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Every Other Monday R-rated Trivia.
Tuesday Nights Karaoke.
Wednesday Nights
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Thursday Nights Live Music.
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Saturday Nights Live Music.
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FUNDRAISING PROGRESS
We have already raised almost $20,000 for the campaign, in just a few weeks. San Diego residents and businesses have all come together to support the cause. Check out the progress of some of our local leaders:
MELISSA CHATY · MISS CALIFORNIA
MAT DIABLO · HOST
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inside
White tank top by Acropolis Apparel, $14.99, available at acropolisapparel.com; sweater, shorts, both by Theory, $315, $180; pink & black necklaces, pink flower, all by Betsey Johnson, $50, $60, $50; silver bow necklace by Muse, $330; aqua watch by TOCS, $195; all available at Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley, bloomingdales.com
Sports
Style
When athletes speak, we remember they’re way better at sports.
Bright colors go wild in the urban jungle.
Forget full bands, San Diego’s hottest music is being created by dynamic duos.
Coolture
Taste
36: I INK, THEREFORE I AM
26: Taste Buds
Geena the Latina’s Finest City celebrity sightings.
Seven close-knit chefs raise San Diego’s culinary consciousness.
Connect
14: Now Showing
28: Lettuce In!
Grease, BodyWorlds, mosaics, Rigoletto, Mexican Modern art and a contestant from ABC’s True Beauty.
Spring vegetables are knocking. Open the door to a new season of fresh flavors.
10: Say What?
12: STAR GAZING
16: Playmates Young comics-turneddirectors stop in San Diego to promote their new film.
Pulse
20: Taking San Diego by Storm Weather anchor Aloha Taylor is a breath of fresh air.
6 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
23: SPRING’s eternal
30: DOZEN IT FEEL GOOD Twelve beach cocktails make a splash at World Famous.
34: Deux It!
50: UN-MESSING AROUND Who’s cleaning what this spring.
An existentialist bartender blows in from the Windy City.
38: Taking Stock How to find the upside of a down economy.
Love
40: See No Evil How to enjoy a chick flick– a public service announcement for men.
42: Romance or Bussed
Groove
Blind daters board a magic bus for an electric night on the town.
San Diego’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebration rocks the Gaslamp.
Calendar
32: What a Sham!
THINK
46: THREE.09 March event listings.
undercover: Devon Barnes, at Jet Set Models, was photographed by Greg Ramirez at Botanica in Little Italy. Styled by Andrea Nicolau. Hair and makeup by Molly Duignan. Site direction by Eduardo Verdi. (See Page 21 for fashion credits.)
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embark
letter from the
Editor
Birds are chirping and bees are abuzz. Ahh, spring. Of course, here in San Diego, the birds are pelicans and the bees are those terrifying, Volkswagen-sized green beetles, but the signs are there. The clocks change on March 8, and the long, hard winter has broken. It’s a great time to do what tickles your fancy… or to tickle someone else’s. A time for new beginnings, for awakenings, for change—just as Obama promised. By the way, I know it’s been less than two months since the inauguration, and that change takes time, but I swear, if the stock market falls below six grand, I’m buying it myself. March brings new excitement to our sandy little left-coast hamlet. The Governator managed to get his budget passed, and the economic stimulus plan just might fire things up again. Money may be scarce for now, but at least tacos remain affordable, and there’s no ice to scrape off windshields this close to Mexico. Add to that the fact that billions of local dollars are about to be generated by open-container citations given to Arizona spring-breakers who don’t yet know about the beach alcohol ban, and it becomes clear that San Diego’s right on track for a fruitful spring. Inside this Spring’s Abloom issue of PacificSD, please enjoy a cornucopia of springtime pleasures. Learn why seven San Diego chefs have banded together in Taste Buds (Page 26). Get the dirt on fresh vegetables in Lettuce In! (Page 28). Chill with 12 beach cocktails from around the world in Dozen it Feel Good (Page 30). Boyfriend like basketball? For a dose of NCAA March Madness, see Say What? (Page 10), where Chainsaw narrows it down to the Sweet 16 of the National Comedically Asinine Athlete quotes of all time. Girlfriend need a romantic tear-jerker? Learn how to enjoy a chick flick in See No Evil (Page 40). For a splash of style, see what’s being worn in the Urban Jungle (Page 21). The season’s in colors are bright. Oranges, yellows, greens. My wife told me that. Turns out a similar thing happened last year. Weird. Signs point to there being a chance that I’ll live to 40, so I’m jogging until beach season. Time to lean down, to lose my freshman fifteen (which I’ve had for 20 years). If you see me on the streets (I’ll be the guy wheezing on the curb), please honk: Your encouraging beep, In harmony with birds— Cheep-cheep Just might get me up. Moving again. Loving living in a place where we don’t have to hope spring’s eternal… It just is. Wow, a spring poem. How quaint. I think I’m gonna purge… like a spring-breaker after a night on the strip. By the way, if you see any of those guys about to pee on my car, please ask them at least to aim for the dirty side this year. Then tell them to hit the beach with some brews—City Council needs the cash.
PUBLISHERS David Perloff / Editor in Chief Simone Perloff / Fashion Director DESIGN DIRECTOR Kim Cuffe ASSISTANT EDITOR Tina Safi CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Brandon Hernández CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Craig Boreth Hannah Echeverio Dave Good Geena the Latina Heather Nelson Cookie “Chainsaw” Randolph Frank Sabatini, Jr. PHOTOGRAPHERS Dave Good, davegoodphotography.com Greg Ramirez, ramirezphotos.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jim Lucich Janese Maricelli-Thomasson FASHION EDITORIAL TEAM Photographer: Greg Ramirez, ramirezphotos.com Stylist: Andrea Nicolau, deanicolau@hotmail.com Hair/Makeup: Molly Duignan, mollyduignan.com Model: Devon Barnes for Jet Set Models, jetsetmodels.com Site Director: Eduardo Verdi, botanicasd.com
Magazine advertising sucks… …sucks readers into your ads and new customers into your business, that is. Call 858.274.4795 or visit pacificsandiego.com today to find out how much your ad can suck.
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Sports
Say
What? When athletes SPEAK, we remember they’re way better are at sports by Cookie “chainsaw” randolph
The National Comedically Asinine Athletes (NCAA) championships have arrived. Time to pick a winner from the 16 most nonsensical sports quotes of all time. As in college hoops, there are no sure things in this NCAA competition. “It’s not over ‘til it’s over” got bounced in the first round. Even the top-seeded “He had shoulder surgery on his elbow” lost its conference final. It’s why they call it March Madness.
Sweet 16 Finalists “I want kids to copulate me.” Slugger Andre Dawson on being a good role model. Ironically, Michael Jackson wanted to be emulated.
“Nobody in football should be called a genius. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.”
“No one goes to that restaurant anymore. It’s too crowded.”
Former NFL quarterback Joe Theismann. Norman was Albert’s less famous brother. Invented toast. Genius.
Yogi Berra, New York Yankee. This represents all of the great Yogi-isms. What time is it Yogi? “You mean right now?”
“That’s so when I forget how to spell my name, I can still find my clothes.”
“I have a God-given talent. I got it from my dad.”
“I never took steroids, ever.” Baseball’s Rafael Palmiero to Congress three months before testing positive for... steroids! Bill Clinton prepped Raffy for that appearance.
“My goal is to rush for 1,000 yards, or 1,500 yards, whichever comes first.” Former Saints running back, George Rogers. George still confuses “i” before “e” except after “c.”
Why Chicago Blackhawk Stu Grimson posted his own picture above his locker. Even so, Stu wore his underwear on the outside of his pants. Sad.
“My sister’s expecting a baby, and I don’t know if I’m going to be an uncle or an aunt.”
Missouri basketball player Julian Wakefield. Not surprisingly, Julian also dominated water polo and aced his wine-making final.
“Sure there have been injuries and deaths in boxing, but none of them serious.” Olympic bronze medalist, Alan Minter. Injuries and deaths in scarf dancing... now that’s serious.
“I had a better year than he did.”
College basketball player, Chuck Nevitt, on why he was so distracted one day at practice. Afterwards, his teammates suggested Chuck shower at the dorm.
Babe Ruth on having a higher salary than depression President Herbert Hoover. Think A-Rod will ever say that about Barack?
“‘Son, what is it with you. Is it ignorance or apathy? He said, ‘Coach, I don’t know and I don’t care.’ “
“We have done really well Sunday through Friday.”
Former Jazz coach Frank Layton about an unproductive player. That player went on to be CEO at AIG.
Former Aztecs coach, Chuck Long, after going 2-10 during games played on Saturdays. Should have joined that Tuesday league.
And here it is! The most asinine sports quote of all time:
“Son, looks to me like you’re spending too much time on one subject.”
“I’m all for it.”
“Because she’s too ugly to kiss goodbye.” Why former NFL coach Bum Phillips took his wife on road trips. After hearing that, Mrs. Phillips trashed their hotel room Keith Moon-style.
Former college coach Shelby Metcalf to a player who had received four Fs and one D. That one subject was “Guess your grandmother’s bra size.” They didn’t have that elective at my college. Damn. I would have gotten an “A”.
“We’re not attempting to circumcise the rules.” Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach, Bill Cowher. Bill had a no-cut contract.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach, John McKay, on what he thought about his team’s execution,
during their 0-14 season in 1976. Hooray! The Bucs finally get a win. I hope they’re alive to enjoy it.
Cookie “Chainsaw” Randolph attempts to make this list everyday with Dave, Shelly & Chainsaw, mornings at 101.5 KGB-FM.
10 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
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coolture: celebrity
Star Gazing FINEST CITY CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS by geena the latina Samantha Ronson at Stingaree
Kid Rock at Brick by Brick
Beverley Mitchell at Stingaree
Kendra Wilkinson and “crew” at Harrah’s
John Legend and Estelle at Stingaree
Photo by Zac Ormsby
February 15:
February 14:
February 11:
January 31:
January 21:
January 16:
Lindsay Lohan’s famous DJ girlfriend, Samantha Ronson, showed up to spin at Stingaree downtown, but she refused to participate in press interviews when she got there, even though it was in her contract to do so. Accompanied in the DJ booth only by her manager, Ronson looked frail and sad, with dark circles under her eyes. Could it have been the public fight she and Lindsay had gotten into two nights before? Ronson rocked a dark colored ski hat, camo jacket and skinny jeans—her standard attire. At the end of the night, she opted to return to LA rather than stay at a local hotel.
Kendra Wilkinson attended the LL Cool J concert at Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort on Valentine’s Day. The former Girls Next Door co-star was there with her fiancé, football star, Hank Baskett, and a few friends. According to witnesses, Wilkinson seemed tense, even skittish at the concert, arriving late and leaving early. She kept her distance from the crowd, leaning against the back wall. In fact, most people probably didn’t even notice she was there. She looked amazing, but said she “couldn’t” take pictures alone (not even with just her fiancé), insisting that her whole “crew” be in the shot. Her “crew” included San Diego-based DJs Gigi and Dale Da Dred.
Kid Rock was spotted at the Ivy Hotel downtown. Dining at the hotel’s Quarter Kitchen with two friends, he ordered the restaurant’s signature Prime Filet (medium rare), mac ‘n’ cheese, asparagus and a Caesar salad. He stayed in the hotel’s premiere Sweet Suite, a mini onebedroom palace on the top floor, offering sweeping skyline views, couture furnishings and fine Thai bed linens. Later, Rock was seen at Brick By Brick, a small live music venue in Bay Park, where the Zac Brown Band played. Witnesses say Rock was friendly and posed with fans for pics.
Beverley Mitchell (AKA Lucy Camden from 7th Heaven) was spotted at Stingaree. Visiting from L.A. with her husband and a few close friends, Mitchell was in town to celebrate her birthday. She was dressed in a conservative top and jeans and spent the night smiling and dancing with her friends and hubby. Her drink of choice was Belvedere vodka and soda with a splash of cranberry juice. The cocktail waitresses say that she was super sweet and that she seemed to be having a blast.
On the day it was announced that his group would be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels of the legendary hip-hop group, Run DMC, was spotted eating dessert at Ghirardelli Chocolate on Fifth Avenue, downtown. In San Diego for a speaking engagement at the Convention Center, McDaniels posed for pictures with the manager of Ghirardelli; employees say he was very nice. After dessert, he retreated to his room at the Hard Rock Hotel.
John Legend and Estelle stopped by Stingaree following their concert at UCSD’s RIMAC arena. Ignoring doctors’ orders to keep quiet, Legend belted out “Happy Birthday” to Estelle, who was celebrating her 29th birthday along with the sold-out crowd. When American Boy dropped, Legend couldn’t help but sing Kanye West’s part, while Estelle danced, sipping Pierre Jouet champagne and enjoying her specially made red velvet birthday cake. The two seemed chummy, dancing together and talking much of the night.
If you’re seeing stars, tell me about it! E-mail me at geena@channel933.com. XOXO, Geena My favorite new song this month: Shooting Star (Party Rock Remix) by David Rush, featuring LMFAO, Pitbull and Kevin Rudolf.
My favorite fashion trend this month: I love all the bright colors that are in right now. I love the bright oranges and yellows and pinks and reds. Absolutely love them. Brighter is better!
Geena the Latina co-hosts A.J.’s Playhouse, the ridiculously popular morning show on San Diego’s #1 hit music station, Channel 933. Tune in for her entertainment report, Geena’s Big Scoop, broadcast at 20 minutes after each hour, weekdays from 6-10 a.m.
12 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
coolture
Now Showing in sight in san diego
Hey, Good Lookin’ PacificSD talks with True Beauty star, Ray Seitz ABC’s latest reality series, True Beauty, combines the narcissism of Tyra Banks’ Top Model with the irreverent trickery of Ashton Kutcher’s Punked. The show’s premise is to fool physically attractive contestants into thinking they’re being judged solely on their outer beauty, while they’re actually being evaluated on personality and looks.
You’re the One that I Want
Rydell High’s hottest couple rolls through town, Daddy-O! The 50s come back to life on stage with poodle skirts, T-birds and summer nights at the drive-in. See American Idol contestant, Taylor Hicks, perform in Grease, a live musical celebration of youth and love. Sing along with such classics as Summer Nights, Greased Lightnin’ and We Go Together.
Diego Rivera, Mandrágora, oil on canvas, 1939
Tickets: $18-$79 Dates: March 3-8 Venue: Civic Theatre, Downtown Info: 619.570.1100, broadwaysd.com
New Mexico
SDMA presents a Modern Mexican Art collection See more than 20 paintings, prints and sculptures from Diego Rivera and other Mexican Modernists from the late-19th to the early-21st century. The exhibition includes examples of Realism as well as pieces influenced by the avantgarde movements of Cubism and Surrealism. Curator Vanessa M. Corbera describes the art from this movement as “influential in the development of American and Latin American Modernism.” Tickets: $10 Dates: Through August 1 Venue: San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park Info: 619.232.7931, sdmart.org
14 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
One of the contestants, Ray Seitz, 30, of San Diego, appeared in the June 2008 issue of PacificSD. PacificSD: What did you learn from participating in the show? Seitz: I learned to cut people slack and not to judge a book by its cover. I also learned that you have to put yourself out there and take a risk at being vulnerable. This is something that is hard for me and that I strive every day to improve upon. Did appearing in PacificSD shape your career? Of course it did! I had fun doing the shoot about fitness. But let me tell you, in the world of modeling, it doesn’t matter how hot the guy is... there’s always a hotter girl who gets the cover every time.
Photo of Original Broadway Cast by Joan Marcus
Photo by Joan Marcus
Duking It Out
Rigoletto hits the stage
The leceherous Duke of Mantua seduces wives and daughters while his hunchbacked jester, Rigoletto, ridicules their husbands and fathers. The tables turn, however, when a fuming father pronounces a curse on Rigoletto, whose own daughter ultimately falls victim to the Duke’s wily charms. The performance rivets audiences with murderous plots and desperate love.
Photo by Ken Jacques
Tickets: $35-$200 Dates: March 28, 31; April 3, 5, 8 Venue: Civic Theatre, Downtown Info: 619.533.7000, sdopera.com
coolture
KITCHEN OPEN TIL 10PM
Body Shots Gunther von Hagens’ newest Body Worlds exhibit Gain an unforgettable perspective on the inner workings of the human body at Body Worlds and the Brain: Our Three Pound Gem, which showcases real humans preserved through Plastination. Learn about comparative anatomy, wellness and disease and the latest findings in neuroscience.
MONDAY INDUSTRY NIGHT 50% OFF BILL 9PM TO CLOSE $3 DOS XX, BUDWEISER $3 TACOS
TUESDAY HALF OFF APPETIZERS 6PM TO CLOSE $3 DOS XX, BUDWEISER $3 TACOS
Tickets: $25 Dates: March 5 - October 4 Venue: San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park Info: 877.946.7797, sdnhm.org
WEDNESDAY GOLDFISH RACING 9PM TO CLOSE $3 DOS XX, BUDWEISER $3 TACOS
DAILY SPECIALS
The Soccer Player, 2005. Copyright: Gunther von Hagens, Body Worlds, Institude for Plastination, Heidelberg, Germany, www.bodyworlds.com
Keeping the Pieces The 8th Annual Society of American Mosaic Artists (SAMA) Summit
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Admire 72 stunning mosaics from seven countries through April 26. March’s special four-day Summit (March 25-28) features workshops and presentations by mosaic and design industry professionals. Come watch 400 SAMA members work marathon style to create a mosaic mural masterpiece. Tickets: $10 Dates: March 25-28 (Summit); Through April 26 (exhibit) Venue: Museum of Man, Balboa Park, 619.239.2001 museumofman.org
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COOLTURE
Playmates
Young comics-turned-directors stop in San Diego to promote their new film STORY AND PHOTOS by DAVE GOOD
From left to right: Trevor Moore, Sara Jean Underwood, Zach Cregger
It’s one of those propositions that most of us will likely never have to worry about: namely, what would your reaction be if you found out that the girl you love has posed, say, nude for a national magazine? Would you freak? Run away in terror? Or, would you be elated? An unlikely proposition? Yes. But comics Trevor Moore and Zach Cregger (creators of IFC’s Whitest Kids U’Know) have managed to spin the idea into an epic comedy road trip in their debut Fox Searchlight feature film, Miss March. Co-starring Sara Jean Underwood, Playboy’s 2007
16 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
Playmate of the Year, the film is a no-holds-barred, cross-country laugh-fest in which Cregger and Moore share starring roles as well as writing and directing credits. “It was an existing script that had been written for us,” Moore says, explaining how the film came about during a pre-launch publicity tour stop at the Ivy Hotel downtown. “We weren’t really crazy about the idea at first. We’re not huge fans of the sex comedy road-trip genre.” They turned the original script into a writing exercise and created the kind of film that they would want to be in.
“We decided to push the humor out there, to make the humor a little darker, and to make the film sillier.” The plot goes something like this: a young man (played in the movie by Cregger) falls down a flight of stairs at a party, bumps his head and ends up in a four-year coma. He awakens to find that his girlfriend has gone on to become a Playboy centerfold. This information is all it takes for he and his buddy (played by Moore) to plot the mother of all cross-country road-trips to the Playboy Mansion in Los Angeles in an attempt at winning back the girl.
COOLtuRE
Co-star Sara Jean Underwood hails from Oregon. And no, she is not Miss March, as the film’s title suggests. Technically speaking, she is Miss July. An Oregon State University undergrad at the time, Underwood was scouted by Playboy photographers in 2005 for their “Girls of the PAC 10” magazine spread. In October of that same year, she Did the duo find it harder to be funny on a graced the cover of Playboy wearing only large-budget film than on television? “We a body painting of an OSU Beaver football have this TV show that comes on late at night jersey. In 2006, she was named Miss July on IFC,” says Moore of the Whitest Kids and the next year U’Know, “and we she received the can play around highest honor that there and do a Playmate can whatever we want. the iconic publisher and founder receive. She has It’s kind of like our also been featured little secret show. of the Playboy empire who plays on E!’s hit series, But with this movie, himself in Miss March: The Girls Next there was pressure Door. to get everything “He’s 84,” says Cregger, “and he’s done in the timeline still sharp as a tack.” So, can you be a and for the money Playmate of the you said you could “He’s got that grandfather sense Year and still keep get it done.” of humor,” says Moore. “He tells, your friends? like, dirty old grandfather jokes.” “But this is what “I’m kind of like we’ve done for the an introvert,” last nine years,” “He told me he was gonna go says Underwood, says Cregger, upstairs on his 20-minute break who dated the “writing, acting and and have a quickie,” says Cregger. same guy from directing together, high school, so it wasn’t like a “He meant take a nap,” through college big jump to do the laughs Underwood. and through her movie. All you can Playboy years. do is be as funny “And,” says Moore, “he was (These days, she is as you can be with sneaking cookies.” said to be dating what you have to Ryan Seacrest.) work with. For us, “I have two close we always write “But he was, like, on,” says Cregger. friends in my the best when “He came to the set prepared life. As a Playboy we feel like we’re and he knew his stuff.” Playmate, I’m getting away with much more prone something. Like, to be invited to we put a lot of crap things, but I still have those two friends.” in the TV show and we feel like the teacher’s not looking. You wanna preserve that sense In Underwood’s opinion, did Cregger of mischief.” and Moore accurately portray life in the Playboy Mansion? After winning the major motion picture starwriter-director trifecta, is life much different “Yeah,” she laughs. “The parties are insane. today for the two comics? There’s everything you could think of, from naked women to sexual promiscuity. The “I don’t feel any change at all,” says Cregger. decorations are insane. You don’t know “I don’t think of myself as famous. I don’t where to look when you walk in. Four times get stopped on the street and hassled or a year there, it’s crazy!” anything like that. And all my friends are my friends because, like, that wouldn’t be an Catch the craziness on the silver screen. issue. But maybe after the movie comes out,” Miss March premiers nationwide March 13. he says, “it’ll be different.” Cregger and Moore added characters, dialogue and subplots, along with fire trucks and lesbians. “We made the main characters different from each other,” says Cregger, “instead of being just two guys who were obsessed with sex.”
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PULSE
Taking San Diego by Storm
y: Anchors Awa Get the inside scoop on what local television personalities do when they’re not in your living room.
Weather anchor Aloha Taylor is a breath of fresh air By Frank sabatini, jr.
On an early-spring day
in Minneapolis, the forecast called for near-freezing temperatures. Television meteorologist Aloha Taylor exclaimed to her viewers, “Bring out the shorts! It’s going to be beautiful outside!” Behind the scenes, however, her native-Hawaiian blood could barely defrost from an unforgiving winter that blew in wind chills of 20 degrees below zero. After just a year in the cold, Taylor escaped the City of Lakes and returned to milder skies, becoming the weather anchor for XETV’s San Diego 6 News. Prior to her stint in Minneapolis, Taylor had been the meteorologist for KFMBTV Channel 8’s morning and noon news programs. Now a single mom, she tracks weather data from her Del Cerro home during the day, then conveys her findings with a familiar radiance from the XETV studio, nightly at 10 p.m.
Even when’s she’s off camera, Taylor can be found holding a microphone, in this case to amplify her second passion—karaoke. “One of my first jobs out of high school was being a karaoke host in a hotel,” she says. “I sang and would get the shyest people in the world to sing on the machine as well.” Taylor now owns a home karaoke system, which she uses when playing with her three-year-old daughter or while hosting occasional dinner parties. “But not all of my friends are into it,” she admits. Whether she’s singing at home or providing ad lib weather reports, Taylor is a great performer. And with great performances, especially those on camera, come great bloopers. On location at the San Diego Boat Show, for instance, Taylor was conducting a live interview with Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel when the famous rodent perched on her shoulder took on an unscripted trip down the front of her blouse.
good Photo by dave
Full first name: Ku’ualoha Means my love, in Hawaiian. Sign: Capricorn
“He came up with a big smile on his face,” she laughs.
1
Despite such lighthearted moments, Taylor takes meteorology seriously. “When I’m approached about the weather in conversation, I always want to go into this long dissertation about high pressure and dew points and radiational cooling,” she says. “I look at the temperature as soon as I wake up every morning. And when I nail my highs and lows on the nose or accurately predict the time a storm will roll in, those are the best days in the world.”
Highly organized, plans ahead and tries to anticipate pitfalls down the road, “so that they don’t happen,” she says.
Shopper type:
Bargain Hunter Recent steals: “Dirt-cheap” designer jeans at Loehmann’s in Mission Valley; Disney Princess sneakers for her daughter, purchased for six bucks at Las Americas in Otay Mesa.
Dream getaway:
Snowboarding in Tahoe followed by Kahlua-and-coffee in a cozy log cabin
Favorite restaurant:
Pamplemousse Grille in Del Mar
18 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
4 2
3 A few of her favorite things: 1: Weather symbol umbrella. 2: Cherished Hawaiian music book. 3: Twiggy the Waterskiing Squirrel. 4: Karaoke microphone.
SUNSET SPECIAL:
(Mon. - Thurs. Specials start after the sun sets)
$4 Jager Blasters $3 Jager Shots $3 Smirnoff Flavored Vodka Drinks 1/2-Price Domestic Pitchers
* HEATED PATIO
Trattoria
Bella Vita
La Jolla’s Neighborhood Italian Restaurant on top of Mt. Soledad
ristorantebellavita.net at the entrance to WINDERMERE VILLAGE CENTER
Check out our new menu and daily chef’s specials Cuisine prepared with fresh local ingredients, Italian imports and amore
858.551.1150
•
6435 Caminito Blythefield, La Jolla
STYLE
spring colors go wild in t he
urban jungle
photography by greg ramirez styled by andrea nicolau and assistant tina safi | hair + makeup by molly duignan site direction by eduardo verdi at botanica | model: devon barnes at jet set models Floral jumper by Aqua, $88; yellow sweater by Theory, $295; gladiator sandals by Tory Burch, $265; gold lariat necklace, $95; four pink bracelets by Aqua, $25- $35, all available at Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley, bloomingdales.com; two gold tapered bangle bracelets by Alexis Bittar, $120, $75, both available at Nordstrom Fashion Valley, nordstrom.com.
PACIFICsandiego.com Âť MARCH 2009 | 21
STYLE
Black dress by French Connection, $148; hotpink t-shirt by Theory, $65; lace-up sneakers by Juicy Couture, $75; zipper earrings, star necklace, heart ring, red bracelet, yellow bracelet, $78, $128, $68, $98, $78, all by Marc by Marc Jacobs; all available at Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley, bloomingdales.com; green bracelet set, $28, Nordstrom Fashion Valley, nordstrom.com.
22 | MARCH 2009 ÂŤ PACIFICsandiego.com
STYLE
stop, smell the roses and hope
spring’s eternal Floral long sleeve blouse by Diane Von Furstenberg, $210; black vest by Free People, $98; splattered paint shorts by Seven 4 All Mankind, $105; white daisy watch by Marc by Marc Jacobs, $175; pearl necklace, gold coil bracelet, both by Allen Schwartz, $175, $150; Marc by Marc Jacobs satchel in lemon, $498; belt by Betsey Johnson, $32; all available at Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley, bloomingdales.com; olive woven canvas sandal by Jimmy Choo, available at Nordstrom Fashion Valley, nordstrom.com; pink rosebud and rose leaf gold chain by Marie-Lise Lachapelle, $180, available at marielise.net.
PACIFICsandiego.com » MARCH 2009 | 23
STYLE
T-shirt, sneakers, by Ed Hardy, $84, $144; skirt by Aqua, $68; silver ring by Marc by Marc Jacobs, $79; belts, $145; $80; pearl necklace worn as belt, by Allen Schwartz, $175, all available at Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley, bloomingdales.com; silver/gold multi-chain necklace by Femme, price upon request, available at femmemetale.com. Acoustic guitar available at Elephants Music, 1380 Garnet Ave., 858.272.1964, elephantmusic.com.
24 | MARCH 2009 ÂŤ PACIFICsandiego.com
$50 Off Teeth Whitening $149 Through March 31, 2009. Must mention ad at time of booking.
TASTE
Taste Buds Seven CLOSE-KNIT CHEFS raise San Diego’s culinary consciousness By Brandon Hernández Photos by Dave Good
A passion for food and pleasing others is what inspires pro chefs to excel. Theirs is a labor of love and, to share this delectable brand of affection, seven of San Diego’s hottest chefs have come together to form The Cooks Confab.
DINNER IS SERVED
At its start-up three years ago, the Confab was just fellow chefs hanging out and chatting over drinks. Soon, the group started cooking and breaking bread with one another. It wasn’t long before a light bulb went off and they started getting together to share their kitchen magic with San Diegans via unique grand scale dinner events.
“Getting seven-plus chefs together is like herding cats in a hurricane on acid,” says Graves. Getting in the foodie loop is a lot easier—just go to jsixsandiego.com and join their mailing list.
“It’s fun how things blow up,” says Christian Graves, the executive chef at the Hotel Solamar’s Jsix and a charter member of the Confab. “It’s cool to be on the ground floor of this little daddy and it couldn’t and shouldn’t happen any place other than San Diego. Chefs aren’t this close in other towns and, more often than not, they are trying to cut down each other instead of pick each other up.”
The next Confab dinner will focus on sustainable seafood and will be held Wednesday, March 26, at 1500 Ocean at the Hotel Del Coronado. For reservations, visit dine1500ocean.com or call 619.522.8490.
[ con•fab (kon’fab), –n. 1. a conference or exchange of views or ideas or information on a familiar topic. –v. 2. to converse informally; chat. ] Each Confab dinner takes place at a member’s restaurant, features a theme or central ingredient and is priced as reasonably as the group can possibly get away with. Graves and his colleagues view affordability as being key to the accessibility they’re striving for as they attempt to inform and delight the masses, not just the affluent. It’s the type of selfless pursuit that’s rarely seen in other big dining cities. “Nowhere else in the country are you going to get seven chefs together for a dinner with seven courses that all feature truffles or foie gras (duck liver) at 85 bucks a pop or a dinner where all of the ingredients are served raw,” says Graves. “This is fun food s**t happening here and it’s just going to get bigger and better!”
THE STRATEGIST:
THE RINGLEADER:
THE HIRED GUN:
Brian Sinnott Chef De Cuisine, 1500 Ocean, Coronado dine1500ocean.com
Christian Graves Executive Chef, Jsix & J6bar, Downtown hotelsolamar.com
Andrew Spurgin Executive Director/Chef, Waters Fine Catering waterscatering.com
Years in the Biz: 15
Years in the Biz: 17
Years in the Biz: 31
Style: Heavy Italian and French influenced, seasonally produce/market-driven
Style: Delicate and fresh, allowing the ingredients to speak for themselves
Style: Regional, seasonal, farm and sea to table
Motto: Keep it simple and focused… everything on the plate for a reason.
Motto: If you love what you do for work, you’ll never work a day in your life!
What do you bring to the Confab? My style and personality.
What do you bring to the Confab? I usually help organize the events.
Why is the Confab so important to its members? Because it helps grow our culinary scene and helps us expand our boundaries and push each other to grow.
What is your vision for the future of Confab? We all see how popular it’s becoming and realize we can utilize it to make some money for programs we support.
26 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
Motto: Never compromise your ingredients. What do you bring to the Confab? Enthusiasm! What challenges do restaurants face in 2009? If restaurateurs do not think creatively, train staff and offer value without compromising values, I fear many will not make it.
TASTE
THE NUMBERS GUY: Jason Knibb Executive Chef, NINE-TEN, La Jolla nine-ten.com Years in the Biz: 11 Style: Simple, yet sophisticated Motto: Keep it real, fresh and clean. What do you bring to the Confab? An open mind. Why is the Confab important? It shows people there is a collaborative movement in the food community to do the right thing for our environment.
THE SEAFARER: Brian Malarkey Executive Chef, The Oceanaire Seafood Room, Downtown, theoceanaire.com Years in the Biz: 15 Style: Fresh, beautiful and exciting Motto: The dish I created yesterday is forgotten today… I am always looking at tomorrow. What do you bring to the Confab? Fun. What is your perspective of San Diego’s dining scene? It’s ever-evolving. Not only do we have great talent here now, we are attracting more talent because of our reputation.
THE CONTEMPORARY: Antonio Friscia Executive Chef, Stingaree, Bar West & Dish, stingsandiego.com Years in the Biz: 20 Style: Old world, modern vibe Motto: Simple, seasonable, sustainable. What do you bring to the Confab? My love. What do you hope for our restaurant scene? I would like to see more front and back of the house harmony… and more cheese.
THE CRAFTSMAN: Timothy Kolanko Chef De Cuisine, A.R. Valentien at the Lodge at Torrey Pines, lodgetorreypines.com Years in the Biz: 17 Style: Sourcing of local ingredients, respect for traditional flavor combos and proper technique Motto: Hospitality is a simple concept that too often gets lost in the shuffle. What do you bring to the Confab? Another voice. Why did you get involved? I love the camaraderie and enjoy being in the kitchen with these talented chefs who also happen to be great guys.
TASTE
Lettuce In
Open the door to a new season of fresh vegetables
By Frank Sabatini, Jr.
They’ve been called everything from young and wild to firm and desirable. No, we’re not referring to the spring breakers that blanket our sands this time of year, but rather to the bounty of earthy fresh vegetables winking at us from outdoor markets and grocery store shelves. Who wants anemic greenhouse tomatoes or milky peas from distant warehouses when you can sink your teeth into food barely shaken from the soil? Southern California blooms with the country’s tastiest and brightest springtime vegetables, which yield prized nutritional matter that even die-hard carnivores can’t resist.
Garden Variety: The Season’s Top 5
Asparagus Asparagus would grow into giant fern-like monsters if people didn’t eat them when they were young and corrigible. Look for delicately flavored, pencil-shaped spears in March, and fatter, more succulent outgrowths in late April. Spring hails the arrival of subtle-tasting white asparagus, a delicacy in these parts due to its short growing season. Whether served steamed, grilled or oven-roasted, a one-cup serving of either green or white provides a bushel of Vitamin K and folate.
28 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
Celeriac (Celery Root) This rather weighty and starchy root vegetable boasts the faint taste of celery. Beneath its rugged, ugly skin lies a creamy, solid flesh that adds new life to potatoes when they are mashed together. Celeriac also pairs well with apples and spring lettuces and finds a comfy home in stews and creamy soups. Maintaining a steady diet of the stuff eliminates the need for fiber supplements.
Artichokes Spring delivers the main crop for mineral-rich artichokes, with autumn being their secondary season. These prickly thistles lend a nutty essence to dips, pasta dishes and salads, although full justice is served only when they’re steamed and complemented with butter and a spritz of lemon. Look for moist, compact heads and fresh, green stems.
Heirloom Tomatoes While consumers in northern climes wait impatiently for summer tomatoes, Southern Californians enjoy a fast track to juicy heirlooms, the snobby cultivars of tomatoes grown from seeds that have been handed down through generations. Why all the hoopla? Heirlooms are decadently juicy and pack a fruity, non-acidic flavor. Available in a myriad of shapes and colors, they tryst with fresh mozzarella as naturally as honey bees dally with flowers.
Green Peas It’s no wonder that ancient Egyptians buried these vegetables in tombs for use in the afterlife. Chubby peapods plucked straight off spring vines yield meaty legumes brimming with vitamins and cholesterol-free protein. Eat `em plain or pop them into a salad speckled with mint and you’ll question why you ever hid them under your plate as a kid.
TASTE
Vegetable Matters
Get Fresh
To prevent artichokes from oxidizing, forget the lemon juice and store them in water with fresh parsley instead.
believe it or not, when stuffed into the legs of sheer pantyhose–this according to the farmers of Vidalia, Georgia.
When shopping for white asparagus, look for stalks that are eight inches tall and three-quarters-ofan-inch thick. Before refrigerating, wrap the stalks in a damp towel, because they tend to absorb surrounding odors.
Peppery arugula grows like weeds in the spring. Look for leaves that measure four inches or longer. And because arugula is so potent on its own, toss with milder lettuces and subtle vinaigrettes.
Vidalia onions, another seasonal superstar, retain their famed sweetness longer when stored in a cool, dry place and wrapped in paper towels or,
Though grown locally year-round, mustard greens taste particularly snappy in late March and April, when their dark green leaves reveal frilly edges and slightly fuzzy surfaces.
Chef Paul McCabe of Kitchen 1540 in his home garden.
Grant Grill’s Chris Kurth. Photo by Dave Good.
Chino Farm 6123 Calzada Del Bosque, Rancho Santa Fe 858.756.3184 Fresh-from-the-ground veggies dominate the stands at Chino Farm, a 47-acre ranch that has supplied famed chefs Alice Waters and Wolfgang Puck. Get here early for the best and most hard-to-find picks of the day. San Diego Farm Bureau 1670 E. Valley Pkwy, Escondido 760.745.3023 sdfarmbureau.org A leading advocate for regional farming communities, the bureau offers a comprehensive list of farmers markets located at 32 locations throughout San Diego County. Pick a neighborhood and ponder a vegetable, and you’ll be sure to find it in these colorful markets any day of the week. OB People’s Market 4765 Voltaire St., Ocean Beach 619.224.1387 obpeoplesfood.coop Launched in the early 1970s, this member-owned cooperative taps into local and regional farms to supply its citizenry (and non-members, too) with an extensive selection of organic produce. For $15 a year, consumers are afforded discounts on various stock, access to wellness workshops and eligibility to serve on the co-op board.
Two Green Thumbs Up Top San Diego chefs cook up the season’s best at work and at home Chef Paul McCabe of L’Auberge Del Mar’s Kitchen 1540 and chef de cuisine Chris Kurth of the U.S. Grant Hotel’s Grant Grill are among San Diego’s urban gardeners who can transform spring organics into five-star meals. Consider McCabe’s use of English peas, seen on his spring menu as the filling for pasta agnoletti. The peas are boiled and pureed with mint and mascarpone cheese, a crafty creation he likes to serve with poached lobster. When away from the restaurant, McCabe tends to a backyard garden at his University City home, where he grows artichokes, arugula and heirlooms for his own
kitchen table. Last year’s homegrown pea crop was so prolific that it made his kids squawk, “Hey dad, that’s enough.” This month, Grant Grill’s chef Kurth throws the spotlight on white asparagus by building a five-course tasting menu around the coveted vegetable. His April menu ushers in other obscure veggies such as wild ramps, stinging nettles and wild watercress, which is known for its spicy, buttery finish. Using elevated pots for his home garden in North Park, Kurth grows his spring favorites: leeks, green garlic and morel mushrooms. Heirlooms, he says, “are temperamental and difficult to grow.”
Grant Grill
Whole Foods 711 University Ave., Hillcrest; 8825 Via La Jolla Dr., La Jolla 619.294.2800 wholefoods.com Produce at Whole Foods is on the spendy side, but it’s worth it. Vegetables are of the highest pedigree, showing off such perfect shapes and brilliant colors that you can practically taste their vitamins. Also, the store’s ample supply of snappy spring lettuces call for a steady diet of salad.
326 Broadway Downtown grantgrill.com
Kitchen 1540 1540 Camino Del Mar Del Mar laubergedelmar.com
PACIFICsandiego.com » MARCH 2009 | 29
TASTE
Dozen It Feel Good
Twelve beach cocktails from across the globe make a splash in San Diego By Frank Sabatini, Jr. Photo by Dave Good
Running a restaurant is hard work. Just ask Dieter May, owner of World Famous in Pacific Beach, whose intercontinental travels take him to destinations where hammocks and exotic libations define the day. And it’s all part of the job. Tough gig, huh? May admits that his great escapes are hardly all work and no play, but he does keep his loyal customers in mind when he travels, which he just proved by unveiling this year’s list of beach cocktails from around the world. “I’m always looking to do something new and interesting,” May says, “The whole idea behind our menus is to use multi-cultural influences and fresh ingredients, and then offer the drinks and meals at affordable prices.” With a globally inspired seafood-centric menu long in place, World Famous is the perfect spot to refresh with an exotic, frosty libation. “We’re right here on the beach with indoor and surfside patio dining,” says May. “It’s a suits-and-shorts kind of place where everyone’s comfortable eating and drinking together.”
world Famous 711 Pacific Beach Drive Pacific Beach 858.272.3100
30 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
The new cocktail list features a dozen concoctions popular in South America, Western Europe and Mexico; the Caribbean, South Africa and Hawaii are also represented. Most of the cocktails are served in 16-ounce glasses and range from $6 to $7.50 apiece. May credits his management team for assisting in the mixology, citing that “lots of research” went into the concept before it materialized. The cocktail offerings, he adds, are a natural fit to the restaurant’s seaside location and to meals stamped with cosmopolitan flair.
Fab Five (writer’s faves) Throughout the coastal towns of Chile and Peru, the widely celebrated brandy known as pisco is often enjoyed with almond liqueur, orange juice and a squeeze of lime. Here on U.S. soil, at World Famous’ beachfront perch, it’s named Pisco Sunrise.
affluent neighborhood of Rio de Janeiro, where the tanned and beautiful spike the drink with Chambord berry liqueur. “We have a couple of Brazilians who work here,” adds May, suggesting that his Epic Berry Caipirinha has passed the litmus test.
In the French surfing town of Biarritz along the Basque coast, luxurious St. Germain Liqueur Artisanale (made from alder flower blossoms) is traditionally mixed with sparkling champagne. May enhances the combo with Grey Goose La Poire vodka, turning it into a sugar-rimmed pear martini.
In keeping up with the latest mojito craze, the list bows also to Barbados with a Tommy Bahama mojito using the namesake rum and key lime juice. Fresh mint and a soda spritzer impart an effervescent finish that cools the tongue and loosens the brain before the first ice cube melts.
Hailing from Brazil is the limeinfused caipirinha, a rousing warm-weather thirst quencher made with cachaça, a highoctane liquor distilled from sugar cane. May’s version of the cocktail comes from Leblon, an
Just when American possibilities for tequila seem exhausted, the La Paloma digs further south to the “Mexican Riviera” with a simple recipe of Don Julio blanco tequila, Squirt soda and fresh lime.
B R E A K F A S T PACIFIC BEACH:
A N D
L U N C H OPEN DAILY
1851 Garnet Ave.
858.270.YOLK
6AM - 3PM
EASTLAKE:
OUTDOOR PATIO
884 Eastlake Pkwy.
619.216.1144 LA COSTA:
7670 El Camino Real
760.943.8182
GASLAMP: COMING SOON
355 6th Ave.
619.388.YOLK
www.thebrokenyolkcafe.com
GROOVE
Young Dubline
rs
Presents
Main Stage
4:30 - 5:30 p.m.: Raggle Taggle and the Field Irish Dancers, authentic Irish music and dance 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.: The Fooks, a rock twist on classic Celtic music 7:30 - 8:30 p.m.: The Down’s Family, a mix of Irish punk rock and folk 9:00 - 10:00 p.m.: Sonic Impulse, innovative fusion of bagpipes and hip hop 10:30 to Midnight: Young Dubliners, Irish Rock legends (DJ Mac between sets)
DJ Stage
Hot DJs and even hotter green go-go dancers transform the streets into a gigantic nightclub. 4:00 - 6:30 p.m.: Channel 93.3’s DJ Marc Thrasher 6:30 - 8:30 p.m: DJ Este, spinning a blend of today’s top hits and hip-hop jams Young Dubline
rs
8:30 - 10:30 p.m.: DJ Who 10:30 to Midnight: DJ Brent Bartel, spinning a twisted mix of hip-hop and house tracks
Event Details
When: Tuesday, March 17, 4:00 p.m. - Midnight Where: Gaslamp, on F Street between 5th Ave. and 7th Ave.; 6th Ave. between G and E Streets. Main entrance: 6th Ave. and G Street
Sham! what a
Go green at the 13th Annual Miller Lite ShamROCK
Tickets: $20.00 in advance; $25.00 at the gate. Available in advance at The Field, 544 5th Ave. Ages 21+ with valid ID. Proceeds benefit the Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation. All Access: The shamROCK wristband gets you into more than 30 of the hottest Gaslamp bars and restaurants with no cover charge. Designated driver program: free rides home to anywhere in San Diego county for anyone with a shamROCK wristband.
Bring on the luck of the Irish at the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration outside of Dublin at the 13th Annual Miller Lite shamROCK, presented by Jameson Irish Whiskey and The Field. On Tuesday, March 17, the Gaslamp transforms into San Diego’s own Emerald Isle, where the streets are covered with more than 60,000 square feet of quasi-grassy Astroturf. Celebrate the greenest day of the year with thousands of people dancing under the stars to traditional Irish music, the hottest Irish and punk rock bands and Southern California’s most talented DJs.
Food & Drink: Ice cold green Miller Lite and Jameson Irish Whiskey. Traditional Irish fayre from the lads at The Field.
The rolling hills of F Street will flood with more than 20,000 revelers enjoying incredible performances on two stages. Wear something green and come ready to rock.
Info: myspace.com/gaslampshamrock gaslampquarter.org » 619.233.5008
32 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
V PASS: Spend $20 and get a V-Pass, good for V.I.P. entry at Tavern at the Beach, True North Tavern and Sandbar, as well as buy-one-get one-free entreés at Sandbar. 2253 Morena Blvd., Bay Park 619.276.2253 » offshoretavern.com
St. Patrick's Day Experience Ten bands, $4 Irish Milkshakes, $4 Irish Whiskey, $7.95 Corned Beef & Cabbage... festival starts at 1 p.m. 718 Ventura Pl., Mission Beach 858.488.1274 » sandbarsportsgrill.com
Tavern Request Live - Wednesdays $2.50 wells & domestics, $3.50 imported beers, $4 EFFEN vodka VIP line with valid college ID 1200 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach 858.272.6066 » tavernatthebeach.com
NOW OPEN!
Large Full-Service Bar and Booth Seating 2 Outdoor Patios and Pool Tables 20 HD Widescreen TVs / DJs Sports Satellite Packages 3815 30th St., North Park 619.291.3815 » truenorthtavern.com
5145
Morena
Place ,
San
Diego
C A
9 2 1 1 0
v e r a n t PACIFICsandiego.com g r o u p . c o »mMARCH 2009 | 33
Groove
Deux It!
Forget larger bands, San Diego’s hottest music is being created by dynamic duos By Hannah Echeverio
The Crocodiles
Making Wavves
Nathan Williams was as surprised as anyone to find himself being booked for a Eurpoean tour and being signed to a major record deal, especially considering that just a few months ago he was borrowing his sister’s car to go on tour with his bandmate Ryan Ulsh. These days, his name is being uttered by people like, no kidding, ABC News anchor Charles Gibson, who recently ran a segment on World News Tonight proclaiming Wavves as one of the breakout acts to watch out for in ’09. Not bad for a 22-year-old who’s only played a couple live shows in San Diego and records most of his music in his room.
What a Croc The boys of Crocodiles know a little something about creating a buzz. The ménage a deux of Brandon Welchez and Charles Rowell have already traveled the world with their first band, the controversy-prone Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower, creating almost as much chaos offstage as on. But with Crocodiles, they’ve come full circle with a fuzz-pop sound that’s packing in San Diego clubs, a sound that channels classic bands like Jesus and Mary Chain and more current ones like Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. And while they may have come a long way since their young punk days, the band still considers themselves as dangerous as ever. “We’re still dark and angry,” says Rowell. “But we also love listening to music where you don’t have to
34 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
be in an angry mood to listen to it. We’re just trying to marry the two.” Even though they’ve only been a band for less than a year, their sound was evocative enough to get the attention of prominent indie labels, including Frenchkiss Records and Fat Possum Records, with the latter signing the band to a two-record deal. Songs titles like “I Wanna Kill” and “Summer of Hate” will certainly garner some attention, but their live show is what’s generating the most talk. Welchez snarls angsty lyrics while guitarist Rowland, donning matching sunglasses, serves as the entire backing band by programming drum beats and using guitar pedals to loop and contort the sounds into one hell of a noise for just two guys.
“When we played with [Plot to Blow Up the Eiffel Tower], it was more about making the crowd crazy,” says Welchez. “Now we want to make them feel something else entirely. There’s still that primal element, but it’s darker now.” That just might be the key to Crocodiles’ success. They still have the punk-attitude, but now they have the musical knowledge to take it to the next level. And with just the two of them, the musical soul mates won’t have to deal with all those extra egos. They may be keeping it simple, but their music is anything but. myspace.com/ crocodilescrocodiles
But the fact that Wavves literally came out of nowhere might be half the appeal. The band is not even a year old, and now everyone’s asking, “Have you heard Wavves?” Those who have listened might say that to call the music garage-rock is a huge understatement. Raised by two musician parents with a penchant for ‘60s pop like The Beatles and Beach Boys, Williams (with help from Ulsh) channels those influences into a pastiche of lo-fi pop and distorted rock. While Wavves may still be underground to anyone outside of music circles, that will surely change with the release of the debut album, Wavvves (yes, that’s three Vs). Underneath all the fuzz of songs like “Weed Demon” and “So Bored,” the listener can just make out the gorgeous pop songs about a young man dealing with the travails of life. The music of Wavves may not be for everyone, but it seems like it won’t be long before everyone’s at least heard of it. myspace.com/wavves
Juliette Lewis of Juliette and the New Romantiques
Independents Day Hot, national acts and the best local bands converge on North Park this month for the fifth annual San Diego Indiefest. Touted as having something for everyone, the March 28 music festival brings together musical acts from every genre—from rock and electro to country and hip-hop—along with art, poetry and movie screenings. “I’m playing Indiefest because it’s an event that celebrates independent spirit and action in music,” says local rapper MC Flow, who drew a huge crowd to last year’s SoCo Music Experience. “We are not against the mainstream music industry by any means, but we love any event that celebrates the DIY movement.” Here’s a run-down of some of this year’s musical highlights:
Juliette and the New Romantiques
Actress and indie rock icon Juliette Lewis will premier her brand new rock band at Indiefest, and the Internet is running wild with rumors on what exactly the new band will sound like. “I have been working with a secret producer and a secret band on a secret project that is soon to become un-secret,” Lewis wrote on her website. Lucky for San Diego music fans, we’ll be the first to find out.
Si*Se
With a band that combines trip-hop and Latin groves and a singer that channels Sade, these New Yorkers debuted at the top of the world charts with their last album. The band’s unorthodox name might not be a household one, but their tunes are all over television in shows like One Tree Hill, Project Runway and Six Feet Under.
The Burning of Rome
One of the best and most unique of the fest’s local headliners, this collective of miscreants celebrates the more debaucherous side of the ancient city they’re named after. Their performances include costume changes and an indie-rock sound that’s gorgeous one minute, aggressive the next.
Groove: bartender
I ink,
therefore I am AN EXISTENTIALIST BARTENDER BLOWS IN FROM THE WINDY CITY
When she’s not behind the bar, Huegel can be found answering questions about her life. For example… PacificSD: What do you eat for breakfast? Huegel: Lunch. I never have been much for breakfast, and working late hours tends to shift my eating schedule around differently than someone who works nine to five. Where’s your favorite place to enjoy a drink other than U31? Hawthorne’s, on 29th and University Avenue. The owners and staff are amazing, I love the food and they carry all my favorite wine.
Photos by greg ramirez
Do you have any superstitions? Not really, but I love the number 3! Always have and even have it tattooed on my third toe. What’s your least favorite food? Have to say meat; it really freaks me out. If you were an inventor, what would you invent? A transporter. You know, like the ones we saw growing up on the Jetsons and Star Trek where you just pressed a button and could get from one place to the next instantly. It’s 2009. I thought we would have that by now. Who’s your best friend? My dog Bella; she’s eight now. I rescued her from animal welfare when she was just a puppy. If someone wrote a biography about you, what would it be called? I Love Today! But I can only imagine the trailer for when it gets turned into a movie: “You’re only as strong as the tables you dance on, the drinks you mix and the friends you roll with.”
Most people don’t have mantras, let alone tattoos of them. But Melissa Huegel (goes by “Mel”) isn’t most people. Proof of that: She eats lunch for breakfast.
See Mel and her motto at:
U31 3112 University Ave. North Park 619.584.4188
36 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
“Having a positive outlook helps me go through life with a smile,” says Huegel. “I think that’s how my mantra got started—I love today. I recently got it tattooed on my forearm to remind me to be grateful for the life that I live, my friends and family and opportunities that may come in the future.” Huegel grew up in the Chicago suburbs and now tends bar at U31, and eclectic, alternative cocktail lounge in North Park. “I live in North Park and I love it,” she says. “It’s very similar to the area of Chicago that I lived in, Wicker Park—artsy, pet friendly, eclectic and with a lot of history. People in North Park take pride in the neighborhood. I work, play, eat and shop here.”
Favorite band? That’s a tough one because I love music. I’d have to base it on how good they are live and the ability to listen to them over and over. I would say Daft Punk, Shinichi Osawa (a Japanese DJ) and Ben Harper. Best tip you’ve ever gotten? $1,000 on a bill of $400. This was in Chicago from a man who threw $100 bills around like they were smiles. Rumor has it all the bills came out of shoe boxes that were handed down… must be nice. What’s the best thing about living here? I’m not sure what exactly I expected out of San Diego, but somehow it is exactly what I needed. My friends and family in Chicago didn’t understand how I could leave what they consider the greatest city there is, but I think they started to get it when I called them from the beach in December.
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CONNECT
Be Prepared To get ready for what’s hidden around the corner, be proactive and keep these points in mind when moving forward. Networking Works Take advantage of networking groups. This is a key time to be schmoozing and building relationships. Plus, many events are free. Polish Up Check into getting credentials. If business is slow, prepare now for the advancement that will come once things pick up again.
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IMPROVE your PROFESSIONAL future by finding the upside of a down economy
Can You Say Resume? Update and renew that resume. Having it ready for the unexpected might just help accelerate finding a new gig, if not a new calling. Oh, So Social Consider turning a passion for something unrelated to work into a second source of income. For example, lots of companies need help with (and will pay for) the development of Facebook pages and similar social media platforms that many of us already use hours a day. Cha-ching! Help Others Spend time helping others. Compassion and generosity can ultimately put givers on the receiving end of more than they anticipate.
by heather nelson
Remaining in shock over the downturn in the economy won’t foster success. It’s essential that young professionals recognize that the most successful people in life are so because they seize opportunities, especially those that surface during times of radical change and uncertainty. Now is the perfect time to let go of that old master plan that’s no longer viable and begin to take advantage of the potential breaks that are piling up. Those that adapt to inevitable change the most quickly will shine and come out ahead of the pack. Young professionals should stare reality in the face and take risks. If a company is having trouble making the numbers, feeling down about it just exacerbates the problem. Presenting the boss with innovative and resourceful solutions, however, can transform a regular employee into a rock star. Forget the excuses and complaints; demonstrate confidence and ingenuity instead. The corporate world can be tiring and professionally stifling. This may be the right time to consider an alternate career, go back to school or unleash that burning desire to become an entrepreneur or independent contractor.
When the current work situation loses its appeal, exploring new opportunities gets easier. For business owners, it’s critical to accept won’t continue working. Look for creative ways not just to survive, but to thrive. Be open-minded. This is a great time to negotiate better deals, form alliances and partnerships and reexamine marketing strategies. And with such a huge pool of qualified people now looking for work, there’s never been a better time to hire great talent. In a booming economy, where the masses are prospering, people devote less attention look to finding new solutions to their problems. I find it easier to get my clients’ attention during tougher economic times, because they seem more willing to listen to the solutions I’m able to offer. Granted, it may be more difficult to find my way into their budget these days, but I choose to focus on my clients needs for now and assume that my performance will get me where I want to be. Thinking that way seems to give everything else a better chance at falling in place. Sometimes we get hard knocks, and other times opportunity knocks. Either way, keeping the door open appears to be the winning strategy.
Heather Nelson is CEO of Social Betty.com, a cool website that ensures every party, event or occasion has access to the ultimate venue. A luminary in the community, Nelson is fully engaged in San Diego and the lifestyle it offers young professionals—from networking to charity to extreme entrepreneurial living. Local media regularly call on Nelson to be their business expert. Social Betty is a division of Socialness, LLC. socialbetty.com
38 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
Biz Buzz “Even businesses on tight budgets need marketing services. By giving personal attention and offering creative, financially efficient strategies, my company has been able to land new clients despite the economy.” —Misti Cain, Red Cello Marketing, redcellomarketing.com “In the best of times and in the worst of times, there are just some things in life that we all still feel like we deserve. I’m hoping that for most, one of those things is the satisfying indulgence of a cookie.” —Liz Chew, The Cookie Chew, thecookiechew.com “Now is the ideal time to utilize new technologies and eliminate old habits that don’t produce results. An open mind and positive attitude creates opportunity and allows you to grow.” —Michael S. Amorillo, SOI Productions, soiproductions.com “There is an incredible opportunity for those who base their business models on integrity to form strategic alliances. Working together, organizations are able to offer more than they can alone.” —Troy Reierson, 2xmedia, 2xmedia.com
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LOVE: oh, man!
See No Evil
How to enjoy a chick flick— A public service announcement for men By Craig Boreth
Inevitably, your date, girlfriend or wife will need a good tearjerker and will drag you to a chick flick as punishment for something you can’t remember doing (or not doing). And because no guy wants to look at Renée Zellweger, Gwyneth Paltrow or Meg Ryan for 90 minutes (unless they’re featured in a desperate, career-salvaging spread in Maxim or Playboy), here are some ways to relieve the butt-numbing misery of suffering through another interminable chick flick. First of all, do whatever you can to convince her to rent the movie rather than actually going to the theater. Tell her you’d rather stay in, make a big bowl of popcorn and snuggle up on the couch together. I know it sounds rough, but no man wants to be seen in public awaiting his own torture, let alone overpaying for the privilege. If she demands that you go to the theater, under no circumstances can you separate from her. Do not let her leave you alone in the ticket line or the concessions line. And most importantly, remain together when entering the theater. There’s no more pitiful sight than a plaintive boyfriend, extra-large popcorn tucked under his arm, calling out in search of his girlfriend in a darkened theater. Whether you go out or stay in, there’s no rule that says you have to watch the movie the way it was meant to be watched. Here’s a great way to get
40 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
through any chick flick on your terms, and maybe even make a little money in the process. When I was in college, the Super Bowl was always a bit of a letdown. Since students came from all over the country, most people didn’t care about either team. My friend, Scott Murphy, introduced us to a great Super Bowl pool that helped everyone get into the game. It consisted of true-false questions about who would win the coin toss, which beer company would have the first commercial and whose wife would be shown first in the stands. You didn’t need to know anything about football or care about the game to have a great time. All of your attached friends are going to be dragged to the theater as well, so why not apply Murphy’s Pool to chick flicks? Collect a few bucks from all the boys, get their answers to these questions (see table to right) before opening night, and it’s winner take all. Feel free to adjust the pool as the particular flick warrants.
Craig Boreth is the author of How To Feel Manly in a Minivan: A Survival Guide for New Dads, and How To Iron Your Own Damn Shirt: The Perfect Husband Handbook.
The Chick Flick Pool 1. There will be a voiceover during a kiss. T / F 2. There will be a semi-graphic depiction of childbirth. T / F 3. The villain is (or was once) married to one of the lead characters. T / F 4. The main chick will have a phone conversation with her mother. T / F 5. A female character will comment on the leading man’s butt. T / F 6. The chest in the obligatory naked male chest scene will be hairless. T / F 7. The cute child that befriends the leading couple is a boy. T / F 8. There will be a sex scene in the kitchen. T / F 9. The main man shares his true feelings with the main chick’s best friend. T / F 10. The soundtrack features Sheryl Crow, Avril Lavigne or Dave Matthews. T / F
Tune in next month for useful tips on how to notice her haircut.
LOVE: blind date
Romance or bussed
Blind daters board a magic limo bus for an electric night on the town
Recent rains have made flowers bloom across the city. And while spring may not last, the season does offer a chance to fall in love… and then break it off in time for a summer romance. Rian, a native San Diegan, is a chef and co-owner of Tender Greens, the critically acclaimed restaurant in Liberty Station. Nami is the office manager at Pacific Beach Bar & Grill, the famed Garnet Avenue party spot. She grew up in Bangkok, moved to San Diego just three years ago and retains a strong, endearing Thai accent.
photos by greg ramirez
The story begins with the letters Rian and Nami sent to PacificSD.
Before the date, Nami and Rian answer crucial questions:
Dear PacificSD,
Dear PacificSD,
She says…
As I’m writing this letter and picturing myself going on a date with a total stranger, I have to admit that I’m pretty nervous. But at the same time, I am extremely excited and can’t wait to see who will be my date.
PacificSD: What are your best attributes? Nami: Compassion, sympathy and understanding.
PacificSD: What’s your favorite dish to cook? Rian: Any braised dish. This technique shows the true love that goes into food.
Do you have any nicknames? My mom used to call me “Duck,” because of the way I walk, and my friends called me “Pizza-Face” in high school. Now they call me “Namiwami.”
In which historical era would you like to have been born? Born in the 50s, 20 years-old in the 70s. Sex, drugs and rock and roll!
Being in the restaurant business and working long hours AND weekends makes it hard to be in the dating world. I usually get off of work at a late hour, and the bar scene is full of sloppy drunk women by that time. So I come to you for assistance in the hopes I can end “coming home at two with a ten and waking up at ten with a two!” When I have free time, I like to play basketball with my buddies, go to the beach and hike at Torrey Pines—any outdoor activity, really. I can be a bit sarcastic so my date can hopefully keep up with it. I love a great bottle of cabernet and will take a good piece of chocolate with it. I am more of a beer guy, but if you want to go shot for shots, it’s good ol’ Patron. I am looking for a great match to have fun and enjoy what life has to offer. She should be goal-oriented, charismatic, have a nice smile and must be a NONSMOKER. She should be cute and sexy at the same time and should be able to laugh at herself.
A little about myself: I’m female, 5’4” and weigh about 110-112 lbs. with brown hair and brown eyes. I’m working by Pacific Beach and I love what I do, but I live by Mission Valley (for shopping purposes... LOL). I’m going on 30 in a few weeks, and it’s time for me to explore new things and try something different and fun like going on a blind date. My ideal date would be someone who is very down to earth and friendly, and a sense of humor is a must. I’ve traveled and moved around quite a bit so I have lots of stories, but I’ll tell you more after a martini.
I have never been on a blind date. Let’s do this!!!
Love your magazine!!!
—Rian
—XOXO Nami
42 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
If you were stranded on a desert island and allowed one luxury item, what would it be? I actually want to take Les Stroud from Survivorman! Or a satellite cell phone so I could call for help. If you were to star in a movie, what kind of film would it be and who would be your co-star? Comedy, and my co-stars would be my cats. What song sums you up best? I would say I Will Survive, by Gloria Gaynor.
He says…
What song sums you up best? After Midnight, by Eric Clapton If you were stranded on a desert island and allowed one luxury item, what would it be? A blow up doll with a repair kit. What’s the best thing that could happen on the date? We end up in my Jacuzzi. Worst? We don’t end up in my Jacuzzi. Anything you’d like to add? Sorry, Mom!
[ Continued on page 44 ]
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LOVE: blind date
Date continued... Nami and Rian meet aboard a gigantic limo bus, a 70-foot disco on wheels. The rolling private party is stocked with a bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne and an assortment of elegant appetizers prepared by Firehouse American Eatery + Lounge in Pacific Beach. Rian is sipping a beer at the back of the bus when Nami appears with a big smile. It’s on. Pop! The champagne is open and it’s time for a romantic tour around the city, followed by dinner at Red Pearl Kitchen downtown. The bus departs from the Laurel Street entrance to Balboa Park and heads uptown to Nunu’s, an old school dive bar that’s said to have been a Portuguese mobster hangout. As they de-bus to enter Nunu’s, Rian has his arm around Nami’s waist. So far, so good. After a quick drink and a shot, they get back on the bus and ride down to the waterfront to take in the harborside skyline view. A few photos and hugs later, it’s time to head downtown for dinner. Just before they arrive at Red Pearl Kitchen, Nami and Rian are split for mid-date debriefings.
They meet.
THANK YOU! Epic Limo Bus 858.270.LIMO (5466) epiclimobus.com Firehouse American Eatery + Lounge 722 Grand Ave., Pacific Beach 858.274.3100 firehousepb.com
By the harbor.
She says...
He says...
PacificSD: How’s it going so far? Nami: It’s wonderful. Rian is an awesome person and very interesting. I feel good, very excited and not nervous anymore.
PacificSD: How’s it going so far? Rian: It’s going great, I believe. There’s a good vibe. Nami is nice and easy to get along with and she is a very cute girl.
On a scale from one to ten, how would you rate Rian physically? 9.5.
On a scale from one to ten, how would you rate Nami physically? A nine or ten, definitely. She is very hot and very cute and very bubbly.
How about emotionally? We get along well, we are having pretty good conversation and I would give him a 9.5 for that as well. I give him it all. Whatever you can ask me, I will give him a 9.5 for it! What movie star does he remind you of and why? I didn’t think of that, because he is attractive and I don’t need to compare him to anyone. What do you think of the limo bus? It is so fun! It is my first time on one and I love it. The champagne and beer were great, too.
Describe your level of emotional attraction and give that a score, too. Compatibility is tough to say, but I will give her an eight. As time goes on, though, we are getting warmer and warmer. What’s her best quality so far? It’s her very beautiful face, because she has a natural beauty that doesn’t need too much makeup. Everything about her is beautiful: Her eyes, her smile…
What’s the best way the date could end? By exchanging numbers.
You like the ride? It’s incredible! The bus is huge and it is great. I love the champagne and crab cakes. You guys hooked it up!
If Rian tried to kiss you now, what would you do? If he tried, and you guys weren’t here, I would kiss back, of course!
If Nami tried to kiss you now, what would you do? Coming from a guy, I’d probably let her.
If you tried to kiss Rian, what would he do? Kiss back, I hope. I like him!
Are you getting that romance vibe, or is it more of a just-friends thing? I feel romance, definitely.
44 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
[ Continued on page 48 ]
calendar
march/09
Submit upcoming event info to calendar@pacificsandiego.com
LISTEN 3/1: Zappa Plays Zappa House of Blues, hob.com
3/2: Busta Rhymes, Dago Braves House of Blues, hob.com
3/14: Cute Is What We Aim For House of Blues, hob.com
3/15: Irish Rovers Balboa Theatre, ticketmaster.com
3/16: Skid Row House of Blues, hob.com
3/18: Blue October House of Blues, hob.com
3/20: OK Go House of Blues, hob.com
3/5: The Pretenders House of Blues, hob.com 3/6: Jimmy Eat World House of Blues, hob.com
3/6: The Pretenders Pala Casino, ticketmaster.com
3/8: G. Love & Special Sauce
fabulous beach front dining since 1970
House of Blues, hob.com
3/8: Winter Pops Special Concert Symphony Hall, sandiegosymphony.org
3/10: Jesse McCartney House of Blues, hob.com 3/26: New Found Glory House of Blues, hob.com
3/26: Cold War Kids 4th and B, 4thandb.com
3/27: Brett Dennen, Angus, Julia Stone House of Blues, hob.com
3/30: Less Than Jake Canes, canesbarandgrill.com
breakfast * lunch * dinner * lounge
Chef Chris Bates Bates’ World Famous seafood dishes reflect his International approach to fine California Coastal Cuisine. Menu changes daily depending upon what seafood is freshest at market.
Reservations: 858.272.3100 711 Pacific Beach Drive * Pacific Beach
Saturday, May 2: Coheed and Cambria
3/8: Slipknot, Coheed and Cambria Cox Arena, cox-arena.com 3/9: Keys to New Orleans with Allen Toussaint, Henry Butler and Jon Cleary Birch North Park Theatre, birchnorthparktheatre.net
3/9: Adele House of Blues, hob.com
3/12: Lady Gaga, Chester French, White Tie Affair
Enjoy a gourmet seafood dinner for about $20/person
House of Blues, hob.com
3/13: De La Soul Canes, canesbarandgrill.com
5/2: StayClassy.org presents the Elemental Experience Matisyahu, Mason Jennings, Pinback, Bassnectar, Dirty Sweet and many more national and local acts perform on solar-powered stages at Mission Bay’s first music and arts festival. Brought to you by 91x, DJhere & PacificSD.
REMEMBER 3/8: Daylight Savings Time begins 3/17: St. Patrick’s Day 3/20: First Day of spring 3/31: Cesar Chavez Day
calendar
ADMIRE: Performing Arts Through 3/8: Peter and the Starcatchers See the on-stage prequel to Peter Pan at the La Jolla Playhouse, UCSD Campus, lajollaplayhouse.org
3/1-4/5: Killer Joe The greedy Smith family hires a tough ex-cop, Killer Joe, to kill their mother for her insurance money. See the play at the Compass Theatre, Hillcrest, compasstheatre.com
3/19-4/5: Facing East The suicide of their gay son forces a Mormon couple to question their faith. Diversionary Theatre, University Heights, diversionary.org
3/21-4/26: Opus
3/3-8: Grease (See Page 14)
After their violist disappears, a world-renowned string quartet struggles to prepare for their performance at the White House. The dramatic play is showing at the Old Globe’s Arena Stage, downtown, theoldglobe.org
The 50s are reborn as Rydell High’s favorite couple comes to the Civic Theatre, downtown, broadwaysd.com
3/26-29: Hip-Hop Saved My Life
3/5, 7, 8: Just Balanchine City Ballet performs three George Balanchine masterpieces to celebrate the late choreographer’s life and work. Birch North Park Theatre, North Park, cityballet.org
3/5-22: Moon Over Buffalo Ken Ludwig’s uproarious play tells the story of a married couple struggling to maintain their acting careers in the 1950s. When they learn that they may have one final shot at stardom, everything starts to go wrong. Avo Playhouse, Vista, vistixonline.com
3/6, 3/9-10: Mendelssohn: A Midsummer Night’s Dream A dramatic presentation of Felix Mendelssohn’s best work, reanimated through music and acting. Downtown, La Jolla and Rancho Santa Fe, sdco.org
See how hip-hop culture creates voice for the marginalized, bridges global communities and empowers young women. Icon Building, downtown, sushiart.org
3/28, 31; 4/3, 5, 8: Rigoletto (See Page 14) A Duke’s womanizing ways lead to murder and jealousy. Civic Theatre, downtown, sdopera.com
ADMIRE: Visual Arts 3/5-10/4: Body Worlds and The Three Pound Gem (See Page 14) Exquisitely preserved human bodies provide a breathtaking perspective on anatomy. San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park, sdnhm.org
3/5: Thursday Night Thing On the first Thursday of every month, catch DJs and live bands, artists’ talks, film premieres and video projections at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, downtown, mcasd.org
3/12-3/22: 16th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival View acclaimed films from Latin America, Spain and the U.S. The event features more than 150 films, live musical acts, galas and opportunities to meet celebrities and filmmakers. UltraStar Cinemas at Hazard Center, Mission Valley, sdlatinofilm.com
3/10-15: Rent The original stars of Rent reprise the roles they made famous on Broadway in the story of young artists and musicians struggling to make it in New York City. Civic Theatre, downtown, broadwaysd.com
3/6-29: The Threepenny Opera Legendary playwright Burtolt Brecht’s masterpiece tells a story of love, deception and greed with colorful choreography, a Broadway cast and a celebrated score. Lyceum Theatre, Horton Plaza, sdrep.org
3/7: Tiempo Libre This Grammy-nominated Cuban band’s signature sound has been described ad salsa on steroids, blending Brazilian music with R & B, hip-hop and salsa to create high-voltage Latin jazz. Balboa Theatre, Balboa Park, sdbalboa.org
3/7-4/12: Working This bold musical explores the feelings truckers, corporate executives and schoolteachers have about their day-to-day lives. Old Globe, downtown, theoldglobe.org
3/13: Spanish Harlem Orchestra Latin rhythms from a Grammy-winning, 13-member ensemble blend with fiery salsa dancing to set the night ablaze. Birch North Park Theatre, North Park, birchnorthparktheatre.net
3/25-3/28: 8th Annual Mosaic Summit (See Page 14) Browse more than 72 mosaics from seven countries at the Museum of Man, Balboa Park, americanmosaics.org
MISC. 3/17: ShamROCK! (See Page 32) Music, green beer and 60,000 square feet of Astroturf transform the Gaslamp in to the Emerald Isle for the city’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration. myspace.com/gaslampshamrock
3/20-22: Harvest Festival 2009 Browse handmade art, crafts and gourmet food items as live bands and performers enliven the family-friendly event. Del Mar Fairgrounds, Del Mar, harvestfestival.com
3/21-3/22: Tomatomania See spring plants, listen to lectures and take in ongoing music, healthy food and a brand new EcoDesign Fair. Local designers display their eco-friendly products, including green home décor, furnishings, accessories, clothing and jewelry. Quail Botanical Gardens, Encinitas, qbgardens.org
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3/28: San Diego IndieFest (See Page 35) Hot, national acts and the best local bands converge on North Park for the fifth annual event. Touted as having something for everyone, the music festival brings together musical acts from every genre, along with art, poetry and movie screenings. North Park, sdindiefest.com
655 4th Ave, Gaslamp Quarter
619.231.6700 www.TheShoutHouse.com
LOVE: blind date
Date continued... At Red Pearl Kitchen, Asian Fusion flavors are amplified by chill lounge music and a cosmopolitan atmosphere. Nami and Rian sit in a private booth at the back of the restaurant to enjoy a delicious meal and spicy company. About an hour later, the couple declines a ride home in the limo bus; they barely seem to notice when the PacificSD crew departs. The next morning, the daters say what happened (or at least some of it) after they were left alone.
!dleiF s’relliM ,uoy khant hcaeB cfiicaP ,.d vlB noissiM 5644 moc.dlefisrellim » 3414.384.858
THANK YOU, Red Pearl Kitchen! 440 J St., Ste. 108, Downtown 619.231.1100 » redpearlkitchen.com
She says...
He says...
PacificSD: So, how did it go? Nami: It went great. I really enjoyed Rian’s company and we get along very well.
PacificSD: So, how did it go? Rian: It went well. She was easy to talk to.
How was Red Pearl Kitchen? It was truly wonderful. The food was awesome and the service was outstanding. I really like my drink that our server recommended, which was Jade Mistress. Did the mood change when the magazine crew left? Yes, we were more relaxed… and we started to hold each other’s hands.
Cute accent, huh? I liked her accent, very sexy. Describe the chemistry between you Nami. She was friendly and liked to have fun. I think we got along right away.
What was the best part of the night? When the crew left. <chuckles>
How was Red Pearl Kitchen? How long did you hang there? The food and drinks were great, the atmosphere was relaxing, and we were left alone to get to know each other. We stayed for a little while and finished our food and got a few more shots!
Strangest? It’s pretty funny that somehow American Boy was our theme song of the night. (Note: On the bus, Nami serenaded Rian with some of the lyrics to the Estelle/Kanye West hit song.)
Did the mood change when the magazine crew left? It was a little less tense because we could relax without the camera. Now I know why movie stars hate the paparazzi.
What are Rian’s best features? His eyes.
What did you do after? We went to Jimmy Loves and danced. Nami has some nice moves.
How did the night end? Ended with a romantic kiss. What does the future hold for you Rian? I would love to see him again. Anything you’d like to add? <Singing Estelle’s tune> Take me on a trip, I’d like to go some day. Take me to New York, I’d love to see L.A. I really want to come kick it with you. You’ll be my American Boy... American Boy.
What was the best part of the night? I think when I finally got to meet her. The anticipation was killing me, and then a beautiful girl showed up. What a relief. Any kisses? There were a few kisses. What does the future hold for you and Nami? Only time will tell. I know we will go out again.
Aftermatch: Rian’s been extra busy and works weekends, but just five days after their magical night out, he and Nami had already seen each other again twice. Will the relationship go the distance, or will the daters get off at the next stop? Hard to say, but it just goes to show, you don’t have to travel far to find the perfect date. Once in a lifetime, you might just hop on a bus near home and have the night of your life. (It can’t hurt if that bus has champagne and a kickin’ sound system, of course.) The road to true love is winding. Ride on! Alternative ending for Young MC fans: They don’t just stand there, they bussed a move.
48 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
For your chance at love and glory, email setmeup@pacificsandiego.com
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THINK
Un-Messing Around who’s cleaning what this spring
I actually learned from doing Confessions of a Shopaholic that hoarding clothes is as bad as shopping. It took me so long to get it together to actually organize my closet that, once I did it, I found stuff in there that I didn’t even recognize. Be ruthless when you do it, though, and have a glass of wine while you organize. It’s good fun. —Isla Fisher, actress, as told to Channel 93.3 radio personality and PacificSD columnist, Geena the Latina
The trunk of my car could definitely use a good spring cleaning. I still have stuff back there from when I moved a year ago! —Erika Cruz, hostess, Firehouse American Eatery + Lounge, Pacific Beach
I’m getting out the Farmer John wetsuit, dusting it off and getting ready for summer waves! —Ray Seitz, True Beauty contestant and past PacificSD model
My spring cleaning will happen in the gym, where I hope to lose about 16 extra pounds of scone-fueled winter weight. The pants are tight.
I’m the worst with spring cleaning! I’m one of those people who has so many clothes and nowhere to put them, but I don’t want to get rid of anything. One of our interns offered to come over and help me clean out my closet... I still haven’t gotten back to him. —Geena the Latina, superstar radio host, Channel 93.3, FM
—Dave Good, photographer, North Park
pictures.discoversd.com
I’m clean. I’ve always been clean. —Barry Bonds, outfielder, San Francisco Giants
50 | MARCH 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com
I need to clean my friends list on Facebook. Why did I let these people back in my life after so long? —Eduardo Verdi, event designer at Botanica, Little Italy
I can remember when the air was clean and sex was dirty. —George Burns, actor
THU.
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