PACIFIC San Diego - April 2020 by Pacific San Diego Magazine

SAVING THE PLANET WITH

ROB MACHADO San Diegoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite surfer turned environmentalist shares conservation tips in time for Earth Day

April 2020

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Best Asian Cuisine

BESHOCK Ramen

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Best Breakfast

■

Best Coffee

Bean Bar

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Best Fitness Center

The Mission

Rize Studio

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1120 F St. San Diego, CA 92101 rizestudio.com

■

Best Brewery & Best Burger

■

10 Barrel Brewing Co.

699 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101 makesandiego.com

1501 E St. San Diego, CA 92101 10barrel.com ■

Best Cocktails

You & Yours Distilling Co.

1495 G St. San Diego, CA 92101 youandyours.com

Best Pizza

MAKE Pizza & Salad

■

Best Retail

Tailored Hair for Men 350 11th Ave #125 San Diego, CA 92101 Tailoredhair.com ■

Best Tacos

Lola 55

1290 F St. San Diego, CA 92101 lola55.com

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Best of East Village Awards Thanks to everyone that voted for their favorite businesses in East Village! The votes are in and the winners are…

■

Best Asian Cuisine

BESHOCK Ramen

1288 Market St. San Diego, CA 92101 beshockramen.com ■

Best Breakfast

■

Best Coffee

Bean Bar

1068 K St. San Diego, CA 92101 beanbar.co ■

Best Fitness Center

The Mission

Rize Studio

1250 J St. San Diego, CA 92101 themissionsd.com

1120 F St. San Diego, CA 92101 rizestudio.com

■

Best Brewery & Best Burger

■

10 Barrel Brewing Co.

699 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101 makesandiego.com

1501 E St. San Diego, CA 92101 10barrel.com ■

Best Cocktails

You & Yours Distilling Co.

1495 G St. San Diego, CA 92101 youandyours.com

Best Pizza

MAKE Pizza & Salad

■

Best Retail

Tailored Hair for Men 350 11th Ave #125 San Diego, CA 92101 Tailoredhair.com ■

Best Tacos

Lola 55

1290 F St. San Diego, CA 92101 lola55.com

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EDIT OR’S N OTE

Managing in the Time of COVID-19 GETTY IMAGES

How do you put out an events magazine when there are no events?

t’s a strange time to work at PACIFIC As you know, this magazine is all about events, concerts, nightlife and arts. It’s about being together, sharing memories and exploring all the cool things San Diego has to offer. Basically, the exact opposite of self-quarantine and isolation. But as I write this, most everything has been canceled or postponed because of coronavirus. People are freaking out on social media, more of us are being asked to work from home and everything just feels surreal and uneasy. So we’ve made the drastic and difficult decision to take all events, comedy and concert listings out of the April issue. We just don’t want to put out a magazine filled with outdated or false information. (We did keep visual arts because even if galleries are closed and ArtWalk gets postponed, I think looking at art on these pages or online can bring a sense of beauty and joy.) It’s a shame, too, because this is actually one of San Diego’s busiest months. Between Earth Day celebrations, music festival season, baseball games, Bloom Bash and pool parties, April is traditionally like a first taste of summer. Right now, though, we just have no idea what will be happening when you get this magazine. Optimistically, things could return

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

to normal and we’ll be back out enjoying happy hours and food festivals before we know it. Or, this could just be the start of many months of quarantine. I don’t know, and the uncertainty kind of makes me panic, but I do hope it’s the latter. So the most responsible thing to do — what we encourage you all to do — is to lie low, try to stay calm, check in on your parents and grandparents, and enjoy this breather. We’re all so busy all the time, what will it be like to have nowhere to go for a while? To have time for self-care, reading and guilt-free Netflix marathons? Hopefully you’ll have plenty of time to check out what we do have in our April issue: features on local artists, musicians and influencers; a spotlight of places where you can find cannabisinfused meals; a Coachella-less and somewhat solitary road trip to Indio; a few recipes; and even a guide of things to watch and read while you’re self-quarantined. Thanks for your understanding and patience, keep washing your hands and — events or no events — we’ll see you next month..

Nina Garin

nina@pacificsandiego.com

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Volume #14 | Issue #4 | April 2020

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIGITAL DIRECTOR

Nina Garin

MANAGING EDITOR

Jennifer Ianni

STAFF WRITER COPY EDITOR

ART DIRECTORS DESIGNERS

PRODUCTION/ DESIGN DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Sara Butler Monica Hodes-Smail Anita L. Arambula, Gregory Schmidt Michael Domine, Javier Gonzalez, Mark Opriska, Tyler Rau, Anthony Tarantino Michael Price Angela Ashman, Michael Benninger, Ryan Bradford, Jackie Bryant, James Hebert, Maya Kroth, Scott McDonald, Peter Rowe Arlene Ibarra, Howard Lipin, Misael Virgen

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES

Paul Ingegneri

SALES MANAGER

Katie Musolf

MULTIMEDIA ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Mindy Anderson, John Vaccaro Pamela Razo Greg Johannsen

Life’s Cool. Reach America’s finest readers via print, web, social, email, street team and events. Read, click, connect... BOOM! PACIFIC is a media property owned by The San Diego Union-Tribune.

pacificsandiego.com

@PACIFICSD 619.293.1945

A subsidiary of The San Diego Union-Tribune

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

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CONTENTS APRIL 2020

CURRENTS 12 Well, That Was Awkward Does weed make Sublime good? A hater gets high to see if it improves the quintessential Southern California band 14 So … We’re Quarantined TV shows, movies, podcasts and other things to do during coronavirus isolation 20 Catching Up (and Catching Waves with Rob Machado) Local surfer uses his foundation, music ties to promote conservation PULSE 24 Art Beat April gallery + exhibits 30 The Brains Behind ArtWalk’s Beauty Even though ArtWalk is postponed, meet the artists selected to represent the 36th annual event 34 In the Arts Meet theater’s Cashae Monya before she crosses over into Hollywood stardom 38 Good Inﬂuencer Get busy in the kitchen with foodmaker Holly Haines TASTE 42 An Edible Experience In the world of cannabis dining, the special ingredient makes a meal into a full-on experience, and these three proprietors do it just right 48 Take it From the Tap A monthly taste of beer from here GROOVE 52 I’m With the Band Self-taught musician Shane Hall talks about making it in San Diego 54 Road Trip to Indio No Coachella? No problem. Take a road trip to Indio and stop at these spots along the way LOVE 58 Seize the Clay Daters take a spin at local pottery studio

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

ON THE COVER: San Diego surf star Rob Machado has a nonproﬁt that’s all about conservation and protecting the environment. Read about it on page 20. (Photo by Arlene Ibarra) ON THIS PAGE: Actress Cashae Monya is an award-winning San Diego theater favorite. She tells us about how she got started and how she plans to conquer Hollywood. Read more on page 34. (Photo by Howard Lipin)

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C URRENTS | WELL, THAT WAS AWKWARD

Does Weed Make Sublime Sound Good?

A hater gets high to see if it improves the quintessential Southern California band BY RYAN BRADFORD

hat I’m about to say will put my life in danger. If you can’t find me after this article comes out, alert the authorities.

I hate Sublime. I know, I know — I have a right to my opinion, but what about sacrilege? I’m aware that there are great risks of speaking ill of Sublime and its singer, St. Bradley Nowell, whilst in the Southern California region. Ye olde Freedom of Speech is cool and all, but it ain’t going to protect me from turning up dead in Ocean Beach with lungs full of bongwater. As Californians, it is generally our duty to pledge allegiance to the chill vibes of bands like Sublime, 311, Red Hot Chili Peppers. These are the mainstays of rock radio, house parties and beachside bars and they’re ubiquitous to the point of parody — when was the last time you went 24 hours without hearing one of these bands on the radio? I’m far from the first person to hate Sublime — hell, most people in my friend circle have the same opinion — but once I leave my snobby bubble, it’s clear that the rest of the city (and most of society) is all summertime and the living’s easy. Here’s the thing: I didn’t always hate Sublime. In fact, I still remember the thrill of sneaking off into my room and opening the Columbia House package that contained the band’s 1996 self-titled album. It was my first CD with the “Explicit Advisory” warning, which I had surreptitiously ordered through the mail because there was no way my parents would let me buy it in a store. I don’t know if the forbiddenness of the album added to its appeal, but I loved that album — loved it. It was pretty much the soundtrack to seventh grade. But then I grew up. My tastes changed, and compared to the faster, more abrasive punk that I got into during high school, Sublime seemed boring and repetitive. And then when I got wiser, I couldn’t get down with the idea of three white dudes playing reggae, joking about date rape and writing songs about co-opting L.A. race riots for personal gain. Plus, the oversaturation doesn’t help. If I hear 12

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

Sublime with Rome

Santeria one more time, I’m going to “scream 1-8-7” on myself. So yeah, Sublime sucks. But I’ve also been eating more cannabis lately. And you know who loves Sublime? People who love cannabis. Perhaps there’s something to that, I think. Does weed make Sublime good? Wouldn’t it be great to rediscover at least some positive aspects of it? If weed can do that, I venture, then I’m willing to try. I have a very low tolerance for cannabis, and it only takes 10 milligrams to get me to a good place. I start with that. I wait for it to kick in, then lock myself in a dark room and slip on noise-canceling headphones. Just a normal guy doing a regular-person experiment. The synth that begins Garden Grove sends a shiver down my spine. Bud Gaugh’s drums kick in — a relentless, galloping beat that sounds like a sample. It’s not an easy drum beat. How does he have the dexterity to do this? I think. What equipment did they use to make the drums sound like this? I also think, as if I know anything about recording equipment. The song moves on. I realize the only connective tissue between all the parts is Bradley Nowell’s voice. I think that’s what music people refer to as “the harmony.” Eureka! This realization (whether it’s accurate or not) feels profound. Jesus, I’m so smart.

JASON RODRIGUEZ AND JOE FOSTER

What I Got plays next. I never realized how weird the production on this song is. Sampled, hop-hop drums with an acoustic guitar? Whoa. And that bassline isn’t even a real riff — just notes that go doo doo doodoodoodoo in a madness-inducing, perpetually climbing pattern. I find my lips doing that: doo doo doodoodoodoo. Is it the same thing as the Betty Boop “BoopOop-a-Doop”? Am I getting my boops and doos mixed up? Is there a connection between Betty Boop and Sublime? I make a mental note to research that later. And then I’m asleep by the time Wrong Way begins. So does weed make Sublime better? It’s hard to say. I definitely think I’m dumber when I listen to music high, so maybe it’s just experiencing the world with a returned, childlike wonder. Music good! Drum beat good! Bassline also good! It’s a fun experience to have Sublime — a band that I had previously written off — simultaneously complicated and simplified for me, and that’s what cannabis does. I will say that it’s the most I’ve enjoyed Sublime in a long, long time, and that works well enough for my thesis. I wish I could provide more concrete, scientific evidence between the correlation of weed and liking Sublime, but for now, that’s what I got.

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C URRENTS | HOMEBOUND

So... We’re Quarantined

PROJECT RUNWAY

What to watch, read, listen to and experience while we’re stuck in coronavirus isolation BY NINA GARIN

n order to stop the spread of coronavirus, pretty much everything is closed, canceled or shut down. So as we try to keep the community as healthy as possible, many of us will be spending a lot more time indoors than we’re used to. We can finally clean out that closet! Catch up on those award-winning TV shows and films! FaceTime with our friends! Plant some veggies! Maybe even bake some bread! We don’t know exactly how long we will be isolating, and there may be days when we just run out of ideas for things to do. But don’t worry, here are some suggestions of things to watch, read, listen to and experience while we’re at home, flattening the curve.

FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO GO ALL-IN ON THE VIRUS

Maybe you’re the kind of person who is soothed by embracing the news and consuming everything ever made about viruses and dark times. If so, here are some ideas for you. Watch: Marc Maron: End Times Fun Comedian and podcaster Marc Maron embodies anxiety and outrage. His new comedy special takes things we’re afraid of and makes them funny, which is exactly what we need right now. (Available to stream on Netflix.) Listen: It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine) R.E.M.’s 1987 song is back on the iTunes charts, probably because it captures the very sentiment of 2020. (Buy it on iTunes or watch video on YouTube.)

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

BRAVO

Read: Flu: The Story of the Great Influenza Pandemic of 1918 and the Search for the Virus That Caused It In her 2001 book, New York Times reporter Gina Kolata looks at history to predict and prepare for future pandemics. (Available for purchase at warwicks.com) Watch: Contagion Steven Soderbergh’s 2011 movie about a virus that slowly starts shutting down society is eerily realistic. (Rent on iTunes, Amazon and YouTube.) Listen: Coronavirus: Fact vs Fiction podcast Sanjay Gupta, CNN’s medical correspondent, goes over the latest news and makes sense of what’s going on by interviewing experts and sharing tips to help keep you safe and healthy. (Find it on podcast platforms.) Read: Severance Ling Ma’s novel about a millennial office worker who barely notices when Shen Fever

starts spreading in New York. Eventually she’s enlisted to help save society. It’s witty and sarcastic and lonely, just like so many of us. (Available on Amazon and local bookstores) Follow: @cdcgov on Instagram and Twitter for up-to-date information and facts. *Things PACIFIC’s Pamela Razo will do while at home: “CLEAN! Nap and play with my dog.” She’ll also watch the Harry Potter series for comfort, listen to news podcasts and watch Love is Blind on Netflix.

FOR THOSE WHO NEED TO BE COMFORTED

If you prefer to hide under your weighted blanket and keep away from news and updates, you’ll want things that are nostalgic and comforting without getting boring. Watch: The latest season of Project Runway Though Nina Garcia is the only holdover from the original fashion reality show, the creations are both as fabulous and as cringey as you remember. Don’t worry about Tim Gunn no longer offering his soothing “make it work” catchphrase, new

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C URRENT S | HOMEBOUND

CHEER

mentor and former winner Christian Siriano is the perfect replacement. (On Bravo, or stream on Hulu or YouTube TV.) Listen: Office Ladies podcast It’s likely you’re already watching a lot of The Office episodes on Netflix. So check out this recap podcast, hosted by best friends and series stars Jenna Fischer (Pam) and Angela Kinsey (Angela) pictured right. It’s so wholesome and sweet, but also filled with really great behindthe-scenes stories. (Available on podcast platforms or officeladies. com) Read: Evvie Drake Starts Over This breezy romantic comedy by NPR’s Linda Holmes is set in a remote town in Maine and involves two people — Evvie and Dean — isolating themselves for different reasons, only to find comfort in each other. Also read this if you’re upset about baseball season being postponed 16

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

NETFLIX

since Dean’s character is an MLB pitcher. (Available at warwicks.com and Audible.) Watch: The Breakfast Club A group of high school kids are, uh, isolated at Saturday detention —without the Internet! John Hughes’ 1985 classic is a good tutorial on how have conversations and make connections. (Rent on various streaming platforms.) Listen: Goop podcast However you feel about Gwyneth Paltrow, she does have an incredibly soothing podcast voice. Put this on before bed and get some interesting conver-sations about fear, food and friend-ship. (Available where you find podcasts.) Read: I Might Regret This: Essays, Drawings, Vulnerabilities, and Other Stuff Abbi Jacobson, co-creator of Broad City, goes on a solo road trip in order to reset her life and discovers who she is along the way.

(Available via online bookstores.) Follow: @sadanimalfacts on Instagram for cute illustrations about anxious animals. *What PACIFIC’s John Vacarro is reading and listening to: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, plus Tucker Max and Mark Manson novels. Podcast favorites are Congratulations with Chris D’Elia, The Joe Rogan Experience and Going Deep with Chad and JT.

FOR THOSE READY TO UNLEASH THEIR INNER WARRIOR

Are you someone who feels motivated and inspired by stress and chaos? Here are some options to bring out your fiercest self. Watch: Cheer Is there anyone as tough as the cheerleaders from Navarro? Get inspired by the squad’s drive and determination. (Streaming on Netflix.) Read: A Song of Ice and Fire series You’re going to have a lot of time on your hands, plenty of time to finally read George R.R.

Martin’s epic books that inspired HBO’s Game of Thrones. (Available where books are sold, maybe buy one at a time, though.) Listen: Yeezus Kanye West’s 2012 album, considered one of the best of his career, is filled with anger, bite and a splash of wit to keep you in a fighting mood. (Available to stream on Spotify.) Follow: @msjeanettejenkins on Instagram for at-home workouts by the popular Hollywood trainer. *What PACIFIC’s Sara Butler likes to watch: The Bold Type, Fleabag, High Fidelity TV shows. Comforting movies are Stuck in Love and “anything Molly Ringwald.”

TIFFANY HADDISH

FOR THOSE WHO USE COMEDY TO COPE

Sometimes, all you can do in difficult times is laugh. Yes, it’s easy to turn to favorites like Tina Fey and Will Ferrell, but here are some other options. Watch: Los Espookys This is a surreal show, filmed primarily in Spanish with English subtitles, about a group of friends who love horror and HBO create a business creating spooky situations for people in their neighborhood. (Streaming if you have HBO, available for purchase on other platforms — and worth it.) Read: The Last Black Unicorn Comedian Tiffany Haddish is perhaps the best companion to have in dark times. Her New York Times bestselling book is a funny, honest and sometimes filthy look at her rise to stardom. (Available at online bookstores.) Listen: Doughboys podcast Since we can’t go out to eat, here’s a podcast where comedians Mike Mitchell and Nick Wiger hang out with fellow funny friends and review fast food and casual restaurants like White Castle, Marie Callender’s, Del Taco and Subway. (Listen on podcast streaming services.) Follow: @buzzfeed on Instagram and Twitter for pop culture memes and time-passing quizzes. *How PACIFIC’s Jennifer Ianni is spending her inside time: “Reading Demi Moore’s autobiography, Inside Out (P.S. it’s excellent)” and “bingeing Vanderpump Rules and 90 Day Fiance, of course.” *How freelancer Maya Kroth is spending her time indoors: “I’m watching Sex Education on Netflix, Shelley Long movies and Rosemary’s Baby. I’m reading the New York Times obsessively and Ross Gay’s The Book of Delights for balance.”

LOS ANGELES TIMES

@PACIFICSD APRIL 2020

HAPPYHOUR athome

Cocktail recipes to make during self-quarantine San Diego bars may be temporarily closed, but that doesn’t mean happy hour is over. Even when you choose to stay home,

PROMOTION

Cranberry Fizz Hendrick’s Gin ■ ■ ■ ■

1 part Hendrick’s Gin 2 parts Cranberry Juice 1 part Sparkling Wine Garnish with Cucumber Slices and Cranberries

Paloma Spritz

Corona Seltzer, Mi Campo Blanco Tequila ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

6 ounces Corona Tropical Lime Hard Seltzer 1 ½ ounces Mi Campo Blanco Tequila 1 ounce Grapefruit Juice ½ ounce Lime Juice ½ ounce Agave Syrup Top with Corona Tropical Lime Hard Seltzer Garnish with Grapefruit Slice or Peel

you can still enjoy a great drink or two. Check out these recipes you can

Rusty Nail with a Tail

make in the comfort of

Monkey Shoulder, Drambuie

your own kitchen.

■ 1 oz. Monkey Shoulder ■ 1 oz. Drambuie ■ Garnish with Orange Slice

Freshest Margarita Milagro Silver Margarita ■ ■ ■ ■

2 parts Milagro Silver Tequila 3/4 part Agave Nectar 1 part Fresh Lime Juice Garnish with Lime Wheel

Mango Chile Michelada For a simple recipe, try the Modelo Cheladas ■ Just add Tajin or salt on your rim and pour over ice!

HAPPYHOUR athome

Cocktail recipes to make during self-quarantine San Diego bars may be temporarily closed, but that doesn’t mean happy hour is over. Even when you choose to stay home,

PROMOTION

Cranberry Fizz Hendrick’s Gin ■ ■ ■ ■

1 part Hendrick’s Gin 2 parts Cranberry Juice 1 part Sparkling Wine Garnish with Cucumber Slices and Cranberries

Paloma Spritz

Corona Seltzer, Mi Campo Blanco Tequila ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

you can still enjoy a great drink or two. Check out these recipes you can

Rusty Nail with a Tail

make in the comfort of

Monkey Shoulder, Drambuie

your own kitchen.

■ 1 oz. Monkey Shoulder ■ 1 oz. Drambuie ■ Garnish with Orange Slice

Freshest Margarita Milagro Silver Margarita ■ ■ ■ ■

2 parts Milagro Silver Tequila 3/4 part Agave Nectar 1 part Fresh Lime Juice Garnish with Lime Wheel

Mango Chile Michelada For a simple recipe, try the Modelo Cheladas ■ Just add Tajin or salt on your rim and pour over ice!

C URRENT S | COVER STORY

here’s no denying the love that former U.S. Open and Pipeline Masters-winning surfer Rob Machado has for the ocean. Born in Australia and raised just north of San Diego in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Machado has dedicated most of his life to the beach breaks that are never too far from where he calls home. A committed conservationist, the popular athlete has also made sure that the ocean is an inextricable part of his ventures beyond surfing as an environmentalist, musician, philanthropist and entrepreneur. And while his reach as a spokesman for sustainability is as wide-ranging as the variety of projects he involves himself in, most of the work is done through his own nonprofit, the Rob Machado Foundation (RMF). Created in 2004, the idea to attach his name to a bigger cause came from a very simple idea. “The whole concept was just to provide environmental education for kids,” Machado said

recently after surfing one of his favorite North County breaks. “I know that sounds pretty vague, but back then, my daughter’s school didn’t even have a recycling program. The kids weren’t drinking out of the drinking fountains. Gardening programs didn’t exist. We thought, ‘Wow. There are a lot of things we can do here.’ We wanted to help the environment, and we wanted the kids to understand how they were helping.” The Foundation has gone on to install nearly 40 refillable water stations all over North County coastal schools, as well as a handful of them in Newport Beach and Hawaii, ultimately serving about 20,000 children. The RMF is also responsible for sponsoring numerous beach cleanups each year, providing recycling bins in “high-need spaces,” and putting new, covered trash cans at local beach communities. This year, the Rob Machado Foundation teamed up with Pacifico beer’s environmental initiative, Pacifico Preserves. He recently spent a

day hanging out in Pacifico’s Airstream, taking in the scene over at Camp Shred in Encinitas. With Pacifico, Machado couninues the inroads he made on water and conservation strategies, issues he counts as some of his proudest accomplishments. “We first went into Cardiff Elementary,” he said. “Every single kid was coming to school with a single-use plastic water bottle. We wanted to reverse that whole concept and get the kids to go home and talk to their parents about eliminating plastics from the campus. The idea was to inspire, to be the school that other schools looked at and thought, ‘OK, we can do that too.’ And that’s really been one of the coolest things to see happening.”

EARTH DAY

April 22nd is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day and, of course, Machado and his foundation are continued supporters of the event. This year, the RMF was scheduled to partner with the Encinitas Union School District for an

Catching up (and catching waves) with Rob Machado

Local surfer uses his foundation, music ties to promote conservation BY SCOTT MCDONALD

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

Earth Week contest designed to engage both kids and their parents through activities that help to protect the planet. In addition to guided teacher lessons and specific attention to litter, the weeklong event would offer day-specific initiatives like “Motorless Monday,” where parents would be asked to turn off their car engines while waiting in the pick-up line, and “Waste-free Wednesday,” which would mean bringing a waste-free lunch and reusable water bottle to school. A cleanup at Moonlight Beach was also scheduled for Saturday, April 25, but check robmachadofoundation.org to see whether that’s still happening. “It’s great that we have one single day for this in the whole year,” Machado said with an almost audible eye roll. “But these things are not big asks. So we try not to make it overbearing. You don’t want people to have to overthink it. Make it easy, simple. And maybe it becomes something you can do more than once a year. Like, here’s a water bottle. Fill it up every day. Share the vibes.”

ARLENE IBARRA

@PACIFICSD APRIL 2020

C URRENTS

SOUNDS OF THE OCEAN

Music is another foundational pillar of Machado’s philanthropy, permeating both the iconic surfer’s personal and business life in a variety of ways. Not only is Machado part of local band Sack Lunch, since 2012, he’s raised funds for all of his projects by hosting an annual Foundation Benefit Concert at the Belly Up in Solana Beach. In addition to enlisting local musical luminaries like longtime friend/collaborator Jon Foreman of Switchfoot, Scott Russo of Unwritten Law and Grammy-winning crooner Jason Mraz to play shows, past guests have included the likes of Johnny Rzeznick of the Goo Goo Dolls, The Offspring, Brett Dennen, Andrew Wessen of Grouplove and Foo Fighters guitarist Chris Shiflett. Last year, he also partnered with local skateboarding legend Tony Hawk, seven-time All-Star MLB pitcher Trevor Hoffman, and R&B singer Miguel in becoming ambassadors for Pechanga Arena GM/Managing Partner Ernie Hahn’s inaugural Wonderfront Festival, which took place at venues across the San Diego Bay.

GETTING SALTY

Machado’s wife, Sophie, has run the Salt Culture boutique on South Coast Highway in Encinitas since 2017. As of last November, the back of the shop has been transformed into the Salty Garage, a yin to the boutique’s yang, a place where you can buy things like surfboards, guitars, and men’s clothing, which also features a ton of photography and memorabilia from Machado’s storied surf career. With so many days of the year dedicated to travel and events, even in its short existence, the Salty Garage has become a place where Machado finds himself spending more and more time. “It’s my go-to these days when I’m home,” he said. “But if I’m being honest, Sophie is the one who basically runs it. She’s there day in and day out making sure the place is still standing. Whereas, I get to just slide in and out when I’m free. But that’s been taking up a lot my focus.” Despite all that Machado does, and regardless of what or where it is, he never stops advocating for the issues that matter to him most. And he’s bolstered by the fact that he can pretty much do it from anywhere. “With everything going on right now,” he said, “it kind of has us all on standby. And that’s not all bad. I actually get to stay home for a minute. But there’ll always be time to change people’s minds for the good. We’ll always do our part to connect and educate people. And hopefully, that keeps translating into more awareness.” 22

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

ARLENE IBARRA

@PACIFICSD APRIL 2020

PULSE ARTS | CULTURE ART BEAT

4.16-6.14

We the People: 50 Years of Women’s Studies and Activism Through Art

SDSU Downtown Gallery, downtown art.sdsu.edu/sdsu-downtown-gallery Fifty years ago, SDSU established its pioneering women’s studies program, the ﬁrst of its kind in the nation. In celebration of the anniversary, this exhibition covers works by female artists from the 1970s to today to explore the evolution of the women’s movement.

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

All events scheduled as of press time. Please check individual venue listings for most updated information.

Art Beat

Art gallery + exhibit openings BY ANGELA ASHMAN

4.11-5.2 GUILLERMO VALENZUELA: TOTAL CHAOS REVISITED: THE NAKED CIRCUS TAKE TWO

basileIE, Barrio Logan basile-ie.com Guillermo Valenzuela, known for his vibrant expressionistic paintings and sculptures, shows a new collection of colorful batiks, drawings, mosaics and paintings at this popular gallery with an upstairs tiki room.

Through 4.17 PATRICK DUNFORD: WELCOME TO SIDEWINDER PASS

Best Practice, Barrio Logan practicebest.org Inspired by a two-week road trip he took through California, Indianapolis-based painter Patrick Dunford shows his latest work, which reﬂects on the Golden State’s history and how human greed has reshaped the landscape.

Opens 4.1 STEPS TO SUFFRAGE: A 72-YEAR STRUGGLE FOR WOMEN’S EQUALITY

Women’s Museum of California, Liberty Station womensmuseumca.org In honor of the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, the Women’s Museum of California takes a look back at the hardwon accomplishments of the suffragists. The interactive exhibit (located outside in the arcade next to the museum) includes life-size paintings of ﬁve important women, including Lucy Burns, who belonged to the group of women who were arrested, beaten and tortured on the “Night of Terror” for picketing outside the White House in 1917. All events scheduled as of press time. Please check individual venue listings for most updated information.

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

4.23-11.8 GREEN HAZARD: JOSH TONIES

Porto Vista Hotel, Little Italy portovistasd.com/art-program Perfectly green golf courses may be nice to look at but maintaining them is hardly eco-friendly. In honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, artist Josh Tonies explores the toll these spaces take on the environment with his latest multichannel animation ﬁlm. Stop by and hit the Vend Arts vending machine, which will be selling new mini works related to climate change by more than 25 artists.

4.4-5.2 ART AUCTION 2020 PREVIEW

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, downtown mcasd.org Curious about what’s up for grabs at MCASD’s 12th biennial auction? Head to the museum this month, where approximately 100 works, including sculptures, paintings, works on paper and photography by artists such as Trevor Paglen, Ed Ruscha and Jean Lowe, will be on display.

Ludicrous Tales courtesy of San Diego Mesa College

Through 4.16 LUDICROUS TALES: A TOPSY TURVY QUARTET

Mesa College Art Gallery, Linda Vista sdmesa.edu/art-gallery Gloria Muriel, whose murals you may have seen around town, shows her latest fairy tale-inspired works that bring to life colorful mermaids and nymphs. The exhibition also includes a new collaborative ceramic installation by Beliz Iristay and Irene de Watteville and sculptures by Aida Valencia.

4.4-5.16 DEREK STROUP: SOFT COVERS

Quint Gallery, Bay Ho quintgallery.com Those lowly scuffs and coffee stains you leave on your books are now celebrated in this new exhibition by New York–based artist Derek Stroup. Stroup photographs the covers of softcover books, then digitally strips away any text to highlight the wear and tear that occurs during the act of reading.

The Vibrant Colors of the Opera Carmen by Jeremy Sicile-Kira

4.10-4.26 MOZART@OMA

Oceanside Museum of Art, Oceanside the-art-of-autism.com/mozartoma-artists-2020 A celebration of young artists with autism, this exhibition features works in a wide range of styles. Artists include Nicholas Kontaxis, whose large-scale abstract paintings have been commissioned by Adidas, Alex Nichols, a freestyle weaver who embraces the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi (that beauty is found in imperfections), and Ikea “Syance” Wilson, who has developed her own unique style of art she calls “Randomosity.”

@PACIFICSD APRIL 2020

PULSE | VISUAL ARTS

All events scheduled as of press time. Please check individual venue listings for most updated information.

4.1-4.30 HUMAN BODY: CORNEL/HENRY ART PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS SHOW

Cornel/Henry Art Photography Gallery, Liberty Station cornelhenryart.com See work from the three winners of Cornel/ Henry Art Photography Gallery’s 2019 contest, Vicente Barrio P. (Venezuela), Stephanie Bethel (Las Vegas), and Keitravis Squire (Atlanta), who created unique images that focus on the human body.

4.4-5.30 KAHN & SELESNICK

Lux Art Institute, Encinitas luxartinstitute.org Based in New York state, Nicholas Kahn and Richard Selesnick, the museum’s newest artists-in-residence, are known for creating colorful stories through photos and installations. While at Lux, they’ll be working on a project about a carnival troupe traveling through a land that’s been altered by climate change.

Left: The Red Queen Right: Hobby Horses A’Courtin

Through 6.21 JUAN SÁNCHEZ COTÁN AND CAULEEN SMITH: MYSTICAL TIME AND DECEPTIVE LIGHT

San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park sdmart.org Interdisciplinary artist Cauleen Smith’s latest video installation is inspired by Juan Sánchez Cotán’s early 17th-century painting Still Life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon, and Cucumber, which is considered to be one of the most signiﬁcant works in SDMA’s collection. Still Life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon, and Cucumber

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

PULSE | VISUAL ARTS

Through May 2 PRUDENCE HORNE: GARDEN PLOTS

Athenaeum Music and Arts Library, La Jolla ljathenaeum.org See new abstract paintings by local artist Prudence Horne, who took inspiration from her own garden plot at the Juniper Front Community Garden in Bankers Hill, where she grows ﬂowers.

Justice by Alexander Arshansky

4.4-7.5 LOOKING FORWARD/FEATURED NEW WORKS

Sparks Gallery, downtown sparksgallery.com In April and May, check out new pieces by local artists Brennan Hubbell and Alexander Arshansky online. They were asked to consider “how the art they create today might leave lasting impressions on future generations.”

4.25-7.5 ABSTRACTS/ A GROUP SHOW

Sparks Gallery, downtown sparksgallery.com Fans of abstract art won’t want to miss this show, which you can see via the website in April and May. Tides of Venice by Lee Sie

All events scheduled as of press time. Please check individual venue listings for most updated information.

@PACIFICSD APRIL 2020

PULSE | A RTWA L K

o feelings have colors? Can crystals grown in a lab become fine art? These are some of the questions that artists at this year’s 36th annual Mission Federal ArtWalk are trying to answer with their work. Traditionally at ArtWalk, visitors browse (and buy) pieces from more than 300 painters, sculptors, jewelry makers, woodworkers, glassblowers and other talented creatives, including Jeremy Sicile-Kira, an abstract painter diagnosed with autism as a child, and research scientist-turned-photographer Lee Hendrickson. Though the event is posponed until June, take some time to meet the eight artists whose work was chosen to represent this year’s festival.

The Brains Behind ArtWalk’s Beauty

Whether or not ArtWalk goes on, meet the artists selected to represent the 36th annual event BY MAYA KROTH

Robin Branham in her studio

Anna Van Fleet

Lives in: Miramar Medium: Oil painting My favorite subject to paint is: The ocean. Often, I hike the cliffs of Torrey Pines to get a view from above or take a walk at Black’s Beach. It fascinates me to see always-changing water, shapeless yet filled with so many different moods.

The Queen

Robin Branham

Lives in: Malibu, Calif. Medium: Layers of carved acrylic on board or canvas I can’t create without: Chaos. Canvas everywhere, lots of paint, lots of room to make a big mess. It’s “art” if: It evokes an emotion. My work is best appreciated while listening to: Your own thoughts. The place in San Diego that most inspires me is: The view from the upstairs bar at George’s at the Cove.

Bond

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

Jeremy Sicile-Kira

Lives in: Little Italy

Medium: Abstract painting My biggest influence is: The people I meet and the auras I see around them. I have the gift of seeing emotion as color (synesthesia). The place in San Diego that most inspires me is: The ocean. It’s “art” when: It makes someone feel emotion. The Beautiful Colors of Justice

Duke Windsor

Lives in: Mt. Helix Medium: Various (acrylic & gold leaf, oils, pastels, charcoal and graphite) My biggest influences are: The Old Masters of the Renaissance, and the use of gold leaf in Klimt and Russian icons. “The reverence and visceral experience I felt from the luminance of these works inspired me to recreate this feeling in my work.”

The places in San Diego that most inspire me are: Alleys, sidewalks, urban canyon views on a misty foggy morning. My favorite subject to paint is: The urban alley, especially if it is covered with foliage. I like the mystery it conveys. “Art” is: A form of communication.

Mt. San Miguel

Lee Hendrickson

Lives in: Goodyear, Ariz. Medium: Photography My favorite subject to photograph is: Crystals My biggest influence is: Leonardo Da Vinci, because of his observational skills and curiosity about the natural world. It’s “art” when: It finds order and pattern where previously none was noticed. Symphony

@PACIFICSD APRIL 2020

Peter Dingli

Lives in: Linda Vista Medium: Bronze sculpture My biggest influences are: Rodin, Degas, Michelangelo, Greek mythology. My favorite subject to sculpt is: The human figure. I can’t create without: Listening to podcasts. It’s “art” when: It challenges the viewer.

Maternity Resting

Louise Lacey-Rokosh

Lives in: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Medium: Oil painting on panel or canvas My biggest influences are: The light in a Joaquin Sorolla, the inspirational figurative work of John Sargent, the powerful vision of light and space by the Canadian Group of Seven. The place that inspires me most: The Canadian prairies. The warmth in the colours of the grasses, the expanse of the amazing skies, the rolling hills, the quintessential Canadian grain elevators as they mark the arrival at a farming community. The oxide red of the Canadian barn is a requirement on my palette. Boat Launch to Kookanusa (plein air)

Otto, Murakami and Hokusai

Lisa Bryson

Lives in: Jamul Medium: Oil painting My biggest influences are: Lucian Freud, Francis Bacon, Ann Gale, Alex Kanevsky, Frank Auerbach and Helen Frankenthaler. My favorite subject to paint is: Every aspect of life, from birth to death. I don’t paint realism, I paint reality. I can’t create without: A good cup of coffee and a palette knife.

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

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PULSE | PERFORMING ARTS

In the Arts

Meet local theater favorite and future Hollywood star Cashae Monya STORY BY NINA GARIN & PHOTOS BY HOWARD LIPIN

f you’ve ever seen Cashae Monya on stage, chances are you haven’t forgotten her. She’s played everything from a 14-yearold Lady Capulet (who cried real tears) in Romeo and Juliet to blonde bombshell Audrey in Little Shop of Horrors. At age 17, Monya was cast in La Jolla Playhouse’s Memphis before it went on to Broadway, and later originated the role of a sweet park ranger in the Playhouse’s Miss You Like Hell before that opened 34

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

off-Broadway at the Public Theater. Last month, Monya won Actor of the Year at the Craig Noel Awards, which honor excellence in San Diego theater (and got referenced in an episode of BoJack Horseman). But Monya, a South Bay native and Coronado School of the Arts alumna, is taking a break from the stage for a new career in Hollywood. The recent Carlsbad resident tells us about the transition from stage to screen.

When did acting go from being an activity to a profession? It didn’t take long. I did my first theater production when I was 14 (Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet. I cried real tears when my daughter, Juliet, died). In the fall of my senior year, when I was 17, I booked my first professional acting job in a play at (the now closed) 6th @ Penn called Anton in Show Business. The next show I booked was Broadway-

bound Memphis at La Jolla Playhouse a few months before graduating high school. I turned 18 three days into rehearsal for Memphis. I’ve been working regularly in the San Diego theater scene ever since. What other roles may we have seen you in? Crowd favorites include: Pecola Breedlove in Moxie’s, The Bluest Eye; Marcy Park in The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at North

Coast Rep; Billie Holiday, Roxie Hart (Chicago) and Sally Bowles (Cabaret) at ion theatre; Pearl: a soulful park ranger, a role I originated in Miss You Like Hell at La Jolla Playhouse; Yitzhak in Diversionary Theatre’s punk-rock spectacular, Hedwig and the Angry Inch; Audrey (Little Shop of Horrors) and Gary Coleman (Avenue Q) at New Village Arts. How did it feel to win the Craig Noel award

for actor of the year? It was incredible. Thinking of it makes me feel all fuzzy! I’ve wanted to win this award for many years and when it finally happened, it was perfect. What was most gratifying, though, was the outpour of congratulations and support from my family, friends and peers. The next day I received so many emails, texts and online messages from people just wanting to tell me they were proud and happy to see me win. @PACIFICSD APRIL 2020

PULSE | PERFORMING ARTS That meant so much to me, I’m crying just thinking about it. Winning the Craig made me realize, “Wow, so many people are rooting for me!” It was a motivating and uplifting realization. What do you think you did differently this year to catch the attention of the critics’ circle? Facial hair. It had to be the beard right? My own mother-in-law walked right past me when I played Yitzhak; I was unrecognizable. Hedwig closed and three weeks later, Little Shop opened! From playing the angry, little man in the corner (in Hedwig) to center stage as the loveable blonde/bombshell (Audrey in Little Shop) … quite the transformation. Also, my commitment to yoga and healthy eating has notably improved the quality of my singing abilities; I ultimately believe I won the critics over with my vocal prowess and versatility. But you’re taking a break from theater? Back in the fall, I decided Intimate Apparel (at New Village Arts) would be my last show before taking a break. After performing in four productions in both 2018 and 2019, I started to feel burnt out. My passion for theater has dwindled and I’ve been yearning for a new challenge. I was feeling uncertain about moving forward, and winning actor of the year gave me closure and reassurance. You’ve been branching out to Hollywood, how is that going? Honestly, pretty well! Though I wish I already had a starring role in my own heartwarmingly goofy sitcom on a major network, I have to constantly remind myself to be realistic yet hopeful. In a lot of ways, getting an agent and auditioning regularly in L.A. has only opened me up to more rejection. But I’m loving the challenge and I feel more inspired than ever. I’ve been signed with my L.A. agent for about a year and a half and I’ve auditioned for the Disney channel and a Super Bowl commercial. And though I didn’t book Disney or Super Bowl, having the opportunity to audition was a major step towards my goals. It seems as though Hollywood is interested me, I’m very pleased with the amount of audition requests I receive. I’m confident that once casting directors get to know me, I’m going to work as regularly in L.A. as I have in San Diego. My Hollywood pursuits have taught me the importance of patience, letting go of outcomes and the appreciation of even the smallest victories. Tell us the difference between going out for roles in TV/film versus theater? When auditioning for commercials, bringing a headshot/resume is not required. I noticed that difference right away and it took some getting 36

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

used to. TV/commercial/film auditions have a much quicker turnaround than stage roles. For instance, I had an audition at the La Jolla Playhouse that I knew about for weeks. My L.A. audition opportunities usually come the evening before, or even the same day. I find the fast pace to be very exhilarating. I’m still discovering and navigating the differences between the two fields. Share a day in the life of an L.A. audition … As soon as I get the audition notification, I

start plotting my trip to L.A. Deciding whether to drive or take the train, canceling previous engagements, memorizing lines, planning outfits, buying Amtrak tickets, etc. I get a rush of adrenaline every time it happens; it’s so exciting to me. I wear my audition clothes while I travel because looking good makes me feel good. Part of my prep is choosing outfits that travel well and fit the wardrobe requirements for any particular audition. I do my makeup on the road so my

face looks fresh. I have perfected the “car beat,” as I call it. I take snacks and save a podcast for when I get bored and need inspiration to focus. All this prep and travel to be in the audition room for 3 to 8 minutes. Afterward, I call my husband (Matthew Meads), get food (pretzels in Union Station) and head home. How do you handle rejection? Ugh. Rejection can be frustrating, heartbreaking, baffling, unsettling … I really can’t stand it but I’ve come to appreciate the valuable lessons that come with it. I allow myself to be upset and discouraged. Feeling disheartened reminds me of how passionate I am about my career, and it reminds me of my humanity. I want to be successful so badly, so it’s natural to feel upset when opportunities don’t materialize as planned. Yes, rejection bruises my ego but it also ignites my drive and passion. Once my bitter feelings subside, I seek out ways to grow from the experience. I experienced more rejection than I hoped for in January and though it was disappointing, I’m grateful for the

perspective I gained. “Rejection January” was followed by “Award-Winning February” and in this business, it be’s like that. Do you have a pre-performance ritual? First, yoga. Yoga is my pre-performance ritual for life in general. I love walking to the theater, if possible. Walks are a great way to warm up and boost endorphins before a show. I like having ample to time to settle in. I have a cup of tea with honey and light a candle. And of course listening to music and prancing around the dressing room is an integral part of my pre-performance ritual. What do you always keep in your dressing room? My SpongeBob blanket I’ve had for 13 years, pictures of Matthew and I, a sweet treat (dark chocolate peanut butter cups are my current favorite), toothbrush/toothpaste and my script. Do you have advice for young actors of color just starting out in the business? I want to encourage young actors of color

to resist labeling their diverse traits as “disadvantages.” Know that your uniqueness is your best attribute. I’m a short, gap-toothed, black woman. The world wants me to believe that those qualities will hinder my success in such a competitive and superficial career path, but I refuse to believe that. My small stature and gap-teeth make me uniquely me, so I wouldn’t change a thing. Your diversity is a gift, not a curse. And have fun! If you’re not having fun, seriously, what is the point? What lessons have you learned in this industry that you wish you could tell yourself when you were starting out? I wouldn’t tell myself anything, because I was 17 and I wouldn’t have listened. It’s been such an amazing adventure, and I am so proud of what I have accomplished in San Diego. As a kid, I would anxiously ask, “Where are we going??” every time my grandmother and I buckled into our car. My Granmie would always reply, “Just ride.” That’s what I would tell myself: Enjoy the process and “Just Ride.” @PACIFICSD APRIL 2020

TAST E

HOLLY HAINES @itsholly

10.8K followers itsholly.com

Good Influencer

Foodmaker. Food bully. Recipe developer. Lumpia-rolling champ. Cookbook author.

Get busy in the kitchen with foodmaker Holly Haines BY JENNIFER IANNI

olly Haines likes to describe herself as a “foodmaker” rather than a chef. “I feel like [chef is] not only a title, but also a rank that is earned working in a restaurant. I worked at Subway in high school, but I don’t think that counts.” So while she isn’t technically trained, Holly has built a loyal following of fans who love her thoughtful spins on classic recipes, like experimenting with ube (a purple sweet potato from the Philippines) and her preference for using black cocoa powder for her famous “black-ass” desserts. Holly also advocates that people eat their feelings. In fact, she wrote the book on it: How to Eat Your Feelings is a recipe book about how cooking can be a form of meditation. She also has other recipe books like Best of Instagram: Desserts and SIDES, a collection of small bites, sides and dessert recipes (all available for download at itsholly.com). Her original blog, From My Impossibly Tiny Kitchen (fmitk. com), detailed her cooking adventures in her, yes, impossibly tiny University Heights kitchen. She’s now transitioned to a new brand, It’s Holly (itsholly.com), which encompasses her recipes, books and videos. Her cooking videos, which are mesmerizing in their own right, are available at youtube.com/itshollytv, in addition to her Instagram stories. The full-time web designer fills us in on her favorite recipes and top San Diego restaurants, her journey to becoming a food blogger and influencer and her tips for cooking with THC. 38

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

HOLLY H AINES AND MIKEE CATACUTAN PHOTOS

“

If you asked me out of high school what I wanted to do with my life, I’d probably just give you a shrug — cooking deﬁnitely wasn’t on the agenda.”

MIKEE CATACUTAN PHOTOS

Tell us about your journey so far. I was born in Philadelphia, but I’ve been in San Diego most of my life. I grew up in Southeast (Paradise Hills, National City) and eventually moved to Oceanside. Now I live in University Heights. I originally started microblogging on Instagram in 2013 using the hashtag #FromMyImpossiblyTinyKitchen because my kitchen is, indeed, very tiny. I would document things I made for dinner or treats for friends and family. That eventually turned into a full blog at FMITK.com, where I got a little more serious about my food photography and recipe writing. I experimented and cooked all kinds of things, from pretzel bread puddings to lumpia to mini rose apple pies. I slowly transitioned my branding over to It’s Holly because I realized no one could ever remember From My Impossibly Tiny Kitchen (“… what is it again? TIFMK? My Very Small Kitchen?”). Did you always know you’d become a chef, or a “foodmaker?” If you asked me out of high school what I wanted to do with my life, I’d probably just give you a shrug — cooking definitely wasn’t on the agenda. I sort of fell into my career in web design because I wanted a blog, so I taught myself HTML and Photoshop when I was 17. That eventually led me to where I am now, a web design and marketing manager with the same company for the last 15 years.

In my 20s, I thought I wanted to be a lifestyle photographer. I purchased the camera equipment and set up shoots with friends, studied every photography book and video tutorial I could get my hands on, and then I realized that I don’t really like people like that. But, food doesn’t blink or move or (most importantly) talk, so I transitioned my knowledge of photographing people to shooting the things I ate. With recipe development and blogging, I get to combine all of my favorite things — web design, photography and cooking. I knew I always loved food and cooking, but I never thought that sharing my recipes online would lead to an episode of Food Fighters on NBC and three cookbooks. Your Instagram cooking stories are so soothing. How hard has it been to translate your cooking for the social media crowd? I spent about a year trying to “cater” my content to my followers, based on how they found me and the posts they responded to the most, but I learned in that time that: one, I did not like cooking that food; two, I wasn’t having fun; and three, my audience really appreciates seeing me be authentic in the kitchen, both my successes and my fails. It’s a bit harder to share my fails because my Capricorn moon is a perfectionist, but I think it’s important that people know there’s trial and error that goes into creating the recipes I share. I’ve also heard

@PACIFICSD APRIL 2020

TAST E

“

I knew I always loved food and cooking, but I never thought that sharing my recipes online would lead to an episode of Food Fighters on NBC and three cookbooks.”

MIKEE CATACUTAN

HOLLY H AINES PHOTO S

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

TAST E

BLACK-ASS DULCE DE LECHE BROWNIES

Makes 9 brownies 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter

1/2 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup black cocoa powder (or the darkest you can ﬁnd)

3/4 cup all-purpose ﬂour

3/4 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup brown sugar, lightly packed 2 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 13-ounce can dulce de leche (see notes) ﬂaky sea salt (like Maldon) for garnish

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-by-8 pan with parchment and grease with nonstick spray. Melt butter over medium heat in a large (at least two quarts) saucepan. Once melted, stir in cocoa powder until smooth and completely mixed. Remove from heat and let cool for a couple minutes. Stir in the sugars. The mixture will look a little lumpy and sandy, it’s OK! Stir in eggs, mixing each in well before adding the next, then mix in salt and vanilla. Stir in ﬂour until just combined, taking care not to over-mix. Pour brownie batter into prepared pan. Place dollops of the dulce de leche on top of the brownie batter all over, then use a knife or a chopstick to swirl the dulce into the batter. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the edges have puffed and middle has just a tiny jiggle. Let cool for about 30 minutes to set. The dulce de leche is HOT, so be careful. Sprinkle with a pinch of ﬂaky sea salt before serving.

HOLLY HAINES

someone call my Instagram stories “the best cake-based reality show on the Internet” and that really changed my perspective on how people view my stories. I love putting on a good playlist and just getting in the kitchen and seeing what happens with whatever I have in the kitchen — and that’s what you end up seeing on my IG stories most of the time. Where do you find your inspiration? Food shows on Netflix (Ugly Delicious, The Chef Show, Chef ’s Table, The Great British Bake Off ), trying whatever the special is at my favorite local restaurants, traveling to new cities and getting the low-down on the best spots from the locals. I also love Bon Appetit’s Test Kitchen and Claire Saffitz’s gourmet versions of junk food. I follow a ton of chefs on Instagram, some of my favorites are @TheKitchenista, @DrewBent of Lola55, @MilkAndCardamom, @ChefAZ and @ChefWonder.

What’s your all-time favorite recipe to make? I love a good cooking project that takes a couple days to produce, and my favorite thing to make is oxtail tamales. I make the chicken stock from scratch, the masa and oxtail one day and then assemble the tamales the next. Most people gather their friends and family together to speed up the assembly process, but I don’t like other people in my kitchen, so it takes me two days to produce about 30 tamales and I’m OK with that. Since it’s 4/20, tell us about your experiences cooking with cannabis. What do you recommend as a beginner dish? I highly (see what I did there?) recommend getting your hands on some THC tincture. It’s a great way to medicate literally anything — from cocktails to cakes to shrimp and grits. My favorite tincture is by a company called Proof Wellness

Notes: Can’t ﬁnd dulce de leche? Simmer a can of sweetened condensed milk (yes, simmer the whole can, don’t open it. Don’t use the pop-top cans; remove the label) in water for about 3 hours, making sure it’s covered by at least 2 inches of water and topping off as needed. Let cool completely (like overnight) before opening the can or it will literally explode molten hot caramel.

(their THC-rich tincture is what I’ve been using to medicate dishes lately). I prefer lab-tested, pre-dosed tinctures to eliminate any guesswork. When adding tinctures to food, knowing the dosing and being aware of your tolerance are the most important things. Start small, maybe 5 to 10mg per serving. Once you’re more comfortable, it’s easy to incorporate it into your favorite dishes. I have some notes on how I dose out THC in baked goods in my latest eBook. I also use the hashtag #highdeas on Instagram where applicable, because sometimes a good sativa can be the source of inspiration for a recipe. When you don’t feel like cooking, favorite local restaurant? This is such a tough choice! My top three go-to restaurants are Lola 55 (the chicken taco is my favorite taco in the city), The Friendly (dirty flat top cheeseburgers all day) and Menya Ultra (maybe the most consistently delicious restaurant I’ve been to, also home

of my favorite tonkatsu ramen). What’s your most popular recipe? My black-ass dulce de leche brownies are probably my most popular recipe right now. I use black cocoa powder; it’s super dark, has a very intense, almost smoky flavor and sort of gives Oreo vibes. I’ve remixed this recipe to death, but the dulce de leche version is the most popular. It’s an easy recipe, and great for beginner bakers who may be intimidated by a bunch of dirty bowls and a long list of ingredients. It comes together in about 15 minutes and it’s a great base to add in whatever your heart desires. I’ve added fresh blueberries, Girl Scout cookies, random chocolate candies I find at Asian markets … endless blackass possibilities. Where can we find you? I’m all up on these Internets! Instagram: @itsholly Website: itsholly.com Twitter: yoitsholly YouTube: @itshollytv @PACIFICSD APRIL 2020

TASTE EAT | DRINK | PUFF

DINING OUT BY JACKIE BRYANT

In the world of cannabis dining, the special ingredient makes a meal into a full-on experience, and these three proprietors do it just right

An Edible Experience GETTY IMAGES

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

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4 YEARS IN A ROW by The World’s 50 Best Bars.

DON’T BE A DRUNKEN MONKEY. DRINK RESPONSIBLY.

TAST E | DINING

hen California’s Prop. 64 — the legislation that lifted the prohibition on legal cannabis consumption — went into effect in 2018, chefs and diners were at the ready. Everywhere I looked, it seemed a new cannabis dinner had popped up in San Diego. I went to almost every offering in town. I ate. I smoked. I got stoned. I wrote about it. It was a blissful time! Two years on, the landscape has changed quite a bit and most of those early adopters are no longer hosting dinners. For starters, the limits of and legalities around above-board cannabis consumption, especially when mixing food and cannabis for sale, are constantly being challenged. And the financial realities of operating a cannabis business are increasingly prohibitive, owing to high prices and taxes on cannabis products. Which means only the strong survive. I decided to dip back into San Diego’s cannabis dining scene to see who’s doing what and how imbibers can get the best experience. What I found was threefold: an infused dinner experience that’s just as good as some of the best restaurants in town; a more holistic-focused dining experience that can be combined with wellness activities; and a cannabis pairing experience that provides a safe, inclusive option for imbibers and nontokers alike.

Mangia Ghanja

Nestled in an unassuming suburban neighborhood close to Lake Hodges is the home of Anne and Ivan (who prefer to keep their last name private), the married couple that runs the cannabisinfused dining and catering experience Mangia Ghanja. There, they produce a luxury dining experience that easily rivals any restaurant service with the 44

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

Carrot dish from Mangia Ghanja.

added bonuses of customization, extremely high-quality cannabis oil and the warm, fuzzy feeling that can only come from being treated like a celebrity. Whether hired to cook in a private home or hosting in their own dining alcove at home, what follows is a multicourse meal of the guest’s choosing, bits and pieces of which are infused with concentrated cannabis oil made in

the Rick Simpson style. (Simpson refers to a famous Canadian cannabis activist who claims to have cured his own cancer with a meticulously-dosed, high-quality oil that happens to be ideal for using to infuse food.) Ivan, who is a self-trained chef, doses everything himself according to their clients’ wishes. Do you want to feel a little funny, get giggly or be completely stoned?

An entrée and dessert from Mangia Ghanja.

He can adjust for anything. Do you want Maine lobster or filet mignon? How about a raspberry souffle? He can do that, too. In addition to the excellent food, the couple provides other bells and whistles, like non-infused dishes, wine, a non-infused charcuterie board and a fleet of pre-rolled joints to enjoy out by their beautiful pool or someone’s own yard. During one dinner

I attended, they used cannabis flower to smoke cheese toasts with a tabletop smoker, which added a nice green flavor. Every time I leave, the feeling is the same: I’m very pleasantly high and also feeling like I didn’t miss out on the restaurant experience at all. Mangia Ghanja is one of the best dining experiences around, cannabis or not. mangiaghanja.com @PACIFICSD APRIL 2020

TAST E | DI N I N G A recent Higher Purpose event.

@VISUALS.GC PHOTOS

Higher Purpose

Another couple, Alessandra Sorrentino and Pablo Nascimentt, created Higher Purpose as an opportunity to share their philosophy of healing with food and creating a community that elevates in more ways than one. The couple operates in Los Angeles and Las Vegas (where Pablo, who is originally from Brazil, lives) as well as San Diego (where Alessandra lives). Pablo acts as a dual health coach and chef, one who often cooks with cannabis. His resume boasts stints cooking for Whole Foods, Mercedes Benz, the Brazilian Presidential Office and upscale hotel chains like MGM and Hilton. Alessandra is the hospitality wizard and also a yoga teacher and healer in other modes, particularly with children and people with disabilities. Pablo and Alessandra focus on planning infused dinners that 46

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

speak to whole-body healing, which includes the mind just as much as the corporeal. For instance, Higher Purpose recently hosted a dinner that also included a yoga and sound healing component. They also hosted another dinner that combined dining on infused food with vision boarding. Guests to one of their planned private dinners or retreats may also experience breath workshops, ocean walks and other feel-good add-ons. The food, which comes in five to eight infused courses, is always sourced locally and as organically as possible. Pablo also puts a premium on meticulous dosing. higherpurposevision.com

Carolyn Kates and Franco on Fifth

Edibles can be notoriously hard to properly dose, plus, everyone metabolizes cannabis differently.

That’s why Carolyn Kates — a local nurse, cannabis industry darling, event planner and one-woman jack-of-all-trades — refuses to play that game, instead offering cannabis pairing and event planning services. Kates, who currently works at the new Paul Basile-designed Columbia Care dispensary in Pacific Beach, is obsessed with safety and legality. “You’re going to come to me if that’s what you care about,” she told me over the phone. Back in 2018, Kates ran the Lego Optimo dinner series, a short-lived cannabis flower and vape pairing dinner that featured farm-to-table cuisine and legal bud. After the cost of running those became too prohibitive, she went contract-only. Today, she does weddings, birthday parties and other private events using only legal, tested cannabis flower, oil for vaping and edibles

purchased at dispensaries. One thing Kates learned from the Lego Optimo days was that her chosen event space, Chef Flor Franco’s Franco on 5th, was completely legal to host cannabis events in. Because the space doesn’t have a liquor license and they aren’t infusing food, Kates says she prefers to host events there, where she can set up her vape, edible and pre-rolled joint bars, table-top vapes and a variety of joints that can be paired to smoke before and after courses in an on-site consumption lounge or outside. Kates brings her chefs, one of whom is frequently Ms. Franco, to the dispensary, where they select flower based on its terpenes and aromas — then they select the food to pair with it, subverting the usual process of pairing cannabis second. No budget is too small, Kates says. Contact Carolyn via phone or email: (619) 846-9886 or ckatesltc@gmail.com

PROMOTION

Hungry? Check out one of these noteworthy San Diego restaurants.

GLASSDOOR

MONGOLIAN HOT POT

SHABU WORKS

Porto Vistaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s GlassDoor restaurant is a stylish lounge and bar located on the fourth floor, giving diners stunning, panoramic views of Little Italy and the bay. GlassDoor is elevated dining, in every sense of the word and it specializes in taking classic French-inspired dishes and adding a costal twist. Made with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, the seasonal menus created by Executive Chef, Cesar Reyes, are not only tasty, but socially conscious. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails or a drink from their local craft beer and regional wine list.

Family owned and operated, Mongolian Hot Pot is a fun and interactive dining experience dedicated to serving authentic Chinese fare and offering superb service. Family style hot pots include their signature broth bases, original and spicy, made with Chinese herbs and spices, plus quality ingredients including protein, seafood, vegetables and fresh handmade noodles. Save room for the Yam Mochi with Red Bean Filling. Visit their website for weekday lunch and happy hour specials.

Shabu Works is San Diegoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier all you can eat shabu-shabu restaurant, a traditional Japanese hot pot style dining, with thin slices of tender meat and fresh vegetables, cooked in an open pot. They serve premium grade USDA Choice Wagyu Beef, Grass-fed Australian Lamb, plus other quality proteins, seafood, and seasonal vegetables, all of which are perfectly complemented by daily made-from-scratch broth. Enjoy freshly brewed teas, 50 + soft drinks and snow shaved ice station.

4718 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92117 (858) 274-2040 mongolianhotpot.com

9841 Mira Mesa Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92131 (858) 860-5730 shabuworks.com

1835 Columbia Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 564-3755 portovistasd.com

WANT TO BE PART OF THE PACIFIC MAGAZINE STREET TEAM?

We are looking for brand ambassadors that are reliable, outgoing and love to talk to people to work promotions at bars, restaurants and events around San Diego. Interested in joining? Email your resume to

lifescool@pacificsandiego.com

and tell us something cool about yourself!

Must be 21+ and have reliable transportation. Shifts are available all around San Diego and can range from 2-8 hours, typically on weekdays during the evening and on weekends. Pay is $15-$20 per hour, depending on experience.

TAST E | BEER

Take it from the Tap

ORIGINAL 40

A LA MEXICANA Beer: Los Cuarenta From: Original 40, San Diego

A monthly taste of beer from here

Why: Mexican lagers are de moda, especially as the weather warms. Original 40’s take is soft and clean, with a substantial malt base. Soft on the palate, this beer has a honeysuckle sweetness that fades to a clean ﬁnish.

BY PETER ROWE

GET STONED

Geek out: 5.3% alcohol by volume. Seek out: You’ll ﬁnd Los Cuarenta at the Original 40 brewpub in North Park. More than a dozen beers are on tap, along with hard ciders and seltzers, plus wine. The kitchen focuses on pub grub, but it’s hard to complain when the burgers are this good.

Go: Stone Brewing Tap Room, East Village Stone’s throw: Just a soft toss from Petco’s Park at the Park, this tap room is a wallet-friendly alternative to ballpark brews. True, you’ll ﬁnd cheaper pints in the Gaslamp’s diviest bars — looking at you, Tivoli! But at $7.50 to $9 per pint, Stone is a bargain next to Petco, where last season craft beers commanded $14.50.

3117 University Ave., North Park

Know: The tap room is open daily, afternoons and evenings until 9 p.m. (10 p.m. on weekends).

original40brewing.com

Cheapo: Dining choices, while limited, are also cheaper than inside Petco. The side salad is $3.50; ﬂatbreads are $8 and $9; the $10 cheese board is the most expensive item. 795 J St., East Village stonebrewing.com/visit/outposts/j-street

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

STONE BREWING

THE BEST TIME IS TULLY TIME! PACIFIC teamed up with Tullamore D.E.W. to celebrate St. Patrickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day and a love of Irish whiskey during the month of March. Eight San Diego bars and restaurants created a featured Tullamore D.E.W. cocktail for the month, and locals came out for drinks with PACIFIC at each of the venues. Although the month got cut a little short, fun was still had by all who participated, and we can all agree that the best time IS Tully Time!

#tullytime

tullytimesd.com

#tullytime

tullytimesd.com

G RO OV E | LOCAL BAND SPOTLIGHT

In It for the Long Hall

Self-taught musician Shane Hall talks about getting signed, his current collaborations and making it in San Diego BY SARA BUTLER

hane Hall has always been looking west. “It helped that my window was facing west,” Shane said, referencing his childhood home in Pennsylvania. “Everything I wanted to do was west too.” Shane got a taste of the West Coast at age 20, when the military stationed him in San Diego. Though he spent his childhood on the East Coast, Shane said he “grew up here” — bought his first car, got his first apartment, and even wrote his first song in this city. After San Diego, Shane lived everywhere from Italy to Japan. But when he left the military and decided to pursue music as a career, Shane knew he wanted to get back to this city. “I knew that even if I fell on my face, at least it would be in the most beautiful place ever … fall on my face at the beach — fall on my face in the sunshine, by the palm trees,” he said, laughing. So Shane moved to Oceanside and got to work. For years, he took every gig he could get; he played mostly in bars and restaurants, including a three-year residency at El Dorado Cocktail Lounge in East Village. It was at these small shows where Shane honed his craft as a singer-songwriter and guitarist.

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

PHOTOS BY KRISTY WA LKER

Playing four to six shows a week in San Diego for six years wasn’t easy, he said, but that dedication worked out for him. It was at one of these small gigs where he received a major milestone: a record deal. Shane was playing at Masters Kitchen and Cocktail in Oceanside when a representative from LAW Records and his friend happened to stop by — and liked what they heard. “They came in for a drink and stayed for three hours,” Shane said, adding that he was officially signed to the label in February 2019. “It’s been rolling kinda heavy ever since.” That “rolling kinda heavy” includes releasing his EP West, hiring an agent and manager, booking larger venues and involving himself in two new projects outside of his solo work. “I wanna collaborate, and I want to be able to do whatever I want and whatever is needed. And I feel like the way to make it happen is by being involved in weird things, new things.” He recently joined Red Giant Project (RGP), a five-person ensemble headed by Napa-based

producer and sound designer Matt Madonna. It’s a multigenre collaboration that pairs electronic production with live instrumentation. “(RGP) is cool because I like not being the driving force behind the project all the time. It’s such a grand scale and we get to do fun things, and real things.” And those fun and real things include Coachella Music and Arts Festival, where RGP was supposed to perform until the event was postponed. The group is scheduled to play at other festivals including Lightning in a Bottle (California) and Electric Forest (Michigan). These festivals take Shane away from the city, but he hasn’t abandoned the San Diego music scene just yet. In fact, his latest project KINDRD (not to be confused with the South Park bar Kindred) is an acoustic duo with local singer and violinist Melissa Barrison. Though the two musicians have jammed together for years — Melissa even recorded on two of Shane’s albums and briefly joined his band — they decided to form a duo in January

during Shane’s gig at Rendezvous, the US Grant’s cocktail bar. Shane initially called her up because he anticipated he’d be bored playing the show solo. But after performing a single song together, Shane looked at Melissa and said with absolute certainty, “Dude, we should do an EP.” And as luck would have it, one of the audience members came up to the duo at the end of the set and booked them for a music festival: Telluride Blues & Brews. Though he’s typically the one in the spotlight, Shane is looking forward to sharing the stage and pairing their sounds, which he describes as “a recipe for magic.” “(KINDRD) will be primarily the sound and style of Rainbow Kitten Surprise, but Lumineers-y kind of style too, plus Dave Matthews and Tim Reynolds — the acoustic stuff, not the band.” Shane and Melissa are hoping to release the EP this month, or at least before Telluride in June. That is, if Shane’s finger heals…

not to tie himself down to a genre. “I don’t have any rules,” Shane said, adding that he’s working on new material featuring lo-fi, hip-hop beats. “It just depends what’s happening inside me or around me.” His style mantra is “Beauty and the Beast,” so he often incorporates contrasts in his music, pairing shimmery vocals with heavy or gritty sounds. Making it up as he goes: Turns out Shane actually writes a lot of his songs on stage. A few years ago, he started trying out new riffs and improvising lyrics to entertain himself during three-hour gigs. Though freestyling was a little intimidating at first, it’s now an integral part of his process. “It’s kinda my writing style. You see what flows better, and it’s easier to remember if you do it naturally … you also see what works — you see what people are listening to; it’s like test marketing stuff.”

Broken bones won’t stop the beat: So yeah, Shane recently broke his ﬁnger. Right as he was recording his EP with Melissa, right before festival season — and right before a massive show with Pepper, the reggae rock band he shares a label with. But Shane took the setback like a champ. Instead of canceling, he played the One Love Cali Reggae Fest in front of 15,000 people, and even

shredded a guitar solo with two ﬁngers. (And it’s a good warmup, because Shane will also be performing with Pepper at Cali Roots Music and Arts Festival in May.) Staying out of the box: The self-taught musician describes his sound as soul-forward, with blues, rock and Americana elements. But he’s quick

Video helped the radio star: Shane also stars in Sound Graffiti, a video series that experiments with music in different environments. It’s best to watch it for yourself — you can stream Season 1 on YouTube — but here’s the gist of it: Shane and his musician friend Dean Blake explore the nooks and crannies of San Diego (and beyond) with a camera and a guitar, playing pop-up shows in unexpected places. Sound Graffiti was picked up by KOCT (Oceanside’s cable TV station), which will air the series later this year; Shane and Dean have also started ﬁlming Season 2, which will also be formatted for IGTV.

Stay social: Follow Shane at @shanehallofficial on Instagram and YouTube for show announcements, album updates and more.

@PACIFICSD APRIL 2020

G RO OV E | GETAWAY

Above: The Saguaro Hotel in Palm Springs. Below: The Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs.

Festival or Not, Road Trip Still Worth It

Coachella and Stagecoach may be postponed, but you can still head out to the desert STORY AND PHOTOS BY SARA BUTLER

o, by now you’ve heard the crappy news: Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Festival won’t be happening this month. We know, it sucks. The music-filled weekends, which usually kick off the festival season, have been postponed until the fall due to health concerns. But what if you’ve already booked your Airbnb in Indio for April? Or taken the days off work? Do you just throw in the bandana and give up the trip?! Fear not, folks. The weekend doesn’t have to be canceled just because the festival isn’t happening. Instead, why not turn it into a road trip? I planned a route from downtown San Diego to the festival city of Indio that you can take, and actually made the trek with my family to test it out. Read on, festival grievers, and let the adventure begin.

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

Relax responsibly . Corona ®

® Hard Seltzer Spiked Sparkling Water with Natural Flavors. Imported by Crown Imports, Chicago, IL *Not a low-calorie food. Per 12 ﬂ. oz. serving average analysis: Calories 90, Carbs 0 grams, Protein 0 grams, Fat 0 grams

G ROOVE | GETAWAY

Desert Hills Premium Outlets in Cabazon

DIAMOND VALLEY ALPACAS

28736 Warren Road, Hemet diamondvalleyalpacas.farm

We weren’t planning on stopping until Cabazon, but about an hour into the trip we started to get a little antsy in the car. So we searched our maps and found the zaniest pit stop: an alpaca farm. Perfect for emotional support at the beginning of the long day ahead. And think of the Instagram posts! Turns out, it’s a much smaller operation than I envisioned. The map address takes you off the freeway into a tiny residential area, then down an intimidating dirt road to an unassuming, one-story home. There’s no signage, and our car was greeted by two barking (but friendly) dogs. We pulled over in front of the house and called the number on the website — only to find out you need to schedule an appointment to see the alpacas. Oops. So if you want to hang with alpacas, just be sure to call ahead of time (909.563.0310) so they know you’re coming. Also, admission is $15 per person, so make sure to bring cash.

HEMET MAZE STONE

23519 California Ave., Hemet, alltrails.com/ trail/us/california/hemet-maze-stone

Rather than stretch your legs at a boring old gas station, consider a short hike. The trail is tucked into the hills at the end of California Avenue — a road of ranches with the cross streets

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

Hemet Maze Stone

literally named Dirt Road 1, 2 and 3 — and would be easy to miss. But park by the gate and walk up a small hill to be greeted by a prehistoric treasure: a rock. Called the Hemet Maze Stone, the rock is actually a petroglyph discovered in 1914. The creator of the rock art is unknown, but a quick Google search offers two major theories: one connects it to Chinese travelers in the 1400s, and the other links it to indigenous Californians. Unfortunately, due to the swastika-like maze design, the rock was defaced with the Nazi symbol in the 1930s. The now-installed double gates around the rock make it a little harder to see. But it’s still an interesting piece of history to experience, and the hike views are surprisingly breathtaking.

DESERT HILLS PREMIUM OUTLETS/CABAZON OUTLETS

48750 Seminole Drive, Cabazon cabazonoutlets.com

This outlet mall is like Disneyland for shoppers. Seriously, you could devote an entire day to exploring these grounds. When we arrived, I was so overwhelmed with how many stores there were — like Balenciaga, Paige and Reformation — that I actually ended up leaving. (And coming back on the way home instead, when we had more time and weren’t chasing daylight.) If you want to get the full experience, make sure to start the road trip early. Like, really early. And to save time, browse the outlet website on the drive beforehand and search the store

around to the back of the building and followed signs to the window, where we found a dude behind the (bulletproof ) glass. Next to him is a condensed menu, which he’s more than happy to answer any questions about. He opened a metal box, where we placed our IDs (everyone in the car needs to provide one). Once our IDs checked out, I ordered from the condensed menu posted. (If you’re looking to buy something specific, they have an expanded selection in their physical storefront. Plus, he told us you can order ahead of time and pick up your goods in the drive-thru later.) After handing him cash through the box, I received a white bag with my goods stapled down with all of our IDs inside. Easy peasy.

THE SAGUARO HOTEL AND ACE HOTEL & SWIM CLUB

1800 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs thesaguaro.com/palm-springs 701 East Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs acehotel.com/palmsprings

Cabazon dinosaurs

directory so you know exactly where you wanna go. Who knew a stop on a road trip would require almost as much planning as the trip itself?! However, the theme-park sized outlet mall makes it the perfect place to find a festival outfit. (Even if you have to save it for the fall …) Not only are the options endless, but the prices are great, so you can save money for the rest of the trip. Plus, you’ll have your whole crew along for second opinions.

HADLEY FRUIT ORCHARDS 47993 Morongo Trail, Cabazon hadleyfruitorchards.com

After the outlets, you’re gonna want some sugar to perk you back up for the drive. May I suggest a date shake? Hadley Fruit Orchards, home to the infamous milkshake featuring dates, is just up the road from the outlet mall. Inside, there’s a small café as well as a modest-sized grocery store. Admittedly, I thought I would have a spit take with my date shake (I’m not an adventurous eater; my editor made me try it in the name of journalism), but, boy, was I surprised. It’s hard to describe the taste, but I definitely didn’t notice any dates in there. The milkshake is also very rich, so be prepared to share it, save it or suffer a stomachache on the rest of the ride. (We ended up splitting it three ways, which was plenty filling.) After the shake, stock up on road trip snacks at the grocery store next door. In addition to things like boxed water (you know, essentials), they also have the most date-related items available in Southern California. (That’s not an actual fact, but I’m willing to bet I’m right.) And if dates aren’t your thing, they also have stuff like chili-flavored pineapple and beet chips.

CABAZON DINOSAURS

50770 Seminole Drive, Cabazon cabazondinosaurs.com

You’ve likely seen these guys on social media (or in the 1985 movie Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure). They are huge dinosaurs — Dinny the Dinosaur and Mr. Rex — made of steel and concrete, randomly placed off the freeway near two fast food joints. Weird, right? A guy named Claude Bell, who was a sculptor and theme park artist, actually constructed the dinosaurs back in 1964 to attract more customers to his restaurant. Though his family sold the property in the ’90s after Bell’s death, Dinny and Mr. Rex remain. The site is a great place to hop out, stretch your legs and snap some photos for Instagram. Though there is no longer a restaurant, the site has actually turned into a creationist museum with literature (that claims dinosaurs still exist) and additional dinosaur sculptures. However, the museum costs $13 to enter, so unless you’re intrigued (or trying to kill time), I’d stick to hanging with Dinny and Mr. Rex.

HARBORSIDE CANNABIS DRIVE-THRU

66205 Paul Road, Desert Hot Springs shopharborside.com/ harborside-desert-hot-springs

Sure, you can buy weed in San Diego, but if you wait until Desert Hot Springs you can experience something you probably didn’t know you wanted: a cannabis drive-thru. Right off the freeway, Harborside Cannabis Drive-Thru is easy to find. The building is surrounded by desert terrain, with only a gas station and Jack in the Box in sight. So how does it work? Just pretend you’re going through the Jack in the Box drive-thru. We drove

No road trip to Indio is complete without a stop in Palm Springs. And in the name of luxury — and Instagram posts — we decided to check out some of the hotels. Head down East Palm Canyon Drive and you’ll be greeted by two *trendy* options: Saguaro Hotel and Ace Hotel & Swim Club. Both hotels have an aesthetic restaurant and bar open to the public, as well as a pool that you can buy a day pass to (depending on hotel occupancy). And you can even just stop by for a photo shoot — this is the perfect influencer stomping ground. Sagauro has endless palm trees and vibrant rainbow walls, while Ace boasts a very rustic and boho-chic vibe. There are enough interesting backdrops to fill an entire Instagram grid — just be sure to get there before the sun sets. And if you get there late and are too tired to continue the trip, stay the night and recharge for the last stretch to Indio. (We didn’t, but definitely were tempted to book a room once we got there.)

DINNER IN INDIO

Ah, sweet arrival! Before checking into your hotel or Airbnb, grab a bite to eat. There are numerous restaurants in Indio, with most of them located in strip malls and plazas. (So don’t expect a lot of fine dining.) After some Yelp research, we decided to try out Soul de Mexico, mainly because the photos online showed some interesting décor. While the food wasn’t anything to write home about, the strip mall restaurant did boast a surprisingly hip vibe with Southwest-style chairs, large murals and tribal masks that hung on the wall. But to be honest, it doesn’t really matter if you choose Soul de Mexico or another spot to eat. We suspect that after the long journey, you won’t be too picky.

@PACIFICSD APRIL 2020

LOVE | BLIND DATE

Winning the Pottery Daters take a spin in Encinitas

BY JENNIFER IANNI

PHOTOS BY MISAEL VIRGEN

he 1990 movie Ghost gave us many things: It gave us a timeless love story between the luminous Demi Moore and the sultry Patrick Swayze. It gave us Demi’s chic boy haircut and Patrick’s razor-sharp jawline. It gave us an Academy Award-winning performance from the great Whoopi Goldberg, who uttered classic lines like, “You in danger, girl.” And it gave us the perfectly normal idea that you could still carry on a romantic relationship with your loved one and solve crimes from beyond the grave — with the help of a skeptical but lovable psychic. But the movie Ghost also gave us one more thing: one of the most romantic scenes in cinema history. Demi’s character Molly sits behind a potter’s wheel in the middle of the night, throwing a vase. Patrick’s character, 58

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

MATCHMAKER COLLEEN PERONE

Sam, who plays her boyfriend, sidles up behind her, and wraps his arms around her to help, their messy hands grazing the spinning clay as they shape and mold it while the haunting Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers plays. It’s an almost perfect scene, dripping with chemistry, and it’s this energy that we’re hoping to bring to tonight’s blind date at CLAY + CRAFT, a newly opened pottery studio and gift shop in Encinitas. Side note: Now, dear PACIFIC readers, I know this film was released in 1990, when many of you weren’t even born yet. However, has potterythrowing been a central romantic theme in any other contemporary film that you can think of? None that I know of. Have two actors smoldered with the same passion and intensity behind a potter’s wheel onscreen the way Demi and Patrick did? No. So until Hollywood catches up, this date will continue

to be compared to Ghost. Also, go watch Ghost. It’s a classic! Let’s get back to the date: Tonight’s Blind Daters are Carina, a vivacious and impulsive dog-lover who works in tech marketing, and David, a fit South African finance guy who’s also an avid cricket player. These two singles are willing to risk it all for a chance at love — literally. This blind date took place during the second week of March, just before coronavirus quarantines started. But nothing could stop these two in their quest for love! An Epic Limo has picked up the two and transported them to Encinitas for an evening of pottery throwing and a romantic dinner for two. They haven’t been told what their date activity will be, only that they shouldn’t wear anything they wouldn’t mind getting a little dirty. Before we find out if these two

will make a masterpiece together or if there are some cracks in their potential relationship, let’s get to know them better via their predate interview. Where are you from and where do you live now? CARINA: I’m originally from the Bay Area, a small-ish town called Walnut Creek. I moved to North Park by way of L.A. about five years ago. I’ve been in love with my little ’hood ever since! DAVID: I grew up in South Africa and moved to San Diego with my family when I was 16. I am still South African at the core, and I still have an accent. (Laughs) The South African accent was recently voted the second sexiest accent in the world, only behind the New Zealand accent, but we are the current rugby world champions so we

@PACIFICSD APRIL 2020

LOVE | BLIND DATE have that over them. I live in UTC these days. How old are you? CARINA: 35. DAVID: 32. What do you do for a living? CARINA: I work for a large tech company doing product marketing. DAVID: Finance and accounting at a biotech company. What’s your Instagram handle? CARINA: @cococarina3 DAVID: @davidpieters75 How long have you been single? CARINA: Since the end of last summer. DAVID: Around two years now. Currently, what dating apps can be found on your phone?

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

CARINA: Hinge. DAVID: (Laughs) Bumble is probably the only consistent one I log in on. Where can you be found on the weekends? CARINA: Working out, at the beach, cooking, at a dog park or checking out some of San Diego’s cool pop-up events that are always happening. It’s also pretty likely that I’m out of town (I’m a bit of a travel/adventure junkie). DAVID: Definitely the gym in the morning and out with friends at night. What are you best at? CARINA: Making simple things fun, creating adventures out of the mundane. DAVID: Caring about other people and being inclusive.

What do you suck at? CARINA: Researching! I have a bit of an “it’ll all work out” attitude in life, so I tend to not research or look into things much — less thinking, more doing! Plus, it leaves room for spontaneity. DAVID: Pop culture. What are you looking for in a date, physical or otherwise? CARINA: Someone to have fun with, who is up for anything. Someone easygoing and who is active — it’s hard for me to sit still for too long. DAVID: Someone who is active and fit and complements it with a good personality. Why do you think you’ll be a good date? CARINA: I’m a social butterfly, so things don’t usually get too awkward and I should be checking

off my 30th country this year (**shakes fist at coronavirus**), so I’m sure we can find something to talk about! DAVID: I’m a different breed, I guess. Describe your special brand of sex appeal in a tweet. CARINA: Free spirited & feisty — ready for all sorts of adventures ;) DAVID: Is this referring to how I’d advertise myself in a tweet? I would tweet Ah Zabenya (the song from The Lion King) or play the song itself out to the girls. Rate yourself on a scale from one to 10 for looks. CARINA: I think there’s so much more to me, and everyone, besides what you offer on the outside. If you’re going twist my arm, I’d say a nine — I love the way I look, but nobody’s perfect.

DAVID: Seven/eight. Rate yourself on a scale from one to 10 for personality. CARINA: (Laughs) Hmm, I’m humble so I’ll say 9.5! DAVID: Eight/nine. What’s your cocktail of choice? CARINA: Depends on the vibe really. Usually a really fresh margarita hits the spot or big ol’ glass of wine. DAVID: Gin and tonic. What’s a total deal-breaker on a date? CARINA: Smokers! Or worse, they don’t like dogs! DAVID: Someone who is inconsiderate. Fill in the blanks: I want my date to be “blank” and “blank.” CARINA: Authentic and funny. DAVID: Fun and outgoing. Will the night end with a kiss, something more or something less? CARINA: I’m no fortune teller, we’ll see how it goes?! DAVID: It all depends, let’s see where the night goes, but a kiss or more would be a cherry on top for sure. By the looks of their pre-date interview, these two have a little in common, like being active and into fitness. Carina seems pretty spontaneous, and she’s hoping for a partner who is also. David describes himself as a “different breed” with the world’s secondsexiest accent, while Carina notes that she is a social butterfly who never lets things get too awkward. We’ll be testing that on this date tonight, since, let’s face it, first dates can sometimes be awkward. David and Carina have just arrived at CLAY + CRAFT, a pottery studio and gift shop owned by Nicole Novena. After the daters pose for some photos outside, Nicole gets them acquainted with her space. It’s cozy and filled with all of Nicole’s creations for sale, including mugs, wine carafes and glasses, ornaments and more, plus there’s a workspace with

two pottery wheels. The studio is calming, and the soundtrack of Vance Joy, Led Zeppelin, Florence + The Machine and The Black Keys matches the vibe. Carina and David tie on some aprons (Carina even thoughtfully steps in to help David tie his when he has some trouble) and are seated for a quick lesson from Nicole, who goes over the various steps, including wedging the clay,

then centering it on the wheel and pulling the edges when it’s ready to be formed. It’s an intricate art and it looks much easier than it actually is. It takes muscle and some concentration as well. After the rundown, Nicole steps aside and the daters are seated behind pottery wheels of their own. Unfortunately, the studio isn’t big enough for David to sit behind Carina, a la Patrick and Demi, but

since David says he sucks at pop culture, he probably wouldn’t get that reference anyway. The daters are focusing intently on the clay, and Carina takes to it a little faster than David. She breezily handles the clay, throwing two different types of bowls and only getting a little bit of clay on her jeans. David has a bit of trouble, but seems up to the challenge. It’s a somewhat intimate experience, with the wet clay and dirty hands and whatnot. In the end, they both create two different pieces, which they’ll be able to pick up in a couple weeks after Nicole trims, fires, glazes and paints them. But what about our daters’ connection? It’s still a little soon to tell what they’re feeling, although they seemed very at ease during their session, playfully teasing each other over their pottery-throwing skills and sweetly encouraging one another. Let’s see if they can keep the momentum going through dinner. @PACIFICSD APRIL 2020

LOVE | BL IN D DAT E

Seize the Clay

Daters wine and dine at new bistro

avid and Carina have cleaned up after their pottery-throwing session and they’ve worked up an appetite after an hour behind the wheel. Lucky for them, Valentina Restaurant is right next door. Valentina is described as a casual neighborhood bistro and wine bar where the menu is “an eclectic mix of seasonal plates [that] has been inspired by the owners’ passion for travel, reflecting the style of the classic bistros of Mexico City, Spain and France.” It’s a rainy night and the daters are tucked inside at a comfortable, candlelit table. But before they’re able to

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

satisfy their appetites, we separate them for their mid-date interviews. How’s it going so far? CARINA: It’s going good. I’m really enjoying it. He’s really nice and easy to talk to. The clay thing was really cool. I liked it a lot. DAVID: It’s been good, it’s been a lot of fun so far. Met her in the car, had a good chat on the way over. I had a drink and a half, I think. (Laughs) I asked her not to judge me. She’s like, ‘No, you’re fine.’ So we got to know each other a little bit in the car. And then we were both excited for the activity. We kind of figured it out a little bit on the way over here. At first glance, would you swipe

right or left on your date? CARINA: Right. DAVID: Yeah, I probably would have swiped right. Is this the type of person you’d normally date? CARINA: (Quickly) No. He’s totally attractive, but not my usual type. DAVID: (Hesitates) Yeah, maybe. I’m not so sure. That’s a tough one. I don’t think she’s 100 percent my type, but she is fun and outgoing, which I like. I don’t think, if I were to bump into her, I would go for her necessarily. How has your experience at CLAY + CRAFT been? CARINA: Super good, I liked it.

I’ll probably be back. Probably on my own. It’s really mesmerizing. And then the competitive part of me is like, ‘I want to go back and get this.’ DAVID: It was amazing, it was a lot of fun. Just both of us being in the zone and enjoying our time there and just learning something for the first time — that was a great experience. What’s the most attractive thing your date has done so far? CARINA: He’s been a good sport about the clay. It didn’t turn out so well, but he was really patient and persistent about it. He doesn’t take things too seriously. DAVID: (Laughs) Seeing her working the clay was good. Also

right now. But there’s potential. Does your date want to kiss you? CARINA: Um, I don’t know. We were just playing with clay, so I don’t think I did anything super sexy. DAVID: Not right now. Is this someone you’d take home to mom, or just take home? CARINA: I don’t know. I mean, he’s a respectable human. I would take him home to mom. DAVID: She’s a good person. She has [mom potential]. How and when will the date end? CARINA: I don’t know. We’ll see. DAVID: She’s fun to be around, but I’m not sure how and when it’s going to end. We’ll have dinner and see what happens after that. Pulpo and papas (octopus and potatoes with olive oil and paprika).

when she helped me put on my apron. What’s the least attractive thing your date has done so far? CARINA: Nothing. Everything’s been fine. DAVID: No, there’s nothing that was least attractive.

Braised lamb shank with creamy-cotija polenta, spring vegetables and jus.

Rate your date on a scale from one to 10 for looks. CARINA: I don’t believe in that. DAVID: I would say seven-anda-half. And for personality? CARINA: Nine. DAVID: She has a good personality. Eight. What’s your date’s most attractive physical quality? CARINA: He’s tall and he’s blonde. He’s like a little surfer boy. Oh, and his accent’s cute. DAVID: Her eyes. What’s your date’s least attractive physical quality? CARINA: I don’t have one. DAVID: I don’t want to answer that.

Salmon with roasted cauliflower, quinoa and cashew pesto.

Do you want to kiss your date right now? CARINA: No, not right now. DAVID: Right now? Probably not

It seems like David and Carina aren’t quite sure what page they’re on tonight. While they are physically attracted to each other, they both admit that the other isn’t quite their type. They’re both a little vague about why as well. But David said Carina’s, um, claymaking skills were attractive, while Carina says his good attitude about his less-than-perfect pots made her like him more. Just not enough for her to want to kiss him, and vice versa. Carina doesn’t think she’s done anything “super sexy” while throwing the clay, but she’ll be pleased to know that David likely thinks the opposite. This isn’t exactly Patrick and Demi-level chemistry, but maybe they need a little wine and some food to loosen things up. The two order a bottle of red wine and the pulpo and papas appetizer (octopus and potatoes with olive oil and paprika) to start. We’re guessing adventurous Carina picked that one out. For their main courses, David picks the braised lamb shank with creamy-cotija polenta, spring vegetables and jus, while Carina goes for the salmon with roasted cauliflower, quinoa and cashew pesto. Both daters rave about the food and it looks like they’re really hitting it off during their dinner. The PACIFIC crew finally says goodbye to these two potential lovers and leaves them to finish their dinner alone. @PACIFICSD APRIL 2020

LOVE | BL I N D DAT E

Gone to Pot Daters go home empty-handed

fter a romantic evening of throwing pottery and dinner at a cozy bistro, we’re hoping our daters went home with a little bit more than just some clay-stained clothes. We check back in with them the next day to see how the rest of their night went. How did everything go last night? CARINA: It went really good. DAVID: It was a lot of fun. We had a good time. While I don’t think there was a spark, but yeah, it was still a good time. Where did you go and what did you do for the rest of the evening after dinner at Valentina? CARINA: We just went home. I work out pretty early, and he still 64

APRIL 2020 @PACIFICSD

had to go to work the next day. DAVID: So, after dinner, I was still open to do something else, but I asked her if she wanted to do anything, and she was like, ‘No, I think I’m just going to go home. I need to go check on my fur baby.’ So she had to go home to her dog. We just called the limo, got in the car and were driven home. Even in the car on the way back, we had another Corona Seltzer and kept chatting and joking. It was fun. We were joking around quite a bit there at the end. Definitely got to know her pretty well, and I think vice versa. Did you guys exchange numbers? CARINA: He got my number, yeah. DAVID: Yeah, I got her number in the car on the way back. Before I got out, I was like, ‘Let me grab

your phone number.’ She gave it to me and said, ‘We’ll chat soon,’ but I haven’t texted her. Was there any kind of hook-up or romantic exchange? CARINA: Nope, just a hug goodbye. DAVID: No, there wasn’t. Just a hug at the end. (Laughs) We had a few high fives at dinner. What was the best part of the date and why? CARINA: The best part of the date was at dinner. Just really getting to finally talk and get to know him. He’s actually good at cricket. He plays on an L.A. team, so he was explaining everything to me about cricket. DAVID: I would say all of it was good. The activity was really fun. Making the clay. But then also,

dinner was fun as well. We shared each other’s food, we gave each other a bite. Overall, it was good. I had a good time. What was the worst part of the date and why? CARINA: I don’t think there was a worst part of the date. (Laughs) Maybe getting clay on my jeans? DAVID: That’s also a tough one. Not to blame her for anything, but it felt like she was a little uncomfortable with the camera, not that that was the worst part of the date. Will there be a second date? Why or why not? CARINA: I don’t know, we’ll have to see if he asks for one. He got my number. I don’t know, I think there will be, maybe. But yeah, I don’t know. If there was,

I’d be open to it. DAVID: I might text her to hang out, but I don’t think there will be anything more than that, to be honest. Do you have any dating tips for your date? CARINA: No, I think he was himself, which is the most important part. Being authentic to who you are, so people really get to know you. I wouldn’t tell him to change anything. DAVID: No, she’s experienced. If

I had to give any advice, it would just be, I was just kind of surprised when she said she just wanted to go home. If she wasn’t into me, then I get it. But if she felt like this could go somewhere, then I would just be more open. Any final thoughts, parting words, shout-outs or anything else to add? CARINA: I would just say, stay open to all aspects of life. Because I met Colleen [the PACIFIC matchmaker] at a Valentine’s Day

singles workout, and even though nothing came from the workout, this came from the workout, so you never know what life’s going to bring you. DAVID: I just want to thank PACIFIC for making the experience happen. It was really fun. It was a good time. Not quite the girl, but still a good time. We’re scratching our heads on this one, dear readers. Seems like David is, too. Even after they risked spreading germs by sharing bites of each other’s meals, Carina still decided that her fur baby was top priority. Maybe she just wanted to practice some social distancing — away from David? David was surprised that Carina declined to hang out after dinner, especially after he felt like they were starting to hit it off. Even after getting to know each other better in the car back home, the night only ended with a friendly hug (not even a high five). David says he got her number, but hasn’t texted her yet (maybe he’s afraid of getting Ghost-ed). And Carina says she’d be open to another date, but he needs to ask.

It seems like some signals may have gotten crossed here. While it seems like these two won’t be hanging out romantically again, they do need to go back to CLAY + CRAFT to pick up their finished pieces. Maybe another spin around the potter’s wheel would spark some romance? We may never know. In the meantime, if you’re stuck at home for a while, watch Ghost and, instead of thinking of David and Carina and their romance that never was, let Patrick and Demi’s classic love story keep you warm until we’re allowed to go outside again.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Daters’ answers may have been edited for length and clarity.

SPECIAL THANKS TO AND PROMOTIONAL CONSIDERATION FROM: EPIC LIMO 858.270.LIMO (5466), epiclimo.com CLAY + CRAFT 303.957.6234, clayandcraft.com VALENTINA RESTAURANT 760.943.6686, restaurantvalentina.com MATCHMAKER COLLEEN PERONE naturalselectionsd.com

@PACIFICSD APRIL 2020

Park & Pick Up

Support local businesses! Place an order for pick up or use a delivery services for any of the local East Village restaurants below!

East Village

Follow the neighborhood map and check out these local restaurants in East Village offering take-out and delivery services. 1

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5 P

10 9

2 P P

8 P

5 P

Supported by the East Village Association | eastvillagesandiego.com | #EastVillageSD

Bean Bar 1068 K St, San Diego, CA 92101 beanbar.co

BESHOCK Ramen East Village 1288 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 beshockramen.com

Bud & Rob’s New Orleans Bistro 815 F St, San Diego, CA 92101 budandrobsbistro.com

Café de L’Opera 910 J St, San Diego, CA 92101 cafedelopera.com

Don TJ Tacos 744 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 dontjtacos.com

Lola 55 1290 F St, San Diego, CA 92101 lola55.com

MAKE pizza+salad 699 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 makesandiego.com

Monzu Fresh Pasta 455 10th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 monzufreshpasta.com

RoVino The Foodery 969 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 rovinothefoodery.com

The Kebab Shop 630 Ninth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 thekebabshop.com

The Mission 1250 J St, San Diego, CA 92101 themissionsd.com

Supported by the East Village Association | eastvillagesandiego.com | #EastVillageSD

Park & Pick Up

Support local businesses! Place an order for pick up or use a delivery services for any of the local East Village restaurants below!

East Village

Follow the neighborhood map and check out these local restaurants in East Village offering take-out and delivery services. 1

6 3 P

5 P

10 9

2 P P

8 P

5 P

Supported by the East Village Association | eastvillagesandiego.com | #EastVillageSD

Bean Bar 1068 K St, San Diego, CA 92101 beanbar.co

BESHOCK Ramen East Village 1288 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 beshockramen.com

Bud & Rob’s New Orleans Bistro 815 F St, San Diego, CA 92101 budandrobsbistro.com

Café de L’Opera 910 J St, San Diego, CA 92101 cafedelopera.com

Don TJ Tacos 744 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 dontjtacos.com

Lola 55 1290 F St, San Diego, CA 92101 lola55.com

MAKE pizza+salad 699 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101 makesandiego.com

Monzu Fresh Pasta 455 10th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 monzufreshpasta.com

RoVino The Foodery 969 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101 rovinothefoodery.com

The Kebab Shop 630 Ninth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101 thekebabshop.com

The Mission 1250 J St, San Diego, CA 92101 themissionsd.com

Supported by the East Village Association | eastvillagesandiego.com | #EastVillageSD