalls this experience of trying to figure out where she could really fit in. “I was confronted with more obstacles: I didn’t speak Tagalog, so I wasn’t Filipino; I wasn’t dark enough to be considered Black; I certainly didn’t look White,” she explains. Like most people with “multiethnic ambiguity,” Cedrice felt that she wasn’t enough of one thing and struggled to find where she belonged. This new band, however, was a mixture of genres— R&B, jazz, hip-hop and soul—and that helped Cedrice find her rhythm. She was able to see the universality of music, and that has helped her communicate and share herself with the world ever since.

This newfound authenticity opened Cedrice up to new opportunities, including her time on “The Voice” (Season 18), which allowed her to grow as an artist. “As far as my music goes,” she says, “I would be a lot less interesting if I hadn’t gone through the identity challenges that I’ve been through.”

Cedrice reflects this in “Woman,” a song she wrote two years ago, particularly in the line: If I am the only one / I am the only one telling the truth. “If I wasn’t going through any challenges at all, no one would be able to identify with me,” she explains. “I’m human. I have to have some sort of substance behind my music—behind what drives me.”

In a time when content is so easily accessible due to the internet and social media, representation is a powerful and necessary element, and Cedrice has become an honest and empowering representative to several types of individuals, including people with alopecia, multi-ethnic individuals and new musicians. “It really does humble me when people say that I’m a role model or that I’m interesting,” says Cedrice. “I know my life, I know what I’ve gone through. The fact that I’m growing from all of that and people appreciate me sharing my adversity, it’s really, really humbling and it’s really great.”

“In a way, I definitely identified with music because I was looking for something to identify with. I was looking for something to hold me above water, and music was that for me,” Cedrice continues. “And it’s elevated me to so much more than I expected.”

“You know, everyone can front like they’re perfect on Instagram and social media,” notes Cedrice. “I think there’s something really powerful about the anti-hero— I’m not necessarily the anti-hero, but I most certainly am not perfect, and I’m okay with sharing that.”

Now with her music, her presence on “The Voice” and her growing social media platform, Cedrice is doing her part to share her story in hopes of helping others who have experienced or are experiencing similar challenges. “Sharing my struggles keeps me accountable for who I am and what my journey is,” she says. “I wasn’t given these gifts and these challenges to act like everything’s great and dandy and that I’m perfect. I’m here because I’m supposed to be sharing my struggles and giving other people inspiration to share theirs and to be okay with that.”

With a career that’s only just beginning to fully blossom, the singer and actress is happy and ready to bring her talents, authenticity and sense of identity with her into the spotlight. “I feel like I have the responsibility to turn the narrative around for my people… I love that I represent myself as a person who is confident, for the most part, in my own skin—to walk out without hair—and to help be a role model for those who are struggling with alopecia. I love that I can be a Filipino woman and a Black woman on TV and represent someone with poise, grace and eloquence,” Cedrice says. “I really do see myself as a vessel: there is so much that I have to learn...and I choose to identify with someone who has been given gifts, a platform and opportunities to communicate with people, to have fun and to live my life unapologetically and inspire people through that.”

Locale Magazine

New Tunes • Cedrice’s upcoming music project will have a Spanish-reggae flair, while her latest song, “Don’t Go,” is “a moody version of a breakup song.”

In the Works • Along with new music on the way, Cedrice is also working on a podcast and writing a children’s book.

APPAREL AND ACCESSORIES PROVIDED BY: Van De Vort www.shopvandevort.com

“It really does humble me when people say that I’m a role model or that I’m interesting.” —Cedrice

LOCALE MAGAZINE 35

PHOTO PROVIDED BY: Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa • CATAMARAN RESORT HOTEL AND SPA 3999 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 | 858.488.1081 | www.catamaranresort.com

escape + shoppe December 2020 /// gifts. getaways. season’s greetings.

Mission Bay

Escape + Shoppe Guide

A SoCal Wish List This Guide of Gifts and Getaways Is All You Need to Make Your Season Merry and Bright

Paradise Take a Trip to the Tropics Without the Pricey Plane Ticket

LOCALE MAGAZINE 37

escape + shoppe guide

Gifts + Getaways to M a k e Y o u r S e a s o n This Guide of

M e r r y

Is All You Need

b r i g h t

2020 • [twuhn-tee-twuhn-tee] noun. The year of the staycation. As work-from-home woes continue to take their toll, the desire to get away is more pressing than ever. Your Euro excursion or island escape may be on hold, but lucky for us, SoCal offers an abundance of splendid spots for the ultimate staycation. From reclusive seaside resorts to dreamy desert oases, this guide is chockfull of small-town getaways that’ll have you itchin’ for adventure. As you flip through these pages, you’ll also find an assortment of unique holiday gifts from local businesses, so you can shop as your plan your next great escape.

locale magazine



escape + shoppe /// guide

“White walls, wood accents, lush greenery and vinyl record players give this upcycled beach motel a midcentury attitude that you’ll never want to bid farewell.” Laguna Beach

Malibu

3 4 Palm Springs

Santa Monica

b outique Hotels

1 2

8 Small but Sumptuous Staycation Spots That’ll Have You Swooning WRITTEN BY: KAYLIN WAIZINGER

Easy, Breezy

VIBE: Stylish, minimalistic

> Make yourself at home at this reimagined 1950s motel stationed across the street from the world-famous Surfrider Beach. The airy, light-filled interior 40 LOCALE MAGAZINE

is made of natural materials—including limestone and teak— and is filled with local art, making this Malibu spot a must-stay.

THE SURFRIDER MALIBU 23033 Pacific Coast Hwy Malibu, CA 90265 310.526.6158 www.thesurfridermalibu.com

Ritzy & Refined

VIBE: Elegant, sophisticated

> Situated on sundrenched Wilshire Blvd, this waterfront resort warmly welcomes guests with sandy, neutral tones and textures of the local coastline. Soak up the sun on the rooftop pool deck, enjoy cocktails at a variety of outdoor eateries and lounges or experience Eastern-inspired wellness at the hotel’s Surya Spa. SANTA MONICA PROPER HOTEL 700 Wilshire Blvd Santa Monica, CA 90401 310.620.9990 www.properhotel.com/ santa-monica

Soulful Stay

VIBE: Chic, bohemian

> Nestled above Shaw’s Cove in Laguna Beach, this petite resort combines craftsman design and coastal, vintage decor for the perfect breezy escape. White walls, wood accents, lush greenery and vinyl record players give this upcycled beach motel a midcentury attitude that you’ll never want to bid farewell. HOTEL JOAQUIN 985 N Coast Hwy Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949.494.5294 www.hoteljoaquin.com

Neighborhood Nook

VIBE: Modern, youthful

> Hip and millennialfriendly, ARRIVE Palm Springs presents a comfortable stay stripped of stodgy hotel formalities. Everything (including check-in) can be done via text message! Visit the Cartel Coffee Lab for a bold cup of coffee or snag a scoop at their onsite ice cream parlor! ARRIVE 1551 N Palm Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.507.1650 www.arrivehotels.com/ palmsprings

Isn’t It Swell

VIBE: Coastal, relaxed

> This charming hotel in the heart of San Clemente offers staycationers a laid-back, beachy escape. Ocean-esque accents and airy rooms capture the essence of the small “Village by the Sea.” Enjoy a cocktail on your private balcony, then take a stroll down Avenida Del Mar for a taste of local cuisine. THE SURFBREAK HOTEL 1819 S El Camino Real San Clemente, CA 92672 949.492.1960 surfbreaksanclemente.com

Photos - The Surfrider Hotel, Malibu: Nicole Franzen | Santa Monica Proper Hotel: The Ingalls | Hotel Joaquin: Roger Davies | ARRIVE

Travelers often fall back on wellworn choices when it comes to where they stay. Chain hotels and their redundant designs feel familiar, but the uniqueness and attention to detail at a boutique hotel may leave you pleasantly surprised. We’ve compiled a list of eight unrivaled staycation spots in Southern California that capture the very essence of local charm.

C hill Out

North Park

These Medterra CBD Products Are the Perfect “Gift to Self” WRITTEN BY: KAYLIN WAIZINGER

Immune Boost Drops

CBD + CBG Tincture

Strength: 750mg Benefits: Supports your body’s first line of defense against illness and infection. $39.99

Strength: 2000mg Benefits: Regulates your mood and boosts anandamide—aka your body’s “bliss molecule.” $129.99

6 8

Photos - The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows: Justin McChesney-Wachs | Sands Hotel & Spa: Jamie Kowal | The Pearl Hotel: Josh Cho Photography

Colonial Charm

Strength: 2000mg Benefits: Can facilitate relaxation and promote better sleep. $99.99

VIBE: 50’s glam, retro

> This historic, whimsical hotel oozes old-school charm and once served as a 1940s hideaway for the Hollywood glitterati. Red brick walls and colonial-style pillars define a grand entrance to the lobby, and just one day spent at the famed, Olympic-sized Weissmuller Pool will have you feeling like a star. THE LAFAYETTE HOTEL, SWIM CLUB & BUNGALOWS 2223 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92104 619.296.2101 www.lafayettehotelsd.com Indian Wells

Broad Spectrum Tincture (Unflavored)

Broad Spectrum Tincture (Citrus) Strength: 2000mg Benefits: Can facilitate relaxation and promote better sleep. $99.99

Point Loma

Desert Delight

Total Gem

> Royal palms, ceramic tiles and Moroccaninspired interiors make this Indian Wells retreat oh-so-Instaworthy. Whether you’re dining at The Pink Cabana, a ‘50s-style Mediterranean restaurant, or you’re enjoying views of the mountains from your balcony, there is so much to revel in at this chic bohemian resort.

> Built in 1959 by local architect Robert Platt, The Pearl Hotel harkens back to an era of posh, Hollywood glamour. The property’s 23 rooms are outfitted with wood and linen textiles in pastel hues, giving the interior an old-school Cali feel. Take a dip in the iconic oyster-shaped pool and explore the urban delights of nearby Little Italy!

VIBE: Vibrant, tropical

SANDS HOTEL & SPA 44985 Province Way Indian Wells, CA 92210 760.321.3771 www.sandshotelandspa.com

VIBE: Midcentury, hip

THE PEARL HOTEL 1410 Rosecrans St San Diego, CA 92106 619.226.6100 www.thepearlsd.com

Broad Spectrum Tincture (Strawberry Mint) Strength: 2000mg Benefits: Can facilitate relaxation and promote better sleep. $99.99

CBD + Manuka Honey Cream Strength: 250mg Benefits: Helps to soothe and nourish the skin. $49.99

Pain Cream Strength: 1000mg Benefits: Provides fast relief for arthritis and joint pain. $54.99

Cooling Cream Roll-On Strength: 500mg Benefits: Provides a rapid cooling effect, perfect for joint and muscle support. $34.99

MEDTERRA 9805 Research Dr, Irvine, CA 92618 | 800.971.1288 | medterracbd.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 41

escape + shoppe /// guide Palm Desert

D esert

Take It Easy or Get Moving in the City of Palm Desert WRITTEN BY: STEPHANIE TEASLEY

Most vacationers take their time off seriously; however, how they spend their precious time varies. While a relaxing day by the pool is the ideal day for some, others prefer to step off the property and experience their surroundings. No matter if you’re an on-the-go vacationer or prefer some serious R&R, Palm Desert has everything from public art displays and poolside cocktails to outdoor hikes and drive-in movies!

SEIZE THE DAY

VS.

A Bubbly Brunch > If you’re ready to get your day started, walk on over to Wilma & Frieda and indulge in brunch on their outdoor patio with mimosas and bloody marys!

Breakfast in Bed vs.

Shop ‘Til You Drop

An Artful Stroll vs.

THE SHOPS ON EL PASEO www.theshopsonelpaseo.com

Swing Back & Relax vs.

BUMP AND GRIND TRAIL www.alltrails.com

Nah, It’s Pool Time vs.

PURE BARRE www.purebarre.com

WESTFIELD PALM DESERT www.westfield.com/palmdesert 42 LOCALE MAGAZINE

> If you tend to take your out-of-office time seriously, book a stay at Palm Desert’s Hotel Paseo and lounge by the pool for a day of sun and sippin’. HOTEL PASEO www.hotelpaseo.com

Dinner Delivered to You

Catch a Flick With Your Crew > If you’d rather get out of the house, gather your quaranteam and head to Westfield Palm Desert for a drive-in movie experience on the mall’s upper-level parking lot.

> If you’d rather play a leisurely game of golf, JW Marriott’s Desert Springs Golf Club features two championship courses for players of all levels. JW MARRIOTT DESERT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA www.marriott.com

Morning Sweat Sesh > If fitness is part of your morning routine, get your sweat on with a virtual class from Pure Barre on El Paseo.

> Start at Palm Desert City Hall and cruise through more than 150 outdoor art pieces in the city’s collection, including stunning installations and larger-than-life sculptures. www.discoverpalmdesert.com/public-art

Take a Hike > For nature lovers who prefer an outdoor hike, Bump and Grind is the most popular low-elevation trail.

> What better way to start off the getaway than sleeping in and enjoying a cozy breakfast in bed at the luxurious Hotel Paseo? HOTEL PASEO www.hotelpaseo.com

WILMA & FRIEDA www.wilmafrieda.com

> Power through your shopping and you hit all of the highend stores The Shops on El Paseo has to offer. Don’t forget your mask!

LOUNGE AWAY!

vs.

> Place a takeout order with Venue Sushi Bar and dig into a selection of rolls crafted by award-winning sushi master Engin Onural. VENUE SUSHI BAR & SAKE LOUNGE www.thevenuepalmdesert.com

F or the...

E l Paseo

Take This Quiz to Find Out What Kind of Vacation You Need Most

Making a List and Checking It Twice at These Shops on the “Rodeo Drive” of Palm Desert

WRITTEN BY: KAYLIN WAIZINGER

WRITTEN BY: LOCALE EDITORS

1. DO YOU VACATION OFTEN?

A b c

There’s no better place to do your holiday shopping than under the palms in Palm Desert! Whether you’re ahead of the crowds or picking up lastminute gifts, check everyone off your list at these five shops on El Paseo.

Yes! I love to get away. Sometimes. Vacations help me de-stress. Rarely. Most of my travels are for work.

2. WHAT KIND OF TRIP DO YOU PREFER?

A b c

Palm Desert

I’m up for anything, as long as I’m not bored! It has to be relaxing, or I’m out. One where I don’t have to bring my laptop.

3. WHAT DO YOU TYPICALLY BRING WITH YOU?

Swimsuit, Polaroid camera and my carry-on cocktail kit, of course!

b c

Just the basics: plenty of sunscreen and floaties. My briefcase, headphones and my business card.

4. WHEN ON VACAY, WHERE DO YOU DINE?

Oliver Peoples

> Shop for sunnies at Oliver Peoples! Living in SoCal, a luxurious pair of sunglasses is a true necessity. This stylish, LA-based collection offers a modern take on timehonored looks with nods to Japanese craft and aesthetics. You’re bound to find a pair for everyone on your list!

Brandon Boswell Diamonds > Brandon Boswell Diamonds—a new fine jewelry store on El Paseo—specializes in diamonds and colored gemstones. Shop one-of-a-kind jewelry made by artisans from around the world. From rare, vintage fine jewelry to casual pieces you can wear all day long, celebrate someone you love with a gift that sparkles.

BRANDON BOSWELL DIAMONDS 73655 El Paseo Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.799.4171 brandonboswelldiamonds.com

BG’s El Paseo

> Pop into BG’s for fun, eccentric graphic tees that are unlike any other. The colorful designs showcase all that Greater Palm Springs represents. Friends and family of all ages will love these styles! BG’S EL PASEO 73520 El Paseo, Ste 1D Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.779.9947 www.bgselpaseo.com

Mares Menswear of El Paseo

> From desert-casual looks to evening attire, Mares Menswear of El Paseo boasts a selection of everything from jeans to leather jackets. Shop classic and contemporary fashions—and have the man in your life looking dapper as ever! MARES MENSWEAR OF EL PASEO 73255 El Paseo, Ste 4 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.346.3500 www.maresmenswear.com

I go to localemagazine.com to find the hippest restaurant in the neighborhood.

Anywhere that has a kids menu and crayons—but also good wine.

I usually order room service.

5. YOU’VE ARRIVED AT YOUR DESTINATION. WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU DO?

A b c

I head straight to the swim-up bar! I unload all of the luggage and stock the room with groceries and snacks. I grab a cold brew and log on to the hotel wifi.

RESULTS IF YOU CHOSE MOSTLY A...

OLIVER PEOPLES 73061 El Paseo, Ste 2 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.568.9333 www.oliverpeoples.com

Blonde Clothing Boutique

> Blonde Clothing Boutique is chock-full of chic outfits for the fashionista in your life. Find a fit perfect for any occasion at this local favorite! Beauty products, accessories and home goods are also available to shop.

BLONDE CLOTHING BOUTIQUE 73200 El Paseo, Ste A3 Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.836.3366 blondeclothingboutique.com

IF YOU CHOSE MOSTLY B...

IF YOU CHOSE MOSTLY C...

FOR THE… EXCURSIONIST IN SEARCH OF SOME FUN

> Turns out, you’re quite the escape artist. As someone who’s always in search of the hippest spot to stay, there is no better place than Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs! This entertainment oasis will have you #thriving. MARGARITAVILLE RESORT PALM SPRINGS www.margaritavilleresorts.com/ margaritaville-resort-palm-springs

FOR THE… PARENT(S) WHO COULD USE SOME R&R

> Call up the babysitter! It is time for a weekend of pure relaxation at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. This Spanishcolonial haven in Rancho Santa Fe is sure to put you in your happy place. RANCHO VALENCIA RESORT & SPA www.ranchovalencia.com

FOR THE… WORKAHOLIC WHO NEEDS LESS SCREEN TIME

> This time, the ocean is calling, not your boss. Close your laptop and head to The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel! Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, this ocean-inspired hotel is the breath of fresh air you need. THE RITZ-CARLTON, LAGUNA NIGUEL ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/california/ laguna-niguel LOCALE MAGAZINE 43

escape + shoppe /// guide

G lamping

ESCAPE TO:

Hope Valley

The Kitchy Cabin in Big Bear

Sleep Under the Stars in Style WRITTEN BY: TAYLOR GORSKI Gone glamping! Take to the great outdoors but in a more luxurious way. Trade in pop-up tents and sleeping bags for magnificent canvas tents and lush, comfortable beds. Simplify your travel experience while making new, grand memories in the great outdoors.

Zion

4 Big Bear

Yosemite

The Kitchy Cabin Is the Chic Mountain Getaway You’ve Been Searching For WRITTEN BY: TAYLOR GORSKI ILLUSTRATION BY: VICENTE MARTÍ SOLAR

1 2

Under Canvas

LOCATIONS: Acadia (coming 2021), Glacier, Grand Canyon, Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Powell (coming 2021), Moab, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, Zion > Luxurious, private, safari-style canvas tents with king beds and en suite bathrooms provide explorers with an unforgettable glamping experience. Under Canvas locations are situated near iconic National Parks and monuments, making for a seamless and immersive outdoor adventure. Through “intentional inconveniences”—such as solar power and eliminating single use plastics when possible—Under Canvas strives for a minimal footprint. www.undercanvas.com

44 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Your winter mountain getaway awaits in Big Bear! This chic and stylish midcentury modern cabin sleeps up to 10 guests. Travel here with friends or family for a cozy mountain retreat. Big Sur

Ventana Big Sur LOCATION: Big Sur

> The stunning Ventana Big Sur resort, known for its deluxe, romantic property, also offers memorable camping and glamping experiences. Sleep beneath the redwoods in lavish tents equipped with a wood-burning fire pit on the deck. Explore the beauty of this coastal town, and then return to your dreamy campsite for relaxation paired with wine and s’mores! www.ventanabigsur.com/ glamping/overview

Wylder Hope Valley

LOCATION: Hope Valley

> Choose between staying in the restored 1951 vintage Spartan trailer or fully furnished yurts at this Sierra Nevada all-season mountain resort. Ideally positioned for views of the lush mountain landscape and West Fork Carson River, your craving for adventure will be satisfied upon arrival. The minimalist design allows guests to focus on the true beauty of nature. www.wylderhotels.com/ hope-valley

AutoCamp

LOCATIONS: Cape Cod, Russian River, Yosemite > Not a tent, not a hotel, but an environmentally sustainable Airstream for what AutoCamp calls Adventure Simplified. AutoCamp provides travelers with simple and timeless accommodations. Disconnect and reconnect with nature and your loved ones. Spa-inspired bathrooms, private campfires, a midcentury modern clubhouse and curated food and beverage offerings are a few perks of staying at these gorgeous properties. www.autocamp.com

Best Time to Visit: > Visit December through March for a winter wonderland filled with skiing and hot chocolate, or in the summer months to enjoy time on the lake.

Don’t Miss: > With a large outdoor hot tub, private master bedroom patio, huge backyard, game room and designer furniture, you’ll never want to leave this cozy cabin!

Did You Know? > Personal touches that make the cabin feel like home away from home include amenities by True Botanicals, bedding by Parachute, Samsung appliances and Saatva luxury beds. THE KITCHY CABIN www.abnb.me/T3OtBab8OZ | @kitchycabin

Photos - Under Canvas: The Nomadic People | Ventana Big Sur: Ventana Big Sur, an Alila Resort | Wylder Hope Valley: Ren Fuller | AutoCamp: Aaron Letiz/AutoCamp

H oliday Hideaway

Vegetarian Ravioli

Burrata Salad Long Beach

I taly

We aren’t spending the holidays in Europe this season, so bring a taste of Italy to your home! Order traditional Italian dishes—with the help of The Italian Homemade Company—that will feed your entire family. Leave the cooking to the experts and spend quality time with friends and family this holiday season, all while indulging in delectable dishes. Buon Natale!

An Italian Holiday

Transport Yourself Abroad This Holiday Season With These Authentic Italian Dishes

> Tortellini in brodo is an Italian soup that serves as a comforting meal for cooler weather during the holidays. Cozy up by your fireplace while enjoying this delicious dish.

WRITTEN BY: TAYLOR GORSKI PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: UBEREATS

Sweets and Sips Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

Vegetarian Lasagna

Pappardelle Pesto

> For dessert, bring home panettone, a widely known traditional “big bread” loaf in Italy that is enjoyed at midnight on Christmas Eve with a glass of Prosecco or spiced warm wine.

Traditional Treats

> Pandoro is a sweet, traditional bread shaped as an eight-point star and sprinkled with powdered sugar. Originating in Verona, the cake resembles the mountains near this Italian city. THE ITALIAN HOMEMADE COMPANY 6460 E Pacific Coast Hwy Long Beach, CA 90803 312.835.7869 italianhomemade.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 45

escape + shoppe /// guide

Hyde Park Jewelers Classic Diamond Streamline Necklace

$15,375

Hyde Park Jewelers 5.24 Carat Emerald, 18K White Gold, Baguette & Round Diamond Drop Earrings

$61,500

Pasha de Cartier Ladies Stainless Steel 35mm Automatic Watch

$6,150

Nikos Koulis Oui Black Enamel 18K White Gold, Emerald & Trillion Diamond Cuff

$9,275

Nikos Koulis Universe 18K White Gold, Diamond & Enamel Earrings

$14,590

My Story Julia 14K White Gold, Emerald & Diamond Ring

$1,060

Marli Cleo 18K White Gold & Black Onyx Cuff Bracelet

$11,100

Marli Cleo 18K White Gold, Black Onyx & Diamond Stud Earrings

$2,000

J ewels + Gems

Get Blingy With It This Holiday Season

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: HYDE PARK JEWELERS

46 LOCALE MAGAZINE

HYDE PARK JEWELERS 817 Newport Center Dr Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.721.9010 www.hydeparkjewelers.com

escape + shoppe /// guide

J ewels + Gems

18K White Gold .23 Ctw 5 Bezel Round Brilliant Diamond Necklace

$1,080

18K Yellow Venetian Princess Diamond Ring

$4,950

Get Blingy With It This Holiday Season

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: MORGAN’S JEWELERS

18K Yellow Gold Princess Flower Earrings

$2,700

6 4

18K White Gold 3.22 Ct Diamond Band

$38,500

18K Yellow Gold Earrings With .56 Ct of Diamonds

$3,710

$25,250

18K White Gold Clover Design Cuff Bangle With 5.0 Cts of Diamonds

$17,500

8 MORGAN’S JEWELERS 22200 Hawthorne Blvd Torrance, CA 90505 310.375.4471 www.morgansjewelers.com @morgansjewelers 48 LOCALE MAGAZINE

18K White Gold Hoop Earrings With 9.49 Ct of Emerald Cut Diamonds

18K Yellow Gold Station Bracelet With .18 Ct of Diamonds

$2,600

K eeping It Festive

Stay Cozy

> Renaissance Esmeralda’s Desert Holiday Escape package includes everything you need to cozy up with your fam—hot cocoa, cookies and a holiday book!

Catch a Flick

> You and your crew can reserve seats for an outdoor family movie. Munch on some popcorn and sweet treats, and take home two keepsake blankets.

Jingle All the Way to Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells for an Incredible Holiday Escape WRITTEN BY: KAYLIN WAIZINGER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: RENAISSANCE ESMERALDA RESORT & SPA, INDIAN WELLS ILLUSTRATIONS BY: VICENTE MARTÍ SOLAR

Photos - Cupcake: Brooke Lark

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And while many of us enjoy being home for the holidays, this year you may feel differently. After all, we’ve spent most of 2020 cooped up in our homes. If you and your family are itchin’ for a change of scenery this season, we’ve got the perfect escape that’ll make all things merry and bright. In the heart of Indian Wells, part of the Greater Palm Springs area, lies the newly renovated Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa—a desert destination complete with spacious midcentury guest rooms, a championship golf course, full-service spa, sandy beach and heated pool, al fresco dining options and more. With ample space to relax, stay and play, this reimagined resort alone is a reason to pack your bags. But to spice things up this holiday season, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa is offering an incredible Desert Holiday Escape package

The holidays are officially here, and there is no better time to switch things up!

that’s packed with tons of festive, family-friendly activities that’ll bring joy to your whole crew. This exciting offer includes room accommodations for two nights (from Dec. 23-26) and a variety of fun activities throughout the weekend. Kids will have access to Santa’s Workshop with photo opportunities, food, beverages, holiday arts and crafts, carolers and live music and entertainment! Watch as your kiddos create their very own ornaments, decorate elf hats and stockings and frost and garnish their very own gingerbread houses! Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa is taking extra safety precautions and operating in a safe, distanced manner. The holidays are officially here, and there is no better time to switch things up! So pack your bags, because Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells is ready to fill your season with cheer.

RENAISSANCE ESMERALDA RESORT & SPA, INDIAN WELLS 44400 Indian Wells Ln Indian Wells, CA 92210 760.773.4444 www.marriott.com

Indian Wells

LOCALE MAGAZINE 49

escape + shoppe /// guide

L a Quinta

Cure Your 2020 Woes With a Relaxing Trip to La Quinta Resort & Club WRITTEN BY: KAYLIN WAIZINGER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: MARY COSTA AND PAULA LUNA

Set on 45 lush acres of vibrant gardens and meandering pathways, La Quinta Resort & Club is a timeless desert destination. Whether you’re in need of some intimate family time, a place to celebrate missed moments or simply want to use up those days of PTO, this resort is a total gem. Take a dip in one of the resort’s 41 climate-controlled swimming pools and sip on a sparkling glass of Veuve Clicquot—you’re on vacation now.

The openconcept design embraces the history of the iconic resort while providing all the modern amenities one would expect of a Waldorf Astoria property.

La Quinta

Celebrate Missed Moments > The abundance of breathtaking outdoor spaces at La Quinta Resort offers an enchanting setting for celebrating either the missed moments of 2020 or new milestones. Whether you’re celebrating an engagement, want to host an intimate wedding or have something else worth cheers-ing to, La Quinta Resort is the place to be. With ample room to explore, you can experience the raw beauty of the desert while creating new memories with the special people in your life.

Al Fresco Affair > The resort’s culinary program dishes out an array of delicious feel-good cuisine and offers several ways to safely wine and dine. Twenty6, the resort’s American bistro, offers classic comfort food with a twist in a relaxed setting, while Adobe Grill serves up authentic Mexican dishes and cocktails on an open-air patio. Contactless delivery for in-room dining is available, and a roving Veuve Clicquot beverage cart is at all pools!

Yurt Gonna Love This

> If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, take a trip to nearby Joshua Tree National Park! La Quinta Resort & Club has partnered with Camp’d Out to provide a luxury Waldorf Astoria glamping experience under the dreamy desert sky.

On the Big Screen

> Season 16 of “The Bachelorette” began filming in July of this year at La Quinta Resort & Club. Host Chris Harrison called this season, “The most dramatic season ever!”

Hole in One

> The La Quinta Hotel, now the La Quinta Resort & Club, opened in 1926 with the first nine-hole golf course in Greater Palm Springs. At the time, green fees were just $1!

Space to Lounge, Play and Stay > Set on 45 vibrant acres, La Quinta Resort is perfectly suited for socially distanced relaxation and exploration. Whether you’re hiking, biking, swimming, playing tennis or taking a swing on the green, there are plenty of serene and private places to dwell. The 50 LOCALE MAGAZINE

open-concept design embraces the history of the iconic resort while providing all the modern amenities one would expect of a Waldorf Astoria property. And when your day is done, you can retreat to your spacious, white-washed adobe casita for a peaceful night’s rest.

LA QUINTA RESORT & CLUB, A WALDORF ASTORIA RESORT 49499 Eisenhower Dr La Quinta, CA 92253 760.564.4111 www.laquintaresort.com

escape + shoppe /// guide

Island Time

Catalina

Do This Ride on Over

Start Here Off You Go

> While hopping on a plane and traveling to a whole other time zone isn’t the most ideal plan right now, this trip to Southern California’s bestkept secret is a much better option. Request some PTO, immerse yourself in nature and slip into total relaxation mode as you escape to the one and only Catalina Island. Anchors Away!

> Hop on the Catalina Express for a 22-mile boat ride to the city of Avalon. The Catalina Express has enhanced their cleaning and travel procedures this year to ensure the safety of guests, including mandatory masks, markings on the floor in the terminal, queuing lines for social distancing, reduced capacity on the vessels, plexiglass partitions in place for the check-in process and the frequent disinfecting of surfaces.

M aking Waves in Catalina

Fresh Air and a Change of Scenery Are Just What You Need to Recharge WRITTEN BY: TAYLOR GORSKI PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: ERNIE RODRIGUEZ/CATALINA ISLAND CONSERVANCY

See This Views on Views

> “Catalina Island has trails for adventurers of all levels! From short loops to the multi-day, 38.5-mile Trans-Catalina Trail, incredible views are easy to find around the island,” says Tony Budrovich, president and CEO of Catalina Island Conservancy.

CATALINA EXPRESS 800.613.1212 www.catalinaexpress.com 52 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Safety First

> Catalina Island is following all LA County and State of California health and safety regulations. “Catalina Island Conservancy, in particular, requires face masks for entry to its Trailhead visitor center and on Eco Tours and other transportation services, all while maintaining social distancing,” says Budrovich.

Book in Advance

Try This Adventure Awaits

> Book a private Conservancy Eco Tour where you can experience 165 miles of untouched Catalina. Reach new heights with a Zip Line Eco Tour or parasailing adventure.

> Tickets are available online starting at $74.50 round-trip from Long Beach and San Pedro or $76.50 from Dana Point.

Endless Options for Fun

> Once you’ve arrived in Avalon, Catalina Island has an abundance of different outdoor activities, whether you’re searching for an adrenaline rush or relaxing retreat.

Al Fresco Eateries

Stay Here Sleep in Style

> Spend more time experiencing Catalina Island with an extended getaway. Book two nights at Pavilion Hotel, Hotel Atwater, Mt Ada in Avalon or Banning House Lodge in Two Harbors and receive your third night complimentary. Stay even longer and receive additional nights at half off!

> Give the gift of an island getaway! Purchase a Catalina Express gift card this holiday season and recommend this itinerary for a weekend on the water.

Do This Have Some Fun

> Take a tour of the island yourself by renting a golf cart and cruising the streets. Feeling adventurous? Hummer tours, a sealife safari and a semi-submersible submarine excursion will all get your heart pumping and offer an unforgettable experience!

Eat This

> Eat fresh seafood on the waterfront patio at Blue Water Grill as you take in the stunning view of the big blue. For ultimate privacy, rent a private cabana at Descanso Beach Club, which also offers al fresco dining on their white sand, beachside deck or spacious lawn.

escape + shoppe /// guide For those who prefer to spend their time outside, Loews Santa Monica offers an al fresco dining experience featuring views of Santa Monica Beach and the pier.

With an oceanside property and quality service that exceeds expectations, a trip to Loews Santa Monica will never disappoint.

Loews Loves Pets 2

Fire Pits at Blue Streak

N ever Checking Out Check in to Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel for a (Warm) Winter Escape WRITTEN BY: ALLIE LEBOS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: LOEWS SANTA MONICA BEACH HOTEL

Located in the heart of downtown Santa Monica lies a hotel that features all of SoCal’s best amenities. With an oceanside property and quality service that exceeds expectations, a trip to Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel will never disappoint. Loews has created “Welcoming You Like Family”—a commitment to guests that ensures a welcoming, clean and safe environment.

Loews Loves Families

> From the moment you arrive, your family is a part of Loews. Whether you’re looking to explore LA or spend time outdoors, there is an experience and culinary treat for everyone. From family activities to special kids menus, they’ve got you covered in order for you to make the most of every memorable moment.

> For those who prefer to spend their time outside, Loews Santa Monica offers an al fresco dining experience that features views of Santa Monica Beach and the pier. Indulge in chicken and waffles, avocado toast or short rib hash while cozied up by the fire pits.

> Don’t want to leave your four-legged friend at home? You don’t have to! As a proud pet-friendly hotel, Loews Santa Monica offers a pet menu that features a variety of treats, state-of-the-art pet beds, leash rentals and even a dog-walking map. Your pet is sure to leave just as restored and revived as you.

Miracle on Ocean Ave

> Take a holiday vacation to Santa Monica. Starting at the end of November and throughout December, seasonal offers along with holiday-themed amenities, menus and activations will be featured at Loews. This second annual holiday celebration will also feature a sparkling light display!

Santa Monica

Take a Walk To... 5

Santa Monica Pier

> Stroll down the boardwalk and take in all of the views.

Montana Ave

> Pop in unique boutiques and dine in decadence!

Santa Monica Beach

> Whether you prefer to catch rays or waves, you can do it here!

Third Street Promenade > Shop ‘til you drop...and then do it all over again.

Santa Monica Farmers Market > Check out the city’s freshest produce while supporting small businesses.

Venice Beach Boardwalk

> Experience some of the best peoplewatching! LOEWS SANTA MONICA BEACH HOTEL 1700 Ocean Ave Santa Monica, CA 90401 310.458.6700 www.loewshotels.com/ santa-monica 54 LOCALE MAGAZINE

escape + shoppe /// guide Being located right in the heart of both Redondo and Manhattan Beach, visitors of the Shade Hotels have the opportunity to live out a true beach town experience.

Manhattan Beach

A Foodie’s Paradise

N ever Checking Out Plan Your Seaside Staycation at the Shade Hotel in Redondo and Manhattan Beach WRITTEN BY: ALLIE LEBOS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: SHADE HOTELS

Being that 2020 has become the year of ultimate staycations, Shade Hotel in Redondo and Manhattan Beach are both the perfect place for locals to enjoy a safe yet relaxing escape. From the beautiful marina to the pristine design and atmosphere of the hotels, guests will find endless reasons to love visiting these two Shade Hotel properties. 56 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Soak Up the Sun

> At Shade Redondo Beach’s ambient rooftop Aquadeck with ocean views, guests can unwind and soak up some vitamin D, all while social distancing. With strict safety and sanitation protocols in place, visitors are able to become immersed in the beachy atmosphere and let their worries fade. For those playing it extra safe, each room also offers a private balcony for outdoor relaxation.

> If dining in luxury is your priority, then Shade Hotel Redondo Beach’s restaurant, Sea Level, is the place for you. With endless dining options—from room service to outdoor or poolside dining—all of your favorite gourmet foods are readily available and prepared to perfection. Indulge in the decadent Lobster Mac and Cheese and pair it with a boozy Shade Lemonade! If you’re staying at Shade Hotel Manhattan Beach, grab a seat on the restaurant terrace for brunch at zinc@ shade and order the delicious vanilla bean brioche french toast. Remember, calories don’t count on vacation.

Signature Spa

> While some services might be limited due to safety protocols, Shade Hotel makes up for the loss with signature chromotherapy lighting and soaking tubs. In addition to the rooftop pool and Aquadeck, guests will be pleased to find that most rooms include shaded soaking tubs on the balconies! Order a glass of wine to your room to enjoy as you soak your worries away.

Live Like a Local

> Being located right in the heart of both Redondo and Manhattan Beach, visitors of the Shade Hotels have the opportunity to live out a true beach town experience. Take a stroll or a bike ride through town to see all that coastal living has to offer. Redondo Beach

In addition to the rooftop pool and Aquadeck, guests will be pleased to find that most rooms include soaking tubs on the balconies!

5 Safety First

> Champagne is provided upon arrival and sanitation kits are available for purchase so you can safely relax.

6 Cruise the Coast

> Lace up your sneakers or take one of the hotel’s adorable beach cruisers for a spin and enjoy the SoCal scenery.

7 Get Toasty

> Enjoy the cool California nights by one of Shade’s cozy firepits.

8 Space Out

> Take a deep (and safe) breath in one of Shade’s many open-air outdoor spaces.

9 Snooze Soundly

> Melt away your stress in a state-of-the-art Tempurpedic bed.

10 Stupendous Staff

> Shade Hotels offer top-notch customer service to match your high-end stay.

SHADE HOTEL REDONDO BEACH 655 N Harbor Dr Redondo Beach, CA 90277 310.921.8940 rb.shadehotel.com SHADE HOTEL MANHATTAN BEACH 1221 N Valley Dr Manhattan Beach, CA 90266 310.546.4995 mb.shadehotel.com

escape + shoppe /// guide

Fun for the Fam

O n the Green

> Catch some rays at the resort’s two transformed pool areas. The reimagined family area now has an enlarged Jacuzzi, splash pad and a brand new two-story waterslide.

Coming soon…

> A new signature restaurant, specializing in vintage steaks and fresh seafood, will debut in early 2021. Word on the street is the concept will partner with an acclaimed celebrity chef!

Grab Your Clubs! It’s Time to Par-Tee WRITTEN BY: KAYLIN WAIZINGER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: PARK HYATT AVIARA RESORT, GOLF CLUB & SPA ILLUSTRATIONS BY: VICENTE MARTÍ SOLAR

Perched above the Batiquitos Lagoon sits the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa, a sophisticated Spanish-colonial escape spanning across 200 acres. This luxury Carlsbad resort celebrated a grand reopening in October following an over $50 million renovation, debuting a variety of fresh dining concepts, two transformed pool areas, reimagined guest rooms and more. There’s no doubt—$50 million certainly buys a lot. But even before the property’s revival, the Park Hyatt Aviara’s Arnold Palmer-designed, 18-hole golf course stole the show. And let it be known: it still does. The Aviara Golf Club features a memorable layout of par 72 over 18 holes and is uniquely sculpted around rolling hillsides, lush greenery and distinctive bunker and water challenges. The course meanders through a

beautiful botanical garden with cascading waterfalls, native wildflowers and tiered rock formations. Take your eyes off the scenery for a hot sec and you’ve got yourself an exciting and challenging course with nearly 300 feet of elevation change! Like other Arnold Palmerdesigned courses, the Aviara Golf Club offers golfers a tough yet fair course to play on. The tree-lined fairways are near perfect with most having some slope, contour or undulation. Challenge yourself with a series of uphill and downhill shots into well-guarded greens or take a risk with the course’s several birdie opportunities! After the round, you and your crew can retreat to the resort’s two-story clubhouse with locker services, a bar lounge and the decadent Argyle Steakhouse with outdoor balcony seating. Golf novice or not, it doesn’t get much better than this.

PARK HYATT AVIARA RESORT, GOLF CLUB & SPA 7100 Aviara Resort Dr Carlsbad, CA 92011 760.448.1234 www.parkhyatt.com AVIARA GOLF CLUB 7447 Batiquitos Dr Carlsbad, CA 92011 760.603.6900 www.golfaviara.com Carlsbad

The Aviara Golf Club features a memorable layout of par 72 over 18 holes and is uniquely sculpted around rolling hillsides, lush greenery and distinctive bunker and water challenges.

58 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Mission Bay, SD

Q uick Trip

Ojai, CA

Rent This Adventurous Camper for Your Next Road Trip WRITTEN BY: TAYLOR GORSKI PHOTOGRAPHY BY: PATRICK EBU MORDI

It’s time to go on a road trip! While vacations have been cancelled or postponed, you’ve spent more time at home this year than ever before—and your travel bug is itchin’. Meet The Camper Cartel, the latest and greatest travel company. The Camper Cartel offers travelers a chance to rent gorgeous renovated campers and live out an elevated van-life experience on your next epic road trip.

P aradise Take a Trip to the Tropics Without the Pricey Plane Ticket WRITTEN BY: ANA A. NITA-POTTS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: CATAMARAN RESORT HOTEL AND SPA

This San Diego beachfront resort is the little slice of paradise you’ve been searching for. Check in and head to your room for stunning views of Mission Bay or take a leisurely stroll through the on-site tropical gardens. The safety and well-being of guests is top priority at this island-style retreat, making for a safe and memorable stay.

Best Time to Visit: > Anytime! With a prime location offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay, this state of the art, familyfriendly resort offers luxurious suites, delicious cuisine, Polynesian-themed entertainment, a beachfront spa, fitness facilities and water sports for all ages.

Don’t Miss: > Sunset Luaus on the Bay, returning summer 2021. Eat, celebrate and party with an all-youcan-eat buffet, hula dancers and a traditional Polynesian performance! Watch the sunset while sipping Catamaran’s exclusive spiced rum, which is locally distilled by Malahat Spirits Co.

Did You Know?

Why The Camper Cartel: > From the dreamy California Classic, a 2018 Ford Transit High Roof 2×2 that sleeps two, to The West Coast Safari, a Jeep Gladiator that sleeps two to three people on the roof in tents, these rentals are nothing short of adventurous.

Don’t Miss: > Everything from outdoor showers and a rooftop deck to a Marshall Bluetooth speaker and kitchen supplies are included. “80 to 90 percent of renters are firsttime camper van renters. Everything is straightforward and user-friendly,” CoFounder Bayusana explains. “Renters are so diverse—it’s everyone from families to couples to people in their 70s!”

Did You Know? > This is a company with a mission—they’ve put values in place that protect Mother Earth and the beauty of our planet. One percent of the total value of your trip will be donated to one of four causes. Customers can also offset their trip, which means based on the number of miles driven, a certain number of trees will be planted. THE CAMPER CARTEL www.thecampercartel.com | @thecampercartel

R &R After This Decade of a Year, We Could All Use a Little Rest and Relaxation WRITTEN BY: ANA A. NITA-POTTS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: OJAI VALLEY INN

Situated just north of Los Angeles lies the iconic Ojai Valley Inn. Spanish revival architecture set against blue skies and surrounded by acres of sprawling oak trees makes this historic inn the perfect peaceful escape. Soak up the sun at one of their four sparkling pools or treat yourself with a trip to the spa. Relaxation awaits…

Best Time to Visit: > Apart from some hot summer days, Ojai Valley Inn is an idyllic destination surrounded by mountains and fiercely sought by artists, foodies, spiritualists and sportsmen eager to experience the old SoCal charm.

Don’t Miss: > The Farmhouse—the epicenter of everything food—features culinary classes by famous chefs. After concocting your organic dish, get ready for golf or tennis, then cozy up by the Indigo pool and get pampered Ojai style.

Did You Know?

> Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa first opened in 1958 with a modest capacity of 82 rooms. It is now a staple for vacationing and entertainment with 310 rooms sprawling over lush gardens, featuring koi ponds and tropical birds.

> The Chumash Indians believe Ojai is a vortex of beneficial energy, which is visible especially during the “Pink Moment”—when the surrounding Topatopa Mountains turn pink at sunset, attracting thousands of visitors every year.

CATAMARAN RESORT HOTEL AND SPA 3999 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 858.488.1081 | www.catamaranresort.com

OJAI VALLEY INN 905 Country Club Rd, Ojai, CA 93023 855.697.8780 | www.ojaivalleyinn.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 59

escape + shoppe /// guide

T his or That?

S an Diego

Gaslamp Quarter

4 Outdoor Lounges in San Diego Fit for a Friday Night

Take This Quiz and Create Your Own Holiday Bucket List WRITTEN BY: KAYLIN WAIZINGER ILLUSTRATIONS BY: VICENTE MARTÍ SOLAR

WRITTEN BY: KAYLIN WAIZINGER In the midst of a pandemic, any hopes of a night out have diminished into sad, pre-mixed cocktails on the couch. If you’re eager to get out of your sweats and paint the town, you’re in luck. San Diego’s hottest outdoor nightlife destinations have stepped up to give us the after-dark affair we so badly crave. Safety measures have been put in place (don’t forget your mask!), and these four outdoor lounges are ready to fill your glass!

or Pumpkin Spice Latte

Gaslamp Quarter

Peppermint Hot Chocolate

Gaslamp Quarter

Peppermint Bark

Sugar Cookies

Ugly Sweater Contest

1 2

Pumpkin Pie

The Rooftop by STK

LOCATION: Andaz San Diego

> Perched on top of the seventh floor of the Andaz Hotel, this shi-shi restaurant boasts stunning views of the Downtown San Diego skyline. Grab a table and enjoy handcrafted cocktails and delicious dishes from a menu specially created by Executive Chef J.C. Colón. This starry nightlife spot will sweep you off your feet! Be sure to dress to impress because the “upscale casual” dress code is strictly enforced on the weekends. 600 F St San Diego, CA 92101 619.814.2002 www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/ california/andaz-san-diego

60 LOCALE MAGAZINE

White Elephant Gift Exchange

La Jolla

George’s at the Cove

LOCATION: La Jolla

> If you’re looking for a beachy-casual experience, head to George’s at the Cove’s ocean terrace for elevated, panoramic views of La Jolla Cove! This modern seaside restaurant features a full-service bar and daily food and drink specials. Check their sunset tracker, then book your reservation accordingly to catch a gorgeous La Jolla sunset. 1250 Prospect St La Jolla, CA 92037 858.454.4244 www.georgesatthecove. com/ocean-terrace

The Nolen

LOCATION: Courtyard San Diego Gaslamp/ Convention Center > Situated 14 floors above San Diego, The Nolen rooftop bar and lounge is an elevated, swanky watering hole with timeless cocktails and breathtaking skyline views. Just a quick elevator ride up to the rooftop of the Courtyard Gaslamp will bring you to this open-air lounge, which serves up crafty cocktails made with rare spirits, aged in American oak barrels. 453 Sixth Ave, Ste 7007 San Diego, CA 92101 619.796.6536 www.thenolenrooftop.com

FLOAT Rooftop Bar

LOCATION: Hard Rock Hotel San Diego

> FLOAT is a hip fourth-floor oasis set atop the Hard Rock Hotel in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter. Come nighttime, this poolside spot matures into a sophisticated lounge, complete with firepits, cabanas, flatscreen TVs and scenic views. Gather your crew and cozy up under the stars at this urban, sky-high lounge in the heart of downtown. 207 Fifth Ave San Diego, CA 92101 619.764.6924 www.hardrockhotelsd.com/ float-rooftop-bar

Apple Pie

Eggnog

Mulled Wine

or Skiing

Snowboarding

or Scarf

Beanie

or Turkey

Roast Beef

Photos - The Nolen: Haley Hill Photography | FLOAT Rooftop Bar: Hard Rock Hotel San Diego | George’s at the Cove: George’s at the Cove | The Rooftop by STK: Andaz Hotel

Carl F. Bucherer Heritage Bicompax Annual

$10,500

Carl F. Bucherer Patravi Scubatec Ladies

$4,900

U nder the Tree

Will Santa Come up Big This Year? Only Time Will Tell...

Carl F. Bucherer Patravi Scubatec Black Manta

3 Carl F. Bucherer Manero Flyback

$6,200

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: CARL F. BUCHERER

$7,200

5 Carl F. Bucherer Manero Tourbillon

$68,000

6 Carl F. Bucherer Pathos Diva

$8,600

TOURNEAU SOUTH COAST PLAZA 3333 Bristol St Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.850.0222 www.tourneau.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 61

U nder the Tree

Don’t Panic! These Last-Minute Gifts Are Thoughtful, Fun and Affordable 1 ZO® Scrub $67

3 House of Blues Gift Card Any amount HOUSE OF BLUES ANAHEIM www.houseofblues.com/anaheim

2 ZO® Complexion Pads $51

ZO® SKIN HEALTH www.skinspirit.com

4 Hinoki Body Oil $85

WONDER VALLEY www.welcometowondervalley.com

5 Citrus Lavender Bar Soap $7 BRWN & CO. www.brwnandco.com

6 Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Coconut Lip Balm $3.99 SUN BUM www.sunbum.com

7 Hurom H-AA Slow Juicer $459 HUROM www.hurom.com

8 TWO CAN Men’s Swim Shorts $69.99 DREWS CLOTHING www.drewsclothing.com.au

9 Chopard Glasses $1,008

VITRA EYEWEAR www.vitraeyewear.com

10 Matsuda Glasses $758

VITRA EYEWEAR www.vitraeyewear.com

11 Cartier Glasses $3,928

VITRA EYEWEAR www.vitraeyewear.com 62 LOCALE MAGAZINE

12 Cutwater Bali Hai Tiki Holiday Spirit $29.99 CUTWATER SPIRITS www.cutwaterspirits.com

13 SWIMINISTA Bikini $87 (top) and $80 (bottom) SWIMINISTA www.swiminista.com

14 Beard Oil $15.95

LUCKY BEARD www.lucky-beard.com

Photos - SkinSpirit & Vitra Eyewear: John Glover | House of Blues: House of Blues Entertainment | Hinoki Body Oil: Wonder Valley | Citrus Lavender Bar Soap: BRWN & Co. | Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Coconut Lip Balm: Sun Bum | Hurom H-AA Slow Juicer: HUROM | TWO CAN Men’s Swim Shorts: Drews Clothing | Cutwater Bali Hai Tiki Holiday Spirit: Woodford Reserve, Cutwater Spirits | SWIMINISTA Bikini: SWIMINISTA - Andrea Bernholtz | Beard Oil: Lucky Beard (Adam Wilson)

escape + shoppe /// guide

U nder the Tree

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Let 2020 Dull Your Sparkle

SERAFINO CONSOLI Multi-Size Ring with Diamonds

PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: LEEDS & SON

$7,380

1 TAG Heuer Aquaracer

S.T. DUPONT Pens Roller Ball Medium

$2,750

$690

MESSIKA Lucky Move Jewels Necklace - Malachite

$4,920

7 TUDOR Black Bay Bronze

$4,150

5 LANA Jewelry Flawless Butterfly Collection Earrings

$2,150

LEEDS & SON FINE JEWELERS 73670 El Paseo Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.568.5266 www.leedsandson.com 64 LOCALE MAGAZINE

6 Graduated Diamond Drop Earrings Set in 18 Karat White Gold

$35,200

3 27 Miles Essie Crewneck Sweater $253

escape + shoppe /// guide

PLANET BLUE www.shopplanetblue.com

U nder the Tree

The Point in El Segundo Is a One-Stop Shop for Everyone on Your List PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JOHN GLOVER

2 The Mercury Necklace by Vanessa Mooney $60 PLANET BLUE www.shopplanetblue.com

1 Celestial Boater Lack of Color Hat $190

4 Ivory Fringe Sweater $38.99 NO REST FOR BRIDGET www.norestforbridget.com

5 Flynn Vegan Leather Jacket $94.99

PLANET BLUE www.shopplanetblue.com

NO REST FOR BRIDGET www.norestforbridget.com

6 Freida Vintage Gold Linear Earrings $98 KENDRA SCOTT www.kendrascott.com

7 Kaia Bangle Bracelet $118 KENDRA SCOTT www.kendrascott.com

66 LOCALE MAGAZINE

8 Pop The Champagne Gift Set $64.95 SUGARFINA www.sugarfina.com

9 Goji Tarocco Orange Voluspa Candle $24.20 NO REST FOR BRIDGET www.norestforbridget.com

10 Blanket Shirt $148

11 Freida Gold Multi Strand Necklace $78

OUTERKNOWN www.outerknown.com

KENDRA SCOTT www.kendrascott.com

12 S.E.A. Suit $168

OUTERKNOWN www.outerknown.com

13 The Bourbon Collection Gift Set $39.95

SUGARFINA www.sugarfina.com

16 Medium Chunky Hoops by Tai Jewelry $80

14 MOTHER The Insider Crop Jeans $258

PLANET BLUE www.shopplanetblue.com

15 Huge Bashful Bunny $60 RABBIT LADDERS www.rabbitladders.com

17 Vespa $200

RABBIT LADDERS www.rabbitladders.com

All Gifts Available at

THE POINT 850 S Pacific Coast Hwy El Segundo, CA 90245 310.414.5280 www.thepointsb.com

LOCALE MAGAZINE 67

8 a.m.

TOAST SOCIETY

But First, Toast

V egas

> Fuel your day with a stop at Toast Society. This female-founded gourmet toast and wellness bar is for avocado toast lovers and coffee connoisseurs alike. Whether you have a sweet tooth or a savory craving, there is a toast for you. You’ll be the perfect amount of full for your next stop…

From Red Rocks to Pad Thai, Explore Sin City Like a Local (You Won’t Even Miss the Strip) WRITTEN BY: TAYLOR GORSKI

toastsocietycafe.com

A few things come to mind when you think of Las Vegas: the strip, crazy clubs, endless gambling and lots of partying all weekend long. People forget, however, that Las Vegas is a whole city with master-planned communities, endless outdoor activities and local businesses to support. If you’ve made the drive to Vegas more times than you’d like to admit—and are over the whole party scene—it’s time to experience Vegas like a local. Switch up the scenery and take a mini vacay to this desert destination.

Las Vegas

TOAST SOCIETY

10 a.m.

Get Outdoors

> Just about 30 minutes from your breakfast stop is the beautiful Red Rock Canyon. Take a drive to hike up the orange and red rocks. Not into hiking? Go for the 13-mile Scenic Drive where you can and ooh and ahh from the comfort of your car. Get your hiking shoes on and soak up the winter desert sun, but here’s a heads up: Red Rock is a National Park and charges $15 per vehicle to enter. redrockcanyonlv.org

2 p.m.

Lunch Time

> Founded in Las Vegas, SkinnyFATS is a true local spot. Do you love to indulge or would you rather stick to a healthy meal? 68 LOCALE MAGAZINE

Whether you’re a healthy or happy eater, SkinnyFATS has a menu for you...literally. Their unique half-healthy, half-happy menu boasts selections like Naked Chix (healthy), Sweet Cheese Us (happy) and Stuff on Curry (happy). Don’t leave without trying their on-tap beer selection!

FREMONT ST

7 p.m.

Downtown Stroll

> Take a walk down Fremont St and around downtown Las Vegas where you’ll find street performers, flashing lights and outdoor concerts. It’s quite the sight to see. Did you forget you can drink in public here? If you’re up for it, take a ride on the SlotZilla zip line!

www.skinnyfats.com

5 p.m.

Holiday Cactus Garden

> A local’s favorite holiday activity, Ethel M. Chocolate Factory boasts a family-fun light display through the Botanical Cactus Garden. After walking through the garden, enjoy a selfguided tour to see how their delicious chocolate is made! www.ethelm.com

vegasexperience.com

7:30 p.m.

Drunken Noodles

SkinnyFATS

> Since you’re already downtown, don’t miss out on dinner and drinks at Le Thai. With mouthwatering Thai food and a back patio

TOPGOLF LAS VEGAS

for dining, this is the vibe you’re searching for. Try Chef Dan Coughlin’s famous three-color curry for a delicious bite. www.lethaivegas.com

9 p.m.

Hole in One

> To end your night,

have a little fun at Topgolf Las Vegas! Sip a Topgolf Tea and swing for the most points. This Topgolf location has five unique bars, flat-screen TVs, VIP cabanas and even two pools.

www.topgolf.com

Photos - Toast Society Cafe: Ginandsake | SkinnyFATS: @JAYTHERULER | Fremont St: Black Raven for Fremont Street Experience | Topgolf: Michael Baxter, Baxter Imaging LLC

escape + shoppe /// guide

Heavy Duty

Power and Sound > The maximum performance kit for the G63 is made up of two BRABUS special turbochargers with larger compressor units. Modified core assemblies with reinforced axial bearings complete this hightech kit, optimizing performance.

W heels

> To ensure flawless driving dynamics, Brabus Automotive equips the chassis with reinforced springs, stabilizers and shock absorbers. A modified braking system, wheels with increased loadbearing capacity and a special run-flat system perfect the chassis adjustments of the vehicle.

The All-New Armoured G-Wagon From Brabus Automotive Absolutely Sleighs WRITTEN BY: KAYLIN WAIZINGER PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: BRABUS GERMANY

An Outer Shell > When it came to developing the new armoured plated BRABUS G-Wagon, the Brabus Automotive engineers crafted a self-contained, selfsupporting, bolted structural cell. The socalled INVICTO Shelter Cell’s ballistic concept was designed with maximum protection in mind.

“To ensure flawless driving dynamics, Brabus Automotive equips the chassis with reinforced springs, stabilisers and shock absorbers.”

The BRABUS engineers and designers are at it again—just in time for the holidays! The allnew armoured plated BRABUS G-Wagon combines style, protection and sophistication for a luxury driving experience. Give the gift of performance this season and see how the world’s most renowned and high-performance tuning corporation continues to create custom works of art to reflect today’s cutting-edge technology. And while you’re at it, envision the armoured plated BRABUS G-Wagon parked in your driveway with a big red bow...

Individualization > The armoured plated BRABUS G-Wagon is complete with “MOLLE”-system door panels and seat backs, a roof rail system, a digital rear-display mirror, an intercom system, 20-inch rough profile off-road tires and more. However, you can customize it to include auxiliary roof lights, a fire extinguishing system, an IR package— including a night vision device—and an escape hatch!

BRABUS USA | GERMAN TUNING CORPORATION 1711 McGaw Ave Irvine, CA 92614 949.229.1770 www.brabus.com/en www.germantuningcorporation.com/brands/brabus LOCALE MAGAZINE 69

escape + shoppe /// guide

X tra

Y ours Truly

South Bay

Give Your Significant Other the Ultimate (So Extra) LA Experience This Season

All I Want For Christmas...

WRITTEN BY: KAYLIN WAIZINGER ILLUSTRATIONS BY: VICENTE MARTÍ SOLAR

WRITTEN BY: TAYLOR GORSKI ILLUSTRATION BY: VICENTE MARTÍ SOLAR

So far, 2020 is chock-full of L’s To say the least, it hasn’t been swell A pandemic swept the globe and hit pretty hard It’s safe to say, it caught us off guard

West Hollywood

Gyms are closed and restaurants require masks But that hasn’t stopped us, we’re quite up to the task We’ve pivoted in ways to keep us safe and afloat Ordering takeout, FaceTiming and working remote

4 5

Manhattan Beach

1 2

1 Stay at…

The Pendry Suite

4 Give the Gift of...

PENDRY WEST HOLLYWOOD www.pendry.com/westhollywood

A shiny new car

SOUTH BAY BMW www.southbaybmw.com

2 Adventure to…

New Heights in a Helicopter Tour ELITE HELICOPTER TOURS elitehelicoptertours.com 70 LOCALE MAGAZINE

5 Dine With...

Surprise Them With…

Eternity Roses

Spectacular Ocean Views

VENUS ET FLEUR www.venusetfleur.com

THE STRAND HOUSE thestrandhousemb.com

Our wishlist this year may look slightly bizarre No iPhone, no golf clubs, no shiny new car From sunny SoCal to the chilly North Pole We present you our list, and we don’t deserve coal...

° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° ° °

Precedented times A nap Less Zoom calls A babysitter A personal chef A reason to put on pants A therapist A vacation Jan. 1, 2021 Non-political conversation Unlimited margaritas Abs A white Christmas (but rosé works too) A gallon of sanitizer Toilet paper A reason to stop baking An at-home gym A hug

Yours Truly,Editors The LOCALE

Photos - Pendry West Hollywood | Elite Helicopter Tours | South Bay BMW: BMW Group | The Strand House: Stefanie Villers

Mr. and Mrs. Claus—

Surprise your sweetheart with a dreamy, over-the-top and romantic day in Los Angeles. What better gift than quality time with the one you love? From beginning to end, this will be an unforgettable experience...it might even seal the deal.

z en

The Spa at Séc-he Is Set to Offer Indulgence in Relaxation WRITTEN BY: CRYSTAL HARRELL

If you’re looking for an enriching and purifying spa experience, The Spa at Séc-he is the perfect pampering destination. The spa will be part of the new Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza, which will also feature an Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, a Gathering Plaza, gardens and an Oasis Trail. With a beautiful location in downtown Palm Springs, the Agua Caliente Cultural Plaza and spa will be a unique way to celebrate the culture and significance of the sacred Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring. The spa will be the fifth at the site, with the first dating back to the 1880s.

Tribe History > “Our new Cultural Plaza provides an incredible opportunity to share and celebrate our history, culture and traditions with this community and visitors from around the world,” explains Tribal Chairman Jeff L. Grubbe, of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. “Each federally recognized tribe throughout this country has a distinct culture that includes traditions, language, historic clothing and housing styles.”

Drawing Inspiration From Nature > Inspiration for the Cultural Plaza’s design encompasses Agua Caliente elements found in nature, including desert landscapes, Andreas Canyon rock formations and the Andreas Canyon stream.

Healing Water

Hot Mineral Spring

> The water from the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring is estimated to be upwards of 12,000 years old and contains a mineral make-up that has not been found anywhere else in the world.

> The new spa includes 40,000 square feet to celebrate the ancient healing waters of the Agua Caliente Hot Mineral Spring with treatment rooms, private baths, a tranquility garden, salon, fitness center and outdoor mineral pools. Stay tuned for a grand opening announcement!

Palm Springs

AGUA CALIENTE CULTURAL PLAZA 100 N Indian Canyon Dr Palm Springs, CA 92262 760.778.1079 www.visionaguacaliente.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 71

foodie

PHOTO BY: Kambria Fischer • LOUISIANA PURCHASE 2305 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104 | 619.255.8278 | www.louisianapurchasesd.com

December 2020 /// recipes. refreshments. resilience.

North Park

Meals Deconstructed

French Quarter Feast North Park’s Louisiana Purchase Turns up the Heat With the Dragos Stuffed Lobster

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foodie /// feature

STILL GOT TA EAT From San Diego to Los Angeles, These Restaurants Pivoted to Be Successful in 2020

WRITTEN BY: JENNIFER PELLERITO ILLUSTRATIONS BY: VICENTE MARTÍ SOLAR

With the pandemic lasting longer than anyone expected, you could easily say “the times, they are a changin’.” It’s reassuring, though, to remember that humans are built to adapt. Fortunately, restaurants throughout Southern California have followed suit. Be sure to check out the following establishments, whether you plan to dine outdoors or order to go. LOCALE MAGAZINE 75

Orange County

foodie /// feature

DINE AL FRESCO AT AVILA’S EL RANCHITO “We’ve adjusted our takeout process,” says Maribel Avila Ley, owner of Avila’s El Ranchito. “We’ve created a curbside pick-up area that allows for contactless takeout options.” One new feature for take out is liters of margaritas to go. Get Avila's quality craft margaritas to enjoy in the comfort and safety of your own home. Avila Ley says that many people are ordering mini burritos by the dozen to go and keeping them in the fridge or freezer to eat as leftovers. “They’re small, so they make an easy snack. Just toss them in the microwave or toaster oven, and they’re ready to go,” says Avila Ley. AVILA’S EL RANCHITO 2800 Newport Blvd Newport Beach, CA 92663 949.675.6855 www.avilaselranchito.com

SIP AND STAY AT PLAYA MESA PLAYA MESA 428 E 17th St Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949.287.5292 www.playamesa.com

Specifically, Playa Mesa is known for its standout taco offerings. Try the “Gobernador”: tacos made with sautéed shrimp, garlic butter, bell pepper and queso Oaxaca. The restaurant says they’ve transitioned to offering more items to-go in the midst of the pandemic. As far as adjusting to new regulations, Alexandra Taylor, representative for Playa Mesa, says they’re “constantly reconfiguring and refreshing dining areas to stay in line with best practices, while providing a stellar experience.” The restaurant is “cross training all teammates to be able to keep as many workers employed as possible.”

POUR IT UP •Playa Mesa has an extensive selection of over 50 premium tequilas and smoky mezcals, and on Tuesdays, craft margaritas are $8 all day long!

SOUP-ERB •The most popular item on the menu is Mama Avila’s Soup. The fresh chicken broth, chicken breast, rice and tomatoes has been a favorite among customers looking for health benefits and a spoonful of comfort.

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Photos - Playa Mesa: Robiee Z and Dan Dobi | Avila’s El Ranchito: Patty Mitchell | SOCIAL Craft Kitchen + Bar: SOCIAL & Bradley Blackburn | bluEmber: Nathan Cox

SNAZZY SIPPING •bluEmber sits on the property of the Omni Rancho Las Palmas, which used to be the location of Palm Desert Airpark in the 1960s. Hollywood celebrities and socialites would land their private planes right on the property.

LOCAL LEGEND •Have you seen the Kobe Bryant tribute mural outside of SOCIAL Costa Mesa? Andaluz the Artist painted it back in February to honor Kobe and the Orange County victims of the crash.

HEAT UP YOUR EVENING AT BLUEMBER BLUEMBER AT OMNI RANCHO LAS PALMAS RESORT & SPA 41000 Bob Hope Dr Rancho Mirage, CA 92270 760.862.4581 www.omnirancholaspalmas.com

bluEmber is the jewel of outdoor dining in Rancho Mirage. Robert Nyerick, director of food and beverage, says, “Almost nothing has changed—with the exception of following the proper protocols and procedures in place.” The restaurant has always featured a stunning outdoor patio with ample seating, allowing diners to soak up the desert sun. A few of the more popular items on the menu include the curry-roasted cauliflower bites, the Hawaiian poke and sesame ahi tuna bowl. Dine outdoors or order takeout!

“Almost nothing has changed—with the exception of following the proper protocols and procedures in place.” —Robert Nyerick

Greater Palm Springs

COZY UP ON SOCIAL’S OUTDOOR PATIO SOCIAL Kitchen + Craft Bar has recently finished constructing a trendy outdoor patio at both their Huntington Beach and Costa Mesa locations. Wave your worries away while dining, since SOCIAL has taken extra steps to sanitize and keep up with current CDC guidelines. They’re also a company with a cause: “[We] fed all unemployed or furloughed hospitality workers and first responders from March to May during the pandemic,” says Andrew Dorsey, owner and operator. SOCIAL KITCHEN + CRAFT BAR 512 W 19th St Costa Mesa, CA 92627 949.642.2425 www.socialrg.com

“[We] fed all unemployed or furloughed hospitality workers and first responders from March to May during the pandemic.”—Andrew Dorsey

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San Diego

foodie /// feature

ROLL RIGHT UP TO PARK 101 Park 101 in Carlsbad is your ticket to a satisfying meal. Pete Cich, owner and operator of Grind and Prosper Hospitality Group, says the management had to make a major shift to focus on pick-up and delivery service. “The pandemic shined a light on our company’s culture and what makes us tick,” says Cich. He explains the value he holds in his staff members, whose perseverance has meant everything. Don’t miss the restaurant’s frozen cocktails, which were a huge hit during stay-at-home mandates. PARK 101 3040 Carlsbad Blvd Carlsbad, CA 92008 760.434.2217 www.park101carlsbad.com

EXPLORE YOUR TASTE BUDS AT ESTANCIA LA JOLLA HOTEL & SPA

If you’re dreaming of your next vacation, cruise on over to Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. The grounds are gorgeous enough to transport you away, even if only for an hour or two. You’ll find the hotel’s Baja-inspired restaurant, Mustangs & Burros, has adapted to increased safety measures by making use of its outdoor space. Don’t miss the Secret Garden, the hotel’s garden lounge, accessed by sharing the password given at check-in. “We had fun with it,” says Executive Chef Vincent Savignano. ESTANCIA LA JOLLA HOTEL & SPA 9700 N Torrey Pines Rd La Jolla, CA 92037 855.430.7503 www.meritagecollection.com/estancia-la-jolla

BLOOMING BRIGHTLY •Park 101 was formerly El Corral, a 60-year-old, locally owned pottery store that had ties to the vibrant history of flower agriculture in Carlsbad.

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Photos - Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa | Park 101: Huy Hoang

FUR -FRIENDLY •Mustangs & Burros at Estancia La Jolla is dog-friendly, offering three different menu options for pups!

Los Angeles

SPICE UP QUARANTINE AT TOCAYA ORGANICA The adjustments at Tocaya Organica at The Point in El Segundo are right in line with all pandemic precautions. Diners can order food and drinks directly from their phones simply by scanning a QR code on display at the table. Try the Fajita del Rey, the most popular item on Tocaya’s menu, which highlights locally sourced ingredients. “Our focus as a company is always going to be the environment,” says President of Tocaya, Michael “Mikey” Tanha. It’s true—now more than ever, the company is committed to sustainability. TOCAYA ORGANICA AT THE POINT 820 S Pacific Coast Hwy, Ste 112 El Segundo, CA 90245 424.352.0876 www.tocayaorganica.com

Photos - Tocaya Organica: The Point | El Cholo - The Original: Wales Communications

TASTE TRADITIONAL MEXICAN AT EL CHOLO EL CHOLO - THE ORIGINAL 1121 S Western Ave Los Angeles, CA 90006 323.734.2773 www.elcholo.com

A favorite among Angelenos, El Cholo has adapted to the times by expanding its outdoor seating into the neighboring parking lot. Ron Salisbury, the current owner and grandson of the original founders, says that the restaurant is now looking to remodel, adding an interior courtyard to accommodate more open-air dining. El Cholo has been in business for 97 years and shows no signs of stopping—a huge relief to loyal patrons. Salisbury says, “When times are tough, rather than experimenting with something new, you go back to something familiar and comforting.” Isn’t that the truth?

HISTORIC BITES •El Cholo is one of the most historic restaurants in Los Angeles. It first opened in 1923 and has since remained a family-owned business.

“When times are tough, rather than experimenting with something new, you go back to something familiar and comforting.”—Ron Salisbury

RAISE YOUR STANDARDS •Tocaya Organica’s modern Mexican cuisine is locallysourced and made with natural ingredients while accommodating a variety of dietary preferences.

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foodie /// 2 things we love

N AT I V E KNOWLEDGE

The

Decadent Seafood Pairing Sure to Impress Your Next Dinner Date

THIS LA JOLLA EATERY SERVES UP THE FRESHEST SEAFOOD IMAGINABLE WRITTEN BY: KAYLIN WAIZINGER PHOTOGRAPHED BY: KAMBRIA FISCHER

Buffalo Octopus Ingredients: • Chargrilled Octopus • Olive Oil • Lemon Juice • Parsley • Chili Flakes • Buffalo Sauce • Butter • Confit Garlic • Shaved Rainbow Carrots • Shaved Celery • Herb Ranch Dressing • Celery Leaf (garnish)

N AT I V E KNOWLEDGE

• Head to Herringbone for amazing brunch offerings such as their decadent lobster frittata, bottomless mimosas and endless rosé!

• During Oyster Hour, Herringbone’s oysters are only $1 a piece, from 4-7 p.m. nightly! Be sure to check their website for other amazing seasonal and monthly specials.

HERRINGBONE SEAFOOD P L AT T E R • With multiple tiers of fresh-caught shellfish, you and your crew will be clamoring for the last piece of this extravagant seafood platter. This shareable starter is decadent in its display and features an assortment of oysters, clams, shrimp, and lobster pieces, all served on ice with three tasty dipping sauces. Trust us—it’s shuckin’ amazing!

Tucked into a refurbished 1930s-era warehouse, Herringbone presents a romantic, garden-chic space to enjoy marketfresh seafood. From raw oysters, shrimp and clams to innovative eats like the chargrilled buffalo octopus, this established La Jolla eatery sure knows how to reel you in. Pair any of these offerings with a crisp glass of white wine, draft beer or chilled rosé and you’ll surely ascend to seafood heaven.

Herringbone Seafood Platter Ingredients: • Chef Selection ½ East Coast Petite ½ Dozen Oysters • Chef Selection ½ West Coast Petite ½ Dozen Oysters • Grande Full Dozen Oysters • Seaweed Salad • Local Rockfish Agua Chile • Poached Shrimp • Olive Oil • Lemon Juice • Chives • Snow Crab Claws • Yellow Corn Chips • Mustard-Mayo • Crab Remoulade • Cocktail Sauce • Mignonette Sauce

DATE NIGHT DIGS • Herringbone’s indoor/outdoor patio features 100-year-old olive trees and rows of hanging lights. The restaurant’s rustic setting is a gorgeous spot for a romantic dinner...hint, hint!

B U F FA LO O C TO P U S

• This delectable dish is the perfect pick for anyone who likes a little spice. Layered over a bed of black-eyed peas, sits a mountain of chargrilled buffalo octopus, fresh herbs and shaved celery and carrots. The cool herb ranch dressing works to balance the spice level, making this dish an inventive seafood staple.

SEA TO TABLE

• Known for farm-fresh cuisine and line-caught fish, Herringbone dishes out a fresh and unique take on seafood. The “fishmeets-field” menu is a true testament to the restaurant’s ethical values and efforts toward sustainability.

SERVING THOSE WHO SERVE

La Jolla

• The Herringbone team continues to find ways to give back to frontline heroes and the surrounding La Jolla community. They are currently offering 15% off for veterans, first responders and military personnel. Reserve online today on their reservations page and redeem when you dine! HERRINGBONE 7837 Herschel Ave La Jolla, CA 92037 858.459.0221 herringboneeats.com

LOCALE MAGAZINE

foodie /// feature

Joyeux

Noel SWING INTO THE H O L I D AY S E A S O N W I T H THESE FESTIVE COCKTAIL RECIPES FROM LILLET

WRITTEN BY: KAYLIN WAIZINGER PHOTOGRAPHED BY: NIKI CRAM STYLED BY: LAUREN LEWELLEN

LILLET www.lillet.com @Lillet.USA

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foodie /// feature

The holidays are typically a fast-paced hodgepodge of crowded parties, stressful shopping sprees and an overwhelming pressure to be everywhere at once. But this year, things may look a bit different given the current circumstances, and so we turn to the beloved bar cart—a quarantine staple—for an intimate hosting experience. Shake things up this season with Lillet’s line of Blanc, Rosé and Rouge—a premium selection of French aperitifs that are sure to put you and your crew in the holiday spirit! After all, there is no place like home for the holidays.

Drink Name:

Bonne Nuit

Classic French Spritz

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz Martell Cognac • 1.5 oz Lillet Rosé or Lillet Blanc • 2 dashes Angostura Bitters

• 3 oz Lillet Blanc or Rosé • 2 oz Tonic Water • 2 oz Sparkling Wine

Recipe:

• Combine ingredients over ice in a glass, stir and garnish with an orange twist.

• Combine ingredients over ice in a wine glass. Garnish with cranberries and rosemary.

Drink Name:

Cranberry Sparkler Ingredients: • 3 oz Lillet Blanc • ½ oz Fresh Lemon Juice • 1-2 tbsp Cranberry Sauce • 3 oz Brut Champagne Recipe: • Combine all ingredients except the champagne in a cocktail shaker, shake and fine strain into a glass and top with bubbles. Garnish with a candied orange peel.

Drink Name:

Coat Check Ingredients: • 2 oz Lillet Rouge • 1 oz Gin • Top with Lambrusco Recipe: • Combine ingredients over lots of ice in a wine glass and garnish with a grapefruit slice.

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“

After all, there is no place like home for the holidays. Drink Name:

Lillet Rouge Mule Ingredients: • 2 oz Lillet Rouge • 1 oz Absolut Elyx Vodka • ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice • Ginger Beer Recipe: • Combine all ingredients except the ginger beer in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake and strain into a glass over ice and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime and cinnamon stick.

Garnishes You’ll Need:

• Grapefruit Slice • Candied Orange Peel • Lime Wedge • Cinnamon Stick • Orange Twist

Drink Responsibly

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foodie /// get the deets

Elevating the Food Scene FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND GASTRONOMIC EXPERIENCE COMES TO CARMEL VALLEY

WRITTEN BY: DONOVAN ROCHE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: DEL MAR HIGHLANDS TOWN CENTER

Carmel Valley

As Del Mar Highlands Town Center’s $120 million expansion takes shape, one new concept stands out. Occupying 25,000-square-feet above Jimbo’s, the Sky Deck is set to be a gastronomic experience unlike any other. The main space will feature a central cocktail bar surrounded by eight to 10 curated restaurants. Follow the spiral staircase up to the next level and you’ll discover an outdoor brewer’s deck with sweeping views of Carmel Valley. Whether you’re grabbing drinks, sampling eclectic foods or locking in the perfect date night, the soon-to-be Sky Deck is sure to delight!

“Our goal is to create a one-of-akind experience for our customers that is approachable, local and fun.” —PAT DONAHUE

You can get your first taste of all the Sky Deck has to offer at its grand opening on Feb. 10, 2021.

AHOY, MATEY!

A TASTE ABOVE

• As you approach the Sky Deck, you might pick up on the building’s ship-like architecture, which is apropos given San Diego’s maritime history. Upon entering the sprawling space— complete with its extraordinary skylight hovering overhead—you’ll find yourself immersed in the nautical theme, replete with décor like ocean-inspired murals, fish nets and other seafaring elements synonymous with shipping and the Port of San Diego. It’s an inviting ambiance for this restaurant collective, which is the first of its kind in the US.

• The Sky Deck’s top level will feature a brewer’s deck with satellite tasting rooms from Northern Pine, Rough Draft Brewing and Boochcraft Kombucha—each unique to San Diego with roots stretching from Oceanside to Chula Vista. It’s a great place for both beer aficionados and curiosity seekers to enjoy local brews and food selections from each of the restaurants in a communal, rooftop setting. You can get your first taste of all the Sky Deck has to offer at its grand opening on Feb. 10, 2021.

Spanish Roots

• The Sky Deck’s concept stems from a trip Donahue took to Barcelona, where he discovered El Nacional: a unique collective featuring numerous restaurants and bars all under one roof. At El Nacional in the heart of Passeig de Gràcia, visitors can try traditional recipes from around the Iberian Peninsula, all prepared with fresh produce in a communal environment.

Burgers to Bars

• The central cocktail bar, dubbed Understory after the layer of rainforest between the canopy and forest floor, was created by Scott Slater, the founder of Slater’s 50/50. Slater is known for his disdain for the boring and his passion for burgers, bacon and craft beer.

The Real Deal

GLOBAL GASTRONOMY Make no mistake, the Sky Deck isn’t a food hall. In addition to offering varied culinary tastes— ranging from Japanese, Thai and Italian to Greek, Mexican and French—each restaurant will offer exclusive seating while socializers at the

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central cocktail bar can have food delivered to them from any eatery. “Our goal is to create a one-of-a-kind experience for our customers that is approachable, local and fun,” says Pat Donahue, chairman and CEO of Donahue Schriber, owner of Del Mar Highlands Town Center.

• When it comes to the Sky Deck’s decor, Del Mar Highlands Town Center spared no detail. All the maritime elements are authentic— from actual boats suspended from the rafters to found objects sourced from local San Diego shipyards.

DEL MAR HIGHLANDS TOWN CENTER 12925 El Camino Real San Diego, CA 92130 858.793.5757 www.delmarhighlandstowncenter.com

foodie /// meals deconstructed

The Dragos

DECONSTRUCTED

M EALS DECONSTRUCTED

WRITTEN BY: MICHELLE STANSBURY PHOTOGRAPHED BY: KAMBRIA FISCHER

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R E F T E R AS A U

North Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Louisiana Purchase Turns up the Heat With the Dragos Stuffed Lobster

French

“Dragos is a restaurant in Louisiana famous for its stuffed lobster, and I wanted to do that times 10.” —Chef Q

North Park

LOUISIANA PURCHASE 2305 University Ave San Diego, CA 92104 619.255.8278 www.louisianapurchasesd.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 89

foodie /// meals deconstructed

“We’re all in this together—to get people to take notice.”

3 cups of Heavy Cream

—Chef Q

1 Sprig Rosemary

Salt + Pepper

8 oz Linguine

Cajun Spice

Southern Elegance • Renowned architect Jeff Svitak helped craft a contemporary interpretation of a traditional French Quarter restaurant, bringing in elements of marble, wood and rich velvet. The indoor dining space seamlessly spills out onto a lush patio—a nod to the many courtyards found across the beautiful southeastern coast of Louisiana. Mid-Week Treat • In order to give back to those who serve, Louisiana Purchase offers 20% off to servicemembers on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Be sure to take full advantage of this amazing opportunity and fill your plate with the freshest NOLA cuisine in town!

The Dragos

DECONSTRUCTED

1 Half Split Chick Lobster

1 tbsp Minced Garlic

Red Pepper Flakes

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1/2 cup Parmesan

Not pictured - Microgreens - Edible Flowers

Get Groovy • If you order the Pablo Discobar, the cocktail is served in a disco ball! This sparkly sip serves four to five people and is made with Earl Grey Elyx, Colombian rum, oleo saccharum, guava, mango and kombucha! New (Orleans) Eats • In addition to the core menu, which includes The Dragos, Louisiana Purchase also has a weekly rotating “neighborhood menu,” which features fun new dishes based on seasonal ingredients, eclectic whims and guest requests (like the crafty crawfish birra tacos!).

“The whole restaurant is an homage to Louisiana. From the food to the cocktails, we keep it authentic to the NOLA region.” —Chef Q

“...Los Angeles and San Francisco have all the shine, but San Diego is the hidden gem. The county isn’t just about the surf and tacos; we have incredible culinary talent too.” —Chef Q

Step out of North Park and into the French Quarter—the expansive patio of Louisiana Purchase welcomes you with hanging ferns and dimly lit lanterns. Keep your eye out for Executive Chef Quinnton Austin, known as Chef Q, as he walks around the restaurant, checking in on guests and laughing with his team. Chef Q, a Louisiana native, brings a genuine taste of New Orleans to San Diego. He shares, “The whole restaurant is an homage to Louisiana. From the food to the cocktails, we keep it authentic to the NOLA region.” Even the names of his dishes are tributes to inspirational restaurants, chefs and figures from his home.

One of those dishes is The Dragos, a heaping plate featuring a chick lobster stuffed with Cajun lobster linguini. The signature dish is named after the Dragos Seafood Restaurant, which has three locations in Louisiana. “Dragos is a restaurant in Louisiana famous for its stuffed lobster, and I wanted to do that times 10,” Chef Q explains. He recalls, “The first time I saw this dish, my dad had gotten it and he loved it. I immediately knew I wanted to redo it.” The Dragos has been on the menu since Louisiana Purchase opened in March 2019 and was an immediate hit. Chef Q’s version is an eye-widening, get-your-phone-out, oh-my-gosh sort of dish with the lobster claws and tail just peeking out from under a heaping mountain of pasta. It all starts with the lobster. Chef Q gets live chick lobsters from Santa Monica Seafood and calms them with his soothing Louisiana drawl before cooking. “We talk to them [and] calm them down; it makes the meat more tender when they’re calm. I tell my team, ‘When you grab the lobster, don’t be rough; be as gentle as possible.’” Chef Q laughs, “We tell them, ‘Relax, little lobster.’” The one- to 1.5-pound lobsters are seasoned with a house Cajun spice blend that includes paprika, chili powder, garlic powder and a Louisiana spice called Slap Ya Momma before they are roasted in

the oven. Meanwhile, the linguini is combined with a Cajun rosemary alfredo, reducing the cream and adding Parmesan until the sauce is decadently rich. The Cajun spices add some heat and the Slap Ya Momma spice brightens the sauce. Extra lobster meat is combined with the pasta, and the lobster linguini is then piled on top of the split chick lobster, served garnished with microgreens, edible flowers and more Parmesan cheese. The dish puts the “big” in The Big Easy (a nickname for the city of New Orleans), so you can share with the table. The decadent dish matches Chef Q’s passion for turning San Diego into a culinary destination. “When I first moved to San Diego, it didn’t have a culinary buzz like other places in California,” he explains. “San Diego has only one James Beard nominee and one Michelin Star. Los Angeles and San Francisco have all the shine, but San Diego is the hidden gem. The county isn’t just about the surf and tacos; we have incredible culinary talent too.” Chef Q doesn’t view other restaurants in town as his competition; he is known for supporting other local chefs. “We’re all in this together—to get people to take notice.” With dishes like The Dragos, people are sure to take notice of Louisiana Purchase and Chef Q’s NOLA-inspired cuisine.

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foodie /// feature

1 WHOLE JALAPEÑO

Take Your Fiesta to the Next Level With This Festive, Seltzer-Topped Michelada Recipe

2 TABLESPOONS KOSHER SALT 1 CAN LIME CORONA HARD SELTZER

3/4 TEASPOON TAJIN SEASONING

1 LIME, CUT INTO WEDGES

WRITTEN BY: KAYLIN WAIZINGER PHOTOGRAPHED & STYLED BY: REILLY HEINE

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4 DROPS HOT SAUCE

Make no mistake about it—the holidays revolve around gathering and cheers-ing. So whether you’re hosting a holiday happy hour or festive brunch, the michelada is a classic, thirstquenching cocktail that is sure to get the fiesta started! To make things interesting, we’ve given this zesty Mexican cocktail a refreshing twist. Swap out the cerveza for a Lime Corona Hard Seltzer and garnish with a jalapeño for a fizzy, light and oh-somerry sip.

“Make no mistake about it— the holidays revolve around gathering and cheers-ing.”

Drink Name:

VERY MERRY

Michelada RECIPE: •Mix together the salt and Tajin seasoning on a shallow plate.

4 DROPS WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE

•Wet the rim of the glass with a lime wedge. Then, coat the rim by dipping the glass into the seasoning and fill two-thirds full with ice. •Add the tomato juice, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce and hot sauce into the glass and top off with Lime Corona Hard Seltzer. •Garnish with lime wedges and a jalapeño. Enjoy!

1/4 CUP LIME JUICE HANDFUL OF ICE CUBES

4 DROPS SOY SAUCE

2/3 CUP TOMATO JUICE

Songs to Set the Mood: •“Feliz Navidad” by José Feliciano • “Joy To The World” by Chuck Negron • “Te Regalo” by Sebastián Yatra • “Noche de Paz” by Andrea Bocelli CORONA HARD SELTZER www.coronausa.com

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PHOTO BY: The Cassara Carlsbad • THE CASSARA CARLSBAD, TAPESTRY COLLECTION BY HILTON 5805 Armada Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008 | 760.827.3232 | tapestrycollection3.hilton.com/tc/the-cassara-carlsbad

alive

December 2020 /// festivities. furnishings. full relaxation.

Carlsbad

10 Things We Love

Lights, Libations, Staycations Here’s How to Celebrate the Season in Carlsbad This Year LOCALE MAGAZINE 95

alive /// 24 hours

Walk This Block GET YOUR STEPS IN AND SPEND A DAY AT DEL MAR’S ONE PASEO

Carmel Valley

WRITTEN BY: KAYLIN WAIZINGER

9 a.m.

10:30 a.m.

Ride It Out Ú Kickstart your morning with an outdoor spin class at SoulCycle. The new SoulOutside series offers a packed schedule of classes and includes a silent disco audio experience. Each bike is spaced six feet apart to keep you safe as you sweat it out.

Just Brew It Ú For a post-workout pick-me-up, head to Blue Bottle Coffee for a fresh cup of joe. Founded in Oakland in 2002, this hip roastery has made its way down to sunny San Diego, offering some of the world’s best and most sustainable coffees.

www.soul-cycle.com

In the heart of Del Mar lies One Paseo, a chic urban village with an unique collection of restaurants, cafes, shops, salons and more. Unlike other retail centers, this 23-acre property is home to two office buildings and 608 luxury apartments—from smart studios to spacious townhomes and everything in between. If you’re not quite ready to move in, however, we’ve planned out the perfect daytime excursion at this walkable, vibrant lifestyle destination.

bluebottlecoffee.com

URBN PIZZA

SHOP/GOOD

2 p.m.

Shop Good, Feel Good Ú SHOP/GOOD is a local wellness boutique with an extensive selection of clean beauty products. Think natural makeup, chemical-free deodorant, organic oils, supplements and more. This adorable one-stop shop is all kinds of eye candy with pink walls, neon signs and lush, tropical plants.

Brews n’ Bites Ú By now, you’ve likely worked up an appetite. Order a thin-crust pie to-go from URBN Pizza then head over to Harland Brewery for an ice-cold beer. Stack your pizza with toppings like fried eggplant, gorgonzolastuffed peppers or fresh little neck clams and pair it with one of Harland’s crisp lagers, ales or IPAs.

shop-good.co

www.urbnpizza.com www.harlandbeer.com

Noon

3 p.m.

Nailed It Ú cürBAR is elevating the mani-pedi game one glossy top coat at a time. This unique nail bar offers an inclusive, high-end spa experience at an affordable price for men, women and kids. cürBAR believes that getting your nails done should be a fun, laid-back experience without the fuss!

Surf’s Up Ú Faherty is a familyowned, outdoorsy surf shop that embodies the true essence of SoCal living. Browse around and you’ll find an assortment of sustainable clothing and accessories (and handmade masks!) for men, women and children. This brand’s unwavering focus on craftsmanship is second to none.

www.thecurbar.com

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www.fahertybrand.com

ONE PASEO 3725 Paseo Pl San Diego, CA 92130 858.523.2298 www.onepaseo.com

4 p.m. Rough n’ Ready Ú Owned and operated by two “tomboys” with a love for fashion and nature, Whiskey + Leather’s collection of cozy sweaters, flirty resort wear, stylish jewelry and seductive intimates is a dream come true. Warning: you may want to overhaul your whole wardrobe! www.whiskeyleather.com

6 p.m.

WHISKEY + LEATHER

Dig In Ú Situated in the far corner of the center sits International Smoke, a wood-fired barbecue concept. Reserve a table on their patio and indulge in a menu chock-full of tasty small plates, wood-fired

SALT & STRAW

meats and decadent side dishes prepared by Michelin-starred chef Michael Mina and Food TV personality Ayesha Curry. internationalsmoke.com

8 p.m. Sweet Creams Ú Before heading home, you’ll want to snag a scoop of ice

cream from Salt & Straw. Every flavor at this creamery is handmade in small batches, using allnatural cream from nearby farms. Choose from a selection of classic and rotating seasonal flavors, and raise your cone to a day well spent!

www.saltandstraw.com

Photos - SHOP/GOOD | URBN Pizza: Haley Hill | Whiskey + Leather | Salt & Straw: Leela Cyd Ross

11 a.m.

"Every flavor at this creamery is handmade in small batches, using allnatural cream from nearby farms."

SALT & STRAW LOCALE MAGAZINE 97

alive /// 10 things we love

Nothing sets the festive mood like twinkling lights and holiday window displays.

Staycations are the new vacations, and The Cassara Carlsbad is the quintessential spot for a winter escape.

O Christmas Tree

LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA

CAMPFIRE 3

Take A Scenic Stroll

Carlsbad

THE CASSARA CARLSBAD, TAPESTRY COLLECTION BY HILTON

Libations,

Staycations HERE’S HOW TO CELEBRATE THE SEASON IN CARLSBAD THIS YEAR WRITTEN BY: KERI BRIDGWATER

THE CASSARA CARLSBAD, TAPESTRY COLLECTION BY HILTON

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Framed by seven miles of scenic coastline, it’s little wonder that Carlsbad is also known as “The Village by the Sea,” but in addition to its surfer credentials, the North County enclave has smalltown charm in spades. From the walkable Carlsbad Village and buzzy Bressi Ranch neighborhood to world-class resorts just blocks from the beach, this coastal city is the ideal spot to spend the holidays.

Winter Staycation Ú Staycations are the

new vacations, and The Cassara Carlsbad is the quintessential spot for a winter escape. Stylish guest rooms and conveniently located in the middle of all the top spots in Carlsbad? Check. In addition to its Pacific Ocean and Flower Field views, The Cassara Carlsbad has some pretty cool guest perks, including a private pedestrian entrance to LEGOLAND® and SEA LIFE® Aquarium, free bike rentals and complimentary shuttle transportation within a fivemile radius of the hotel.

THE CASSARA CARLSBAD, TAPESTRY COLLECTION BY HILTON tapestrycollection3.hilton. com/tc/the-cassara-carlsbad

Ú With its attractive outdoor setting and collection of fine retailers, The Forum Carlsbad is the perfect place to one-stop shop holiday gift lists. From stores like Apple and Anthropologie to Madewell, Sur La Table and beyond, this outdoor lifestyle center is chock-full of namebrand shops and modern eateries. You’re sure to find the best office white elephant gift and something special for your significant other. THE FORUM CARLSBAD www.theforumcarlsbad.com OMNI LA COSTA RESORT & SPA

CARLSBAD VILLAGE www.carlsbad-village.com 4

But First, Brunch Ú At Omni La Costa

Resort and Spa’s Bar Traza, Executive Chef Adam Solowitz will be serving up seasonal comfort dishes plus signature specials from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Christmas Day. Bar Traza overlooks the hills of La Costa and the resort’s lush golf courses, making it an ideal spot for a festive morning meal! Adding to the holiday cheer? A socially distanced visit from Santa! Reservations are recommended and can be made by emailing lcrcommunity@ omnihotels.com. OMNI LA COSTA RESORT & SPA www.omnihotels.com

Cocktails by the Fire

• Head to Campfire for festive cocktails—winter warmers, including hot toddy variations will grace the holiday drinks list—and cozy, seasonal wood-fired dishes from Executive Chef Andrew Santana. CAMPFIRE thisiscampfire.com 7

Feliz Navidad

• Tamales are a holiday staple in Mexico, and to celebrate, Casero Taqueria has created a special in-house version, alongside a party friendly “tamales to-go” six-pack. CASERO TAQUERIA caserotaqueria.com 8

Easy as Pie

• Village Kitchen & Pie Shoppe is well-loved for its range of take-home pies. Take your pick from fruit-filled classics like Dutch apple to lavish cream-filled affairs. VILLAGE KITCHEN & PIE SHOPPE www.villagekitchenpieshoppe.com 9

Light it Up

• Plan a family outing to see the 30-foot LEGO® Christmas tree that twinkles to music during the Holiday Light Show at LEGOLAND this season. LEGOLAND CALIFORNIA legoland.com/california 10

Cinema Under the Stars

PARK 101 CARLSBAD

• Get cozy around one of the fire tables at Park 101 Carlsbad for a holiday-themed outdoor movie night! Their December lineup includes classics like Elf and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. PARK 101 CARLSBAD park101carlsbad.com

Photos - The Cassara Carlsbad | Omni La Costa Resort & Spa | LEGOLAND California Resort | Park 101: Huy Hoang | Campfire: Devin Castañeda and Jed Villejo

Lights,

Shop ‘Til You Drop

Ú Nothing sets the festive mood like twinkling lights and holiday window displays. Grab a hot beverage at Succulent Café, a coffeeshop-meets-gardenstore, then stroll through Carlsbad Village, which will be transformed with a sparkling array of pretty lights. The village is lined with a variety of locally owned boutiques, home goods stores and places to grab a bite. Don’t forget your coat!

• From table toppers to 20-footers, pick out the perfect tree at Purdy Tree Farms at The Shoppes at Carlsbad, whose handsome Douglas fir and Noble fir Christmas trees are grown in Oregon. PURDY TREE FARMS purdytreefarms.com

OMNI LA COSTA RESORT & SPA LOCALE MAGAZINE 99

alive /// feature

HEAD SOUTH FOR THE WINTER For Work, Play or Holiday, Cabo San Lucas Is the Perfect Escape WRITTEN BY: ERIK HALE PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ERIK HALE & COURTESY OF WALDORF ASTORIA LOS CABOS PEDREGAL

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“In front of us was 24 acres of beachfront property framed by the Pacific’s beautifully blue waters. We had arrived.”

Cabo San Lucas

WALDORF ASTORIA LOS CABOS PEDREGAL Camino del Mar 1 Cabo San Lucas, B.C.S., 23455, Mexico +52.624.163.4300 www.waldorfastorialoscabospedregal.com

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Extended Stay? Yes, Please! •Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal offers a fantastic alternative for those that would rather work on a patio in Mexico than at the dining room table. Stay a week or longer and get a 30% discount, or stay for a full month and get a week for free!

alive /// feature

Speak the Language •Most of us know how to say the basic Spanish greetings. If you want to learn more about the Mexican culture, however, Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal offers a Spanish Baja Cultural Immersion package. Participate in three 90-minute Spanish classes and learn about Mexican traditions! Educational Support •The resort is bringing virtual educational programming to guests by partnering with national tutoring service, TakeLessons. Your personal concierge can help arrange a virtual meeting with a dedicated education guide to develop a custom program that meets the needs and goals of the student. Be sure to take advantage of programs like private tutoring, live and pre-recorded classes, kids activities, virtual field trips and adult guest-only classes!

My wife and I love adventure, travel and discovering new places and cultures. Fortunately, we have visited dozens of countries around the globe over the past decade and typically spend our free time planning our next escape. I found myself wondering several times over the past six months if we would ever travel again; it was a constant source of consternation. The decision to travel, once we were able to, did not come easy. We weighed numerous factors, including the flight’s length, availability of direct flights and how safe we would feel once we arrived. Over the years, Mexico has been our most frequent destination. We decided to make Cabo San Lucas the destination for our first vacation since the pandemic began for a few different reasons: the short (two-hour) direct flight, the fact that we had both been learning Spanish and—mostly—our love for the food, culture and people of Mexico. From the moment we landed until the time we left, we knew we had made the right decision. We arrived home feeling safe, rested and ready to plan our next excursion.

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Test Your Courage •Looking to make the most of your trip? The resort offers a variety of curated experiences, such as swim classes with a whale shark, snorkeling with a sea lion and surf lessons!

5 MUST-TRY RESTAURANTS: El Farallon •Enjoy a tasting flight of champagne paired with sea salts from the cliffside Champagne Bar. Dig into a romantic five-course dinner while watching the sky change colors and listening to the waves crash below.

Acre •A full hour’s drive north and off a mile-long dirt road, we found Acre—a beautiful property lined with treehouses, rescued animals and modern bohemian elegance.

SUR Beach House •SUR serves the best sushi we have ever had. There is a beach club where you can rent chairs and swim with beautiful views of the Arch of Cabo San Lucas.

Don Manuel’s •The main restaurant at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal has amazing views, great food and entertaining live music at night. A “mesero” made sure to stop at our table each time we dined to teach us a few Spanish words! but nothing we saw looked like the place we would find ourselves at: our magnificent resort.

We rented a car when we landed and made the 45-minute drive south through the desert to Downtown Cabo San Lucas. We had visited Cabo San Lucas many times before but had never stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal, where we would be staying for the next five nights. As we listened to our navigation, we were guided on a series of lefts and rights that took us through the heart of downtown. There were casinos and nightclubs (mostly closed) along with restaurants (mostly open),

We arrived at the resort’s gate and saw nothing but a mountain. Where was the hotel? The guard checked his list, found our name and instructed us to drive through the mountain. We drove hundreds of yards through a tunnel that was lit by dozens of chandeliers. It cut straight through the mountain, leaving the city noises behind and transporting us to a side of Cabo we did not know existed. In front of us was 24 acres of beachfront property framed by the Pacific’s beautifully blue waters. We had arrived.

Talay •This tiny Thai food trailer might seem out of place in a posh resort like the Montage Los Cabos, but sitting at picnic tables under the lights was an ideal date night.

“...they offered room service breakfast in the pool on a floating raft and supplied a new bottle of tequila each day…” LOCALE MAGAZINE 103

alive /// feature

Worth the Flight •With fast Wi-Fi, multi-bedroom casitas, complimentary breakfast, a private chef dining experience and more, there are so many reasons to visit Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal.

DECK THE HALLS •Maybe this year, you can let someone else deck the halls and put up the decorations. Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal has a holiday experience that may help you forget 2020. Holiday Experiences Include: •A Christmas Eve party at Don Manuel’s, replete with live music and desserts.

•A Christmas day celebration with Santa and his elves! Sip on Mexican hot chocolate and watch as he arrives in a horse-drawn carriage from the grand Dos Mares Tunnel bearing gifts and accompanied by mariachis.

•Beachside entertainment featuring salsa and merengue dancers on Dec. 26.

•A glass of champagne and a movie on the beach on Dec. 27.

•A New Year’s Eve ritual performance by Curandera and Mexican dancers, followed by a champagne countdown to 2021 and plenty of fireworks!

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We had booked the Estrella Suite on the fourth floor at Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal. Before we could checkin, we secured our masks, had our temperatures checked and then were escorted to our room, which was sealed with a notice that it had been cleaned properly according to the Hilton CleanStay guidelines. Our host made sure to point out (without touching a thing) that all surfaces had been cleaned—from the TV remote to the light switches—immediately reassuring our safety and health.

“We left feeling stressed and returned feeling blessed.”

The Estrella Suite has a living room, dining room, bedroom, an enormous bathroom with a soaking tub and a private dip pool. I knew by looking at my wife that she was thinking what I was thinking: we may not have to leave our room at all. Adding to this sentiment was the fact that they offered room service breakfast in the pool on a floating raft, supplied a new bottle of tequila each day, and you could see the waves breaking on the sand from every corner of our suite. We left feeling stressed and returned feeling blessed. After six months of solitude, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal proved to be exactly what we needed. We felt safe during our entire trip, cared for by the staff and cannot wait to return. We are so happy to feel safe traveling again.

“After six months of solitude, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal proved to be exactly what we needed.”

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alive /// behind the brand

Fire, Water and Stone Midway City

THIS SOCAL COMPANY IS SHAPING THE ART OF POTTERY AS WE KNOW IT WRITTEN BY: DIEGO E. GAXIOLA PHOTOGRAPHED BY: NIKI CRAM Founded over 45 years ago, ARCHPOT is a family-owned small business behind the design and creation of breathtaking fire and water features and gorgeous pottery, found in a multitude of locations around the country. “Something a lot of people don’t know, being a smaller family business, is that we are in some pretty well-known hot spots. Some of these include Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, The Hilton Waterfront in Huntington Beach and several Islands Restaurants in Orange County!” explains ARCHPOT’s General Manager Tim Hall. An Orange County local, Hall, reminisces of his humble beginnings, detailing how the company transformed from a wholesale nursery to a highly reputable manufacturer.

Thinking back to his childhood, Hall states, “I have always been creative and originally wanted to become an architect.” After Hall and his family moved from Mission Viejo to Tustin, he began to shadow his father, immersing himself in the art of pottery creation and familiarizing

himself with the challenges often faced when running a business. “The family business started off with plants—we were a wholesale nursery. Later came the marriage of plants and imported pottery, creating Architectural Pottery in 1989,” he says. Hall attributes a lot of his creativity to others’ creations on social media. “People inspire me. I like to see what is out there, and I ask myself how I can do better. How can I put a product out there that people will want in their home or business space?” In 2019, 30 successful years later, the family decided to rebrand the company, unveiling the name ARCHPOT. “Of course, in every family business, there are challenges. Any challenge we have had has resulted in growth,” explains Hall. With the continued expansion of the company, Hall and his team are able to focus on delivering products that truly distinguish themselves from others in the market. From the material and finish process to ARCHPOT’s utilization of high-tech and lightweight cement, the company is constantly striving to create products that exemplify expert craftsmanship. Overseas Inspiration • When Hall was just 17, he took a trip to Greece where he watched handthrown pottery being shaped. It was at that moment he realized the creation of pottery was indeed an art form. In the Works • Currently, ARCHPOT is working on custom Belize fire tables for the historic Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego. “We are taking such pride in this project because of the historic location.”

ARCHPOT 15161 Van Buren St Midway City, CA 92655 714.895.3359 www.archpot.com Photoshoot Location: THE NURSERY BY SOUTHWINDS 7000 Marine Way Irvine, CA 92618 949.854.0540 www.thenurserybysouthwinds.com 106 LOCALE MAGAZINE

“Of course, in every family business, there are challenges. Any challenge we have had has resulted in growth.” —Tim Hall

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thank you to our partners Acoustic Spot Talent Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage Andaz San Diego ARCHPOT Black Rock Mountain Resort Blacktop Restaurant Group Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa Classic Club Cody’s La Jolla Constellation Brands Del Mar Highlands Town Center East Village Association Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa Grind & Prosper Hospitality Group | Louisiana Purchase SD, Miss B’s Coconut Club, Park 101 Carlsbad, PB Shore Club Klover Medterra CBD Park Hyatt Aviara Resort Golf Club & Spa PIRCH Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells The Cassara The City of Palm Desert The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows

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