DO
Edition
Ariana LAMOUR HANG ON TO YOUR HATS. PREPPING FOR DEL MAR’S OPENING DAY AT LOEWS CORONADO BAY RESORT
TEAM
the
ASHLEY HICKSON, COO/CO-FOUNDER Born and raised in New Jersey, Ashley Hickson has enjoyed living in sunny Southern California since she was 17. After graduating from Chapman University in Old Town Orange, Ashley pursued her dreams and began the journey of helping found LOCALE Magazine. Often referred to as Erik’s right and left arm, Ashley is THE go-to girl for everything LOCALE. She enjoys being an intricate piece to LOCALE’s puzzle and is proud of the down-to-earth, innovative magazine.
MIKE TODD SMITH, MARKET MANAGER Mike was born in Los Angeles, raised in Laguna Beach with his Mother and in Rancho Santa Fe with his Father. An avid surfer and snowboarder from the age of 5, Mike has put his energy into his career with LOCALE. Before his days with the publication, he spent his youth graduating from Laguna Beach High School and then onto graduating from the University of Arizona. After college, Mike helped create ECCO Restaurant and then later a custom golf car company, LUXE. In 2012, Mike found his passion with working with LOCALE and building a home in San Diego.
KRISTAL DOCTER, EDITOR IN CHIEF A writer transformed by the beatnik’s before her, Kristal Docter headed West after earning a degree in Creative Writing. Her career has been driven by diversification as a newspaper editor-in-chief, copy editor, corporate advertising professional, stylist, non-profit marketing maven and brand contributor. Throughout her cultured journey, Kristal continued asserting an appetite for all things linguistic, and is now Editor in Chief. She is also the creator of independent writing company VergeINK. A vocab vixen, Kristal prefers a pen and paper, is an eternal book whore, live music lover, casual culinary artist, conch diver and will always be a farm-girl at heart.
REILLY KAVANAUGH, DESIGNER With a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design under her belt, this Redlands native has produced creative for major fashion labels, institutions and ad firms. Reilly Kavanaugh is a tiny artist, at 4 feet 11 inches, who is much tougher than she looks. As the most artistic member of LOCALE, she exhibits a youthful energy and fierce, current designs. She’s a girly tomboy who simultaneously dresses like a fashionista and struts her stuff at the firing range with the accuracy of a sharp shooter. Reilly is also a CrossFit fanatic and is allergic to almost everything.
ERIN PRICE, SALES AND MARKETING COORDINATOR And think of the summers of the past Adjust the base and let the alpine blast Pop in my CD and let me run a rhyme And put your car on cruise and lay back 'Cause this is summertime “Summertime” By: DJ Jazzy Jeff and The Fresh Prince Summer is water balloons, birthday cake, chlorine bleached hair and flip flops. It is sand in your sheets, sunburns, late bedtimes and push up pops. I personally wait for it all year long and enter a state of physical mourning when it passes. The long days give us extra time to take hikes and explore new restaurants, to take road trips and jump off cliffs—literally. In our second summer in San Diego we have turned our focus to everything that makes the season so great. You can flip through these pages to find our comprehensive guide to summer (99 Things and a Pitch is One), our guide to the Del Mar racing season and a Road Trip Guide that will provide miles of inspiration. Last month marked our entry into the Los Angeles market. We now cover coastal California from Malibu to Mexico. I would like to invite you to join over 1,000 people daily to find out more about Southern California on LocaleMagazine.com We hope this issue ends up as a worn, ragged, dogeared, faded and sand-filled companion along your summer adventure.
ERIK HALE PUBLISHER 8 |
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Erin is a California native with a sense of adventure. Raised in Long Beach, she yearns for travel. She is restless by nature and has her sites set on trips to Australia and Europe in the coming year. You might find her playing beach volleyball (a sport she played throughout high school) or walking one of her dogs. Her curiosity leads her on adventures and her outgoing personality allows her to make friends easily. Her position at LOCALE Magazine as Sales and Marketing Coordinator is exactly suited to her talents. Her main focus is to make new friends and keep our partners happy.
JASON KOSKY, SALES AND MARKETING Jason was born and raised in South County with the Dana Point Harbor as his backyard. He is proud to call such a beautiful place home. The first sales/ marketing position he ever held was with a company his father started in his home. That was the beginning to a long list of successful sales positions in his life, which Jason attributes to his late father. Family has always been most important to him, and now, he is a father to two beautiful girls and a husband to a wonderful wife. Jason says, “As long as I have my family and my health, I am a rich man.”
ANDRE MATAELE, SALES AND MARKETING Born and raised in Hawaii, Andre has made Southern California his home for the past three years. After finishing college he pursued his passion to travel, surf and more importantly, embrace the culture and people in the countries he visited. He was fortunate enough to spend time in Bali, Thailand, the Caribbean and Puerto Rico. He feels his experiences have molded him into the person he is, and never takes his opportunities for granted. His position at Locale in sales allows him to continue building relationships with people who he values greatly. If he’s not working hard, you can find him laughing with his friends and meeting new people. ALEXA ERICKSON, EDITOR Born and raised on the coast of Maine, Alexa flew south to sunny Florida to receive her Bachelor’s Degree in Creative Writing and Journalism at the University of Tampa. Upon graduation in 2011, she ventured west to Newport Beach where she now resides. Alexa is thrilled to be a part of LOCALE, as working in editorial has always been her passion. An eclectic soul, you can find her anywhere from the city to the beach, hitting up art shows, music events or staying active with surfing, yoga and hiking.
the CONTRIBUTORS JUNE 2014
WRITERS
MICHELLE SLIEFF, WEB EDITOR Michelle Slieff is a local. She enjoys hiking, poetry, and cured meats, but not necessarily in that order. Her favorite food is Mexican, probably because it’s more available than the Hungarian cuisine she grew up on. Michelle has been in the restaurant industry her whole life. She’s combined her two passions of food and writing and is a freelance foodie. If she’s not at the table next to you in your favorite restaurant, then she’s out cycling in the city or hiking in the forest.
GRETCHEN HACKMANN
MATILDA BRESS
Gretchen Hackmann is the founder of Nubry.com—San Diego’s #1 fashion, beauty, health and lifestyle blog—holding a BS in Business Administration from Babson College with concentrations in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Her expertise lies in digital marketing, branding and online strategy. Gretchen has a PhD in Style, is a Mrs., and is referred to as the Martha Stewart of Plants by those who know her home cooking. She can be spotted wearing boyfriend jeans and five-inch Saint Laurent pumps. @nubry
Matilda Bress was born, and is still being raised, on Balboa Island. At only 16 years old, she is just beginning her journalistic pilgrimage and hopes to continue her passion in college. A junior at Corona del Mar High School, she enjoys studying till the break of dawn, politics, waterpolo and her Instagram.
LINDSAY DELONG When Sendak’s Wild Things dream, they voyage to Lindsay’s life. Lindsay has become a regular fixture in faraway places, whether at the world’s largest Redhead Festival in the Netherlands or at a sheikh’s palace in Abu Dhabi, eating pheasants. Holding it down physically in Long Beach, and digitally via well-trafficked blogs, she is first and foremost a journalist— always watching with a keen eye. www.iLikeLindsay.com
CAROLYN SAMUELSON
NATALIE HOLTZ
BRITT HACKMANN
Natalie Holtz is a writer living in San Diego. She received her BA in English Literature from the University of Colorado at Boulder in 2010. A word sleuth and book junkie, she prefers paper over e-books and loves few things more than surfing four to five-foot waves. You can follow her projects in process on her blog: www.thesurferstokeproject.com.
Britt Hackmann is the founder of Nubry.com—San Diego’s #1 fashion, beauty, health and lifestyle blog—holding an MBA and BS in Business Administration from Babson College with a concentration in Entrepreneurship. Her expertise is in retailing management and marketing analytics. Britt can be spotted on the SD Polo fields or Aspen’s Ajax, and she loves her body-con Roland Mouret dresses the way she loves her Bogner pants. @nubry
Carolyn Samuelson recently accomplished her dream of becoming a California girl after one too many Chicago winters. An aspiring rockstar, socialite and philanthropist, Carolyn has many projects and is always looking for more. She is usually singing, either in a bar, coffee shop, hotel liquidation sale or her own head. www.Carolynsamuelson.me
AFTON LARSON Afton Larson is an authentic San Diegan; self-taught foodie; reformed cynic; hug dealer. There’s E.E., Saunders, Plath, and Eugenides, and then there’s me, fangirling. I’m the reason all the bacon-wrapped dates are gone. Twitter @afton_brooke// Instagram @ala0387
DISTRIBUTION
NICOLE FERA
ED HALEY Ed Haley currently writes for Screenpicks.com, doing entertainment and film reviews and has been on the Hollywood film critic circuit for several years. A native of California residing in Orange County for most of his adult life, Ed finds satisfaction in moonlighting as an unsuccessful writer while also co-owning a small real estate investment firm.
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EMILY VILLANUEVA Emily Villanueva is sensitive, superstitious, slightly scatterbrained and far too forthcoming. She is a wandering wordsmith who spends 90 percent of her time (and paychecks) on food. When she’s not busy stuffing her face, she’s stuffing her head with delicious literature, music and art, because brain food is important, too, kids.
Nicole is a New Jersey native who studied English and Journalism at Monmouth University, Long Branch. She moved to sunny San Diego to enjoy all that it has to offer, including the beach, the music scene and the opportunity to share her love of Journalism with others. She hopes to continue writing by making a career of her first true love: words.
RICK RAMIREZ When racks run out, Rick runs in.
the CONTRIBUTORS JUNE 2014
PHOTOGRAPHERS
lifestyle photographer who brings a unique eye for style and color to any project. With travel in 26 countries, a die-hard love for the ocean and an appetite for adventure, this California surfer is always on the hunt for capturing the coastal lifestyle that he is so lucky to live. Check out his work at www.bluewesley.com
and surf, cutting a rug, experimenting in the kitchen or off on an adventure with friends. Keep up with her work at www.angelicabongioanni.com and follow her on Instagram @abongioanni
STYLISTS
ADAM GENTRY NANCY VILLERE Nancy Villere has been a professional photographer for 18 years. Her passion for photography lies in the discovery of another human being. She is currently uncovering her purpose as a photographer through her studio work at Crush Photo Studios. Fashion, commercial and boudoir photography are Nancy’s emphasis. It is her greatest joy to witness the freedom and self-confidence women experience after their sessions. www.crushphotostudios.com
Adam is a Southern-California native, a photographer and an entrepreneur. He is passionate about profiling interesting people whether they are a breakthrough artist, a fledgling stylist or simply someone with a compelling story to tell. www.gentryimages.com
DHRUMIL DESAI
SIERRA PRESCOTT
JEFF FARSAI
BRITTANY HART
Sierra Prescott is a lifestyle fashion photographer, born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. People are her passion, so she photographs them for a living. Working or not, you’ll never see her without a smile on her face. www.sierraprescott.com
Jeff Farsai specializes in editorial, celebrity, fashion, sports and wedding photography. After earning his B.F.A. in photography and visual communication, he dove into the commercial world of photography. Jeff has photographed celebs, musicians and gold medal athletes all over the world. He writes and directs music videos; and is also working on a feature film, projected to be out in 2014. www.JeffFarsaiPhotography.com
Dhrumil Desai is a fashion and beauty photographer who focuses on creating sophisticated photos. His images develop a relationship between the viewer and the photo by having a strong character present. He created a series of photographs taken from the window seat of an airplane, which won him an award in the Fine Arts category in the 2nd National Photo Awards held by the Government of India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. www.dhrumildesai.me
Brittany Hart is a wardrobe stylist and fashion blogger based in OC who strives to keep fashion fun and attainable for each of her clients. She specializes in editorial, advertising, and look book styling. When she isn’t busy styling shoots she runs a site called www. thefashiondrug.com, which profiles the latest fashion trends, designer collections and eye candy obsessions. www.brittanyhart.com
STYLE BY F.E.A
MATT DOHENY
ANH NGUYEN Anh Nguyen is a photographic and cinematographer artist who specializes in creative lifestyle portraits, weddings and action photography. His clients range from the NBA to modeling agencies. Anh grew up in Dallas and has taken a new turn by currently residing in Southern California, where he plans to continue his imaginative efforts with his art. www.anhstudio.com
Matt Doheny strives for visual excellence and creativity through the lens in which he sees the world. His journey has taken him to many places. With a lifelong passion for music (he has been playing guitar for as long has he has been shooting photos), Matt Doheny says, “Music and photography are like my two hands, always with me and on my mind.” www.mattdoheny.com
Francisco, Eddie and Alex Barragan are three freelance fashion stylists from Orange County who collectively form Style by f.e.a. Working as a team, the Barragan brothers give clients the unique experience of having three creative minds working as one. Apart from being fascinated by all things fashion, the brothers have a genuine interest in helping others look and feel their best. www.stylebyfea.com
FRANK ISHMAN Born in Connecticut and raised in Southern California, Photographer Frank Ishman received his education and training at Morehouse College and the Art Institute of Atlanta. Frank has lived and worked around the world in locations like London, India, New Zealand and throughout the United States, and has recently moved from Brooklyn New York back home to the Los Angeles area. www.frankishman.com
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SHANNON O’NEIL
ANGELICA BONGIOANNI
MICHAEL WESLEY Michael Wesley is a San Diego based
Angelica Bongioanni is a freelance photographer and graphic designer based in San Diego. When she’s not making photographs, you can usually find her at the beach enjoying the rays
Shannon O’Neil of Cargo Creative is a freelance prop and event stylist and visual merchandiser. She has moved up and down the California coast, pursuing her education, work opportunities and exploring the beauty the coast has to offer. Now, returning home to her native Laguna Beach, Shannon is doing a variety of freelance projects and gathering inspiration for her work through travel, nature and music. www.cargo-creative.com
LOCALE MAGAZINE
Contents JUNE 2014
THIS ISSUE: Do
NATIVE KNOWLEDGE
22
Monday through Sunday, By Locals
FIRST TIMER'S GUIDE
88
98
SUMMER TO-DO
A Soar Subject
99 Things and a Pitch is One
First Timer's Guide to Paragliding
A Mixed Bag of Events and Activities to Keep Your Summer Full of Fun
DO EXPERT
82
Gotta' Have Faith
From News Station to Fitness Studio, San Diego 6’s Career Chameleon Kimi Evans Rejoices in the Journey 16 |
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104
FEATURE
GUIDE
The Ultimate Road Trip Guide A Directory for Summer Sightseeing in Our Backyard
129
Self Starters
Our Fan Favorite Entrepreneurs Tell Us the How, When and Why of Starting Your Own Company
LOCALE MAGAZINE
Contents JUNE 2014
EAT/DRINK
SHOP
HOME
54 SHOP EXPERT
Lights. Camera. Action!
Fashion Week San Diego Winner RHCREATION Reveals His Resort Collection
142 HOME EXPERT
28 EAT EXPERT
Million Dollar Baby
Left of Center
Home is Where the Heart Is for This Unstoppable Reality TV Real Estate Duo
This is Richard Blais
58 FASHION SPREAD
They Had a Bright Future
The Vibrant Y-3 Shines Against a Less Colorful Tomorrow
35 EAT FEATURE
TV Dinners
Tube Sensations Fill These Pages
146 SETTING THE TABLE
Room with a View 68 VS + LOCALE LOOKS
Mistral Makes Modern Dining Picturesque
Fore!
Tee Up Your Wardrobe With The Season’s Hottest Fairway Fashion
45 MEALS DECONSTRUCTED
Lob City
Puesto Picks Live Langosta to Showcase in Seaport Village
49 DRINK EXPERT
INSERT THATS WHAT SHE SAID
Simply Magnificent
The Nubry Duo Does Opening Day in Del Mar
Adding Essences That Make Every Day More Beautiful 18 |
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Racetrack Fashion is All the Rage
152 SU CASA
Hillside Mansion
Historical Luxury in La Jolla
All rights reserved Š 2014, the entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright. No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in retrieval system or transmitted in any forms or by any means without express written prior permission of the copyright owner.
LOCALE MAGAZINE ph: 858.848.9101 | fax: 949.682.4807 info@localemagazine.com COVER Photographed By: Frank Ishman, www.frankishman.com Model: Ariana Lamour of Brand Model and Talent, www.brandtalent.net Styled By: Brittany Hart, www.brittanyhart.com Makeup & Hair By: Brie Leach for MAKE UP FOR EVER Location: Loews Coronado Bay Resort, www.loewshotels.com Clothing & Shoes Provided By: RICA Boutique, www.shoprica.tumblr.com Sunglasses Provided By: Capricorn Boutique, www.capricornboutique.com Derby Hats Provided By: Nordstrom, www.shop.nordstrom.com THE GUIDE TO THE DEL MAR RACES INSERT Photographed By: Matt Doheny, www.mattdoheny.com Written & Styled By: Gretchen and Britt Hackmann, www.nubry.com Photo Shoot Location: L'Auberge Del Mar, www.laubergedelmar.com Car Provided By: Bobileff Motorcar Company, www.bobileff.com Hats Provided By: Carol Bader of Del Mar Hat Co, www.delmarhat.com Jewelry Provided By: LFR Designs, www.lfrdesigns.com Clothing Provided By: COVER: Torn By Ronny Kobo, www.tornbyronnykobo.com PAGE 3: BCBG, www.bcbg.com PAGE 5: Gretchen (left): Donna Mizani, www.donnamizani.com Britt (right): Herve Leger, www.herveleger.com PAGE 7: Gretchen (left): Torn By Ronny Kobo, www.tornbyronnykobo.com Britt (right): BCBG, www.bcbg.com PAGE 10: Dresses & Belt by Wolford from Maggie B, www.maggiebclothing.com PAGE 15: Gretchen (left): BCBG, www.bcbg.com Britt (right): RVN, www.rvnnyc.com
COVER MODEL
Ariana LAMOUR Actress, model and dancer, Ariana Lamour began her professional career in the entertainment industry before her first birthday and has been working steadily since. Lamour began a deeper study of the fine arts in the advanced dance program at Orange County High School of the Arts and further continued her education at Texas Christian University. A full time actress, dancer and model, Lamour is represented by numerous agencies and is a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild. She has been featured in national campaigns for Oscar De La Renta, Subway, Fiat, Harley Davidson, JCPenney, Maybelline and GameFly. Her most recent projects include the Jay Leno Show and the Latin Billboard Awards. Ariana is thrilled to be representing Brand Models as Locale Magazine's June cover model.
NATIVE KNOWLEDGE By Locals for Locals // Where to be Monday-Sunday Allyn Boyance
Travis Kincaid
Sycuan Casino, Advertising Manager
The Beachwood, Bar Manager
MONDAY: Had the day off, took a stroll with the wife on the ocean side of the Tijuana Estuary in IB. This serene strip of beach is always empty; you can just about walk up to the Bull Fighting Ring in the distance. www.trnerr.org (just drive to the
MONDAY: After a grueling weekend, I like to treat my Mondays with a trip to The Truck Stop. Their breakfast is epic, and they offer half-price tabs to the service industry, so I can savor and save at the same time. I try to leave room for lunch at Pacific Beach Fish Shop, as I am hooked on their endless selection of fresh fish, served tucked inside a taco or sandwich, or perched upon salad or on a plate. They say that fish is good for the brain, so I put mine to the test at Reds Saloon where Trivia Night is taking the stage.
very end of Seacoast Dr and park)
TUESDAY: Mowed down the best fish tacos in town (that’s right, I said it!) for lunch at Oscar’s Mexican Seafood near Bird Rock. If you’ve had them, then you know, and if you don’t know, now you know how flat out fish tacos should be done.
www.thefishshoppb.com | www.redssaloon.com
www.oscarsmexicanseafood.com
TUESDAY: Since the day begins only after my first cup, my boardwalk bike ride gives “Mission” Beach a whole new meaning. Woody’s Breakfast and Burgers has all of that, and more (did I mention coffee?). I eat, drink and merrily start my day soaking in their full ocean view. Then, to break things up, I cruise up to Saddle Bar in Solana Beach and hang with my buddies for a North County night out.
WEDNESDAY: Softball at the Santee Sportsplex. This ain’t your pappy’s softball beer league. There is a centralized sports bar with three impeccable fields with artificial turf in the outfield and waitresses. If you must know, my Beer Bums tied that night…dang! www.my.sportsplexusa.com
THURSDAY: Happy hour after work at West Coast Tavern in North Park. Great spot for mixing up a full stable of “Mules” (I recommend the Donkey) and offering up the best darn Chicken & Waffles this side of the Mississippi.
www.thesaddlebar.com
WEDNESDAY: There’s nothing funny about Hump Day. Or is there? I go to find out at Reds Saloon where Comedy Night happens every Wednesday, hosted by Crazy J. Josh Nelson. Reds Saloon wears many hats, playing cowboy on the weekends, and quickly becoming the hot spot for well-known comedians. Inside scoop: Before 9 pm, I could get a seat; otherwise, it’s standing room only. Either way, it’s my top pick.
www.westcoasttavern.com
FRIDAY: Late night dinner at Tajima. This hidden Japanese spot bumps solid hip-hop beats and serves up some mean O.G. dishes. The ambiance is great, and it’s open until 2:30am. They also have a decent list of local brews. www.tajimasandiego.com
www.redssaloon.com
SATURDAY: This day is the perfect day for golf at Sycuan Golf Resort’s Willow Glen course. It was in great shape as always and really feels like a little getaway even though it’s only 20 minutes from downtown. Tried my luck on the tables at the casino afterward…winnah, winnah! www.sycuanresort.com | www.sycuan.com
SUNDAY: Insanely good breakfast at Ortega’s in OB. Everything in the place is made from scratch and the Carnitas Frittata with green sauce does not disappoint. Burn it off with a short walk to the beach and you’ve got yourself a great end to the week. www.ortegascocina.com
Insider tip: At dusk on the first Wednesday of each month members of the San Diego Astronomy Society set up telescopes on the north side of the Fleet Center building, by the large fountain in Balboa Park, for free public sky viewing. -TRAVIS KINCAID
THURSDAY: I’ve heard that Thursdays are the new Fridays, so I pump mine up at Ruby Thursdays at Avenue on 1060 Garnet in Pacific Beach. Avenue is an intimate music-centric destination, where local and national DJs are spinning every Thursday night. Special effects turn the whole place red, as in ruby red, creating an atmosphere of love and who knows what else! Inside scoop is that Avenue offers a specialty drink list geared just towards this night. FRIDAY: Work tonight, but my free time beforehand is best spent on the roof of The Wood for sunset happy hour. Does it get any better than this? Doubtful. www.thewoodsd.com
SATURDAY: Gotta get me another Truck Stop fix, as their breakfast has been beckoning me all week, and of course, Woody’s on the Beach is another fave. After coffee (and more coffee) plus a good people watching sesh, I’m back to a busy night at work with DJ Jeremiah James. SUNDAY: Nothing spells “Sunday” like The Wood in PB where their Sunday Funday is the best place to play. With two separate bars, plenty of VIP areas for bottle service and an unbeatable view of the ocean, The Wood takes this day of rest to a whole new level. San Diego sunsets look a bit more magical when taken in at The Wood, drink in hand for the toast, and toasty warm from a fire pit’s glow. Oh, did I tell you how much I love San Diego? www.thewoodsd.com
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NATIVE KNOWLEDGE By Locals for Locals // Where to be Monday-Sunday Nicholas Zanoni
Bob Harter
Sycamore Den & Thrusters Lounge Owner
L’Auberge Del Mar, Director of Sales & Marketing
MONDAY: I grab my coffee at Bird Rock Coffee Roasters and check the surf. On my way to work at night, I go to Manna Korean BBQ or Yakyudori on Convoy, and then over to Sycamore Den where I coral one of my co-workers to have a “safety meeting” with me over a pint of Guinness at the Ould Sod. Mick and Tommy are great lads for sure.
MONDAY: For Museum Monday, enjoy San Diego’s Balboa Park and take in a few museums. Natural History and Aerospace are two of the best. Drinks and tapas at The Prado is a must. www.balboapark.org
TUESDAY: I bike ride the coast on PCH/101 from Torrey Pines to Carlsbad. Then, head back south and stop at Ki’s in Cardiff for a healthy lunch (or Pizza Port in Solana for pie and pints!). Don’t forget to stop at Swami’s for a chill session on the bluff and take in a snack.
www.birdrockcoffee.com | www.theouldsod.com www.yakyudori.hinotez.com
TUESDAY: Training with the gentlemen titans at Rodrigo Medeiros’ BJJ Revolution Team on Cass St. After work, I head over to the PB Farmers Market. For a unique meal, we go to Costa Brava on Garnet and then visit Juan and Mando at JRDN at Tower 23. Juan is always gracious enough to pull out the secret stash to craft my Yamazaki Bramble. www.rodrigomedeirosbjj.com
www.kisrestaurant.com
WEDNESDAY: Tunes and tacos! Stroll the shops on Cedros Ave in Solana Beach, and then pop into Wild Note Café for some fish tacos followed by a show at Belly Up Tavern! Drop into A16 for some great gifts for that outdoor enthusiast. www.bellyup.com
www.costabravasd.com | www.t23hotel.com www.sdweeklymarkets.com
THURSDAY: Hanging in Suburbia. Hike though BlueSky to Potato Chip Rock and snap a shot “on the edge,” then head into RB for beers and burgers at URGE Gastropub. If wine is more your style, hit Barrel Room next door.
WEDNESDAY: We have special dad-daughter time as we have breakfast together at Turquoise Café on Cass Street. Keep your eye on owner Eddie Akino—he’s an asset to the community and all around good guy. Though my Bikram friends yell at me, I then choose Corepower Yoga, followed by a thick acai bowl from the Pacific Bean near Crystal Pier. I stay local and enjoy one of Thrusters Lounge’s best specials—$1.50-$3.50 drafts all day and night, all 44 of them.
www.urgegastropub.com
www.turquoisecoffee.com | www.corepoweryoga.com www.thrusterslounge.com
THURSDAY: It’s a full workday and slow drip coffee from Dark Horse Coffee Roasters on Adams will prepare us. All deals are negotiated at D.Z. Akins, where I meet my father for lean pastrami omelets and fruit. Plates are enormous, so order half. At night, we run the “hospitality dive bar liver death gamut’” from Sro Club to Pecs to El Uno Bar to Tower Bar to Cherrybomb. Bad decisions are made. www.darkhorseroasting.com | www.pecsbar.com www.dzakinsdeli.com | www.thetowerbar.com
FRIDAY: My wife and I take Friday nights for us. We go to Bankers Hill Bar and Grill for those carnitas tacos and a cocktail from Christian Siglin. Afterwards, we head to the inspiring design of Starlite Lounge for dessert and some whistle pig on the rocks before meeting friends at Nunu’s. www.starlitesandiego.com www.bankershillsd.com | www.nunuscocktails.com
SATURDAY: We take the Sunrise Highway to go camping at Laguna/El Prado campground. There are so many accessible and beautiful nature areas out east. En route, I am also proud to detour and grab a peanut butter milkshake from Beef N Bun Whistle Stop on Fletcher Parkway. So good, but heavy. SUNDAY: After a morning hike to Big Laguna Lake, the family grabs a potpie and an apple pie to go from Mom’s in Julian. Nighttime: back over to Sycamore Den, and as the Monday “to-do list” fades from view, I’ll be reminded of why I love the hospitality industry as I sit near the den’s fireplace and enjoy the exquisite combination of Shelbi Bennett’s voice and Eric Johnson’s and Dave Kinsey’s carefully built cocktails. www.everytrail.com | www.momspiesjulian.com www.sycamoreden.com
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I’ll be reminded of why I love the hospitality industry as I sit near the den’s fireplace and enjoy the exquisite combination of Shelbi Bennett’s voice and Eric Johnson’s and Dave Kinsey’s carefully built cocktails.
-NICHOLAS ZANONI
FRIDAY: Day in Del Mar. Run or stroll up and down the coast at one of San Diego’s top beaches. Lunch at Waterfall Terrace at L’Auberge Del Mar followed by shopping at Del Mar Plaza and the Del Mar Village. Sunset cocktails at BleuBar and dinner at KITCHEN1540 in the back patio cabana for a romantic dinner with your honey are a must. Ask Roberto the Bartender at BleuBar for his signature drink, “Bobby.” It’s fantastic! www.kitchen1540.com
SATURDAY: Taste of Italy. Head over to one of the best neighborhoods in town for the Little Italy Farmers Market where you’ll find great produce, food and music. And if you really want to learn about this area, jump on a tour with Anthony at Little Italy Tours. Ask for Anthony at the yellow house on India Street…great story! www.littleitalytours.com
SUNDAY: Family day in La Jolla. Explore the tide pools of La Jolla while enjoying a coffee and muffin from The Living Room. Grab sandwiches from the Cheese Shop La Jolla and drive to the Glider Port to watch hang gliders while you enjoy lunch. Head to Torrey Pines Preserve for some hiking, followed by late afternoon at the beach. Watching the sunset on the beach as a family is the perfect end to this day. www.cheeseshoplajolla.com
eat
/drink
June 2014
28 EAT EXPERT
Photographed by: Anh Nguyen
Celebrity Chef Richard Blais Talks About His Love of Microwaves and Yoga While Showing Us Around His New Playground, Juniper & Ivy
35 EAT FEATURE Presenting Local Eats That Have Experienced 15 Minutes of Fame on Our Favorite Food Channels
45 MEALS DECONSTRUCTED Puesto Prepares an Even Tastier Taco at Their New Seaport Village Location
49 DRINK EXPERT Magnifico Giornata is Bringing Bubbly Back with Innovation and Drinkability
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MEALS DECONSTRUCTED Lob City
PUESTO 789 West Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101 619.233.8880 www.eatpuesto.com
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EAT EXPERT RT
EAT EXPE
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of CENTER THIS IS RICHARD BLAIS
WRITTEN BY: MICHELLE SLIEFF | PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JEFF FARSAI
THE EXPERT RICHARD BLAIS Celebrity Chef | Owner Juniper & Ivy
Favorite Yoga Pose: Warrior
Celebrity Chef Richard Blais is more than a TV personality; he is also an aspiring abstract comedian. This native New Yorker turned San Diegan and “Top Chef” winner sat down with us and explained what he does in the wild, among other things, and talked about his new restaurant Juniper & Ivy, located in Little Italy. Read on for more enlightenment by Blais in subjects ranging from the microwave to yoga positions.
Q: What’s a typical day of urban foraging like for you? Richard Blais: It’s not necessarily foraging, but collecting things like beach rocks and stones and pine needles, things you’d find in the canyons. These objects found in nature are inspiring to me since I’ve recently moved to Southern California. I’ve been here less than a year, and the plant life is very different. It’s being aware of what’s around you, and then, taking them home and using them in the kitchen or in the restaurant. It’s discovering a Pink Peppercorn Tree on my block. My backyard is full of nasturtium. It’s the garnish du jour of the modern chef. It’s like watercress, and it’s delicious. We’re going to be using it here at the restaurant (Juniper & Ivy), and business wise, it’s not a bad practice, because it’s free when it grows in my backyard. Q: What’s the difference between gentlemen’s relish as opposed to relish I would find in the store? RB: It’s another name for a savory jam, if you will. It’s very British. It almost sounds risqué, but it’s a savory chutney. Q: I see that you’re currently inspired by Monterey Aquarium. Can you talk a little about that? RB: I do a lot of work with Monterey Aquarium. I have a responsibility as a chef to make sure that we’re bringing in products that were raised, harvested or caught in a responsible way. We’re working with a lot of great people and fishmongers to make sure our seafood is sustainable. It’s something that’s really important to me. I trained for a year at the Culinary Institute of America in New York as a fish assistant instructor, sort of like a fellowship program. Seafood is really important to me and my work with Monterey is really just to raise awareness. Q: Congrats on your new cookbook, Try This at Home: Recipes from My Head to Your Plate! What’s the first recipe I should try? RB: The book was great. We’re working on developing ideas for the second 28 |
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“
I LOVE WHAT I DO, I feel like I don’t have a job. It’s going to sound very surfer of me but it’s a lifestyle. I love making people happy through my food."
JUNIPER & IVY 2228 Kettner Boulevard (in Little Italy) San Diego, CA 92101 619.269.9036 www.juniperandivy.com | JUNE 2014 | 29
book right now. I just want to be passionate about everything I do, whether it’s a restaurant, TV show or a book. I don’t want to just push another book out that’s like, Richard Blais’ Chicken Wings, I feel like a lot of chefs do that and make pretty good money at it. Maybe I should be doing that, but I’m not. The first recipe you should check out from my book is the roast chicken with lemon curd. It’s a great recipe, it’s easy, and everyone loves roast chicken, unless you’re a vegetarian. Q: Did your neck start to hurt by the end of the photo shoot for the cover page? Did you get a little pepper in your eye? It looks like there is a fun story behind it. RB: The cover was awesome, because it was an impromptu sort of thing we did between sessions. We rented a little flat in East Atlanta and shot the whole book in twelve days. So many people have probably wanted to put my head on a platter before, including all of the sous chefs that were there shooting it with me, so we just messed around with that idea. The photos that didn’t make the book were of my head trussed up and wrapped in a bag, it got a little dark. A lot of publishers usually want the cover shot of a book to be the chef dressed up with a glass of wine and a basket of vegetables, but my publisher let us go in this direction. As soon as the book came out there was a review on Amazon that gave me a one star review and said, “I’ll never buy this book because of the cover. The cover is disgusting.” But isn’t that the saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover?” The review has since been removed from the website, but I thought that was funny, and somewhat hurtful because that’s my face. Q: Name two of your favorite books. RB: I would say Outliers or Tipping Point, pretty much anything that Malcolm Gladwell writes, and Fergus Henderson for cookbooks.
Q: What other mediums would you say your creativity flows into? RB: (laughs) Obviously comedy. I don’t really consider myself that creative, but I like to write, which falls into comedy. Q: You’ve showcased your talents in a variety of dynamic cooking environments. Which would you say was the most challenging and what would you say you took away from it? RB: TV shows are great. I’ve done “Iron Chef,” “Chopped,” multiple iterations of “Top Chef,” and they are all different. I’m a runner. I run marathons, and they are all different races with different distances. “Top Chef” is a marathon, “Iron Chef” is a team challenge, and “Chopped” is a sprint. I’m a marathoner, and I’ll leave it at that. Q: Ok, onto the food questions: What’s your favorite protein to cook with? RB: All sorts of seafood, because it’s so diverse. Salmon, tuna and sardines are all from the sea but each so different from the other in terms of flavor profiles and texture. Q: Favorite toy in the kitchen? RB: Microwave. It gets a bad rap. It’s the most molecular thing we have. It’s a box where you put something in and press a number, and then, your food is ready. It’s not the microwave that’s really the problem; it’s the food that goes into it. Q: Favorite vegetable to work with? RB: At the moment, it’s romanesca, which is related to cauliflower. It looks like a triceratop's tail and my kids love dinosaurs. It’s a cool vegetable to work with. Q: Honestly, how much do your children really like vegetables? RB: They love vegetables. They also like quinoa, grains and brown rice. I’m glad I got them ready for Southern California before we got here. My youngest
one, Embry who’s three, is a little more open to trying new things, and Riley who’s five is like a normal kid who doesn’t like everything her parents cook for her. Q: Any tips for parents to tackle this task? RB: Deception is my biggest tip for parents. Sometimes you have to be a little sneaky, whether it’s grinding up vegetables and putting them into a sauce or calling romanesca dinosaur vegetables. I have two little girls and we call pomegranate seeds princess jewels, and it works for me. We call whole-wheat tortillas bean blankets…we don’t, that’s from Aziz Ansari and I stole that line. I listen to a lot of Pandora comedy—I love it. Q: Who’s your favorite comedian? RB: John Mulaney at the moment. Q: Let’s talk about your new baby, your restaurant Juniper & Ivy. Can you talk about the menu concept of this left coast cookery? RB: Left coast cuisine. There are two meanings to left coast. One is obvious, we’re on the West Coast and a majority of our ingredients are sourced from the west. We are also using left as the political definition, if you will, we’re not making a political statement, but our food is a little bit more liberal and open to new ideas. Our menu at Juniper & Ivy is also going to be very vegetable focused. Q: Can you tell us who’s on the team? RB: There are 78 people on the team. I will tell you about some key members: Mike Rosen is the owner, who’s not only invested in this restaurant but also the San Diego food scene, which is why I’m here. Tammy Wong is our sommelier, Jen Queen is our mixologist, Dan Pena is the general manager, Jon Sloan (you can call him Sloaner) is our chef de cuisine, Brad Chance is our pastry chef, who I smuggled from Atlanta (who has actually been with me for five years), and Anthony Wells is our sous chef. Those are the main players. Q: Any tips for enjoying a first time experience at Juniper & Ivy? RB: Have a good time and have fun. Our menu is devised in a way where you can come in here with a group of 20 people, order some cocktails and small plates, and have a rip roaring good time. It’s also designed so that you can come here for a first or third date and get a tasting menu and have great conversation in a quieter space of our restaurant. We’re going to be very affordable, and it’s going to be a great dining experience. We’re not very serious about ourselves, but we’re serious about our craft. So, you’re going to be able to come in here and get a crafted meal and a cocktail list and amazing wine. Q: What is the best thing about being a chef? RB: I love what I do, I feel like I don’t have a job. It’s going to sound very surfer of me but it’s a lifestyle. I love making people happy through my food. Q: What native knowledge have you acquired as a new San Diegan? RB: I’m all about health and wellness now. I’m all-natural. I even started doing yoga, which is something I need, because I’m so high strung. I’d say the warrior is my favorite position, because I’m a guy. But really, I’m just a beginner. Health and wellness is a big part of my life, but I didn’t realize how big it is for San Diego. People really care about that stuff here, which makes me really excited.
A Recipe from Chef Richard Blais INSPIRED BY THE JUNIPER & IVY MENU
ASPARAGUS & SNAP PEA SALAD Adapted for the At-Home Cook
GREEN GODDESS DRESSING • Mayo 6 cups • Sour Cream 2 cups • Anchovy Minced 6 each • Scallions (sliced) 5 each • Parsley 3/4 cup • Chives 1/2 cup • Dill 1/4 cup • Tarragon 1/2 cup • Garlic 2 each • Red Wine Vinegar 1/4 cup • Lemon Juice 1/4 cup • Salt & Pepper TT 1) Compose in Vita-Prep with herbs, garlic, vinegar & lemon juice 2) Add mayo, sour cream, & anchovies -puree well 3) Season with salt and pepper LEMON CURD CREMA • Butter 227 grams • Sugar 300 grams • Eggs 448 grams • Lemon Juice 240 ML • Salt 3.75 grams CRÈME FRAICHE • Turmeric 1 tablespoon • Citric Acid 1 teaspoon 1) Cream butter with sugar, add eggs (1 at a time) mix well in a mixer, add lemon juice 2) In a saucepot slowly cook, mix often till it becomes a curd (about 10 min), pour into a pan till it cools down 3) Once cooled, add crème fraiche, citric acid and turmeric ASPARAGUS WITH SHAVED PEELER 3 BUNCHES • Snap Peas 3 cups • Parsley pickled 1/2 cup • English Peas 1 cup • Lemon juice 1/2 cup • Kale or Watercress 2 cups • Fresno pickled or minced 1 cup » Toss asparagus, snap peas, kale with green goddess, squeezed lemon juice, salt & pepper and minced fresno » Lemon curd crema for side of plate » Garnish with parsley, breadcrumbs, and fresnos
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WRITTEN BY: EMILY VILLANUEVA PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ANGELICA BONGIOANNI
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amous food has been around for a long time, from literary gastronomy to food on film. There’s Proust’s memory-evoking madeleine and Narnia’s Turkish delights, Mia’s $5 milkshake in “Pulp Fiction” and the evasive lobsters of “Annie Hall.” And then, you’ve got The Food Network and the Travel Channel—24/7 Zagat guides to the best food in the world. That seems to be the magic of the food show genre: its ability to put a restaurant on the map (and make a viewer instantaneously hungry). I mean, come on, we can’t be the only ones who planned a cross-country road trip where
all the stops revolved around the food mentioned on an episode of “Best Thing I Ever Ate,” or fallen asleep to an episode of “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives,” dreamt about sizzling sandwich melts and mammoth pasta plates, and woken up in the middle of the night with a massive craving. Both shows, and plenty of others, have come to San Diego and subsequently boost our reputation as an up-and-coming foodie city. From a twelve-egg omelet to a Buddha’s Cobbler, a cognac infused cocktail, here are the local foods that had their 15 minutes of fame.
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“BEST THING I EVER ATE” (AKA GREAT CHEFS RAVE ABOUT OTHER GREAT CHEFS) The most memorable meals of culinary insiders.
Grant Grill Buddha’s Cobbler
326 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 619.744.2077 | www.grantgrill.com
The BUDDHA’S COBBLER—a playful twist on the classic mint julep—is the current drink du jour, and its star is the odd-looking Buddha’s Hand.
The minutes counting down to 4pm can be pretty torturous for those who know about DONOVAN’S PHILLY CHEESE STEAKS. Come 4pm, it’s happy hour, and come happy hour, it’s complimentary Philly Cheese Steak time! That’s right, complimentary.
The Buddha’s Cobbler cocktail is a veritable witch’s brew if you’ve ever experienced one, from its exotic ingredients to the magical effect it has upon first sip. Featured on “Best Thing I Ever Ate” by local food writer Troy Johnson, the Grant Grill is a throwback to the three-o-clock power lunch and the after-work martini, a modern “Mad Men” bar with an award-winning seasonal cocktail menu. Jeff Josenhans is the Grill’s sommelier and mixologist who is responsible for helming drinks like the Smashing Pumpkin Martini, House Made Vermouth, and 100-Day Barrel-Aged Manhattan. The Buddha’s Cobbler—a playful twist on the classic mint julep—is the current drink du jour, and its star is the odd-looking Buddha’s Hand. Hailing from China, the citron fruit looks like a shriveled hand and tastes like concentrated lemon rind, albeit less acidic and more floral. “It’s a little lemony, a little florally. Not as tart or sharp as a lemon,” says Josenhans. The zesty appendages steep in Remy V Un-aged Cognac from France, and a few of these creepy-cool cauldrons are even put on display at the bar for all to see. The infused cognac becomes smooth, rich and slightly tangy, like a candied kumquat. The other component—a smoky, sweet, anything-butsimple syrup—is made by grating palm sugar and smashing pink peppercorns, smoking the crumbly mixture with jasmine tea, and then dissolving into boiling water. The booze and syrup is finally topped with seltzer water, a splash of Meyer lemon juice, and a sprig of pink peppercorn for one of the most unique (yet unanimously delicious) drinks you’ve ever had. Now let’s all give Grant Grill a hand.
Donovan’s Steak & Chop House Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich
At EL INDIO TORTILLERIA AND MEXICAN RESTAURANT, they make about 600 dozen tortillas a DAY. If you don’t have a calculator on hand, that is 7,200 tortillas.
4340 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla, CA 92122 619.450.6666 | www.donovanssteakhouse.com
The minutes counting down to 4pm can be pretty torturous for those who know about Donovan’s Philly Cheese Steaks. Come 4pm, it’s happy hour, and come happy hour, it’s complimentary Philly Cheese Steak time! That’s right, complimentary. And these are no ordinary Philly’s: they are as mouth-watering as they are free (I know, totally free. I was in disbelief for a while too). Donovan’s has been a premier steakhouse for many years, a mahogany pillar in the midst of a constantly revolving door of trendy
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restaurants. Padres have dined here; Chargers have dined here; Dennis Quaid has dined here as evident by the celeb-filled portrait wall in the entryway. But now, anyone with a working watch and a love for happy hour can dine here, and we highly advise it, if not just for a taste of the aforementioned Philly. Executive Chef Sal Reynoso, who has been with Donovan’s for almost 15 years, talked about the magnetic pull of the sandwich. “Four o’clock comes and everyone comes— people just come for the sandwich alone. When you got that quality of steak in your hands, you can’t go wrong!” He showed us how to assemble the melt, which Troy Johnson called “definitely more refined… more of a steak sandwich with a little bit of a Philly attitude.” USDA prime tenderloin simmers for hours and is then sautéed with caramelized onions and button mushrooms for a few minutes. Topped with generous amounts of jack cheese, the gooey filling is poured into a toasted French roll, cut into sections, served with au jus and delivered on a silver platter to the hungry masses every 15-30 minutes.
“DINERS, DRIVE-INS, AND DIVES” (AKA TRIPLE D OR GUY FIERI DRIVES A RED CAMARO) The trifecta of an unpretentious, down-home dining establishment.
El Indio Everything
3695 India St, San Diego, CA 92103 619.299.0333 | www.el-indio.com
There are few things in life more exciting than watching hot, freshly made tortillas roll out of an oven conveyor belt by the dozen—it’s like manna fall from heaven. At El Indio Tortilleria and Mexican Restaurant, they make about 600 dozen tortillas a DAY. If you don’t have a calculator on hand, that is 7,200 tortillas, give or take, rolling down that conveyor belt that we only wish led straight to our stomachs. The famous family business has been churning out Mexican food for over 70 years. Ralph Pesqueira who actually invented the first tortilla-making machine in his basement founded El Indio. He passed the reins down to his son, Ralph Jr., who currently runs the restaurant with the help of his daughter Jennifer. Everyday their staff works in its large, almost labyrinthine building, making everything from enchiladas to tamales to a crazy thing called “morditas” that consists of cut-up beef taquitos smothered in nacho cheese and jalapeños. But the most impressive part about the place is definitely the tortilleria, the heart of the operation and the foundation for all of its dishes. As they showed on “Diners, Driveins, and Dives,” making tortillas is a simple three-step process when your tortillas have only one ingredient— corn. Big vats are filled with fifty-pound bags of field grade, Los Manos, CA white corn, and mixed with water and a little lime juice. Cooked for 30-45 minutes and then soaked overnight, the corn is turned into masa when poured into a machine that uses lava rocks to grind it into two different mixtures—fine and play dough-y for tortillas or gritty and coarse for tamales. The third step is putting the masa into another machine that rolls and cuts it into circles and into the oven before plopping out as hot pillows of joy (quality tortillas puff up with steam so you know they’re evenly cooked). And I guess the fourth and easiest step would be to eat these gourmet tortillas without thought to the caloric consequences. As Ralph Jr. joked with us, “I haven’t seen a calorie yet, so I don’t believe in them.”
Q: The gig that sort of started it all was being on Season 3 of Bravo’s “Top Chef.” What drew you to audition? Brian Malarkey: I was actually approached by “Top Chef.” They approached me to be on, because they knew I’d auditioned for “The Next Food Network Star” and made the final cut for that… I’d gone to the New York studios for “The Next Food Network Star,” and I was so, so nervous that I pretty much dropped the ball and thought: Well, I guess that’s it, I’m not going to be on TV. And then, “Top Chef” called. Q: What was it like seeing yourself on television? BM: It’s really exciting when you first start seeing those promo commercials and you know your mom and your friends are seeing you. It’s really exhilarating and very exciting, like the first time you went to Starbucks and somebody recognized you. Q: How much of what actually happens shows on television? Was it frustrating to have no control over how you were going to be perceived? BM: You know, I got really, really nervous beforehand. I started to get nervous that people wouldn’t come eat at my restaurant, that, you know, I was just going to go on TV and mess up and make enemies and completely ruin my career. And so, I called them right before and said, “I can’t go, I can’t do it.” And the producers said, “Hey this is going to change your life and if you change your mind you’ll regret it forever” and all that—basically, they talked me into it. (laughs) And, of course, I wound up going and it was great. But it’s always interesting to see what they show; the reality is they’re shooting 24 hours a day for an hour-long show, so you’re always like, why did they choose to show THAT of all things? Q: How did the experience change you— whether that be as a person, or as a chef or your style of cooking? BM: You definitely learn to laugh at yourself, because you’re making mistakes in front of millions of people, whereas before, you’d hate to cook a bad dish for just one person at your restaurant. It was like, now you’re cooking for all these amazing judges from all over the world! You get humbled. But it’s an incredible boost of confident also, because you just go, I can’t be perfect all the time and I’m just going to go for it and have fun. For me, it was incredible, because I got to hang out with all these awesome people that I never would have met—the Mario Batali’s of the world, some really talented people. I just got to hang out and cook with some of the best chefs in the country and that was inspiring. Q: Speaking of, who is the celebrity chef/ culinary personality you respect the most? And if you’re willing to divulge, who do you think is overrated? BM: Well, Mario Batali is an incredible businessman, an incredible chef, incredible entertainer and just a good-hearted guy, a good family man. He’s someone I’ve always admired. He has incredible restaurants, and you can just feel his spirit in everything he does. And the most overrated? I…. uh…. (laughs) Yeah, I’ll pass on that one. Q: You’ve worked on a lot of projects since then—being a judge for ABC’s “The Taste” (where your chef won); appearing on The Travel Channel and The Food Network; and
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Brian Malarkey
most recently cooking for the James Beard Award Dinner. Tell us a little bit more about these opportunities. BM: After “Top Chef,” I really saw what the media did for me and how it was great for business and how much fun I had and all the traveling, so I did “Mega Bites” for TLC and “Kick Off Cook Off” where I really got to work on my craft. And then, I auditioned for “The Taste” with Nigella Lawson and Bourdain and Ludo Lefebvre, and it was very exciting—landing that job was like hitting the lottery. I was very competitive and had a good spot and went out to win it and… I may have talked too much, which maybe is why I didn’t get invited back for the second season, because they wanted to go in a different direction. The James Beard Award Dinner was insane. We were cooking for the biggest people in the industry at Gotham Hall in NYC, and you’ve got Keller, Bourdain—they’re all there. It was almost like a nightmare “Top Chef” challenge! It was so much fun, but we worked our asses off. Basically, we were cooking in a coatroom for 550 people. Q: What has all the exposure done for your restaurants? BM: It brings a lot of free advertising of course, because I think people really enjoy celebrity chefs. People are excited to eat our food and they want you to succeed, for the most part. There’s a flip side to it too, though, because people also come with a lot more judgments and expectations, and if you misstep, everyone talks about it. There are definitely lovers and haters. Q: What’s next for you? BM: I just shot a couple pilots for The Food Network and judged on a few episodes of “Guy’s Grocery Games,” which is so fun. And you know what—Guy Fieri is one of the nicest, coolest guys in the world. He is world class—so freakin’ nice and funny and welcoming. Once you get to know him, he makes dreams come true. Think about it, for “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives,” those people whose restaurants are featured, they have lines out the door for years to come. I’m also really excited for my new restaurant in LA, Herringbone; right now, we’re in the thick of it all, so there’s chaos and press and Bobby Flay’s eating lunch there. Last year, we did all the food and wine festivals, which is exhausting, so this year, we’re just trying to take it easy.
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“EAT ST.”
Rich Sweeney
(AKA A MOVEABLE FEAST) The best in road-tested food.
Devilicious
Butter Poached Lobster Grilled Cheese/Duck Confit Grilled Cheese/ Pork Belly Melt
Locations Vary 951.514.6332| www.deviliciousfoodtruck.com
Q: The gig that sort of started it all was being on Season 5 of “Top Chef.” What made you want to audition? Rich Sweeney: I’d auditioned for them a couple of times for different seasons. I was a huge fan of the show, and I would talk to my friends about it, and they would be like, “You should try out, you should check it out.” So, I tried out a few times, didn’t get it—one of the times one of the casting directors was like, “We really like you, but you just don’t have enough experience yet,” so I was like, “Okay!” Then, I was working down at Confidential in the Gaslamp, and they ended up promoting me to Company Executive Sous Chef, and then, I saw “Top Chef” was having interviews again up in LA, and I decided that I would just go up there, basically without any expectations that anything was going to happen and yeah, one of the casting directors finally followed me. It was a crazy experience, just the interview process alone. Q: How did you prep to be on television? RS: I had talked to a couple of different chefs that I knew and asked them, like, “Oh what do you do for competition stuff?” And I also did a little bit of reading and practice. But the show is so off-the-wall with its challenges that you almost can’t practice for it. For me, the biggest thing that I tried to memorize was recipes for desserts, cakes, and stuff like that, because you can’t bring any recipe cards or anything with you. So, I was trying to commit every dessert recipe that we have at the restaurant to memory. Some of the other chefs from other seasons tried to practice, even giving themselves Quickfire challenges and stuff like that, but nothing sets you up for what you’re going to walk into. They basically tie your hands in the beginning and say, “We’re going to throw you a knuckle ball, curve ball, slider, and then you gotta’ be ready to hit a homerun.” Q: What was it like seeing yourself on TV for the first time? RS: Pardon my French but it’s just f**kin’ weird. (laughs) I hate the way that I sound—to me I don’t sound like myself—and especially when I get excited, I talk really fast and my voice goes up a bit, and I’m like “Oh no, why… why are we playing this?! Can’t we just auto-tune me down? Figure it out!” But it’s surreal to see yourself, the first time you’re doing those one-on-one interviews and you walk-in for the first time and feel like, “I’ve seen this all on TV but now I’m IN the TV.” It’s crazy to get used to having a camera pop up all the time or somebody in the corner always filming you.
Q: How did the experience change you— whether that be as a person, or as a chef, or your style of cooking? RS: The biggest thing was coming back and…now, it’s really hard to get me rattled. After you have to cook for 60 people with one burner and a bunch of microwaves and toasters, it becomes so much easier to cook in a restaurant where all of a sudden the oven won’t work or something. Besides that, for me, being able to handle curveballs. I appreciate the fact that it’s given me a lot of exposure and that people will come up and still recognize me from the show. For some people, they get a big head, but I like to think I’ve stayed pretty grounded despite it all. There was one time, though, I was at the supermarket, and I was there with my boyfriend, and this guy was kind of following us around the store, and he kept trying to walk past and see what I had in my shopping basket. And then, finally, he came over and was like, “You’re the guy from Top Chef, right?” And I said, “Oh hi, yeah, my name is Rich, blah blah blah,” and we’re talking and chatting, and then he totally just bends over and, like, starts looking right into my shopping basket, picking stuff up, and saying “So what are you buying?” And I’m like, “I’m buying candy and popcorn, because I’m going to watch a movie. Like, why you being creepy!” (laughs) Q: What has all the publicity done for R-Gang? RS: There’s always a new restaurant opening somewhere in San Diego, and most of the time nobody pays any attention to it. But when you can call a magazine or newspaper and say someone from “Top Chef” is opening a restaurant, all of a sudden people get interested. Q: What do you have planned next? RS: Right now, I’m actually working on opening a second restaurant down in the Gaslamp. It’s called Florent—we’re going to do ModernAmerican food in an upscale-casual fine dining restaurant. We’re going to have two floors, a main dining room on the first floor and the downstairs will be secondary dining, more loungy, like live music five nights a week. Our goal is to have an all-in-one-venue, where people can come in for lunch, dinner, happy hour, and then, if they want to stay afterwards because they hear a great band or DJ, they have the option to spend their night with us as well. It’ll be that crossover between restaurant and nightlife lounge.
“I’m a big kid who plays with my food, you know. I’m known for my tater tots, so I only roll around with so much street cred.” 40 |
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Succulent. Scrumptious. Titillating. Wicked. These are just some of the cheeky descriptors written on the Devilicious food truck, which was a contestant on Season 2 of “The Great Food Truck Race.” This mobile feast helmed by Kenneth, Daniel, and Robert twists comfort food classics by using fine-dining ingredients. Think Butter Poached Lobster Grilled Cheese with butter poached lobster, caramelized onions and tomatoes and jack and cheddar cheese on butter-toasted bread, which is the dish that brought them to “Eat St.,” and rightfully so. It’s not the only fancy grilled cheese on their menu, however; their Duck Confit Grilled Cheese with slow roasted duck confit, caramelized red onions, gruyere and mozzarella cheese and a honey port reduction is like eating an entree from a French restaurant stuffed between sourdough, while their Pork Belly Melt made of smoked pork belly, crispy fried Brussels sprouts, gruyere and mozzarella cheese and a fig and balsamic glaze makes my own belly so happy and warm. With a tagline of “Food So Good, It’s Bad!” you really can’t expect anything less, even if it’s being made on a truck at the side of the road. The transient nature of a food truck actually allows for more spontaneity, geographical range and an egalitarian approach that regular restaurants sometimes don’t have. Food trucks have the power to turn empty parking lots into urban events, hungry individuals into a community and congregation and curbs and grassy medians into picnic spots. Food trucks are all about elevating street food, and elevation is what Devilicious is all about.
“MAN VS. FOOD” (AKA ADAM RICHMAN HAS AN IRON STOMACH)
The winner’s circle of competitive eaters and elastic waistline enthusiasts.
Lucha Libre Surfin’ California Burrito
1810 W Washington St, San Diego, CA 92110 619.296.8226 | www.tacosmackdown.com
DEVILICIOUS Duck Confit grilled cheese with slow roasted duck confit, caramelized red onions, gruyere and mozzarella cheese and a honey port reduction is like eating an entree from a French restaurant stuffed between sourdough.
LUCHA packs a lot of style and is the type of place that always has long lines wrapped around the block. Even actual wrestlers like Alberto De Rio (twotime World Heavyweight Champion) or Chula Vistaborn WWE wrestler Rey Mysterio come after shows to hang out with Jose and the staff after hours.
It’s easy to mistake the Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop for some sort of shrine to the high-flying, melodramatic Mexican wrestler known as the "Luchador." Colorful masks and posters of prized fighters crowd their colorful walls, while actual fights play on the TV screen. The kitchen and staff, especially Owner Jose Rojano, joke and interact with customers like ringside concession dudes at a match. For a tiny taco shop right off of the I-5, it’s got some big cojones. Jose started Lucha Libre about six years ago, initially as a side project to accompany his background in fine dining and catering. “You had Albertos, Robertos, whatever Bertos, and those places are great… but I wanted to give something different to San Diego.” Different indeed, Lucha packs a lot of style and is the type of place that always has long lines wrapped around the block. Even actual wrestlers like Alberto De Rio (two-time World Heavyweight Champion) or Chula Vista-born WWE wrestler Rey Mysterio come after shows to hang out with Jose and the staff after hours. But the glowing spectacle and central talking piece of the place is not really the celeb sightings or even the bathroom walls that are adorned with hilarious art—it’s the golden champions booth (reservations required) where Adam Richman once sat to chow down on their infamous Surfin’ California burrito. Created by Jose’s brother Diego, it was a product of boredom and hunger, like most unapologetically delicious culinary creations are. It is a marriage between the classic surf-and-turf and the meat-cheese-andfries California burrito, and makes up 30-35 percent of their total sales. Making the Surfin’ California is like packing a suitcase—it’s a surprising show of finesse. A 14-inch tortilla is filled with grilled shrimp, a high-quality flat steak, fries, cheese, pico de gallo, avocado and “super secret chipotle sauce.” “A lot of people claim that they created the California burrito, you know, but nobody really knows who did,” says Jose. “We don’t claim that… we just perfected it.”
Broken Yolk Café Broken Yolk Special
Since 1986 around 500 people have attempted the BROKEN YOLK Special and only about 10 percent have actually succeeded.
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1851 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109 858.270.9655 | www.thebrokenyolkcafe.com
“They ate it all,” reads the golden plaque hanging on the Wall of Fame at Broken Yolk Café in Pacific Beach. They ate it all indeed, and by “all” we mean the Broken Yolk Special—a 12-egg omelet stuffed with mushrooms, onions, cheddar cheese, topped with chili and cheese, served with a hefty
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helping of home fried potatoes and two biscuits and served on a pizza pan. Those who ate it all in under an hour are forever immortalized on the Wall of Fame. And in the middle of the wall is a picture of a comatose Adam Richman, “Kid Brooklyn” who got his own huge plaque after defeating the challenge with trademark aplomb. Since 1986 around 500 people have attempted the Broken Yolk Special and only about 10 percent have actually succeeded. The secret, according to Dimitra O’Rourke, whose family owns the original location, is to avoid compartmentalizing. “You have to crumble the biscuits on top of the omelet and just eat it all together, not separately. Or else you’ll get sick too quickly.” Of course, you can always order any one of the café’s other items, but where’s the fun in that? Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, after all. The actual prize for this goliath feat is not a whole lot, substance-wise: your name on the Wall of Fame, a t-shirt (in a slightly larger size, most likely), a comped bill (even though the broken yolk special only costs $25.99), and company with the Man in “Man vs. Food” himself (who completed the challenge in under 30 minutes). But we all know what the real prize is with these types of things: the
bragging rights and the unique kind of pride that comes with devouring an abnormally large amount of food in one sitting. Currently, there is room for approximately 57 more names on the Wall of Fame…. any takers?
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Lob City Puesto Picks Live Langosta to Showcase in Seaport Village PUESTO 789 West Harbor Drive San Diego, CA 92101 619.233.8880 www.eatpuesto.com
WRITTEN BY: NICOLE FERA | PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ANH NGUYEN
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mongst the hustle and bustle of the newly renovated Headquarters at Seaport Village lies a fresh, delicious take on one of San Diego’s favorites: the taco. It’s no secret how iconic tacos are, especially to this region of California, but Puesto, the second of two restaurants in San Diego, takes this famous food to a whole other level.
A little over two years ago, owners Eric Adler, Alan Adler and Isi Lombrozo teamed up with Chef and partner Luisteen Gonzalez to create Puesto, and it’s a wonderful concept. At the time, Chef Luisteen was already running a successful catering business, selling his upscale, homemade recipes at various parties that the owners had attended and hosted. They knew this food was too good to only be shared occasionally, and so the idea for Puesto was born. The first location in La Jolla has thrived since it’s opening, allowing the team to open their second location downtown.
dining at Puesto for the first time and a favorite of all their regular guests.
From the second I arrived at the new location, it was easy to see why it has been such a success. The restaurant has a light, trendy, modern feel to it with its funky décor and open kitchen. The center piece is its sleek bar where guests can enjoy hand crafted, delicious cocktails to go along with their tacos, chips and guacamole, fresh salads or whatever other dish catches their eye and stomach. Whether guests choose to take advantage of the outside seating or make their way upstairs, the restaurant has an airy floor plan that allows the beautiful San Diego weather in to be enjoyed by all.
As promised, each ingredient was transformed not only in front of me, but in front of each and every guest that orders any of the tacos with the line visible to all. It was amazing to see the process and know how fresh each component really was. The lobster is kept alive until right before it’s prepared for the dish, the tortillas are made from scratch with fresh masa, which makes a world of difference for those who know and love their tortillas, and the crispy fried onions as a topping give the taco a crunch and that last extra touch.
Although anyone dining will leave full, happy and wanting more no matter which dish they choose, one particular taco has caught the hearts of many, including my own. The Lobster Taco, handcrafted each and every time it’s made, is the perfect introduction to all of you who will be
At a glance, this taco does not appear as complicated as all of the ingredients that are a part of the dish, but each bite is definitely worth the preparation that goes into it. Fresh lobster is caught locally, tortillas are handmade, and the crema de cilantro is unmatched by any other sauce I’ve had on a taco so far. Staring at all of the ingredients in front of me, I couldn’t wait for the taco to be artfully created from scratch by Chef Luisteen himself.
Now that you’re dreaming about this sensational dish and your mouth is watering, grab some friends and go check out Puesto’s new location and see what I’m talking about with the Lobster Taco! Oh, and don’t forget that specialty cocktail that you’ll need to wash it all down with. Cheers!
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The Lobster Taco,
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handcrafted each and every time it’s made, is the perfect introduction to all of you who will be dining at Puesto for the first time and a favorite of all their regular guests.
LOBSTER TACO INGREDIENTS: 1. fresh lobster
5. pepper
9. butter
13. avocado
2. masa
6. onion
10. mayo
14. cilantro
3. dried chipotle peppers
7. black beans
11. jalapenos
15. salsa verde
4. manchego cheese
8. flour
12. lime
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Simply M A G N IF ICENT Adding Essences That Make Every Day More Beautiful
WRITTEN BY: NATALIE HOLTZ PHOTOGRAPHED BY: MICHAEL WESLEY
Pop the bubbly!
You can now afford to celebrate with elegant, fizzy wines every night of the week, thanks to Magnifico Giornata, which means “Magnificent Day” in Italian. It started with an idea and a kitchen table conversation four years ago. The line went through its fermentation process (brand identity research, finding wineries, sourcing grapes), and last fall, Diamond Brands, Inc., launched this new infused essence collection on the West Coast. Steve Jobs said, “People don’t know what they want until you give it to them,” and sitting down with CEO and co-founder Robert Manfredonia, these words have never seemed truer. These stylish, luxe gold bottles (Ginger Peche, Grapefruit Blanc and Lavender Honey) with their low calorie count and fashion brand-like decorations, take the best elements of champagne and leave the bitter dregs behind. Easy-to-drink, female-focused, and meant for everyday indulgence, Magnifico is more than a champagne. It’s a new way of thinking about champagne. Manfredonia, who has a fierce “I am never not working” entrepreneurial spirit, came straight to our interview from the MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas where Magnifico is now available in every room. As we talk about how Magnifico is toying with the idea of doing a plastic bottle version with a straw (perfect for Vegas pool parties), or how they cut the carbonation of their champagne in half to make it more drinkable, it’s clear Manfredonia knows his industry yet still thinks outside the box. If the “Man Behind Magnifico” seems incredibly interesting, you’re right. His is quite the cocktale.
MAGNIFICO BRANDS 4225 Executive Square Suite 600, La Jolla, CA 92037 (855.859.0011 | www.bemagnifico.com | r.manfredonia@diamondbrandsinc.com) Follow Magnifico on Facebook at /beMagnifico, Twitter @beMagnifico, Instagram bemagnifico | JUNE 2014 | 49
THE EXPERT ROBERT MANFREDONIA CEO & Co-founder, Magnifico
Deathbed Drink: Duvel
Q: What makes Magnifico different from other champagnes? Robert Manfredonia: You can drink Magnifico anytime. Champagne has always been looked at with an elevated status. It’s sophisticated, elegant, sexy, but sometimes a little bit stale. I hear people say there’s a bottle of Tattinger that’s been sitting in their refrigerator for six months. And then they say to me, “I am waiting for the right occasion.” And then I think, “Wow. What a missed opportunity.” So that’s always been the big idea. Can we get people who like this type of product to drink it all other times? One of the reasons we think that a lot of people don’t drink champagne all the time is that the carbonation level is very high, which makes it a bit harsh when you drink it. So, we cut the carbonation in half. That makes it a little more approachable and drinkable. We’ve also tried to zone into what’s important to females. One of the things that is important to females is that it’s low-calorie, which we are—less than 100 calories per serving. We’re also all natural. We also thought Magnifico could take what is hot in the industry, which is a spectrum of different flavors, and elevate it a little bit. We do this by not having whipped cream and cherry and grape and lemon, but having Ginger Peche, Lavender Honey and Grapefruit Blanc—something a little more elegant so it stays in tune with champagne and sparkling wine. Then, we put it into a gorgeous package that looks like no other out there. Q: How much does a bottle of Magnifico cost to the consumer? RM: $25.99 for a 750 ml bottle or $74.99 for the boxed trio, which is available online and includes shipping costs. Q: You’ve been in the beverage business for over 20 years. How have you seen the industry change? RM:: The beverage business has changed dramatically in 20 years. It’s a lot more premium than it used to be. Ten years ago, Absolut came on the scene with this premium vodka. Now you have a plethora of above premium vodkas of all shapes and sizes. They’ve got beautiful packages, different flavors, and they’re interesting. They appeal to a lot of different people, and that wasn’t the case twenty years ago. The wine business was completely different also. The wine business 20 years ago was jug wine. It was three and four gallons of blush Colombard. It was just mixed grapes. Now it’s a lot more sophisticated, more elegant and more polished. At Magnifico, we have kind of taken all those nuances of the industry changes and tried to take what people are doing a very good job at—like what Grey Goose, or Kettle One, or Belvedere does. Then, we look at rums and how Dom Pérignon has become a little different in their approach. We have a lot of admiration and respect for other brands; we just think our path is a little bit different. Q: Tell me about what a typical day consists of for you as the CEO and cofounder of Magnifico? RM: It usually starts with a 5am call to France, which is nine hours ahead (sometimes a little earlier). I deal with everything from financial elements to production pieces, but probably the most important thing is the winery. It’s making sure that everything is in order, making sure that we are on the same page as France directionally with everything that we want. Then, I usually roll into the East Coast business, which is three hours ahead. We’re in New York and Connecticut and we’re going to expand to another state, probably New Jersey soon. So it’s a long, 100-hour workweek sort of deal, but that’s just the way it has to be when you start up. You have to be constantly on the road and understanding it and not just having a 50,000-foot view of things. You have to be very close to it to understand all the intricacies of what’s going on. Q: What’s something on your “Before I Die” list? RM: Well, being of Italian descent, I’d like to have a little place in Tuscany. I’ve always loved the idea of being an old, Italian man and having wine and cheese and smoking cigars with the rest of the old people in Tuscany. I’ve always loved Italy not just for the flair, but also for the simplicity of it. Also, I’d like to travel with my kids and grandkids—if my kids have grandkids—just to travel with my family and see things. That won’t be anytime soon, because Magnifico is keeping me busy, but that’s something I really want to do. Q: What is the best part about your job? RM: It’s busy days, but this has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done. I’ve always been with larger companies where there’s already a structure in place and you’re just steering that structure. You’re steering something that’s already in place. Here you’re building what that’s supposed to be—the direction and how things are supposed to go. It’s a lot more of just building our roadmap of where we want to be short term and longterm. 50 |
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Q: What is your proudest career accomplishment? RM: That I created something that wasn’t there before. That gives me immense satisfaction. I might be able to, one day, be sitting in a bar and see people around me drinking Magnifico and say, “You know, I was a small part of that company that created that brand over there,” and no one would know, and that gives me a lot of personal satisfaction. That’s something that I think about all the time. People say money is the greatest satisfaction, but money comes and goes. I look at it more like, “Can you leave your mark?” Can you leave your mark in your time on this planet? That is what brought me to this. That’s why I am so passionate about it. Q: Before you started Magnifico, you managed the international division for South African Breweries. Can you tell us a little about your history in the alcohol business? RM: I started at Southern Wine & Spirits, which is the largest wine and spirits distributor in the country. I learned the business through them. I went through the ranks from a guy; I merchandised shelves and built displays to learn the business. Then, I was recruited by South African Breweries. SAB was the company that purchased Miller Brewing Company. No one knew about SAB, and I was recruited to work for them. They found me and asked me to help run their international division, which were Pilsner Urquell, Foster’s, Leinenkugel and Peroni. So I was a part of a small group of folks that ran these very eclectic different brands and I was a brand builder. I worked there for a while, and then, Miller had the joint venture with Coors, and it became Miller Coors. It became sort of a larger entity, and I still had this passion for helping to develop smaller brands, so I went to work for a company called Duvel Moortgat. They had five breweries and I helped steward this group of breweries. And then from there, it’s what we started here with Diamond Brands, which is Magnifico Giornata. We started this about two years ago. Q: What would be your deathbed beer? RM: I would go with a Duvel, a strong, Belgian golden ale. It has to be in the glass, the signature glass, because that’s the experience of that glass. In so many ways, a Duvel is a pinnacle of craftsmanship. It’s just a beautiful beer. It’s built beautifully, there’s art to that beer, and there’s lineage to that beer. It’s seen a lot of things. Q: Would you drink a beer for your last drink? RM: That’s a very good question. It probably would be a beer. I like beer. I like whiskey. It would be a whiskey and a cigar—the simplicity of Crown Royal on the rocks with a nice Rocky Patel cigar. If I could do a combination, it would be that. But if it were just one drink, it would be a Duvel. Q: If you could have lunch with one historical figure, dead or alive, who would it be? RM: It would be the U.S. General, George Patton. Being an Air Force guy, I don’t want to say I like war. I don’t like war, but I like the strategy of how you develop plans. How you implement plans. How did you think that out? Why did you do it that way? So to pick the brain of someone like that would be just fantastic to me. I would say it would be a famous U.S. General so we could talk about World War II. I am a history guy, and I enjoy sort of looking at different wars and how they—not how they came about, because that’s obviously horrible with loss of life and all that stuff—but the strategy of how, when it’s there, how to approach it. That’s very interesting to me. Eisenhower would be great.
"You have to be constantly on the road and understanding it and not just having a 50,000-foot view of things. You have to be very close to it to understand all the intricacies of what’s going on."
Photographed by: Dhrumil Desai
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June 2014
54 SHOP EXPERT Fashion Week San Diego Winner RHCREATION’s Collection Has Everything You’ll Need for a Weekend Stay at Your Favorite Resort
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NUBRY Offers Opening Day Fashion Tips, After Party Pointers and Betting Advice in Our Annual Guide to the Del Mar Races
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lights camera action Fashion Week San Diego Winner RHCREATION Reveals His Resort Collection
WRITTEN BY: KRISTAL DOCTER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ADAM GENTRY Creative Director: Allison Andrews Hair By: Joseph Anthony & Bryan Fisher from Joseph Anthony Hair Extraordinaire Makeup By: James Overstreet Models: Lena Moss, Tatiana Campos Slepova, Raynee Danielle, Shannon Aspell & Diana Lieziert
R
ichard Henderson is no ordinary fashion designer. Bemused by the Hollywood behavior that surrounded him after moving here from Belize at 16, Henderson determined that his artistic upbringing would fit perfectly in the area’s fashion industry. And so, he obtained his degree in fashion design, and at the young age of 19 was selected by Shelli Segal to become her assistant. Now, we’ve featured several fashion savants in our spreads, but none who was one of Shelli Segal’s first protégés! You know— the Shelli Segal whose line, Laundry, is one of the top-selling women’s lines in America? Twenty-five years after his employment with this legend, Henderson has finally brought his first fashion label to life with the introduction of RHCREATION, a resort wear line that suits Southern California splendidly, and thus, is quickly cementing his status in the industry. The coveted release promptly captured the attention of San Diego’s socialites at last year’s Fashion Week San Diego, and RHCREATION came home with the win. Henderson and his business partner, Timothy McGee, who also has a strong connection to art, combined their creativity 10 years ago and launched a T -shirt brand called RAHTM. Now, after winning Fashion Week San Diego 2013 and years of successful sales together, the only way to go for this talented twosome is up. The RHCREATION collection is hot off the runway and ready to wear to the beach this summer, so, listen up, ladies—you’re going to want to find out how to get your hands on these prismatic pieces. Q: When did you start pursuing fashion as a profession and what or who inspired you? Richard Henderson: The art and the passion for it is something that has always been in my blood. I was very artistic in elementary school; I was always painting and drawing, and it’s something I’ve been doing ever since. I started pursuing fashion over 25 years ago, and I think just growing up in a very artistic family is what really got me into it. I came to America from Belize when I was 16, and I really wanted to get into fashion after seeing the Hollywood lifestyle. Q: I read that you assisted Shelli Segal for seven years. Tell us about some of your experiences there and how that has shaped you as a designer. RH: I went to school for a bachelor’s degree in fashion design, and in my last semester of school, I was in a fashion show, which she attended, and she handpicked me from the graduating class to be her assistant. So prior to my graduation, she asked me to come work for her. Ever since then, I’ve been in the fashion industry. I was very influenced by the way Shelli worked—the way she coordinates a group and puts pieces together, like the styling and the merchandising of the line, helped me so much. And we’re still friends to this day. Q: Tell me about your current collection. What was the inspiration? RH: The collection itself is mostly about colors, and that’s because I love to work with color and also prints. I love the tropical feeling, and I wanted to do a resort collection simply because of where I’m from, combining that with the lifestyle feel of San Diego and neighborhoods like La Jolla. So, my business partner, Timothy McGee and I decided to merge the two together to get into Fashion Week San Diego. The collection is also about construction—I know where to hide certain things and where to show certain things. It’s not always about a gown that’s extremely tight and 54 |
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RHCREATION 5310 Circle Dr Sherman Oaks, CA 91401 www.rhcreation.com Facebook | Twitter | Instagram: @RHCREATION
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was the most amazing feeling in the world. It already felt like we won, but there was still another night with 10 more designers. We have gotten a lot of press out of it, and our next step is a matter of getting it out there to the right people and the right buyers. The name itself is getting out there thanks to Fashion Week San Diego. Q: Who is your fashion muse? RH: My favorite designer is Gianfranco Ferré. I used to admire his collections back in my days of school—the way he would show his girls on the runway and the fluidity with which his garments moved. From the age of 18 or 19, I was always inspired by his style and his presentation. Q: Do you have any advice for our bourgeoning fashionistas and fashionistos? RH: I would tell them to be themselves. I think a lot of the students that I see try to be extremely avant-garde and theatrical, which is great, but in all reality, you want to do what the general public will buy. You have to be able to mix the two together. You do the editorial and over the top designs after you have retail success. Q: Where can we find your designs? RH: We are working on a few boutiques at the moment, but we do have an e-Bay store. There are over 60 or 70 pieces available for purchase on the e-Bay store, which is linked off our website, Facebook and Twitter.
THE EXPERT RICHARD HENDERSON Designer of Label RHCREATION
Fashion Muse: Gianfranco Ferré
Q: What can we expect from your next collection? Do you intend to remain focused on resort wear? RH: I will be focusing on the resort wear style, but what I am working on now is a little bit cleaner with more of a shape to it. The looks themselves have a very constructed look, yet they’re not like anything that’s ever been seen before. I am almost finished with Spring 2015, which we’re going to preview at Fashion Week San Diego in October.
fitted in which you have to lose 20 pounds before wearing it. It’s more about small little details like revealing a little skin at the shoulder, a peekaboo at the neckline or showing a little leg. RHCREATION is accessible to every woman, lending itself to a size 0 or a size 24. Q: Is this your first full collection? RH: Yes, is its. Q: How did it feel seeing your collection coming down the runway for the first time? RH: It was great, and winning, of course, made it even more exciting and great. What I really like about it is that it lends itself to the lifestyle of the area. Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve ever designed for? RH: We have a contract with the Miss Belize Organization, so we dress the winner when they go to international pageants like Miss Universe, Miss World, Miss International, and we do their costumes as well. We have also done several gowns for celebrities, which have been worn on the red carpet at the Daytime Emmy Awards, the BET Awards, Miss California and Latina pageants, so we have done a lot of other things. I think what is so special about RHCREATION resort wear is that it’s a little different than all the other resort wear that you see out there, because you can take it from a pool to a party or from a resort to a restaurant—it’s not just your basic square kimono cover up. Most of my pieces, if you do it in a different fabric or different silhouette, bypass the swimsuit and do it in a non-sheer material; it could walk a red carpet as an evening gown. That’s my style. Q: Can you take us through a typical workday in the life of a fashion designer? RH: I would say I love to be creative. It’s very important to get your stuff out there in terms of marketing, but I have so many ideas, that I just want to create. My typical day is coming up with new silhouettes, new shapes and new ideas. With my experience of being in the garment industry for over 25 years, you have to know construction. I have a very strong knowledge of that. Q: Describe your personal sense of style. RH: Me personally, I am more of a laid back type of a guy; I am not the designer who is flamboyant—that’s going to take away from what I’m designing for my customer. I go shopping in the stores, and I do not look in the menswear department, I don’t like to shop for myself. I don’t care—just give me jeans and a shirt. I spend 95 percent of my time scouting the women’s department, because that’s whom I’m trying to dress. Q: What is your favorite piece in your current collection and why? RH: The final piece of the runway show is my favorite, simply because of the way that it was constructed—I don’t want to give away my secrets or anything, but it’s basically three squares sewn carefully together. It all has to do with architecture and how the fabrics are sewn together. The yellow dress with the high-low hemline is also very popular. I added the detail at the neckline, and it’s easy and flowy, so I would say those are my two favorite pieces from the collection. Q: How did it feel to win Fashion Week San Diego and has that impacted the growth of your label RHCREATION? RH: It was a great experience. The night that we showed the collection was amazing! Coming from backstage—we got bombarded by media and press, and it 56 |
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"I think what is so special about RHCREATION resort wear is that it’s a little different than all the other resort wear that you see out there, because you can take it from a pool to a party or from a resort to a restaurant—it’s not just your basic square kimono cover up."
THEY
HAD
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FUTURE THE VIBRANT Y-3 SHINES AGAINST A LESS COLORFUL TOMORROW
PHOTOGRAPHED BY: FRANK ISHMAN | STYLED BY: BRITTANY HART HAIR & MAKEUP BY: BRIE LEACH, MAKE UP FOR EVER MODELS: Ariana Lamour, Lauren Rhorer & Ryan Irby of BRAND Model & Talent Agency, www.brandtalent.net CLOTHING PROVIDED BY: Y-3 La Jolla 7852 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92101 858.551.9911 | www.y-3.com
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e’re not here to name names, but golfers past and present have given the sport a divided reputation when it comes to fairway fashion. Classic, coiffed and tailored walk the greens alongside players whose brash orange patterns hurt my soul. John Daly and Loudmouth, you have gone too far. Though the days of knickerbockers and too much tweed are behind us, today’s golf fashion is rooted in a tradition of put-togetherness that players took seriously on the course. It’s like Mrs. Beminger told champion golfer Patricia Pemberton (Katherine Hepburn) in 1952’s Pat and Mike, “Now that is your story: co-ooordination.” She points to Pat’s head, “This!,” to her top, “and this!” and to her skirt, “and this—should all be part of the same thing.” Grey plaid pants trimmed with a yellow belt proves that bright colors need not be cringe-worthy. Head-to-toe in crisp white is a bold statement done well, while pastel pink makes a handsome contrast paired with solid black on top. As always, the details set you apart. TravisMathew, an active apparel brand that understands and draws inspiration from the Southern Californian aesthetic, offers those thoughtful design elements that deliver impressive style without trying too hard. Polos stay on trend with horizontal striping in unexpected colors, perfectly fitted shorts and pants provide a neutral base for any sweater combination, and a collection of fun accessories—from hats to shoes—tie up loose ends for a finished look. Remaining true to their origins, TravisMathew strikes a balance between traditional East Coast Prepdom and that coveted West Coast Cool. For the ladies comfortable with their own set of clubs, Golfsmith and Nike handle your wardrobe worries so you can focus on your swing. Clean lines and a youthful color palette prove that conservative is still flattering and from the clubhouse to the 18th hole, you’ll be dressed to impress. In the eternal words of Lisa Bimbach, “What could be more enjoyable than a brisk round of golf followed by drinks on the terrace? Or a surer emblem of the good life than these sprightly resort clothes?” Sprightly resort clothes we’ve covered, now all we’re missing is the resort itself.
WHERE? SYCUAN GOLF RESORT 3007 Dehesa Road, El Cajon, CA 92019 800.457.5568 www.sycuanresort.com/golf
Home to San Diego’s only 54-hole resort, Sycuan Golf Resort combines its Willow Glen, Oak Glen, and Pine Glen Golf Courses for a rewarding balance of leisurely play and skillful challenge. Course architect Ted Robinson Sr. redesigned its original layout to increase difficulty through elevation changes and tee boxes that are positioned to demand well-placed lake shots. Tucked into the rolling hills of East San Diego, Sycuan Golf Resort offers championship golf with luxury travel and business amenities that guarantee a satisfying day on the greens.
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Home to San Diego’s only 54-hole resort, Sycuan Golf Resort combines its Willow Glen, Oak Glen, and Pine Glen Golf Courses for a rewarding balance of leisurely play and skillful challenge.
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WHERE? RANCHO BERNARDO INN 17550 Bernardo Oaks Drive, San Diego, CA 92128 888.976.4417 www.ranchobernardoinn.com/golf
PGA and LPGA tournament-approved, the golf course at the Rancho Bernardo Inn is 6,631 yards of well-maintained, gently sloping greens. In 2013, the 50-year-old course underwent a 2 million dollar facelift. Its renovated irrigation system is the latest in industry technology for improved turf coverage and RBI is the only course in San Diego to offer its benefits. This February, a $500,000 bunker renovation project added to the course’s appeal. Pictured here, the 18th hole is a player's favorite, with the Union Tribune calling it “One of the best finishing holes in the county.” Set against a signature water fountain with views of the Spanish Mission RBI, the end of your round at this Condé Nast Traveler-ranked resort is a reward well worth its wait.
Set against a signature water fountain with views of the Spanish Mission RBI, the end of your round at this Condé Nast Traveler-ranked resort is a reward well worth its wait. 72 |
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WHERE? OMNI LA COSTA RESORT AND SPA 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, CA 92009 800.854.5000 www.lacosta.com/golf www.premierfitnesscamp.com
Settled in the coastal foothills of Carlsbad, the two courses at the Omni La Costa have earned the resort recognition by Golf Magazine as Southern California’s only Gold Medal golf destination. Side-by-side with the #1 wellness spa in the nation as named by Spa Magazine, Omni La Costa embraces the focus on health and wellness that defines the Southern California lifestyle. With that in mind, Omni La Costa has enhanced the traditional game of golf by offering its new, allinclusive “Golf Fit” program. Golf Fit combines expert instruction from the resort’s TOURAcademy with the fitness and whole-body wellness perspective of their on-property partner Premier Fitness Camp. Customizable to the personal needs of each guest, Golf Fit includes a room at Omni La Costa Resort and Spa, a gourmet, nutritionally sound meal curriculum, a complete baseline health and fitness evaluation with blood work and heart rate monitor, half day fitness training and education classes with high-energy boot camps, and the Real Life Transformation, a 12-week, at-home coaching program complete with book, meal, and fitness plans. At the Omni La Costa, it’s about more than just a great day of golf—at the heart of it all is you feeling your best.
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At the Omni La Costa, it’s about more than just a great day of golf—at the heart of it all is you feeling your best.
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Its design the vision of World Golf Hall of Famer Arnold Palmer, this 72-par course plays through a botanical gardenscape that backs into the Batiquitos Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary.
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WHERE? PARK HYATT AVIARA 7447 Batiquitos Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92011 760.603.6900 www.golfaviara.com
Set in the golf manufacturing capital of the world, the Park Hyatt Aviara has bragging rights over the competition since winning the vote for Number 1 Golf Resort in San Diego from CondÊ Nast Traveler readers. Its design the vision of World Golf Hall of Famer Arnold Palmer, this 72-par course plays through a botanical gardenscape that backs into the Batiquitos Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary. Twice named one of the best resort golf courses in America by Golf Digest and Golf Magazine, the course at the Aviara is home to the LPGA Kia Classic and, with amenities that span a AAA Four Diamond restaurant and temperature-controlled towels to start and end your game, the Aviara Golf Club delivers pamper for every par. For guests concerned with maximizing their time on the green, overnight golf packages are available. A popular option, the Aviara Golf Package includes two rounds of golf, unlimited use of practice facilities, and complimentary overnight golf club storage. Whether new to the game or further developing your skills, Kip Puterbaugh’s Aviara Golf Academy and the Taylormade Performance Lab with a two-hour custom fitting session add depth to your day on the links.
WHERE? THE GRAND GOLF CLUB 5299 Meadows Del Mar, San Diego, CA 92130 858.314.2000 www.thegranddelmar.com
Earning accolades from Golf Digest, CondĂŠ Nast Traveler, and Ranch & Coast News, The Grand Golf Club at the Grand Del Mar treats members to undulating views of the Los PeĂąasquitos Canyon Preserve in coastal North County. Designed by Tom Fazio in the late '90s and renovated to stunning detail in more recent years, the course lays claim to an 18-foot waterfall and million-dollar cascading water feature, four short game areas, and 380 acres of varying elevation, diversity of bunkering and a range of tee lengths to challenge athletes of every skill level. To supplement its Performance Academy and instruction programs, The Golf Club hosts special clinics on-site throughout the year. From VISION54, a three-day clinic taught by the first and second ranked Top 50 Women Teachers on the mechanics of the golf swing to a focus on short game skills with The Dave Pelz Scoring Game School and more social golf instruction with a summertime series Ladies Only Golf & Wine Experience, The Grand Golf Club provides opportunities for serious and casual golfers alike to elevate their game.
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The course lays claim to an 18-foot waterfall and million-dollar cascading water feature, four short game areas, and 380 acres of varying elevation, diversity of bunkering and a range of tee lengths to challenge athletes of every skill level.
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Photographed by: Sierra Prescott
do
June 2014
82 DO EXPERT San Diego 6 Anchor Kimi Evans Talks About Being the Local Weather Diva, Working Out and Wanting to Start a Family
88 SUMMER TO-DO Outdoor Movies, Art Parties and Unconventional Eating Are Just a Few of the Items We’ve Included on Our Thrilling Three-City Summer To-Do List
98 FIRST TIMER'S GUIDE Go Ahead and Jump! Our Bravest Writer Channels Chuck Norris Before Gliding Over San Diego
104 GUIDE From an Insider’s Guide to Playlists that Will Please Everyone, Let Us Be Your Personalized “Lonely Planet” for Your Summer Road Trip
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FIRST TIMER'S GUIDE Soar Subject
TORREY PINES GLIDERPORT 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr La Jolla, CA 92037 858.452.9858 www.flytorrey.com
129 FEATURE Presenting Our Wells FargoSponsored Winning Entrepreneurs Picked By You
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Twitter | Instagram: @kimievans Facebook: kimievansweather
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From News Station to Fitness Studio, San Diego 6’s Career Chameleon Kimi Evans Rejoices in the Journey
WRITTEN BY: KRISTAL DOCTER | PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JEFF FARSAI
THE EXPERT KIMI EVANS San Diego 6 Weather Anchor | Owner Pilates Plus PB and pushHouse Encinitas
Secret Talent: Competitive Hula Dancer
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ave you ever met someone so inspiring that it immediately causes you to take a look at your own life and make a transformation in the direction of your dreams? Kimi Evans is that person. This devoted, determined weather diva has conquered more careers than you can count on one hand. She is the epitome of what we look for in a DO Expert…and more. Currently juggling two full-time, contrasting careers, Kimi Evans has learned to follow her heart and take chances. She grew up poor, living on food stamps with no father and no direction, but rather than let that set her back, Evans took matters into her own hands—as she’s continued to do throughout her life—and learned to seek direction from those she looked up to, following a path of service and self discovery until she metamorphosed into the incredibly motivated woman that she is today. As San Diego 6’s morning weather anchor and owner of two fast-growing San Diego-based fitness studios, Evans has so much of which to be proud. Yet, she’s still hoping for more out of her journey, and why not? She’s gorgeous, young, curious, accomplished and single (believe it or not). Evans wants to be a mother, a mentor, write a book and share her stories with the world. She has so much to give, and after getting to know her a little better, we are confident that she will make the most of the rest of her quest.
"If you have the desire to try different things, why not? Follow your dreams and give it a go. I just think you learn skills along the way that are transferrable; I’m like a chameleon." Q: You have built quite the diverse career for yourself. How do you balance your work between your fitness studios and the news studio? Kimi Evans: I don’t sleep. (laughs) The great thing for me is I love both. It’s fun. If you have the opportunity to do a job that is actually fun and you’re passionate about, then it’s not really work. I’m always exhausted, but I love working at the TV station; it’s something new everyday. Not that weather is so dynamic, but I do get to cover four different areas that are microclimates. You have the coast, you have inland, you have the mountains, you have the desert, so in one forecast, I could be reporting temperatures that could be a difference of 50 degrees. It’s also the guests that come in, the interaction with the anchors, and we all really get along. We sit there all morning long together, so getting along so well really makes it fun. | JUNE 2014 | 83
"If
I can start my day happy, and make everyone else’s day a little brighter as they head out the door, it feels good. People need to know the weather, but maybe they also want to laugh a little, too."
With my fitness studios, those are fun, too, because it’s very social—people get to really know each other. It’s a hangout. It’s a gathering spot. It’s nice to see that I get to provide a place where people can socialize; they get to come workout and improve their lives by feeling better about themselves. And, I get to provide them things that are new and cutting edge. We have innovative bikes that tilt from side to side. I am introducing that to San Diego. We have Pilates, barre classes and TRX. Balance comes naturally when you love what you do. And there’s more I want to do—I love coaching and mentoring, so I may be starting something going down that path as well. Q: Tell me about your background. How did you get into meteorology? KE: I grew up mostly in LA and a little bit in Japan where I went to missionary school for five years. I came back and finished high school in Orange County. Then, I graduated from UCS with my undergrad, and went to Mississippi State for Meteorology. My news career started in Hawaii, which was really random. I was on vacation in Hawaii for a week for a wedding, and then I thought, let me just meet with the news stations and say hello and see if they’ll look at my tape—which was really embarrassing—and see if someday they’ll remember me. Suddenly this week of vacation turned into a week of interviews. Every station asked me back, had me audition over and over, and then I came back to LA and had all of these job offers. So two weeks later, I moved to Hawaii and that’s how my news career started. Nine months after I started my news career, I was doing weather in LA, which takes most people a decade to accomplish. I just thought to myself, “Is this my life?” I was also very involved in the Japanese American culture in LA. Q: Are you of Japanese heritage or just interested in the culture? KE: I am half Japanese—my mom is Japanese. I speak Japanese and used to be a translator. Actually, my first job out of college was as a casting director and production assistant translator for a Japanese production company. We did a shoot with Cindy Crawford and sent her to Japan, and they were like, “Oh the stylist forgot a dress. Kimi: pack a back and get on a plane and deliver this dress.” So, I found myself in Japan in a hotel room with a stylist, an assistant and Cindy Crawford who was trying on clothes in front of me. It was amazing. I was about 24 years old then. It was just fun. Some people think—like my mom—that I bounce around and have done a lot of different things and that I can’t make up my mind, but no—I have a bucket list, and if I want to open a business, I open a business—check, if I want to be a weather anchor, check, if I want to buy a house, check. If you have the desire to try different things, why not? Follow your dreams and give it a go. I just think you learn skills along the way that are transferrable; I’m like a chameleon. I can mold myself, in a sense, into anything. It makes life interesting. People, to me, are just fascinating. Everyone has a story. People always tell me, “Oh, Kimi, you should write a book,” because I found my dad through a private investigator and I have all kinds of crazy things that have happened throughout my life.
and got the lowdown, and the next day I called my dad. Then, I ended up meeting him a couple of times. It was nice to interact. I think growing up, I was kind of woe is me, I don’t have a dad, and then I finally met him, and realized that life is just fine the way it is. It worked out the way it was supposed to. Q: I read that you actually took some time off from news reporting. What brought you back? KE: The news director from San Diego 6 asked me to come back, initially to fill in. And then, they asked me to take over the morning show, and I had never gotten to work on a fun morning show before. Everybody told me that my personality would fit a morning show, because it’s more lighthearted. At the time, I was just opening my second studio in Encinitas, and wondered if I was going to have enough time, but I wanted to give it a go and agreed to do it for a year. And now, that year has passed, and they want me to stay. It’s a really good fit. I want to lighten people’s lives, take their load off a little and brighten their day. If I can start my day happy, and make everyone else’s day a little brighter as they head out the door, it feels good. People need to know the weather, but maybe they also want to laugh a little, too. Q: So your viewers have you to help put a smile on their faces everyday— what do you do to make sure you’re in a good mood when you get to the set? KE: The other day, I was feeling a little down, so before I came to work—which is like 3:30am—I put on some music and started dancing in my room. That cheered me up so I could come to work cheery and happy and pleasant. Q: Tell me more about being San Diego 6’s morning meteorologist and traffic reporter—two subjects that Southern Californians really want to hear about! KE: The one thing is that people think that someone else puts the weather together, but I personally do the forecasting myself. I put the graphics together. I ad-lib. There is nothing on the teleprompter, and there is no script. It’s a oneman show, an island of my own. My job is to tell them if there is a storm headed our way or if there is a dense fog advisory. I’m the one that lets the station know. I get information from the national weather service, a bunch of websites and other sources we tap into, but I have to analyze the data, do the forecasting, put the graphics together and present it, and same with the traffic. If I can help even one person not get into an accident, that’s great. I feel like I’ve done my job. I do about 20 weathercasts a day, but being busy like that is what I like. I thrive on it. Q: The San Diego 6 crew seems like a great group of people—do you really have that much fun on set? KE: I feel like people don’t get to see the amount of fun we have behind the scenes. We text each other during the show to throw each other off, and we even text each other when we’re not at the station. We’re all cracking up during commercial breaks, too. For example, at the end of my segment when I toss back to the other anchors, I purposefully enunciate their names. It’s because I want them to pay attention, because they’re back there goofing off, and I can tell that they’re not aware that my segment is about to finish.
"If I can help even one person not get into an accident, that’s great. I feel like I’ve done my job."
Q: Wow. Tell me about the story of finding your dad. KE: I grew up without my dad. And then, I ran into a private investigator, and was intrigued. At one point, I had thought about hiring a private investigator to find my dad, but just never did. So, I told this guy the story. He asked me what I knew about him, and we exchanged business cards. And then, he calls me like a week later, and tells me he thinks he found my dad, and I hadn’t even hired him to do it! I remember exactly where I was—I was in Bed Bath & Beyond when I got the call, and I froze. I had no idea what to do. First, I called my mom, who was living in Japan, to make sure she was cool with it. She was such a rock star, she just said, “Whatever you do, just forgive him.” So I talked to my dad’s relatives
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Q: Let’s talk about your other career—running two fitness studios: pushHouse in Encinitas and Pilates Plus in Pacific Beach. KE: Pilates Plus PB is a chain out of LA with over 100 studios. It’s sort of like Pilates on crack—very high intensity, plus weight training, plus cardio and so much more. At that studio, we have Pilates, TRX and barre. Then, I opened a second studio called pusHouse. It’s about “pushing” yourself physically and emotionally and getting balanced. The tilting bikes we use for spinning are amazing. We do the classes in the dark with candles with these tilting bikes, the music is pumping and the instructors are great. The darkness takes you into your own zone where you can do your own thing, with the instructor still pushing you with a more relaxed feel. It’s a really cool feeling. People drive up from Coronado just to come to our studio. Q: You touched on the fact that you’ve experienced a series of terrible car accidents. Did those experiences have an effect on what you’re doing today? KE: The whole reason I opened my first studio was because I have a back injury
from the accidents, and it’s important to tighten and stabilize your core. I don’t want my injuries to limit me or anyone else, and I’m really big on pursuing your dreams and overcoming things. It’s almost like a fight—it’s like I will take you down, injury. I have victory over that. Sometimes it hurts and sometimes it doesn’t, but it could have been so much worse. I smashed my knee surfing, but that could have been my eyeball. Q: Do you have any tips for our active readers who want to get the most out of their summer workouts? KE: Switch it up. Try different things. I have friends who will do a sculpt yoga class, then a Pilates class, and then a spin class—just switch it up, so it doesn’t get boring, but also find a group of friends to do things with. Q: What’s the best part about your jobs? KE: People. I love interacting with people, but that’s also the downside of this job, because I can’t go out in the evenings. That’s the biggest challenge for me, especially being single and ready to mingle. I don’t have a chance to meet people when I have to go to bed at 8pm. Q: Do you feel like you have more to give in terms of your career, and if so what? KE: I’m actually thinking of starting a blog/website where I can give tips to people as #theweatherdiva. I want to do this thing where I ask everybody their Top 5s, like Top 5 things about what you value, what’s important to you career wise, what makes you good at your job, Top 5 pieces of advice… I meet so many people here, and I love sharing information that’s going to benefit people. Q: You’re very involved in the community through volunteer work. Tell me about the organizations you’re involved with. KE: I’m involved with the Junior League of San Diego, so we do a lot of events to help transitional age foster youth. Once they graduate out of the program, a lot of them fail, because there is no one to take care of them. They haven’t learned the skills to transition from being cared for in a home to being completely by themselves. I love working with them. I’m also really involved in my church. It’s something that’s really important to me—my faith is
my number one priority in my life. My faith sort of dictates everything I do; it gives me a positive outlook and sort of sustains me. I also sit on the board for the Japanese American Citizens League, so I do a lot culturally for the Japanese American community, and I’ve been involved in that for almost 20 years. I also love, love, love mentoring people and friends. I love coaching people with speech coaching, public speaking, interview and resume skills; I review tapes for new journalists. I am really passionate about helping people achieve a goal. I think part of that is growing up. I didn’t really have anyone to mentor me, so I had to figure everything out on my own, and the way I did that is by observing everybody else. If my friends had certain rules set for them, I would try to abide by those rules, too, because no one was setting boundaries for me. Q: I read that you love cupcakes. What’s your favorite flavor? KE: I always say red velvet, but now it’s morphing into other things—I like the cupcakes when there is stuff on the inside. When I cook at home, it’s really healthy, so I love to indulge in the junk food, too. Working here at the station, with all the food coming in…who eats burgers at 8am? Who has cocktails at 5:30am? Oh, we do! Q: Tell us something your fans might not know about you. KE: I was a competitive hula dancer for about eight years. I modeled in Seventeen when I was a kid. I am an excellent parallel parker. Q: What are some of your favorite restaurants to dine, shop and hang out at in San Diego? KE: I love Lolo’s Boutique. In terms of food, I’m at Urban Plates all the time, and I love Native Foods in Encinitas, which is right next to my studio. When I brunch, I like to go to Claire’s. I tend to stay a little north. I love trying new places, and I really like hole in the wall type places. I’m such a foodie. Q: What’s next for Kimi Evans, because you can’t stop at just two careers? KE: Ultimately, I would love to just settle down and have a family. That’s important to me—it’s a priority to me. That’s where my heart is.
NEWPORT DUNES 1131 Back Bay Dr Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.729.3863 www.newportdunes.com
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99 LOCALE MAGAZINE Summer To-Do Guide
things and a pitch is one A MIXED BAG OF EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES TO KEEP YOUR SUMMER FULL OF FUN
WRITTEN BY: ALEXA ERICKSON & EMILY VILLANUEVA PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ANGELICA BONGIOANNI STYLED BY: STYLE BY F.E.A MODELS: Jennifer Hawkins & Sam Haiden of Brand Model and Talent, www.brandtalent.net | JUNE 2014 | 89
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stunning and sophisticated rooftop bar at West Hollywood’s Mondrian Hotel, Skybar offers an unmatched 360 degree view of the city. The 700 square foot bar is an open-air canopy covered in ivy that hosts a swanky poolside hangout. Open until 2am, you can enjoy the sunshine by day and the panoramic view of the city lights by night. morganshotelgroup.com
Orange County is often overshadowed by its glitzier neighbor, Los Angeles when it comes to the live music scene, but it is not to be underestimated. Come here to check out a truly eclectic array of bands, from the aforementioned indie darlings to husky-voiced folk singers to rappers like Schoolboy Q. observatoryoc.com
One of the best markets in Orange County is the Dory Fleet Fish Market right next to Newport Beach Pier. Get to know the fishermen who can be found hauling in the catch of the day and filleting it on spot. doryfleet.com
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tradition in Los Angeles, the Santa Monica pier hosts free concerts throughout the summer every Thursday night from 7-10pm. Known as the Twilight Series, the concerts range from classical to contemporary. Bring food, wine, blankets, snag a spot and enjoy the show with the stunning sunset on the horizon of the Santa Monica mountains. santamonicapier.org
TAKE IN THE CITY VIEWS AT SKYBAR: The
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ROCK OUT AT FYF: This
EAT/DRINK
SHOP
bite-sized festival packs the indie/rock music punch of Coachella into one chaotic, end-of-summer bash. The festival, which has majorly matured from its DIY, Echo Park roots, is also one of the most affordable in the circuit, at $99 for a weekend pass. fyffest.com
CATCH A BAND AT THE OBSERVATORY:
GET A PITAYA BOWL AT JUICE KABOOSE: The
acai bowl has already made a name for itself in the wellness world, but what about the pitaya bowl? Dragonfruit, chock full of beautifying Omega-3s, is slated to be the next big health craze and La Jolla’s Juice Kaboose will be at the forefront. juicekaboose.com
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ENJOY FREE CONCERTS AT SANTA MONICA PIER: A favorite summer
Grab a Snack at Crystal Cove’s Shake Shack
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ENTERTAINMENT
GET FISHY AT DORY FLEET FISH MARKET:
Looking for a post-hike treat? Orange County’s popular, old-fashionedstyle diner, Ruby’s, has a quaint location in Newport Coast’s Crystal Cove. Always packed, The Shake Shack, nestled cliffside and overlooking the ocean, has a scrumptious shake called the Monkey Flip. Peanut butter, bananas, chocolate and dates make up the tasty treat that you can enjoy while taking in the beautiful views. rubys.com
RELAX
MUSIC
11 Get Stylish with Ruby Mint Towels Sick of toting around the same old, boring beach towel? Amp up your style with the bold, playful and always unique designs of Ruby Mint’s signature beach towels. Meant to withstand the harsh effects of the sun, sand and ocean, these towels will not only serve as a stylish accessory, but will stay with you for multiple seasons. ruby-mint.com
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TOUR A MICROBREWERY:
VISIT THE VISIONARY SALK INSTITUTE: The
Summer is beer season and San Diego is a beer city, so why not celebrate both by touring our 50 plus microbreweries? Visit the grandfathers of the scene— Karl Strauss, Stone, Mission, Coronado, Ballast Point, AleSmith—or check out the newer kids on the block like Societe, Lost Abbey, Modern Times, Pizza Port and Hess Brewing, a tiny new nanobrewery. If you can’t choose one, sign up for a tour with Brewery Tours of San Diego for an all-day, multiple-stop, brew-crawl complete with lunch, transportation and free swag. brewerytoursofsandiego.com
non-profit scientific research institute founded by Polio vaccine developer John Salk ranks among the top independent institutions in the country for disease research and life sciences and is on the National Register of Historic Places. It has even seen five of its scientists win Nobel prizes. salk.edu
VIEWS
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from ages 7 to 12 can learn the game of baseball at the Youth Baseball Camp offered by the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation. The four day long camp is taught by members of the Dodgers Major League coaching staff and Dodgers alumni, as well as exciting special guest appearances by current Dodger players. The campers learn about hitting, fielding, base running and how to throw that game-winning pitch! losangeles.dodgers.mlb.com
An ode to their love of surf and food, Wahoo’s creators and brothers Wing, Ed and Mingo opened their restaurant’s doors in 1988, creating a diverse menu inspired by Mexican, Brazilian and Asian cuisine with a Hawaiian, northshore vibe. Known for their fish tacos, Wahoo’s is a local favorite. Come in and try their newest item, the Citrus Slaw Taco, filled with cheese and topped with a slaw mix made of cabbage, cilantro, onions, carrots, lime juice and secret spices. wahoos.com
LEARN TO PITCH AT DODGERS YOUTH BASEBALL CAMP AT DODGER STADIUM: Kids
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ACTIVE
FAMILY FRIENDLY 90 |
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DEVOUR A DISH AT WAHOO’S FISH TACOS:
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LET OUT A LAUGH AT UPRIGHT CITIZENS BRIGADE THEATER:
Amy Poehler, Aubrey Plaza, the “Broad City” gals, Rob Cordry and Donald Glover are just a handful of the talented alumni of the improv and sketch group, Upright Citizens Brigade. The company, which has trained practically every major comedy star in the last few decades, hosts shows at its LA Theater all the time, so catch a show, tickle your funny bone and get to know the next big Comedy Central stars before they become viral sensations. ucbtheatre.com
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UNWIND AT SURF & SAND RESORT:
The crashing waves at Surf & Sand Resort are a soothing sensory overload. Resembling a sun-washed Mediterranean village, the resort is both a quaint and stunning shoreline stay. Stylish cabanas, comfortable chaise lounges, a scenic tile mural made by a local artist and a poolside bar make up the beachfront pool area. The resort’s signature restaurant, Splashes, pulls from both California and Mediterranean flavors to prepare topnotch dishes to guests and locals. surfandsandresort.com
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TASTE TAPAS AT IZAKAYA MASA: Has
anyone ever noticed how the best food places often have the weirdest hours? It’s like the owners know their food is so good that people will wait. They must follow this tenet at Izakaya Masa, a hidden Mission Hills gem that is only open from 6pm to 1am. Its unassuming exterior is easy to overlook, but its classic Japanese tapas-style fare is impossible to forget. izakayamasa.com
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WATCH A FLICK AT THE STONE BREW SUMMER MOVIES: Stone World
Bistro & Gardens breaks out the 12-foot screen every summer for Stone Movie nights. Every Wednesday people bring their blankets and lawn chairs for a night of crowd-pleasing cinema and beer, and this year’s schedule is full of cult hits like “The Big Lebowski,” “Fight Club,” and “Fast Times at Ridgemont High.” stoneworldbistro.com/ movies
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Take a Cruise with Pedego Electric Bikes Capable of speeds up to 20 miles per hour, the ability to travel 20-30 miles on a single charge and a quiet motor, Pedego Electric Bikes are next level. Conceived in 2007, Pedego
has created a line of electric bikes that combine style and function to provide an alternative form of transportation. pedegoelectricbikes.com
food frenzy
18 SIP A DRINK AT MOHAWK BEND: The food at Echo Park’s Mohawk Bend is to die for, but the crafted cocktails could probably raise the dead. The 100-yearold Vaudeville theaterturned-gastropub is a Sunset Blvd mainstay that boasts limited edition, liquid worksof-art from mixologist Lauren Reyes. Take her barrel-aged Brave Bull, a 28-day-old mixture of IXA Organic Silver Tequila, house-made coffee liqueur and chile de arbol, or her classic Phuket, made of Bummer and Lazarus Gin, cilantro, lime juice, Thai chili and a lemongrass twist. mohawk.la
19 DINE AT THE WINERY RESTAURANT AND BAR: Overlooking the marina off of PCH, the Winery, a sister to The District location, just opened its doors! Partners JC Clow, William Lewis and Chef Yvon Goetz have already begun a buzz surrounding the new restaurant. Pairing contemporary California cuisine in a sophisticated yet hip and lively environment, The Winery provides an avant-garde dining experience. thewineryrestaurant.net
20 FEAST AT QUEENSTOWN PUBLIC HOUSE: Queenstown Public House in Little Italy is whimsically decorated by MichaelSoriano of Vin de Syrah fame (the place looks as if an Outback Steakhouse fell down the wonderland rabbit hole, complete with upside down sheep hanging from the ceiling). But even more whimsical is the menu, a hodgepodge of interesting dishes using staple kiwi ingredients. Chow down on their unconventional, interesting fare like the Bare Lil Lamb Burger (lamb patty, blue cheese, mint jelly, beetroot). queenstownpublichouse.com | JUNE 2014 | 91
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Get Sporty at Vanguard
Get that budding athlete of the family to spend a week with some true basketball champions! Join the 2014 NAIA Men’s Basketball National Champions for their annual youth camp this summer. Coming off of their record-breaking national win, the Vanguard University Lions basketball team is offering all-star coaching to kids from all across Orange County. This co-ed camp is for ages 5-13, running 2 weeks in June and July and is not your typical camp experience. vanguardlions.com
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Central Park is to NYC, Grand Park is to LA. The urban heart of city stretches from the Music Center to City Hall and is a playground that brightly reflects the vibrancy, dynamism and diversity of Los Angeles. Take a leisurely stroll, pack a lunch, people watch, wade in the membrane pool or attend a lunchtime yoga session or concert series at this civic gathering place for all. grandparkla.org
tourist trap, but it’s stayed popular for all these years with good reason. If you’re a local, rediscover why Seaport Village is so popular; if you’re a visitor, go to see the various shops, restaurants and sculptures of this harbor hamlet. seaportvillage.com
GET DYNAMIC AT GRAND PARK: What
21 Eat Brunch at Cody’s La Jolla The cute little yellow cottage with the white picket fence is a mere 20-second stroll from La Jolla Cove, so it already has unbeatable views. But even more unbeatable is their brunch food, fare like their legendary French toast (which is served all day). They also stock a good amount of local craft beers and breakfast cocktails—but beware, this place is always crowded, so make reservations. codyslj.com
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VOLUNTEER WITH SO SAY WE ALL: You don’t
have to be a quote-unquote writer to get involved with literary arts nonprofit So Say We All. The multimedia, McSweeneyesque organization puts on a variety of truly awesome and interactive happenings—from creative writing workshops (Greenroom Writing Workshop) to open-mic storytelling (Long Story Short) to sketch comedy (New Best Thing)—and has even published a collection or two showcasing San Diego’s literary community. sosayweallonline.com
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ENJOY THE ENTERTAINMENT AT SEGERSTROM CENTER FOR THE ARTS: A tastefully modern
architectural complex located in Costa Mesa, this center presents a large range of national and international productions of music, dance and theatre. With state-of-theart facilities, it’s sure to keep you captivated with productions of ballet and dance, jazz and cabaret, classical music performed by chamber orchestras and ensembles and national tours of top Broadway plays. scfta.org
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GET HIPPIE AT THE CAMP: This outdoor
mall offers up more of a “hippie” atmosphere. Step inside SEED People’s Market for handmade recycled clothing and accessories, Organic Design by Aggelige for succulent and cacti arrangements and The Studio for jewelry handcrafted from lampwork glass beads and fine silver. The center is filled with food fare, including gourmet vegan restaurant Native Foods and 118 Degrees for “living food” amongst an artful setting. thecampsite.com
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VISIT HYATT REGENCY HUNTINGTON BEACH RESORT AND SPA:
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Surf City, the Hyatt Regency stands out with its Spanish-inspired architecture. Relax at the hotel’s lagoon-style pool with landscaped sun decks and exquisite ocean views. Locals love the live entertainment offered at the hotel’s cozy Red Chair Lounge and Pete’s Sunset Grille, while many enjoy the casual poolside cuisine at Mankota’s Grill. huntingtonbeach.hyatt.com
FIND YOUR ZEN AT GRIFFITH PARK:
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For a more peaceful, meditative workout, try light day hiking, moonlight hiking or yoga in Los Feliz’s expansive Griffith Park. laparks.org
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DISCOVER SEAPORT VILLAGE: It may be a
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GET TRENDY AT LAURENLY BOUTIQUE:
A contemporary boutique located in Old Towne Orange, Laurenly Clothing Boutique is amongst the many fun stores to check out on the Orange Circle. Owned by Lauren Miller, the shop carries trendy pieces both from well-known designers and unique, new lines waiting for you to discover them. laurenly.com
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FIND AN EVENT AT HOLLYWOOD FOREVER CEMETERY: If the idea
of being in the middle of a cemetery freaks you out, you’ve obviously never experienced the eerie beauty and fascinating history of the Hollywood Forever Cemetery, where the stars went to rest and the non-famous still flock for regular community events, music shows in the Masonic Lodge and film screenings via Cinespia. hollywoodforever.com
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GRAB A SANDWICH AT BOARD & BREW:
This Yelp-adored eatery, go-to lunch spot for, well, pretty much everyone in the North County, makes damn good sandwiches. Sandwich shops are a dime a dozen, but quality sandwich shops that don’t use any processed meats are a needle in a haystack. Quality is the key word at Board & Brew, where they cook their own roast beef and chicken every night and use local artisan bread and only the freshest veggies. And, two more locations are to come! boardandbrew.com
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DIVE IN AT WHISTLE STOP BAR: Every night is
different at Whistle Stop, the South Park dive bar that has become famous for its bi-monthly Booty Bassment nights where nostalgic Generation Y’ers boogie down to old-school hip-hop. The little-bar-thatcould may be diminutive in size but definitely not in style with its rotating themes and activities. Whistle Stop is where the cool AND cultured go for a cheap drink and some eclectic entertainment. whistlestopbar.com
GET WET AT SURF CAMP: If you take a quick glance around the beach cities of Orange County, you’ll notice the constant sea of surfers. Quiksilver and Roxy Surf Camps, owned and operated by Erik Nelsen, a native of Laguna Beach with a passion for the sport, provides a fun, safe and positive way to learn how to surf. eriknelsensurf.com
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BROWSE SANTA ANA’S ARTISTS VILLAGE:
Acclaimed artists color the city of Santa Ana with their artwork, taking over eight blocks of the Downtown Historic District of Santa Ana and providing the city with a district full of galleries, museums, theaters and restaurants. Come for First Saturday’s Artwalk and be sure to visit the local eateries, including Chapter One: The Modern Local, a gastropub serving local produce and seasonal fare. santaanaartsdistrict.com
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DISCOVER LITTLE SAIGON’S AUTHENTIC ASIAN CUISINE: Southern
California is home to some of the most well established Vietnamese-American communities in the US, with Little Saigon in Orange County coming in as the largest. Of the many cultural attributes of the district, the Vietnamese cuisine is the sampling to snack on. Check out Hue Oi in Fountain Valley for their Bun Bo Hue (a traditional soup, filled with beef tender shank, pig’s leg pork quiche and cooked blood pudding, from the Vietnamese city of Hue). littlesaigonnow.com
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TAKE IT ALL IN AT VANS US OPEN OF SURFING:
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Delight your Tastebuds with Dk Donuts Not your average donut, this one of a kind shop in Santa Monica offers up the most unique treats for your tastebuds. Family-owned and operated for 32 years, the shop uses gourmet ingredients to create drool-worthy eats. Try a Maple Bacon Bliss or a croissant
TRY AN EASY HIKE AT OTAY MOUNTAIN TRUCK TRAIL: This 15mile adventure trail in Chula Vista with international views provides sights of Mexico from the top of the mountain. alltrails.com
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and donut hybrid known to DK as the “Double Decker O-nut.” You can also pick from a variety of other menu items, like the Omelet Burrito. Open 24 hours, there’s always an opportunity to try it out. dksdonuts.com
GET SWEATY WITH A MEDIUM HIKE AT TORREY PINES STATE RESERVE: The reserve has multiple trails and—pardon the cliché—but absolutely spectacular scenery. torreypine.org
Bikini clad babes and world-class surfers take over Huntington Beach each year for the US Open of Surfing, a weeklong surfing competition. The city turns into a promotional party hosting free, live music by local and internationally known talents, BMX and skateboard demos and a beachside contest village overflowing with active venues providing contests, giveaways and freebies. This year’s competition takes place July 20-28. usopenofsurfing.com
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GET ARTSY AT LACMA:
Go for the urban lights installation, the Film Independent Series (which often hosts Q&A’s with actors and directors), and the modern yet accessible art. lacma.org
PUSH YOURSELF WITH A HARD HIKE AT POTATO CHIP ROCK: Anyone with an Instagram
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has probably seen a picture of sweaty hikers posing proudly on the thin jutting rock formation at the peak of Poway’s Mount Woodson Trail that is the ultimate photo op. alltrails.com
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to sharpen your cooking techniques and learn a new recipe or two is to take a cooking class. For the hungry, hungry, hipsters, the urban kitchen Hipcooks, offers a huge variety of ethnic cuisine and tongue-in-cheek classes like the Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina and the My Big Fat Greek Cooking Class, while Harvard Cookin’ Girl, helmed by Harvard MBA Bibi Kasrai weaves storytelling, history and travel into her healthy cooking courses. sandiego.hipcooks.com harvardcookingirl.com
Cinema was one of the first food truck and film gatherings to pop up, and is still jam-packed every summer. Past events include Totally '80s Double Feature Night and The Lost Boys’ 25th Anniversary Special. Grab a blanket and head over to Exposition Park for dinner and a movie with hundreds of other pop culture fans. streetfoodcinema.com
FIND YOUR INNER CHEF WITH COOKING CLASSES: A fun way
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STROLL HUNTINGTON BEACH PIER: The center
of Huntington Beach’s surf culture, the municipal pier sits on the city’s 3.5-mile shoreline at the end of Main Street. Known to be one of the longest piers on the West Coast, the pier offers ocean lovers a multi-purpose platform. Fisherman and surf spectators frequent the pier, while Ruby’s Diner, located at the end of it, offers locals and tourists a family-friendly environment for food and sunset views. huntingtonbeachca.gov
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STROLL THROUGH A FARMERS MARKET:
43 Spend the Day at Newport Dunes A 110-acre active waterfront resort and marina, Newport Dunes provides a multifaceted environment to enjoy. Located at the entrance to the Back Bay Nature Preserve and the Newport Bay Conservancy, the resort has an RV Park and a mile of beach with a water park and a playground. Sailboat, pedal boat and electric boat rentals are also available. Family entertainment and activities include volleyball, movies on the beach, campfires and more. Enjoy a panoramic view of the Back Bay while sipping on signature cocktails and enjoying fine dining cuisine at the Back Bay Bistro. newportdunes.com
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GET UPSCALE AT THE OC MIX: This swanky
indoor-outdoor shopping destination is located within Costa Mesa’s interior design center, SoCo. Home to locally owned boutiques and specialty food spots, there are a variety of unique venues to peruse. The Portola Coffee Lab is among one of the most popular places to visit— known for their high-quality coffee roasts. Eva’s Trunk and Denim Bar and Lili Claspe Jewelry are a couple of the retail shops that offer unique items, sure to catch your eye. Make sure to come on Saturdays for the farmers market, providing food stands that offer satiating eats like ceviche, sweet and spicy jellies, baked goods and more. shoptheocmix.com
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WATCH A CULT CLASSIC AT CINEMA UNDER THE STARS: If
you’re looking for a twist on the movie-watching experience, head to Mission Hills for Cinema Under The Stars, where they play classic films during the summer/fall seasons. The open-air theater has a 20-foot screen with HD projection and surround sound, zero gravity recliners, loveseat cabanas and a snack bar. topspresents.com
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FILL YOUR TUMMY AT TACO ASYLUM: Does an
olive oil-poached rabbit taco with roasted celery root and pickled mustard seed sound absolutely crazy to you? If it does sound crazy, you should probably check yourself into an asylum— Taco Asylum, that is, Tucked quietly inside The CAMP in Costa Mesa, this asylum lifted the lowly taco out of its street-food origins and into the realm of the creative gourmand. tacoasylum.com
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There is no more quintessential California activity than the farmers market, and San Diego has some of the best. The biggest ones, though, are the Hillcrest Farmers Market with its 100 plus vendors and Downtown’s Little Italy Mercato. Both make for the ideal weekend morning grazing on food and shopping for unique wares. hillcrestfarmersmarket.com littleitalysd.com/mercato
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CATCH A SUMMER SHOW AT A LIVE MUSIC VENUE: The Casbah is
practically an old-world institution, having hosted bands like Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins in the past. Come here for the history. House of Blues San Diego is part of the famed HOB family, yet the stage is small enough to feel intimate. Come here for literally every type of music. Belly Up is the laidback Solana Beach venue that has live music every night. Come here for the beachy, party atmosphere. bellyup.com casbahmusic.com houseofblues.com/sandiego
BOOK A STAY AT THE CATAMARAN: If you’re visiting San Diego from out of town, you’ve got a lot of accommodation options—Gaslamp, La Jolla, Del Mar, etc. But may we suggest the Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa on Mission Blvd—a kitschy, retro tropical resort that makes you feel like you’re in “Blue Hawaii,” with its own private little stretch of sand in Mission Bay. catamaranresort.com
VENTURE TO LESSER KNOWN BEACHES Step away from the overrun beaches and explore some of the quieter sandy stretches. For the fearless and uninhibited, Black’s Beach is the largest nude beach in the country. No Surf Beach in Point Loma is a lovely little area that has less of a Californian and more of a Northwestern, Portland/Seattle kind of beauty with its jutting cliffs and tide pools. And don’t overlook Marine Street Beach, a quiet and low-key shore that rests between two rock reef points, or Windansea, a stretch of coastline in Bird Rock. sandiego.org/beaches
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SOAK UP THE SUNSET AT SANDY’S BEACH GRILL: A location worthy
of five stars all on its own, Sandy’s offers lovely ocean views 20 feet from the sand and the Huntington Beach Pier. With both indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant provides a killer sunset happy hour everyday of the week. sandyshb.com
SAUNTER THROUGH THE STREET FOOD CINEMA: Street Food
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GET HIPSTER AT THE LAB: If you’re looking for
a unique alternative to the traditional mall setting, check out The LAB in Costa Mesa for an eclectic mix of fashion and food. The LAB, which stands for “Little American Business,” has an array of retail stores, including Urban Outfitters, thrift shop Buffalo Exchange and Japanese owned and themed clothing and accessory store, Popkiller. For good eats, check out the Gypsy Den for healthy soups, salads and sandwiches, Habana for Cuban cuisine and Zipangu for sushi. thelab.com
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DROP BY CEDROS DESIGN DISTRICT: If
Etsy were brought to life, it would probably look a lot like the Cedros Avenue Design District. Walking through the two and a half block area in chic Solana Beach is like strolling down a European side street with its quaint charm, enchanting aesthetic and bevy of boutiques, galleries, antique shops and restaurants. Begin your day with brunch at Claire’s on Cedros, and then, hit up Bixby and Ball for that new living room centerpiece. cedrosavenue.com
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DRESS YOUR FEET AT GYM STANDARD: The
former manager of Blends (San Diego’s go-to sneaker shop) and participant in the prestigious design program WK12, Edwin Negado has finally opened up his own shop of impeccably curated goods that somehow all fit together: international zines, cerebral ceramic pieces, locally constructed clothing and accessories, footwear (of course) and even his own line of beanies. gymstandard.com
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GET ACTIVE AT OC GREAT PARK: Setting a
Channel your inner NASCAR driver and speed through the track at K1, an indoor karting center that’s perfect for a family day or first date. Maneuver around hairpin turns on the electric go-karts and burn rubber, easy rider. k1speed.com/san-diego
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many beautiful cities that stretch along the coast of California, Dana Point is best for whale watching. If you want to watch the majestic creatures from sea, hop aboard an excursion complete with expert captains and certified naturalists. danapointwhalewatching.com
lovers flock to Hardfest Summer Music Festival every year to experience the best in electronic dance music. Past acts include Skrillex, Chromeo, Ratatat, James Murphy and Zedd. This is more of an outdoor rave than the typical music festival to be honest, so neon apparel and finger lights are welcome. hardfest.com
amongst friends since 2011, this yoga studio promotes and practices an ego-free community with a wide selection of yoga asanas. You can take a heated or unheated class, fast or slow, aerobic or gentle, spiritual or physical in one of the two large yoga rooms provided. rayoga.com
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TRY NEW EATS AT POMEGRANATE RESTAURANT: Eat
in Eastern Europe via University Heights’ Pomegranate Restaurant, which serves RussianGeorgian classics like Khachapuri (Georgian cheese pie), Pelmeni (Siberian meat dumplings) and Shashlik, a skewered charcoal roasted meat dish that is said to have “saved the Yalta Accords between Stalin, Churchill and Roosevelt in 1944.” pomegranatesd.com
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EAT, DRINK AND SHOP AT GRAND CENTRAL MARKET: Celebrating the
many cuisines and cultures that Los Angeles has to offer, the historic Grand Central Market, tucked away in Downtown Los Angeles, is a 30,000 square foot arcade filled with food and retail vendors. Try some ethnic food, take a seat and people watch, or discover a new artist, chef or musician at one of the market’s many events. grandcentralmarket.com
RAGE AT HARD: EDM
63 MAKE A COLD SNAP COSMO Enjoy this refreshing and summery cocktail from scratch. INGREDIENTS: Reyka Vodka-1.5 ounce • Solerno blood orange liqueur-1 ounce • Blood orange juice .5-1 ounce • Fresh lime simple syrup .5-1 ounce • Garnish: Blood orange slice Combine all ingredients in a pint glass. Pack full with ice. Shake vigorously 20 times. Strain into a frozen ice glass or chilled martini glass. Garnish with a fresh blood orange slice on top of the ice.
foot sports lounge is a family-friendly environment where you can bowl, drink and eat! Twenty-six big-screen LCD TV’s, 10 beautiful bowling lanes, a large and eclectic food menu, 40 beers on draft and specialty cocktails make up the tavern. Come in to watch a game, plan an event with the Tavern + Bowl events team, partake in happy hour Monday through Friday from 3-7pm or grab a lane! tavernbowl.com
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Get Speedy at K1 Speed
FEEL MAJESTIC WITH DANA POINT WHALE WATCHING: Among the
ROLL INTO TAVERN + BOWL: The 14,500-square-
FIND YOUR BREATH AT RA YOGA: Owned
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TASTE ACAI AT BANZAI BOWLS: Banzai Bowls
prides itself on being the “Original Acai Cafe,” providing all natural smoothies, juices and of course, acai bowls composed with acai smoothie and tantalizing toppings such as: coconut shavings, bananas, strawberries and crunchy granola. It’s pure, refreshing and aesthetically pleasing. With locations in Costa Mesa, Laguna Beach and Huntington Beach, it’s a must try. facebook.com/banzaibowls
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FEEL MAGICAL AT DISNEYLAND: A family-
friendly environment with something for everyone, you can shop, eat, ride and play at this magical kingdom known as the “Happiest place on Earth!” Check out fireworks, parades and shows. Catch a concert at the House of Blues. Hop on favorite rides like Space Mountain and indulge in delectable dining experiences. disneyland.disney.go.com
new standard for parks, the 1,300-acre metropolitan park of Irvine provides its visitors with an array of activities. The Great Park Balloon takes guests 400 feet above the landscape in a hot air balloon, offering a 360-degree view that spans 40 miles. Take advantage of the walking/biking paths along the two-mile-long canyon and make sure to come for the free concerts, dances, movies on the lawn and other exciting events. ocgp.org
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CHECK THE ECLECTIC SCENE IN BARRIO LOGAN: Barrio Logan, the
predominantly Hispanic enclave tucked under the mural-covered entrance of the Coronado Bridge, has become a bonafide arts district and location for under-the-radar restaurants, cutting-edge artists’ collectives and grassroots organizations like Glashaus and The Roots Factory, and a new place to check out an exhibition, performance or jam session. theglashaus.com therootsfactory.com
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EXPERIENCE THE PASSAGE RIDE: A group
bicycle ride that meets every Wednesday around 8:30pm beginning at 3rd and New Hampshire. The Passage Ride takes cyclists on a 20-35 mile cruise throughout the city, spontaneously stopping at various points of interest. You might find yourself climbing off-road hills to a beautiful view, or perhaps stopping for a full-moon picnic. With a refusal to give ride descriptions, the trip is an unraveling of fun from beginning to end. thepassageride.com
71 Get on the Water with Pirate Coast Paddle An adventure company in Newport Beach, Pirate Coast Paddle offers rentals, lessons, events, kids camps and excursions under the Pirate Coast Team, a positive and diversified mix of athletes all experienced with the outdoors, youth, teaching and water safety. Try the Sup Glow Night Tour, a guided group tour held on the weekends equipped with LED lighting, or Paddle and Popcorn, a sunset paddle followed by a family movie on the beach. piratecoastpaddle.com
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GET CELESTIAL AT GRIFFITH OBSERVATORY: This is
the best seat in the house for the annual Perseid Meteor Shower (which is expected to happen on August 12th of this year). There is no better place to be than the astronomy monument, which houses a planetarium, theatre, solar telescopes for public use and one of the most stellar views of Los Angeles, especially for these special celestial nights. griffithobs.org
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GET PAMPERED AT MASSAGE ENVY SPA:
Professional massage therapists provide a stress-free and pampering experience at Massage Envy Spa. With 950 clinics nationwide, Orange County is home to 17 locations. Customize your massage session, choosing from a variety of therapeutic types, including Trigger Point Therapy, Swedish Massage, Deep Tissue Massage, Sports Massage, Prenatal and more. massageenvy.com
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SNAG A VIEW AT THE GETTY: Go for the
classicism, the art history, the architecture and panoramic views. getty.edu
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SHOP AT HOBIE SURF SHOP: Check out the wide
selection of clothing, shoes and surf accessories at any of the six Hobie Surf Shop locations scattered along the coast of Orange County. The historical shop, an extension of waterman Hobie Alter’s love for inventing and experimenting, opened its doors in 1954 in Dana Point. Purchase a handcrafted WaterHawk Mini BodyBoard from the shop and test it out at one of the many stellar breaks this summer! hobiesurfshop.com
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CHECK OUT EVENTS AT MOCA: Go for the
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MEET THE SEA CREATURES AT LONG BEACH AQUARIUM OF THE PACIFIC: Along with
three main galleries that explore the major regions of the Pacific Ocean, there are fascinating outdoor exhibits, including the Shark Lagoon. You can also participate in a meet and greet with the Magellanic Penguins! aquariumofpacific.org
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TAKE IN THE VIEWS AT MOUNT SOLEDAD: It’s a
long and winding road up to Mount Soledad, but a definite must just to see its looming 360 views and the controversial Mount Soledad Cross. Extra credit if you can find the mysterious “Munchkin Houses.” soledadmemorial.com
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GET THE INS AND OUTS AT THE ANGEL STADIUM TOUR: Love
going to baseball games at the Angel Stadium in Anaheim? Always wanted to know what it was like to be in the dugout? Lucky for you the stadium offers ballpark tours that explore normally restricted areas, like the Angels dugout, the Visitors clubhouse, the Angel Stadium Press Box, dugout suits, the Umpire’s quarters and more. losangeles.angels.mlb.com
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TAKE A BITE AT M&M DONUTS: Donuts and croissants.
Beyoncé and Jay Z. Some partnerships are just obviously meant to be, while others can come as more of an unexpected (yet harmonious) surprise. The blueberry donuts from M&M Donut Shop fall under the latter category, as most wouldn’t think to marry a blueberry muffin and a glazed donut together, but oh, are the results glorious. Like a hot, fried, sugar-glazed blueberry muffin, these things are heavenly. facebook.com/mmdonuts
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BLAST OFF WITH JETPACK: Located in
Newport Harbor, the Jetpack America is an action packed water infused experience you have to try. Using the Jetlev R200, a water-propelled jetpack, and utilizing the Certified Flight Instructors, you will learn the ropes quickly and be up and flying before you know it. jetpackamerica.com
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COOL OFF WITH CHRONIC SMOOTHIES:
What started as a small smoothie place almost 15 years ago is now a crazy popular snack-shack that serves the trifecta of summer foods: smoothies, sandwiches and acai bowls. Try their super fresh acai bowls with strawberries, blueberries, bananas and coconut or their namesake smoothies like the Sweic’s Delight (blueberries, dates, banana and pineapple). theblazingrill.com
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GET WILD AT SAN DIEGO ZOO ROAR & SNORE SAFARI: We don’t
know how much actual snoring happens during the Roar & Snore Safari, but we’re confident that there is a wild amount of roaring—from both the animals AND the humans. The overnight outing at the world famous San Diego Zoo allows people to camp overnight in the park like a real African safari. sdzsafaripark.org
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INDULGE AT MASHTI MALONE: Most Angelenos
will agree that Mashti Malone is one of the best ice cream shops in LA. For over 30 years, the little hole-in-the-wall has been serving exotic ice cream in unforgettable flavors from the owners’ native Iran. Get a Mashti (the Persian version of an ice cream sandwich that uses two thin wafers) with a scoop of Rosewater Saffron. mashtimalone.com
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Close and easy access to Mexico is one of the biggest things about San Diego, where you can cross the Tijuana border from Chula Vista. But before you do, check out the killer deals at San Ysidro’s Las Americas Outlets, the last exit before crossing. premiumoutlets.com/ lasamericas
APPLAUD THE PERFORMERS AT THE OLD GLOBE THEATER:
Wherefore art thou thespians? Hast thou flocked to the renowned Old Globe Theater for a good old-fashioned stage production inside the beautiful Balboa Park? The Old Globe runs a variety of plays all year round, but we recommend that you check out the West Coast premiere of “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike” (running till June 22 in all theaters). theoldglobe.org
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88 DISCOVER ECHO PARK AVENUE: If you’re looking for a unique gift or just want to shop somewhere other than The Grove, check out these shops: Otherwild, opened by graphic designers Marisa SuarezOrozco and Rachel Berks and a favorite style maven, Tavi Gevinson, where they sell otherworldly wares, artisan trinkets and craft workshops. echoparknow.com
89 FIND NEW THREADS AT TAIM BOUTIQUE: Named after the Irish word for “I am,” Taim Boutique, owned by Kendra Pearce, sits in the seaside community of Laguna Beach. A women’s clothing and accessory shop, the boutique features well-known brands and an eclectic collection of flattering jeans, accessories and stylish tops. taimboutique.com
90 BECOME BOHO WITH BLUE EYED GIRL: Laguna
DAY TRIP TO MEXICO:
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Style Staples
87 Spend the Day at Yamashiro’s Farmers Market Most farmers markets in Southern California take place in unused parking lots or cornered off city streets, but the Yamashiro Farmers Market occurs in a food market in a pagoda paradise perched atop the Hollywood Hills. The hazy twilight backdrop of LA lends a sprawling city view to this Thursday evening event, by far the most gorgeously located farmers market with vendors weaved in and around the Japanese gardens and architecture. yamashirohollywood.com
Beach, Laguna Niguel and San Juan Capistrano are home to the adorable boutique known as Blue Eyed Girl. Denim, intimates, shoes and accessories are among the many items you’ll find at the BOHOchic shop. Featuring designers’ brands ranging from Los Angeles to Europe as well as original emerging brands, this hip boutique has it all. shopblueeyedgirl.comv
91 SNAG A SUIT FROM SIEMPRE GOLDEN BIKINIS: Look and feel good with Siempre Golden Bikinis, a swimwear line with a heart of gold. Created by Sophia Kim, the whimsical Brazilian bikini company (think ruffled bottoms and friendshipbracelet-style woven tops) donates to the oceansaving Surfrider Foundation for every bikini purchased. siempregolden.com
Suck Back a Leinenkugel’s Summer Shandy Miller Coors—THE MOST REFRESHING FLAVOR UNDER THE SUN A Shandy is a lemonade-flavored beer, a European favorite during the warm summer months. The light, crisp lemonade flavor is a great way to quench your thirst for something new this summer. Each batch is carefully brewed with the finest wheat, and malted barley from the Red River Valley. Then our brewmasters mix in a touch of lemonade flavor to create the perfect summer refresher. millercoors.com
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DISCOVER FREE MUSEUM TUESDAYS AT BALBOA PARK:
Inject a little culture into your mid-week slump by visiting Balboa Park where select museums offer free admission every Tuesday. History buffs will love the Museum of Man and Natural History Museum while art enthusiasts have plenty of options. However, we suggest the lesser-known Museum of Photographic Arts for their photography exhibitions and thoughtprovoking film screenings. balboapark.org
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WATCH THE SUNSET AT SUNSET CLIFFS:
Descending rays at dusk and sherbet-color streaked skies never get old, and there is literally no place more jaw-droppingly stunning, breathtakingly beautiful, and every cheesy adverb-laden phrase used to describe a sunset than the eponymous Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma. Words just don’t do it justice, so take the equally gorgeous drive to witness it for yourself.
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SMELL THE FLOWERS AT HUNTINGTON LIBRARY, ART COLLECTIONS & BOTANICAL GARDENS:
The Huntington Library & Botanical Gardens is like a mini-Versailles for Angelenos. The library and art collections are impressive, but it’s the 120acre Botanical Gardens that attract most people like bees to sweet honey, with its lush greenery and exotic gardens (many of which have served as filming locations for big Hollywood movies). huntington.org
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JOIN THE SPORTING CLUB: Everybody knows
the importance of keeping that beach body fit, and there’s no better place to do so than the Sporting Club, a luxury gym with state-of-the-art equipment, spa, café, junior Olympic swimming pool and every type of fitness class you’ve ever wanted to take: cardio, conditioning, yoga, spinning, dance, Pilates, Gravity Training System and more. thesportingclub.com
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SOCIALIZE AT ART MUSEUM PARTIES:
Museum decorum usually requires one to be on their best behavior (no touching!), but cool sundown series like the San Diego Museum of Art’s “Culture & Cocktails” and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s “Thursday Night Thing” let people experience art in a whole new way. sdmart.org mcasd.org
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RECLINE AND RELAX AT CINEPOLIS: Day-
old popcorn and creaky, scratchy seats are fine for most movie-going experiences, but if you’re feeling a little more indulgent, head over to a Cinepolis. Cinepolis is like the Egyptian cotton sheets of movie theaters: you don’t need it, but you definitely want it, and why not? Italian leather recliners, a call button for seat-side service, gourmet entrees and bottled wine are a decadent treat for the cinephile. cinepolisusa.com
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Throw a Backyard BBQ A top notch, full service butcher shop and specialty market, The Butchery, located in Costa Mesa, offers gourmet meats with savory flavors that will undoubtedly entice your taste buds. Designed and operated by local food lovers Robert Hagopian and Brian Smith, the shop
Q: Your shop was formerly The Meat Market. Besides the name, what other changes can we expect to find? The Butchery: We have always been locally owned and operated, and are now independent of any franchise. We have the same staff and are continuing to offer the same popular meats and products that have always been sourced by us. Many of our products change with the season and we are looking forward to bringing in new items as we move into the summer grilling season. Q: What must-have items do you suggest visitors of the market try? TB: If you've never been to our store, we'd recommend
offers premium, all natural meats skillfully hand cut to order and delectable accoutrements, from fine wines and cheeses to marinades and more. We talked to the owners of the shop and gained some insight on their new market as well as some valuable suggestions.
our Steak Tips—a must try. The house and the maple bourbon marinades are the most popular. Our Burgundy Pepper Tri-Tip, a new item, is becoming a big hit, too. For non-marinated meats we highly recommend the American Kobe Tri-Tip. Some fun cuts that are harder to find are hanger steak, skirt steak or our cut to order, dry-aged prime steaks. Q: Do you have any recommendations for purchasing meats for summer picnics and BBQ’s? TB: For summer picnics and grilling, we recommend our all-natural Steak Tips and marinated chicken, the tri-tip, local sausages (try the Italian with goat cheeses), big
city red hot dogs out of Chicago and we have all-natural burger patties ground in-house and ready to grill. We also have a large selection of hand-cut artisan cheeses and charcuterie, craft beers and wines to round out your meal. We want to be your go-to butcher if we aren't already; there are lots of items we carry but can't fit in our case, and we are happy to special order anything for you as well...just ask, you'd be surprised what we've brought in for our customers. butcherymeats.com
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TORREY PINES GLIDERPORT 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr La Jolla, CA 92037 858.452.9858 www.flytorrey.com
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TIMER’S GUIDE
WRITTEN BY: NATALIE HOLTZ | PHOTOGRAPHED BY: SIERRA PRESCOTT
As
the brightly colored U’s dip and soar, I am fairly certain my life is about to end. Oh sure, paragliding is the closest you can get to flying. It’s also the closest you can get to suicide, but no one talks about that. I mean, come on. You’re jumping off a cliff and hoping you fly. Once I see that grassy ledge, I can’t get Third Eye Blind’s “Jumper” out of my head. So, there’s that. Leonardo Da Vinci said, “Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.” I skydived recently and wholeheartedly agree. Still, as Billy, my paragliding instructor, goes over the how-tos of jumping off the cliff, I think, “Yep, this definitely is the most stupid thing I’ve ever done.” Not the water balloon launcher at the police station thing, not that fiasco at the sorority with the ambulance. This. Let’s be clear. I went paragliding, not hang gliding, and I went tandem, because I am not Chuck Norris. With hang gliding (one of the oldest forms of free flight), the pilot flies a light, non-motorized hang glider while his or her body is suspended from the airframe by a harness. The pilot’s control is exercised by shifting their body weight against the bar of the aircraft. In contrast, all you need for paragliding is a parachute and a seated harness. Ninety-nine
Cost: Tips/Hints:
percent of the tandem flights done at Torrey Pines Gliderport are paragliding tandems. Some say that the lying down position of hang gliding is more exhilarating, but paragliding wings are capable of many of the same aerial acrobatics as hang gliders, plus a few more. Most importantly, paragliding is a little easier to pick up than hang gliding is. Paragliding’s portability and simplicity also makes it considerably easier for jumpers to access soaring sites. In 2011, there were 5,000 paragliding pilots in the United States, and the sport is rapidly increasing in popularity. The sport is most popular in Europe, particularly in France. While Billy secures my harness, I try my hardest not to pee my pants. I catch my image in a glassy door. It’s super flattering. I look like a half caterpillar, half hermit crab. I am carrying my soon-to-be seat on my rear end, and it basically looks like a giant diaper. Even our very lovely photographer calls it such. I can’t really walk, so I waddle closer to the ledge that Third Eye Blind is wishing I would step back from. Billy tells me that when he lifts the parachute, I should, “Run forward, no matter how much resistance comes from behind.” I do as I am told, and the result is a cartoon-style, running-in-place movement that persists until we float off the ground. I am relieved. I don’t have to actually run off the cliff. I don’t think my psyche could handle that.
Tandem Paragliding: $150 | Tandem Hang Gliding: $200
Unlike skydiving, after only about 5-10 minutes of paperwork, you’ll be ready for flight. There is a brief run through just before take off, but there are no videos to watch, no lengthy trainings to go through. We like-y.
Do I need to say it? Wear sneakers, not high heels. And do bring a jacket. | JUNE 2014 | 99
Definitions » Ram Air
» Paragliding
[ram] noun air1 [air]: refers to the principle of using airflow created by a moving object for power
par·a·glid·ing [par-uh-glahy-ding] noun: a sport resembling hang gliding, in which a person jumps from an aircraft or high place wearing a wide, rectangular, steerable parachute
» Sail Plane sail·plane [seyl-pleyn] noun: a very light glider that can be lifted by an upward current of air
» Hang Gliding noun: the sport of launching oneself from a cliff or a steep incline and soaring through the air by means of a hang glider
» Powered Paragliding pow·ered [pou-erd] par·a·glid·ing [par-uh-glahyding] noun: the flying of paragliders with a small engine attached
» Speed Riding [speed] rid·ing1 [rahy-ding] noun: a sport of flying paragliders of reduced size. These wings have increased speed, though they are not normally capable of soaring flight. The sport involves taking off on skis or on foot and swooping rapidly down in close proximity to the slope, even periodically touching it if skis are used
Upon arrival at the Gliderport, you may have to wait for the wind (in the industry they call it ram air) to pick up. This is a non-issue, because we would hang out here even if we weren’t paragliding. There are eats at the Cliff Hanger Cafe, a menu which boasts everything from more upscale pesto chicken sandwiches to ice cream bars. For the caffeine-addicts among us, there’s java, so grab a coffee, some lawn, or a picnic bench and drink up the seascape. San Diego scenery always spoils us, but these views truly give the best ones a run for their money. We float away from Torrey Pines Gliderport, and I don’t know what I expected, but what I get is a scene out of “The Neverending Story.” We are sliding by cliffs so closely, and so slowly! I am convinced this is how Bastien felt riding Falcor, and Billy is basically (extremely graciously) being Falcor right now. I am giving him a lot of “Faster, fasters!!” and “Higher, highers!!” I have rewound 15 years in age, and I am now 11. When I ask, “Do you do any tricks?” he says, “Why, yes. Would you like to do some?” Would I ever. Which brings me to...
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Rule Number One of Paragliding:
ask your instructor to do tricks. Depending on his or her level of experience, he or she might not be able to do tricks, so call in advance and ask for an instructor who can do tricks, you daredevil, you.
The Torrey Pines cliffs have featured soaring aircraft since the 1930s. The site has been so important to aviation that many people call Torrey Pines Gliderport the “Kitty Hawk of the West.” Many famous aviators earned their wings here. On February 24, 1930, Charles Lindbergh used the lift from Torrey Pines to fly a sail plane all the way from Mt. Soledad along the coast to Del Mar, establishing a new distance record. During World War II, the Gliderport was transformed into the US Army Camp Callan, an anti-aircraft artillery training facility. Torrey Pines Gliderport has been the location of several national and international soaring records since 1946, and it’s listed on both the California and National Registers of Historic Places. Today, it’s a home for sail planes, paragliding and hang gliding, but a rich aeronautical history lies just behind that. Paragliding is dream-like. I’ve skydived and bungee jumped, so I was expecting a similar experience. Paragliding is like neither. Rather, it’s like—and cue the Lebowski voice on this one: it’s like riding a lazy river in the sky, man. Your senses aren’t overwhelmed like they are in skydiving. There are no loud noises, no WHOOSHING. You are sitting comfy, so you really just float along, taking it all in. Rides can last up to 25 minutes but average around 20. The trip could last longer or shorter depending on weather conditions. Come during the hours of 1pm to 3pm, 1pm being the prime time to fly. Fall and winter boast the best wind, but Billy says his favorite time to fly is in the spring and summer. In the spring and summer, the Gliderport is open all day from 9am to 5pm and sometimes even later. As we fly closely over a 150 million dollar mansion, Billy points out it’s topiary filled with exotic birds and it’s Hearst Castle-style swimming pool. We watch beach goers climb up sandy steps from Black’s Beach. Someone had written, “I love you!” in huge, block lettering in the sand. We did loops around the cliffs, and circled back toward the Torrey Pines Golf Course where a foursome putted peacefully. Two crows played a game with a rock, one throwing it up in the air and the other catching it. Bodies scattered around the edges of the cliffs, many lying down, watching us and waving. As we passed other paragliders in the air, Billy gave a lot of happy “Yews! And "Hey, Matt/Mike/Suzys!” Then, Billy asked me a question that threatened to ruin not just my day, but also my life. “Do you have your cell phone? You should take a picture.” Billy and I are having our first fight, and it’s bad. No, Billy. I do not have my cell phone, because I did not know that was an option! Extreme sports and cell phones never mix, and I had just assumed they weren’t allowed on this ride. Which brings me to...
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Rule Number Two: bring your cell phone with you. If you don’t own a cell phone, borrow a bystander’s. Paragliding Rule Number Three:
Wear a jacket with a zipper pocket. These are the Holy Grail of Instagram photos. Billy and I make up when he says we can drop down and get my phone if I want. I decide to enjoy the moment and let my Instagram account suffer. Also, if you so desire, photos and video are available through Torrey Pines Gliderport.
It’s time to land, and I am genuinely sad. Zoo, shmoo. Sea World, smeaworld. This is the coolest thing I have ever done in San Diego, and since I am a born and bred San Diegan, that’s kind of saying something. Billy tells me to put my arms straight out in front of me, which makes sense. My arms are there to help me not break my face. “You’ve got to run when we land,” he says urgently. I hate this part. “Okay, got it,” I try to say bravely, though I am the total opposite. The run is a little scary, but it’s over in a second, and we made it. I survived, and I am the happiest of happy campers. What are you waiting for? Go get your glide on!
T
e
imelin
1936
Aviator Woody Brown makes the first launch and landing off the Torrey Pines cliffs.
1940
Soaring halts when the property becomes the US Army’s Camp Callen.
1947
After Torrey returns to flying activity, the first annual Pacific Coast MidWinter Soaring Championship is held.
EARLY 1960s Paragliding takes a leap forward when Pierre Lemoigne is successful in cutting slots in the round parachute canopy to allow for more air to flow through the canopy.
1962
Englishman Walter Newmark modifies Lemoigne’s design to the chute so it could be towed aloft.
1964
Domina Jalbert invents a square canopy called the Ram Air Para Foil.
1970s
The sport of paragliding takes off. The popularity arises when pilots in Mieussy, France successfully launch the wing by running down the hillsides of the Alps.
1979
Andre Bohn and Gerard Bosson introduce paragliding at the World Hang Gliding Championships. It is then that paragliding schools begin opening up around the world.
1990
The Torrey Pines Soaring Council approves paragliding.
1992
The National Soaring Museum of the Soaring Society of America recognizes the Torrey Pines Gliderport as a National Landmark. | JUNE 2014 | 103
I M AT E T L U E H T
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WRITTEN BY: LINDSAY DELONG PHOTOGRAPHED BY: MICHAEL WESLEY STYLED BY: BRITTANY HART MODELS: SOFIA VESPE & KARA CURRAN of Brand Model and Talent, www.brandtalent.net CAR PROVIDED BY: MASERATI OF NEWPORT BEACH, 1000 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 92663 www.maseratiofnewportbeach.com | 866.567.8445
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Refund those expensive plane tickets, leave the passport at home and ditch the foreign formalities. The destination this year is home. For the entire rest of the world, California is the place to be, and we are fortunate enough to live here. There’s plenty to explore right in our own backyards; whether you reside in San Diego, Orange County or Los Angeles, you’re never very far from adventure. So let’s round up the crew, gas up the tank, and prepare for some Sunshine State road trippin’.
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“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” –MARK TWAIN
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Road Trips Summer is primetime for a long haul. The days are long, the weather is perfect, and the kids are out of school. The car is in the driveway, Google Maps is at your fingertips, and the keys are—hmmm…Must. Find. The. Keys…
10 Essentials Road trip
Don’t Leave Home Without Them!
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1. RADAR DETECTORS—They may be expensive, but you’ll be thanking your lucky stars when you see the CHP pull over that other guy who was speeding in the fast lane.
2. CANDY—Simply put, sometimes it’s the only thing that will pull you through.
3. JUMPER CABLES—You swear it wasn’t you that left the light on… AGAIN!
4. HEADPHONES—Give them to the kids, wire them up to something interesting, and what’s that sound? Nothing? Breathe a long sigh of relief.
5. WATER AND SNACKS—For when the cavities are telling you to take a break from the candy.
1 Mini Road Trips
6. SUNBLOCK—Even though you’re technically not outside, the sun’s rays still penetrate through the window and will leave you looking like a tomato if you’re not protected.
Only have time for a speedy overnight voyage? Want an easy jaunt that’s close by? Take your pick from these world-class mini-excursions that will have you feeling replenished and adventurous without being too far away from home.
7. HATS—Same deal as the sunscreen—protect your face so you don’t look like a rotten grape when you’re older.
8. NAPKINS/TOILET PAPER—The chocolate’s going to melt and the soda’s going to spill, so it’s always best to be prepared with plenty to soak it all up. And bring toilet paper because you know the truck stop is going to have just run out.
9. SPARE KEYS—It’s bound to happen. They fell out of your pocket. You left them on the table. You’re positive you just had them!
10. CAR CHARGERS—Face it, without a phone, you’re completely lost. 106 |
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FOR THE HISTORIAN: D o w n t o w n S a n ta B a r b a r a Go back in time at the intimate 18-room Villa Rosa Inn (www.villarosainnsb.com) built in 1931. The cozy Spanish-style bed and breakfast, just 84-steps from the beach, will have you feeling like a well-versed old timer. Visit the Santa Barbara County Courthouse (www. santabarbaracourthouse.com) for a history lesson and a panoramic view from the Observation Tower. For dinner, try Arnoldi’s Café (www.arnoldis.com), one of the oldest restaurants in town where the maple banquet floor has hosted numerous orchestras and dancers since the ‘40s.
DT SANTA BARBARA - PHOTOGRAPHY BY: JAY SINCLAIR, BIG SUR (ALL THREE) - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HEARST CASTLE®/CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS
BEST ROAD TRIP MOVIES The Blues Brothers, 1980 National Lampoon’s Vacation, 1983 Lost in America, 1985 Thelma & Louise, 1991 Natural Born Killers, 1994 Road Trip, 2000 Almost Famous, 2000 Y Tu Mama Tambien, 2002 The Motorcycle Diaries, 2004 Little Miss Sunshine, 2006
BEST ROAD TRIP MOVIES FEATURING JACK NICHOLSON The Bucket List, 2007 About Schmidt, 2002 Easy Rider, 1969 The Last Detail, 1973 Hells Angels On Wheels, 1967
BIG SUR Just past San Luis Obispo, about four hours from LA, veer off the 101, and go back in time at the Hearst Castle (www.hearstcastle.org). The inspiration behind the “Xanadu” mansion of Orson Welles’ Citizen Kane, an invitation was once highly coveted by Hollywood’s A-Listers, who when summoned, would often fly up from Tinseltown in private jets and land at the estate’s airfield. Take the guided Grand Rooms Tour and imagine partying with the likes of Charlie Chaplin, Bob Hope and Winston Churchill. Continue along Highway 1 and prepare for the most scenic drive of your life. Winding roads hugging steep seaside cliffs on one side with lush greenery on the other. Restaurants are sparse along the coast, so Lucia Lodge (www.lucialodge.com) will be a welcoming site for your tummy. Order Grilled Marinated Artichokes, (which come from nearby Castroville, the artichoke capital of the world) while you sit on the deck taking in the fresh ocean air. Continue the trek, refueled and ready to go, and yes, it’s okay to stop at every single turnout for just one more photo.
Once you’ve finally made it through the photoshoot that is Highway 1, check in to your Yurt at the Treebones Resort (www.treebonesresort.com). All the perks of camping in a tent with the luxuries of a cabin—we’re talking French doors, pinewood floors, and electricity...oh, and a sky dome so you can view the stars from the comfort of your queen-sized bed! The Yurt will have you at one with nature, comfy style. If the resort’s outdoor sushi bar isn’t cutting it for ya, head to Nepenthe (www.nepenthebigsur.com) for an Ambrosia Burger, open for lunch 365 days a year. The family-run business has been around since 1949 and is full of folktales and loved ones that live to tell them. Once you’re full and ready for more adventure, take a hiking tour with Central Coast Outdoors (www.centralcoastoutdoors. com). Distances range from four to five miles and include waterfalls, beaches and Redwoods—literally, the size of houses.
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Roadside Adventure Armed with your smart phone in hand, take your road trip to the next level. These apps pretty much do everything for you. Just sit back, relax and press the pedal to the metal. SPOTIFY—No need to burn a ton of CD’s, virtually any song is right at your fingertips. An endless assortment of your favorite jams, all navigated by the best DJ ever…you! (App is free/ Premium Service $9.99 a month) GASBUDDY—This little guy will keep you trudging along. As your gauge hits “E” yet again, he’ll make sure to find you the cheapest gas station around. (Free)
GREENMETER—Have a lead foot? Learn how to get the best fuel consumption out of your whip with real-time readouts breaking down acceleration, aerodynamic drag and engine power. ($5.99) IEXIT INTERSTATE EXIT GUIDE— Should you or shouldn’t you get off at the next exit? Find out everything you need to know about the upcoming stop before making that always-crucial decision. ($1.99 on Apple products, free on Android)
AUDIBLE—Get that book finished while you drive! There’s no better way to pass the time than to have a soothing voice read you a spellbinding tale. (App is free/Most books cost between $20-$30) WAZE—Outsmart your morning commute! Get real-time traffic and road info from other drivers traveling the exact same streets. See where the traffic jams, the road closures, the accidents, and even the police are, all while zipping to work much faster than your colleagues. (Free) YELP—Read reviews about where to eat, where to sleep, where to replace that blown out tire. And then, once you’re happy with the spectacular service you’ve received, write a review of your own. (Free)
INTERVIEW WITH
Brian Holwerda of Blackout Party www.blackoutpartymusic.com It’s safe to say a road trip with San Diego’s Blackout Party would probably not be boring. The boys travel the coast touring, getting into mischief and trading off whom gets shotgun. Here, the band talks sleeping arrangements, snacks, what towns are the craziest, and what they most want to bring on their next go-around.
Q: What do you do to fight boredom? BH: It can get boring out there, but it's also kind of peaceful. We usually have these cycles where we will be dead quiet for a while then everyone starts cracking jokes and cutting up. When we're feeling rowdy, we will usually listen to stand-up comedy on Pandora, Bill Burr or Katt Williams. I personally like to listen to a ton of podcasts—my favorite is called "Hardcore History," by Dan Carlin.
Q: Where are you living? Brian Holwerda: I just moved from Ocean Beach to Normal Heights in San Diego. Love it, there is walking/ biking distance to tons of cool stuff and good bars. I just wish they had a dog park in my neighborhood.
Q: What do you eat? BH: Ugh, road food. I try to eat pretty healthy usually, so it can be a shock to the system out there. I've found a good balance of beef jerky, coffee, trail mix, sunflower seeds and peppermint tea that keeps me feeling all right. Recently, we had four flavors of sunflower seeds in rotation at once, which was pretty fun. Pro tip to the readers out there: always check the expiration date on yogurt at the gas station.
Q: What cool stuff has happened to the band lately? BH: We've been busy recording. We went to Nashville to track 11 songs at Southern Ground, which is Zac Brown's studio and record label. They were the nicest people ever. The food was amazing, and we wish we could hang out there everyday. Right now, we are deep into mixing. We'll be releasing a limited run of 7 inch vinyl as a single in June, then a full album this summer.
Q: Where do you like to stay? BH: We've definitely slept in folks' yards, in and out of tents, in the van or put six guys in one motel room. There was a stretch where we were playing these outdoor campout festivals with Sector 9 and Iron and Resin last summer, and it was great to get to wake up in the woods instead of a motel. Hoth, our drummer is the most talented at sleeping anywhere. He even slept under a desk one time.
Q: How often are you touring? BH: We've had some good shows lately out of town and a few weird ones. Last time, we went up to SF to play with our friends Dogcatcher, at Bottom of the Hill, so we just did a short run there and back. Surprisingly, San Luis Obispo is an insane town to play. The first time I ever saw someone throw up in the crowd during our set was there—very bizarre night.
Q: Favorite venues? BH: Our favorite venue in San Diego is the Casbah. It's like a second home to us, and Tim Mays, the owner, is kind of like the Obi-Wan Kenobi of the San Diego scene. Porter and everyone that works there are like extended family in a way, I don't know what SD would do without Tim and the Casbah crew. Other than that, the Belly Up Tavern always sounds great; we've had a few fun shows there, too.
Q: What do you drive when you’re on the road? BH: We all travel together in a van, usually one rented from a friend. We used Transfer's van and Heavy Guilt's van the last few times. The longest straight shot we pulled was to SXSW in Austin last year. I'm a tall guy, so I get all crunchy sitting for five minutes, let alone 22 hours. Next trip, we need to bring a chiropractor or something. Q: Shotgun or backseat? BH: Everyone usually prefers shotgun, but middle bench against the window isn't bad. Back bench is rough on us tall guys, but we keep a pretty fair rotation so everyone takes their turn back there.
In LA and OC we've played some interesting bars. The Echo is cool and we've had some really fun shows at the Pike in Long Beach, which is a very cool spot with good people. Next tour, I'm excited to do a Blind Blind Tiger session and hopefully play Satellite and/or Constellation Room. Probably our favorite LA shows so far have been a few different warehouse art shows with our Dethkills friends. LA is also where the famous "Sharpie Incident of 2012" took place. But, enough about that…
2 Mini Road Trips FOR THE KIDLETS: P a l m S p r i n g s
TRAPSTER— Avoid that ticket! Find out just where those speed traps and sneaky speeding cameras are. (Free)
ROADSIDE AMERICA—Be aware of what you’re close to. You don’t want to miss a butterfly farm or a dinosaur cave! Explore all those offbeat roadside oddities you’re bound to pass through. ($2.99) PRICELINE NEGOTIATOR—The easiest way to book a cheap hotel room. You’ll get the “Best Price Guaranteed” or they’ll refund you the difference…if not, take it up with William Shatner. (Free) 108 |
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Turn the AC on high, prepare for heat, and drive along Highway 111 until you reach your desert oasis. First things first, you’re going to want to cool the children off. Take them straight to Wet ‘n’ Wild (www.wetnwildpalmsprings. com) where they can fight giant waves in the Rip Tide Reef wave pool while you float the day away in the Sunset River. After they have properly worn themselves out check in at The Saguaro (www.thesaguaro.com), and bask in the bright architecture inspired by the vivid indigenous flowers. Get ready in your poolside room, then take the Palm Springs Aeriel Tramway (www.pstramway.com) up the mountain for a family dinner at Peaks Restaurant or Pines Café, both located at the top of the peak.
PALM SPRINGS (BOTH) - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PALM SPRINGS BUREAU OF TOURISM
Best Apps for your
MAMMOTH LAKES It’s time to trade in SoCal’s beaches for some NorCal adventure. The six to sevenhour trek to mountain town will be void of any coast but rich in California’s other prized landscapes. Stop in the tiny town of Lone Pine and delve into the Wild West’s past by paying a visit to The Beverly and Jim Rodgers Museum of Lone Pine Film History (www.Lonepinefilmhistorymuseum.org). Over 700 filmmakers have made the Eastern Sierra Nevadas the backdrop for their Hollywood Westerns, and the museum plays host to an extensive collection of historic memorabilia. About an hour before you hit Mammoth, make a body-fuel stop in Bishop and stock up on some jerky at Mahogany Smoked Meats (www.smokedmeats.com)—rated by the LA Times as the “undisputed jerky champ.” Fish, beef, turkey, pork or elk jerky, it doesn’t matter what you get, you’re embarking on mountain territory now, and it’s time you start eating like a mountain man should.
Stuff You Should NEVER Do On A Road Trip 1. 2. 3. 4. 110 |
Flip off a cop
Pass a rest stop when you only “kind of” have to pee
Take more than two kids on a trip
Leave without snacks
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5. 6. 7. 8.
Check in at The Westin Monache Resort (www.westinmammoth.com). The gorgeous resort is in the center of all the fun and just steps away from the village. Forgot your hiking shoes at home? Fear not, the hotel has teamed up with New Balance and will deliver all the workout gear you desire straight to your hotel room for a fee. Gear up and head out the door for a day trip along the John Muir Trail to see the wonder that is Devil’s Postpile National Monument (www.nps.gov). A steep cliff of columnar basalt, the phenomenon was created by lava flow sometime around, oh, 100,000 years ago. After a hike and a half, replenish your body with the best steak in town at The Mogul Restaurant (www.themogul.com), which is hands down the locals’ favorite. Order the Porterhouse Steak, and yes, you will take a side of Gorgonzola butter, thank you very much.
By now, you know what to do on a road trip, but there are some things that you should never, ever do, and for the sake of common sense, here are some of them:
Eat fast food for breakfast, lunch AND dinner
9.
Let your phone die
Ignore that pesky gas gauge
10.
Think you can go just a little bit further as your eyes are drooping and sheep are appearing
Follow the game plan—spontaneity is half the fun
Not wear sunscreen if you’re sitting in the sun
MAMMOTH LAKES (WESTIN BOTH) - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE WESTIN MONACHE RESORT, MAMMOTH, MAMMOTH LAKES (BEEF JERKY) - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MAHOGANY SMOKED MEATS'
Gear up and head out the door for a day trip along the John Muir Trail to see the wonder that is Devil’s Postpile National Monument.
Along the roughly four to five hour trek to Havasu stop and say hello to owner Ken at The Desert Bar and Nellie E. Saloon (www.thedesertbar.com) in Parker. The bar is situated on an old copper mining camp and still has lots of old trinkets to meander through including a well and an aged fire truck. Nell the Cat hangs out, along with plenty of locals playing horseshoes and listening to live music. Only open on the weekends, it’s a great place to stop for a quick lunch and a brew and will have you eyeing corners for a glimpse of something shiny. Continue the journey until Buckskin Mountain State Park (www.azstateparks.com) where you stop for a hike through the mountains and a quick dip in the river. Sign the kids up for the Junior Ranger program and feel proud as they are sworn in by a park ranger and given a prized button, pledging to do their part to preserve the beauty of the park. Ah! Invaluable life lessons! Stay at the London Bridge Resort (www.londonbridgeresort. com) and check up on that infamous London Bridge
3 Mini Road Trips FOR THE PART-FISH: Pismo Beach 112 |
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everyone keeps singing about. Built in 1831 in England, the Thames River proved to be quite a match for the flimsy passage. In 1962 however, Robert McCulloch, Founder of Lake Havasu, purchased it and shipped it, brick by brick, to America where it was vigilantly put back together in Havasu where it now sits proudly…and much more sturdily. March across it a couple times just to make sure, then walk down the street to Shugrues (www.shugrueslakehavasu. com), where fine dining meets casual atmosphere. You can share a rare bottle of a fancy Bordeaux from their extensive wine list, while eating Ruby Red Ahi and watching that beautiful Arizona sunset over the Bridgewater Channel. Have a peaceful night, because tomorrow is boat day! You’re going to rent a boat from Desert Sun Water Sports (www. desertsunwatersports.com) and pay your respects to your 21-year-old-self and to all the Havasu must-sees, including the Sandbar and Copper Canyon cliff jumping.
Take a small detour and turn your car onto the beach. Pismo State Beach (www. slostateparks.com) is the only beach in California where you are actually allowed to drive your car on the sand. Get out and hunt for sand dollars before checking in at The Cliffs Resort (www.cliffsresort.com). Take a dip in the pool overlooking the ocean, then trek along a private cliff trail back to the sea for more fun. To wind down, and for even more water, head to the Sycamore Mineral Springs, just a short drive away in Avila Beach and marinate in the open-air Hillside Mineral Spring Tub (www.sycamoresprings.com). After all that soaking you’ll be very hungry and want to relax at Ventana Grill (www.ventanagrill.com). The dining room sits on a coastal bluff providing unparalleled views of the ocean blue. Order the Diver Scallops and Prawns and douse it with a fine tequila from their vast selection.
LAKE HAVASU (BRIDGE NIGHT) - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LONDON BRIDGE RESORT, LAKE HAVASU (FOOD/DINING) - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SHUGRUE'S RESTAURANT & BAR, PISMO BEACH - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF PISMO BEACH CONFERENCE & VISITORS BUREAU
LAKE HAVASU
Officer Jose Barrios California Highway Patrol jobarrios@chp.ca.gov
Q: What should a person immediately do when being pulled over by a cop? Jose Barrios: If you can determine that the vehicle behind you is displaying a red light and/or sounding a siren and is clearly marked as a police vehicle (i.e. black and white with identifying insignia on the driver and passenger door panels), pull to the right and stop in a safe location. While infrequent, there are legitimate traffic stops conducted by unmarked local, state and/or federal agencies. While types of vehicles can vary, in these cases you would still see at least one solid red light, a siren as necessary, in addition to the law enforcement officer displaying distinctively marked clothing, a badge or other credentials. Once the officer positively identifies his/her self, comply with their requests. If visibility is limited due to darkness or weather conditions and you are unable to clearly determine that the vehicle behind you is a legitimate police vehicle, do the following:
>> Turn on your emergency flashers and acknowledge that you see and will yield to the red light. >> Continue driving at a reduced rate of speed until you can safely stop in a well-lighted, public location—preferably where other people are present. >> Stay in your vehicle and wait for the officer to approach and issue additional instructions. If you are contacted by someone who you believe is impersonating an officer, request to see their identification/badge. You do not need to open your window to see a badge or ID. You should also see a uniform, their duty belt and see/hear their police radio. If you’re still unsure, and an officer requests your license, registration and proof of insurance, roll down your window just an inch to supply the officer with the requested documents. Use common sense; if you’re suspicious, call 911 on your cell phone to alert authorities. Q: What are the most common mistakes you see drivers making on the road? JB: From my experience, speeding, hand held cell phone use, not paying attention to the rules on the roadway and distracted driving are very common mistakes.
Safe operation of a vehicle requires motorists to pay attention to their driving, other vehicles around them and changing road conditions. Always drive defensively— you can’t if your mind is averted elsewhere! Reckless and distracted driving is the number one killer of teens in America. Focus on the road ahead and get to where you are going safely. Q: What is the first step a person should do when getting into an accident? JB: “Clear the Way”—Moving to the shoulder or off the freeway after a minor, non-injury traffic collision is not only the safest thing to do, it’s the law (CVC 20002, CVC 23113).
Mini Road Trips FOR THE WINOS: Old Town Temecula Stroll along Main Street with your fellow wine aficionado while you browse through the farmers market and peek into the picturesque boutiques. Order a Rack of Lamb and bottle of Moet & Chandon Nectar Imperial at the upscale Baily’s (www. oldtowndining.com) along Front Street. Stop in for a wine flight while you listen to live music at Lorimar Loft (www. lorimarwinery.com). Then make your way to the rustic yet chic vibe of Temecula Creek Inn for the 27-hole championship golf course or an in-room massage. (www.temeculacreekinn.com). But fear not, there will be no stopping now, the Temecula House of Wine is located inside the hotel and exclusively offers local wines (www.temeculahouseofwine.com).
Clearing the roadway after a minor, noninjury collision can help to free the flow of traffic, which will potentially expedite the arrival of an officer on scene. Moving your vehicle to a safe location limits exposure to dangerous situations such as being involved in another collision or being hit on the roadway as a pedestrian. Removing your vehicle from the collision scene, as long as there are no injuries to any of the involved parties, is not illegal and will not affect the investigation of the collision. Physical evidence, statements by all parties involved and witness statements are used to establish circumstances leading to the collision. Q: When should a person call 1.800.TELLCHP? JB: The CHP has designated 1.800.TELL. CHP as the number that shall serve as the point of contact for the public to access the CHP for non-emergency purposes (e.g., accident reports, tow questions, CHP office locations, vehicle theft tips, community outreach programs). Q: What should we do if we encounter a drunk driver? JB: If you see a drunk driver on the road, call 911. The public can use the emergency number to report and help the CHP identify drunk drivers before it is too late. Q: Any tips in general before embarking on a long road trip? JB: Even a well-maintained vehicle can break down. Have an emergency supply kit in every vehicle. (See AAA guide)
What should be in our
emergency kit?
BASIC ROADSIDE EMERGENCY KIT CHECKLIST: 1. Auto Club/AAA Membership Card (in your wallet)
2. Blanket 3. Cell phone and car charger 4. Disposable camera in glove box or cell phone with camera to photograph crash damage
5. Extra prescribed medications, First Aid kit
6. Food 7. Tire pressure gauge 8. Fire extinguisher, flares, warning triangles or reflectors
9. Flashlight with extra batteries 10. Jack for tire changing
11. Jumper cables 12. Paper towels 13. Pencil/pen and notebook 14. Quart of oil and gallon of coolant (specific to your vehicle)
15. Reflective sun shade 16. Rags and towels 17. Umbrella 18. Enough water for everyone in the car (at least a couple of gallon jugs for a long road trip)
19. Copies of legal papers (Passport, Driver’s License, etc.) securely located, and separate from your wallet
playlists
put these in your ipod 114 |
“Ride”—Lana Del Rey
“Born to Run”—Bruce Springsteen
“Another Travelin’ Song”—Bright Eyes
“Keep the Car Running”—Arcade Fire
“California”—Phantom Planet
“Born to be Wild”—Steppenwolf
“Stickshifts and Safetybelts”—Cake
“Autobahn”—Kraftwerk
“Fast Car”—Tracy Chapman
“I’ve Been Everywhere”—Johnny Cash
“Little Red Corvette”—Prince
“Daylight”—Matt & Kim
“Road Trippin’”—Red Hot Chili Peppers
“Life in the Fast Lane”—The Eagles
“Riding With the King”—B.B. King & Eric Clapton
“West Coast”—Coconut Records
“Drive My Car”—The Beatles
“Home”—Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros
“Interstate Love Song”—Stone Temple Pilots
“We Gotta Get Out of This Place”— The Animals
“I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”— The Proclaimers
“We Are Young”—fun.
“Going Up the Country”—Canned Heat
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OLD TOWN TEMECULA - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TEMECULA CREEK INN, OTT (BOTTOM) - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LORIMAR VINEYARDS AND WINERY
INTERVIEW WITH
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Q: How can we avoid making these errors? JB: Driving is a complex task, requiring a motorist’s full attention. Anything that diverts the driver’s eyes or attention from the roadway, even for one or two seconds could result in tragedy. The bottom line, whatever the distraction, “It’s not worth it!”
INTERVIEW WITH
Chrissy Powers and Megan Page of The Kindred Street www.thekindredstreet.com
LAS VEGAS
The Kindred Street's Guide to Road Tripping with Babies and Kiddos! Road trips are tons of fun! Road trips with babies and kids...eh that's a different story. But we highly recommend traveling and going fun places with your kids so here are our thoughts, tips and tricks. Q: Where do you like to road trip? Crissy Powers: Once you become a parent, driving to Trader Joe's can seem like a road trip, but we love going the distance and planning day trips with our boys. We love making trips to the San Diego Zoo, Botanic Gardens, San Clemente, Balboa Park, Julian and even Santa Cruz. Megan and I actually packed our boys up in one car and drove to South Coast Plaza to meet one of our icons Susan Peterson, entrepreneur and moccasin maker. It was CRAZY but so daring and worth it and the boys had the best time on the carousal in the mall. Q: What vehicle do you take on trips? CP: Megan drives her Mercedes SUV, and I drive a Toyota Sequoia—both fully coated in cheerio dust and goldfish crackers. An RV trip is on the to-do list for sure and sometimes we dream of driving a VW bus up the California coast. Q: How do you keep the little ones occupied? CP: This is most tricky. Entertaining a child comes and goes in stretches. The goal of a parent on a road trip is to find that thing that distracts for the longest period of time. We have found that the almighty iPad works wonders—download a few good movies, games and apps, and it should provide you some distance. We love coloring books. We use an empty DVD case and put paper on one side and tape a few pens and crayons to the other. Also stickers, any favorite board book, and small toys from the dollar store are always win-win. Q: Any fun driving games you all play? CP: Since our boys are on the younger side most of our games consist of simply pointing out trucks, tractors, garbage cans or any type of construction on the roadside. That is always a hit. Growing up, the ABC game where you find the alphabet on signs or license plates was a favorite. Listening to music can turn into a game or dance party as well. Orrin, Megan's son, favors Daft Punk, and Waylon, my son, likes Led Zeppelin. Q: How long do you tend to go before making a pit stop? CP: I would say two hours max unless you have a sleeping child. If your child is sleeping, just go with it—drive as far and as long as you can, savoring every little bit of the quiet. Q: What snacks do you bring? CP: Snacks are big entertainment when driving or road tripping with kids. Fruit snacks, goldfish crackers, dried mango, raisins, fruit leathers and Inner Peas from Trader Joe's. And if you're in a bind, just go for it and break out the candy—Dum Dums and M&M's are sometimes the only thing that will work. Q: What has been your favorite road trip as a family? CP: My favorite road trip so far would probably be our trips to Santa Cruz, because we always have the best time with family and friends, which makes the rough times on the road so worth it. Megan’s favorite was a trip to Julian for the annual Apple Days Festival. They rented a charming guesthouse and spent the weekend window shopping and stuffing their faces with apple pie. Heaven.
detours Worth Taking Half the fun of a road trip is stopping to see the weirdness that is CALIFORNIA. From a brightly painted desert mountain to a sunglass-wearing Santa Claus, you don’t truly know your state until you’ve visited the oddities that make it unique. SO PULL OVER, THIS IS A DETOUR WORTH TAKING…
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Cabazon Dinosaurs
Monopoly in the Park
Claude Bell, a former Knott’s Berry Farm sculptor, started construction on Dinny the Apatosaurus in 1964. Taking 11 years and over $250,000 to complete, the 150-foot long, and 45-foot high dinosaur sets the stage for another dino named Rex, a 65-foot tall Tyrannosaurus Rex. 50800 Seminole Dr, Cabazon, CA 92230
Stock up on your “Get Out Of Jail Free” cards, because this game is about to get intense. Welcome to the largest Monopoly game in the world. The board measures in at 930 square feet and players roll gigantic dice while wearing token shaped hats that simulate the original game pieces. Located in Downtown San Jose’s Discovery Meadow, take the 101 to the 82 toward San Carlos Street. Park Place here you come! 180 Woz Way, San Jose, CA 95101
…And after a cool down like that, it’s crucial to shake things back up in Sin City! You’ve already seen the strip like a zillion times so you choose Red Rock Casino and Resort (www.redrock.sclv.com). Head to the resort's own bowling alley, Red Rock Lanes, and knock a few pins down before heading out to explore a different side of Vegas. Hoover Dam Tour Company (www.hooverdamtourcompany.com) offers the “BEST DAM TOURS IN TOWN!” Choose between an airplane, helicopter, boat or SUV tour and explore the historical dam that impounds Lake Mead. After a massive history lesson, catch a cab to Fremont Street and discover old Las Vegas. Check out the 75,000-gallon tropical fish tank at the Chart House in the Golden Nugget (www.goldennugget.com) while you dine on Alaskan King Crab and Coconut Crunchy Shrimp. Then go gamble—it is Vegas after all. Although, let’s skip the part with the monkey this time. The aliens could still be watching.
LAS VEGAS - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LAS VEGAS NEW BUREAU
You’re headed to Vegas to get weird, so you might as well start early. Head through Joshua Tree and stop for a bite at Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace (www. pappyandharriets.com). Start with a platter of Nachos Von Rabbit, then bite into a Catfish Sandwich. Stay into the evening to catch a show with a popular indie band like Rufus Wainwright in the site's small music venue. Eventually continue along about 20 miles north of J-Tree to the even tinier town of Landers for an out-of-this-world experience at The Integratron (www.integratron.com). In 1954 the 38-foot high, 55-foot diameter dome was created by a man named George Van Tassel who was merely following instructions provided to him from visitors from Venus. Built on an intersection of powerful geomagnetic forces that create a spike in the earth’s magnetic field, the hut offers its visitors “Sound Baths” where you can take a nap in a sound sphere, resulting in utter peace, amplified awareness and absolute relaxation.
World’s Tallest Thermometer In the small town of Baker, home to less than 800 people resides a 134-foot tall thermometer. The temperature gauge was built in honor of the highest recorded temperature in Fahrenheit ever recorded in the US on July 10, 1913 in nearby Death Valley. 72155 Baker Blvd, Baker, CA 92309
Giant Santa Claus You better be good, because he’s still watching! Or, at least behave whilst cruising through Oxnard, home to an 18-foot tall Santa Claus. He sits peacefully (and jollily), overlooking the freeway, casually wearing sunglasses during the summer months. You’ll find him off the Santa Clara exit if you’re going north, and the Rice Road exit if headed south off Highway 101. 2801 East Ventura Blvd, Oxnard, CA 93036
Salvation Mountain A vast clay mountain brightens up the massive desert bordering the Salton Sea. Painted every color of the rainbow and adorned with positive messages in every nook, the words “God is Love” sit in the center surrounded by flowers, suns, waterfalls and religious scripture. Creator Leonard Knight called the 50-foot high, 150foot breadth piece of art his gift to the world. Beal Road, Niland, CA 92257 | JUNE 2014 | 117
PASO ROBLES - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF MADONNA INN
PASO ROBLES Two hours from LA, take a small European detour to the Danish town of Solvang. Enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride (www.solvangtrolley.com) around the little city, taking a minute for a quick stroll through Hans Christian Andersen Park. Once you’ve gotten your mini-culture shock, continue along the 101 for another hour until you hit the legendary Madonna Inn (www.madonnainn.com), where it’s high time you took a wee break. The rock waterfall urinal in the men’s room (partially made famous by Weird Al’s 1978 song “Take Me Down”) is more than worth the stop. Browse through the wide variety of themed rooms, including the Highway Suite, the Love Nest and Cloud Nine. Have a cup of joe and a warm Danish pastry at the Inn’s horseshoe-shaped Copper Café before continuing the trek along the famed Californian highway. Drop your bags at Hotel Cheval (www.hotelcheval.com) and imbibe in a cocktail while you listen to live music (every weekend) at the hotel’s lux wine bar, the Pony Club. Book a wine tour for the next day through The Wine Wrangler (www.thewinewrangler.com) where they’ll take you on a private tour through some of the Central Coast’s finest vineyards, customized to your personal specifications. Once you're back, get fat and even happier while dining at downtown’s Il Cortile Ristorante (www.ilcortileristorante. com), a fine dining Italian spot with seasonal menus offering tons of choices to compliment your verypampered and newly-sophisticated taste buds.
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road trip food It’s a fact. At some point along your trek you’re going to be driving along counting yellow lines, when BAM! you’re hit smack in the kisser by a snack attack. It’s going to take everything you have not to pull over at the nearest gas station and fill up on a Slurpee and bag of sour gummy worms. But that’s not going to curb your hunger. It might satiate it for an exit or two, but in an hour you’re going to be rolling through a drive-thru, paying for a greasy hamburger while you loosen your belt strap. What’s more, is sudden sugar rushes cause your body to fatigue, and when you’re driving, you don’t want to crash, figuratively and literally. Here are some ways to get your fix a bit healthier.
Healthy Snacks vs. Junk Food CRUNCHY
THIRSTY
SWEETS
BARS
DIPPING
DAIRY
PROTEIN
trail mix
chips
fruit juice
soda
Fruit
candy
Energy bars
chocolate bars
hummus and peanut butter
high-fat dressings
low-fat yogurt
ice cream
turkey sandwich
fast food hamburger
5 Mini Road Trips FOR THE SWEETHEARTS: Lake Arrowhead Village Cruise the windy Highway 18 up the San Bernardino Mountains and into the clouds for a weekend getaway to remember. Check in at the Lake Arrowhead Resort & Spa (www.lakearrowheadresort.com), and head to the resort's private beach where you can roast marshmallows as the sun disappears. When you’ve said goodbye to the majestic hues of a Lake Arrowhead sunset, meander over to the village (www. thelakearrowheadvillage.com) where you can catch a free live concert on the main stage. The Summer Concert Series boasts 37 bands, including Aerotrain (a tribute to Aerosmith) and The PettyBreakers (self explanatory). Once you’re hungry, head to the cozy and romantic Grill at Antlers Inn (www.thegrillatantlersinn.com), where you order Macademian Crusted White Seabass. A rustic log cabin complete with real fireplaces will have you cozied up to your sweetie, far, far away from city life.
INTERVIEW WITH
Marie Montgomery Nordhues of Corporate Communications Automobile Club of Southern California 714.885.2320 Q: What type of navigational system do you recommend? Marie Nordhues: Whatever system you use, the most important thing is that your PASSENGER should operate it and change it if necessary. I just got back from a road trip with my daughter to New Orleans, and I speak from first-hand experience. If you are on a solo road trip, program your system before you leave and make sure the voice directions are activated. If you need to change something, pull OFF the highway to a safe place. The AAA app has a great navigational system with options for turn-by-turn directions and will also show you nearby gas stations with recent prices, give you the ability to book AAA Diamondrated hotels right from the app with your AAA discount, and also show you all the interesting attractions along your route just like the original AAA TripTiks. Q: What are the common mistakes people make before going on a long journey? MN: Not getting their car checked by a mechanic or doing it themselves before leaving. In the summer, and particularly during days when the temperature is over 90 degrees, AAA emergency calls for road trip breakdowns will skyrocket. Many of these breakdowns could have been prevented if the driver had gotten the car checked ahead of time. Another common mistake is not planning for enough activities on the road, especially with kids. Luckily, these days many people have cell phones that can provide entertainment, but you may want to consider a DVD player for the passengers or books on tape. Q: Any tips for handling traffic jams and road rage? MN: It’s always a good idea to try to plan your trip to avoid traffic. If you’re not traveling on a holiday weekend or a Friday, you can probably leave either before or after “rush hour” to avoid traffic. If you are in a traffic jam and the passengers are getting cranky, try to play a license plate game or “I Spy” to pass the time. You can also pull off the road to a restaurant for a break until it gets better. Road rage is something that still happens, and extreme cases often make the news. because it is unusual and rare, fortunately. If someone seems to be furiously trying to engage you on the road, DON’T respond. Try to pull off an exit and go to a public place like a shopping center. Q: Any tips for getting out of a ticket? MN: Haha! Well prevention is the best cure, as we know. A good rule of thumb to avoid getting pulled over is to really observe the speed limit when driving through smaller towns on your route, even if you’re on the highway. Arizona does have speed cameras placed on highways that can send you a ticket in the mail (although it has cut back on them some), so be careful traveling through there. My personal strategy is always to be super polite and apologetic. It can’t hurt! Q: How can AAA help me? MN: So many ways! I mentioned the AAA app, which is free. Not only does it have map and navigation services, you can also use it to contact roadside assistance if you need it. It also shows you where to get AAA discounts near you and incorporates all the travel information you would find in paper TripTiks and TourBooks. We also have a number of other travel planning tools: • Fuelcostcalculator.aaa.com—A great gas budgeting tool that members and non-members can use. • Paper maps and paper TripTiks—These can be great tools for planning your road trip as well as navigation, because everyone in the family can look at them together and figure out what they want to see and do. • TourBooks—This AAA member benefit is a complete paperback guide to any given geographic area in the US. It provides an overview of what to see and do in each area, as well as complete listings of AAA Diamond-rated lodgings (with average room rates) and restaurants. • Travel planning—We can book hotels, travel packages, rental cars, cruises, flights and more at AAA.com, at any AAA branch, or by calling 888.874.7222.
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LAKE ARROWHEAD - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF LAKE ARROWHEAD RESORT, BRABUS - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BRABUS
luxe trux
OFF ROAD Prowess MEETS VALET Stunner BECAUSE YOU’RE ABOUT TO SPEND A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF TIME IN YOUR RIDE CRUISING THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA AND BEYOND, WHY NOT GO THE EXTRA MILE AND COMPLETELY PIMP IT OUT? BRABUS in Irvine is the place to trust. An LED Blinker for your G Wagon? Check! A mini-Mac in the center divider? Got it. Monoblock S Titanium rims for your brand new Mercedes C 63? Way ahead of ya! Don’t just trust your car to get you there, make your car stand out. She’s been a good girl; she deserves a present. Give her some more horsepower. Maybe she’ll get ya there faster! BRABUS 949.229.1700 | Brabus-usa.com | info@brabus-usa.com
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1.
Car Games
2.
SLUG BUG
I SPY
3.
THE HOUSE ON THE HILL
INTERVIEW WITH
4.
JOHNNY WENT ON A PICNIC
5.
99 BOTTLES OF BEER ON THE WALL
tire. These are tires that are, or have been, factory installed by the car manufacturer on the production line. They are recommended replacement tires.
Chris Spartalis Service Manager of Audi Beverly Hills 8833 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90211 424.281.5600 | www.audibeverlyhills.com Q: How can I prepare my car for a summer road trip? Chris Spartalis: Have your car inspected and make sure all factory-recommended maintenance services have been performed. It is suggested that you have your tires, fluid levels, brakes, suspension, drivetrain, belts, hoses, wiper blades, windshield washers, heater, air conditioning and lights checked before going on a road trip. Q: What are the best tire brands and types for the various road conditions (desert, beach, mountains) I might experience? CS: Tires are an extremely important component of your car; your tires are the only thing between your vehicle and the road. Selecting the right tires for your vehicle is a critical decision. Your safety, as well as your vehicle’s performance, will be determined by this choice. Tires affect acceleration, steering stability, traction, noise, braking, cornering, comfort, load-carrying capacity, fuel economy and the overall handling of your vehicle. It’s best to consult with your owner’s manual as far as brands of tires for various road conditions, and specific vehicle models. Car manufactures have conducted exhaustive testing to determine what tires work best on their vehicles. Q: Below are a few of the types of tires available: CS: All-Season tires are designated the best all-around tire. They are a balance between performance, traction under wet conditions, noise reduction and mileage. Touring tires feature enhanced performance blended with excellent ride quality. Performance tires are designed for high speed and aggressive driving, as they offer maximum road contact. They feature a softer rubber compound that improves cornering and increases traction, as well as lower profiles in order to reduce sidewall flex under stress. They can tend to wear more quickly than the other types of tires, due to their performance orientation. Q: Other important tire terminology to note: CS: OEM (Original-Equipment-Manufacturer)= Manufacturer-recommended
OEA (Original-Equipment-Alternative Tire)= Tires that meet the same size, load index, and speed ratings as OEM tires, but have not been factory installed by the car manufacturer. Q: What Audi is best for a road trip? CS: This is a difficult question! All Audi models have their strengths, and I believe there is an Audi made for just about every preference. The AllNew Audi A3 is an exciting new addition to the Audi line, offering modern technology and high performance in a nimble package, which will be available in spring 2014. The Audi A4 is an excellent performer as well. It's responsive and fun to drive, in a nicely sized configuration. The larger Audi A6 and A7 models are a pleasure to drive—they have great road manners and performance when you need it and they drive like a dream. The flagship Audi A8 is the ultimate driving experience, and is the zenith of Audi engineering. Q: Are there any convertibles that you recommend? CS: Both the Audi A5 and S5 Cabriolets offer refined styling with high performance, while the Audi R8 Spyder Convertible would be the finest performance supercar for the ultimate road trip experience! Q: If I wanted to tow a boat or a trailer what is best? CS: The Audi Q5 and Q7 are great choices for towing. Both models have excellent drivetrain options and towing packages. Q: What’s the difference between a winter and summer blend of fuel, and should I avoid and/or use ethanol? CS: Summer grade fuel is designed to burn cleaner than winter grade fuel. This means that it produces less smog and releases less toxic air pollutants, but it is also more expensive. This is due to the refineries having to shut down before changing over to summer fuel and the more expensive ingredients that summer fuels contain. Ethanol fuels can absorb a lot of water and separate from gasoline by dropping to the bottom of the tank. This water-ethanol solution may cause corrosion and damage to fuel systems and engines. As with other items, it is always best to read the recommendations in your owner’s manual for specific requirements and recommendations for your vehicle.
Model Behavior Take one of these hot new models on your road trip and you will enjoy it so much more.
2014 Mercedes Benz CLA250
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2014 Maserati Ghibli
2014 Audi A3
From $29, 900 208 hp MPG up to 26 City/ 38 Hwy
From $66,900 345 hp MPG 15 city / 25 Hwy
MERCEDES-BENZ OF TEMECULA
MASERATI OF SAN DIEGO
HOEHN AUDI
HOEHN MOTORS
40910 Temecula Center Drive, Temecula, CA 92591 877.800.2654 www.mbtemecula.com
7477 Girard Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037 858.454.9211 www.maseratiofsandiego.com
5215 Car Country Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008 760.438.9490 www.hoehnaudi.com
6900 Avenida Encinas, Carlsbad, CA 92011 760.438.4434 www.hoehn.porschedealer.com
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From 26,115 170 hp MPG 24 City / 33 Hwy
2015 Porsche Macan S From $49,900 340 hp MPG TBD
6.
It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling with kids or not, no one likes being bored. In order to avoid the inevitable “Are we there yet?” you’re going to want to be stocked with a bunch of activities. These tried and true car games are great ways to pass the time and will have you feeling (and acting) like a kid again.
20 QUESTIONS
7.
THE ALPHABET GAME
8.
NAME THAT TUNE
9.
For a complete description of car games visit WWW.LOCALEMAGAZINE.COM
LICENSE PLATE GAME
10.
THUMB WRESTLING
motorcycle rules Quick Glimpse at Motorcycle Rules If you’re going to be cruising the open road on the ol’ hog, be sure to brush up on some basic motorcycle rules. Laws tend to vary by state, so read through to make sure you’re not breaking any simple ones.
1.
Use a headlight in the daytime if your vehicle was manufactured during or after 1978.
2.
If your hands are more than six inches above your shoulders when sitting you look cool, but your handlebars are too high.
3. A muffler IS required. 4.…So is a helmet. 5. Only split lanes if you don’t exceed 10 miles per hour faster
than the cars you’re traveling between. And those said cars have to be going less than 30 miles per hour.
ENSENADA - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HOTEL CORAL, MALIBU - PHOTO COURTESY OF R7 MEDIA
ENSENADA 50 minutes south of San Diego you’ll pass through Puerto Nuevo, the self-described “Lobster Capital of Baja.” If you’re a seafood lover it’s a crime not to stop at La Casa de la Langosta (www.casadelalangosta.com) for some muy grande crustaceans caught mere hours ago. The beautifully presented and delicious delicacies won’t leave you missing that Tex-Mex you’re so used to. Continue towards Rosarito and stop in for a production at the Rosarito Theatre (www.rosaritotheatre.com), Mexico’s answer to Broadway. Entertaining the community since 1980, the plays change every few months and this summer's scheduled “A Bench in the Sun” won’t disappoint. About an hour past Rosarito you’ll arrive in Ensenada, popular among tourists and cruise ships alike. Known for its active water sports scene, the city’s famous La Bufadora is also
known for its dynamic water hijinks. One of the largest blowholes in North America, air is trapped in a cave as the waves approach, then released as the water recedes to create a massive 100-foot spout of agua accompanied by a roaring boom. Just missed it as you walk up? No biggie. It happens about once a minute. Stay at Hotel Coral (www.hotelcoral.com) where you’ll get bed and breakfast hospitality despite being at a large hotel. Sitting on a marina full of potential boating and fishing adventures and also offering wine tours to various local vineyards, you’ll probably spend most of the day by the luxurious pool debating on what to do next. But in the meantime, indulge in a glass of vino blanco over some Ceviche de Pescado at Muelle3 (www.muelletres.com). There’s no rush, you’ll just stay another day…or two.
6 Mini Road Trips FOR THE OUTDOORSY: Malibu When hanging out in the ‘Bu, it’s best to do it in nature. Rent a board at Malibu Surf Shack (www. malibusurfshack.com) and brush up on your surf skills at Surfrider Beach, one of the world’s most famous surf breaks. Stroll along Zuma Beach and reminisce of its famous Baywatch Days. Order Banana Bread French Toast at Malibu Café (www.themalibucafe. com) and eat it on a couch in the garden under a chandelier-adorned tree. Follow up with a glass of wine at Malibu Wines (www.malibuwines.com), which is just up the road and features wine-barrel tables in the “tasting room” (a big wide lawn). Keep the vibe outside with some camping at Malibu Creek State Park (www.malibucreekstatepark.org), home to every kind of outdoor adventure you can imagine.
THE BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED AND DELICIOUS DELICACIES WON’T LEAVE YOU MISSING THAT TEX-MEX YOU’RE SO USED TO.
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los angeles
The state’s most populous city and globally recognized as one of the most famous in the world, the City of Angels has something for everyone. While one in six people work in the creative industry, towns like Silverlake, Long Beach, Hollywood and Venice play home to a diverse group of people—a group who may have nothing in common, except for their love of this crazy town we call LA.
distance to several local tattoo parlors, the “Ink n Stay” package features accommodation, a $100 tattoo voucher, lotion, an ice pack, and a bottle of tequila. Cap it all off at the High Rooftop Lounge and you’ll feel like a true Venice Beach-ian.
eat Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since 1924, The Original Pantry is as Old Hollywood as it gets. It has served many a movie star and been featured in numerous films and television shows. Owned by former LA Mayor, Richard Riordan, he likes to boast that it’s never been without a customer. Order Beef Tenderloin at 5am, or French toast for dinner, just make sure you bring cash, cause they’re still old fashioned like that.
1697 Pacific Ave, Venice Beach, CA 90291 310.452.1111 | www.hotelerwin.com
Set on Hollywood’s Guitar Row, The Moment Hotel is just steps away from the famed Sunset Blvd attractions. The affordable boutique hotel prides itself on its sleek and modern architecture and its Roofdeck, a 2,000-square-foot bar that’s known for its heavy pours and cosmopolitan vibe.
877 South Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90017 213.972.9279 | www.pantrycafe.com
Tired of the same old food in Koreatown? Try a Philly Cheesesteak! Brought to you by the same owner of the nearby and very popular Beer Belly, Whiz is home to a variety of lip-smacking Philly food-like Balls o’ Bacon and Sweet & Spicy Basil Wings. If you can’t smell it, just look for the huge black and white mural covering the entire sidewall… but you’ll probably smell it. 3901 W 6th St, Los Angeles, CA 90020 213.249.9449
magicians in the world. You have to be invited by a member to attend, or if you have a background in magic you can become a member by performing a 10-minute magic show to a panel of magicians. Not at all magic? Become a member yourself… if you meet the strict criteria and pay the hefty fee. Magic doesn’t come cheap, but boy is it worth it… POW! 7001 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028 323.851.3313 | www.magiccastle.com
The largest museum of its kind in the western United States, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) boasts over 120,000 pieces of art. The most popular being Chris Burden’s Urban Light, an exhibition made up of 202 castiron street lamps collected from around LA and repaired to working order—always a perfect photo op. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036 323.857.6000 | www.lacma.org
A gastropub run by Top Chef Sang Yoon, Father’s Office is famous for its Office Burger, which Esquire Magazine named one of the best burgers in the world. Pair it with one (or two) of the 36 rotating craft beers on tap, and you have a lunch your father would be proud of. Also, visit the location at 3229 Helms Avenue. 1018 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403 310.736.2224 | www.fathersoffice.com
do Yeehaw! Find that inner cowboy and go on a Sunset Dinner Ride on horseback to a Mexican restaurant with Griffith Park Horse Rentals—a Western adventure perfect for date night. The evening lasts three hours and the cost is $75 a person (if you’re under 200 pounds; more pounds is $125). Just want a quick ride through the park on horseback? An hour session will cost you $25. Dixie, Star and Ed are waiting. 480 West Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91506 818.840.8401 | www.griffithparkhorserental.com
Attend a show at the prestigious Magic Castle. The Victorian mansion was built in 1908, and is now a haunt of some of the most talented
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stay A hip and diverse place to vacation, Hotel Erwin is a unique blend of exploration and fun. Walking
7370 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90046 323.822.5030 | www.themomenthotel.com
Occupying the historic United Artists building in Downtown LA, the Ace Hotel is one of the leading patriots in helping Downtown LA get its groove back. Dine at the resident restaurant called LA Chapter, which features some of the same iconic dishes as its Brooklyn counterpart. Kick back at the sunny rooftop pool with a cocktail while you admire a panoramic view of the up-and-coming downtown. 929 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015 213.623.3233 | www.acehotel.com
LA (FATHERS OFFICE) - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BALTZ & COMPANY, INC, LA (LACMA) - PHOTOGRAPHED BY: WELDON BREWSTER, LA (HOTEL ERWIN) - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF HOTEL ERWIN, LA (MOMENT HOTEL) - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BROUGHTON HOTELS
road trip to
road trip to
ORANGE COUNTY
A place made famous by its television depictions (“The OC,” “The Real Housewives of Orange County,” and “Laguna Beach”), Orange County is a must-see for most every tourist that comes west. From San Clemente to Seal Beach, and Newport to Huntington, the very-posh merge with the very-surfer against a backdrop of Pacific Ocean, blue skies and palm trees—blending that true Californian spirit which can’t be fully portrayed on the silver screen. Sorry LC!
OC (THE STAND) - PHOTOGRAPHED BY: AMANDA PROUDFIT, OC (DUFFY NB, NO ARROW) - PHOTOGRAPHY BY: ANTONIO PULLANO OF LOVIN' LIFE MULTIMEDIA, OC (CROW BURGER) - PHOTOGRAPHED BY: NANCY VILLERE OF CRUSH PHOTO STUDIOS, OC (SURF&SAND) - PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF SURF & SAND RESORT
eat
A vegetarian and vegan restaurant, The Stand is known for its natural and healthy meals. A small stand with a big local following, treat your taste buds to an Oriental Vegetable Tostada, a Guacamole Burrito or a Hummus Bowl. And just because you’re on that health kick doesn’t mean you need to stay away from the dessert section. It’s healthy too. Go on, bite into that Coconut cookie… guilt free! 238 Thalia St, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949.494.8101
do Try something new and learn how to stand up paddleboard at Stand Up Paddle Company, located right on the beach. View the beautiful Laguna coastline from a different perspective as you coast along, giving your whole body a workout. Take lessons from one of their world-class instructors, or rent a board for $20 an hour. Then, once you get really good, try a SUP Yoga class! 1103 South Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 949.715.9730 | www.supcompany.com
Spend the day cruising Newport Bay on a Duffy boat from Duffy of Newport Beach. Dock the boat at one of a number of fine dining establishments along the water, such as the Cannery. On a weekend day, the boat goes for $99 an hour, to $349 for four hours. They fit up to 12 adults, so grab some friends and sail away! 2001 West Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, CA 91913 949.645.6812 | www.duffyofnewportbeach.com
With a hearty menu and an even heartier hamburger patty, Crow Burger prefers to use organic products and only buys from farmers who maintain sustainable practices. Custom made buns are also large, delicious and brought in daily from a local bakery. A hip atmosphere also serving beer and wine, you’ll fair well to “Eat Crow.” 3107 Newport Blvd, Newport Beach, CA 92663 949.673.2747 | www.crowburgerkitchen.com
Their motto proclaims, “If you are lucky enough to drink wine by the sea, you are lucky enough.” Sea Legs Wine Bar is where the sophisticated come to relax at the beach. Meet friends over Sunday brunch or at happy hour, Monday-Friday. Join the Wine Club and get up-to-date information on special events throughout the year, because a special event here is not an event to miss. 21022 Beach Blvd, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 714.536.5700 | www.sealegswine.com
Revel in the thrill of pure action as knights on horses participate in a live jousting tournament at Medieval Times. Root for your favorite hero as you sit in ringside seats and dine on His Majesty’s Royal Feast—a four-course meal, complete with the pastry of the castle. Tickets run $59.95 for adults, and $36.95 for children.
restaurant, Splashes, for a Mediterranean-inspired menu sprinkled with flavors from that coastline you're staring at. 1555 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 855.690.7114 | www.surfandsandresort.com
The Spanish-influenced architecture of the Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach Resort & Spa offers a perfect backdrop for a fantastic weekend getaway. Enjoy vintage world-class wines and costal cuisines at the property's newest restaurant, Watertable. Drop the kids off at Camp Hyatt… or just send them across the street to the beach. It’s Surf City after all, it’s about time they learned. 21500 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92648 714.698.1234 | www.huntingtonbeach.hyatt.com
Load up the Airstream and head over to the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort for 110-acres of camping at its finest. As the premier RV Park and Marina in Southern California, you can rent a bike, kayak or even a sailboat and play the day away in the mile of Back Bay beachfront the park sits upon. If roughing it just isn’t for you, luxury beachfront cottages will get you in the camping spirit. Ranger Rick, is that you? 1131 Back Bay Dr, Newport Beach, CA 92660 949.729.3863 | www.newportdunes.com
7662 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620 866.543.9637 | www.medievaltimes.com
stay A perfect place to rest your head if you’re in town for the Pageant of the Masters festival, the Surf and Sand Resort has all the amenities to make your vacation one to remember. Lounge at the beachfront pool or treat yourself at the in-house Aquaterra Spa. Dine at the resort’s signature
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Fortune 421 San Diego, CA 619.840.4416 www.fortune421.com Twitter: @Fortune421 Facebook: Fortune421
"Raising
awareness and funds for homeless youth has been a big part of our company’s mission as my mother was homeless for 10 plus years. She helped get the company off the ground by hand stitching our original style of t-shirts."
Jason Herrick Company: Fortune 421 Title: Founder
National Takeover LOCALE could not have a list of the Top Five Entrepreneurs in San Diego without including Jason Herrick, owner and founder of Fortune 421. Herrick was born and raised in a small town outside of Portland in Newburg, Oregon. After he finished his associates degree in 2002, he moved down to San Diego and the rest is as they say—history.
Q:
First, I want to congratulate you on not only the accomplishment of being voted in the Top Five Entrepreneurs of San Diego, but for all of the success you’ve had with Fortune 421. Can you tell me about what your company is and how it all began? Jason Herrick: Thank you! Fortune 421 is a lifestyle brand that I started in 2005 while going to SDSU. It all began with a single handmade t-shirt that I gave to all my friends in the nightlife industry. I started building the Fortune 421 name by throwing some events at Side Bar and Stingaree with my DJ friends. Soon after, I had started a record label with three of the DJs and eventually formed a promotion company to promote our fashion and music regularly. We ventured all over the country, throwing events in Miami, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Phoenix, Chicago and Los Angeles to build up our following and the Fortune 421 name. Along the way, we extended our fashion presence with women’s swimwear and made a point to give back as often as possible with our charity events. Raising awareness and funds for homeless youth has been a big part of our company’s mission as my mother was homeless for 10 plus years. She helped get the company off the ground by hand stitching our original style of t-shirts, and she is still very involved in the day-to-day operations at our showroom and office. Q: It’s amazing that you’ve been able to give back to charities along the way. Where would you say your idea for this all came from? It seems like you developed all of this pretty quickly. JH: It all started in March of 2004 when I attended the Winter Music Conference in South Beach, Miami. That is where I was first exposed to how global the nightlife industry was and specifically the house music community. I felt that it was pretty untapped as far as having an American fashion brand that was associated with that scene, a scene that was beginning to grow bigger here in San Diego. While in Miami, I was really impressed by the magnitude of the pool parties I attended during the conference. At the time, nobody was producing those types of parties here in San Diego, and we had the perfect weather for it. One particular, branded day-party was known around the country, because it traveled to different cities throughout the summer. So, the big idea that sparked early on was to create a company that involved all my favorite passions in life—a fashion, music and events company that would travel the globe and give back to those in need along the way! Q: So you saw a void in San Diego and you went for it. Coming up with and making Fortune 421 into something so well known here in San Diego had to have involved a lot of hard work and dedication. What would you say inspires you? JH: I think by biggest inspiration and drive early on was my desire to travel the world. I’m only going to be on this earth once, and I want to see and take in as much as possible. But when you don’t come from money, you have to be able to figure out a way to make your dreams a reality. For me, creating my own company was the vehicle I needed to build in order to see the world. While I haven’t quite taken our company global, I’ve been able to start my journey by traveling throughout the US over the past eight years and have had some amazing memories with my friends, all because of Fortune 421. Beyond that initial inspiration, I’m now inspired everyday to build a company that brings positivity to our world by giving back to others that need help. We recently started our Give Back program where we are now dedicating a portion of our profits to different causes and just raised over $5,000 for an orphanage in Baja, Mexico. The feeling this has
given me is creating a much bigger dream—a dream to give back while on my travels around the world. Q: All of this is really inspiring for anyone out there who has dreamed of starting their own business or making something out of their ideas and dreams, but it couldn’t have all been so easy. What would you say has been the hardest part of this journey? JH: What was, and still is, the hardest part of starting a business is doing it without any real funding. Starting out with some student loan money and credit cards probably wasn’t the best way to get things off the ground, but it happened that way. We’ve since been able to keep the company progressing by producing events and have had some really hard times along the way. But what hasn’t killed us has continued to make us stronger, and getting through those struggles has been beneficial in proving that we can operate a company and build a brand. If we can do that through one of the worst economies of our time, then I’m confident once we get some funding behind us, the sky really is the limit for our team. Q: It’s nice to know that someone who’s had the success that you have had started in that position. What would you say is the next big move for you and Fortune 421? JH: We just spent the past six months on launching our new website. It is by far one of our biggest accomplishments to date as it really shows how far we’ve come with our lifestyle and overall brand presence in San Diego and Los Angeles. We’ll be focusing a lot of attention on our e-commerce business moving forward and driving traffic to the website through our events and by having a really active blog. Our blog will be highlighting all things fashion, music and travel as well as the Fortune Family, which is our sponsored roster of artists, nightlife personnel and athletes. Our family all shares a very common thread—we all live life and pursue our career paths based around our passions. We want our blog to inspire others to “navigate with passion” as they set sail on life’s journey. We’ll be focusing more on the Los Angeles market this summer with another pool party series at the Roosevelt Hotel. We have been growing our network and presence up there the past 12 months and know that is where we need to be to really take our fashion to the next level. We’ll be working hard to bring more fashion more frequently this year as we now have a much better platform for it with our new website. We’ll also be focusing more attention on our Give Back program, working with Door of Faith Orphanage in Baja, Mexico again. This time around, we’re raising funds to go down there in the fall and help with some of the construction needs to improve their facilities for the kids. Q: On a final note, do you have any helpful advice for future entrepreneurs? JH: The biggest piece of advice I have for young entrepreneurs is to really take a look at what you are most passionate about in life. Then, align your business goals with those passions, and you’ll find the key to success. You may not have overnight financial success, but if you’re truly passionate about the industry you are in and the business you are creating, then, you’ll find the determination to make it through the hard times. I really feel that if your heart is in the right place and you navigate with passion, the financial success will follow. Also, you have to surround yourself with positive and passionate people at all times! Keep any negativity out of your circle by simply heading the opposite direction when it arises. You always have a choice of with whom you do business, who you collaborate with and who you bring on board your team, so you have to have good instincts to work with only good, positive people. | JUNE 2014 | 131
Keeping Coronado Classy
Q:
Congratulations on being named one of San Diego’s Top Five Entrepreneurs! You truly deserve the recognition, being someone who was born and raised right here in Coronado, and has not one, not two, but six restaurants. David Spatafore: Thank you so much! It’s definitely been an amazing journey from where I started out to all of the success that we have now, and I love that I get to experience and share all of it in this amazing place that I get to call home everyday, Coronado. Q: Crossing over the bridge today, I remembered how much I love coming to Coronado and all of the amazing places there are to go to around here—half of them probably owned by you! It’s truly amazing that you have so many successful businesses located in such close proximity to one another. How did this all begin? DS: Well, I was born and raised here in Coronado, and then, I ended up going to Sonoma State University for school. After I finished, I moved to the Midwest to work for a Wisconsin-based cheese company. I worked with businesses all over the world, which allowed to me travel a lot and learn a lot about the industry. After a while, I made my way back to Coronado, which has always been home, and I decided I wanted to open up an ice cream parlor—this is how Moo Time Creamery was born. Q: Oh wow, I’ve actually been to the one in the Hotel Del Coronado. Was this the first location that you opened? DS: Actually, the first location was right here on Orange Avenue, which we opened in 1998. I wanted to have an old ice cream parlor feel to it, because before Moo Time, Coronado really didn’t have any homemade ice cream places like the one I envisioned. After we opened, we had a lot of success due to the uniqueness of what we were doing, and then, eventually the hotel asked us to open up another store right in their doors. I was surprised and a little hesitant because the locations were so close to one another, but it ended up that I would open all of my businesses right near each other anyway! Q: That must be an easy commute for you in the morning. So after Moo Time Creamery became a success, what was your next step? I’m sure all of these businesses didn’t happen overnight. DS: Well, after I had the success with my first venture and knew that we were going to try and open more businesses, I developed Blue Bridge Hospitality, which housed all of our concepts and ideas. I wanted to fill all of the voids that Coronado had at the time and just do my best to contribute to this amazing place as much as I can. Q: That’s easy to understand as I sit here staring out onto Orange Avenue with all of its life and beauty. I wouldn’t want to leave here if I had the choice either. What are some of the concepts that Blue Bridge Hospitality is all about? DS: Well, for me, BBH is all about bringing people across the bridge. It’s about making Coronado as great as we can for all of the amazing people that are a part of our community. There are so many great places here, and I’m happy to bring as much business and awareness to this place as I can. Q: Coronado has definitely benefitted from your motivation and ideas. Even the people who vacation here and tourists who travel to Coronado everyday for its beauty are lucky that you came back home. So, after you developed BBH, what came next? I know you own a handful of restaurants now and are opening another one soon, correct? DS: Yes! Well, after ice cream, we decided to try our hands at pizza, because there really weren’t any amazing pizza places for the locals to go to. Plus, I knew dairy and cheese, so this was a no brainer for my next move! We opened Village Pizzeria in 2002, and thankfully, that was a big hit too. Then, we went on to open Lil’ Piggy’s Bar-B-Q, Leroy’s Kitchen and Lounge, Coronado Coffee Company and now in the late spring, we’re opening our sixth restaurant here, which is pretty exciting. Q: Wow! You are definitely Coronado’s leading man with all of these amazing establishments under your belt. What is the new one going to be? DS: It’s actually going to be a steakhouse, which we’re calling Stake Chop House and Bar. I actually had a little boy ask me why we chose to spell it that way, and I told him, because now he’s asking about it—ha! It’s going to be opening in late spring so we’re really excited about it. Anything new I can bring to Coronado that is going to benefit its people, is pretty amazing. Q: I love how passionate you are about where you live and what you do. It definitely comes through in all of your work and success here. Do you try and use other local companies in your restaurants? DS: Definitely! All of the beers we have in our restaurants are local, because I like to support other entrepreneurs wherever I can. We also try and use as many local products in our food and at our other stores, because that’s a big part of what we do and how we want our businesses to be run.
"BBH
is all about bringing people across the bridge. It’s about making Coronado as great as we can for all of the amazing people that are a part of our community. There are so many great places here, and I’m happy to bring as much business and awareness to this place as I can."
David Spatafore Company: Blue Bridge Hospitality
Title: Principle
BLUE BRIDGE HOSPITALITY Coronado, CA 92118 www.nadolife.com Twitter: @NadoLife Facebook: BlueBridgeHospitality | JUNE 2014 | 133
"That’s the philosophy I like to live and operate by. 'If you build it, they will come.' We do our best to use local products, have local beers on draft, quality, tasty food and a fun atmosphere that people want to spend time in, and it’s worked for us so far."
Arturo Kassel WHISKNLADLE HOSPITALITY Prepkitchen Locations: La Jolla, Del Mar, Little Italy Whisknladle Location: Downtown www.prepkitchen.com | www.whisknladle.com Twitter: @Prepkitchen | @Whisknladle
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Company: Whisknladle Hospitality
Title: Owner | Restaurateur
Following The Yellow Brick Road
Q:
First of all, congratulations on being named one of the Top Five Entrepreneurs in San Diego! That’s quite an accomplishment, but it’s easy to see why you’ve been chosen with all of your businesses here in San Diego. Arturo Kassel: I’m so honored to be on this list filled with so many great men and women who are working so hard at what they do. I can honestly say I had trouble choosing for whom to vote, because all of the contestants were amazing and so deserving. Q: Most of our winners have been San Diego locals. Is this true about you, too? AK: Yes, I definitely consider myself a San Diego local. I was born in Mexico City, but my family and I moved here when I was very young, so this is home to me. Q: How and when did your first business venture take off or become a reality? AK: I had worked in restaurants and bars my whole life, so I had plenty of experience with the service industry and management as well. I was living in New York at the time and everything was going terribly wrong, so I decided to move back home to San Diego and try something new. My dream had always been to open up my own place, so when I moved back, I got in touch with Sammy LaDecki, a restaurateur and business man who I admired and had worked for in the past. I had intended to show him a business plan of mine, but he told me that whatever ideas I had I should forget, and then he told me he was going to sell me Whisknladle. Q: Moving back put you in the right place at the right time, but where did you go from there? You were handed an opportunity with this restaurant, but I’m sure a lot of work went into opening it right away. AK: That’s where my ‘Wizard of Oz’ analogy comes into play. Q: And what exactly is this analogy? AK: I consider myself to be Dorothy and along the way I’ve met so many amazing people who I’ve needed to make these businesses work. The first of these people is Ryan Johnston who is the real talent and the reason we’ve had as much success as we have. Q: And Ryan is your head chef? Did he begin this venture with you? AK: Ryan’s been with me since the very beginning and our coming together happened so perfectly at the right time that it had to be. Right when I was purchasing Whisknladle, LaDecki was selling a bunch of his other businesses and Ryan had been a chef at one of them. He found himself needing a kitchen, and I was in need of a chef, so we went into business together 10 days after meeting each other, and now, it’s been eight great years together.
"I consider myself to be Dorothy and along the way I’ve met so many amazing people who I’ve needed to make these businesses work." Q: That’s pretty lucky that you guys both shared a similar vision with what you wanted to do. What was your approach when you first started out? AK: It’s funny, because most places, especially restaurants and the people who open these restaurants, all have a similar plan of action in mind, and we do things a little differently. Q: What would you say makes your plans or business strategies different from the rest? AK: I think most businesses look around and try and find the void that a place or community is missing, and then, do their best to make their restaurant or whatever they’re working on fix that void. This approach works, but we’ve always operated differently by asking ourselves “What do we like? What do we want to do?” And that’s always been our driving force. Q: So you’re driving force is to show people what you like and put out food and drinks that you enjoy in hopes that other people will love them, too? That seems like a pretty solid plan, and I’d say you guys have nailed it so far. AK: Thanks! Have you ever seen the movie with Kevin Costner—“Field of Dreams?” Q: Yes I have. AK: Well, that’s the philosophy I like to live and operate by. “If you build it, they will come.” We do our best to use local products, have local beers on draft, quality, tasty food and a fun atmosphere that people want to spend time in, and it’s worked for us so far. Q: That’s advice I think anyone can learn from, trying to pursue any kind of dream. Aside from that, do you have any other advice for future entrepreneurs trying to get started? AK: I would say that the best thing to do is stick to what you believe in and constantly challenge yourself. We’re always looking for ways to improve our restaurants and come up with something new, which keeps me motivated and inspired. Q: Does that mean that you have something else in the works? AK: Something new is definitely in the process of becoming a reality, but that’s all I can tell you right now.
Going The Distance Q:
Congratulations to the both of you for being named one of San Diego’s Top 5 Entrepreneurs! After becoming aware of K1 Speed and your story, I have to say that you are both so inspiring and motivating. Let’s start with what exactly K1 Speed is and how it began. Susan Danglard: It has definitely been an amazing journey, starting this company and watching it grow. Our company, K1 Speed, is America’s Premier Indoor Kart Racing Company with locations nationwide. Founded in 2003, we were inspired by European concepts of gas-fueled indoor karting centers and dreamed up an electric facility with minimal environmental impact and a greener, more energy efficient footprint. Q: That not only sounds really fun, but I also love that the idea was to do something more environmentally friendly than what was being done in the past. How did you and your husband come up with the idea for this business venture? SD: After making a significant and unlikely career transition from 12 years in the wholesale denim industry, we decided to share our passion for racing. David and his brother have been racing go-karts from a young age and have had the drive to be a part of the racing industry. Q: Wow, that is a huge change from denim to driving. What inspired you to make this drastic career change and try something new? SD: Well, it’s honestly pretty simple. We both wanted to have the American dream, so we did everything necessary to make that happen. Once we knew what we wanted to do business wise, we took steps to ensure that we could make it work. We sold the existing business, house and toys, and worked 24/7 on every aspect of the new business for the first two years. After the success of the first location in Carlsbad, we decided to open the very first indoor karting chain in the US.
"To be an entrepreneur, one must be a dreamer willing to reach out and grab something higher, to let go of ties to the old and familiar and reach for something new. In a nutshell, you should follow your dreams and never give up." Q: It all sounds so simple now, but at the time that was a huge risk you both took giving everything you had to make your dream a reality. Obviously, with that kind of passion, I’m not surprised at all at the success you’ve had. So, this began in Carlsbad? SD: Yes, our first location opened in Carlsbad in 2003. We were the first company to bring electric karts and indoor go-kart tracks to Southern California. We witnessed an explosion in the industry, which fans and racers a-like appreciated. This helped make everything we did next possible. Q: I’m sure there were so many people excited about the business, especially when you first introduced it to this part of the country. What was the hardest part about starting this business? SD: To be candid, the hardest part was not knowing if you made the right decision. What if we don’t attract enough customers? How are we going to pay rent? What if we fail? Will we be able to get our old jobs back? We put everything into this business and fought tooth and nail to be where we are today with 20 locations nationwide. We couldn’t have done this without the help of our partners, employees, friends and family. Q: Definitely a risk that paid off for you, not only with the business being so successful, but just the fact that you’re doing exactly what you wanted. What would you say inspires and motivates the two of you? SD: Well, everyday at work, we offer both enthusiasts and amateurs an authentic and genuine racing experience in a safe, comfortable, accessible and unique environment—not something that you can find just anywhere, so the uniqueness of what we do is definitely motivating. Also, the fact that racing is our passion, so everyday, we do our best to provide the closest thing to sitting in a Formula 1 car for our customers. Q: That sounds like something I would want to give a try! The best part about your business is that it’s something so exciting and fun. Do you have any advice for future entrepreneurs? SD: The best thing that I can tell anyone looking to start something new or make their passion their work is to just take that first step to start your company—just start your new adventure. You will not regret the things you will learn from this journey. To be an entrepreneur, one must be a dreamer willing to reach out and grab something higher, to let go of ties to the old and familiar and reach for something new. In a nutshell, you should follow your dreams and never give up. 136 |
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David and Susan Danglard Company: K1 Speed Racing Title: Owners
K1 SPEED RACING 20 Locations in California, Texas, Illinois, Florida, Arizona, Washington, Atlanta and Indiana www.k1speed.com Twitter: @k1speed | Facebook: K1SpeedFans | JUNE 2014 | 137
Sean Conlon & Will Ford Company: PetBox Title: Founders
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Special Delivery "We’ve started something called
PetBox Fridays, where people can go online and let us know about different shelters that need our help. BOGO donates the food, and we take care of the shipping aspect. We usually end up being able to donate about four hundred pounds of food a month, which is an amazing feeling."
Q:
Congratulations to you both on being named one of the Top Five Entrepreneurs of San Diego! That’s an exciting accomplishment to come out of your company, PetBox, which I’m already intrigued by just from its name. Will Ford: Thank you! It’s been really exciting working together on something we are both so passionate about and having it be such a success as it has been so far. Q: First of all—what exactly is PetBox for those who are unfamiliar with you business? WF: PetBox is a company that Sean and I started together, which sends customized boxes of toys, treats, food and other products for your cat or dog to your house every month. Q: What an awesome idea! It reminds me of things like the wine of the month club. Were businesses like that your inspiration for PetBox or did you guys already have that idea for a while? WF: Actually yeah! My wife had gotten me a Birchbox in 2012, which is the same kind of idea as what you’re talking about, and then, Sean and I came up with an idea of doing something similar, but for people’s pets. Q: Ah I love it! And you guys had worked together in the past? Sean Conlon: When I met Will, he was working for Global Village Concerns, which is a private tech company, and I had been busy with one of my first business ventures, Easy Stick Mascots. Sean saw my work and what I was capable of building and creating, and we started working together for GVC almost immediately. Two weeks later, I moved from Indiana to San Diego to work for the company, and eventually, we decided to work on PetBox by ourselves.
"The pet industry is one of the only industries that is never affected by things such as the recession, because no matter what’s going on, people want to treat their pets right." Q: Seems like GVC brought you guys together for something much bigger in the end. Where did the idea for PetBox first begin? WF: Well, in 2012 my wife gave me a Birchbox for my birthday, and it sparked some ideas between Sean and I. The pet industry is one of the only industries that is never affected by things such as the recession, because no matter what’s going on, people want to treat their pets right. Anyone who has a pet knows what I’m talking about. Q: I can completely understand. My dog, Chloe, is my mom’s pride and joy— Queen Bee of the household. Do you have cats or dogs of your own? WF: Of course! We both have dogs, who are PetBox’s biggest fans—Bo and Roxy! Q: I’m sure they love testing out the products and giving you feedback on all of the treats and products. So how does PetBox work exactly? SC: We’re actually really excited, because we’ve made some changes to our site and how things work with PetBox. Now, owners can go online to our website and set up a profile for their dog. They’ll fill out a questionnaire that let’s us know a little bit about their dog, and then, we’re able to offer suggestions about what kinds of products are recommended for their pet. This is a huge deal, because not only are the parents happy, but also the dogs are getting boxes customized to their needs and well-being. Q: I’m sure owners will be happy to know that not only are their dogs enjoying all of the treats and toys, but they’re getting reliable, safe products from you guys. WF: Exactly. We’re huge animal lovers so our foremost concern is that everyone’s pets are happy and healthy. We’re also always trying to make sure that we can help out as many animals as possible and give back what we can. Q: I love hearing that, because obviously everyone’s aware of the fact that there are so many animals out there that need food, shelter and a loving home. What specifically does PetBox do to help animals in need? SC: Ever since we started PetBox, we’ve had the policy that for every box we sell, we will feed a rescue animal a meal, so that was the first step we took in trying to give back and help out; but now, we’ve recently gone one step further. We’ve teamed up with a company called BOGO Bull, which does its best to feed as many rescue animals as they can. Since working with them, we’ve started something called PetBox Fridays, where people can go online and let us know about different shelters that need our help. BOGO donates the food, and we take care of the shipping aspect. We usually end up being able to donate about four hundred pounds of food a month, which is an amazing feeling. PETBOX 800.203.4588 www.getpetbox.com Twitter: @petbox | Facebook: Getpetbox
WF: It’s great that we have this business involving something that we feel so passionate about, and now we can use what we’ve done to help out as many animals as we can. It’s been a pretty amazing journey so far. | JUNE 2014 | 139
Photographed by: Michael Wesley
home
June 2014
142 HOME EXPERT LA’s Million Dollar Listing Bros Band Together to Become So Cal’s Most Recognized Real Estate Duo
146 SETTING THE TABLE Mistral’s Seaside Location Makes Modern Dining Picturesque
152 SU CASA
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Constructed Like a Castle, “La Fenice” is La Jolla at its Finest
SETTING THE TABLE Room with a View
MISTRAL At Loews Coronado Bay Resort 4000 Coronado Bay Rd Coronado, CA 92118 619.424.4000 www.loewshotels.com/en/restaurants/mistral
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MILLION dollar, baby HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS FOR THIS UNSTOPPABLE REALITY TV REAL ESTATE DUO WRITTEN BY: ED HALEY | PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JEFF FARSAI
THE EXPERTS MATT & JOSH ALTMAN Real Estate Agents + Stars of “Million Dollar Listings LA”
WES PINKSTON Agent to the Altman Brothers MOST SIZABLE SALE: $20.1M
Or maybe we should say,
“Home is where the millions are...” at least that’s what can be said of Josh and Matt Altman of BRAVO’s hit show “Million Dollar Listings Los Angeles.” To date, the super duo has closed over 200 million dollars in real estate, and the numbers aren’t stopping anytime soon. You might think that having a hit reality television show puts everything on “easy street,” and over the past seven years it could be a fact that the Altman brothers’ lives and current careers have become legendary due to the their time in the spotlight; yet, amongst all of that glitz and glamour there has been a long road of hard work, dedication and, well…a lot of heart. Having the hit reality show is a product of that hard work and there wouldn’t be a reality show otherwise. Just ask any serious realtor and they’ll tell you the same. It’s very hard, sometimes impossible to secure that kind of high-end clientele. Million dollar listings don’t walk into your office or Google-search you. These types of clientele usually go to the realtors that can make things happen fast and are typically found through the industry network and referrals… unless you’re just lucky, which can happen in dreamland from time to time; but, whether it’s hard work, luck or a little of both, as far as the Altman brothers are concerned, it’s all business. We got to sit down with this dominant duo and their rockstar agent Wes Pinkston, high up in the Hollywood Hills at one of their amazing new million dollar listings to get the low down on what’s driving them. THE ALTMAN BROTHERS 250 N Canon, Beverly Hills, CA 90210 (www.TheAltmanBrothers.com) Facebook: TheAltmanBrothers Instagram | Twitter: @thejoshaltman | @ themattaltman | @thewespinkston Beverly Hills: 310.691.5946 | San Francisco: 415.494.7820 New York: 646.504.1276 | Miami: 786.563.3457 Josh Altman BRE# - 01764587 | Matt Altman BRE# - 01874316 Wes Pinkston BRE# - 01869131
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JOSH ALTMAN >
WES PINKSTON >
< MATT ALTMAN
PHOTO SHOOT LOCATION 7820 Electra Dr Los Angeles, CA 90046
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Q: Things have been a rollercoaster ride in the real estate industry and not everyone is sharing the same type of success you guys have had— where’s the motivation come from? Matt Altman: We have been super fortunate—without a doubt, but we aren’t just selling real estate. What we’re selling is a lifestyle. Josh Altman: We will get you the house, the car, the watch, the suit and anything else tailored to fit the type of lifestyle you’re looking for. Q: Care to elaborate on the particulars of the lifestyle you’re selling? MA: We get a lot of clients from all over the world, looking for the dream or fantasy, and we want to give them all of it. All of our clients receive exclusive access to our concierge service, giving them access to our global network of everything from hiring contractors or movers, all the way to buying a car or getting tickets to concerts or special events. Bottom line, we LOVE what we do in every aspect and servicing our clients from beginning to end. Q: Do you deal exclusively with high-end clients? JA: Absolutely not. Obviously high-end luxury is a huge focus with us, but we will deal with all types of clientele and sell anything, anytime, anywhere in the world…homes, commercial properties, land—you name it. Q: How did you get started in real estate? MA: We’re from Boston. Josh moved out here to flip investment properties. JA: One thing led to another, and I started networking and making bigger real estate deals happen. MA: I was working as an agent for a big talent agency and things started to just come together with the both of us. Q: Is that when “Million Dollar Listings” came knocking? MA: Exactly. We were killing it with the high-end properties, and they wanted to cast us. Q: How has the show affected business and your personal lives? JA: Things have been great. I met my fiancée on the show, but with business, it has always been with the same level of professionalism. Q: Speaking of which, congratulations on the engagement! How realistic was the proposal shown in that episode? JA: Absolutely real. Q: How about all of the drama on the show—I know you guys say it’s all professional, but judging from a few episodes that I have seen, I’m sure some of the cast members may disagree with you on that? MA: The show is 100 percent real. My brother met his beautiful fiancée on the show and is the luckiest guy in the world, because she is amazing. Everything from our business dealings with our clients to the arguments and frustrations with the other cast members—it’s all real. We do not fake anything. Q: Are there ever any disagreements from clients about how they are represented on the show? MA: We won’t force anyone to be on the show. If you don’t like it or aren’t comfortable, then it’s not going to happen. JA: We are all about the best interest of all our clients and definitely won’t go back on that professionalism for television ratings.
We get a lot of clients from all over the world, looking for the dream or fantasy, and we want to give them all of it. All of our clients receive exclusive access to our concierge service, giving them access to our global network of everything from hiring contractors or movers, all the way to buying a car or getting tickets to concerts or special events. -Matt Altman, Real Estate Agent, The Altman Brothers
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Q: Do you ever do business with the gang from “Million Dollar Listing New York?” JA: We certainly have given them some business. We will do business anywhere, including there and with them if needed. Q: What is your prediction on where the real estate market is headed? Good or bad? MA: Out here in LA, it’s a different monster than most other places, same with Orange County. We do deals all over the world, but obviously our backyard is here in LA and Orange County. Living here is always in high demand, and since space here is greatly limited, Los Angeles will more than likely always be a great market for selling real estate. JA: We get a lot of overseas and New York buyers out here because they see what they can get for their money. The lifestyle out here is a huge attraction for them and considerably cheap. Doing so, especially right now, has been driving the market up because for many of them, investing here is a safer bet than putting their money in investments in their own country. The high-end market is just going up and up, especially here in LA because when buyers are seeing 100 million dollar deals happening over in New York, buying a 20 million dollar home here in LA is a steal. Q: What do you hate about the real estate industry? I mean, it sounds like you guys are always busy and always working. Doesn’t this get in the way of your personal lives? MA: We love every aspect. There is no down time for us. We can do that when we retire. Q: What would you recommend to anyone looking to get started in real estate? MA: Network like crazy. It’s a lot about making and building relationships. We also have a great team. Everyone here possesses a vital integral piece within our business. Q: What do you guys do out here in LA besides work? MA: We are always working. Q: No after-work happy hours or hot spots to recommend to anyone new to LA? MA: It depends on the person asking. There are millions of great restaurants and bars out here tailored for whom you are and what you’re about. The Ivy or the Robertson are great for families, and if you’re single, maybe Boa or RivaBella. We cater to everything. Fortunately for us, we are always working and Josh spends a lot of time with Heather and his two dogs. He also does a lot of charity and sporting events. Josh is a huge speaker and does a lot of public speaking events all around the world, which has been a huge part of our business this year. Another thing that is so great about our careers is the ability to be able to go to these events that cater to our extracurricular interests and allow us to work at the same time. Q: Last question. What other careers do you see yourself doing besides real estate? JA: Absolutely nothing. We love this business, and we love LA. MA: I have to agree. Being able to make money doing this just makes it that much better.
"
We will get you the house, the car, the watch, the suit and anything else tailored to fit the type of lifestyle youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for."
- Josh Altman, Real Estate Agent, The Altman Brothers
Room View WITH A
Mistral Makes Modern Dining Picturesque WRITTEN BY: MATILDA BRESS PHOTOGRAPHED BY: MICHAEL WESLEY
C
ritics and diners have always attempted to label a restaurant or put it in a category. Mistral, however, defies food genres and is in a category of its own. Chef de Cuisine Adam Cho has taken his Korean upbringing and artfully woven it into a Modern French and Seafood menu. Mistral gets its inspiration from its chef as much as from the beautiful Coronado Bay where it is located. Taking the freshest seafood from the surrounding ocean, Cho is able to create dishes like scallops with a cauliflower puree, zatar spices and an apple relish. In addition to seafood, Mistral has an extensive wine list that is paired expertly with each meal. This seaside eatery with its homegrown herbs, eclectic menu and incredible views is the epitome of the San Diego experience and should not be missed.
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MISTRAL At Loews Coronado Bay Resort 4000 Coronado Bay Rd Coronado, CA 92118 619.424.4000 www.loewshotels.com/en/restaurants/mistral
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Menu NIBBLES Kale croutini | parmesan | white anchovy parmesan dressing Beets candied walnut | feta | arugula walnut dressing
MAIN Seafood Tower shrimp | oysters | mussels lobster | crab legs
DESSERT Cheese Board cheese selections | seasonal pickles spiced nuts
Taking the freshest seafood from the surrounding ocean, Cho is able to create dishes like scallops with a cauliflower puree, zatar spices and an apple relish.
Interview with CHEF ADAM CHO " People do not realize that Korean food is not easy to do. Sure, marinated short rib or grilled fish is easy. The hard part is all of those side dishes, and my mom always made the best."
Q: How does San Diego inspire your restaurant (i.e. menu and/or ambiance)? Adam Cho: San Diego is a plethora of ingredients and tastes. We use as much seafood and produce that we can find locally. Being that the seasons are less dramatic than other regions, we have the accessibility to so many ingredients all year round. Because of that, we like going to the farms, the streets and the gardens for inspiration. The colors, the smells and the sounds—all help shape the experience we like to provide. We don’t have a crutch, or maybe a curse, of the season dictating our menu, but we still have a desire to give the menu the feel of a season in San Diego. Q: I understand you have your own herb garden. How did that come about? AC: Well, it is a great way to save money, but it is also a great way to help reduce our carbon footprint. I know it is a little step, but if we can grow things ourselves, we will. Not only is it great for the environment, but we also get fresh herbs all year round and the colors and smells are fabulous. Instead of grass or some decorative flowers, we decided to grow herbs and vegetables. It is also a great way to show our cooks and guests how easy it is to do. Q: Other than your homegrown herbs, what ingredients do you source locally? AC: We like to source as much as we can. Being right on the coast, most of our seafood is local. We try to stay between Baja and Carlsbad for most of our products. Things like mussels, striped bass and black cod are just a few of the items caught locally. For produce we like to grow or source as much as possible like our kale, peppers and beets. We also source items like wild honey, dates, and really, as much of which is feasible for us to do. I always like going to farmers markets to find new farms and products produced locally. Q: Tell us about your culinary past. AC: I grew up in a home where there was always cooking. My mother was in the kitchen a lot, cooking dinners for us. People do not realize that Korean food is not easy to do. Sure, marinated short rib or grilled fish is easy. The hard part is all of those side dishes, and my mom always made the best—kimchis, marinated vegetables and other delectables. Holidays were especially fun when our whole family would get together and my mom and aunties would all be in the kitchen working together, following orders from the head chef (grandmother). Cooking was always part of family events, so it was always a happy time.
I went to culinary school in Scottsdale, AZ, at Le Cordon Bleu. After that, I worked at many smaller places, but the big one that stood out was working in NYC in Union Square at Todd English’s Olives. That was cool, and being in the city was fun too. I learned a lot and it was a great experience, but growing up in Arizona, city life just wasn’t for me. So, I made my way back to Arizona and worked for James Porter in Scottsdale before moving to Vegas to work at Loews. I then took the executive chef position, opening the Katsuya in Downtown San Diego, and then, made my way back with Loews in Coronado. Q: Wine is life in France, and here in California as well. How do you incorporate this classic staple into Mistral’s dining experience? AC: Wine is great to cook with and even more fun to drink. What we do is try to create a diverse menu, which allows our wines to shine. We have flavors that can pair up with all of our fabulous wines. By not sticking to singular flavor profiles, it allows us to do some fun pairing with our meals and create some great dinner experiences. We use many varieties of alcohol in our cooking from classic reds and whites to sake and even some harder stuff like brandy. The flavors in these drinks lend many flavors that pair well with our food and create a bridge between food and drink. Q: Tempt our readers with a detailed description of your favorite dish at the moment. AC: There are a couple things that I love. One, we have a pickle sampler on our menu. We take seasonal fresh vegetables (and sometimes fruits) that we pick or get locally and pickle them in various flavors. Things like breakfast radishes, romanesco and baby fennel are just a few examples. Plus, we have some green strawberries coming in that we are super excited about. But for a go-to dish, I would say our NY steak. First of all, we dry age our New Yorks in house— about 21 days so to give it a great tenderness but no discerning flavor. Then, we serve it with silken potatoes laced with manchego cheese. We then top it with a romesco sauce—a Mediterranean sauce made with marcona almonds, chilies, roasted sweet pepper, garlic and tomato. It’s sweet, nutty and spicy. And then, we garnish the dish with slightly charred and crunchy broccolini. It might be just a steak, but the flavors are great, and it is one of my favorites on the menu.
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SU CASA Our sneak peak inside gorgeous local homes
LISTED WITH LINDA DANIELS, THE DANIELS GROUP
H M
illside ansion Historical Luxury in La Jolla
WRITTEN BY: CAROLYN SAMUELSON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: WILLIS ALLEN REAL ESTATE
If
in theory and in folklore the name La Jolla of Spanish origin means “The Jewel,” it truly illustrates the beauty and uniqueness of this community. The hilly, seaside enclave provides sanction for just over 30,000 residents seeking a lively mix of art and cultural institutions, breathtaking beaches and natural beauty. Its mysterious coves play host to ocean faring swimmers as well as a number of aquatic wildlife species. The landscape is ideal for quaint beach cottages or elegant villas, each only steps from the Pacific Ocean or perched high in the beautiful hills surrounding La Jolla. One block from the ocean and tucked away from the roar of the ocean waves, a gem lies. The wrought iron gate, manicured hedges and a charming tree are the misleadingly simple façade of the grandeur that lies inside. The exquisite landmark property fondly named “La Fenice”
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Each room holds its own treasure: an 18th century
fireplace, honey onyx countertops, doors from Jane Mansfield’s home, coat of arms in the front windows.
(after the Venice Opera House) sits on a rare double-lot. The masterpiece was originally built in 1929, has an historical designation, which affords a property tax reduction and has been completely renovated. Picture the classic elegance of the Hearst Castle painted with colorful notes worthy of Jay Gatsby’s adoration. The home’s character could best be described as a delicious fusion of classic, European pieces and a modern touch of Southern California culture. A chandelier, magnificent in size and stature, hangs above a formal dining room table; a fabulously adorned bird perches upon his throne in one bedroom and a seashell lampshade sits in another. The 10,000-square-foot estate has six bedrooms and eight full baths. It includes restful ocean views from the luxurious master suite, staff quarters, a home theater and wine cellar. Delicate features grace every inch of this formal European mansion: checkered marble flooring in the foyer, sculptures and intricate tiling throughout. Original Italian frescos and murals decorate the walls of the main rooms and hallways. 154 |
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Possibly the most striking aspect of the house is the pool. A gorgeous mosaic glass bottom glistens, begging you to take a dip. A Jacuzzi and fountain are tucked seductively in the corner of the yard. An upstairs deck peers romantically over the vicinity. The surrounding patio offers seating and a kitchenette creating a fantastic entertainment or relaxation venue. Take it back; it is simply too difficult to determine a single, favorite feature. Not often do you find a circular bathtub, with the perfect ledge for a team of candles to lull you away. Each room holds its own treasure: an 18th century fireplace, honey onyx countertops, doors from Jane Mansfield’s home, coat of arms in the front windows. The estate breathes the spirit of La Jolla while bringing together the complexities of historical eras. The poise and sophistication are remarkable; it is a timeless masterpiece of unimaginable artistry.
Not often do you find a circular bathtub, with the perfect ledge for a team of candles to lull you away.
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thank YOU
TO OUR PARTNERS 619 Vodka
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Eat, Drink & Sleep
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Fish 101
Simon Malls
Fletcher Jones Motorcars
Solterra Winery
Harrah’s Resort Southern California
Sublime Tavern
Irvine Company
Sycuan Casino
Jake’s Del Mar
The Acoustic Spot
Johnny B Hair Care
The Grand Del Mar
K1 Speed Racing
The Sporting Club
Karl Strauss
Verant Group
L'Auberge
Warren Christopher Flooring
Loews Coronado Bay
Wells Fargo
Lucky Bastard
Western Spirits
Lumberyard Tavern
Westime
Marine Street Financial
William Grant & Sons
Marla Zanelli
Willis Allen Real Estate
Massage Envy Spa
Wood Group
Meads Durket DMTC
Y-3 La Jolla
Miller Coors
156 |
| JUNE 2014