Pacific San Diego Magazine, June 2009 Issue

JUNE 2009

the

Body Issue

$3.95

pacificsandiego.com

Meet Survivor Contestant Sydney Wheeler

CONTENTS

Inside SPORTS

12 Go Deep Plumbing the depths of athletes’ relationships with their body parts

COOLTURE 14 Scene Diego

Geena the Latina’s Finest City celebrity sightings

16 The Elemental Re-Experience Take a look back at a glorious day in May

BODY

18 Put Me in, Coach Root for the home team—you’re on it

Turquoise bra top by Up Vibe, $36, available at Body Wear Boutique, bodywearboutique. com; white tank top by Splendid, $44, watch by Quartz, $50, all available at Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley, bloomingdales.com; swift boy short by Lucy, $38, available at lucy.com.

STYLE

23 What a Catch

PacificSD snags Survivor co-star Sydney Wheeler for a day on Mission Bay

PULSE

30 All the News That’s Fit

23

A little sweat never hurt San Diego 6’s Heather Myers

TASTE GROOVE

32 Peel Appeal Bite into the season’s freshest fruits

34 Adams Family Restaurants team up for good taste

36 Freudian Sip Enjoy a summery drink that will leave you calling for your mother

38 Sound Diego Tune into the musical musings of FM/949 DJ Tim Pyles

50

Photo: Dave Good

40 Lounge Act Take a peek behind the velvet rope at Kin Lounge

42 Que Sera, Syrah Just like fine wines, some bartenders improve with age

LOVE

44 Now Hear This Photo: Pat Cubel

How to listen to women

46 The Fifth Element (Blind Date) A waterfront concert transcends its purpose

CALENDAR 50 Six.09

June event listings

46

THINK

54 June Gloom, Go Away We just got finished with May Grey Photo: Janelle Maas

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32

embark

PUBLISHERS David Perloff / Editor in Chief Simone Perloff / Fashion Director GRAPHIC DESIGN Liza Samala CONTRIBUTING EDITOR Brandon Hernández

letter from the editor...

Eureka! Scientists have found the missing link… again.

A hundred years ago, Homo erectus and Australopithecus were all the rage. Today, the buzz is about Ida, the 47 million-year-old fossil discovered in Germany that fills a gap in our evolutionary chain. Those crazy Germans, what will they come up with next?

First it was automotive engineering and now intelligent design... of a lemur.

Whether it was divine intervention or pure luck that got us here, we made it and we’re built for fun. This Body Issue of PacificSD celebrates how we can use our bodies—regardless of size or shape—to have a blast here in paradise.

Sign up for boot camp, jump into a water polo match and workout like celebs do in Put Me In, Coach (Page 18). Hit the gym with San Diego 6 News co-anchor, Heather Myers, in All the News That’s Fit (Page 30). Catch a wave with Survivor contestant and this issue’s cover model, Sydney Wheeler, who runs, stretches, rollerblades and fields softballs on Mission Bay in What a Catch, (Page 23).

When you’re ready to catch your breath, taste the season’s freshest fruits in Peel Appeal (Page 32), then Go Deep (Page 12) with Cookie “Chainsaw” Randolph as he plumbs the depths of athletes’ relationships their body parts.

If you believe in science, then Homo sapiens have evolved a long way from our almost-upright ancestors. But the more things change, the more they stay the same. Case in point: we’re more intelligent than Neanderthals, but they had the cunning to hunt antelope, or, as our ancestors called them, fast food.

Sometimes, the best thing a human can do is monkey around.

Get in the game.

David Perloff Editor In Chief

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Danielle Warren DESIGN CONSULTANT Kim Cuffe CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Craig Boreth Brian Brunkow Geena the Latina Tim Pyles Cookie “Chainsaw” Randolph Frank Sabatini, Jr. PHOTOGRAPHERS David Good, davegoodphotography.com Janelle Maas, janellemaas.com FASHION EDITORIAL TEAM Photographer: Dave Good Stylist: Andrea Nicolau, deanicolau@hotmail.com Hair, Makeup: Talia Guidero, robertcromeans.com Model: Sydney Wheeler at Jet Set Models, jetsetmodels.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jim Lucich Laura Rovick

Magazine advertising makes businesses stink... …stinkin’ rich, that is.

Call 858.274.4795 or visit pacificsandiego.com today to find out how much your ad can stink.

Distribution • 35,000 copies distributed monthly • 20,000 copies direct-mailed • 15,000 copies picked up by readers at 550+ retail outlets countywide • Available FREE at every store from Coronado to Oceanside and east to SDSU and Kearny Mesa

sports

Go Deep!

Plumbing the depths of athletes’ relationships with their body parts

By Cookie “Chainsaw” Randolph

W

hen athletes use their bodies to create asymmetrical motions for their sports, they lead lopsided lives. It makes you admire these champions even more when you realize the sacrifices they make to excel in their fields.

Padres pitcher Jake Peavy’s non-throwing arm looks like Calista Flockhart’s compared to the $52 million python dangling off his Cy Young Award-winning right shoulder. It only makes sense, since righty gets thousands of reps that lefty doesn’t. (Wait a second… this could be true for ALL guys).

Tiger Woods’ obliques are washboard tight on his swing side, but his offside abs hang there like a squeeze-bag of cake frosting.

David Beckham’s opposite toe has way better circulation than the one he abuses to bend soccer balls into net corners and nudge snoring ex-Spice Girls to the other side of the futon.

NASCAR’s Jimmie Johnson can’t drive Interstates 8 and 15 to Poway from his childhood home in El Cajon because his body involuntarily leans him to the left. He has to loop around Ramona.

Fingertips on bowling hands have built up immunities to unspeakably disgusting diseases, while the off-hand remains susceptible.

Side-saddle equestrians are terrible at Hokey Pokey because they can only put the left foot in.

In You End, Oh! (sexual metaphors) We grew up learning that “first base” is kissing and “second base” is feeling up (the top-on/ top-off debate rages on). “Third base” can be achieved standing up or sliding in headfirst. Getting waved home is the ultimate, especially if you barrel over the catcher.

The guys who invented football must have been pent-up. Tight ends? Wide receivers? End zones? Backfield in motion? Turnovers? And just to prove it’s homophobia, the NFL outlawed helmet-to-helmet contact.

Hockey gives us icing and creases, but enough about Paris Hilton stepping out of a Ferrari with-

12 | June 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com

If “Magic Johnson” isn’t the ultimate sports metaphor, then I quit! out underwear. At one game a few years ago, a puck flew into the crowd and hit Paris in the chest, breaking two of her ribs and three of her boyfriend’s fingers.

For basketball we can talk about dribble drives and finger rolls and going down low, but if “Magic Johnson” isn’t the ultimate sports metaphor, then I quit!

Change-Ups Stella Walsh won an Olympic Gold Medal in 1932 for the 100-meter dash. She competed among women, but it was discovered in her autopsy in 1980 that she possessed male genitalia. So do most American wives! The only difference is, Stella’s male genitalia weren’t acquired by dragging her husband to Bed, Bath & Beyond on a hundred Sundays—hers were factory-equipped.

Dr. Richard Raskin took it a chop—er, step— further in the 1970s by undergoing a sex change operation and playing women’s professional tennis as Dr. Renee Richards. Talk about sacrificing for your sport. A gelding with a Wilson racquet.

Not surprisingly, Renee never won in straight sets and played mixed doubles by herself.

Then, along came steroids, which enabled Barry Bonds to break home run records while his boys turned into shotgun pellets.

They say chicks dig the long ball, but if shrunken balls (or none at all) are the price you pay for athletic stardom, maybe being a weekend warrior isn’t so bad after all.

Chainsaw has an asymetrical mind on Dave, Shelly & Chainsaw, broadcast mornings and during nightly replay shows at 101.5 KGB-FM.

COOLTURE: celebrity

Scene Diego

By Geena the Latina Photo: Joel Zwink

Finest City celebrity sightings May 3: San Diego Chargers linebacker Shaun Phillips celebrates his birthday with teammate Shawne Merriman at Intervention, Hard Rock Hotel’s Sunday pool party. Justin Bobby and Frankie Delgado from the Hills also make appearances.

GeenaTheLatina@channel933.com

May 8: Black Eyed Peas band members will.i.am and apl.de.ap perform at Hard Rock Hotel.

Lady Gaga performs at Cricket Wireless Photo: tim king

Photo: tim king

Photo: Giorgio Daveed

May 8: Lady Gaga, Soulja Boy, Flo Rida, The All-American Rejects and Black Eyed Peas perform at Channel 933’s Summer Kickoff Party at Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre.

will.i.am and apl.de.ap

Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush

Kendra Wilkinson (third from right)

May 9: Reggie Bush hosts the Red Bull Air Race after-party at the Hard Rock Hotel. Bush’s girlfriend, Kim Kardashian, arrives at the party with her friend, Hills star Frankie Delgado. Playboy model and former Girls Next Door star Kendra Wilkinson also attends the event.

May 15: Miss California, Carrie Prejean, cheers on the Padres at Petco Park.

May 8: American Idol’s Adam Lambert stops by the Channel 933 studio to talk with the gang from AJ’s Playhouse. After the interview, Lambert participates in a parade at his alma mater, Mt. Carmel High School.

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May 23: The Ying Yang Twins perform live as San Diego Charger Kassim Osgood celebrates his birthday at the Hard Rock Hotel. Also at the party are 2008 Playboy Playmate of the year Jayde Nicole and Holly and Molly from E!’s Sunset Tans.

Geena’s Favs this Month Song: “La La La,”

by LMFAO Bar: Sidebar in the Gaslamp

May 16: Nick Lachey watches the entire 16-inning Padres/Cincinnati Reds home game at Petco Park.

Adam Lambert

If you’re seeing stars, tell me about it!

Restaurant: Seau’s in Mission Valley Summer Drink: Stoli Elite with club soda and three limes Beach: Pacific Beach Kassim Osgood and Ying Yang Twins

at SDPh Photo: Brent Andeck

otoFactory for Vavi Photo: Jo

COOLTURE

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Creative minds converge

Hard-hittin g volleyball

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s ahu perform liner Matisy Event head

Elemental re-Experience Take a look back at a glorious day in May StayClassy.org’s Elemental Experience music and arts festival rocked Mission Bay on May 2. Here are some of the day’s unforgettable sights and sounds.

It All Adds Up…

Bassnectar perfo rms Photo: John

Cocozz a

Rae spondent Cara VERB TV corre ia Luciano M el swimwear mod o eg Di n Sa ws intervie t performs while Dirty Swee

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5,000 + Not enough

$50,948

Intense volleyball tournament Hours of music Bands and DJs Local artists displaying their work Painted bodies Human Foosball players Feet of live art Festival-goers Port-a-potties

Matt Spencer, owner of Firehouse, DJhere, Mi Casa and Syrah Spirit & Wine Parlor Photo

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Raised to help build a shelter for San Diego’s homeless youth

* Check out PacificSD at myspace.com/pacificsandiego and on Facebook for more pictures and videos

VAVi’s Human Foosba ll

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Put Me In, Coach!

Body

Root for the home team—you’re on it.

By Brian Brunkow and Brandon Hernández

W

hat this city lacks in professional sports teams it makes up for with sports and games real people can play. We don’t have an Air Jordan, but we can catch air by jumping off a cliff with a hang glider. The Gulls have flown the coop and there’s no NHL team with “S.D.” on its jerseys—except maybe in South Dakota—but there is ice skating by Horton Plaza in the wintertime.

There are many ways to play in San Diego, and when you’re in the game, every seat is front-row, fifty-yard line.

Photo: John Audley

Over The Line

Photo: Janelle Maas

Mina Desiderio, owner of downtown’s The Local Eatery & Drinking Hole, sponsors several O.T.L. teams. “The best part of O.T.L. is that it’s such a San Diego tradition,” Desiderio says. “OMBAC really is San Diego’s original philanthropic organization.”

Over The Line (O.T.L.) was invented on the beaches of San Diego 56 years ago by a couple of guys who weren’t so good at other sports.

Play by the Rules “We were bad volleyball players, so we started a O.T.L. is basically high-speed t-ball for adults, new game,” says O.T.L. co-founder Mike Curren. with four innings, three players per team and no Eight teams participated in the first O.T.L. tourbaserunning. Pitchers lob perfectly placed, easynament. In the 56th annual tournament, to be held to-hit strikes to their own team’s batters, who score July 11 to 12 and 18 to 19 on Fiesta Island, there will points by hitting the ball beyond defensive players. be 1,200 teams competing in 2,400 games in front Over The Line co-founder Mike Curren (front) The defensive team’s goal is to catch the ball withof more than 50,000 fans. with OMBAC members and supporters at an O.T.L. out breaking their fingers (no gloves allowed in certain O.T.L. tournaments are coordinated by the Old planning meeting at The Local Eatery & Drinking Hole games). For a complete list of rules, visit ombac.org.

Mission Bay Athletic Club (OMBAC). The local charity promotes amateur sports and youth athletics, but its O.T.L. tournaments Take a Swing at It involve more adult fun: lots of alcohol, often hilarious and usually obscene O.T.L. tournament admission is free, but team registration for this year’s event team names and the annual Ms. Emerson contest. is closed. Contact OMBAC for an application to host your own O.T.L. tourna“Emerson, as in ‘em-are-some big ones. It’s a knock-knock joke… literally,” says ment. ombac.org an OMBAC member who, for good reason, chooses to remain anonymous.

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(Continued on page 20)

Body

WaveHouse’s beach boot camp

Catch the Wave WaveHouse opened in Mission Beach’s Belmont Park in 2003, earning instant fame for perfect manmade waves and 3,000-person Sundaze beach bashes. But there’s more to this enormous beachfront facility than can be seen from the sand.

Offering year-round activities for the whole family, WaveHouse Athletic Club features free weights, machines for strength training and cardio, yoga and other classes, personal training, and webbased fitness tracking software. Members may also swim laps or cool off at the Mission Beach Plunge, Southern California’s largest indoor heated swimming pool. Built in 1925, the Plunge has soaked more than a million people.

Bored of the same old workout routine? On Tuesdays from 5 to 8 p.m., the lights dim and a live DJ bumps up the music.

“It’s a great way to change up your workout and it brings a whole new energy level to the club,” says Athletic Club general manager Tyler Nichols. “We also offer a seasonal beach boot camp. It’s a fun, high-energy group exercise environment led by some of San Diego’s top trainers.”

WaveHouse Athletic Club, 3115 Ocean Front Walk, Mission Beach, 858.228.9300, wavehouseathleticclub.com

20 | June 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com

The Plunge

Wipeout on FlowBarrell

Feeling brave?

Take a ride or lesson on WaveHouse’s giant wave machine, FlowBarrel, which creates a 10-foot curling wave by firing 100,000 gallons of water at speeds up to 30 mph. Local skateboard legend Tony Hawk, surf champion Kelly Slater and local X-Games gold medalist Andy Mac Donald have been spotted riding the monster.

Play Time

VAVi water polo

VAVi flag football

Actress Alison Sweeney at Barry’s Boot Camp

Getting the Boot Don’t just party like a rock star—work out like one (or like a movie star or top model) by enlisting at Barry’s Bootcamp. Over the past decade, this revolutionary franchise, the brainchild of fitness guru Barry Jay, has gained a following among Hollywood’s elite. Earlier this year, Barry’s set up camp in Hillcrest, and new recruits have been rolling in at a rapid clip.

The term “boot camp” elicits images of camouflage, barbed wire and cranky drill sergeants, but Barry’s is a far cry from Camp Pendleton.

Soft lights and pumping music create a hip-hop

Barry’s Boot Camp

The same old scene has played out in school gyms across the country for decades. A pack of P.E. students line up single-file, each thinking the exact same thing—Please don’t let me be the last one picked.

Oh, the horror, the indignity and the indelible scars of being branded the kid no one wants on their team.

Suffering from schoolyard P.T.S.D.? Doctor says VAVi Sport & Social Club has the cure and but one simple question—Do you play?

At VAVi, it’s all about getting out and having a good time, and all rookies and all-stars are invited, no matter what the sport or activity—soccer, volleyball, bowling, dodge ball or even cardio strip dance class (women only). But the fun isn’t just for competitive athletes.

VAVi has groups for outdoor enthusiasts, humanitarians looking for volunteer opportunities and even people looking for great weekend getaways. There’s no draft, physical or rules. All you have to be is over 21 and ready for action.

“VAVi brings fun to San Diego and connects people that would never meet each other,” says one of the initial partners, Latane Meade, who joined the company a few months after Tyler Jensen founded it in 2002. By the end of 2009, VAVi projects 50,000 members and 6,000 to 8,000 weekly participants.

“It’s the diversity of events and leagues that has made us successful,” says CEO Steve Stoloff. “VAVi provides a forum for singles and friends to come out, meet new people and have fun.”

With a reach that’s wide and growing, VAVi offers golf, tennis and volleyball as far north as Del Mar; kickball, softball and basketball as far east as Normal Heights; and soccer, fitness classes and bowling leagues as far south as Downtown.

On the social side, VAVi organizes happy hours at local bars and nightclubs so its members can partake in spirited post-game festivities. And just like the good ol’ days, when the whole little league team went out for ice cream after the game, it doesn’t matter whether you win or lose. With VAVi, competition takes a backseat to enjoying yourself and your teammates.

VAVi has no membership fees. Players pay only for the activities in which they participate and can sign up as individual free agents, together with a small group of friends or as an entire team.

“So there’s no stress about being the last one picked,” laughs Stoloff.

VAVi Sport & Social Club 858.273.3485, govavi.com

dance-club environment designed to be both comfortable and unintimidating. But make no mistake—this is one serious gym where you can shed 800 to 1,000 calories in just a one-hour session.

Nothing gets an A-lister ready for a waltz down the red carpet like a power-packed mix of fat-burning cardio and strength training, so it’s no wonder that celebs including Jessica Alba, Jake Gyllenhaal, Christina Applegate and J-Lo flocked to the original Bootcamp location in West Hollywood. But fame and notoriety aren’t prerequisites here. Everybody’s equal at Barry’s, where anybody can benefit from this intense program.

“Fitness enthusiasts of all ages and athletic abilities are able to participate because you work at your own pace,” says the company’s CEO, Joey Gonzalez. “Our clients range from the new mom needing that extra boost for a stubborn baby-weight plateau to Bootcamp regulars in their sixties who attend classes daily.

We really cater to the individual needs of everyone with a highly effective plan that delivers proven results time and time again.”

Barry’s Bootcamp 1220 Cleveland Ave., Suite M-109, Hillcrest 619.906.4455, barrysbootcamp.net

PACIFICsandiego.com » june 2009 | 21

Style

catch! what a

PacificSD snags Survivor contestant Sydney Wheeler for a day on Mission Bay

Photography by Dave Good Styled by Andrea Nicolau Hair & Makeup: Talia Guidero at A Robert Cromeans Salon Model: Sydney Wheeler at Jet Set Models

Rainbow bikini by Vitamin A, $98, indigo hoodie by Free People, $88, shorts by Juicy Couture, $98, suede sneakers by Juicy Couture, $98, sunglasses by Carrera, $140, all available at Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley, blomingdales.com.

PACIFICsandiego.com » june 2009 | 23

Style Bikini by Aaron Chang, $____,available at aaronchang.com; surfboard

by South Coast Surf Shop, $800 southcoast.com.

Still need Aaron Change Price

Headband by Bia Brazil, $13, available at Bodywear Boutique, bodywearboutique. com; t-shirt by Free People, $88, sneakers by Merrell Barrado, $80, watch by Quartz, $50, all available at Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley, bloomingdales. com; shorts by Billabong, $29, available at Gone Bananas Beachwear, gonebananasbeachwear.com.

24 | June 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com

Style

Bikini by Aaron Chang, available at aaronchang. com; surfboard by South Coast Surf Shop, $800, southcoast.com.

I’m a

Survivor!

By Brian Brunkow

unishing midday sun overhead; it’s a blistering 120 degrees in the shade. You barrel along a dusty dirt road in the back of a rusty, open-bed truck crammed with 15 strangers.

You look around. Who are these people? Without warning, the truck stops. Everyone’s told to get out. It’s the middle of nowhere. Now what? They give you a map. You have 60 seconds to gather all the supplies you can carry for a four-hour hike over hot, hilly terrain to build your campsite before dark. You’re 24 years old with a one-in-sixteen chance at a million-dollar prize. Outwit. Outplay. Outlast. Thirtynine days to go! Welcome to CBS’ reality show, Survivor 18: Tocantin—The Brazilian Highlands. This was the experience for this issue’s cover model and San Diego resident, Sydney Wheeler.

Wheeler is the smart, independent, adventurous type. She grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she loved the outdoors, hiking and fishing. The down side? “Everyone and their mother knew your business,” Wheler says. “I was the girl who threw

the big ragers when her parents were gone for the weekend. I got grounded for a month only twice, but there were a lot more parties. Good times!”

When asked about moving to California, Wheeler says, “I needed a change and applied to Art Institute of California in San Diego on a whim. Once accepted, there was no turning back. I studied interior design and graduated in 2007.”

Longtime PacificSD readers may recall that Wheeler was the magazine’s inaugural-issue cover model back in January 2007.

“It was the beginning of my modeling career,” says Wheeler. “It’s very cool to watch the magazine evolve from month to month and I’m very proud to be part of its growing success!”

Wheeler’s modeling career has taken her to Peru, Israel, Hawaii and New York. She says that balancing spontaneous modeling assignments with interior design projects is tough, but that interior design is her passion and long-term career goal.

PACIFICsandiego.com » june 2009 | 25

Style

The Survivor audition “I was at Bar West, in PB, having drinks with girlfriends when a casting director gave me her card. Two on-camera interviews later and I was in the finals.”

The Preparation “I found out I made it onto the show two weeks before we left. My boyfriend picked up a survival book for me and I attempted to make fire with two sticks, which is ridiculously impossible.

I also learned to make different knots with rope, another skill I never used while out there.”

The Challenge “There are a few people on the show because of how crazy they are. The physical elements were difficult, but they didn’t compare to the social game you have to play in order to stay.”

The Aftermath “When we go camping, my boyfriend leaves the fire-making up to me.”

26 | June 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com

Hoodie by Free People, $78, sunglasses by Carrera, $140, both available at Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley, bloomingdales.com.

Photo: Edwin Tartay

Pulse: Anchors away

All the News That’s Fit

Anchors Away: Get the inside scoop on what local television personalities do when they’re not in your living room.

A little sweat never hurt Heather Myers, weeknight co-anchor of San Diego 6 News at 10 p.m.

I

By Brandon Hernández

Photos by Janelle Maas

f you want to know about sports, flip to ESPN. If you want to know about America’s Finest City, tune into a native like San Diego 6’s Heather Myers. A hometown girl who’s lived in Fallbrook, Oceanside, Carlsbad, Bonita, Chula Vista and Poway, this news anchor knows her beat like the back of her hand.

“It’s such a pleasure to be invited into people’s living rooms every night to share the stories of the day with them,” says Myers.

“I thank God over and over again for this opportunity.”

On air, she’s a consummate professional whose drive has earned her three Associated Press awards and an Emmy, but there’s a whole other side to her that viewers never see. “I love to crack jokes and laugh, which is usually what we’re doing during commercial breaks,” she says.

30 | June 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com

A huge country-music fan, Myers reveals that if she weren’t in broadcast television, she’d want to be a country singer. There’s just one problem: “I can’t sing at all,” she says.

So, for now, she’ll stick to her day job, but she has no regrets. “I would love to live and work in San Diego for the rest of my life,” she says.

Outside the studio, Myers has found a new fondness for fitness, which is why she’s pictured here working out at FIT Athletic Club overlooking Petco Park.

“2009 is my year to get in great shape,” she says. “I am working with a personal trainer and, for once, I really enjoy working out.”

When she’s not working out, Myers is chilling out. “One of my favorite things to do on the weekend is to have some friends over, turn on some music, barbecue something that makes the neighbors jealous and laugh until it hurts.”

Like this homegrown talent, it just doesn’t get any more San Diego than that.

taste: what’s Cooking

Peel Appeal Bite into the season’s freshest fruits

By Frank Sabatini Jr.

S

ummer in California yields juicy, seductive fruits loaded with essential electrolytes and antioxidants.

The bounty lures consumers with brilliant berries, sugary melons and darling stone fruits that tantalize palates with their succulent flesh.

Taste the homegrown sweetness and harvest the fleeting cornucopia before it vanishes for another year.

Berries Antioxidants abound in blueberries, strawberries and raspberries, which spring onto market shelves in early June and generally maintain their desired ripeness and electric blue and red pigments through August.

Avoid berries sporting fuzzy white surfaces (that’s mold) or mushy textures (a sign of overripeness).

32 | June 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com

Apricots High in Vitamin A and iron, California apricots rival their Turkish cousins in size and taste. Enjoy a steady crop of the sweet-tart fruit from more than 200 growers in the state until early August. Look for even, orangey exteriors and avoid green ones—apricots ripen only when connected to their branches.

Cantaloupes With their khaki-colored, netted skins and sparkling orange flesh, cantaloupes are typically available year-round, but they burst with unmatchable sweetness from June to September. A half cantaloupe supplies a powerhouse of Vitamins A and C, potassium, folic acid and beta-carotene. Feed them to a blender with other summer fruits to make the mother of all smoothies.

Cherries By the Fourth of July, that gleaming bowl of California Bing Cherries is reduced to a pile of pits. Famous for their deepmahogany color, cherries have a teasingly short growing season, which runs from May to late June.

Purchase them now and expect a firm, crunchy texture that gives way to optimum sweetness.

Figs From its appearance in the first commercially manufactured cookie in the late 1800s to its presence on artisan cheeseboards in modern-day restaurants, the mighty fig flourishes as a summer snack among sweet tooths. Figs are prime candidates for green salads, chutneys and preserves, and the only fruit to fully ripen and semi-dry on the tree. Shopping tip: they crack when ripe.

Photos Janelle Maas

Fruits A-Boyle

Souper Man

Sweet flavors simmer at Suite & Tender

When it comes to fruit soups, this chef is super-chilled

Suite & Tender executive chef Billy Boyle Suite & Tender inside Sé San Diego can’t get enough peaches and cherries this 1047 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp time of year. For his restaurant’s “Sunday 619.515.3003 brunch on Saturday,” he recently introduced SuiteAndTender.com a bottomless peach Billini, a refreshing libation made by adding tender pureed peaches to champagne.

On the drawing board for late-June are pork and duck glazes that involve gently heating pitted cherries or peaches in white wine, vanilla beans, sugar and a touch of basil. After removing the fruit from the pans, Boyle cooks down the remaining liquid and applies them to the meats.

“Fruit glazes are easy for anyone to make,” says Boyle, “and the cool thing is that they taste great on vanilla ice cream, too.”

Key advice when choosing summer fruits for eating whole: “You want their juices to spritz onto your face when you bite into them.”

The Better Half Bistro With a red wagon in tow, The Better Half 127 University Ave., Bistro’s chef-owner, John Robert Kennedy, Hillcrest combs the Hillcrest Farmers Market for 619.543.9340 melons, berries and stone fruits, turning TheBetterHalfBistro.com them into refreshing purees often spiked with herbs and citrus.

“I have about 14 versions of chilled soup rotating on the summer menu,” says Kennedy. For cantaloupe soup, he uses mint and cucumber to enchance sweetness. To add tang to other fruit soups, he blends sweet and sour cherries and freezes them in ice cube trays with lime juice to create, “melting garnishes that slowly release a unique battery of flavors,” he says.

When making fruit soups at home, Kennedy advises against using refined sugars. “Honey balances summer fruits much better,” he says. To add silkiness, “pull away from heavy cream and use plain yogurt instead, because the flavors of these fruits are delicate.” Most importantly, “Serve chilled soups within 48 hours of making them. Go beyond that and their colors change to mucky.”

Mangos Ripe mangos offer a fruity aroma and display a mix of bright colors on their tough exteriors. This nutritional super-fruit, which pairs as well with spicy salsa and ceviche as it does with ice cream, hails originally from the Himalayas. California cultivars have long stepped up to the plate, but most local supplies are imported from interior Mexico, offering supreme quality from June to September.

Nectarines Lacking the peachy gene that grows baby fuzz makes them more susceptible to bruising, but nectarines boast richer flavor, brighter shades of orange and an extra dose of disease-fighting polyphenols. Purchase semi-firm, store at room temperature for a couple days, then enjoy nectarines when they exude a sweet fragrance.

Peaches California’s gold may be picked over, but peaches remain one of our state’s greatest and most abundant riches. When prospecting for the first perfect specimen of the season, hit the markets in early July and zero in on rosy hues and soft fuzzy skins that give slightly to the touch.

Watermelons According to the latest research, watermelon seems to relax blood vessels much like Viagara does, thanks to a phyto-nutrient called citrulline. So, when shopping for this popular summer fruit, knock on the thick outer rind to determine a faint hollowness and save the squeeze for your current love interest.

PACIFICsandiego.com » june 2009 | 33

TASTE: DINING

Presents

The Adams Family Restaurants team up for good taste Photos by Dave Good

F

rom tamales to tabuleh and spicy Thai to Italian bowties, the family of restaurants along Adams Avenue offeres a variety of great tastes. Experience the region’s finest flavors while strolling through Kensington and Normal Heights on a gastronomic walking tour that includes stops at more than 25 restaurants participating in the ninth annual Taste of Adams Avenue. The June 28 event, hosted by the Adams Avenue Business Association, spotlights appetizers, entrees and desserts from the area’s large and growing collection of unpretentious eateries.

Taste Makers Adams Avenue Grill Antique Row Café Bleu Bohéme Blind Lady Alehouse Burger Lounge Café 2121 Café Cabaret California Antilles Trading Consortium Casa Adams DiMille’s Italian Restaurant

El Zarape Mexican Restaurant Great Panda Restaurant Incredible Cheesecake Company Jayne’s Gastropub Kensington Café Kensington Grill Lestat’s Coffee House Luz’s Kitchen (Inside Rosie O’Grady’s) Mariposa Ice Cream

Pinto Thai Cuisine Ponce’s Mexican Restaurant Proprietor’s Reserve Wine Bar Rosie O’Grady’s Pub Señor Mango Twiggs Bakery & Coffee House Viva Pops!

Zia Gourmet Pizza

What: Taste of Adams Avenue When: Sunday, June 28, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: Along Adams Avenue in Kensington and Normal Heights Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 day of event; 619.282.7329, adamsaveonline.com Bonus: Ticket includes complimentary trolley service

34 | June 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com

Good Appetite

Italian: buon appetito Portuguese: bom apetite Spanish: buen apetito French: bon appétit German: guter Appetit Dutch: goede eetlust

TASTE: cocktail

Freudian Sip Enjoy a summery drink that will leave you calling for your mother

By Frank Sabatini, Jr.

L

Photo by Dave Good

ibation legend has it that the original Mai Tai* was first concocted in the mid-40s at Trader Vic’s restaurant in Oakland. However, Donn “The Beachcomer” Beach (born Ernest Raymond Beaumont Gantt) claimed to have invented the drink a decade earlier.

But this isn’t a history lesson—it’s more of a roadmap to refreshment.

Bartenders at WaveHouse in Mission Beach have revolutionized the time-honored rum drink and now invite patrons to Tai one on with “the Mother of all Mai Tais.” The modern-day permutation mimics a glowing San Diego sunset enriched by Barcardi Coconut Rum. Its orangey-reddish layers glow with splashes of Triple Sec, pineapple and orange juices and deliciously-viscous grenadine.

“The coconut rum injects more flavor and fruitiness as compared to your average well rum,” says WaveHouse general manager Chris Cox. “We introduced it a couple of years ago and now sell about 100 a week.”

Count on being catapulted to Polynesia upon first sip—the 12-ounce Mother sells for $7 and comes with the bonus of a pure beach experience that seats you outdoors on lifeguard chairs amid sand, exotic flora and two formidable wave machines invented by WaveHouse owner Tom Lochtefeld.

A word to the wise: Surf before you drink. (Mother said not to go in the water for at least 45 minutes.)

WaveHouse, 866.843.9283 wavehousesandiego.com

36 | June 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com

*Maita’i is the Tahitian word for “good.”

Groove

Sound Diego Tune into the musical musings of DJ Tim Pyles

H

ello, my name is Tim Pyles. I’m the new kid on the block here at PacificSD and I just can’t say enough about how excited I am to be a part of the team! I’m a longtime San Diego resident and have been a local music supporter on radio for over ten years, first at 91X and now at FM94/9. Tune in Sunday from 8 to 10 p.m., when I host The Local 94/9, a radio show dedicated to the bands and music of San Diego. I’ve experienced almost everything SD has to offer, but I’m always looking for something new, like Los Quatros Milpas! Ask me about it, if you don’t know...

38 | June 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com

Upcoming shows I recommend

Making Noise Jewel’s children’s album released by Fisher Price Fisher Price, the toy company, recently issued Lullaby, Jewel’s new album for children, which features classics including “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” “The Cowboy’s Lament” and “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star.” The album is available via Jewel’s website, jeweljk.com.

San Diego pirate goes silent The FCC recently shut down a San Diego pirate radio station broadcasting at 106.1 FM. A radio-industry newsletter reports that the station operated from a home on Monroe Street in Kensington.

Warehouse shut down by DEA If you’ve never been to a certain warehouse party in Mission Valley called The Red Balloon, you may be lucky—it’s been raided by the DEA and closed for good.

ANK YOU N DIEGO

Blink is backYEARS FIVE GREAT

After confirming at the Grammy’s that their group, Blink 182, is back together, Mark, Tom and Travis have announced a Summer 2009 tour. Buzznet.com says the band will be touring with Weezer, but there was no confirmation at press time. blink182.com

FM94/9 Independence Jam: Coastal Invasion On June 7, head to the Oceanside Pier Plaza Amphitheater for the FM94/9 Independence Jam: Coastal Invasion. The line-up includes The Black Keys, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, Metric and Dead Confederate. On the Local 94/9 Casbah stage, we’ll have Apes Of Wrath, The Creepy Creeps, Scarlet Symphony and Dirty Sweet. And all for $30! One dollar from each ticket sold will go to FM94/9’s About The Music Fund, which raises money for music programs in San Diego County Public schools. fm949sd.com

June 8: Lemonheads at the Casbah June 11: Jay Reatard at the Casbah June 20: Unwritten Law at WaveHouse June 28: Ani DiFranco at Humphrey’s San Diego County Fair Musicpalooza Big cash prizes are being offered to lure hundreds of top musicians and soloists to the 2009 San Diego County Fair’s newest competition, Musicpalooza! Firstplace winners in both the band and solo artist categories will win $25,000 each.

Second-place finishers win $5,000; third places win $2,000.

A prestigious panel of high-profile members of the music industry serve as the competition’s judges, who have already narrowed their selection of groups and individual performers to compete during the Fair, which begins Friday, June 19.

Finalists will compete on Friday, July 3, when the grandprize winners will be announced. sdfair. com/musicpalooza

PACIFICsandiego.com » june 2009 | 39

Groove

From left: Patrick Eckstein, Nick Mascetta, Daniel Schultz, Mattan Danino

T

pride in showing patrons a good time. hey flit to and fro under the cover of “People come to nightclubs to have fun,” says mood lighting, tending to the needs of Schultz. “It’s so much easier working around people high rollers. VIP hosts keep their venwho are having fun as opposed to working someues packed, the good times rolling and where like the DMV where everyone’s pissed-off.” the bottle service flowing. In a sense, Mascetta points out that sometimes the fun trickthrowing amazing parties is what they do for a livles down from the guests to the hosts. “The really ing… but it isn’t all fun and games. good nights end with me, a client and maybe some By day, these dynamic multi-taskers are tethered friends driving around in a limo, drinking champagne to their cell phones, promoting their venue to clubuntil the sun comes up,” he says.” goers interested in bottle service, working to get KIN Lounge at night It’s no wonder, when asked for tips to those thinktheir existing clients to show up and chatting with ing of entering the field, Eckstein tries to retain friends in the industry to stay on top of what’s hot his share of the VIP market. “Don’t do it,” he says. around town. Then there’s the prep and face-time “There are too many of us already.” with management, event coordinators, promoters, But seriously…

DJs, doormen, bartenders and waitresses. In short, “Be ready for a lot of hours. Late nights and long it takes lots more than looking sharp in a suit to exdays come with the territory, but so does a lot of cel at this gig. fun,” says Mascetta. “Also, get an unlimited plan on “One must be professional, genuine, a quick your phone. You will need it.” decision-maker and willing to adapt within various social situations,” says Mattan Danino, a VIP host at PacificSD: How should people choose the right night spot? the Manchester Grand Hyatt’s KIN Lounge.

Mattan Danino: By the crowd. Each nightclub in San Diego “The gift of gab is also important,” adds Danino’s attracts a different crowd. co-host, Nick Mascetta. “You have to give everyBy Brandon Hernández Patrick Eckstein: Ask around. Don’t just go with one or two one as much time as it takes to make them happy Main photo by Janelle Maas opinions. and forget that they have been waiting in line for Nick Mascetta: Pick places that take care of people in style, a table.” regardless of whether they’re suited up or not.

That’s no small feat. What’s the trick?

“The trick is not a trick at all,” says KIN’s third VIP host, Patrick Eckstein. “Talk PacificSD: Share some tips for enjoying a night out to the fullest. to clients like they’re normal human beings… not a commodity. Treat people MD: Be outgoing, be social, talk to others and learn about the person standing next to you. with the level of respect they deserve—and shots. Those always help.”

PE: Dress nice. Not in a suit or anything too stuffy, but at least try. Nice kicks, jeans and a It also helps to have a trio of quality VIP staffers, and it’s the job of guys like shirt go a long way.

Daniel Schultz, KIN’s general manager, to assemble a dream team of hosts NM: Always make friends with the door guy. He decides who gets in. that are ready, willing and able; the kind who know their audience and take

Lounge Act Take a peek behind the velvet rope

40 | June 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com

groove: bartender

Que Sera, Syrah

Just like fine wines, some bartenders improve with age

By Brandon Hernández

Photos by Janelle Maas

Raising the Bar Stemmler is captivated by what he describes as “the rich history and culture that got us to this point in bartending.”

Yearning to connect with those who share his passion for the profession, he and a handful of colleagues recently formed the San Diego Bartender’s Guild. While still in its infancy and, as Stemmler puts it, “not nearly organized enough to have a mission statement,” the group’s first round of mixers have yielded noble ambitions.

“The main focus is to facilitate the public’s interest in learning more about mixology and liquors, hosting charity events and, most importantly, just sharing experience and knowledge with one another,” says Stemmler. “This city has some seriously ridiculous talent.”

Guild Members: Sara Hanson – Arterra (Del Mar); Matt Hoyt – Starlite (Uptown); Arianna Johnson – Modus (Uptown), Neighborhood (East Village); Kate MacWilliamson – Starlite (Uptown); Adam Stemmler – Syrah (Gaslamp); Ian Ward – Whisknladle (La Jolla)

Down Under

I

t isn’t unusual to find musicians in bars, but at Syrah, the newest addition to the Gaslamp’s grapevine, rocker Adam Stemmler is behind the bar.

“I played in a lot of bands in my late teens and early twenties,” says Stemmler. “Seeing how we never wrote lyrics as intelligent as, ‘This is why I’m hot,’ we never really sold any records.” (“This is Why I’m Hot” is a 2007 hit song by a rapper called “Mims.”)

Back then, Stemmler was strapped for cash and, despite having no experience on the business side of the bar, he talked his way into a bartending job at Downtown’s Aubergine. A few years later, he used some of the tip money he’d socked away to invest in Pacific Beach’s popular Firehouse American Eatery + Lounge. On top of getting in on the ground floor, he also landed a new gig as Firehouse’s bar manager. It didn’t take him long to learn the ropes.

“I’ve basically become the resident geek for spirits, beer and wine,” says Stemmler, who is enjoying his new role at Syrah and now can’t imagine not being a bartender. “I love studying the history of alcohol, touring distilleries, going to seminars and conventions and competing in mixology competitions.”

Stemmler counts the true friends he’s made as his job’s best perk. Well, that and the fact that, unlike music, bartending has been paying the bills.

42 | June 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com

The best place to store wine is in a cellar.

So it makes sense that Syrah, Downtown’s newest spot for vino, is underground. The light at the end of the descending staircase on Fifth and E is where you can now find Stemmler, who says that Downtown has too many places that overcharge for drinks and hire staff based on vanity versus ability.

“Syrah is the first wine bar that also embraces the club and lounge elements of the Gaslamp,” says Stemmler, who brings his knowledge, flare and values to work every night. For all the dirt on his new digs, drop in for the cheapest “bottle service” in town.

Syrah Spirit & Wine Parlor 901 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp syrahwineparlor.com Wed. – Sat.: 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.

Sun.: 4 p.m. – midnight

{ By USD } 1211 Morena Blvd.

San Diego * 92110 www.beachbikes.com

love

Now Hear This!

How to listen to women

By Craig Boreth

T

he average guy hears about the first five words of anything a woman says before she begins to sound like the schoolteacher in those old Charlie Brown cartoons. My guess is that most men would actually like to be able to listen, but it’s just not something that comes naturally to them. The male mind is transfixed by football, belly shirts and pizza. How can anything she has to say possibly compete with that?

Salvation for the terminally distracted lies in a simple technique used by teachers, therapists and mediators called “active listening.” If you employ active listening while she’s telling you about what’s-her-name’s boyfriend and how he won’t commit, and how she can’t find pants that fit, and how you still need to clean up the garage and blaah, blaah, whaahhhh… Sorry, spaced out there for a second.

Active listening works. Its three components are Body Language, Asking Questions and Summarizing.

Body Language Ever wonder why she gets upset when you sit there “listening” to her with your arms and legs crossed, facing away from her and staring at the wall? It’s because your body is screaming out that you’d rather be doing absolutely anything other than sitting there listening to her. Use your body to show her that you’re paying attention: • Stop whatever you’re doing. Put down your beer, the sports section, whatever, and actually lean slightly toward her.

• Make eye contact. Try to maintain it for about 80 percent of the time.

• Open up. Uncross your legs and arms, and sit in a relaxed posture.

• Acknowledge. Nod your head in agreement or furrow your brow with empathy.

• Give a few “uh-huhs.” Let her know you’re still with her.

Be careful not to start nodding like a bobblehead or she’ll know you’ve drifted off again, starring in that beer commercial in your mind.

Ask Questions

Asking questions is the easiest way to show that you’re listening and that you actually care about what she’s saying. Ask open-ended questions, designed to elicit more information. For example, “How did you feel about that?” or, “Could you give me an example of what you mean?” Avoid questions that will put her on the defensive, such as, “What the hell were you thinking?”

Summarize

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.

44 | June 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com

Summarizing involves collecting up the main points and then expressing them back to her. Start with a brief introduction like, “So, if I understand what you’re saying…” or, “Am I right that you’re point is…” and then add the point you remember from what she had been talking about. The risk here is that you’ll talk over her, which is almost as bad as not listening in the first place. Mastering this more advanced discipline requires practice. Be patient, let her finish what she has to say and wait for your chance to summarize.

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1/2-PRICE APPETIZERS DURING GAMES MPP LAM ASLA GAS G

DIEGO 624 E STREET, SAthN E STREET th ON 7 D BETWEEN 6 AN 619.237.9990 PACIFIC BEACH: 4640 MISSION BLVD. 2 BLOCKS NORTH OF GARNET & 1 BLOCK FROM BEACH, 858.274.7117.

Butterflies are said to be a symbol

not only of love but also of good wishes. Upon exiting

{ Vero Gomez and Paul Boyer }

the church after just having sealed their love at the altar,

Vero Gomez Paul Boyer May 2, 2009 and

were received by

guests who released dozens of white butterflies in their honor.

The joyous day,

, began with a

beautiful ceremony held in the majestic temple of

Santa Rosa de Viterbo, in Queretaro, Mexico.

Guests were surrounded by beautiful flowers

and bright green ribbons adorning the church.

Family and friends were captivated by the joy of the couple, who had testified their love and promises before God. The nuptial blessing

closed with a gentle kiss

between the bride and groom, then the celebration continued with fireworks, live music and a gourmet dinner at the Hotel Hacienda Juriquilla.

Two different cultures have become one.

Committed to each other and each other’s happiness for the rest of their lives, the newlyweds are in love and

happy to be living in Pacific Beach.

MAY 2, 2009

Love: Blind Date

The Fifth Element A waterfront concert transcends its purpose

By El Gringo Grande Photos by Janelle Maas

I

t’s May 2 on Mission Bay. De Anza cove is rocking with a dozen bands and 5,000 fans at the Elemental Experience, a sunny (fire), bay-front (water), outdoor (air), eco-friendly (earth) music and arts festival. Bringing the elements together is the masterwork of StayClassy.org, a local organization that fuses social networking with philanthropy, in this case to raise money to help build a homeless shelter for San Diego youth.

PacificSD has set up a tent—in the beer garden, of course—where we reward concertgoers with warm smiles, frequent hugs and the occasional kiss.

In the middle of an unremarkable table lies a magic box with a sign that says, “We’ll text you if you win.” People drop their contact info into the box for their chance to score DVDs, hundreds of dollars in restaurant gift certificates and two beach cruisers from beackbikes.com.

As the sun begins to set, a PacificSD beer-getter—er, intern—reaches into the prize box to see who’s going home with a Hulk DVD. She pulls out a name: Mark. But the magic box is thinking outside itself this fine day, for Mark is not looking for prizes… but love.

Mark dropped his number because he wants to co-star in a PacificSD blinddate experience. Some people are just crazy like that. Another such person is Christy, the music director for radio station 91X, who also put her name in the box. The intern fishes out Christy’s name minutes after Mark’s. Is it fate?

Serendipity? Sneaky intern?

Flash forward to a few days ago.

Armed with a bouquet of flowers, Mark stands outside Richard Walker’s Pancake House downtown, waiting for Christy, his blind date, to show up. His mind races. What will she look like? Will we be compatible? What the eff am I doing here?

Christy is a few minutes late… probably parking. Let’s review the pre-date interviews before she arrives.

46 | June 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com

PacificSD says

He says

She says

Describe your personality in seven words.

I can do it with one: scrumtulescent

Outgoing, fun, random, uncensored, driven, genuine and entertaining.

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve done?

I went skydiving in Australia.

In or out of the bedroom? Just kidding.

Probably skydiving.

What do you do for fun?

Drink, dance and stare at women.

Work at 91X! But I always find time to go out and cause trouble.

What do you do for exercise?

I lift weights, run on the beach and just started Jiu Jitsu at PB Fight Center.

24-Hour Fitness in PB, baby. I also do VAVi kickball.

Rate yourself physically on a scale from one to ten.

Four, but I turn into an eight if it’s dark, at a great distance or two a.m.

I’ll give myself an eightpoint-five. How about you just airbrush me so I can be a ten?

When was the last time you cried?

A few years ago, after watching Seabiscuit.

Single tear.

I’m not a crier, but movies get me every time.

What is your least favorite thing about yourself?

My big head—I think it’s been the same size since I was six.

That I need to sleep everyday.

Do you have any special talents?

I can imitate a giraffe in full sprint and make a turtle face. God just blesses some people.

That depends on what you consider a talent.

During what historical period would you like to have lived?

During the Wild West, so I could carry six-shooters and drink whiskey.

I’d like to have been born in the late-50s to early60s, so I would’ve been alive to see all of the sick bands in the 70s and check out Studio 54.

Upon arriving at Richard Walker’s Pancake House, Christy gives Mark a hug, he gives her the flowers and the two head inside to sip champagne.

(Continued on page 48)

Love: Blind Date

Getting Smashed The blind date continues

A

fter a leisurely champagne brunch, the daters are chauffeured over to Sarah’s Smash Shack because, as the store’s slogan says, “Sometimes you just need to break something.” The place looks a like a hybrid of a Pier One store and a NASCAR racetrack: checkered flags, steel walls and all the fragile crap you could ever want to throw at them.

Mark and Christy protect their civilian clothes and blood vessels with safety suits and body armor before entering the smash room. Inside, they wind up, release and watch glass plates and ceramic piggy banks explode into a million pieces.

After 15 smashing minutes, Christy and Mark emerge from the booth, strip off their flak jackets and head over to Whiskey Girl. As drinks arrive at their booth overlooking Fifth Avenue, the daters are split for mid-date debriefings.

PacificSD says

He says

She says

How’s it going so far?

It’s going really well. The conversation has been very easy and we definitely have related on a bunch of topics. I’m really enjoying it.

It sucks. Just kidding. I’m having a good time. I didn’t know what to expect, so I was a little bit nervous, but it’s actually been a lot of fun.

What was your first impression of your date?

I really like her look; it’s a lot different from most girls around here. I think she’s a pretty sexy little lady, a spicy chica.

I showed up and he gave me flowers. I’m a chick and I’m not gonna lie—flowers on a date are always a good way to go.

How was Richard Walker’s?

Really good. If I was there with my guy friends, I probably would have eaten everything on the table, but I was trying to be polite and not eat as much.

The food was really delicious. I had a good time there. A lot of food—we had a German Pancake, champagne and an omelet. It was awesome.

On a scale from one to ten, rate your date physically.

Ten. She works out a lot and I think she has a beautiful face.

Eight-point-five.

How about your date’s personality?

She’s easy to talk to and keeps the conversation going.

She’s open and outgoing and she tells a lot of jokes. She’s really funny.

He’s a lot of fun. He’s got a personality. He’s easy to talk to and he actually participates in the conversation.

Is this the kind of person you would normally date?

She likes to drink beers and eat hamburgers, so she’s okay in my book.

Yeah, if I met him out somewhere I would totally talk to him. It doesn’t matter that he’s younger than me. <laughs>

Anything you’d like to add?

A lot of girls just laugh, you know, but Christy’s delivering jokes, and that’s fun to feed off of.

It’s cool. I’m having fun. I’m highly entertained. If it doesn’t work out, sign me up again.

What’s the best way the date could end?

She says she’s going to the Hard Rock tomorrow, so maybe… I guess the best way is that I get her phone number and maybe meet up later.

It would be cool if we hung out again. I’d be down for that.

I don’t know if he is, but maybe. I’m not that scary.

48 | June 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com

(Continued on page 52)

Love: Blind Date

After Match

T

o create a permanent memory of their date (and because PacificSD makes them do it), Mark and Christy enter Whiskey Girl’s souvenir photo booth. They emerge moments later, take a seat at a table near the bar and are finally left alone. PacificSD calls the next day to see what we missed.

PacificSD says

He says

She says

How was Whiskey Girl?

It was very relaxing.

Christy was really excited about ordering spinach dip; I thought that was pretty funny.

It was cool, especially because a lot of Chris Cornell songs played while we were there.

Great beers and spinach artichoke dip, too.

Describe the chemistry between you and your date.

On my end, I would say pretty damn good. She was quoting movies, drinking beer and had a lot to say.

I was expecting the worst, but Mark was pretty easy to talk to and we never had one of those lame, awkward silences.

What was the best part of the date?

As we were walking to her car, she got pretty cold, so I put my arm around her to warm her up. I think she liked that.

Sarah’s Smash Shack, fo’ sho’. I got to put on a pretty badass jump suit and mask just so I could break some stuff.

What is your date’s most endearing quality?

She smiles a lot and is not afraid to crack jokes. It’s hard not to like that.

When we met the managers of the different spots, Mark was genuinely thankful and appreciative of how we got hooked up.

What is your date’s worst quality?

She tells better jokes than I do. That pisses me off

That he’s younger than me.

Do you wish you had done or said anything differently during the date?

The photo booth was a golden opportunity to lay a big kiss on her and I blew it. Live and learn, I guess.

I wish our photo booth faces had been funnier.

I’m bringing my A- Game next time.

What happened after the magazine crew left you two alone?

We had a few more beers and talked a lot. I gave her a hug and we exchanged phone numbers.

Nothing too crazy. We just finished our drinks.

What advice would you give your date?

To try chocolate.

He might want to work on keeping a straight face when he’s joking. He gets this little glint in his eyes and it totally gives him away.

How did being with your date make you feel about yourself?

It felt really good being with her. I think she is a very sexy person, and that is always exciting.

He made me feel like I could do no wrong, and you and I both know that’s not true!

Will you see each other again?

I hope so.

Fo’ sho’.

StayClassy.org raised an amazing $50,000 to build a homeless shelter for San Diego youth, and Christy and Mark are right on track for a scorching summer romance.

Looking back on the Elemental Experience—the difference it made and the connection it forged between the blind daters— there seems to have been another element in play that day. Some unseen force made an impact, but you can’t find it on the periodic table, and it isn’t earth, air, wind or fire.

The Fifth Element… it must be love.

(Alternative ending for Sherlock Holmes fans: “It’s elemental, my dear Watson.”)

For your chance at love and glory, email: setmeup@pacificsandiego.com

52 | June 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com

6/2

calendar

Sample entrees, appetizers and desserts from more than 25 eateries west of Dawes Street at THE COAST OF PACIFIC BEACH RESTAURANT WALK. Proceeds benefit a Pacific Beach street-cleaning project.

Tickets: $20 Dates: June 2 Info: 858.273.3303, pacificbeach.org

six.09

Submit events to calendar@pacificsandiego.com

Compiled by Danielle Warren

Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com

LISTEN 6/3: The Offspring and Alkaline Trio SDSU Open Air Theatre, ticketmaster.com

Ride in a hot air balloon, sample fine wines and enjoy gourmet food and live music at the 26th annual TEMECULA VALLEY BALLOON AND WINE FESTIVAL, a family-friendly affair.

Tickets: $15-$22 Dates: June 5-7 Venue: Lake Skinner Recreation Area, Temecula Info: 951.676.6713, tvbwf.com

6/4: Erykah Badu

6/5

Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com

6/5: Stranger

Learn how to make cocktails from master mixologists, bid on rare spirits in the charity auction, watch lingerie and bikini fashion shows and enjoy samples of ultra-premium vodkas, gins, rums and tequilas at the SAN DIEGO SPIRITS FESTIVAL. Tickets: $60-$125 Dates: June 5-7 Venue: Sé San Diego Hotel, Downtown

Canes, canesbarandgrill.com

6/6: The Slackers Casbah, casbahmusic.com

6/7: FM/949 Independence Jam with Black Keys, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Metric, Dead Confederate, Dirty Sweet and more.

Oceanside Pier, independencejam.com

6/6

6/7: Julio Iglesias Valley View Casino, ticketmaster.com

6/10: The Church Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com

6/13: Cedric the Entertainer (comedy) Pala Casino Resort and Spa, ticketmaster.com

6/13: Melissa Etheridge San Diego County Fair, sdfair.com

Photo: Chip Morton Photography

6/14: Third Eye Blind

Photo: Jay Blakesberg

6/5

Donavon Frankenreiter, Common Sense, The Devastators, Sara Petite and other musical talent rock Solana Beach for the 30th annual FIESTA DEL SOL, featuring an international food court, beer gardens, and booth-lined streets. Family-friendly and free.

Tickets: Free Dates: June 6-7 Venue: Fletcher Cove, Solana Beach Info: 858.755.4775, sbfiestadelsol.net

6/13: Peter Murphy Canes, canesbarandgrill.com

6/18: David Cook San Diego County Fair, sdfair.com

6/18: Gregory Isaacs and Tribe of Kings Sound 6/19: Keyshia Cole Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com

6/20: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons Humphrey’s Concerts by the Bay, humphreysconcerts.com

6/25: The B-52s San Diego County Fair, sdfair.com

6/30: Creedence Clearwater Revisited San Diego County Fair, sdfair.com 50 | June 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com

6/6

Photo: Pat Cubel

Wave House, wavehousesandiego.com

Dirty minds converge at the Camp Pendleton’s WORLD FAMOUS MUD RUN, a Hard Corps 10K race over hills, across rivers and through a 30-foot mud pit.

Tickets: $50 per person entrance fee, free to spectators Dates: June 6, 7, 13 Venue: Camp Pendleton, Oceanside Info: 760.725-6836, camppendletonraces.com

“Ronald Reagan, former Governor of California, March 4, 1976, © 2008 The Richard Avedon Foundation”

6/6

Take a five-decade cultural and political journey through the lens of America’s preeminent portrait and fashion photographer in RICHARD AVEDON: PORTRAITS OF POWER. More than 200 powerful images comprise the nationally-touring exhibition.

Tickets: $10 Dates: June 6-September 6 Venue: San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park Info: 619.232.7931, sdmart.org

6/12

The smell of deep-fried whatever is wafting through the air, mini roller coasters are giving tourists nausea and farm animals are going for the gold. Ahh, the 2009 SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR. Besides great food, rides and games, this year’s “Music Mania” boasts an impressive line-up of live bands, including Melissa Etheridge, Bret Michaels and “American Idol” David Cook.

Tickets: $13 Dates: June 12-July 5 Venue: Del Mar Fair Grounds, Del Mar Info: 858.755.1161, sdfair.com

6/13

Quench your thirst for beer and brewing knowledge at the 11th annual REAL ALE FESTIVAL, featuring more than 60 cask-conditioned beers poured from firkins. Ticket price includes commemorative glass and eight taster tickets.

Additional four-ounce tasters are just $1 each.

Tickets: $25; $40 for VIP Dates: June 13-14 Venue: Pizza Port, Carlsbad Info: 760.720-7007, pizzaport.com/festivals.htm

6/13

Sample cuisine from more than 20 restaurants at TASTE OF GASLAMP, a self-guided urban dining adventure. Stroll at your own pace and chill out with cold ones in the beer garden.

Tickets: $25 Dates: June 13-14 Check In: Fifth Avenue and Island Avenue, Downtown Info: 619.233.5227, gaslamp.org

6/20

6/25

Become a rice wine expert at the seventh annual BEER & SAKE FESTIVAL. Presented by the Japan Society of San Diego and Tijuana to promote Japanese culinary arts, the event features a multitude of sake and beer flavors and showcases how talented chefs are redefining Japanese cuisine. Tickets: $60 Dates: June 25 Venue: San Diego Marriott, Del Mar Info: 858.467.1727, japan-society.org

6/26

Sample the cream of the hop—er, crop—at the SAN DIEGO INTERNATIONAL BEER FESTIVAL, where home brewers and microbreweries compete for the title of “best beverage.”

Ticket price includes a souvenir tasting cup and unlimited beer samplings.

Tickets: $20-$30 Dates: June 26-27 Venue: Chevrolet Del Mar Arena, Del Mar Fair Grounds Info: 858.755.1161, ticketmaster.com

6/26

Stroll through Kensington and Normal Heights on a self-guided gastronomic journey through more than 25 area restaurants at the ninth annual TASTE OF ADAMS AVENUE. (Story page 34.)

Tickets: $25-$30 Dates: June 28 Info: 619.282.7329, adamsaveonline.com

Batmen

(Home games) 6/1-3: Padres vs.

Philadelphia Phillies 6/5-8: Padres vs.

Arizona Diamondbacks 6/16-18: Padres vs.

Seattle Mariners 6/19-21: Padres vs.

Oakland Athletics 6/29-30: Padres vs.

Houston Astros

Milestones

6/7: Gaze skyward at 6:12 p.m. to see the Full Strawberry Moon (called that

by Algonquin’s) 6/14: Flag Day 6/21: Father’s Day (and longest day of the year)

Local and national award-winning artists display their new work at the LA JOLLA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS, featuring art for sale, gourmet food stands and live entertainment.

Proceeds support recreational and educational programs for disabled San Diegans including injured veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Tickets: $10 Dates: June 20-21 Venue: UCSD’s east campus, La Jolla Info: 858.456.1268, lajollaartfestival.org

PACIFICsandiego.com » june 2009 | 51

THINK

June Gloom, Go Away.

We Just Got Finished With May Grey.

An open letter to Mayor Sanders

By Brian Brunkow

Dear Mayor Sanders, No doubt you have your hands full with the city gone bankrupt, border issues and the whatnot, but I wanted to run an idea by you.

On behalf of San Diego residents, I beseech you to move June Gloom to a more appropriate time of year. After a long, punishing winter, what’s our reward? A month filled with 27 days of dreary, gray skies to kick off the summer! Unacceptable, sir.

Tourists are in town and school’s out. There’s the beach, barbeques and baseball. Weddings are planned! Yet you, Mr. Mayor, and the City government, in your collective apathy, continue to schedule this abysmal, overcast weather for June, year after year after year.

I say, move it. February is a shorter month and June Gloom doesn’t really rhyme anyway. Making it the kick off to summer doesn’t make sense.

Come to think of it, you know what else doesn’t make sense?

• San Diego City Council President, Ben Hueso, now asks people to “wave their arms” instead of clapping for speakers at City Council meetings. Huh? • San Diego Metro Transit. No transfers offered for one-way, two-bus trips, but an all-day pass is available for $5.00! I’ll drive.

Sorry, Earth.

• Who was the first genius to open a tanning salon next to the beach? And why does he drive a better car than I do?

• Why is San Diego only a two-sport town? Phoenix sucks, but at least they have a hoops team.

• San Diego’s tap water was fine for our grandparents and parents.

Now, it’s got to be filtered, bottled, boiled or from a cooler.

What gives?

• How long must San Diegans hump it to LA to fly anywhere more exotic than Utah?

We haven’t washed our hands of the whole swine flu thing, yet. So, before the next crisis, Mr. Mayor, let’s think globally—and act by tackling some of our city’s biggest challenges, like the parking lot at Horton Plaza.

I mean, seriously?

Sincerely, Brian (on behalf of sun lovers countywide)

54 | June 2009 « PACIFICsandiego.com