#76 WHAT’S GOOD IN THE ‘HOOD
GET YOUR GRUB ON IN THESE FOODIE HUBS AROUND SAN DIEGO
IN THE EYES OF THE BEERHOLDER
FOO D I E EDI T I ON
RICHARD BL AIS HUNGRY FOR MORE
17 BREWERIES IN SAN DIEGO THAT YOU MUST TRY
PACK IT UP, PACK IT UP
GOT YOUR BACK IS HELPING FEED SAN DIEGO FAMILIES ONE BACKPACK AT A TIME
LA JOLLA’S MODERN LIFE THIS MODERN MASTERPIECE IS BRINGING STYLE TO LA JOLLA
THE CRACK SHACK
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LOCALE ISSUE RELEASE PARTY DATE: MA RCH 1 5 , 2 0 1 8 TIME: 7 - 9 P M LOCATION: KING & QU EEN CA NT INA 1490 Kettner Blvd San Diego, CA 92101
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Contributor Call Out PHOTO BY:
KAMBRIA FISCHER kambriafischer.com @kambria_fischer_photo Meals Deconstructed - Bowl-d Move Miss B’s Coconut Club 3704 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 858.381.0855 | www.missbcoconutclub.com DATE TAKEN: JANUARY 19, 2018
LOCALE MAGAZINE 7
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THE TEAM
ERIK HALE Publisher + Founder erik@localemagazine.com | @local_e ASHLEY SMITH COO + Co-Founder ashley@localemagazine.com | @ashleyelainexo REILLY KAVANAUGH Art Director + Co-Owner reilly@localemagazine.com | @localereilly | @reillyek EDITORIAL JORDAN LIGONS Senior Editor jordan@localemagazine.com | @jordanligons CHELSEA RAINERI Editor chelsea@localemagazine.com | @chelsearaineri CHARLOTTE FARRELL Editor charlotte@localemagazine.com | @charlottefarrell KALYNN NGUYEN Photoshoot Coordinator kalynn@localemagazine.com | @kalynncnguyen SALES & MARKETING MIKE TODD SMITH Vice President of Sales & Marketing mts@localemagazine.com | @miketoddsmith JASON KOSKY Sr. Market Manager jason@localemagazine.com | @locale_jason CHAD LUDWIG Market Manager chad@localemagazine.com | @chad_ludwig BRIANNA ROMANO Partnerships + Marketing Director brianna@localemagazine.com | @briannaontheweekend SARAH KRUFKA Partnerships + Marketing Coordinator sarah@localemagazine.com | @sarahkrufka KALEIGH BORGSCHATZ Event + Social Coordinator kaleigh@localemagazine.com | @kaleighmborg JACKSON HALL Digital Content Specialist jackson@localemagazine.com | @nocturnalcoonz FINANCE VALERIE KERR Accountant accounting@localemagazine.com DISTRIBUTION RICK RAMIREZ & ROBERT JONES
THE CONTRIBUTORS WRITERS AMANDA LENOX | EMILY TORRES thepostgradfiles.com | @espressoandendorphins JESSICA OURISMAN jessicagourisman.com | @jessicagreyourisman JESSICA YOUNG @racingcupcakes | KEANA MCGRATH @kayonuh JUSTINE MCGRATH justinemcgrath.com | @justinemcgrath K.W. RICHARDSON facedownphilosophy.com | @fdphilosophy MARISA THRASHER fitnessandfoolishness.com | @fitnessandfoolishness MATTHEW J. BLACK blackinkfurther.com | MAYANDRA ROBBINS @mayajro OLIN CHOW alohaloha777.yelp.com | @wanderolin | JASMÍN NELSON @jazzy_nelson RAPHAEL MADRID foodbeast.com/author/raphael-madrid therendernetwork.com/author/rmadrid | @rawrphael RYAN WHITEHEAD @whitehead.ryan | SARAH HOOD @bookangel94 PHOTOGRAPHERS ADAM GENTRY gentryimages.com | @adamgentry ANDREA DOMJAN andreadomjanphotography.com | @andrea_domjan_photography ANGELA GARZON angelagarzonphotography.com | @angelagarzonphoto BHADRI KUBENDRAN facebook.com/urbancellvault | @urbancell_gastronomy BRENDA WINBURN brendawinburnphotography.com | @brendamariewinburn DAMIEN NOBLE ANDREWS nobleandrews.com | @nobleandrews HAYLEY SMITH hayleysmithphoto.com | @hayleysmithphotography JIMMY GALT galtvisual.com | galtvisual | TASO PAPADAKIS tasophoto.com JULIE JONES jonesphotographycompany.com | @jonesphotographycompany KAMBRIA FISCHER kambriafischer.com | @kambria_fischer_photo NICK ISABELLA nickisabella.photography | @nickisabella.photography FA S H I O N S T Y L I S T S ALLISON ANDREWS @allisonandrews | TERESITA MADRIGAL teresitamarie.com | @bornorigingal BEAUTY STYLISTS AMBER GOYTIA of Salty Blonde Cut Co. saltyblondecut.co | @saltyblondecutco HEATHER BALAAM hbmua.com | @hb.makeupartist JANETTE CRUZ gilarut.com | @jcruzhair | LISA LEEDY lisa-leedy.com | @lisaleedybeautydesign LISA RODRIGUEZ @makeupbylisa46 | SABRINA CURRY @beautyxbrina SONIA TABOR soniatabor.com | @soniamarttinetabormakeup *For full information on our team & contributors go to www.localemagazine.com/about
45 Guide
WHAT’S GOOD IN THE ‘HOOD
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EDITOR'S NOTE I love food—honestly, truly. It’s a fact that if you know me, you’d wait to see if I start busting a move after I take the few first bites of my meal. When the food is A-1, I close my eyes, shimmy my shoulders and start dancing in my seat—the love is real, yah’ll. One of the hardest parts of my job is attempting to edit this food-packed magazine on an empty stomach. More likely than not, it will start to growl due to the exquisite detail and versatility of dishes that we highlight; I start craving things I didn’t know I wanted and I hope you do too. In our beloved Foodie Guide (p. 45), we breakdown our favorite go-to spots by ‘hood. And let me tell you, this was a tough list to create! San Diego is very territorial with their neighborhoods, so I aimed to crack the surface of all that this
foodie haven of a city has to offer. I also got the privilege to sit down with celebrity chef Richard Blais (p. 60) to talk about that very thing and how SD continues to shine during their burst of culinary creativity. Plus, we caught up with local eat experts (p. 37) and drink experts (p. 81) to put in their (delicious) two cents on the matter. But wait, there’s more! Fashion Week San Diego designer and winner Miriam Baza chatted with our writer about what it’s like in the fashionable winner’s circle (p. 105) and you have to dog-ear the pin-worthy M. Swabb Decor + Style boho-modern kitchen for inspo later (p. 148). After reading this issue, I hope your tummy grumbles a little, and when you finally get that hot plate in front of you, and take that flavorful first bite, I hope you do a little shimmy, too. Cheers!
JORDAN LIGONS SENIOR EDITOR jordan@localemagazine.com | @jordanligons
®
MAKING ISSUE the
COVER
Photographed By: Damien Noble Andrews, nobleandrews.com | @nobleandrews Model: Richard Blais, @richardblais | www.richardblais.net Location: The Crack Shack - Little Italy, 2266 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 619.795.3299 | www.crackshack.com Written By: Jordan Ligons, @jordanligons Styled By: Teresita Madrigal, teresitamarie.com | @bornorigingal Grooming By: Lisa Leedy, lisa-leedy.com | @lisaleedybeautydesign Shirt Provided By: iiJin, www.iijin.com Jeans Provided By: Citizens Of Humanity, www.citizensofhumanity.com Boots Provided By: Doc Martens, www.drmartens.com Eyewear Provided By: LA EyeWorks, www.laeyeworks.com
As I was waiting to meet Richard Blais for our interview at The Crack Shack’s Encinitas location, the Friday vibes were real. The restaurant was alive with families kicking off the weekend with corn hole and co-workers taking a lunch break at the bar. Dogs were barking and the automated sound of cockadoodledooing added to the background noise of what seems like the neighborhood spot.
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When Richard arrived, he was over apologetic for his very slight tardiness, but was quick to rave and brag about his entire staff, especially his General Manager Gino Azurmendi. We talked about how he’s so over the traffic, about how he’s Coach Richard these days and how he’s choosing to take on the role of a mentor in 2018. But then he abruptly interrupts the conversation, “Do you smell In-NOut?” It was like his American cuisine spidey-senses were tingling. This location is directly across the street from the beloved fast-food chain and sometimes during the day, the smells seep over into the open-air layout of the eatery causing a real battle of the
scents. “It’s great for so many reasons for our guests…Sorry, what was the question? I got distracted.” We also chatted about how much fun he had on the cover shoot set with our team a few days prior and how honored he felt to be on the front page. “I’m on a magazine cover of your magazine. Luke Skywalker was on your last magazine cover and Tony Hawk was on a previous cover,” he joked, “I don’t deserve that shit!” Photographer Damien Noble Andrews adds, “I wanted to make sure we captured his personality, his energy and his style. Not to mention his innovation in the kitchen. The cover was shot using a Canon 5D Mark IV, Interfit Photographic lighting, and a 60” Octabox.” Richard takes his food seriously without taking himself too seriously. He’s a self-titled introvert and a real down-to-earth guy. Read his story to get to know someone that’s often referred to as a “mad scientist” due to his quirky methods of using liquid nitrogen in his science lab—I mean, kitchen—as he cracks open what it means to live life for the journey, not the destination.
LOCAL E M AGAZI NE 949.436.8910 info@localemagazine.com
THE TEAM
Damien Noble Andrews
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All rights reserved © 2018, 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.
Jordan Ligons
Teresita Madrigal
Lisa Leedy
Locale Magazine is printed by SOUTHWEST OFFSET PRINTING 13650 Gramercy Pl Gardena, CA 90249 310.323.0112 www.southwestoffset.com
LOCALE MAGAZINE
TA BL E CO NTEN T S of
MARCH 2018
THIS ISSUE: FOODIE 37 Experts
WE MEAT AGAIN From Brisket to Burgers, These Carnivore Chefs Cook a Mean Meat
45 Guide
WHAT’S GOOD IN THE ‘HOOD
Get Your Grub On in These Foodie Hubs Around San Diego
60 Cover Story
A TRUE TRAILBLAISER
Have No Fear ‘Top Chef’ Richard Blais is Here and He’s Cooking Up Something Good
70 Profile
THE AMERICAN DREAM Meet the Culinary Genius Behind Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern
75 Meals Deconstructed
BOWL-D MOVE
This Beautiful Bowl Comes Packed With Some Amazing Goodies
78 Instagrammable Cocktails
SO GLASSY
Insta-Worthy Cocktails to Make for Your Next Party
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96
Experts
Bzzzy B
YOU CAN SIP WITH US
From Coffee to Matcha, These Seven Experts Know How to Make the Best Drinks
88 Marea Coffee
ROAST TO THE GOOD LIFE
Marea Coffee is Here to Save Your Morning
90 Feature
IN THE EYES OF THE BEERHOLDER
GET BZZZY
This Crafted Cocktail Experience Will Have You Bzzzin’
98 Humanitarian Profile
PACK IT UP, PACK IT UP
Got Your Back is Helping Feed San Diego Families One Backpack at a Time
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Hot Cheetos
CHEETAH ON YOUR DIET
These Hot Cheeto Dishes Will Warm You Up
17 Breweries in San Diego That You Must Try
SAN DIEGO POKE CO. 3533 Adams Ave San Diego, CA 92116 619.501.5960 www. sdpokeco.com
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY: KAMBRIA FISCHER
LOCALE MAGAZINE
TA BL E CO NTEN T S of
MARCH 2018
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148
Shoppe
Escape
105
142
Profile
Expert
Fashion Week San Diego’s Top Designer Talks Dreaming Big
The Design Firm Behind IDEA1’s Staged Rooms Gives Us an Inside Look
SEW #BLESSED
INTERIOR MOTIVE
108
146
Molly Rossettie
Taj Mahal
Add These Picks to Your Wishlist ASAP
This Historical House in La Jolla Will Make Your Jaw Drop
A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS
TAJ MAH-ALL ABOUT IT
110
148
Profile
SOLEMATE
Room Essentials
Southern California Shoetopia, Blends, Spices of Your Kick Collection
133
116 Fenty Beauty
40 SHADES OF BEAUTIFUL
Fenty Beauty by Rihanna is Taking Over Your Makeup Drawer
119 Fashion Spread
SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN
Brighten Up Your Wardrobe With These Sweet Looks
126 The Shoppes at Carlsbad
SHOPPE ‘TILL YOU DROP
The Shoppes at Carlsbad is Becoming the Ultimate Shopping and Foodie Haven
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Alive
KITCHEN CONFIDENTIAL
Maegan Swabb Mixes SoCal Vibes and Modern Influences to Create #KitchenGoals
152 Su Casa
LA JOLLA’S MODERN LIFE
This Modern Masterpiece is Bringing Style to La Jolla
130 Vintage Surfari Wagons
CRUISE CONTROL
Take These Vintage VWs On a Road Trip to Remember
133 First Timer's Guide
TOO FIT TO QUIT
We Had Our Writer Try Out Three Very Different Adventures in San Diego
CHECK OUT EXTENDED STORIES AND MORE ON OUR WEBSITE AT Localemagazine.com
LOCALENDAR 20 SAN DIEGO EVENTS TO ENJOY IN SPRING 2018 WRITTEN BY: JASMÍN NELSON
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COME CELEBRATE AT LOCALE’S LAUNCH PARTY
WATCH OUT FOR SAN DIEGO FILM WEEK March 2-11
March 15
¢ The second annual San Diego Film Week hits the Museum of Photographic Arts as well as other locations across San Diego County for a whopping 10 days. Enjoy workshops, panels, parties and, of course, local, national and international films.
¢ LOCALE Magazine
and Little Italy’s newest hotspot, King and Queen Cantina, team up to celebrate the launch of the San Diego March issue! Grab a handcrafted cocktail (or two), toast to tasty international-infused fare and get ready to party like there’s no mañana!
www.sdfilmweek.com
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kqc-localesd.eventbrite.com
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SWIM, BIKE AND RUN May 6
RECLINE AND UNWIND AT CINÉPOLIS
¢ Shape up this season for the Spring Sprint Triathlon, Duathlon & Aquabike in Mission Bay. Whether you’re experienced or a first timer, the calm bay swim, flat bike and run course makes this event perfect for any level. The race will also benefit Challenged Athletes Foundation: Operation Rebound.
May 4
¢ Chill and check out Avengers: Infinity War at any Cinépolis Luxury Cinema or world-class Cinépolis Cinema. Experience incredibly comfortable seating, cutting edge sound and gourmet cuisine, taking your movie-watching experience to the next level.
www.sdtriseries.com
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www.cinepolisUSA.com
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EXPLORE THE VINDIEGO WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL April 14
¢ This event is a foodie
and wine-lover's paradise. Enjoy unlimited bites from a variety of SD restaurants and pick your unlimited sips from a selection of 300 vinos from top-notch wineries, all taking place at Liberty Station in Point Loma. Bon appétit! www.vindiego.com
READY, SET, RACE! March 24
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KEEP CALM AND EAT TACOS May 12
¢ Take your love for
tacos to the next level at the popular Tacotopia. All you can eat tacos from 1-4 p.m., beer tastings and margaritas— oh my! Enjoy live music, lucha libre wrestling and did we say tacos? www.readertacotopia.com
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March 17 to April 15
April 29
SEAS THE DAY
¢ Tickle your taste buds and whet your whistle at SeaWorld Seven Seas Food Festival. A fresh, fun-filled, culinary event featuring flavorful food from around the world, craft beer, wines and feel-good entertainment in Mission Bay. Cheers! www.seaworld.com
RUN AND HAVE FUN ¢ Put your hair in a side pony and grab your neon party pants to run at the Awesome ’80s Run. Move to the beat of manic melodies for course music and earn a totally radical medal! Plus, all participants will receive a free t-shirt. www.awesome80srun.com
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ENJOY MIMOSAS FOR MOTHER’S DAY May 13
¢ Get fancy, buy flowers and make reservations in advance for Mother’s Day brunch at Oceana Coastal Kitchen. Score cool points with mom while checking out the sweet views of Mission Bay with bottomless mimosas in hand. Cheers to the mamas! www.catamaranresort.com
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¢ Invite all your favorite superheroes, lace up your Nikes and gear up for a good cause. The National Foundation for Autism Research’s Race for Autism will be held in Balboa Park where 100 percent of funds raised support autism programs and services. www.raceforautism.org
LOCALENDAR 20 SAN DIEGO EVENTS TO ENJOY IN SPRING 2018 WRITTEN BY: JASMÍN NELSON
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CULINARY CRUISE AND CHILL
GET YOUR GROOVE ON AT GATOR BY THE BAY
April 29
May 10-13
¢ Leave your apron at home! Celebrity Cruises has teamed up with Fine Cooking magazine and their PBS series “Moveable Feast.” Enjoy a spectacular culinary journey where star chefs like Richard Blais come together to create authentic, regional cuisine as you enjoy this immersive cruise itinerary.
¢ The largest Louisianathemed music and food fest is coming to Spanish Landing Park with a bang. The annual Gator by the Bay Music, Louisiana Food & Crawfish Festival features four days of live music and 10,000 pounds of crawfish. Come hungry! www.gatorbythebay.com
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www.celebritycruises.com/ specialty-cruises/moveablefeast-with-fine-cooking
SET SAIL WITH MAN’S BEST FRIEND
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April 28
¢ Enjoy a cool cruise for you and your pooch pal. Hornblower Cruises & Events is the only one of its kind in SoCal to offer a pet-friendly event, and the 18th Annual Pet Day on the Bay is sure to be a tail wagging experience for dog and owner. Bring a towel or blanket with you to donate for dogs in need!
GO GREEN OR GO HOME March 17
¢ Enjoy yourself at the
annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Irish Festival. This family-friendly event is the largest parade on this side of the Mississippi with good music and great food. A kid zone for the little ones and a beer garden for the adults. Kilt optional.
www.hornblower.com
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www.stpatsparade.org
HOP TO THE INN FOR BRUNCH
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¢ Celebrate Easter at
July 19-22
March 11
May 22
April 1
AVANT restaurant at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. Bring the family and brunch to your heart’s content at the elaborate buffet. Meet the Easter Bunny, take part in the egg hunt and explore all that the Inn has to offer.
www.ranchobernardoinn.com
SET YOUR SITES ON COMIC-CON ¢ If you can get in where
you fit in, explore the big event at the convention center where thousands of fans and celebs experience all things comics. The four-day fest has tons of space to check out exhibits, see special shows and so much more. www.comic-con.org
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COME TOGETHER AND CELEBRATE ¢ The annual
International Mariachi Festival in South Bay recognizes San Diego’s Mexican heritage. Experience the colorful culture through delicious dishes and dancing to mariachi music all day long from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
www.sandiego.org
PUMP YOUR BREAKS AND EAT POKE ¢ Live aloha and
celebrate the annual I Love Poke San Diego 2018 at the Bali Hai Restaurant. Relax and hang loose with the taste of the islands, good vibes and drinks with little umbrellas.
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BOOGIE TO THE BEAT OF EARTH, WIND & FIRE May 18
¢ Take a trip down memory lane! Don’t miss out on kickin’ it old school and listen to the American soul and funk band of the ‘70s at Harrah’s Resort SoCal. You’ll be singing these melodies long after the legendary concert is over. www.harrahssocal.com
March 13
¢ Enjoy Tolan Shaw &
Raelee Nikole together on stage at Solana Beach's Carruth Cellars Urban Winery, sharing the stories behind their songs with a seated audience in the intimate setting of Carruth's barrel room. Doors open at 6! Visit their website for tickets.
www.acousticspottalent. com/blog
Photo - Boogie to the Beat of Earth, Wind & Fire: Jabari Jacobs
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LISTEN TO #ACOUSTICSPOTPRESENTS STORYTELLERS
NATIVE KNOWLEDGE BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS /// WHERE TO BE MONDAY-SUNDAY
Runnin’ & Gunnin’ From San Diego to Las Vegas, Jason Craig Talks Exercise and Grub
EXPERT: Jason Craig CREDENTIALS: Partner, Oxford Social Club and The Pool House
MONDAY ¢ I’m a get-up-early-and-run kind of guy. I live downtown, so I run down to the marina past the Midway and always hit the convention steps along the way. I usually hit Harvest by The Patio or Tokyo Deli for a healthy bite, and then it’s right to Victory MMA and Fitness or Fit Athletic Club. www.harvestbythepatio.com www.fitathletic.com
TUESDAY ¢ A quick trip to Le Parfait Paris for coffee and Fit Athletic Club in the morning. I fly back to Vegas to handle all our Vegas venue meetings. ww.leparfaitparis.com
WEDNESDAY ¢ It’s fabulous Las Vegas! I always make my way to STITCHED to get some fresh gear or take care of my friends’ suiting needs. www.stitchedlifestyle.com
THURSDAY ¢ Up early running in the morning and working through the day—or running and gunning as I like to call it. Usually catch the late flight back to San Diego, drop my bags and head right to Oxford Social Club for pre-shift.
FRIDAY ¢ It’s back to hitting the pavement and being by the water. I usually set my standing reservation at Lionfish, and pretty much eat the same thing every time—grilled salmon with asparagus. Sounds boring, but Chef JoJo makes it with TLC.
“I’m a get-up-earlyand-run kind of guy. "
www.lionfishsd.com
SATURDAY ¢ I catch a little bit of me time! Owner of Victory MMA and Fitness and good friend Rudy Silva calls it ‘hippie training.’ Sometimes we go to the beach, sometimes we train on the field at Petco Park; you never know. As long as I can be outside and catch some rays I’m good to go. www.victorygyms.com
SUNDAY ¢ During pool season you can find me at The Pool House. This is my one day where I’ll let loose a little bit. The Don Sandia is my favorite— Casamigos, fresh watermelon juice and lime. Depending on how many pitchers that go down, I end up at El Chingon, which is always a good time. www.poolhousesd.com www.elchingon.com
www.theoxfordsd.com
CLIQUE HOSPITALITY 6445 S Tenaya Way, Ste 150 Las Vegas, NV 89113 702.489.2129 www.cliquehospitality.com Photoshoot Location: OXFORD SOCIAL CLUB 435 Fifth Ave San Diego, CA 92101 619.738.7040 www.theoxfordsd.com
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Photographed By: Bhadri Kubendran
NATIVE KNOWLEDGE BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS /// WHERE TO BE MONDAY-SUNDAY
Taco the Town This Local Gives Us a Foodie Tour From San Diego to Baja
EXPERT: Fernando Gaxiola CREDENTIALS: Founder, Baja Wine + Food
MONDAY ¢ One of my zen moments is when I find my way to the sushi bar at Azuki Sushi on a Monday—the perfect lunch. www.azukisushi.com
TUESDAY ¢ Who doesn’t like Thai food? Might be a hole in a wall, but the food at Bahn Thai is outstanding. Don’t miss the yellow curry, drunken noodles, pad thai and tom ka soup! www.bahnthai.net
WEDNESDAY ¢ Ceviche House serves organic, fresh and local food in an inventive way. Let Chef Juan Carlos Récamier surprise you with his unique style! The San Diego and Gobernador Tostadas are must try. www.cevichehousesd.com
THURSDAY ¢ Every day is perfect for tacos! My go-to place is Galaxy Taco where Chef Christine Rivera and Trey Foshee are truly honoring the tradition of Mexican food using the freshest ingredients to deliver boldly delicious flavors. Did I mention they grind their own masa daily from heirloom corn? www.galaxytaco.com
FRIDAY ¢ I am passionate about wine—that’s what drove me to
“I am passionate about wine—that’s what drove me to get involved in the business."
get involved in the business. The Wine Pub in the Village of Point Loma is a cozy wine bar five minutes away from home. The charming owner is often behind the bar taking care of her customers. Take advantage of their retail wine shop and sign up for an amazing travel experience to Valle de Guadalupe! www.thewinepubsd.com
SATURDAY ¢ Time to escape to Baja! First, you must stop in Ensenada for a seafood tostada at La Guerrerense street cart. Then, head to Valle and discover a hidden gem: TrasLomita at Lomita Winery by Chef Sheyla Alvarado. The atmosphere is magical, the food is out of this world and the estate wines are simply delicious! www.laguerrerense.com www.lomita.mx
SUNDAY ¢ Stay, eat and drink at Bruma in Valle de Guadalupe, a glorious B&B, winery and restaurant designed by acclaimed architect Alejandro D’Acosta. Taste the experimental menu at Fauna, the outstanding restaurant by rising star Chef David Castro Hussong. www.bruma.mx
BAJA WINE + FOOD www.bajawinefood.com @bajawinefood Photoshoot Location: GALAXY TACO 2259 Avenida De La Playa La Jolla, CA 92037 858.228.5655 www.galaxytaco.com
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Photographed By: Kambria Fischer
NATIVE KNOWLEDGE BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS /// WHERE TO BE MONDAY-SUNDAY
Don’t Worry, Bier Happy This San Diego Local Loves Hot Yoga, Hearty Brunches and a Good Time
EXPERT: David Creviston CREDENTIALS: President, The Bier Garden of Encinitas and The Corner Drafthouse MONDAY ¢ Depending on how fun Sunday brunch was, Mondays are normally about trying to set up the week for success in life. To get the brain churning, a cold-pressed juice from Fully Loaded Micro Juicery in the morning is in order! www.fullyloadedjuice.com
TUESDAY ¢ A day to meet with business partners or friends on current business scenarios, trends and strategies at Coffee Coffee in Leucadia. Got to keep the body going with a hot yoga session at Yoga Tropics, which is normally set into motion by 7 p.m. Namaste! www.yogatropics.com
WEDNESDAY ¢ A day of meetings at The Bier Garden of Encinitas and The Corner Drafthouse in Bankers Hill. Normally, some appetizers and a glass of wine are in order after at Solterra Winery in Leucadia. www.thecornerdrafthouse.com www.solterrawinery.com
THURSDAY ¢ An Orangetheory workout in Encinitas or Bankers Hill
THE CORNER DRAFTHOUSE 495 Laurel St San Diego, CA 92101 619.255.2631 thecornerdrafthouse.com Photoshoot Location: THE BIER GARDEN OF ENCINITAS 641 S Coast Hwy 101 Encinitas, CA 92024 760.632.2437 www.biergardenencinitas.com
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is on the agenda. After that, catching a movie at home sounds about right. www.orangetheoryfitness.com
FRIDAY ¢ Pacific Coast Grill for dinner, a beautiful sunset and great conversation with the upstairs barkeeps. Not to mention, the world famous Kraken is always just a few steps away if the party must go on—and we all know it must. www.pacificcoastgrill.com www.thekrakencardiff.com
SATURDAY ¢ A bloody mary in the morning at The Bier Garden of Encinitas gives proper motivation to hit some golf balls when weather and time permits—if the golf gods were true and just. Then beers and appetizers are on me at the clubhouse. www.biergardenencinitas.com
SUNDAY ¢ A delicious donut or two at Leucadia Donut Shoppe gives me the sugar rush I need to take in some sun and sand at Grandview Beach. Although everyone knows redheads are not allowed in the sun between 12-3 p.m.
“Although everyone knows redheads are not allowed in the sun between 12-3 p.m."
Photographed By: Bhadri Kubendran
NATIVE KNOWLEDGE BY LOCALS FOR LOCALS /// WHERE TO BE MONDAY-SUNDAY
Eat, Pray, Slay
“We all know Tuesday means tacos!”
From Tacos to Prime Rib, Justin Jachura of Señor Grubby’s is a Total Foodie
EXPERT: Justin Jachura CREDENTIALS: President and Co-Founder, Señor Grubby’s
MONDAY ¢ Everyday is a Monday! Wake up, pray, check social media, emails, texts, calls, etc. and then respond, post, call, then gym. After, a salad with extra chicken breast from the Greek Corner Cafe. TUESDAY
¢ We all know Tuesday means
tacos! At Señor Grubby’s we have great $1.50 to $2 taco specials plus $7 house margaritas and $3 Mexican drafts. So I usually spend my time working and hanging with the locals. www.eatgrubbys.com
WEDNESDAY ¢ Restaurant/bar league softball! After winning, we socialize throughout the village. I’d say The Compass is one of my personal favorites, but the Boar Cross’n has affordable drinks and pool tables!
perhaps a tasty cocktail at The Charles Kenneth speakeasy. www.seabasstropub.com www.thecharleskenneth.com
SATURDAY ¢ Al’s Cafe is one of my favorite breakfast spots with the Loco Moco, sumo-style with two patties. Then Gaia Gelato for the tastiest gelato around! www.alscafeinthevillage.com www.gaiagelato.com
SUNDAY ¢ Church in the morning at Genesis The King’s Church followed by lunch at Teri Cafe. They are one of the restaurants I’ve consistently been to. I get the number 11. www.genesisthekingschurch.com www.tericafe.com
www.thecompasscarlsbad.com www.boarcrossn.net
THURSDAY ¢ Late night after church, a meal at Koko Beach for their famous prime rib. You could drink their house ranch dressing. On a healthy note, I’ll get a grilled mahi mahi. www.kokobeach.com
FRIDAY ¢ Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub with Chef Davin Waite is always a win! Get excited to step out of the box and try something new. After,
SEÑOR GRUBBY’S 377 Carlsbad Village Dr Carlsbad, CA 92008 760.729.6040 www.eatgrubbys.com
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Photographed By: Bhadri Kubendran
I
I N S TA G R A M
STATS:
1,029 posts
48.4k followers
580 following
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WE “I kept
@eat_sandiego
a secret from my husband until it hit 10,000 followers.” —CHERYL
The Eat Co.’s Gram THESE SAN DIEGO FOODIE BLOGGERS SHARE TIPS, STATS AND WHO TO FOLLOW
TIPS TO BE A FOOD BLOGGER 1.
Make sure to use as much natural light as possible.
2.
Find a good photo editing app to make your food brighter, more vibrant and makes the colors pop.
3.
Consistency is key! Post on a regular basis, daily is best.
4.
Engage with fellow foodies. Answer questions and respond to others' comments.
5.
Most importantly, have fun! Don't get caught up in the numbers or you'll go crazy. 1.1K L IKES
3
919 L I KES
“Pomodoro Ristorante Italiano in Point Loma [has] an amazing carbonara and we love their Italian vibe!” —CHERYL AND MARK
JUST KEEP GROWING
OF CHERYL AND MARK’S FAVORITE INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS
10k August 2015
"Two words: food and travel. We love to travel and experience new and local food. These accounts reflect both." @prettylittlelondon @thrillist @eater
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Follow Cheryl and Mark! The Eat Co. @eat_sandiego
40k June 2017
FROM THE PAGES OF LOCALE LOS ANGELES
Deluca Trattoria is a local haven that welcomes strangers with a glass of wine and an authentic, Italian dinner. The key here is history and heritage, and with a motherand-son team working together on everything from sourcing the best ingredients to serving the most exquisite wines, you can see, feel and taste the love that has gone into every aspect of the restaurant. Andrea Francesco and his mother Gabriella bring rustic, fresh Tuscan cuisine to the South Bay, infusing their Florentine origins into the surfer scene of the beach city, and locals can’t get enough. “Like a snowflake, all Italians have their own take on the classics, and we feel the need to share our old-world heritage.”
D
FROM TUSCANY,
With Love
THIS SPOT IN EL SEGUNDO IS BUONISSIMO! WRITTEN BY: CHARLOTTE FARRELL PHOTOGRAPHED BY: MATTHEW MISISCO Spaghetti alla Carbonara Don't expect the carbonara you are used to. This is the real deal, straight from Roma.
Braciola di Maiale con Salsa al Vino Rosso This one is for the carnivores. The pork chop is juicy and fulfilling, grilled “alla Toscana style.”
Native Knowledge Gluten-free? Vegan? No problem! Just give your server a heads up, and the kitchen will whip up something special.
Lasagna Besciamella e Bolognese This lasagna is hearty, layered and perfect with a glass of red wine. Ask Andrea for pairing recommendations.
Branzino all'Acqua Pazza The literal translation is “sea bass in crazy water,” but don’t let the name scare you. It is light, flavorful and perfect for pescatarians. 32 LOCALE MAGAZINE
DELUCA TRATTORIA 225 Richmond St El Segundo, CA 90245 310.640.7600 www.delucapasta.com
FOODIE CO CKTA IL S / / / B R E W E R I E S / / / B I TE S
MARCH 2018
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EXPERTS It’s Time to Meat SD’s Top Carnivore Chefs
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GUIDE 68 Restaurants to Add to Your Foodie Bucket List
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COVER STORY Richard Blais Talks the City’s Foodie Scene
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HOT CHEETOS Take Your Childhood Snack to a New Level
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GUIDE What’s Good in the ‘Hood
Get Your Grub On in These Foodie Hubs Around San Diego
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PROFILE Add This Foodie Spot to Your List
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MEALS DECONSTRUCTED Grab an Acai Bowl From Miss B’s Coconut Club
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INSTAGRAMMABLE COCKTAILS These Drinks Are Ready for Their Closeup
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EXPERTS Grab a Drink from These Seven Experts
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MAREA COFFEE Start Your Morning Off Right
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FEATURE Try These SD Breweries
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BZZZY B Unwind at Park & Rec With This Handcrafted Cocktail BLUE OCEAN ROBATA & SUSHI BAR 2958 Madison St Carlsbad, CA 92008 760.434.4959 www.blueoceanrobatasushi.com PHOTO BY: Kambria Fischer
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HUMANITARIAN PROFILE This Duo's Got Your Back
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FOODIE /// EXPERTS
“I like simplicity, and I don’t try to mask flavors. I let good quality ingredients speak for themselves.”
“I want everyone who walks through our doors to feel like family and enjoy our made-from-scratch sauces and tortillas that make our food so fresh and flavorful.”
—DARRELL CA M PB ELL
— TO NY CA RRETO
“Ever since I’ve been into cooking and running restaurants, I’ve always been about where food comes from, the connections and relationships with people bringing you food and honoring ingredients.” — JO N SLOAN
“I really liked the pace and camaraderie of the kitchen. It’s very team oriented and fast.” —T I M KO LA N KO
“I work to master all types of food and to culturally explore it.” —JAMES
PYO
FROM BRIS KET TO BURGERS , T HES E CAR NIVORE C HEF S COOK A MEA N MEAT
WRITTEN BY: EMILY TORRES PHOTOGRAPHED BY: NICK ISABELLA
While In-N-Out burgers or carne asada street tacos may be a California classic, we’re looking to elevate our grub game when a craving for steak, fried chicken or a burger hits. These five chefs hit the nail on the head with meat-(and seafood!) focused menus that bring nothing but the best and freshest ingredients to the table. LOCALE Magazine sits down with these carnivore chefs to take a peek behind their meaty menus. We’re not drooling, you’re drooling…
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WINE AND DINE • When Kolanko isn’t in the kitchen, you can find him dining at Urban Solace, Blind Lady Ale House, Tribute Pizza and TRUST. A PIECE OF ADVICE • Kolanko’s piece of advice to aspiring chefs: Don't be in a hurry. Take time to learn the craft. Work in good places. NATIVE KNOWLEDGE • Enjoy your New York Strip with a side of live music. Stake provides live music on the patio every Wednesday and Sunday evening.
T I M KO L A N KO CREDENTIALS: EXECUTIVE CHEF, STAKE CHOPHOUSE & BAR Q: How did you get started in the industry? Tim Kolanko: I actually started washing dishes at 15 or 16. I moved really quickly to work as a short-order cook at a bowling alley in Michigan. It grew into a career later. I really liked the pace and camaraderie of the kitchen. It’s very team-oriented and fast. I think that drew me in before my love of food, before I even developed my palate. It was the action of it. I still enjoy and thrive on that.
Q: Tell us about your famed carnivorefriendly menu. TK: We source from a butcher shop in the Bay Area called Flannery Beef. Brian Flannery hand selects stuff for us. We have two different American Wagyus, a full blood and an angus cross, as well as a Japanese Wagyu. We offer prime and dry-aged cuts, as well as different and unusual cuts, like the rib cap. One of the things that defines cooking at Stake is the time that we spend sourcing unique products.
Q: How would you describe Stake to those who have yet to visit? TK: I would call it a modern, big-city steakhouse—not the sort of thing you expect to find in Coronado…or even San Diego. San Diego is evolving, but it still is unexpected in Coronado. It has modern decor and the music has a club edge to it. Most importantly, the ingredients are the best.
Q: Lastly, in your opinion, what makes a great restaurant? TK: A lot of things go into it. The magic is in the feel. It’s hard to describe that, but there is a certain feeling of completeness and warmth. That’s the challenge we sit and talk about all the time: the menu, food, service, decor, music—the whole thing. It’s undefinable.
Q
Q: How would you describe your style of food? TK: If I had to define my personal style, it would be unpretentious. I don’t like fussiness. I really enjoy the classics. I am more of a traditionalist with focus on great ingredients. 38 LOCALE MAGAZINE
STAKE CHOPHOUSE & BAR 1309 Orange Ave Coronado, CA 92118 619.522.0077 www.stakechophouse.com
CASA SOL Y MAR 12865 El Camino Real San Diego, CA 92130 858.792.4100 www.casasolymar.com
TONY CARRETO CREDENTIALS: HEAD CHEF, CASA SOL Y MAR
Photoshoot Location: BLUE OCEAN ROBATA & SUSHI BAR 2958 Madison St, Ste 100 Carlsbad, CA 92008 760.434.4959 www.blueoceanrobatasushi.com
JA M E S PYO CREDENTIALS: OWNER AND EXECUTIVE CHEF, BLUE OCEAN ROBATA & SUSHI BAR, POKEWAN, AND LOVE BOAT SUSHI OCEANSIDE Q: What is your favorite part of your career as a chef? James Pyo: For me, it’s the opportunity to be versatile and expand. As a chef, I personally want to cook all sorts of dishes from all around the world, not only dessert and sushi. I work to master all types of food and to culturally explore it.
the higher end of restaurants. It’s all a little revamped, from the ambiance and the plating to the interior and exterior decoration. It’s a place to dine at for a special occasion or a nicer date. The food we offer exceeds the generic Asian foods you find at your more typical restaurants.
Q: What inspires your dishes? JP: Art, beauty and nature. I know that is vague, but as a chef, I consider myself an artist. Whenever I see something that catches my eye, whether it’s a pretty flower or a bright color combination, I am immediately inspired to incorporate it into my dishes and my restaurants.
Q: What is your favorite meat to work with at Blue Ocean & Love Boat? JP: My favorite meat to work with is pretty simple: barbecue ribs. My favorite dish is Korean BBQ Ribs served on a sizzling skillet with rice and a side salad. I offer this plate at all of my full-service restaurants for both lunch and dinner. It is a Korean-style short rib (Kalbi), and I find that it tastes good all the time.
Q: Tell us about your restaurants in San Diego. JP: Love Boat is a family oriented and fun restaurant. It’s more on the casual end. It’s the type of restaurant where I want my customers to come and feel relaxed. As for Blue Ocean, it’s closer to
Q: Lastly, what advice would you give an aspiring chef? JP: As a chef, you are an artist. When you hold on to the desire to create, you will create quality dishes. So, my advice is simple: don’t forget you are an artist and don’t stop creating.
NATIVE KNOWLEDGE • When he’s not in the kitchen, Pyo gets inspired by taste, service and table decoration at other restaurants. He lists Ray’s, Searsucker and Addison among his favorites. AROUND THE WORLD • While Pyo prefers Japanese food, he is Korean and this influence appears in his cuisine. He also integrates Chinese culinary aspects into his dishes. #INSPO • Pyo began his culinary career in a family business. His brother encouraged him to pursue opening his own restaurant.
Q: How would you describe Casa Sol y Mar to those who have not visited? Tony Carreto: It’s my second, and sometimes first, home. I want everyone who walks through our doors to feel like family and enjoy our madefrom-scratch sauces and tortillas that make our food so fresh and flavorful. The food and service are fantastic. Q: What inspires you as you create dishes? TC: I’m inspired by the blending of just the right herbs and spices to create sauces and flavors that make people want to try our new creations. I am also inspired by our guests. When we start getting requests for items prepared a certain way, we create dishes to satisfy their palates. Q: What’s your favorite menu item for the carnivores out there? TC: I love serving our all-natural tri-tip. Our Carne Asada Tampiqueña, while not created by me originally, gives me great pride to serve. We cook the steak to order, top it with a grilled California chili and onions and
serve it with a cheese enchilada, guacamole, refried beans, rice and handmade tortillas. It’s a beautiful plate. Q: What is your favorite part of your career? TC: Building a team that works well together. I also take pride in making sure that each plate our guests receive is just right. Q: What advice would you give to an aspiring chef? TC: Work in a kitchen from the ground up. Pay attention to all of the chefs that you work with, and learn something new from each of them. It’s like a classroom: study and you will learn. Most times, it’s not only the ingredients in a recipe that are important, but knowing how and when to add the ingredients. Timing and technique are key.
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DA R R E L L CA M P B E L L CREDENTIALS: EXECUTIVE CHEF, MASTERS KITCHEN AND COCKTAIL Q: Tell us about Masters Kitchen and Cocktail. Darrell Campbell: Masters has something for everybody. The menu and restaurant are wide open. The restaurant itself is beautiful, with a massive bar and a big lounge area and seated dining area. There’s different vibes in each section; you can opt for chicken wings, ribs and beer or you can opt for a nice cocktail, a cool appetizer and a nice entree. The venue is diverse.
arugula and hazelnuts, all with a balsamic reduction around it. This dish has everything that complements each other: cold and hot, crunchy and soft, sweet and sour, and with a little bit of spice.
Q: How would you describe your style of cooking? DC: I have an Italian influence, but like most chefs, I’d say California modern. But, honestly, it’s about what is available at the farms and in the ocean. I like simplicity, and I don’t try to mask flavors. I let good quality ingredients speak for themselves.
Q: In your opinion, what makes a great restaurant? DC: A positive vibe; it’s simple. I try to create a positive vibe in the kitchen. It leaks out into the community and dining room. The food and service follows. You can feel it in what you eat and how it’s presented.
Q
Q: What’s your favorite meat to work with? DC: Any part of the pig. On our menu, specifically, I like our Crispy Pork Belly. The pork is served with a smoked cannellini bean puree, and apple and herb salad with frisee and 40 LOCALE MAGAZINE
A COLLAB FOR THE AGES • Most recently, Campbell coordinated a collaboration dinner between Masters and local farm, Cyclops Farm.
Q: What inspires and influences your work as a chef? DC: I’m influenced by everyone: chefs, owners, dishwashers. I’ve always just listened to everyone and took in everything I could. I learn new things everyday, and believe that you always can as a chef.
WORDS OF WISDOM • Campbell’s piece of advice for aspiring chefs: you get out what you put in. NATIVE KNOWLEDGE • Masters’ happy hour runs a special on the restaurant's famed burger that is served with bacon aioli. Yes, you read that right: bacon aioli.
MASTERS KITCHEN AND COCKTAIL 208 S Coast Hwy Oceanside, CA 92054 760.231.6278 www.mastersoceanside.com
SOCAL STYLE • The Crack Shack makes sure its California roots are on your mind with the restaurant’s unique California Dip: pollo asado, schmaltz fries, pickled jalapeño, bolillo bread, pose broth and avocado.
J O N S LOA N CREDENTIALS: CULINARY DIRECTOR, THE CRACK SHACK Q: Tell us a bit about The Crack Shack. Jon Sloan: It’s a really cool Southern California fried chicken joint. It has this amazing layout and vibe, as well as a really great cocktail and beer program, centered around local craft beers. It has an outdoorsy feel with urban elements. It’s a smart and whimsical take on food and a way to look at chicken from a different lens. Q: What inspires your dishes? JS: Ever since I’ve been into cooking and running restaurants, I’ve always been about where food comes from, the connections and relationships with people bringing you food and honoring ingredients. There’s a story behind every person raising an animal, catching fish, growing vegetables and harvesting
spices, and I want to respect the energy that these people put in. Q: How has working with famed “Top Chef” star Richard Blais impacted your career? JS: Richard’s approach is whimsical and out-of-the-box. Early on, that definitely inspired and led me to a different way of looking at food compared to what I had been taught. For example: our chicken oysters and the concept of applying oyster techniques to a chicken. Q: What’s your favorite menu item for the carnivores out there? JS: My favorite is the bone-in fried chicken. It took about 3-4 months of research and development: breading styles, egg or no egg, buttermilk or no buttermilk, wheat flour. We had to get it perfect.
FUELING UP • Before Jon Sloan hits up the kitchen, you may find him fueling up at Supannee Thai, Cucina Urbana, Catania or Buona Forchetta. NATIVE KNOWLEDGE • The Crack Shack now has locations in Little Italy and Encinitas.
Photoshoot Location: THE CRACK SHACK 407 Encinitas Blvd Encinitas, CA 92024 760.230.2968 2266 Kettner Blvd San Diego, CA 92101 619.795.3299 www.crackshack.com
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FOODIE /// GUIDE
WHAT’S GOOD IN THE ‘HOOD Photo By: Kambria Fischer
GET YOUR GRUB ON in These Foodie Hubs Around San Diego
e San Diego has some
of the best restaurants, cafes and coffee shops around. Having trouble deciding where to get brunch or even grab a cup of coffee? Lucky for you, we have put together the ultimate guide of new, old and trendy places to try ASAP. From Pacific Beach to Oceanside, see what to grab from our fave neighborhoods in SD!
WRITTEN BY: JUSTINE MCGRATH PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BHADRI KUBENDRAN AND KAMBRIA FISCHER BLUE OCEAN ROBATA & SUSHI BAR 2958 Madison St Carlsbad, CA 92008 760.434.4959 www.blueoceanrobatasushi.com
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FOODIE /// GUIDE
Photos - Scrimshaw Coffee: Bhadri Kubendran | Hawthorn Coffee: Evan Tipton
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Caffeine O'Clock HOW TIRED ARE YOU THIS MORNING? Grab one of These Local Cups of Coffee in and Around UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS to get you up and Moving!
Local Favorite ORDER THIS: Mystic Mocha
NEW
MYSTIC MOCHA 2105 Mission Ave San Diego, CA 92116 619.688.0858 www.mysticmocha.net
Newbie
Trendy
Scrimshaw Coffee’s motto, “Waste time together,” embodies the café’s friendly, laid back vibe. Whether you’re catching up with old friends or working on a deadline, you’ll find a variety of beverages that suit your mood. When in doubt, order Scrimshaw’s classic latte—a timeless espresso drink with an enchanting twist. Featuring an aromatic blend of South American coffee (roasted by San Diego fan favorite Dark Horse Coffee Roasters), creamy milk and served with animal crackers, the latte at Scrimshaw quickly becomes more than a beverage; it’s a delightful café experience that’s even better when shared with friends.
ORDER THIS: Supertonic
e
HAWTHORN COFFEE 3019 Adams Ave San Diego, CA 92116 619.501.4882 www.hawthorncoffee.com
ORDER THIS: Ginger Honey Latte MERÁKI CAFE 1735 Adams Ave San Diego, CA 92116 619.269.9618 www.merakicafesd.com
Oldie but Goodie ORDER THIS: Cold Brew LESTAT’S ON PARK 4496 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92116 619.501.6638 lestats.coffee/lestats-on-park
Must Visit
SCRIMSHAW COFFEE 5542 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92115 619.501.2355 www.scrimshawcoffee.com
KNOW YOUR BEANS
Local Favorite
ORDER THIS: Coco-Mocho-Nut
1. 40 percent of the world’s coffee is produced in Brazil.
2. Hawaii is the only US state that grows coffee.
3. The most expensive coffee in the world comes from the feces of a wild Sumatran cat.
GRINDS & VINE COFFEE BAR 2419 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92104 619.512.2423 www.grindsandvine.com
Must Visit Q&A WITH GENERAL MANAGER STEPHEN FREESE OF COFFEE & TEA COLLECTIVE 46 LOCALE MAGAZINE
Q: How does Coffee & Tea Collective differ from other local cafes? Stephen Freese: Coffee & Tea Collective is a roasting company at heart. Much of our time is spent seeking out the most unique seasonal single origin coffees from around the world. Our approach to roasting and brewing coffee is a blend of both art and science.
Q: Can you tell us a bit more about how it's tied to the community? SF: Our spaces were created to be a blank canvas for the community. Over the years we have been able to support the growth of the creative community through art shows, concerts and other communal events.
ORDER THIS: Cappuccino COFFEE & TEA COLLECTIVE 2911 El Cajon Blvd San Diego, CA 92104 619.564.8086 coffeeandteacollective.com
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FOODIE /// GUIDE SONGS ABOUT FOOD
Local Favorite ORDER THIS: Awesome French Toast e This isn’t your family’s French toast recipe. Cody’s take on the classic dish combines thick challah bread, candied walnuts, juicy strawberries and indulgent mascarpone honey butter.
CODY’S LA JOLLA 8030 Girard Ave La Jolla, CA 92037 858.459.0040 www.codyslj.com
CELEBRATE SUNDAY FUN DAY!
“Banana Pancakes” by Jack Johnson
ORDER THIS: Biscuits and Gravy THE BIER GARDEN OF ENCINITAS 641 S Coast Hwy 101 Encinitas, CA 92024 760.632.2437 biergardenencinitas. com
“Lemon” by N.E.R.D & Rihanna
ORDER THIS: “Only on the Weekend” Cocktail
Brunch So Hard How EXTRA is Your Dish? Check Out These Overthe-Top Brunch Spots in LA JOLLA
Must Visit
Oldie but Goodie
ORDER THIS: Lemon Ricotta Pancakes
ORDER THIS: Duke’s Loco Moco
ORDER THIS: Short Rib Hash
e This sweet treat from The Cottage will make any day feel festive. Order up some fluffy blueberry-filled pancakes and enjoy a hint of lemon zest in the practically perfect dough. Maple syrup comes on the side as a saccharine accent for the meal.
e When you’re looking for a meal that will stick to your ribs, and a view of the Pacific that’s unbeatable, head to Duke’s. Their loco moco dish features a rich beef patty (made of chuck, brisket, and hanger grind), puts it over a bed of jasmine rice, then tops the patty with a fried egg and savory adobo gravy.
Experience a culinary tour de force when you order NINE-TEN’s signature short rib hash. Tender short rib meat is shredded and mixed together with roasted onions, crispy potatoes, and topped with red wine sauce and a poached egg.
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DUKE’S LA JOLLA 1216 Prospect St La Jolla, CA 92037 858.454.5888 www.dukeslajolla.com
“Peaches And Cream” by 112
ORDER THIS: Acai Bowl
“Passionfruit” by Drake
PARK 101 3040 Carlsbad Blvd Carlsbad, CA 92008 760.434.2217 park101carlsbad.com
Trendy
THE COTTAGE 7702 Fay Ave La Jolla, CA 92037 858.454.8409 www.cottagelajolla.com
THE ROOFTOP BY STK AT ANDAZ SAN DIEGO 600 F St San Diego, CA 92101 619.814.2060 www.sandiego.andaz. hyatt.com
e
NINE-TEN RESTAURANT 910 Prospect St La Jolla, CA 92037 858.964.5400 www.nine-ten.com
Duke's Loco Moco from Duke's La Jolla
“Collard Greens” by ScHoolboy Q
3 Photos - Red O Taste of Mexico: Mathew Martinez | Cody's La Jolla: Nick Isabella
HANGOVER CURES CURE #1
ORDER THIS: Chicken’ Waffle e When you wake up groggy after a wild night out and can’t decide between crispy fried chicken and decadent waffles… get both! The Chicken’ Waffle features Korean-style twice-fried chicken atop a fluffy Belgian waffle. Order it with their classic batter, or if your hungover self is up for it, opt for the spicy preparation.
Must Visit
CROSS STREET CHICKEN & BEER 4403 Convoy St San Diego, CA 92111 858.430.6001 www.crossstreetcnb.com
ORDER THIS: Lobster Benedict In the mood for an ultra-savory brunch dish? Red O Taste of Mexico’s lobster benedict brings together a toasted English muffin, salsa huevona, sliced avocado, poached eggs, cilantro hollandaise and breakfast potatoes all paired with a decadent grilled lobster tail. e
CURE #2
ORDER THIS: California Burrito e The California burrito has become regarded as a magical hangover cure. The enticing combination of well-seasoned carne asada, crispy French fries, cheese and sour cream will soak up any lingering alcohol and have you feeling good as new in no time.
RED O TASTE OF MEXICO 4340 La Jolla Village Dr San Diego, CA 92122 858.291.8360 www.redorestaurant.com
ORTIZ’S TACO SHOP 3704 Voltaire St San Diego, CA 92107 619.222.4476 www.ortizstacoshop. menutoeat.com CURE #3
ORDER THIS: Waffle Cristo
“WE SOURCE OUT THE BEST INGREDIENTS TO USE AND WE TAKE HUGE PRIDE IN TRAINING OUR STAFF EFFECTIVELY SO THEY CAN DELIVER THE BEST COURSE OF SERVICE TO OUR GUEST.” —EXECUTIVE CORPORATE CHEF MARC JOHNSON
e Not only does Brian’s 24 offer the Waffle Cristo, which includes ham and cheddar jack cheese sandwiched between two halves of thick bacon waffles and slathered in maple syrup, but the restaurant is open 24/7. Whether your hangover keeps you in bed until 9 a.m. or 3 p.m., the Waffle Cristo will be ready for you.
BRIAN’S 24 828 Sixth Ave San Diego, CA 92101 619.702.8410 www.brians24.com
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FOODIE /// GUIDE
Rush Hour
Where To Get LUNCH IN OCEANSIDE During Your Break!
Must Visit
RUNNING LATE? GRAB AND GO!
ORDER THIS: Tango Mango Roll TIP: In addition to its tasty menu offerings, Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar is known for its excellent service and décor. With a sparkling ambiance and friendly staff, add this sushi spot to your rotation when looking to impress a colleague. BLUE OCEAN ROBATA & SUSHI BAR 2958 Madison St Carlsbad, CA 92008 760.434.4959 www.blueoceanrobatasushi.com
ORDER THIS: Super Double Cheeseburger Get your food fast by utilizing Angelo’s nofuss drive-thru.
e
ANGELO’S BURGERS 608 S Coast Hwy 101 Encinitas, CA 92024 760.943.9115 angelossandiego.com
ORDER THIS: Mole Enchiladas Call in an order for pick up and feast on enchiladas stuffed with brown rice, tomato, and avocado back at the office. e
SWAMI’S 1163 S Coast Hwy 101 Encinitas, CA 92024 760.944.0612 www.swamiscafe.com
ORDER THIS: Southwest Sandwich Expect a quickly prepared, delicious lunch when you call in a to-go order from The Cup. When you’re not in such a hurry, come back and enjoy a coffee or draft beer along with your meal.
BRING LUNCH TO YOU
Postmates
GrubHub
e
NEW
Local Favorite
Must Visit
Newbie
ORDER THIS: Smoked Fish Tacos
ORDER THIS: Chicken & Butternut Squash Pot Pie
ORDER THIS: 608 Burger
TIP: Don’t get your order to-go— stay and enjoy the ocean view! Chowing down on fish tacos and feeling the sea breeze is the best way to recharge before returning to the office. HELLO BETTY FISH HOUSE 211 Mission Ave Oceanside, CA 92054 760.722.1008 www.hellobettyoceanside.com
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TIP: Carpool with your coworkers to cut down on time spent looking for parking. The restaurant’s lot is small, but even if you have to hunt for street parking, the quality eats inside will be worth the wait.
TIP: Have an upcoming lunch meeting with a vegetarian? Bring them to 608, where their veggies are sourced from local farms. Your lunch date will be satisfied, and you’re still free to enjoy one of the best burgers in O-Side.
LOCAL TAP HOUSE AND KITCHEN 308 S Coast Hwy Oceanside, CA 92054 760.547.1469 www.localtaphouse.com
608 608 Mission Ave Oceanside, CA 92054 760.291.1040 www.608oceanside.com
THE CUP 206 Wisconsin Ave Oceanside, CA 92054 760.722.3225 www.the-cup-coffee. cafes-usa.com
DoorDash
Uber Eats
HELLO BETTY FISH HOUSE
Local Favorite ORDER THIS: Chicken Melt TIP: Have an office that allows furry friends to come in? Bring your professional pup to Masters Kitchen and Cocktail, where you can both enjoy lunch in the outdoor seating section.
Photos - Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar: Kambria Fischer | Masters Kitchen and Cocktail: Bhadri Kubendran
MASTERS KITCHEN AND COCKTAIL 208 S Coast Hwy Oceanside, CA 92054 760.231.6278 www.mastersoceanside.com
“I LIKE SIMPLICITY, AND I DON’T TRY TO MASK FLAVORS. I LET GOOD QUALITY INGREDIENTS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES.” —EXECUTIVE CHEF, DARRELL CAMPBELL
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FOODIE /// GUIDE
Beach, Please! Where’s the Best Place to Eat With a View in PACIFIC BEACH?
Must Visit
Local Favorite
ORDER THIS: Steamed Mussels
ORDER THIS: Shore Club
NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: Tuesdays are for winos! Take advantage of half-off bottles of wine priced $40 and up!
NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: After 9 p.m., you can enjoy tidbits from their late night menu, including tacos, chips and guac, wings, nachos and more!
JRDN RESTAURANT 723 Felspar St San Diego, CA 92109 858.270.2323 www.t23hotel.com/jrdn
PB SHORE CLUB 4343 Ocean Blvd San Diego, CA 92109 858.272.7873 www.pbshoreclub.com
Must Visit ORDER THIS: Lobster Roll NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: Enjoy live music from local San Diego artists on the rooftop every Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m. CANNONBALL 3105 Ocean Front Walk San Diego, CA 92109 858.228.9304 www.cannonballsd.com
Trendy ORDER THIS: Ahi Bowl NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: El Prez is the perfect place for Green Bay Packers, Golden State Warriors and Kansas Jayhawks fans, and will host all games. EL PREZ 4190 Mission Blvd San Diego, CA 92109 858.750.2512 www.thewoodgroupsd.com/ venues/el-prez 52 LOCALE MAGAZINE
Trendy ORDER THIS: Bao Buns NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: Join their Rum Club with perks like 15 percent off your bill, exclusive invites to tastings, classes and a limited edition shirt and mug. THE GRASS SKIRT 910 Grand Ave San Diego, CA 92109 858.412.5237 www.thegrassskirt.com
TACO TIME
What’s the Deal?
Local Favorite ORDER THIS:
ORDER THIS: Oceana Seafood Tower
El Pastor
TUESDAY DEAL:
NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: Stop by on Wednesdays for live music and $2 off craft draft beer, and Thursdays for more live tunes and half-off bottles of wine!
$2.50 tacos
PUESTO 1026 Wall St La Jolla, CA 92037 858.454.1260 www.eatpuesto.com
OCEANA COASTAL KITCHEN 3999 Mission Blvd San Diego, CA 92109 858.539.8635 www.catamaranresort.com/dining-entertainment/oceana-san-diego-restaurant
ORDER THIS: Battered Fish
TUESDAY DEAL:
Every day is Taco Tuesday at Oscar’s!
Must Visit ORDER THIS: Tom’s Choice NATIVE KNOWLEDGE: Founder Tom Powers’ grandmother actually invented the recipe of the beloved Sweet & Sour sauce on her visit from Chicago after the first restaurant opened in Del Mar in 1979. BOARD & BREW 4516 Mission Blvd, Ste D Pacific Beach, CA 92109 858.270.2739 www.boardandbrew.com
OSCAR’S SEAFOOD 746 Emerald St San Diego, CA 92109 858.412.4009 oscarsmexicanseafood.com
ORDER THIS: Azteca Steak
TUESDAY DEAL:
Three special tacos from a guest chef from 5 p.m. to close. GALAXY TACO 2259 Avenida De La Playa La Jolla, CA 92037 858.228.5655 www.galaxytaco.com
ORDER THIS:
Gardez Margarita KING & QUEEN CANTINA 1490 Kettner Blvd San Diego, CA 92101 619.756.7864 kingandqueencantina.com
ORDER THIS: Photos - Oceana Coastal Kitchen: Kambria Fischer | Board & Brew: Josie Gonzales
Wine Flight
SOLTERRA WINERY 934 N Coast Hwy 101 Encinitas, CA 92024 760.230.2970 www.solterrawinery.com
ORDER THIS:
Cocktail Carlsbad
TAKE MY PICTURE
TWENTY/20 5480 Grand Pacific Dr Carlsbad, CA 92008 760.827.2500 www.twenty20grill.com
(In This Super Cute Bathroom) BANG BANG 526 Market St San Diego, CA 92101 619.677.2264 www.bangbangsd.com
THIRSTY THURSDAY Check out These Instagrammable Drinks!
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FOODIE /// GUIDE
Oh, What A Night!
Oldie but Goodie OCCASION: MEET THE PARENTS
ORDER THIS: Filet Mignon - 8 oz
No Matter the Occasion for Your SPECIAL EVENING, These Spots Will Make it One for the Books!
You can avoid meet-theparents-jitters by picking a restaurant you know that everyone will love, like Lou & Mickey’s. With juicy steaks, delicious pastas and an extensive cocktail menu, there’s something to satisfy everyone in attendance. e
LOU & MICKEY’S 224 Fifth Ave San Diego, CA 92101 619.237.4900 www.louandmickeys.com
MIND YOUR MANNERS NEW
Must Visit
Oldie but Goodie
Must Visit
Newbie
OCCASION: BIRTHDAY
OCCASION: ANNIVERSARY
OCCASION: JUST BECAUSE
OCCASION: FIRST DATE
ORDER THIS: “Mac & Blue” Balls
ORDER THIS: Risotto
ORDER THIS: Nason’s Burger
ORDER THIS: Sweet Corn Bucatini
Celebrate the special someone in your life by treating them to an unforgettable dinner at The Shout! House, followed by a high-energy dueling piano performance. Between bites of the tasty “Mac & Blue” Balls and watching the on-stage antics unfold, this birthday will be one your boo doesn’t forget anytime soon.
Serving classic Italian dishes in a beautiful space, Monello is the ideal place to celebrate any special occasion. Word to the wise: On Wednesdays the Milanese restaurant serves their risotto from inside a massive cheese wheel. Delizioso!
It’s a weekday but you and bae are in the mood to mix things up—head to Nason’s Beer Hall, inside Pendry San Diego. With German-inspired cuisine, and nearly 30 beers on tap, you’re bound to leave satiated and smiling.
Impress your date with a trip to this contemporary, casual spot atop Kimpton Solamar San Diego. The rooftop bar’s atmosphere keeps things light and breezy, while the decadent menu ups the wow factor.
MONELLO 750 W Fir St San Diego, CA 92101 619.501.0030 www.lovemonello.com
NASON’S BEER HALL 570 J St San Diego, CA 92101 619.738.7060 www.pendryhotels.com/san-diego/ dining/nasons-beer-hall
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e
e
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UPPER EAST BAR 616 J St, Ste 101 San Diego, CA 92101 619.531.8744 www.hotelsolamar.com
RULE #1 e Place
the napkin in your lap when you sit down. RULE #2
e Hold the fork in your left hand, and the knife in your right.
RULE #3 e Don’t talk with food in your mouth.
RULE #4 e If drinking white wine, hold it by the stem.
RULE #5 e Don’t put your elbows on the table when eating.
DON’T MISS THIS UPCOMING FOODIE EVENT!
NEW
Newbie Explore the VinDiego Wine and Food Festival for the ultimate foodie and winelovers paradise. With over 300 vinos from top-notch wineries and bites from SD restaurants, stop by Liberty Station in Point Loma on April 14 for a one-of-a-kind event! www.vindiego.com
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OCCASION: PROPOSAL
ORDER THIS: Spicy Grilled Octopus e Set the mood for romance by taking your beloved to one of the most beautiful restaurants in the city. Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine’s stunning décor and impeccable service will complement your planned proposal, and a shared portion of Spicy Grilled Octopus is a delicious way to celebrate your newly planned nuptials.
LIONFISH MODERN COASTAL CUISINE 435 Fifth Ave San Diego, CA 92101 619.738.7200 www.lionfishsd.com
DONUT DESTINATIONS TO SATISFY YOUR CRAVINGS Grab a Bite at These Sweet Spots
ORDER THIS: Vegan Donuts DONUT PANIC 6171 Mission Gorge Rd, Ste 113 San Diego, CA 92120 619.280.1894 www.donutpanicsd. wordpress.com
ORDER THIS: Ube Taro Coconut NOMAD DONUTS 3102 University Ave San Diego, CA 92104 619.431.5000 www.nomaddonuts.com *Menu Changes Daily
Photos - Lou & Mickey's: Bhadri Kubendran | Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine: Julie Jones
ORDER THIS: Cream Puffs PETERSON'S DONUT CORNER 903 S Escondido Blvd Escondido, CA 92025 760.745.7774 petersonsdonutcorner. menutoeat.com
ORDER THIS: Jelly Donuts VG DONUTS & BAKERY 106 Aberdeen Dr Cardiff, CA 92007 760.753.2400 www.vgbakery.com
ORDER THIS: Dat Cookie Doe FRAT BOY DONUTS 1380 Garnet Ave San Diego, CA 92109 858.263.4158 www.fratboydonuts.com
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FOODIE /// GUIDE
Photos - The Bar at Moniker General: Moniker Group
F
The Happiest of Hours
CATCH ME OUTSIDE
Where to Grab a Bite and Drink After Work in POINT LOMA
FOOD TRUCKS TO TRY 1. The Poke Craft 2. Mariscos Mi Gusto Es
NEW
Tavern Maggie + Fried Chicken Sliders from Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern
3. Tacos La Mezcla
Newbie ORDER THIS: Ginger Mojito TIME: Monday through Friday 3-6 p.m. THE BAR AT MONIKER GENERAL 2860 Sims Rd San Diego, CA 92106 619.255.8772 www.monikergeneral.com
5 OFFICE HAPPY HOUR DOS AND DON’TS RULE #1 e Don’t
Take Shots
RULE #2 e Don’t
Local Favorite
Must Visit
Oldie but Goodie
Must Visit
ORDER THIS: Craft Beer + Wings
ORDER THIS: Tavern Maggie + Fried Chicken Sliders
ORDER THIS: Winter’s Coming + Mac & Cheese
ORDER THIS: The Midshipman
TIME: Monday through Friday 3-6 p.m.
TIME: Monday through Friday 4-6 p.m.
TIME: Monday through Friday 4-6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 4-5 p.m.
JIMMY’S FAMOUS AMERICAN TAVERN 4990 N Harbor Dr San Diego, CA 92106 619.226.2103 www.j-fat.com
THE PEARL HOTEL 1410 Rosecrans St San Diego, CA 92106 619.226.6100 www.thepearlsd.com
MESS HALL 2820 Historic Decatur Rd San Diego, CA 92106 619.487.9346 www.libertypublicmarket.com
TIME: Monday through Friday 3-6 p.m. DIRTY BIRDS 4565 Mission Blvd San Diego, CA 92109 858.274.2473 www.dirtybirdsbarandgrill.com
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Put Your Drinks on the Company Card RULE #3 e Do Drink Responsibly
RULE #4 e Don’t
Talk Poorly About Your CoWorkers RULE #5
e Do
*Menus subject to change
Take Time to Bond With People
FOODIE /// GUIDE
Newbie
Do It For the Gram CHECK OUT Insta-Worthy Spots
INSTA HERE: ‘In Pie We Trust’ Sign
1
INSTA HERE: ‘Birds of a Feather’ Sign
Come for the photo op, stay for the treats. It’s like every day is National Pie Day here—crust us.
Trendy PARAKEET CAFE 927 Silverado St La Jolla, CA 92037 858.412.5627 www.parakeetcafe.com 5
INSTA HERE: The Pink Telephone
2
INSTA HERE: ‘Pot Head’ Sign
1
3
2
4
S3 COFFEE BAR 6171 Mission Gorge Rd, Ste 102 San Diego, CA 92120 619.693.5333 www.s3coffeebar.com
INSTA HERE: ‘Beer is Love’ Sign
3
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4
INSTA HERE: ‘You are Exactly Where You Need to Be’ Mural
Local Favorite LIBERTY STATION 2701 Lytton St San Diego, CA 92106 619.756.7992 www.libertystation.com
OTHER INSTA-WORTHY SPOTS
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6
Want more #Inspo? Flip to Page 30 to Check Out Our Favorite SD Foodie Instagram Influencers @eat_sandiego
POP PIE CO. 4404 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92116 619.501.4440 www.poppieco.com
4
Newbie
5
Newbie SPILL THE BEANS 555 Market St San Diego, CA 92101 619.233.3836 www.spillthebeanssd.com
It’s going to be difficult to resist your pie long enough to snap a picture at Pop Pie Co. Those who hold out on digging in will be rewarded with a photo that showcases the buttery, flaky crust of one of the restaurant’s signature dishes, available in both savory and sweet varieties. For added Insta-effect, hold up your order (Simbastyle) in front of the restaurant’s neon “In Pie We Crust” sign and get ready to see your follower count skyrocket. Once you’ve achieved your desired aesthetic, sit back with your delicious pie, sip on a cold pilsner, and thank yourself for having the good taste to visit this place. e
INSTA HERE: ‘Coffee + Flowers’ Wall
Trendy COMMUNAL COFFEE 2335 University Ave San Diego, CA 92104 www.communalcoffee.com
Newbie NASON’S BEER HALL 570 J St San Diego, CA 92101 619.738.7060 www.pendryhotels. com/san-diego/dining/ nasons-beer-hall
BOBA BAR & DESSERTS 4619 Convoy St, Ste F San Diego, CA 92111 858.226.3903
CLOAK & PETAL 1953 India St San Diego, CA 92101 619.501.5505 www.cloakandpetal.com
ONE DOOR NORTH 3422 30th St San Diego, CA 92104 619.618.1285 www.onedoornorthsd.com
TRAILER PARK AFTER DARK 835 Fifth Ave San Diego, CA 92101 619.236.1550 www.trailerparkafterdark.com
Photos - Parakeet Cafe: @brigittepatton | Spill the Beans: @karensandiego | Liberty Station: @espressoandendorphins | Communal Coffee: @drselene | S3 Coffee Bar: @audreykoepke | Nason’s Beer Hall: @nasonsbeerhall | Pop Pie Co.: @poppiecosd
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RICHARD BLAIS @richardblais www.richardblais.net THE CRACK SHACK ENCINITAS 407 Encinitas Blvd Encinitas, CA 92024 760.230.2968 Photoshoot Locations: JUNIPER & IVY 2228 Kettner Blvd San Diego, CA 92101 619.269.9036 www.juniperandivy.com THE CRACK SHACK LITTLE ITALY 2266 Kettner Blvd San Diego, CA 92101 619.795.3299 www.crackshack.com
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¤ SWEATSHIRT: Pink Crusian, crusian.com | JEANS: Citizens Of Humanity, citizensofhumanity.com | BOOTS: Doc Martens, drmartens.com | EYEWEAR: LA EyeWorks, laeyeworks.com | See following pages for full fashion credits
A TRUE T R A IL BLA I S E R
Have No Fear ‘Top Chef’ Richard Blais is Here and He’s Cooking Up Something Good
WRITTEN BY: JORDAN LIGONS • PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DAMIEN NOBLE ANDREWS STYLED BY: TERESITA MADRIGAL • GROOMING BY: LISA LEEDY
“SAN DIEGO HAS THE SAME PRODUCTS T H AT S A N F R A N C I S C O A N D LO S ANGELES HAS, THE SAME LABOR F O R C E , S O W H Y I S I T N OT C O M PA R A B L E TO THOSE OTHER CITIES?” —RICHARD BLAIS LOCALE MAGAZINE 61
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RICHARD BLAIS IS HUNGRY. This time, it’s not exactly for his droolicious chicken sandwich at The Crack Shack or a liquid nitrogen-infused plate from Juniper & Ivy, but hungry for success, and, more importantly, for the ride on the road to it. “I love being the underdog; it’s great,” said the celebrity chef, restaurateur, author and TV personality. “No one is going to be upset if you don’t get all the way to the top, they’re going to love you even more.” The New Yorker is a Jets fan, so he’s really serious about being the underdog. “ I N T H I S B U S I N E S S I T T R U LY H A S T O B E A L I F E S T Y L E . I F Y O U F E E L L I K E Y O U ’ R E G O I N G TO T H E K I TC H E N O R TO T H E R E S TA U R A N T A N D I T F E E L S L I K E W O R K , Y O U ’ R E I N T H E W R O N G B U S I N E S S .” — R I C H A R D B L A I S 62 LOCALE MAGAZINE
WHAT CAN’T HE DO? ¢ In 2016, Blais appeared in his debut role in Why Him? starring James Franco and Bryan Cranston and he’ll be co-hosting a local AM country radio show. “Right now it’s new experiences. I think that’s what really stimulates growth for me,” he said. WHAT’S THE BLAIS’ HOME GOLDEN RULE? ¢ “We have a philosophy in our house that you don’t have to eat it, you just have to try it.”
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“I think it’s a flaw,” Blais jokes. “It’s embracing the journey though. I feel like once you win, the games over.” He goes on to talk about the moment he fell short on “Top Chef” in his first attempt on season four. He was upset, angry and disappointed, but it wasn’t for a reason you’d think. “I wasn’t upset that I lost, I was upset that there was no game the next day, that the season was over. That’s why I came back, that’s why I keep doing it.” It’s this hunger for knowledge and opportunity that drives Blais into a multitude of endeavors like winning “Top Chef All-Stars,” appearing on “Iron Chef,” guest judging on “Top Chef Jr.” and the list goes on. But Blais has to check himself often to remember those humble beginnings. Growing up in a lowermiddle class family, his first position was the poissonier at good ‘ol Mickey D’s, and eventually worked his way up to being trained at Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry and Daniel Boulud’s Daniel, both Michelin-star establishments.
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In all the kitchens he’s worked in, he witnessed hard work ethic at the forefront. “But what I think I took from all of it collectively is that in this business it truly has to be a lifestyle. If you feel like you’re going to the kitchen or to the restaurant and it feels like work, you’re in the wrong business,” Blais said. “And that’s a joy that not many people have. I’m lucky and blessed for the 20 years it’s been, rarely have I felt like [it’s] my job.” Yet, he still has plenty of started-from-the-bottomnow-I’m-here moments. “How many people in LOCALE MAGAZINE 63
WHAT’S CRACKIN’? ¢ The Crack Shack opened its third location in Orange County late last year and has plans of opening a new location in Century City soon. WHERE’S THIS FOOD FROM? ¢ Richard and his wife Jazmin aim to educate their two girls through cooking and eating a meal together at home: “It’s such an easy slam dunk for any family,” he advises. “If you want to throw some education into your family, have ramen night. Boom! Now you’re in a conversation about Japan.”
their lives that started from fast food, coming from pretty much nothing, have ever even had the opportunity to be on one television show or even be in a room to try to sell an idea [of another television show],” then he said talking directing into the recorder, “Come see me, Netflix!” Blais goes on to say that you have to simply enjoy the process of it all; enjoy the journey, not the destination. In comparative to his culinary career, his impressive five-time marathon running resume and athletic background equates to his career as a chef. “You can’t think of mile 26 on mile four,” he says that makes for one hell of a race. The same goes for expanding The Crack Shack locations throughout Southern California or how Juniper & Ivy has just celebrated their fourth birthday, but he’s looking towards their tenth. You’ve got to take it as it comes. Right now he’s coaching his youngest daughter’s basketball team and it’s “one of the absolute joys of this year” for him. The leadership, confidence and flat-out patience it takes to teach first graders a 2-3-zone defense in an 11-girl rotation stems from being able to handle the heat in the kitchen. “Cooking is sport,” Blais says matter-of-factly, and just like in a zone defense, teamwork makes the dream work. “Chefs need to have confidence; they need to have swagger.” Much like Jon Sloan, the executive chef of The Crack Shack and Anthony Wells at Juniper & Ivy. They are the team captains, the point guards if you will; they’re leading the teams by example. “There’s a bluntness about cooking that is really different than a lot of other businesses.” He 64 LOCALE MAGAZINE
explains that it’s no office job where there are group meetings every Friday in a kumbaya-style circle. Sometimes you have to be straight up with your teammate in the kitchen and let them know that they need to step their game up. “Historically, the European-trained chef has been a tyrant,” Blais said. He mentions that Sloan is a surfer, a laid-back guy. “I trained in those hardcore European kitchens where I would go home crying. That’s something I say with pride, but also when I look back on that, I didn’t want any of my people driving their bike 10 miles home in the rain crying because they felt that they let down their boss, or whatever it was,” then he jokingly adds, “I’m also really sensitive, maybe that’s what it is. I’m a Pisces.” Despite his self-assessed sensitivity, his skin seems to be tough. “I’ve failed so many times. In restaurants, in TV—you just have to embrace failure,” Blais said. “You have to love failing.” But, when you surround yourself with a lot of smart, amazing people, it cushions the fall. Yes, Richard Blais’ face is on the front cover, but he wants to set the record straight that although he may be getting the credit and the spotlight, underneath the cover image is about 300 people that are propping him up. “I cannot underestimate how important the executive chefs, the general managers, the financial partners, the other investors—it takes a village,” he said. This village is nestled inside of San Diego’s buzzing foodie scene, which is totally having a moment right now, but he says the potential has always been there. “I can’t stand when people
WANT MORE? ¢ Download the PodcastOne app and tune in weekly to Starving For Attention With Richard Blais to listen to who he interviews next! podcastone. com/starving-forattention
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WHAT’S UP WITH THE LIQUID NITROGEN? ¢ Blais once told Parade back in 2008 that he uses it “the way a lot of chefs use frying oil. It’s the second coldest substance on Earth and great for superquick cooking.”
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WHY DOES RICHARD BLAIS LOVE SAN DIEGO? ¢ “I love that San Diego is so close to Mexico.” ¢ “I love that I have cooks that live in Mexico—that’s just amazing to me!” ¢ ”I love that I can run through the canyon and find in ingredients: wild radishes, fennels, carrots and all sorts of herbs.”
come up to me and say, ‘Thank you, Richard Blais, for fixing this place.’ That’s not true. We are a part of a movement.” Blais says that him and his partner Mike Rosen were one of the pioneers of snagging prime real estate in an upand-coming Little Italy neighborhood. Now, it’s vibrant with dozens of new restaurants, condos and cafes; it’s booming. “San Diego has the same products that San Francisco and Los Angeles has, the same labor force, so why is it not comparable to those other cities?” he says. “I can’t stand when someone tells me to stay in my lane. I may have a lane that’s preferred for me, but let me change lanes. As long as I put my blinker on, I’m good.” After two successful cookbooks—James Beard nominee Try This at Home and his less than a year old So Good—Blais officially considers himself a podcaster, a new lane he’s merging into. PodcastOne’s five-star “Starving for Attention” is a love project for the sheer fact of breaking out of his shell, he says. The bright-framed, outgoing character that we’ve tuned into on our TV screens for years on segments like “Good Morning America,” partnering with Michelle Obama’s Just Move initiative or a number of challenges on The Food Network, is actually incredibly withdrawn and introverted. “Chefs are known as social animals, but I’m totally not. I don’t really drink, I don’t
party, I don’t have any tattoos—oh my God, I’m a disgrace,” he laughs. “The podcasts are a way for me to force being social.” Bonus: it’s also a great way to spend time with his wife, Jazmin, who cohosts the show with him. Hearing the stories of other wildly successful chefs and people in the biz have not only helped him be social, but also help him take home something new. “There’s always something to learn. I’ll never stop learning.” And with that knowledge, in 2018, he aims to be more of a mentor to young chefs in his kitchens, advise and overall be a listening ear. Blais confesses, “That’s me looking into the mirror and saying, ‘Dude, suck it up and work harder.’… Okay, now, this [interview] is therapy.” But with all jokes aside, Blais is after something; he doesn’t know exactly what that “thing” is nor does he know how long it’ll take him to get there, but he possesses that hunger for it, and sometimes that’s all that matters in this marathon-esque lifestyle. “I’m on this journey that I don’t even know what the fruit is I’m trying to grab on the tree, but I know that there’s a tree somewhere, and I do want some of that fruit, but I don’t even know what it tastes like,” he ends this analogy to success with a “does that make sense?” look on his face. It does, and we’re sure whatever it is, it will taste very well.
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FOODIE
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HOT CHEETO PIE
HOT CHEETO CARNE ASADA BURRITO
Ò Take your pie game to
CHEETAH ON
Your Diet THESE HOT CHEETO DISHES WILL WARM YOU UP WRITTEN BY: OLIN CHOW PHOTOGRAPHED BY: KAMBRIA FISCHER
As kids, Hot Cheetos were the “it” chip! That glorious, albeit sometimes inconvenient red dust left on your fingers was the mark of satisfaction. Now, the Hot Cheetos brand has evolved from what it was in the ‘90s, and can be found in a variety of different dishes on the culinary spectrum. It seems that not a day goes by without spotting one of these concoctions on our Instagram feed, so we rounded up our eight favorite Hot Cheeto-filled meals to satisfy your spicy cravings.
the next level! The Hot Cheeto Pie at Lock & Key Social Drinkery comes chock full of jalapeñobrined nacho cheese, chorizo, charred lemon sour cream, green onions and, of course, Hot Cheetos. Is your mouth watering yet? LOCK & KEY SOCIAL DRINKERY lksdkitchen.com
HOT CHEETOS BAGEL Ò These boys are no joke
with their Hot Cheetos Bagel! This decadent spin on a breakfast favorite comes with a fried egg, Tillamook sharp cheddar and bacon. What a great way to kick start your morning! Be sure to check their social media to see when they’re serving it. YEASTIE BOYS BAGELS yeastieboysbagels.com
THE OH NO BURGER
Ò This behemoth of a
burrito comes with a generous portion of carne asada, your choice of fixings like guacamole and sour cream and cheese, and all stuffed with crispy Hot Cheetos wrapped up in a warm tortilla. They don’t skimp on the good stuff. You won’t be disappointed. SAYULITAS MEXICAN FOOD sayulitasmexicanfood.com
HOT CHEETOS WITH NACHO CHEESE Ò Don’t let the restaurant name fool you! This momand-pop shop in City Heights may serve up fresh fruits and veggies, but their Hot Cheetos menu item makes for the perfect snack. They cut open a bag of Flaming Hot Cheetos and drizzle nacho cheese directly on the chips. Plus it’s only $2.50 so grab a fork and dig it!
OC SUSHIRRITO Ò This sushi burrito is
packed full with green tea-infused bamboo rice, salmon, fatty tuna, crab meat and vegetables. The best part? It’s wrapped up in Hot Cheeto dust and crumbles! THE LOW-KEY POKE JOINT lowkeypokejoint.com
HOT CHEETOLOTE Ò Elote, or Mexican corn
on the cob, is traditionally prepared with epazote, layered with butter, creamy mayo, queso cotija and lime. At El Raspadito, they create it with one delicious twist—it’s powdered with Flamin’ Hot Cheetos instead of chili powder. This unique pairing not only makes for a fiery meal but also helps to create the ideal Hot Cheeto snap. EL RASPADITO
FRUTILANDIA
Ò What’s better than
a burger with Hot Cheetos? A poke burger with Hot Cheetos. A Furikake rice bun bundles together tuna, mixed greens, white onions, seaweed salad and drizzled with a combination of their Oh No and Seoul Hott sauce. The Hot Cheetos in this burger add the perfect amount of crunch and spice! SAN DIEGO POKE COMPANY sdpokeco.com
SAN DIEGO POKE CO. 3533 Adams Ave San Diego, CA 92116 619.501.5960 www. sdpokeco.com
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The AMERICAN Dream MEET THE CULINARY GENIUS BEHIND JIMMY’S FAMOUS AMERICAN TAVERN
SPICY AHI POKE WRITTEN BY: K.W. RICHARDSON PHOTOGRAPHED BY: BRENDA WINBURN
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JIMMY’S FAMOUS AMERICAN TAVERN The Promenade at Point Loma 4990 N Harbor Dr San Diego, CA 92106 619.226.2103 Photoshoot Location: Village at La Floresta 3325 E Imperial Hwy Brea, CA 92823 714.733.1310 www.j-fat.com
“I ENDED UP BLUFFING MY WAY INTO A JOB AT MAXWELL’S PLUM AS A CAPTAIN WHERE I MADE TABLESIDE CAESAR SALAD AND STEAK TARTARE.” —DAVID WILHELM
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#TBT Chef Wilhelm’s very first cookbook was a Vincent Price cookbook that his mother bought for him in high school. He still has it to this day. Credit Where Credit is Due It was the owners of Le Mouton Noir that purchased Wilhelm his first Cuisinart. He credits much of the development of his early skills to his incessant experimentation with dishes in his home kitchen. Native Knowledge
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David Wilhelm’s name is legendary in the culinary world. His prodigious skill and trendsetting foresight has impacted the haute cuisine community for almost 40 years and put coastal towns like Laguna Beach on the map for his creative, yet exceedingly refined dining landmarks. Still, his adventurous spirit lives on, inspiring him to trade the white tablecloths and fresh white orchids for reclaimed wood, lively music and a purely American menu. His newest project, Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern, or JFAT, has yet again set the industry standard. Celebrating the recent opening of the fifth JFAT, Chef Wilhelm sat down with us to share the story of how our favorite tavern came to be.
Far from the sultry Chat Noir, venerable Savannah Chop House or inimitable force of French 75, Chef Wilhelm created JFAT, as a premium casual concept that welcomes board shorts as much as it does bespoke blazers and Louboutin’s. Speaking of his new and most casual concept yet, he said, “I love regional Americana. You know, I’m from the Midwest, so I wanted to have some fun with the recipes that I knew from my youth. I wanted to make comfort food for foodies.” “Family experience,” he said, was the inspiration for JFAT’s menu. Being the eldest of six children raised in Flint, MI, Chef Wilhelm got an early 72 LOCALE MAGAZINE
start in the kitchen from helping his mother prepare family meals. Spending countless hours in the family’s garden and kitchen gave him a deep appreciation for the myriad of mouthwatering flavors that American cuisine had to offer. That appreciation, or perhaps more appropriately, that affection, for folk flavors are unmistakably present throughout JFAT’s sumptuous offerings. But there’s more than just incredible flavor brought out by rich traditional ingredients. There is a palpable vibrancy to each dish that is very obviously distinguished from the familiar dishes that we grew up on. JFAT’s distinctive recipes were created because Wilhelm wanted
Look for offmenu specials every month that showcases Chef Wilhelm’s skill and passion for American food!
people to “get a familiar fix in a creative way.” Of course, his Midwestern modesty notably omitted the fact that he is a fantastically accomplished French chef.
GAINING NOTORIETY AT LIGHT SPEED, CHEF WILHELM THEN TRANSFORMED SORRENTO GRILL AND CREATED THE FAMOUS FRENCH 75 WITHIN JUST A FEW YEARS.
At the age of 18, Wilhelm moved to Manhattan. “I remember that first summer I was trying to find work at a bunch of restaurants, but I didn’t have any experience, so it was hard. “I ended up bluffing my way into a job at Maxwell’s Plum as a captain where I made tableside Caesar salad and steak tartare,” he recalled with a bit of embarrassed laughter. It was there that his passion for cuisine was really ignited. In January of 1976, tired of the frigid East Coast winter—and the semi-frequent muggings in NYC— Chef Wilhelm locked up his apartment, hopped on a plane for California and settled into Laguna Beach. It wouldn’t be long before he would open his own restaurant, Kachina, in Laguna Beach (now occupied by Brussel’s Bistro), and instantly put South Orange County dining on the map. Gaining notoriety at light speed, Chef Wilhelm then bought and transformed Sorrento Grill and
ˮI WANTED TO MAKE COMFORT FOOD FOR FOODIES.” —DAVID WILHELM
created the famous French 75 within just a few years. Opening as many as 15 successful highend concepts throughout California has made him a restaurant superstar, but despite his winning formula with fine dining, he is also never one to rest on his laurels. Wilhelm continued his penchant for trendsetting when he opened the first JFAT in Point Loma in 2010, and soon after opened one of the most popular restaurants in all of Dana Point. Dishing out creative interpretations of old-school family recipes and rocking hand-picked playlists, JFAT has become the standard for discriminating foodies that want to have a little fun. But it’s more than amazing food; indeed, great food is in ample supply since Wilhelm came to town. Creative, modern and impeccably designed, his tavern is the fun-filled culinary paradise that was missing from the local culinary scene. American cuisine is more than just reborn through Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern, it proves Wilhelm’s foresighted genius in giving us food and vibes that simply make us happy.
DAVID WILHELM’S NAME IS LEGENDARY IN THE CULINARY WORLD.
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M EALS DECONSTRUCTED
BOWL-D MOVE
These fruity, superfood delights are amazingly refreshing as a post-workout meal, or simply as a cool treat on any given sunny San Diego day.
THIS BEAUTIFUL BOWL COMES PACKED WITH SOME AMAZING GOODIES
WRITTEN BY: MARISA THRASHER Acai Granola Bowl
PHOTOGRAPHED BY: KAMBRIA FISCHER
MISS B’S COCONUT CLUB 3704 Mission Blvd San Diego, CA 92109 858.381.0855 www.missbcoconutclub.com LOCALE MAGAZINE
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2 TOASTED COCONUT 1 MANGO Acai Granola Bowl Deconstructed 3 PINEAPPLE
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STRAWBERRIES
5 BLACKBERRIES
7 FLOWER FOR GARNISH
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11 Let the Good Times Roll Find yourself by Miss B’s around lunch or dinner time? The menu is stacked with drool-inducing favorites like the Lechon Asado Fries and Curried Coconut Shrimp.
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ACAI
*not pictured
12 FRESH HONEY *not pictured
Native Knowledge Miss B’s is all about weekly specials. Monday is La Familia night for industry and locals, Tuesday is $10 for a burger and a beer, and the rest of the week’s schedule is on the specials page of their website.
“We combine fresh, seasonal, tropical fruits and berries, whose flavors blend well together for a tasty and colorful creation.” —Chef Troy Williams
Surely, you’ve caught on by now to the trendy (and delicious) Brazilian-born, acai-smoothie-bowl craze that’s been flooding your Instagram feed in all of its colorful glory. In case you’re not quite in the loop yet, acai is a deep purple berry, similar in looks to a blueberry and hails from the Acai Palm, which is native to the rainforests in South America. Due to the berries being packed with antioxidants, it’s also considered to be a superfood—score!
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Although acai bowls are usually served as a morning meal, these sorbet-like creations, often combined with fruit and other various toppings, can actually be enjoyed throughout the day because they are so tasty and refreshing. Whether you’re new to the acai scene or you already have your regular spot to grab an acai bowl, there’s a place you really need to add to your list. If you haven’t met her before, here’s your official introduction to Miss B’s Coconut Club! If you’re familiar with Mission Beach, there’s a good chance that you’re already aware of this neighborhood staple that’s been around for the last two years. Miss B’s Coconut Club is located in the heart of Mission Beach and is a little slice of pure paradise. As soon as you walk through the doors, you’ll immediately be transported to the Caribbean. Between the reggae music coming through the speakers, the beautiful floor-to-ceiling tropical décor and the chill vibes. You can grab a seat amongst the beachy-chic crowd, either outside on the sunny, L-shaped patio, at the bar to catch the game or take up residence on one of the brightly colored banquettes. Before you know it, you’ll be so relaxed that you’ll easily forget your worries. As if it’s not enough that every inch of the interior of Miss B’s is picture-worthy, the tropical-inspired menu is equally as enticing. A clear favorite is their Acai Granola Bowl, which is found on their brunch menu and is served on Saturday and Sunday’s from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. These fruity, superfood delights are amazingly refreshing as a postworkout meal, or simply as a cool treat on any given sunny San Diego day.
Miss B’s Head Chef, Troy Williams, explained why their acai bowls are so popular. “It’s a nondairy, vegan and gluten-free product. We combine fresh, seasonal, tropical fruits and berries, whose flavors blend well together for a tasty and colorful creation.” As far as ingredients go, this bowl is as good as it gets! Chef Williams explains, “The base is an unsweetened acai sorbet with no added sugar. The acai is then topped with tropical fruits like pineapple and mango and various berries such as raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries and grapes—depending on what’s in season, of course. The combination of fruits create a sweetness, since the acai isn’t very sweet on its own, and also a light citrusy tartness, neither of which are overpowering. From there, we’ll add some gluten-free granola for a crunchiness and then we’ll throw on some toasted coconut, which we toast in-house and finally we will drizzle some amber honey—it’s a bit more flavorful.” If you’re not already salivating then you clearly need to try this bowl for yourself. Surely, it will satiate your taste buds in just one sitting. Even for acai bowl connoisseurs, the chance that you’ll be disappointed with Miss B’s Acai Bowl is slim to none. The bottom line is that if you want a stellar dish and/or have the need to escape but don’t have the time to jet off to the Caribbean, go to Miss B’s and treat yourself to an acai bowl, maybe some Kombucha on draft and perhaps a mimosa, and you’ll feel like you’re on vacation. And if you simply don’t have time to sit down or the beach is really just calling your name, you’re in luck since you can get your acai bowl to go! LOCALE MAGAZINE 77
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SO GLASSY INSTA-WORTHY COCKTAILS TO MAKE FOR YOUR NEXT PARTY
WRITTEN BY: CHELSEA RAINERI PHOTOGRAPHED BY: REILLY KAVANAUGH STYLED BY: KALYNN NGUYEN
When planning a cocktail party, having a great looking drink is key for your guests’ Instafeed. So put that bar cart to good use and break out your best glassware! Here are four recipes for you to play bartender at home.
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Pack a Punch
Cool as a Cucumber Mint Cooler
Sweet and Spicy Margarita
Blackberry Mule
INGREDIENTS • 1 cup Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum • 3 cups Ginger Ale • 3 cups Pineapple Juice • Fresh Pineapple Wedges, Plus More for Garnish • Flowers for Garnish • Pineapple Leaves for Garnish
INGREDIENTS • 1 1/2 oz Hendrick’s Gin • 4-6 Cucumber Slices, Plus More for Garnish • 1/4 Sliced Lime • 4 oz Tonic Water • 6 Mint Leaves • 1 Mint Sprig for Garnish • Pineapple Leaves for Garnish
INGREDIENTS • 2 oz Milagro Tequila • 1 oz Fresh Lime Juice • 4 oz Fresh Pineapple Juice • 1 Large Serrano Sliced into Rounds, Plus More for Garnish • Tajin for Rim • Pineapple Leaves for Garnish • Mint Sprig for Garnish • Lime Wheel for Garnish
INGREDIENTS • 2 oz Reyka Vodka • 3 Blackberries, Plus More for Garnish • 6 Mint Leaves • 6 oz Ginger Beer • 1 Lime Wedge • 1 Lime Wheel for Garnish • 1 Mint Sprig for Garnish
RECIPE 1. Add ingredients to a punch bowl with large ice pieces and stir. 2. Garnish with pineapple slices, flowers and a pineapple leaf. Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum, www.sailorjerry.com
Drinkware Provided By: William Grant & Sons, www.williamgrant.com Habana, www.restauranthabana.com Artelexia, www.artelexia.com
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RECIPE 1. Add lime, mint and Hendrick’s Gin to a shaker and muddle the ingredients. 2. Add the cucumbers to the shaker and shake well. 3. Finely strain into the glass with ice. 4. Top off the drink with tonic water. 5. Garnish with cucumber, mint and pinapple leaves. Hendrick’s Gin, www.hendricksgin.com
RECIPE 1. Rim a glass with lime, then dip in Tajin. 2. Fill a shaker with serrano slices and chunks of fresh mango and muddle. 3. Add ice, Milagro Tequila, lime juice, pineapple juice and shake until well chilled. 4. Pour into prepared glass. 5. Garnish with pineapple leaves, mint, serrano and lime wheel. Milagro Tequila, www.milagrotequila.com
RECIPE 1. Muddle the blackberries, one lime wedge and the mint leaves in a shaker. 2. Add Reyka Vodka and shake well. 3. Strain over ice in a copper mug. 4. Top off with ginger beer and garnish with a lime wheel, blackberries and mint. Reyka Vodka, reyka.com
FOODIE /// EXPERTS
YOU CAN SIP WITH US FR O M CO FFEE TO MATCHA , T HES E S EVEN EXP ERTS KNOW HOW TO MA KE T HE BEST DRINKS
WRITTEN BY: SARAH HOOD PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ANGELA GARZON HOLY MATCHA 3118 University Ave San Diego, CA 92104 www.holymatchasd.com
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If you’re a San Diego resident who finds hipster coffee shops too pretentious and Starbucks too basic, then we have some marvelous alternatives for you. More and more café owners and entrepreneurs in the area are offering a wider spectrum of beverages (and assorted snacks!) for savvy coffee lovers, tea addicts and even health-food fanatics. We reached out to these drink experts, whose specialties range from matcha to horchata, to uncover what their favorite beverages are, why we should sample their food menus and how their businesses are influencing local taste.
TRY THESE FLAVORS • Coconut Charcoal • Goji Strawberry SuperAde • Pure Green • Gingermade REVERSE, REVERSE • Sol-ti’s glass bottles are sterilized with pure reverse osmosis water (which also functions in the creation of the SuperAde line of beverages). NATIVE KNOWLEDGE • The light filtration machine that Sol-ti uses is the only one of its kind in the United States!
L AU R A S L AY T E R CREDENTIALS: VICE PRESIDENT OF NATIONAL ACCOUNTS, SOL-TI Q: Tell me about the history of Sol-ti. Laura Slayter: Sol-ti’s founder, Ryne O’Donnell, had grown tired of juices that contained fillers and artificial sugars. He decided that he was going to create his own line of glass-bottled juices that would be full of nutrients. The business itself began in Orange County, where O’Donnell would distribute his drinks from the back of his car. Then the brewery Ballast Point, which was Sol-ti’s primary investor until 2015, got in contact with him and advised him on how to expand the business. The manufacturing moved to a plant near Miramar, where we’ve been operating ever since.
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Q: What does Sol-ti’s tasting room experience entail for customers? LS: The tasting room has a full-tasting bar with eight different juices on tap for customers to try. We use it for various community events such as cooking classes, yoga sessions and restaurant outreaches. There’s also a full factory tour in which visitors can actually see how the beverages are made.
SOL-TI 8380 Miralani Dr San Diego, CA 92126 949.430.7999 www.solti.com
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Q: I noticed that Sol-ti favors glass in its packaging rather than petroleumbased products. What difference does this make for the taste and quality of Sol-ti’s beverages?
LS: Heating and preserving fruits and veggies through petroleum-based packaging typically results in the loss of key nutrients. Instead, Sol-ti relies on a UV filtration machine to remove unnecessary or harmful elements via rays of light. We have found that this process not only yields nutrient-rich juice, but also ensures that the contents are protected from oxidation and flavor loss. Q: How does Sol-ti’s nourishment cleanse program differ from its classic line of beverages, and what health benefits can customers derive from this program? LS: Our cleanses are a combination of SuperAdes and pure juice, as well as superfoods. These beverages are meant to be consumed over the course of several days in lieu of food in order to detoxify the body. Sol-ti’s cleanses come in threeand six-day programs, and they increase brain function and help the body digest nutrients.
POR VIDA 2146 Logan Ave San Diego, CA 92113 619.564.8568 www.porvidacollective.com
MANUEL MEDINA CREDENTIALS: LEAD BARISTA, POR VIDA
YOUNG HICKORY 4096 30th St San Diego, CA 92104 619.795.6574 www.younghickory.com
C L AY S U M M E R S CREDENTIALS: OWNER, YOUNG HICKORY Q: Tell me about the history of Young Hickory. Clay Summers: I used to be a graphic designer, and I would often work out of coffee shops in the North Park area. One of the cafés I would frequent was a little place called Filter. Just when I began to feel burned out and started seeking a career change, I found out that the owner of Filter wanted to sell the place. I negotiated with him and he helped me make the transition from design to business. I wanted to establish something long-lasting, something that would fit the North Park neighborhood, and out of those goals came Young Hickory. Q: What sets Young Hickory apart from
other cafes in the San Diego area? CS: Lots of local coffee shops have menus that are limited to sweet stuff like pastries. I try to offer breakfast sandwiches, avocado bowls, acai, and other nutritious options so that my customers don’t feel like they’re eating junk all the time. And unlike some craft coffee and beer shops that can come across as snobby or judgmental, Young Hickory has a more relaxed, open environment where you can feel comfortable opening your laptop and getting to work without feeling like people are looking down on you. Q: What drink(s) would you recommend to a newcomer to Young Hickory? CS: I strongly recommend our house blend: black
gold coffee, served either hot or iced. And if you’re in the mood for something stronger, try one of our craft beers straight from the can. The streamlined design functions almost like a keg, keeping the beer cold and fresh. Q: If you had to eat or drink one item on the menu for the rest of your life, what would it be? CS: In terms of food, I’d have to go with the breakfast sandwiches because there are so many different combinations you can make and you won’t get tired of eating the same meats and toppings over and over again. As for drinks, I’ll stick with our house blend with a shot of beer on the side. It’s one of our best specials on the menu.
*SIPS TEA* • Young Hickory has seven types of tea available for customers. Summers recommends the Sicilian Lemon Love green tea. GET SOME GRUB • According to Summers, some of the other popular items on the breakfast and lunch menus include wheat toast, granola, romaine salads and acai bowls during warmer months. NATIVE KNOWLEDGE • Come enjoy happy hour every day 5-7 p.m.!
Q: Tell me about the history of Por Vida. What drew founders Carolina and Milo to the Barrio Logan community? Manuel Medina: Milo was originally drawn to the community of Barrio Logan through a grassroots movement of creating art spaces for friends and community to come together as a meeting space to unleash creativity. Carolina and Milo figured to bring business into the collective bringing Por Vida to life. Q: How has the local Hispanic culture and the diversity of the neighborhood influenced Por Vida’s aesthetic and beverages? MM: The community has definitely been an important aspect to allowing Por Vida to become the space it is today. Aside from the ownership being brown and wanting to offer a product other brown and diverse people could understand, it was important to match
our surroundings. We aimed to bring back our abuelitas’ sabores and create a menu that we could relate to and understand. Q: What drink(s) would you recommend to a newcomer to Por Vida? MM: Definitely try one of our mazapan lattes. They’re derived from Mexican candy and they’re super nutty, which balances out the taste of coffee. Q: What is the most unusual or unique beverage that customers can find at Por Vida? MM: If you’re looking for something unusual, then go for one of our spicy fruit juices mixed with lemonade and chamoy. Q: What types of snacks or appetizers do you recommend eating with some of Por Vida’s most popular drinks? MM: My favorites from Por Vida are Mexican chocolate brownies and Mexican hot chocolate. Customers also enjoy our vegan banana nut bread and pan dulce. LOCALE MAGAZINE 83
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DIDI AND JOE E D WA R D S CREDENTIALS: PRESIDENT & HEAD LUSH AND FOUNDER, MAGIC BULLET Q: What led you to found Rebound Nutraceuticals? Joe Edwards: My wife and I are the type of people who try to live a healthy lifestyle, eat well and exercise regularly. But we also like to have a good time, and that desire to occasionally indulge while still maintaining our health led us to search for a solution.
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Q: How did the idea for Magic Bullet come about, and what did the process of creating this drink entail? Didi Edwards: We already knew that the human body can detoxify itself, but we wanted to speed up that process. My husband and I experimented with various ingredients and more than 100 different flavorings for two years until we nailed the ideal formula. Q: Tell me how Magic Bullet works to combat hangovers. What specific ingredients does it utilize? JE: We use natural ingredients such as milk thistle, turmeric and broccoli powder, etc. to supercharge the liver and increase the rate at which it could process toxins and produces antioxidants. You can drink it anytime during the night, before or after consuming alcohol, or you can mix it into your favorite cocktail during a night out. And because Magic Bullet doesn’t rely on stimulants 84 LOCALE MAGAZINE
or artificial preservatives, you can even take it right before going to bed and wake up feeling ‘go to the gym’ amazing! Q: How have customers responded to Magic Bullet so far? DE: We have received a ton of praise and positive testimonials, which has really helped spread awareness for our product. We’ve also been getting a huge number of reorders because Magic Bullet almost becomes a way of life for our customers.
ORANGE YOU GLAD? • Magic Bullet sports a blood orange flavor and is lightly carbonated.
Q: How do you hope your product will influence people’s drinking habits? DE: I want it to benefit people who, like us, want to take care of their bodies despite the inevitability of doing unhealthy things to it. We hope Magic Bullet continues to show our customers that it is possible to go out, have a good time, and indulge in some vices without damaging your liver and ruining your body. Q: What is your favorite drink to combine with Magic Bullet? JE: My all-time favorite is a Spicy Tequila Bullet. It’s a combination of silver tequila and Magic Bullet with muddled lime and a thin slice of jalapeño, rimmed with Chinese 5-Spice. If you like tequila, it just can’t be beat.
INGREDIENTS KNOWN TO FIGHT HANGOVERS • Milk Thistle Extract • N-Acetyl Cysteine • Lipoic Acid • Turmeric • Schisandra Berry • Grape Seed Extract • Yellow Dock Root NATIVE KNOWLEDGE • The product is sweetened with a blend of Stevia and organic cane sugar. It contains only 11 grams of carbs and 40 calories per can and no high fructose corn syrup. MAGIC BULLET www.drinkmagicbullet.com PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION: South Park, CA
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TRIDENT COFFEE ROASTERS 536 13th St, Ste 6 Imperial Beach, CA 91932 619.246.9316 www.tridentcoffee.com
ERIC JOHNSON CREDENTIALS: FOUNDER AND HEAD ROASTER, TRIDENT COFFEE ROASTERS
HOLY MATCHA 3118 University Ave San Diego, CA 92104 www.holymatchasd.com
G E R A L D I N E R I DAU R A CREDENTIALS: FOUNDER, HOLY MATCHA Q: How did you first discover matcha, and what led you to open a matcha shop? Geraldine Ridaura: I can’t drink coffee, so I started hunting for an alternative that was rich in caffeine. I discovered matcha while traveling in Japan, and I was immediately drawn to the drink’s unique taste, not to mention its health benefits. After returning to San Diego and growing frustrated with the complete lack of matcha shops in the area, I decided to open one myself, even though I had only the faintest idea of how to start a business. I had to ask the city health and building departments a lot of questions in the 86 LOCALE MAGAZINE
process, but I eventually figured out what I needed to do to bring my idea to life. Q: What drink(s) would you recommend to a newcomer at Holy Matcha? GR: My absolute favorites are the ceremonial and premium brews, but for new customers, I’d say go for the former. Nine out of 10 customers don’t expect to like it, but once they actually taste it, they end up loving it. Q: What types of snacks, if any, do you feel complement the taste of matcha? GR: I personally like to pair matcha with avocado toast. If you would rather have something sweet with your drink, I
recommend one of our matcha vanilla donuts. Q: How do you feel Holy Matcha is influencing the local café industry and the surrounding community? GR: I think it is giving health-conscious individuals, such as myself, even more nutritious options to enjoy and prompting other cafés in San Diego to offer authentic matcha. I’m also proud of the fact that Holy Matcha is shining light on a substance that has been around for thousands of years and has only recently gotten attention in the West. If this awareness could spread to other cities in the region, that would be great.
ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES • According to Ridaura, there are hundreds of strains of matcha that tea drinkers can enjoy. MADE TO ORDER • The only pre-made drink on Holy Matcha’s menu is matcha horchata. NATIVE KNOWLEDGE • Authentic matcha drinks contain antioxidants that lower cholesterol levels, combat stress, increase energy and even fight cancer!
Q: Tell me about the history of Trident Coffee. What inspired you to start this business? Eric Johnson: I have always been a cold coffee drinker; no matter the temperature outside, I would order iced Americanos to get my caffeine fix. As I traveled around the world for the Navy, I noticed that coffee and tea was always a drink that was shared before having meetings to break the ice and get to know one another, no matter what country or culture I was in. I loved that it acted as a great bridge and connector to bring people together. Q: What do you feel is the most significant or unique quality of Trident Coffee’s brews? EJ: We proudly roast and brew all of our cold brews in house. This allows us to focus on the craft aspects of the coffee and bring out the unique characteristics from each of the coffees we use. With our process, our coffees are 70-100 percent less
acidic than traditional espresso or hot drip coffee and that lower acidity has numerous health benefits. The smoothness paired with the nitrogen gas, allows people to enjoy the cold brew as is, and they tend to not add milk, cream or sugar. Coffee is a craft beverage, if you treat it like one. Q: What drink(s) would you recommend to a newcomer to Trident Coffee? EJ: There are currently 13 cold brew coffees and three teas on tap in our tasting room in Imperial Beach. Depending on how you enjoy your coffee, we can recommend several different options based on roast profiles or flavors. The most popular is our Ambrotos, and we use our signature Trident Coffee, that is directly sourced from our friends at Fazendo do Condado in Brazil, and then mix it with emulsified medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil to give it an extra creamy texture.
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ROAST TO THE
Good Life MAREA COFFEE IS HERE TO SAVE YOUR MORNING
If enjoying a cup of coffee in the morning is part of your ritual, it’s imperative that you start your day with smooth, fresh beans. That’s where Marea Coffee comes in. Founded in sunny San Diego, Marea is a beloved internet-based coffee company delivering fresh beans directly to your doorstep. It all started when a group of friends made their idea into a reality. “We all had something to bring to the brand, and everything fell into place,” Co-Founder Loren Laguens said. The team wanted to create a healthy option for a morning start and to push forth the idea of maintaining a positive and active lifestyle. In order to obtain the perfect product for their consumers, the coffee gurus of Marea establish direct relationships with their growers. Being in touch with the farmers allows the team to find high-quality products
to create the delicious coffee their customers know and love. Marea Coffee has created a name for itself that even professional athletes like Rob Machado can get behind. These athletes and artists are co-owners in the brand, who actively take part in Marea because they believe in the founding idea of the business: for people to enjoy their ritual as well as participating in a healthy and positive, active lifestyle. This collaboration is mutually exciting for both the team at Marea and the athletes since they are associated with a company who provides an alternative to the sugary drinks on the market. Whether you’re on the hunt to switch up your beans or you’re already a fan of this worldly coffee, Marea is a delicious, sustainable drink that will get you ready to take on the day!
WRITTEN BY: MAYANDRA ROBBINS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: REYJAY SOLARES
Lost in Translation • Marea means “tide” in Spanish. #TBT • Five out of the 10 team members went to high school together. Native Knowledge • Rep your love for Marea Coffee with their tees and hats!
“We all had something to bring to the brand, and everything fell into place.” —Loren Laguens
MAREA COFFEE www.mareacoffee.com
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IN THE EYES of the BEER-HOLDER 17 BREWERIES IN SAN DIEGO THAT YOU MUST TRY
WRITTEN BY: JESSICA YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHED BY: HAYLEY SMITH
Beeramar is becoming the place to be for a good craft beer. With brewery hubs popping up throughout the city, we’ve done the legwork for you; now all you have to do is grab some of your best buds and clink a couple of cold ones. Cheers!
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“You can come here and tell us what you like, and we’ll be able to find something on tap for you. Even people who say they aren’t ‘beer people’ find things they like here.”—Mat Robar
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CONFESSIONS OF A CERVEZA CONNOISSEUR
We Interviewed John Ford of Constellation Brands About Modelo “Modelo Especial is a pilsner-style lager that really embodies the great things about beer. It’s superior quality, authenticity and inspirational fighting spirit is what makes Modelo distinctive. The nearly 98 million cases of Modelo beer are really a testament of how well it connects with the modern day beer drinker.”—John Ford
32 NORTH BREWING CO. DRINK THIS: PILSNER THE CONQUEROR Developing the concept behind the brand, Founder Steve Peterson wanted to capture the adventurous nature of the San Diego spirit. 32 North aims to bottle the road less travelled by beer drinkers—brewing styles that are not as common or readily available from other breweries in the area. 8655 Production Ave San Diego, CA 92121 619.363.2622 www.32northbrew.com
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WISH YOU WERE BEER
Locals Only Tips for These 5 Breweries
2 KIDS BREWING CO. Æ The tasting room has a wide selection of board games on hand, so come ready to hang out. 2kidsbrewing.com
PROTECTOR BREWING Æ While serving in Iraq, Founder Sean Haggerty used a five-gallon Gatorade cooler to brew his first batch of beer. protectorbrewery.com
MIKE HESS BREWING Æ On the third Friday of each month, come out for Friday Afternoon Club with live music, food vendors and your favorite beers. mikehessbrewing.com
SAINT ARCHER Æ Bring your pup! The tasting room and patio are pet friendly. saintarcherbrewery. com
THUNDERHAWK ALEMENTS
INTERGALACTIC BREWING Æ Head over to this brewery on Fridays for their Food Truck Fridays! intergalacticbrew.com
DRINK THIS: ELECTRIC YOUTH Thunderhawk operates a one barrel, electric brew house and tasting room, where visitors can catch a game on the TVs inside or relax on a large outdoor patio. “We’ve got an awesome set up here and we did most of it ourselves, save for the electrical and plumbing,” Co-Founder Jonathan Barbarin said. 8675 Miralani Dr, Ste 100 San Diego, CA 92126 619.952.4832 www.thunderhawkbeer.com
MIKKELLER BREWING DRINK THIS: RASPBERRY BLUSH
COMMON THEORY PUBLIC HOUSE Æ Order their Duck Fat Fries. Need we say more? The amber ale’s strong flavors will stand up to the savory fries without feeling heavy. commontheorysd.com
As a global brand, Mikkeller exports to 40 different countries, but San Diego is home to the only physical brewery. “We’re not just unique to one area. We’re San Diego local, with Danish influence, but we’re not exclusively either one of those things. We’re all over the world so we’re influenced from everywhere,” Head Brewer Joe Lisica said. 9366 Cabot Dr San Diego, CA 92126 858.381.3500 www.mikkellersd.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 93
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HONORABLE MENTIONS LEGACY BREWING TAP AND KITCHEN 7060 Miramar Rd, Ste 101 San Diego, CA 92121 858.695.9953 legacybrewingtapandkitchen.com BEST PIZZA & BREW 9172 Mira Mesa Blvd San Diego, CA 92126 858.566.9900 bestpizzaandbrew.com GREEN FLASH BREWING 6550 Mira Mesa Blvd San Diego, CA 92121 858.622.0085 greenflashbrew.com DUCKFOOT BREWING 8920 Kenamar Dr, Ste 210 San Diego, CA 92121 858.433.7916 duckfootbeer.com THE CRAFTY BUTCHERS 7590 Miramar Rd, Ste A San Diego, CA 92126 858.536.8163 facebook.com/TheCraftyButchersSD
PURE PROJECT DRINK THIS: MURKLANDS From the pura vida vibes of Costa Rica, Pure Project crafted its vision based on local flavors, organic ingredients and sustainable practices. “You can come here and tell us what you like, and we’ll be able to find something on tap for you. Even people who say they aren’t ‘beer people’ find things they like here,” Partner Mat Robar said. 9030 Kenamar Dr, Ste 308 San Diego, CA 92121 858.252.6143 www.purebrewing.org 94 LOCALE MAGAZINE
HIGH SPIRITS
Beer not your thing? Try these canned spirits instead.
Æ Cutwater Spirits is dominating the “to-go” spirits market with their wide variety of canned cocktails. With twelve different cocktails on the market, everyone can find their go-to pairings. “We started off in the beer world, so bringing the convenience of canning into the world of spirits felt like a perfect match. What sets us apart is that we are able to make the spirits and mixers in house, allowing us to produce the premium awardwinning cocktails at Cutwater from start to finish. Additionally, they are spirit based as opposed to malt based like many current products on the market,” said Marketing Manager Nicole Wood. CUTWATER SPIRITS 9750 Distribution Ave San Diego, CA 92121 858.672.3848 cutwaterspirits.com
ALESMITH BREWING COMPANY DRINK THIS: SAN DIEGO PALE ALE .394 Tasters flock to AleSmith to sample the wide variety of beers they offer, but the San Diego Pale Ale .394 is among the most popular. A true nod to their San Diego roots, this beer was crafted to honor the baseball great, Tony Gwynn’s batting average. 9990 AleSmith Ct San Diego, CA 92126 www.alesmith.com
WHITE LABS DRINK THIS: TABBERER IPA White Labs approaches beer a little bit differently. Rather than focusing their beer profiles on hops, they experiment with the influence that yeast has on their brews. “Most people come to White Labs to learn more about what makes their favorite beers their favorite beers,” Education and Engagement Curator Eric Fowler said. 9495 Candida St San Diego, CA 92126 858.693.3441 www.whitelabs.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 95
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GET
Bzzzy THIS CRAFTED COCKTAIL EXPERIENCE WILL HAVE YOU BZZZIN’
Bzzzy B’s INGREDIENTS
• Spiced Rum • Honey • Banana Liquor • Allspice • Lime • Smoked Pineapple Juice • Dark Chocolate Bitters
WRITTEN BY: KEANA MCGRATH PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ANGELA GARZON With the arrival of spring comes the hunt for refreshing drinks to sip on, and Park & Rec’s Alex Rodriguez has crafted a cocktail that will surprise your taste buds. Rodriguez created the “Bzzzy B” with the goal of bringing a variety of flavors in just one sip. The drink has a tiki vibe to it, with its playful colors and funky name, but the drink itself is sure to stand out amongst your typical island-style cocktails. “These drinks are made to create an experience; to help you slow down and enjoy good company while you sip on something hand-crafted just for you,” said Rodriguez.
What makes the Bzzzy B even more interesting is the multi-flavor experience it brings to diners. “There are so many different flavors, not just in my drink, but in craft cocktails in general,” Rodriguez explained. The first sip of the drink is sweet, tangy and refreshing with notes of banana, lime and honey. Just after that comes a smoky aftertaste with hints of dark chocolate, thanks to the smoked pineapple juice, paired with the dark chocolate bitters. Bzzzy B tastes like an explosion of flavors in your mouth, and with each sip, the separate flavors begin to come to life.
Park & Rec makes all of their juices and sweeteners in-house. In fact, one of the key ingredients in the drink, smoked pineapple juice, was made using a smoking gun with burning wood chip-infused chocolate bitters to add the perfect amount of smoke to the fresh pineapple—talk about handcrafted.
“I want to be able to teach people how to drink craft cocktails. It’s not about pounding them down one after the next, it’s about really enjoying the experience of a handmade drink that was made with time and care, really, made to be enjoyed,” Rodriguez said. And enjoy we will!
PARK & REC 4612 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92116 619.795.9700 www.parkandrecsd.com
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With the arrival of spring comes the hunt for refreshing drinks to sip on, and Park & Rec’s Alex Rodriguez has crafted a cocktail that will surprise your taste buds.
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Pack It Up, Pack It Up GOT YOUR BACK IS HELPING FEED SAN DIEGO FAMILIES ONE BACKPACK AT A TIME
WRITTEN BY: MATTHEW J. BLACK PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JIMMY GALT
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FEEDING KIDS FIRST 4061 Oceanside Blvd, Ste E Oceanside, CA 92056 760.575.4571 www.feedingkidsfirst.org
Native Knowledge • There are several ways you can get involved with Feeding Kids First including food drives, donating and volunteering. Check their website for more information.
“When we heard there were 26,000 kids who don’t eat Friday through Monday in Orange County, we said, ‘No way!’” —Sue McLeod
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A child comes to school Monday morning looking like any other student. The difference, however, is in their behavior; the child is irritable, has trouble concentrating and acts out. At first glance, some would assume this child has behavioral issues. In reality, it is something much simpler—hunger. The child hasn’t eaten since Friday; the last time the school served them a meal.
There are an estimated 20,000 children attending San Diego County schools who experience symptoms of hunger. Some people will look at this number and see it as alarming, while others view it with disbelief. Sue and Bill McLeod, founders of Feeding Kids First, had originally fit the latter description until a trip to Orange County in 2010 to buy a puppy from a breeder. The breeder was incredibly enthusiastic about a cause he was part of and insisted on showing them Giving Children Hope. He led them to a warehouse stocked with emergency medical supplies that are shipped all over the world.
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In another part of the warehouse, Sue and Bill came upon a wall full of red backpacks. They were astonished to learn the backpacks were packed with food to feed some of the thousands of hungry kids in Orange County. “When we heard there were 26,000 kids who don’t eat Friday through Monday in Orange County, we said, ‘No way,’” Sue said. “Now people always say that to us.” The conversation during the car ride back to San Diego was when the idea of Got Your Back came to life. To help preserve the dignity of each child and avoid embarrassment, the GYB project is also known as a "Weekend Nutrition Club." They started by feeding 22 kids, and now eight years later Sue, Bill and their volunteers supply meals in backpacks to 275 food insecure kids. “You know how something gets dropped 100 LOCALE MAGAZINE
“You know how something gets dropped in your heart and you can’t stop thinking about it?” —Sue McLeod
Knowledge is Power • Inside each backpack, the kids are given a homework assignment with information about nutrition. Real Change • The kids realize that the program is changing their lives. A little boy said food was making him taller. “He knows he’s growing because he has food,” Sue said.
in your heart and you can’t stop thinking about it? That’s what happened to us,” Sue said. Hunger is a problem with an immediate solution; provide food for consumption and the problem goes away, but only for a while. Symptoms of hunger for a growing adolescent, however, are far more destructive. The shame of not having enough food creates an identity that causes the child to see himself as inadequate and worthless. “That identity really goes ballistic in a kids mind,” Sue warned. One of Sue’s volunteers, an ex-gang member, managed to turn his life around after going to prison, and now uses his personal experience to recognize children plagued with hunger. For him, it started with being ignored and never being fed except at school, causing him to steal food. Thievery eventually became compulsive, leading to other poor decisions. Thanks to Sue, Bill and their volunteers, this slippery slope is no longer a reality for members of Got Your Back. Elementary and high-school-aged children in Vista, Oceanside and other local school districts are part of a club identified by their red backpacks. No one knows what’s in them, but inside the backpack is enough food to feed their family for the entire weekend. “We see an attitude on Friday of not looking insecure and hopeless,” Sue said. “They’re not thinking, ‘There’s no food all weekend.’ They’re geared up because they have that backpack. They’re about to feed their family. It gives them a sense of hopefulness and security.”
Spread the Cheer • Around Christmas time the Boys and Girls Club paid Feeding Kids First a visit. They had 150 donated backpacks from JC Penney, and the kids decided they wanted to re-donate them to Got Your Back.
SHOPPE DE SIG N / / / FA S HI O N / / / B E AU TY
MARCH 2018
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PROFILE FWSD 2017 Winner Dishes on FashionForward Goals
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MOLLY ROSSETTIE This Local Boutique Owner Shares Her Must-Haves
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PROFILE Stop by Blends for a Shoe Game Upgrade
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FENTY BEAUTY Rihanna’s Skinclusive Line is What Dreams are Made Of
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FASHION SPREAD Sweeten Up Your Wardrobe With These Stylish Looks
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THE SHOPPES AT CARLSBAD Get Ready to be Wowed by The Shoppes at Carlsbad
BLENDS SAN DIEGO 719 8th Ave San Diego, CA 92101 619.233.6126 Photoshoot Location: BLENDS COSTA MESA 2930 Bristol St, Ste B104 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.241.0666 www.blendsus.com PHOTO BY: Andrea Domjan
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Southern California Shoetopia, Blends, Spices of Your Kick Collection
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S E W FASHION WEEK SAN DIEGO’S TOP DESIGNER TALKS DREAMING BIG
# B L E S S E D
WRITTEN BY: JASMÍN NELSON PHOTOGRAPHED BY: TASO PAPADAKIS STYLED BY: ALLISON ANDREWS HAIR BY: JANETTE CRUZ AND SABRINA CURRY MAKEUP BY: SONIA TABOR AND LISA RODRIGUEZ MODELS: ANNA BARETTA, CHRISTIAN IBARRA, ANDREA REVILLA BOJORQUEZ AND SHARIKA THOMPSON
BAZA COUTURE 4780 Golden Sky Way, Ste 214 San Diego, CA 92154 619.371.6962 www.bazacouture.com Photoshoot Location: HOTEL REPUBLIC SAN DIEGO 421 W B St San Diego, CA 92101 619.398.3100 www.hotelrepublicsd.com ALL APPAREL PROVIDED BY: Baza Couture www.bazacouture.com
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Over 200 models walked the runway at FWSD 2017, and the top four were chosen at the trunk show event because they stood out the most. “They didn’t just win because they have a pretty face,” Allison Andrews said. “It was based on healthy habits as well as their professionalism and if they could be punctual.”
FIRST PLACE: Anna Baretta, @annabaretta1
Baza’s energy is infectious; she grabs everyone’s attention as they listen in during the interview. Picture Hotel Republic San Diego’s large, beautifully lit corner suite with outrageous, natural sunshine coming through. A whole glam squad, multiple models, a photographer and the FWSD Founder, Allison Andrews, are all present for the day’s shoot. But it’s Baza that actually brings the beam of light into the room as she gushes about her goals of getting things done. It’s her son and supportive hubby that help her along the way, she says. “My husband basically let me transform our whole house into a workspace/sewing studio. I spend more time working than in the kitchen,” she laughs, “It’s great! He’s super supportive because this is my dream! If I didn’t design dresses, I would be sad. I’m really looking forward to building new clientele here in San Diego and growing.”
After being born and raised in Mazatlán, Mexico, designer of Baza Couture, Miriam Baza, set her sights on taking the fashion industry by storm in America’s Finest City. Last year she won top designer at Fashion Week San Diego (FWSD), voted as the people’s choice in three different categories: wearability, creativity and overall production. Needless to say, she nailed them all. “The win was really huge for me, I came here without any friends or family. I was insecure. I didn’t know what to expect and then winning at FWSD turned that around,” Baza said. “The whole experience has been phenomenal. I have been on the news, made it in the newspaper and now I’m in a magazine!”
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The adorable, dimpled designer confesses, “When I make something for a client, I am very detailed and ask myself would I wear this? If one stitch is off, I’ll destroy it and start over.” Baza smiles as she runs into the bathroom to show one of her gowns. One look and it is certain, the devil is in the details. As if that’s not already a win, her gorgeous line of couture gowns can be customized to fit any woman’s size. From petite to a girl serving curves, she gets it done even while nursing her bambino, Georginio. “Being a working mother the first month was crazy! But I’m adjusting and loving it, it’s all phenomenal,” she said with her new momma glow. Baza designs unique evening dresses that can be “transformed and converted” into a bright masterpiece.
SECOND PLACE TIE: Male model: Christian Ibarra, @ibarra56_ Female model: Andrea Revilla Bojorquez, @andreaa_revilla
THIRD PLACE: Sharika Thompson, @sunkistsongz
ALL APPAREL PROVIDED BY: Baza Couture www.bazacouture.com
She excitedly demonstrates and snaps off the bottom half of a beautiful gown…and boom! Evening wear turned into cocktail attire. Not too shabby for the once seventh grade girl who sewed crooked lines and failed her first sewing class. “I actually just didn’t like the teacher,” she chuckles. Baza learned by growing up and watching her mom use her sewing machine at home and taking sewing classes in Mexico—by more likable teachers. “At first, it was just a hobby. I had fun making handbags and jeans for my friends at school for free. Then my best friend at the time, Angelica, got an international internship and asked me to be her personal stylist and assist with her clothing.” Baza
accepted the opportunity, but not before redoing her BFF’s wardrobe. “I created and made my own style for her. Angelica and that entire experience inspired and really pushed me into the direction of my dream—designing.” In between being a new mom, sewing and expanding her brand, Baza continues to focus on her colorful couture womenswear, plans to kick off a women’s casual collection, add menswear and do more fashion shows this year. Plus, she will be returning to FWSD next year too. Baza also has goals to own her own store. “It’s all happening so fast…but I want my baby to be proud of his mama when he’s older.” Plot twist, we’re betting he already is.
Dior J’adore
She has a 4-year-old precious Papillon pooch named Dior.
Everything Designer
Braza likes the classic designers: Valentino, Chanel and Marchesa Bridal.
So Fabuloso
When asked to describe herself and her line in one word, Braza paused a moment and answered in Spanish “versátile” meaning “versatile” in English. We couldn’t agree more.
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SHOPPE JONATHAN ADLER u I love Jonathan Adler’s aesthetic—fun, brightly colored, quirky and functional. This is one of my favorite things I use in our house for candies and sweets. www.jonathanadler.com
SWEETHEART NECKLACE BY THATCH JEWELRY u I visited THATCH's studio and showroom in Liberty Station recently and just had to buy their gold, script “sweetheart” necklace for myself. www.shopthatch.com
bando.com pinklagoon.com
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BAN.DO TEES u I carry a lot of ban.do products in the shop: notebooks, pool floats and water bottles. I just discovered their line of fun tees and sweatshirts. This is one of my favorites to pair with my galaxy sneakers and high-waisted L’AGENCE jeans from PINK LAGOON in Solana Beach.
Molly Rossettie Owner of Hi Sweetheart Gift Boutique REBECCA MINKOFF NADIA SNEAKER u I love sneakers and these are my go-to pair for work right now. I’m standing most of the day and sometimes walk to the shop, so these are super comfortable and cute with jeans, a jumper or dress. rebeccaminkoff.com
HI SWEETHEART GIFT BOUTIQUE 7920 Ivanhoe Ave La Jolla, CA 92037 858.729.1985 www.hi-sweets.com
GLOSSIER Cloud Paint in Haze, Haloscope in Quartz, Generation G in Jam u I treated myself to a few Glossier products recently and loved them. They are light and bright, easy to apply. I always carry them in my bag for touch-ups during the day. The branding and packaging are on point, too. www.glossier.com
A FEW OF MY
Favorite Things ADD THESE PICKS TO YOUR WISHLIST ASAP
Molly Rossettie is the owner of Hi Sweetheart Gift Boutique, a fun and creatively curated shop in the heart of La Jolla that we can’t help but flock to when in need of a little retail therapy or gift for any occasion. Rossettie knows a thing or two about style and living in La Jolla and was kind enough to share a few things she just can’t live without.
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MY FRENCH BULLDOG, PENNY u My husband John and I have a seven-year-old, cream-colored French Bulldog, Penny. He is our baby. We commissioned local La Jolla artist Natalie Bessell to paint his portrait. It’s one of my favorite pieces of art we’ve collected so far.
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SHOETOPIA, BLENDS, SPICES UP YOUR KICK COLLECTION WRITTEN BY: RAPHAEL MADRID PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ANDREA DOMJAN
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BLENDS IS A HUB OF THE FASHION-FORWARD, YET DELIVERS A TIMELESS AESTHETIC THAT NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE.
BLENDS SAN DIEGO 719 8th Ave San Diego, CA 92101 619.233.6126 Photoshoot Location: BLENDS COSTA MESA 2930 Bristol St, Ste B104 Costa Mesa, CA 92626 714.241.0666 www.blendsus.com LOCALE MAGAZINE 111
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MORE THE MERRIER BLENDS HAS THREE UNIQUE LOCATIONS IN LOS ANGELES, TWO IN ORANGE COUNTY AND ONE IN SAN DIEGO. NATIVE KNOWLEDGE BLENDS IS KNOWN TO HARBOR A LOT OF FOOT TRAFFIC ON SATURDAYS WHEN THERE ARE MAJOR SNEAKER RELEASES.
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It’s rare to find a place with amazing culture, creativity and community that you can connect with, but to find all that within a retail store is absolutely impossible—unless you’re at Blends. This neighborhood sneaker/streetwear boutique has been a Southern California staple since its inception in 2003, and has continued to root itself in communities ever since. Blends is the premier place to find some rare and limited footwear, as well as contemporary pieces that will undoubtedly upgrade your wardrobe. With six locations spread throughout Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties, it’s never been easier to find a space that inspires and cultivates a creative culture.
During a time when there was no such thing as a “sneaker boutique,” Blends paved the way when they opened their first concept location in Costa Mesa in 2003. They were one of the first to bridge the gap of different aesthetics, “blending” street cultures and bringing them under one roof. Like any company, Blends started small. They were just a small storefront with big things in mind. “When we open each store, we usually go into areas that aren’t very popular, so we try to develop together with the community,” says Blends General Manager, Nobu Ichimura. This concept of growing with and within the community has proved to be a great decision. Their downtown Los Angeles location for example, first opened their doors in 2006, in an area particularly close to Skid Row, and has since worked with other like-minded businesses to create something worthwhile.
Each Blends location is as unique as the communities they serve. Unlike most retail chains that have the same standard set up, Blends is unrivaled in their creativity in constructing remarkable retail spaces. “The owners, Mike [Toe] and Tak [Kato] designed and built each store themselves,” says Nobu. “Each location has a unique concept and design.” With an overarching minimalist effort throughout their locations, no effort is wasted in bringing a unique shopping experience to all that visit. Their San Diego store is modeled after a traditional Japanese Zen garden, the Downtown LA location was inspired by an art gallery and Costa Mesa displays all their footwear within large grocery aisle-style freezer doors. For the last 15 years, Blends has dedicated itself to curating the best of the best from brands like Nike, adidas and Vans, but also has been known to spotlight the new, upcoming brands that show excellent potential. They’ve linked up with a plethora of fantastic brands to create special exclusives that fans have come to seek out. They’ve collaborated with Ralph Lauren on denim in 2010, Red Wing on a pair of boots in 2011, Disney on a Winnie the Pooh collection in 2012 and so on.
“WHEN WE OPEN EACH STORE, WE USUALLY GO INTO AREAS THAT AREN’T VERY POPULAR, SO WE TRY TO DEVELOP TOGETHER WITH THE COMMUNITY.” —NOBU ICHIMURA
In particular, the collaborations between Blends and Vans have been known to cause quite a bit of excitement. Nobu recalls that “Vans is like our family and we have a really good partnership with them because they are also SoCal based.” Since their first collab in 2010, the two footwear giants in their respective spaces have put together 12 successful projects including their rare and highly sought after “Bones” collection of silhouettes—which alters the classic Vans ‘Old Skool’ and ‘Sk8-Hi’ stripe to a bone-shaped reimagination. Blends is a brand that elevates taste, and transforms your expectations on what a retail space should look like.
They carry fashion brands that are heavily influenced by a minimalist vision, and footwear that isn’t of the norm. Blends is a hub of the fashionforward, yet delivers a timeless aesthetic that never goes out of style. If you have yet to visit Blends, expect a unique experience at every stop. While their storefronts are not particularly large like their shopping mall counterparts, the quality and rarity in the things you find at Blends will not be anywhere else. It’s like a gallery or a showroom— no cash register, no unnecessary clutter, nothing you’re used to. You may just find yourself browsing for hours, unable to decide what you want most.
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FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA www.fentybeauty.com @fentybeauty SEPHORA Westfield UTC 4545 La Jolla Village Dr San Diego, CA 92122 858.457.1983 www.sephora.com
$34
$24
Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter in Lightning Dust/Fire Crystal
Portable Contour & Concealer Brush 150
$25
Match Stix Shimmer Skinstick in Starstruck
$34
Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation in 190
$34
Full-Bodied Foundation Brush 110
40 SHADES OF
Beautiful FENTY BEAUTY BY RIHANNA IS TAKING OVER YOUR MAKEUP DRAWER
WRITTEN BY: JESSICA OURISMAN • PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ANDREA DOMJAN HAIR & MAKEUP BY: HEATHER BALAAM MODELS: JOANNE JOO & JANALYN MARIE of Brand Model & Talent, www.brandtalent.net The beauty world is recovering from the earth-shattering and innovative launch of Fenty Beauty by Rihanna’s Fall 2017 line. In addition to the cosmetics line’s mass appeal, Rihanna’s foray into the beauty industry also marks an important social milestone. As public demands for ethnic inclusivity in beauty grow stronger, the company’s resounding success could signal a trend towards more socially-attuned beauty businesses. Fenty makes it a point to cater to all consumers, and has the tagline to prove it: “Beauty for all.” As explained by Rihanna, “I work with a lot of beautiful women of all shades from all over the world. A lot of times, women have a hard time finding their shade in a brand, and I wanted everybody to feel included. I wanted a wide range of shades.” 116 LOCALE MAGAZINE
SEPHORA FAVE Fenty Beauty by Rihanna is sold exclusively at Sephora stores, on Sephora.com and FentyBeauty.com! Head to a location near you to grab your bestmatching shade.
$34
Pro Filt’r Soft Matte Longwear Foundation in 390
Photoshoot Location: IWINK STUDIOS, 2646 Dupont Dr, Irvine, CA 92612 | 949.556.0550 | www.iwinkstudios.com
Because let’s face it: not all nudes are the same.
Photoshoot Location: IWINK STUDIOS, 2646 Dupont Dr, Irvine, CA 92612 | 949.556.0550 | www.iwinkstudios.com
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BRIGHTEN UP YOUR WARDROBE WITH THESE SWEET LOOKS
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PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ANDREA DOMJAN STYLED BY: KALYNN NGUYEN HAIR BY: AMBER GOYTIA OF SALTY BLONDE CUT CO. MAKEUP BY: HEATHER BALAAM MODELS: ABBY MARRIN, ASHLEY REVECHO & MORGAN POPE of Brand Model & Talent, brandtalent.net
Necklace Provided By: Winston’s Crown Jewelers 949.642.5000 | 949.645.9000 www.winstonscrownjewelers.com
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APPAREL PROVIDED BY: Laurenly Boutique www.laurenly.com ACCESSORIES PROVIDED BY: Swiss Watch Gallery & Fine Jewelers, The Shops at Mission Viejo www.swisswatchgallery.com HAIR PRODUCTS PROVIDED BY: Oribe www.oribe.com
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vivid!
Shine Bright Thanks to the Ladies 18k Rose Gold Diamond Bangle With 2.15 Carats of Pave Set Diamonds $12,050
Stand Out Via the Ladies 18k Rose Gold Necklace With a 14 Carat Sapphire and 1.00 Carat of Pave Set Brilliant Cut Diamonds $4,490
Be the Envy of the Party in These Ladies 18k Rose Gold Earrings With 24 Carats of Sapphires and 1.25 of Pave Set Brilliant Cut Diamonds $6,800
SWISS WATCH GALLERY & FINE JEWELERS, THE SHOPS AT MISSION VIEJO www.swisswatchgallery.com
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APPAREL PROVIDED BY: Laurenly Boutique www.laurenly.com ACCESSORIES PROVIDED BY: Winston’s Crown Jewelers 949.642.5000 | 949.645.9000 www.winstonscrownjewelers.com HAIR PRODUCTS PROVIDED BY: Oribe www.oribe.com
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brilliant!
Jaws Will Drop at the Sight of This 18 Karat White Gold Opal With Diamonds Necklace, Which Boasts 84.07 Carats of Opal Slices Accented With 5.44 Carats of White Diamonds.
Make a Statement Via the 18 Karat White Gold Opal With Diamonds Bracelet, With 29.83 Carats of Opal Slices Accented With 2.23 Carats of White Diamonds.
Light Up the Room With This Platinum Aquamarine Ring, With 25.46 Carats of Emerald Cut Aquamarine Accented With .80 Carats of White Diamonds on the Sides.
WINSTON’S CROWN JEWELERS 949.642.5000 | www.winstonscrownjewelers.com | 949.645.9000
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APPAREL PROVIDED BY: Laurenly Boutique www.laurenly.com ACCESSORIES PROVIDED BY: Winston’s Crown Jewelers 949.642.5000 | 949.645.9000 www.winstonscrownjewelers.com HAIR PRODUCTS PROVIDED BY: Oribe www.oribe.com
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dazzling!
Turn Heads in These 18 Karat Rose Gold Italian Style Earrings, Accented With 1.40 Carats of White Diamonds.
This Flawless 18 Karat Rose Gold Italian Style Necklace Is Accented With 7.86 Carats of White Diamonds.
Frost Yourself! This 18 Karat Rose Gold Flex-Fit Italian Style Diamond Ring Is Accented With 1.12 Carats of White Diamonds.
WINSTON’S CROWN JEWELERS www.winstonscrownjewelers.com
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SHOP AROUND
Put a Bling on It
SHOPPE ‘TILL
You Drop
Don’t Sweat It
¢ Recently opened last November, GRACEDBYGRIT not only designs innovative workout wear for the active fitness guru, but takes a woman’s safety into account. Founders Kimberly Caccavo and Kate Nowlan created the Solana Beach-based brand with pockets for your phone and each purchase comes with a detachable safety whistle! www.gracedbygrit.com
¢ First of all, Oprah claimed Pandora’s earrings as her favorite; need we say more? The fab collections from Pandora are a must see; I mean, diamonds are a girl’s best friend, right? Check out the other five jewelry shops here to get all your sparkly fixes. www.pancharmbracelets.com
All your favorites like H&M, Zara, francesca’s, Lux, Bath & Body Works, American Eagle and Sheikh Shoes have new looks that are ready to be explored!
COMING SOON BY SUMMER 2018 ¢ Grubby’s Poke + Fish Market ¢ Texas De Brazil ¢ Wokcano
The Shoppes at Carlsbad is Becoming the Ultimate Shopping and Foodie Haven
¢ Breakfast Republic
WRITTEN BY: JORDAN LIGONS
The Shoppes at Carlsbad is a fashion (and foodie) lover’s dream! If you haven’t stopped by in a few years, prepare to be 'shook' by the elaborate renovations that completely refresh the property. Rouse Properties has added more upgrades and revamps to the property since breaking ground in late 2016. Over 100 retailers are housed in The Shoppes and it seems like the gift that keeps on giving with more to come! Like the 24,000-squarefoot Forever 21 that’s set to open in late 2018 and numerous restaurants being added to their “tenant mix.” There’s plenty of activities to do here to add to your iCalendar. Watch the latest Rom-Com at Regal Cinemas, splurge on the semi-annual sale at the newly upgraded Victoria’s Secret, round up the kiddos for an adventure day at ocean-themed children's play area, or grab your best buds and hit up happy hour at hot spot Yard House—whatever it is, a weekend trip to The Shoppes at Carlsbad is a must.
THE SHOPPES AT CARLSBAD 2525 El Camino Real Carlsbad, CA 92008 760.729.6183 www.theshoppesatcarlsbad.com
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Check out their Instagram for updates and sales on your favorite stores and restaurants! @theshoppesatcarlsbad
Map It
¢ The Shoppes is a go-to shopping destination for North County folks, but is for sure worth the trip (and traffic) to witness all that this magnificent mall has to offer. Plus, over three million tourists visit the area’s beaches and main attractions (hello, LEGOLAND) so The Shoppes is constantly buzzing and alive. THE HAPPIEST HOURS Islands Fine Burgers & Drinks Monday to Friday, 3-6:30 p.m.
Breakfast Republic
¢ Founder and owner Johan Engman will be bringing our breakfast favorites to life in his creative and innovative menu. From Oreo Cookie Pancakes to Turkey Meatloaf Hash, you’ll know why you have to stop by this spot for the most important meal of the day once the doors open in Summer 2018. www.breakfastrepublic.com
Lucha Libre
¢ In this corner we have a tasty 2,000-square-foot taco shop that may hold the championship belt for brightest, most fun-loving decor and Mexican cuisine. Keeping with tradition, the third location also offers a luchador discount if you show up wearing a lucha wrestling mask! www.tacosmackdown.com
Wokcano
¢ Coming this summer, prepare to grub on their Love Boat Sampler plate or roll up your sleeves so you can indulge in their sushi rolls that can’t be beat. Either way, we’re excited to welcome them to the neighborhood.
www.wokcanorestaurant.com
The Pizza Press Monday to Thursday, 3-5 p.m. The Cheesecake Factory Monday to Friday, 4-6 p.m. Dave & Buster’s Monday to Friday, 4:30-7 p.m. Sunday to Thursday, 10 p.m.12 a.m.
Photos - GRACEDBYGRIT: Grey Lockwood | Pandora: @theofficialpandora | The Shoppes at Carlsbad: Jackson Hall | Lucha Libre: Damien Noble Andrews
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VINTAGE SURFARI WAGONS Give Your Road Trip a #TBT Vibe
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FIRST TIMERS GUIDE One Woman, Three Challenging Activities
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FIRST TIMERS GUIDE Too Fit to Quit We Had Our Writer Try Out Three Very Different Adventures in San Diego
IFLY 2385 Camino Del Rio N San Diego, CA 92108 619.432.4359 www.iflyworld.com/san-diego PHOTO BY: Damien Noble Andrews
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Control TAKE THESE VINTAGE VWS ON A ROAD TRIP TO REMEMBER WRITTEN BY: RYAN WHITEHEAD PHOTOGRAPHED BY: ADAM GENTRY
For fans of the outdoors, sometimes the usual tent and campfire just don’t cut it. If you’re looking to amp-up your camping experience and take your road-trip adventures to the next level, Vintage Surfari Wagons will be your new go-to. Choose from eight vintage VWs (“Bay Window” Campers), six 1980s era VWs (“Vanagon” Campers) or four 1990s era VWs (“Eurovan” Campers) that all come fully equipped—you just need to bring yourself and probably make a quick stop at the grocery store.
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For owners Bill and Diane Staggs, renovating these wagons has been like traveling back in time. Bill’s dad bought his first van in 1958, allowing him to explore the coast of Southern California at ease. By the time Bill met Diane, he had two buses in his collection. It wasn’t until a trip to Hawaii when Bill and Diane decided to rent a VW bus that they got
the idea for Vintage Surfari Wagons. With just two vehicles, Diane started up a website for their new business. With his passion for rebuilding cars and her interior design background, Vintage Surfari Wagons has become the incredible and unique business we know and love today. “I remember the first time we put people in one and it went driving down the road and we stood there and watched it go away, we both had this ‘holy crap’ moment, like we wondered if we’d ever see this car again,” Bill said. With these vehicles becoming more and more unique, as well as the idea of being able to slow things down, people have taken quite a liking to them. Maybe a trip up the coast to Ventura is your thing, or maybe you’re looking to warm up in the desert. Wherever you go, you’ll be riding in style and turning heads. “You can spend the entire day in the van, in various locations, and you're got everything you need,” says Bill.
SQUAD GOALS • Rent a private VW or join in on an organized camping tour! Vintage Surfari Wagons will lead you on a tour of the roads less traveled in California. NATIVE KNOWLEDGE • Going to LA or San Francisco? You can make it a oneway rental for an additional “drop fee.” Contact Bill and Dianne for details.
VINTAGE SURFARI WAGONS 760 Newton Way Costa Mesa, CA 92627 714.585.7565 www.vwsurfari.com Photoshoot Location: INSPIRATION POINT 3001 Ocean Blvd Corona Del Mar, CA 92625
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Trying new activities and workouts can definitely be a great mini adventure. From indoor skydiving to laughing yoga, these different experiences make for memories that could last a lifetime. I was recently given the opportunity to explore some unique activities that go on in San Diego county. With each new experience, my eyes were opened to these extremely fun workouts that go against the grain of what a typical exercise session might look like.
TO O F I T TO Q U I T WE HAD OUR WRITER TRY OUT THREE VERY DIFFERENT ADVENTURES IN SAN DIEGO
IFLY 2385 Camino Del Rio N San Diego, CA 92108 619.432.4359 www.iflyworld.com/san-diego
WRITTEN BY: MAYANDRA ROBBINS PHOTOGRAPHED BY: DAMIEN NOBLE ANDREWS AND BHADRI KUBENDRAN
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The energy in the room went through the roof; it was amazing.
C U LT U R E S H O C K DANCE CENTER HIP HOP DANCE CLASS
PRO TIPS
1 Don’t fret if you’re a newbie, head towards the back until you’re comfortable.
2 Listen to a pump-up playlist before going in.
Although I can guarantee that I did not look like the next winner of “World of Dance,” I still had an amazing time at Culture Shock. Located in San Diego, Culture Shock is a dance studio that provides space for people to learn styles like contemporary, urban choreography, jazz and more. I took a beginner hip hop class and had an absolute blast. The energy in the room went through the roof; it was amazing. I would definitely come back and take more classes.
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CULTURE SHOCK DANCE CENTER 2110 Hancock St, Ste 200 San Diego, CA 92110 619.299.2110 www.cultureshockdancecenter.com 134 LOCALE MAGAZINE
Native Knowledge: Wear clothes and shoes that you can move (and groove) in!
W AT C H T H E S E F O R I N S P O
3 Have questions? Stay after class and ask the instructor.
4 Be sure to stretch! Jade Chynoweth @jadebug98
Hamilton Evans @mrhamiltonevans
Tricia Miranda @1triciamiranda
Russell Horning @thebackpackkid
Photographed By: Bhadri Kubendran
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You don’t have to be a contortionist in order to participate, just remember to bring your smile and get ready to laugh as loud as you can!
LAUGHING YOGA
DO’S AND DON’TS
Native Knowledge: Laughing Matters is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with the goal of improving locals' lives. Try their Saturday class for free!
1 Don’t bring a yoga mat.
2 Do bring a positive attitude!
Laughing yoga was very different from what I anticipated. Even though it's a type of yoga, laughing yoga does not use the movements seen in most practices; instead, participants use laughter as a means of relaxation and release. “Laughing yoga is a form of yoga that anyone will be able to do despite their physical limitations,” instructor Luis said. You don’t have to be a contortionist in order to participate, just remember to bring your smile and get ready to laugh as loud as you can!
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LAUGHTER MATTERS Balboa Park 6th Ave and Spruce St San Diego, CA 92103 619.255.4622 www.laughtermatters.org 136 LOCALE MAGAZINE
H E A LT H B E N E F I T S
3 Do wear comfy clothes to move around in.
4 Don’t feel like you need to be in perfect shape; it’s for everyone! Strengthens Your Immune System
Stress Relief
Increases Oxygen Flow
Boosts Endorphins
Photographed By: Bhadri Kubendran
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One word: exhilarating!
I F LY S A N D I E G O INDOOR SKYDIVING
PRO TIPS
1 Listen to your flight instructor.
2 Braid or wrap up long hair to avoid it flying in your face.
One word: exhilarating! If you are looking for a new experience that is epic but you don’t want to jump out of a plane just yet, look no further. iFLY Indoor Skydiving is the place to go. Once you enter, you will be paired up with an instructor who will go through all the hand signals and formations with you. My instructor made it clear that to catch the wind, you must stay as still as possible and keep your position. Once you’re in the wind tunnel, let the adventure begin. I can guarantee iFLY is worth the trip.
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IFLY 2385 Camino Del Rio N San Diego, CA 92108 619.432.4359 www.iflyworld.com/san-diego 138 LOCALE MAGAZINE
Native Knowledge: Your iFLY experience lasts about an hour and 45 minutes, and each flight equals one and a half skydives.
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ESSENTIALS
Try different tricks and flips!
4 Try the High Flight feature for faster speeds! Helmet
Flight Suit
Goggles
Sneakers
Photographed By: Damien Noble Andrews
ESCAPE DE SIG N / / / HO M E / / / I N TE R I O R S
MARCH 2018
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HOME EXPERT Get a Behindthe-Scenes Look into IDEA1’s Bold Interiors
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TAJ MAHAL This Property is One for the Books
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ROOM ESSENTIALS How to Incorporate Boho Style Into Your Modern Kitchen
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SU CASA This La Jolla Mansion is a Must-See
M. SWABB DECOR + STYLE 3333 Midway Dr, Ste 104 San Diego, CA 92110 909.844.3761 www.maeganswabb.com Photoshoot Location: DOWNTOWN SAN DIEGO, CA PHOTO PROVIDED BY: Halli Aldous
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ROOM ESSENTIALS Kitchen Confidential
Maegan Swabb Mixes SoCal Vibes and Modern Influences to Create #KitchenGoals
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Interior Motive The Design Firm Behind IDEA1’s Staged Rooms Gives Us an Inside Look
WRITTEN BY: AMANDA LENOX PHOTOGRAPHED BY: JULIE JONES
IDEA1, an apartment complex in Downtown San Diego, places a strong emphasis on art and community, which is also reflected in their interior design. Cadie Browne Lee, CEO of Parisi Portfolio, has an eye for design and gave IDEA1’s interior what she calls a “modern-artistic” look. Browne Lee’s inspiration for the design originally came from the floorplans. “The high ceilings, grey and neutral finishes sparked our interest to bring the artistic elements of IDEA1 into the interior,” says Browne Lee. Her design is meant to echo the community space of IDEA1, called The Hub. “It’s bringing people to talk and socialize, to enjoy the arts, to come out with an easel and paint and be artistic and creative. We wanted to bring that lifestyle to the interior.”
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PARISI PORTFOLIO 3505 Camino Del Rio South, Ste 308 San Diego, CA 92108 858.259.0031 www.parisiportfolio.com Photoshoot Location: IDEA1 895 Park Blvd San Diego, CA 92101 619.304.3955 www.idea1sandiego.com 142 LOCALE MAGAZINE
“Color placement with accessories give off that creative vibe."
EXPERT:
Cadie Browne Lee
CREDENTIALS: CEO, Parisi Portfolio
HORSE PLAY:
Cadie used to play polo at the San Diego Polo Club.
Cadie’s Go-To Home Stores • Crate and Barrel • CB2 • West Elm
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ESCAPE 1. Art: “Never be afraid to use color and art. This is one of my favorite pieces and it’s really nice against the media wall. You have a great volume within the space. It makes it feel big, open, and airy.” 2. Table: “In tight spaces, you can’t always have a sofa back and a dining room table. This is multifunctional, with additional stools underneath.” 3. Sofa: “The russet-orange sofa pulled in the IDEA1 logo and added an unexpected pop of color while the area rug brought in a calming tranquil aqua tone.”
living room “With the concrete walls and the industrial vibe, we wanted to stick with simplicity and texture to inspire the design!" 144
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Accessories: "We just love to add the unexpected like the yellow dog and pops of color! Color placement with accessories give off that creative vibe."
Coffee Table Decor: “The unexpected game of tic tac toe is always a conversation starter.”
“Our goal for IDEA1 was to create inspiring and inviting environments that everyone could create themselves.”
bedroom
6. Design Inspo: "With the concrete walls and the industrial vibe, we wanted to stick with simplicity and texture to inspire the design!" 7. Headboard: “Whenever we do these artistic models, we also want to be able to show people things that they can easily achieve. We just took two leather straps and this long pillow, and that’s the headboard.” LOCALE MAGAZINE 145
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About It THIS HISTORICAL HOUSE IN LA JOLLA WILL MAKE YOUR JAW DROP WRITTEN BY: MATTHEW J. BLACK PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: CAMERON ACKER
Top-Notch • The home was once rated amongst the top 20 Airbnb’s in the world and comes with a storied past.
CASA DE LAS JOYAS La Jolla, CA
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Native Knowledge • The home is within walking or biking distance to Windansea or even Pacific and Mission Beaches.
If you fancy travel, then you most likely enjoy being immersed in foreign cultures. Imagine a dwelling that displays beautiful art, peculiar architecture and has a host of stories tied to its history. Add in comforts fit for a king and a surrounding area rich with delicious food and activities, and you got the Taj Mahal... in San Diego. “Taj Mahal” is a fitting nickname for the five-bedroom house. Its real name, Casa de las Joyas, or House of Jewels, was named by its architect, Herbert Palmer. An aristocrat with roots to the British Crown, Palmer arrived in Maryland to work as an engineer, eventually changing paths to architecture and moving to California. He borrowed from both Spanish Colonial and Mughal-style architecture to create the unique home. Located outside of the Taj Mahal is a stunning, tiled lap pool with a beautiful view. Dwellers can watch the sun dip below
the horizon on the deck, at the firepit or even within the towering domes. The interior is decorated with scripture and philosophical words to live by such as, “The eye that sees delightful imagery illumes the mind to deeper mystery.” This couldn’t be truer when applied to Taj Mahal owner Bibi Kasrai, who keeps the 1927 home in excellent condition. “The house was in ruins when I got it with enough fungus to feed a lab,” Kasrai said. Years later, Kasrai has restored her “work of love” back to its original form. In 2014, she registered on Airbnb, opening up the Taj Mahal to explorers of the world. An avid wanderer herself, Kasrai connects with people of many cultures by speaking eight languages and through her wonderful cooking. Although it is no longer listed on Airbnb, it is still worth driving by to experience its glory. The House of Jewels is truly an adventurer’s dream.
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TWO CENTS • Maegan says not to be afraid to bring the outside in. “I think having your home feel like there is no beginning and end when it comes to the interior and exterior makes your space feel much bigger.”
M. SWABB DECOR + STYLE 3333 Midway Dr, Ste 104 San Diego, CA 92110 909.844.3761 www.maeganswabb.com PHOTOSHOOT LOCATION: Downtown San Diego, CA
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Kitchen
Confidential MAEGAN SWABB MIXES SOCAL VIBES AND MODERN INFLUENCES TO CREATE #KITCHENGOALS WRITTEN BY: AMANDA LENOX PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: HALLI ALDOUS
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NATIVE KNOWLEDGE • Maegan frequents Park Boulevard for the vintage and midcentury modern shops where she can find knick-knacks or a place to repurpose an old hutch.
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When interior designer Maegan Swabb did a complete remodel of her Spanish bungalow-style home, she wanted to incorporate her personal style—boho modern. She believes the style reflects the integrity of the house. “It has a California feel to it, but I was also able to incorporate some of my natural boho vibes to it,” says Swabb. She also sees the design style as not just a personal trend, but as a current trend in SoCal as well. “It’s currently in style because we gravitate towards ranch and coast properties. We have a lot of spaces where we can mix furniture that might look like it’s meant for outside and put them inside,” she added.
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MAEGAN’S FAVORITE HOME DÉCOR SHOPS • World Market • Home Goods • West Elm • Reusable Finds • Room & Board
The Essentials 3
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Hand Braided Macrame Plant Hangers $182 Two's Company www.houzz.com “Homemade” Wood Board $26 Bungalow 56 Interiors ww.bungalow56.com Cabo Woven Runner $68 Serena and Lily www.serenaandlily.com
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Ivory Flokati Donnan Wishbone Chair $159.99 World Market www.worldmarket.com
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Brela Napkins (Set of 4) $32 Serena and Lily www.serenaandlily.com
Heath Ceramics in Strike (Gold) $140 Hygge & West www.hyggeandwest.com Cityscapes Bedford Rectangular Dining Table $1,260 A.R.T. Home Furnishings www.houzz.com
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Amana Candlestick $38 - $58 Serena and Lily www.serenaandlily.com
Suffolk Tray $148 Serena and Lily www.serenaandlily.com
HANGIN’ OUT • Maegan’s approach to interior design is layering and manipulating the space. Hanging plants can be used as a vignette and can anchor the space.
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“It has a California feel to it, but I was also able to incorporate some of my natural boho vibes to it.” —Maegan Swabb 6
TIDBITS • She recommends balancing your space with greenery, your favorite books, a cool woven table runner, baskets and fun accessories that tell a story.
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SHINE BRIGHT • She finally found a wallpaper with gold foil, so when the light hits the room, it gives the wallpaper a shimmer. It was the extra something she was looking for.
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La Jolla’s Modern Life THIS MODERN MASTERPIECE IS BRINGING STYLE TO LA JOLLA
WRITTEN BY: SARAH HOOD PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY: WILLIS ALLEN REAL ESTATE
A house that is described as “modern” often brings certain images to mind: angular furniture, minimalist designs, cool tones of gray, black and blue. The overall picture that one might envision is a utilitarian environment that does not necessarily say, “Come in and make yourself at home.” This, however, is not the case with a property situated near the Pacific Ocean just off La Jolla’s Scenic Drive. Built in 2003, this 6,747-square-foot house on La Pintura Drive not only presents itself as the height of elegance, but it also makes a persuasive case for contemporary-chic being warm and welcoming.
WILLIS ALLEN REAL ESTATE 877.515.7443 | info@willisallen.com LISTING AGENT: Marta Schrimpf CalBRE# 01209528 877.515.7443 | info@willisallen.com
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6304 La Pintura Dr La Jolla, CA 92037
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At last, it’s time to experience this property’s rendition of a modern outdoor paradise.
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And just when you thought this house had run out of surprises, you notice a set of floating steps leading to a door near the back end of the residence.
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EXTRA, EXTRA! Other bonus rooms within the La Pintura property include an exercise room, a butler’s pantry and a laundry room with granite countertops.
GET ELEVATED In addition to the front door, visitors can also enter the main house via an elevator in the garage.
As you approach the residence on a pebbled driveway and pass through the gates, you find yourself parked before an estate that simultaneously offers privacy from the outside world and intimacy for those invited into its fold. Surveying the property’s white stucco exterior, you notice an attached garage that can easily house five vehicles, a bubbling fountain situated just inside the front walkway, and an enormous front door. Once inside, you’ll walk up a short flight of stairs and turn left into a living area that features polished concrete floors, three floor-toceiling windows, and a slate-gray fireplace to contrast the white walls. Despite the predominantly modern vibe, plush leather couches and scarlet accents throughout the room provide just enough color and comfort to charm guests without disrupting the space’s overarching style. That same reddish-orange hue beckons you from the walls of the adjacent eatin kitchen, which boasts stainless steel appliances, double convection ovens and a spacious island where a willing host can chat with visitors at the built-in bar while grilling supper on the eight-burner cooktop. Directly across from this space is a family room with travertine tile gracing the floor and a golden-beige accent wall creating a relaxing atmosphere. As tempting as it would be to unwind in front of the flat-screen TV for a while, you find your attention drawn to another burst of color, this time from the dining area, where bold scarlet walls offset a glass table and
a quartet of sleek chairs. Walk through this room and you’ll enter an indooroutdoor veranda that frames a rectangular swimming pool. Even without stepping beyond the boundaries of the awning overhead, you find yourself charmed with the little orange-and-white lounge area, the stone fireplace built into the wall, and the full outdoor kitchen complete with a barbecue and a kegerator. Before venturing further into the yard, you decide to explore the bedrooms and bathrooms on the residence’s upper two levels. Of course, the most expansive and eye-catching of the six bedrooms is the master suite, which contains his-and-her closets large enough to house any married couple’s dream wardrobe. Also flanking this space are dual toilet rooms and a gray-andwhite master bath, where the tub is equipped with seven shower heads and an overhead waterfall for peak relaxation. You then proceed to the other bedrooms where, to your surprise, the contemporary trends on the ground floor have given way to soft carpets and tranquil shades of cream and tan. The remaining five-and-a-half bathrooms, however, bear more of a resemblance to the sophisticated styles downstairs, though without the vivid accents: the showers, floors and countertops are sleek and immaculately white, without a stain or dark spot to be found. As is the case with the master bath, electric blackout shades line every window to ensure that homeowners and guests maintain their privacy in this modern abode. The final room you peek into before moving back downstairs is an ample-sized office with built-in cabinets.
At last, it’s time to experience this property’s rendition of a modern outdoor paradise. You step onto the stone patio and take a closer look at the grand pool you saw earlier, noting that it features a heated spa and a waterfall that flows down from the roof. Opposite the pool is a cabana with a thatched roof and an assortment of patio furniture with red-orange cushions to tie into the indoor color theme. It is easy to envision yourself lounging in this urban oasis forever, but laziness is not the default lifestyle within this residence. Just below the pool area lies a sports court, where both casually active folks and the athletically inclined can gather for a friendly scrimmage or an intense competition. And just when you thought this house had run out of surprises, you notice a set of floating steps leading to a door near the back end of the residence. This is the separate entrance to the downstairs guest suite—or bonus rooms, depending on the presence or absence of visitors—and the finishing touch to a perfect property. To visitors who have already developed an appreciation for modern architecture and interior design, the La Pintura property confirms what they already knew: contemporary chic styles can be properly incorporated into a family home without losing its edge. To individuals who have previously dismissed these trends, this delightful estate is an unexpected treat, gently proving naysayers wrong through elegance, charm and warmth.
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T H A N K YO U TO OUR PARTNERS
Andaz San Diego
L’Auberge Del Mar
Bazaar Del Mundo | Casa De Bandini Casa Sol Y Mar
LMC: A Lennar Company | Marisol
Blue Ocean Robata & Sushi Bar | Pokewan Love Boat Sushi Oceanside
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LMC: A Lennar Company | SHIFT Lumberyard Tavern
Board & Brew
Miss B’s Coconut Club | Park 101 | Duck Dive
Brian’s 24
Pendry San Diego
Celebrity Cruises
Puesto
Cinépolis
Red O Taste of Mexico
City of La Quinta | JNS Next
Rosanna Inc. | Avenue of the Arts
Classic Club
Schaffer Dental Excellence
Clique Hospitality | Lionfish
Señor Grubby’s
Cody’s La Jolla
Snake Oil Cocktail Company
Constellation Brands
Solterra Winery
Eat.Drink.Sleep.
The Acoustic Spot
ELE COLLECTIVE
The Corner Drafthouse | The Bier Garden Encinitas
Evans Hotel Group
The Headquarters | Seaport Village
Gaslamp Quarter Association ®
The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows
Hard Seltzer Beverage Company
The Sheraton Carlsbad
Harrah’s Resort Southern California
The Shoppes at Carlsbad
Hi Sweetheart Gift Boutique
The Shout House | The Garage Kitchen & Bar
Hyatt Palm Springs
The Westgate Hotel
Jimmy’s Famous American Tavern
The Wood Group | El Prez | Truckstop | Avenue
Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs
Viejas Casino & Resort
King & Queen Cantina | Tempo Urban Kitchen
Waylon Salon & Boutique
KOI Wellbeing
William Grant & Sons