Pacific San Diego Magazine, December 2012 issue

SAN DIEGO’S WHERE, WHEN AND WOW!

f r su ro p e lin n e p i P mpio cha

tasia Anas ey l Ash

Where to make it a Snow Day in SD The world’s greatest breakdancer FOX 5’s Heather Ford Armageddon out of here – pack your bags for the end of the world Poinsettia Bowl and Holiday Bowl Best Cellars: wines, wineries and purple teeth Snoop Lion exhales in Solana Beach

DECEMBER 2012 PA C I F I C S A N D I E G O . C O M

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GOOD THINGS COME IN FAST PACKAGES

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Editor’s Note Not a creature was stirring Not even a mouse... …except at my house. I forgot to shut the basement door, and one got in.

My wife and I hear it rustling around in the ceiling late at night. Maybe it’s not a mouse. It definitely has big feet.

All summer, a squirrel scurried around our deck with avocados from the neighbor’s tree.

Maybe it’s him. ’Tis the season, but ‘tain’t the time to have shit living in my attic.

In the pest aisle at Home Depot, they sell rat poison, ultrasonic rodent chasers and a variety of traps. I’m shopping for a deer rifle.

I go with the traps with small tunnels the mouse is supposed to walk through. They’re spring-loaded and lethal, which isn’t nice, but nicer, according to the guy at Home Depot, than glue traps...and with less risk of “flailing.” Sold!

And the execution takes place behind closed doors, which is nice.

I dab peanut butter in the bait door on four traps and disperse them around the house. Come get some, you rat bastard!

A few hours later, we hear a sound coming from the living room. I grab a bat and a ski pole (there’s skiing in Encinitas, by the way; see “Snow Way!” page 104) and investigate. And then I see it under the couch: a large-ish mouse with big ears. It’s at once repulsing and disarming, almost cute.

It disappears into the kitchen, and with every hair on my body standing on end, I give chase, hoping it’s gone before I get there. Should I just shoot the thing? Is that legal?

My heart’s beating out of my chest. He’s gone.

Damn! (And phew.)

The next morning, realizing that peanut butter is more likely to lure ants than catch mice, I admit defeat and call the experts, and now there’s a car dressed like a mouse parked in front of my house. A lovely woman with a clipboard gives me the worst news ever.

“You have a rat.”

I’m picturing an “Indiana Jones” nightmare with a trillion rats sticking their heads through a hole in a casket. Pack your things, Honey.

The exterminator says to chill and that, based on the limited poop count, there’s a good chance e i g h t

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we have just one animal. She lays out a few of her own, larger traps and predicts we’ll capture the enemy within 48 hours.

Six hours later, lying in bed and making sure not to dangle a foot, I’m ready for some hairy horror with claws to lunge at my throat.

SNAP! It’s muffled, but loud. It’s the trap in the ceiling crawl space. Even during the holidays, nighttime is the wrong time to be scuffling with the undead, so we go back go to sleep. Or try to.

Now, it’s 6 a.m.. The babysitter will be here in two hours. Maybe she can check the­­— “David, get that thing out of my house. Now!” “F” word! I don’t even like touching ants, and now I have to collect evidence from a friggin’ wildlife crime scene from the rafters. Damn, damn, damn.

I put on rubber gloves, gardening gloves on top, a canvas hat and a jacket. I stick my head into the ceiling, peering through a slit in the T-shirt wrapped around my head.

Suffice it to say, the exterminator’s traps have some serious oomph.

Fifty Jews told me I became a man when I had my Bar Mitzvah. They were wrong. I told myself the same thing when I got married. Wrong again.

No, judging from how I practically closed my eyes while picking up the trap and transfering the animal (which is the size of a kangaroo from this close) into a trash bag, manhood may never come. ’Tisn’t here yet, anyway. Eek! Christmas in San Diego is heavenly. The waves are big (see “Surf Chic,” page 52), the snow is close (see “Flakin’ Out,” page 60), and, finally, not a creature is stirring.

Unless rat has a brother.

Happy Chanukah, everybody. May the trappings of your season be plenty.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF David Perloff

San Diego

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35,000 copies 15,000 copies direct-mailed

150,000 readers 450 pick-up locations 40-person promotional Street Team

Powerful e-mail database San Diego’s social media gathering place

6 years in publication

72 monthly issues

…and we’re just getting started.

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vol. 6

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DECEMBER 2012

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF David Perloff

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kenny Boyer MANAGING EDITOR Patricia B. Dwyer ASSOCIATE EDITOR Allie Daugherty EDITOR-AT-LARGE Ron Donoho CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Brandon Hernández, Wendy Lemlin, Brandon Matzek, Dan McLellan, David Moye, David Nelson, Tim Pyles, Frank Sabatini Jr., Andrea Siedsma COVER PHOTOGRAPHER Sami Drasin CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Brevin Blach, Jeff “Turbo” Corrigan, Rob Hammer, Brandon Matzek, Mike Nowak

PUBLISHERS David Perloff Simone Perloff

PROMOTIONS + CLIENT SERVICES DIRECTOR Alyson C Baker (alyson@pacificsandiego.com)

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Vicki Marangos (vicki@pacificsandiego.com) PROMOTIONS MANAGER Lauren Satt (lo@pacificsandiego.com) ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Jim Lucich (jim@pacificsandiego.com) Joey Peña (joey@pacificsandiego.com Laura Rovick (laura@pacificsandiego.com) Brad Weber (brad@pacificsandiego.com)

La Valencia advertises in PacificSD to reach a fresh, young audience, and you guys sure deliver! What an incredible response we received to our multimedia and event campaign. PacificSD is the perfect vehicle for La Valencia to reach active San Diegans.

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INTERNS Catlin Dorset, editorial Ashten Goodenough, marketing Kelly Shryock, marketing Reach America’s Finest readers via print, web, social media and events.

Read, click, connect...BOOM! 619.296.6300, pacificsandiego.com facebook.com/pacificsd, Twitter @pacificsd

—Kristen Poole, Marketing Coordinator, La Valencia Hotel Tw e l v e

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DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Dana Schroedl (dana@pacificsandiego.com)

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pacifics A N d I E G O . com

Contents 12.12

“If you are blessed enough to do a professional sport or be in entertainment, you have to give up some of your personal life and give people access to parts of your life. I don’t have a problem with that, because it’s in exchange for what I do.”

– ANASTASIA ASHLEY

P H O T O graph y B Y sami drasin

Features

ON THE COVER: Pro surfING CHAMPION anastasia ashley CHECKS THE WAVES AT SAN ELIJO STATE BEACH IN ENCINITAS. fashion director: simone perloff. Styled by Jessica Rose Delee. Hair by Amanda Thorne-Pritchard (Thorne Artistry Salon). Makeup by Sarah Stuart. anastasia is wearing the divina gown by kennth barlis ($25,000), kennethbarlis.com. galaxy earings by mimi & lu ($52), mimiandlu.com.

52 SURF CHIC Pro surfer Anastasia Ashley makes a splash in Encinitas 60 Flaking Out

THIS PAGE: anastasia IS WEARING a BEACH RIOT BIKINI stone top ($76) AND Adventure bottoms ($62), beachriot.com.

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When the snow falls, bundle up and make some balls

P ac i f i c S D

promo t i on

Road Warriors Introducing PacificSD’s Street Team

Photo by Rob Hammer

Want 30 geniuses at your next event? Call Mensa. But if you’re looking for up to 40 kind, intelligent, marketing-minded San Diego go-getters (for an hour, a day or a month), call PacificSD. Our illustrious Street Team will learn about your company, become your guerrilla marketing force and make you look good. We’ll even throw in a couple geniuses for good measure. Call 619.296.6300 or visit facebook.com/pacificsd for more info. And, no, you may not book these guys for blind dates (except for maybe the dude in the middle).

P ac i f i c S D

promo t i on

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS… Unimaginably warm hugs and sloppy kisses to Javier, George and our new family at Kearny Mesa Fiat. Need a new car? Get two – they’re small (and a steal at twice the price). They’re fast and cool as hell, too, and they fit up to 13 Street Teamers at a time, if you pack right. Visit the slick new Fiat studio at 5155 Convoy St., in Kearny Mesa, 858.492.9200, kmfiat.com. If you don’t buy a car from these guys…well…actually, you probably will. We did.

let the pacificsd street team boost your business. call 619.296.6300 OR VISIT FACEBOOK. COM/PACIFICSD FOR DETAILS.

High-five to (and a leisurely walk around North Park a few minutes after 4:15 p.m. with) R. Black, the man behind the woman whose face is on the car. Need something illustrated? Call this guy, but hurry up before he heads out to the desert, starts something big and never comes back.

(Sorry for the inside jokes, but it’s what Sir Black responds to best.) rblack.org And a “Geez, Dude…finally!” to the venerable David Cohn and his hospitalityobsessed restaurant wizards at C-Level and Island Prime for letting us shoot this photo at the southern tip of their culinary paradise on Harbor Island.

Welcome to the bandwagon, Mr. Cohn. You’ve always been on the team, but now you’ll really enjoy the ride. cohnrestaurants.com

Contents 12.12 pacifics A N d I E G O . com

Departments C U R R E N T S FIRST THINGS 25 Break Time

A San Diego dancer has the

whole world in his hand COOLTURE 28 Bizarre Bazaar

Weird local news, a retrospect 30 Glam on the Run

Off-camera with FOX 5’s

Heather Ford 34

Prep Rally Armageddon out of here – a glimpse into the prepper lifestyle and tips for surviving 12/21/2012

38 Now Showing

December art gallery and

museum offerings

T A 67

SPORTS 42 Bowl Us Over College football games coming

to San Diego 44

Fan-ning the Fire A longtime NFL rivalry heats up on the field and in the stands

STYLE 48 Eye Opener Poppin’ bottles with eye

poppin’ style

S T E Broth-erly Love A citywide collection of soups to warm your cockles

76 How Two

Recipes for success: throwing

a holiday party and making

great cookies 80

Best CellarS From wineries to wine bars, a couple dozen of San Diego’s all-time grapes

G R O O V E 93 Concert Calendar

December music events

100 Pour Boys Local mixologists unite to form

the Elbow Benders Association L O V E 104 snow way!

Making fresh tracks in San

Diego C A L E N D A R 110 Twelve.twelve

December event listings T H I N K 114 GIMME HEAD LINES Unbelievable stories from the editing room floor

grammy award-winning BLUES SINGER/SONGWRITER jonny lang PERFORMS AT the belly up DEC. 14 (SEE PAGE 93).

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GIVING BACK MADD, POWER OF PARENTS MARCH OF DIMES RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE SUSAN G. KOMEN

CALIFORNIA YOUTH COMMUNITY CENTER

SAN DIEGO LA RAZA LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

NATIONAL LATINO POLICE OFFFICERS ASSOCIATION

MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION UNIVERSITY OF SAN DIEGO SPECIAL OLYMPICS

LAWYERS CLUB FRIENDS OF SCOTT

NATIONAL FOUNDATION FOR AUTISM RESEARCH

REALITY CHANGERS STAR/PALS CASA CORNELIA

CONSUMER ATTORNEYS OF SAN DIEGO

www.thegomezfirm.com

YOLANDA S. WALTHER-MEADE Local: Ŋ Toll Free: 866.395.6792

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P ac i f i c S D

S P E C I A L

A D VE R TI S I N G

S E C TI O N

GOURMET ON THE GO

FOOD TRUCKS THAT COME TO YOU Leading the charge on the San Diego food truck scene, two local companies have teamed up to mobilize delish.

The wildly popular Kobe beef sliders from The InSlider, and the noteworthy hot (dare we say “haute”) dogs and burgers from Groggy’s are now rocking under one culinary umbrella – S. J. Craft Service – and rolling all over the city.

But owner Stacey Werner is offering a whole lot more than just feel-good cuisine wherever big crowds assemble.

“We offer a personalized dining experience,” says Werner. “You don’t have to search all over town for our roving kitchens. We come to you.”

Forego the Internet searches, long lines and feeding frenzies typically associated with getting your hands on food truck greatness. Instead, let S. J. Craft Service set up shop in your driveway, at your company picnic or in your front yard.

“Businesses want to offer their staffs teambuilding dining experiences without over-paying at popular restaurants or bringing fancy caterers into

the boardroom,” says Werner. “So we roll by, give them a gourmet-level dining experience event at a great price and leave them lasting memories of a really cool event.”

With packages starting at a little more than 10 dollars per person, S.J Craft Service is also booking holiday house parties from South Bay to La Jolla to La Costa.

“There’s a line from the movie Field of Dreams that goes, ‘If you build it, they will come,’” Werner says.

“We say, ‘We’ll come, and we’ll build it for you.’”

Book a custom dining experience for your private party, big event or business function.

Call (619) 606-6282 Visit SJcraftservice.com

“You don’t have to search all over town

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S P E C I A L

A D VE R TI S I N G

S E C TI O N

GROGGY’S Home of San Diego’s original fat sandwiches followgroggys.com facebook.com/followgroggys twitter @followgroggys Tackling enormous servings of incredible food isn’t just for Food Network and Travel Channel stars any more. Thanks to the somewhat imbalanced minds behind Groggy’s food truck, now you, too, can eat more than you probably should (and still have a large-ish doggie bag to transport home). Their Fat Ron Burgundy sandwich, for example, is a hefty cheese steak topped with mozzarella sticks, French fries, lettuce, tomato, onions and Groggy sauce. Forget the side dishes – they’re already on your sandwich.

Groggy’s slogan is: “Home of San Diego’s Original Fat Sandwiches.” But with scrumptious portions this size, it should be: “What the Truck?!”

THE INSLIDER Gourmet sliders on the go theinslidersd.com facebook.com/theinslidersd twitter @theinslidersd From her popular InSlider food trucks, New Jersey native Stacey Werner has elevated sliders to a whole new level, combining divine food with business acumen. The result: countywide buzz surrounding sliders made with Kobe beef, marinated Jidori chicken and pulled Kurobuta pork, all crowned with fresh organics and scratch-made sauces. The Balsamic-marinated portobello slider garnished with mushroom aioli pleases vegetarians to no end. Artisan brioche buns seal the deal for these mini gourmet sandwiches, which can be ordered with truffle hand-cut fries or sweet potato tater tots.

for our roving kitchens. We come to you.”

unmasked

learn what ITEMS you need to survive the apocAlypse. pAgE 34

BREAK TIME

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GLAM ON THE RUN

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Currents Prep Rally

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now showing

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FAN-ning the Fire

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EYE OPENER

Brea k time A San Diego dancer has the whole world in his hand

By Allie Daugherty

NAIM CHIDIAC /RED BULL CONTENT POOL

It’s called a “Melting Halo.” In the world of competitive breakdancing, it’s Roxrite’s signature move.

“A Melting Halo is like a cartwheel, but you’re having to go from shoulder to shoulder using your head. So you’re sliding,” Roxrite says.

The move is impressive and frightening; it looks as if Roxrite (born Omar Delgado) could snap his neck.

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THEO RIBEIRO / RED BULL CONTENT POOL

But the 28-year-old Kensington resident is used to the danger that comes with breakdancing. He’s been competing for 10 years, has won 79 competitions and says his greatest achievement was becoming the first b-boy (cool-kid lingo for “breakdancer-boy”) to win three different one-on-one world titles, including the UK Championships Solo in 2005, the R16 Solo World Championships in 2009 and, in 2011, the Red Bull BC One World Finals.

This year, Roxrite will be back at the BC One – the world’s most prestigious breakdancing championship – fighting to keep his title as he battles 15 other breakdancers December 8 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

“Representing San Diego has been an honor, and I hope to inspire and motivate the youth to follow their dreams and passions,” he says. “From myself, you can expect to see a battler going head-to-head with whoever is in front of me. I will be going in there giving 110 percent so that I can be the first b-boy in the world to win the Red Bull BC One two times in a row.”

Still, Roxrite doesn’t let the success go to his head, even when he’s spinning on it and beating the best in the world. Ultimately, he wants his championship titles to number in the triple digits, but after Brazil he’ll be busy planning his 2013 wedding and intends to spend the holidays relaxing with his fiancée and family.

See Roxrite and the b-boys that inspire him at roxriterepresents.com.

NAME CALLING Breakdancers’ alter egos

Roxrite isn’t the only b-boy with a nickname. Here’s the lineup of the competitors he’ll face at the upcoming Red Bull BC One World Finals: DomKey (Philadelphia) ViciousVictor (Orlando) Kid David (San Francisco) Klesio (Brazil) Mounir (France) Junior (France) Lil Zoo (Morocco) Shorty Force (South Korea) Slav (Bulgaria) Arex (Colombia) Sunni (UK) Alkolil (Russia) Differ (South Korea) Issei (Japan) Hill (Mexico)

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Watch breakd badass ancing es com pete in the R ed Bull One Wo BC rld Fina ls, liv from Rio de Jane e iro, Brazil, D ec. 8 at redbull bcone. com.

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BIZARRE BAZAAR A collection of weird local news from 2012

By David Moye

Pot brownies on a public bus, gay porn in the classroom and selfflagellation in the streets set the scene for an unforgettable twentyand-a-dozen – a truly wacky year in the history of San Diego.

I can clearly see you’re nuts Jason Russell of San Diego-based charity Invisible Children created “Kony 2012,” a viral video that garnered nearly 94 million YouTube views, raising worldwide awareness of Kony, a cruel Ugandan warlord. Russell got nearly that many hits again when a cell phone video of his naked, masturbatory rantings on the streets of Pacific Beach surfaced in March. Russell later told Oprah that the pressure of success had caused him to suffer “brief reactive psychosis,” brought on by massive media attention. The negative headlines temporarily hurt his cause, but Russell’s “touching” public display inspired “South Park” to take a whack at this fair city in a song titled “Jackin’ it in San Diego.” The ditty joins “I Love L.A.” and “New York, New York” in the pantheon of great city songs.

Shocking News When the Chargers and Padres failed to live up to expectations, San Diego sports fans resorted to their own inventions, like Ultimate Tazer Ball (unveiled to the public in March), a sport created, in part, by Encinitas resident Leif Kellenberger.

UTB combines soccer and rugby, only with bigger balls, in more ways than one: players taze rather than tackle each other. The sport has four “professional” teams, including the San Diego Spartans, and there are rumors of a TV deal with a major cable network.

Arrested Development In April, a Clairemont artist discovered how knit-picky city officials can be after he transformed 100 street signs into flowers using yarn and wire. The artist,

a computer programmer known as “Bryan,” wanted to beautify the area, but officials ordered his creations removed because the crocheted leaves and stems qualified as vandalism. At least Bryan has a good yarn to tell his kids.

Plane Crazy In May, a parolee without a plane ticket snuck past security at Lindbergh Field, boarding a United Airlines flight via an emergency fire door. The plane’s departure was delayed while TSA investigated, which likely took long enough for the guy to complete his purchases from Sky Mall.

Watchmen In June, a group of 7th-grade students in Paradise Hills attempted their own test on whether sexual orientation is innate by challenging each other to watch gay porn on their cell phones during English class.

Whoever showed signs of arousal was labeled gay. The boys’ teacher, Eric Johnson, came under fire for not responding when other students complained (probably because he was too busy watching the TMZ clip of the Invisible Children guy playing with himself in Pacific Beach). …and the rockets red blah Organizers promised the July 4 fireworks show over San Diego Bay would be an epic, 18-minute salute to Old Glory. Instead, it was an epic failure resulting from a computer malfunction that caused everything to go up in smoke in 15 seconds, providing the biggest patriotic buzz-kill to hit the city since Roseanne butchered “The Star-Spangled Banner” at a Padres game.

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High Octane Public transportation can be trippy, especially for three San Diego bus drivers who inadvertently ate pot brownies brought to work by another transit employee in August. The drivers pulled over when they realized the bumps in the road were actually in their heads.

Officials later said the three had handled their unexpected highs appropriately. Some passengers were reportedly angry that no one offered to share.

Apocalypse How? In October, San Diego security firm HALO Corp. enlisted the help of legions of citizens portraying zombies in a training seminar aimed at teaching first responders and other emergency personnel how to handle a zombie outbreak or similar disaster. Of course, anyone who’s walked around Ocean Beach during weed harvest time knows where to find real zombies. (Spoiler alert: they smell like patchouli.)

Dust Buddy There’s forgetful, and then there’s the person who left the cremains of a 90-something-year-old dead guy at an Ocean Beach car wash in October. The deceased, formerly known as Henry Lefebvre, died in Orange County in 1995. His final resting place was eventually reunited with a family member who didn’t explain why the dearly departed was riding around in a car.

David Moye is a staff writer for Huffington Post’s Weird News section, an occasional psychic and a regular contributor to PacificSD.

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Fox 5 reporter Heather Ford, WHO plans to run 50 marathons in 50 states, OFTEN TRAINS ALONG THIS scenic path in Del Mar.

away

GLAM ON THE RUN Off-camera with FOX 5’s Heather Ford

By Ron Donoho / Photo by Rob Hammer

She looks like the prototypical So Cal gal, but Heather Ford, 27, grew up in Florida (born in Daytona Beach, raised in Orlando, graduated from the University of Central Florida).

Ford’s been the morning roving reporter on San Diego’s FOX 5 TV since 2008. In this behind-the-scenes interview, she talks about ignoring her father’s advice, her marathon bucket list and a penchant for dressing up to conduct reports from Comic-Con. You said your dad wanted you to take tennis lessons?

He wanted me in lessons, and I didn’t want to do it. But when you get to the point of watching Anna Kournikova and Maria Sharapova and these cute blondes making loads of cash off the sport, you think, “Oh, Dad, I should have listened.”

Why tennis? Were you always sporty?

My sister and I were on traveling cheerleading teams growing up. Cheer. Dance. In college, I was on the women’s lightweight rowing team. We were regional champs in 2005.

How did you get from cheer to the newsroom?

You can’t do three-a-day practices when you get involved in the newsroom and journalism school. I was a double major in political science and broadcast journalism, and I was literally living in the newsroom at the university.

(Continued on page 32)

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away

How did you get into running?

My good friend was into track and field. She got me running in the morning before class at 5 a.m. She said we should sign up for the Walt Disney Half Marathon. It was sold out. But the full marathon was open, so we did it. [Ford’s first marathon time: 4:35.] I remember it was 90 degrees in Florida and balmy, but I was hooked.

Do you have a running entry on your bucket list?

Fifty marathons in 50 states. I’ve done six [the canceled New York Marathon would have been her seventh].

When do you run now, since your job gets you out of bed at 3 a.m.?

I’ve embraced the “siesta.” From about 12:30 to 2 in the afternoon, I do super-power napping. I will be out completely. Then, right when I wake up, I go for a jog. And I’ll go to Crossfit gym for strength and stability. They’re kind of like boot camp workouts.

What are some of your most memorable on-air reports?

I always look forward to Comic-Con, Opening Day at the Del Mar track, and I loved covering the Miramar Air Show last year. I got to fly with the Blue Angels. SeaWorld has so many opportunities for reporters to go live – swimming with dolphins and playing in the penguin exhibit. I think about kids who would love to do that, and this is what I do for a job.

You mentioned dressing up for ComicCon reporting. What was that like?

That crowd doesn’t want an autograph or a picture of Heather Ford. They want a picture with Robin [she dressed as a sexy version of Batman’s sidekick a couple Cons ago]. This year was way better than HEATHER Ford dressed up as Wonder Woman TO COVeR my Robin outfit. I did Wonder Woman, this year’s Comic-Con. the wig and everything. My photographer didn’t recognize me when I showed up.

The fun thing was finding other people dressed up as her. I had three little girls as miniature Wonder Women. Then I found a 70-year-old Wonder Woman. It made it fun and playful. The first year I didn’t get it; I showed up in street clothes. I got a costume the very next day.

2013 ROCKIN' NEW YEAR'S EVE Howie Day Meshell Ndegeocello:

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(Continued from page 30)

Join us for dinner e shows... & one of these fin

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THE

FOX 5 TV’s morning newscast characters play it fast and loose. Anchors Raul Martinez and Sholly Zomorodi, and weather/traffic reporter Chrissy Russo, go for laughs, and sometimes exude a certain je ne sais huh?

Roving reporter Heather Ford says things can get a little racy.

“Our show is definitely off the cuff,” she says. “There are a lot of memorable moments…They were talking about some girl’s cleavage the other day. I was out at Knott’s Scary Farm. I was talking about monster makeup. There was this scary vampire girl with these huge boobs.

“Back in the studio, Chrissy, of course, says, ‘I want to learn how to do my makeup like hers.’ She had all this shadowing and shading to make her cleavage look bigger. But I’m a little naïve. So I said, ‘Yeah, look at her eyes and cheekbones.’ And Chrissy’s like: ‘That’s not what I was talking about.’”

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Prep Rally

Armageddon out of here – a glimpse into the prepper lifestyle and tips for surviving 12/21/2012

By Allie Daugherty Christmas is canceled. Well, not officially, but it might as well be considering how many people believe the world is going to sink into an apocalyptic state of destruction three days before Santa is scheduled to stuff stockings.

The seemingly inexplicable (see page 36) end of the Mayan calendar on December 21 has definitely caused some panic.

“It’s like going into a haunted house,” says Randy Kelley, an ex-Navy SEAL and the lead instructor at San Diego preparedness group Ready-5 (ready-five.com). “You enter and you’re already freaked out, but you haven’t even been scared yet. Then, when something happens, it amplifies that feeling. 2012 is like that.”

Possible threats of disaster have caused people like Kelley to get ready for the aftermath.

In today’s society, those people are called “preppers.”

According to Kelley, most preppers think there’s going to be a great die-off of people due to things like pandemics, an economic collapse or natural disasters. They prepare for the worst by stock-piling food, water and other resources.

“I’m not going to say they’re not crazy, because some of them probably are,” he says.

“But if you knew a wreck was coming, you’d want to put on your seatbelt, right? All prepping is is insurance.”

To get ready for the end of the world, Kelley suggests having the following: Shelter: Something to protect you from the elements.

Food (quantity and storage): “It needs to be stuff you like to eat,” says Kelley. Also, store seeds and fertilizer to grow your own.

Water: “You need to be able to store some, but the biggest thing is you need to be able to filter,” he says. “A water filter is probably the most important thing you can get.”

Communication: Cell phones or radios.

Plans: “You have to have a book that says, ‘Earthquake: This is where we’re going, this is what we’re packing, let’s go.’”

Personal protection: Kelley stresses that gun safety laws must always be followed, adding, “I’m not a big believer in 50 guns.” Only a few types of guns and self-defense weapons are needed.

Mobility: “You need a decent car to go off-roading… or slowly push people out of the way. You have to have stuff in your car, too, like food and water.”

Tools: “You might have to make your own things.”

Extras: Like toothbrushes, etc.

Medicine: A first-aid kit, cough drops, etc.

Books: Physical copies, like encyclopedias, are preferred. “As much as we love the digital world, what happens if there’s a cyber attack?”

(Continued on page 36)

“if you knew a wreck was coming, you’d want to put on your seatbelt, right? All prepping is is insurance.”

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After 156 years, it’s cool to be the NEW guy. We’re Henry Weinhard’s, and we’re serving up rock-solid brews that are textbook examples of their style. So try a bottle of Woodland Pass IPA™, Redwood Flats Amber™ or Private Reserve and see what we’re all about.

The “f” logo is a trademark/service mark of Facebook, Inc.

©2012 Blitz-Weinhard Brewing Co., Hood River, OR * Milwaukee, WI

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(Continued from page 34)

Doomsday Debunked Facts to live by

Everyone thought the world was going to end in Y2K. Clearly, that turned out to be underwhelming. Now, the trendiest new doomsday date – December 21, 2012 – has become so well known that NASA released a statement about it: “Nothing bad will happen to the Earth in 2012.”

How reassuring.

According to the space organization, “The story started with claims that Nibiru, a supposed [read: made-up] planet discovered by the Sumerians, is headed toward Earth. This catastrophe was initially predicted for May 2003, but when nothing happened, the doomsday date was moved forward to December 2012. Then these two fables were linked to the end of one of the cycles in the ancient Mayan calendar at the winter solstice in 2012.”

But even the Mayan calendar evidence has been snuffed. The calendar lists 13 144,000-day calendar cycles, called bak’tuns. The 13th of these ends on December 21, 2012, leading many to think the Mayans were predicting the end of the world.

However, newly discovered Mayan writings have brought fresh insight.

Researchers released a statement in June explaining that the newfound text talked not of a prophecy, but of ancient political history. This suggested that the December date was an important calendar event that would have been celebrated by the culture, but was not a prediction of the end of times.

In layman’s terms, the Mayans just had a really long calendar year, and December 21, 2012, would have been their New Year’s Eve. It’s not Armageddon, it’s party time!

As for the Nostradamus theory (which suposedly predicted the world would end in December), the famed prophesizer’s book “The Prophecies” mentions neither the end of the world nor the year 2012.

SHOW TIME Many Americans got their first taste of prepping from the National Geographic TV show “Doomsday Preppers,” which highlights the strategies of those preparing for the world’s end, and then scores them on their chances of survival. According to local prepping expert Randy Kelley, the program shines a negative light on the culture by focusing on the zaniest preppers.

“Someone who stores three-to-six months of food can be seen in the same light as those whackos, so most preppers like to be quiet about it,” he says.

But one prepper from the show, who goes simply by Chris, puts the idea of an apocalypse in a different perspective: “Food is not in short supply. It’s brains that are in short supply.”

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“Food is not in short supply.

It’s brains that are in short supply.”

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NOW SHOWING December art gallery and museum offerings

By Patricia B. Dwyer

12/8-1/6: “Corázon” New works by EXIST1981 Thumbprint Gallery, La Jolla thumbprintgallerysd.com The man formerly known as whatever his parents probably still call him is now EXIST1981, a San Diego street artist whose image of a woman’s face has been plastered, spray-painted and screen-printed on electrical boxes, apartment buildings and T-shirts around the county and beyond.

For his next trick, EXIST1981 will unveil “Corázon” – a collection of his illustrations, glass etchings, watercolors, silkscreens and works in acrylics and spray paint – at a gallery in La Jolla, of all places.

“At a gallery, people can actually take the time to see the pieces,” he says.

“I appreciate having the attention of the viewer for a few minutes as opposed to them driving by a poster on the street.”

The artist asked us not to reveal his real name, but he did intimate that “Corázon” (Spanish for “heart”) was inspired by his recent marriage and the birth of his son.

clockwise (from top left): “aortic beast” by exist1981; “vena cava goat” by exist1981; “papuan gulf skull rack,” courtesy of the valerie franklin collection; “papuan malagan plaque,” courtesy of the valerie franklin collection.

12/15-1/1: “Pacific Horizons” San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park sdmart.org Simple wooden figures and plaques may appear rural and undisciplined to Western audiences, but the Melanesian creations to be on display at San Diego Museum of Art (SDMA) in December represent important components of Pacific Island culture.

“A lot of these objects are figures that were originally intended as ceremonial objects,” says Julia Marciari-Alexander, Ph.D., deputy director for curatorial affairs at SDMA. “And just by complete fabulous luck, they still exist today, even though they’re 100 to 150 years old.”

Certain pieces included in “Pacific Horizons” are tied to intimate spiritual practices. The Papuan Gulf skull rack shown here (above, right), for example, would have held the semidecomposed skull of a fallen leader as part of a funerary ritual. (Continued on page 40) THI R T Y – EIGHT

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(Continued from page 38) 11/29-6/14: “The Very Large Array: San Diego/ Tijuana Artists in the MCA Collection” Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Downtown mcasd.org An exhibition of more than five decades of work by nearly 100 artists from San Diego and Tijuana is now on display at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD).

“We are seeking ways to make our permanent collection more visible and accessible,” says Jill Dawsey, associate curator at MCASD. Paintings for this show are hung “salon style,” covering the walls from floor to ceiling. A smaller gallery within the same room will host more focused, rotating exhibitions.

12/8-12/29: “Sacred Patterns for the Soul” Jewelry by Matthew Cirello Cirello Gallery, North Park cirellogallery.com San Diego metalsmith Matthew Cirello incorporates high-grade gems with silver, copper and brass to form jewelry meant to connect its wearers to more than his creations.

“All my jewelry is inspired by sacred geometry,” Cirello says. “I create shapes and patterns that show us how we are all interconnected as one on earth.”

Metalsmithing involves lots of heat, hammering and tedious attention to detail.

For Cirello, it’s a labor of love.

“I believe that we are what we surround ourselves with,” he says. “My jewelry will create feelings of love, a positive transformation which all life is attracted to.” clockwise (from top): “Quentin” by richard allen morris; “batiquios” ©manny farber; “lace of love for life,” stainless steel necklace by matthew cirello; “divine love partners,” pink tourmaline and triangle diamond in white and yellow gold pendants, by matthew cirello.

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Texas Christian University’s Matthew Tucker leaps for a touchdown in THE 2011 San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl.

BELOW: pregame and halftime pageantry entertain bridgepoint education holiday bowl fans.

bowl us over College bowl games coming to San Diego

By Ron Donoho

The 2012-13 NCAA football season won’t end until 35 bowl games have been played. That’s a lot of nachos and cheese served to millions of face-painted boosters. But who’s counting? We are.

San Diego hosts two postseason matchups at Qualcomm Stadium: the Poinsettia and Holiday Bowls.

A national champion is not going to emerge from either game, but they’re happening here, so we dug up the crucial facts and figures you need to know for these nationally televised (ESPN) gridiron games:

Poinsettia Bowl Game Day: December 20 Match-up: MWC vs. BYU* Hoopla: Battle of the School Bands First Year: 2005 Sponsor: San Diego County Credit Union

Holiday Bowl December 27 Big 12 vs. PAC 12 Big Bay Balloon Parade 1978 Bridgepoint Education

*If BYU is bowl-eligible (with six wins), it is contracted to play in the game.

BYU: Brigham Young University MWC: Mountain West Conference WAC: Western Athletic Conference PAC: Pacific Athletic Conference poinsettiabowl.com, holidaybowl.com F or t y – t wo

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Bowl Full (of factoids) SDSU appearance in Holiday Bowl: 1986 loss to Iowa, 39-38 SDSU appearance in Poinsettia Bowl: 2010 win over Navy, 35-14 This year, the Aztecs could play in: the Poinsettia Bowl, if they come in second in the Mountain West Conference Cities other than San Diego that annually host two bowl games: New Orleans and Orlando Worst College Football Bowl Game Names: Chick-fil-A Bowl (Atlanta), Meineke Car Care Bowl (Houston), Little Caesars Pizza Bowl (Detroit)

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raider nation is coming to town DECEMBER 30 to battle the chargers (and their fans).

the Fire

A long-time football rivalry heats up on the field and in the stands

By Dan McLellan and Ron Donoho / Photos by Mike Nowak

The Raider Nation is a traveling freak show: Oakland Raiders fans follow their football team en masse, dressed in horror flick costumes with their faces painted black and silver.

Ah, the inhumanity.

(Continued on page 46)

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(Continued from page 44)

Chargers outside linebacker Antwan Barnes SACKS Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer in a regularseason game last year.

The Raiders are coming to San Diego December 30 to battle the Chargers in the final game of the NFL’s regular season. When these two division rivals square off, as they’ve been doing twice each year, it’s easy to tell – these guys truly dislike each other.

“Luckily, lately, I have been having good games up there,” says Chargers wide receiver Malcom Floyd. “They are rivals, so you kind of get more amped up for that game.”

Last year, the Chargers eliminated the Raiders from postseason contention in the final game of the regular season, with a 38-26 victory in Oakland.

Whether the Bolts win or lose, many San Diegans regard the influx of Raiders fans, some of whom arrive ready and eager to start stadium and bar-room brawls, as bad news for the community.

Case in point: when the 2003 Super Bowl was played in San Diego, and one of the teams competing in that championship game was Oakland (they lost!), a local company ran a series of TV ads that showed people nervously locking up doors and windows. The onscreen text included four frames: “THE RAIDERS FANS ARE HERE.” “NOT EVERYONE IS THRILLED ABOUT THIS.” “WE ARE.” “KING STAHLMAN BAIL BONDS.”

It Takes Balls The rivalry between the San Diego Chargers and the Oakland Raiders hit a pinnacle in 1978 – after the ridiculously refereed “Holy Roller Game.”

Playing at home, the Chargers had a 20-14 lead with 10 seconds remaining.

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Those hooligan Raiders fans have bragging rights, however, as their team has the upper hand in the all-time match-up (58-46-2). But several stretches have seen one team dominate the other, and that has heated up the rivalry.

The Chargers won the first six meetings, from 1960-62, outscoring the Raiders by a combined 251-98 points. Back then, Oakland was the laughingstock of football, and Al Davis served as an offensive coach for the Chargers.

When Davis defected from San Diego in 1963, he was hired as the Raiders head coach and general manager. The Raiders beat the Chargers twice that year; and from 1968-77, Oakland was victorious in 18 consecutive meetings.

In the 1980 AFC Championship game (played in San Diego), the Raiders beat the Chargers, 34-27, and went on to become the first wild-card team to win a Super Bowl.

San Diego turned the tide in recent years, winning 15 of the last 18 games, including a 13-game win streak from 2003-09. But the Chargers have never won a Super Bowl, and Oakland has three rings.

It sucks (and tempers flare) when those silver-and-black demons start barking about it in the parking lot.

On the last play, Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler intentionally fumbled the ball forward as he was being sacked by linebacker Woodrow Lowe.

Raiders running back Pete Banaszak batted the ball at the 12-yard line, and then tight end Dave Casper knocked the ball from the 2-yard line into the end zone, where he fell on it to steal a 21-20 victory.

Chargers Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts remains haunted by the play. “It still blows my mind how the referees could not see what it was or discern exactly what happened,” Fouts has said. “Woodrow Lowe clearly got a sack on Stabler, and he shuffled the ball forward. It wasn’t a fumble; I mean he threw the ball.”

Sometimes, cheaters win.

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EYE OPENER Poppin’ bottles with eye-poppin’ style

By Ron Donoho

WILL DO

Diego’s nightlife megastars DJhere Productions, has three partners, each with varying links to San Diego. Their glasses started as a college project, but once the quartet felt they had a legitimate product, they sought funding through Kickstarter. com (an online pledge system for funding creative projects).

It was a rocky process, says Eckstein, but after starts and stops, the company hit its goal of $15,000 in four days. Over a 40-day run on Kickstarter, they got 273 backers to pledge $26,783.

The money went into manufacturing and tooling costs, stress-testing and raw materials.

“We’re minimalists and we know we didn’t invent something really groundbreaking, but we like products that are made well and last a little bit longer,” says Eckstein.

The name behind the brand

P at E c k s tein

Our thirsty world would be a much dryer place if it weren’t for bottle openers, which, thankfully, come in all shapes and sizes – and on belt buckles, hats and footwear.

(1.6 million pairs of opener-equipped Reef Fanning sandals were sold in the first six months they were offered.)

You’d think an idea as simple as sunglasses with bottle openers would already have flooded the market.

Nope.

According to a local entrepreneur, his company’s bottle-opening eyewear is one of just two models currently on sale. Liquid Shades co-founder Patrick Eckstein, whose glasses are made of titanium, considers his product (retailing at $120) a higher-end version of the plastic/metal-reinforced pair of opener-glasses that go for $15.99.

Eckstein, a former member of San

Liquid Shades were promoted on Kickstarter.com under the name JackHawk 9000.

If the name of these titanium bottle-opening sunglasses rings a bell, it’s because you may have caught the movie reference.

“The JackHawk 9000 is a utility knife that Will Ferrell mentions in [‘Talladega Nights: The Legend of Ricky Bobby’],” says Liquid Shades co-founder Patrick Eckstein. “I don’t know…we may have to change the name. But we did meet Will Ferrell on the golf course in Coronado. And we gave him a beer and the sunglasses. He didn’t seem upset about the name.”

“We’re minimalists and we know we didn’t invent something really ground-breaking, but we like products that are made well.”

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f r o m

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Sparkling, subtly sweet, one-of-a-kind−Coco Brevé.

A bubbly alcoholic beverage made with real coconut water so the fun always comes naturally. When you want something different, invite Coco Brevé.

© 2012 COCO BREVE TRADING COMPANY, ALBANY, GA PREMIUM MALT BEVERAGE WITH COCONUT WATER AND NATURAL FLAVORS

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE SHOP LOCAL THIS HOLIDAY SEASON Inspired by sacred geometry, Cirello jewelry is handcrafted by San Diego artisans using reclaimed stainless steel. Pictured: The Lotus Flower Cuff ($142).

LUXURIOUS LINGERIE AT AFFORDABLE PRICES Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, everyone deserves a little spice! Thrill your lover this holiday season with sexy lingerie, couples’ games, massage candles and oils, bedtime toys and much more! Where Couples Love To Shop!

Barnett Avenue Superstore 619.224.0187, barnettaveadultsuperstore.com 3610 Barnett Ave., Sports Arena

Cirello Fine Art Gallery 3803 Ray St., North Park 619.795.4850, cirellogallery.com

Déjà Vu Love Boutique 619.448.3791, loveboutiqueonline.com 1560 N. Magnolia Ave., El Cajon

HIGH-TECH TIMBER TIMEPIECES ($119) Get a splinter of eco-luxury with a 100 percent natural wood WeWood watch, wholly absent of artificial and toxic materials.

WeWood plants a tree for every watch sold.

THE WORLD OF LUXURY LOOSE-LEAF TEAS ($10 - $65) Tea Gallerie is San Diego’s source for premium looseleaf teas from around the world, with more than 100 unique blends of tea to choose from. Give your loved ones the gift of health with gift baskets containing tea, tea mugs or tea makers starting at $40. Mention “PACIFIC MAGAZINE” for 15% off your entire purchase!

WeWood we-wood.us

Tea Gallerie 7297 Ronson Road Suite B, Kearny Mesa 800.409.3109, teagallerie.com

PB PEANUT BUTTER… WANNA SPOON? PB Peanut Butter’s flavored gift sets make perfectly delicious gifts!

Check out a wide variety of packages, jars and gift sets online.

MODIFY WATCHES ($40 - $50) Mixable and matchable for individual style, Modify’s interchangeable faces and straps are the perfect holiday timepiece, offering dope design for everyday wear.

Available in two perfectly giftable unisex sizes.

PB Peanut Butter 858.522.9297, pbpeanutbutter.com

Modify Watches modifywatches.com

RIDE INTO 2013 ON A FIXIE What was your favorite Christmas gift as a kid? Good chance it was a new bike! These flashy bikes aren’t just for hipsters; they’re perfect for zipping around town and feature a single speed for coasting or a true “fixed gear.” Pacific Beach Bikes also has a large selection of affordable beach cruisers priced from $134.

GIVE THE “BOYS” THE GIFT OF FRESHNESS ($13.95) Cowboy Code men’s body powder – loaded in a rosin bag for easy pat-on application where men need it most – gives every man something his “boys” will appreciate this holiday season.

Cowboy Code Powder CowboyCodePowder.com Buy it locally at: FeeLit, 909 E St. East Village Crow Thief, 3009 Grape St., South Park

Pacific Beach Bikes 858.220.6187, PacificBeachBikes.com

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE A BETTER WAY TO BREAK A SWEAT Located in the Forum in Carlsbad, BodyROK is a one-of-a-kind, light-filled studio that offers a modern take on traditional Pilates, giving BodyROKers an intense, 50-minute, highly efficient, core-focused cardio and strength-training workout.

BodyROK 1905 Calle Barcelona, Ste. 211, Carlsbad 760.436.4765, carlsbad.bodyrokstudios.com

SHADES FOR SCHOLARSHIPS Upgrade your style and give back with a fresh pair of Blenders Eyewear, like these Snow Leopard shades ($34). A portion of every sale goes to college scholarships. Blenders get you #FeelinGood. Feel even better with 20% off any pair when you enter promo code: PacSanDiego Blenders Eyewear 737 Pearl St., La Jolla 805.403.0422, blenderseyewear.com

HYDRATE YOUR HOLIDAYS ($29.95) Transform tap water into pure, greattasting H2O, eliminating the cost and waste of bottled water. The most innovative bottle on the market, GOBIE has a replaceable filter that removes contaminants and improves taste. It’s BPA free, made in San Diego, dishwasher safe and a deliciously sustainable gift. Get 20% off with coupon code: pacificmag

SWEET BALANCE OF NEW & DESIGNER RESALE DOWNTOWN Need a gift idea? Pick-up a tangerine teakwood candle for $18. Or, for the perfect party ensemble, scoop up this favorite tulip red dress for $48.

Bloom San Diego, 619.202.7544 facebook.com/BLOOMSD 660 9th Ave., East Village

gobieh2o.com facebook.com/GobieH2O

SANTA’S LITTLE HELPER Give the gift that keeps on giving: a two-year lease from Kearny Mesa Fiat. For Pacific Magazine lease specials see page 4.

THE GASLAMP’S TRENDIEST CLOSET Tease Boutique has your holiday shopping covered. Try on this Grid Cut-Out Dress in blue, $63 with any pair of Jeffrey Campbell Lita’s, $159. Be sure to grab your TEASE gift card (see page 90).

Kearny Mesa Fiat 5155 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa 858.492.9200, kmfiat.com

Tease Boutique 435 Island Ave., Gaslamp 619.795.2824, teaseboutique.com

GET DOLLED UP FOR THE HOLIDAYS AT OUR LITTLE SECRET Come join the fun at Our Little Secret, offering hair and skin care, waxing and airbrush spray tans. Enjoy your relaxing experience and indulge with a glass of wine or champagne. The $40 mini-highlight or lowlight includes shampoo, blow-dry style and 10 foils (first-time clients only). Offer expires January 1, 2013

GREAT GIFT IDEAS AT YOLO BOARD WEST COAST YOLO Board is more than just a stand-up paddleboard company; it is a way of life.

Every board is designed to take you to all the places on the water that you dream of and beyond, like this 12’ Original ‘California’ SUP, $1,385.00. Buy one board, get the second board for 1/2 off.

Our Little Secret - hair, skin care, wax, and spray tan boutique 6437 Caminito Blythefield, Ste. A, La Jolla 858.454.7444, OurLittleSecretSD.com

Yolo Board West Coast 3655 Camino Del Rio West, Ste. A, Mission Valley 619.574.6991, YoloBoard.com

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f r u s r e rf su EY o pr SHL n o i p sia A in m a h C asta splash ater An akes a the w of m out and

By Andrea Siedsma Hugh Hefner once referred to Anastasia Ashley as a “sea goddess,” but don’t let her good looks and sex appeal intimidate you – she’ll do that in the surf line-up.

Ashley, 25, won the Professional Surf Tour of America at age 16 and was the Pipeline Women’s Pro champion in 2010. She has also appeared in numerous magazines, including Playboy (in a bikini).

A water baby since age 2 (she swam competitively from age 5 to 12), Ashley is now a dominant athlete with a major sponsorship deal from Airwalk. The company has designed and named a shoe and skateboard after its surfing star.

P h o t o g rap h y by

Sami Drasin

F as h i on d i r e c t or

Simone Perloff S t y l e d by

Jessica Rose Delee Ha i r by

Amanda Thorne-Pritchard (Thorne Artistry Salon) M ak e up by

Sarah Stuart S t y l i s t ’ s ass i s t an t

Ashten Goodenough

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Divina Gown by Kenneth Barlis ($25,000), kennethbarlis.com. Galaxy Earrings by Mimi & Lu ($52), mimiandlu.com.

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“I just like being out there and want to continue what I’m doing and prove that you can be a female athlete and be feminine and respected at the same time.”

Feathered skirt by Adam Lippes ($145), Blazer

by Helmut Lang ($175), both from My Sister’s Closet, mysisterscloset.com. Kala rings ($46 each), crystal spike earrings ($46), both by Lush Jewelry, lushjewelry.com. Friendship bangles by Sophia and Chloe ($97 each), sophiandchloe.com. Down to Earth bootie

by Chinese Laundry ($109.99), Tutto Cuore shoes pacific beach, tuttocuoreshoes.com.

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“If you look at advertising around the world,” Ashley says, “surfing is one of the most marketed lifestyle images – the image of you in your swimsuit and on the beach and on your board.”

But despite being a member of a growing cadre of strong female surfers, Ashley says she will always be compared to the men in her sport.

“In any sport, the males typically get more sponsorships and attention, and people say women get sponsorship because they are attractive,” she says.

“Overall, surfing is a very oversexualized sport, and people forget it is on the male side, too. You also have attractive and ripped male surfers modeling with their shirts off.”

As for modeling, she sees that as an extension of her surfing career.

“I never pursued modeling,” she says. “I mainly consider it as advertising for my sponsors. It’s a lot of fun, and I love dressing up and having someone do my hair and makeup.”

But for Ashley, looking good and having a famous backside always takes a backseat to her real love.

“Surfing is my number one focus,” she says. “There are a lot of beautiful female surfers, but you can’t just be pretty and cut it. You have to be a good athlete as well. Sometimes people forget that and focus more on appearances. For myself, I have accomplished things that I can back up, talentwise, and I know my ability.”

Being at the top of her sport, now that’s a beautiful thing.

Body suit by Jennafer Grace ($58), jennafergrace.com. Biona Vest by Kenneth Barlis ($450), kennethbarlis.com. Ariela necklace ($160), Manhattan Necklace ($88) and Ascend Necklace ($120), all by lush jewelry, lushjewelry.com. Crystal Moon Ring by Suki BijoUx ($32), sukibijoUx.com.

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“The thing I like about surfing is it’s an individual sport. You can go whenever you want on your own and you are disconnected from everything.

It’s a really relaxing and calming thing for me.”

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“When I get up, I check the waves.

If it’s good, I’ll go surf, and then I’ll come back and check emails, maybe go on Facebook or Twitter and catch up with sponsors.

Then I usually go work out at the gym. after lunch, maybe i’ll try to surf again.

My days are pretty active.”

Shot Gun Top by Beach Riot, beachriot.com; Gold bar necklace, $45; Shark necklace, $75; Bangles with shells and silver beads, $55, all by Paradise Found, shopparadisefound.com; Square cuff, $86; Toby Ring, $48; Weekday rings, $30 each, all

by Mimi & Lu, mimiandlu.com. Bloom necklace, $36 by Bloom, bloomsd.com. Curiosity pyrite ring, $58, by Lush Jewelry, lushjewelry.com.

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f o s e v wa Anastasia Ashley’s trophies and other highlights Accolades: Named Association of Surfing Professionals Hawaiian Triple Crown Rookie of the Year in 2008.

American Professional Surf Tour champion at age 16.

2010 women’s Pipeline Pro champion.

Finalist in the women’s Pipeline Pro in 2009 and 2011 (has more appearances in the finals of this event than any other surfer).

Corona American Pro Surfing Series Champion.

Upcoming contests: Honda American Pro Surfing Series, Huntington Beach, Calif., Dec. 12-16, 2012 Women’s Pipeline Pro, March 2013 Fave San Diego surf breaks: Oceanside Harbor; Seaside Reef, Cardiff by the Sea; Blacks, La Jolla Fave local haunt: Katsuya by Starck (at Andaz San Diego), Gaslamp Fear factor: Despite having surfed 20-foot waves, Ashley has a fear of heights.

As she puts it, “You can’t pay me to go on a roller coaster or put me in a high building.”

Emerald Green Dress ($69.99), The Fabulous Rag Boutique, thefabulousrag.com. Shark Bangles by Paradise Found ($65).

Cosmic Cocktail Ring by Suki Bijoux ($68), sukibijoux.com. Disco Hoops by Mimi & Lu ($44), mimiandlu.com. Leopard Clutch by House Of Harlow ($235), Tease Boutique, teaseboutique.com.

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WENDY LEMLIN

each winter, snow blankets mount laguna, which is only an hour from downtown san diego.

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Flaking Out When the snow falls, bundle up and make some balls B y

W end y

L emlin

When there’s rain and cold in America’s Finest, chances are there’s snow in our highest mountain areas. Here’s a flurry of snow-possible locations close enough to San Diego to spend a day or overnight getaway.

But even at higher elevations, snow around these parts doesn’t last long. So, when it does fall, go ahead, be a flake – blow off work or school for a day and enjoy it.

I remember one day last winter...

After the previous day’s cold and blustery rainstorms, the morning finally glistened under cloudless cerulean skies, as my friend and I loaded our dogs, cross-country skis, lunch and extra layers of clothing into the car and headed east out I-8.

By the time we reached Alpine, we could glimpse the peaks of the Cuyamacas and the Lagunas glinting white in the distance. We continued another 13 miles to Exit 47 and turned north on Sunrise Highway toward Mt. Laguna, one of the primo places to enjoy snow in San Diego County.

As we climbed the winding road toward the 6,000-foot peak, the temperature dropped to the high-30s, and the light dusting of snow became full coverage, with melting icicles sparkling like holiday decorations on the pine tree boughs. Having left downtown San Diego and 60-degree weather just an hour before, we were now surrounded by the proverbial winter wonderland.

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Head east on I-8 about 40 miles from Ocean Beach, and take Exit 40 (about 7 miles before the Sunrise Highway exit) for CA 79, the road that runs north through the almost 25,000-acre Cuyamaca Rancho

mount laguna

D a v id Valen z uela

Cuyamaca Rancho State Park

State Park. There are meadows, valleys and 5-6,000foot peaks – forested in oak, cedar and pine – which are postcard-perfect when blanketed in snow; there are creeks and waterfalls that rush ever faster with the snowmelt. You might find snow at the lower elevations close by the road, or you might have to hike up (or at least look toward) the higher peaks, such as Cuyamaca WENDY LEMLIN

Luckily it was midweek, because, although there was a good deal of traffic on the freshly plowed mountain road, it wasn’t backed up to a crawl as it can often be on a snow-filled weekend. We stopped at a popular turnout that overlooked a panorama of virgin white meadows and blue-tinged far-off peaks, snapped a few photos of the magnificence and continued on.

A little further down the road, shrieks of glee rang out from a short hill on our right where families with kids ditching school for an impromptu snow day were sliding on whatever worked: sleds, toboggans, boogie boards, even pool floats. We bypassed the familial commotion, and, having just entered Cleveland National Forest, drove to the Laguna Mountain Lodge and General Store at mile marker 23.5 to fill our thermoses with steaming hot cider and purchase a $5 Adventure Pass for the day – a necessity for parking anywhere along the road in the National Forest. (You will definitely get a ticket if you don’t display the pass in your car.)

Next, we approached a small, barely plowed parking area on our right that led to a wooden platform with an ahhh-inspiring, miles-long overlook of the Anza Borrego Desert to the east, thousands of feet below.

We took a few minutes to be blown away by the view and then continued to just past mile marker 27, where we parked near what would have been the Noble Canyon and Big Laguna trailheads, if the trails hadn’t been completely covered by eight inches of snow.

The dogs bounded out of the car, energized to puppy-playfulness by the white stuff, as we strapped on skis and looped poles over our wrists; in short order, humans and canines headed into the silent, magical, crystalline realm of the snow queen.

(If Rover wants to romp as well, keep in mind that California State Parks do not allow dogs on any of the trails – you’ll have more fun with your dog in the areas under the jurisdiction of the National Forest.)

We skied out to Laguna Meadow where we picnicked and drank our cider under that impossibly blue sky in the ever-warming sun, made snow angels and tossed snowballs for the dogs to catch, and then gradually made our way back to the car.

In the three hours we had been out on the skis, we never saw another person once we left the vicinity of the road, although we had crossed some snowshoe tracks early on. It was a peaceful, beautiful and fun filled day, and by 4 p.m., we were back home and heading to the beach to catch the sunset. This is winter life in San Diego!

julian

or Stonewall. The reward for the hike? On a clear day, the panoramic view from these peaks stretches from the Salton Sea in the east to Catalina Island in the west.

Julian If you like your snowplay with a slice of warm-from-theoven apple pie, and think that fresh snow is the perfect adornment for festive holiday decorations in a quaint historic mining town, then keep heading north on 79 about 13 miles from Cuyamaca Rancho State Park to the town of Julian. As you head into town, you’ll pass Lake Cuyamaca (you’ll meet up with the other end of Sunrise Highway there), especially picturesque when surrounded by snow. An alternate route is to take I-8 to 67 toward

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JULIAN

Snow Fakes

The guide to artificial snow in San Diego B y

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In San Diego, a winter wonderland is exactly that: wondering what real winter is like. But thanks to Science, now the wondering can be quelled.

Check out the different ways to cover those palm trees in the white powdery stuff you’ve seen on TV, all while keeping those flip-flops on.

1. POWDER PUFF

The idea is cheap and simple: buy Snow In Seconds powder, add water and watch it expand into fake snow you can mold just like the real stuff. Also goes good on Christmas trees. snowinseconds.com

2. IN LIVING COLOR

3. THAT BLOWS

This is very similar to Snow In Seconds, except that it comes in a variety of colors. You still shouldn’t eat the yellow snow, however, or the red, blue, green… stevespanglerscience.com

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A substance called “snow liquid” is poured into a machine to produce a mist of extremely fine foam particles. These are dispersed by an internal fan and look and fall like real snow. Most party rental business keep them in stock.

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4. EAT ME

Okay, so a snow cone isn’t exactly snow, but it’s close enough and is a sticky pile of deliciousness that can cure the winter blues. There are a plethora of models available at various stores., including Target and Fry’s.

J e s s ica M urany

palomar mountain has some of the most frequent and deepest snowfalls in the county.

Ramona, where it becomes Highway 78, then follow 78 east into Julian. Either way, it is about an hour’s drive from San Diego.

Julian sits at about 4,200 feet of elevation, so it generally gets some of the white stuff every winter. Wander through art galleries and gift shops, enjoy the pies the town is famous for at several bakeries along Main Street, tour an old gold mine or stop into the Pioneer Museum for a history lesson. If you want to make an overnight trip of it (maybe combined with a day at Mt. Laguna or exploring Cuyamaca Rancho State Park), lodging options run the gamut from B&Bs to small hotels, but call ahead for reservations, as snow brings a huge influx of visitors to Julian.

Palomar Mountain Some consider the high country around Palomar Mountain to

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have the most quintessential mountain scenery in the county, with thick forests of fir, pine, oak and cedar; gentle valleys; sparkling streams; and landscapes reminiscent of more northern mountain ranges. With an average elevation of about 5,000 feet (High Peak rises 6,100 feet) and annual precipitation of 40 inches, Palomar has more frequent and deeper (up to three feet) snowfalls than other areas in the county. Access Palomar Mountain State Park, about 77 miles northeast from San Diego, by taking I-15 north to CA 76, going east about 20 miles, and then following either South Grade Road, which is steep and winding, or East Grade Road, which is a longer, more gradual ascent. Both offer amazing views and scenery. (Check for road closures before heading out.)

There are numerous areas for enjoying the snow, whether you want to snowshoe, cross country ski, hike, snow camp or just walk

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J e s s ica M urany

If You Go...

TIPS: If you drive to any of the mountain areas such as Sunrise Highway during or immediately after a snowstorm, chains will be required on your tires, and you will not be allowed on the roads without them.

(Occasionally, roads are closed completely.) However, if you wait a day or so until the roads are cleared, you can usually get by without them. Check with CHP before leaving home.

Avoid weekends if possible. Weekends immediately after a snowstorm mean traffic snarls and excessive crowds. In fact, cars are sometimes turned away from Sunrise Highway because of overly high traffic.

Go early in the day. Snowy roads tend to melt during the day, and then become icy as the temperature drops in late afternoon and evening, resulting in a slippery drive down the winding mountain roads.

palomar mountain

larry allen

Facilities:

Mt. Laguna: Laguna Mountain Lodge and Store sells a few

groceries and camping supplies, sandwiches, hot and cold beverages, sleds and other slideable things (at a premium), gloves, hats, scarfs, etc. This is where you buy your Adventure Pass to park anywhere in the Cleveland (or other) National Forest ($5 for a day pass, $30 for the year). You can also call ahead to inquire about snow conditions and whether you need chains. The Lodge has rooms and cabins for rent; some are dog-friendly. 10678 Sunrise Hwy., Mt. Laguna, 619.473.8533, lagunamountain.com. Just north of the Store is a Cleveland National Forest Visitor’s Center (open weekends) and rest room facilities (open daily). There are no gas stations on Mt. Laguna.

idyllwilD

palm s prin g s aerial tramway

Rancho Cuyamaca State Park: Camping and

hiking, equestrian trails available, $8 day use fee per car. Dogs not allowed on trails except on paved roads and Cuyamaca Peak Fire Rd. parks.ca.gov

Julian: Julian Chamber of Commerce, julianca.com Palomar Mountain: Palomar Mountain State Park

camping and hiking, $8 day-use fee per car. Dogs not allowed on trails.

There are no gas stations on Palomar Mountain. parks.ca.gov

Idyllwild: Peaceful, woodsy small town with all shops and

restaurants locally owned. Dogs can play off-leash at the wilderness Idyllwild Park, 54000 Riverside County Playground Rd. 951.659.2656, rivcoparks.org

Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: 1 Tram Way, Palm Springs. Tickets: $21.95-$23.95 adults. pstramway.com

palm springs aerial tramway

around and take photos. Check out the world-famous Palomar Observatory while you are there. You won’t be able to look into deep space through the 200-inch Hale telescope, but you can enjoy photos of distant worlds it has spotted.

Further Afield About two hours from San Diego, the rustically quaint town of Idyllwild, nestled in the San Jacinto Mountains of Riverside County, receives about 60 inches of snow per year (mostly from

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January through March) and is a popular getaway from both San Diego and Los Angeles. Rent a cabin, stay at an inn or camp.

If you’re heading to Palm Springs this winter, bring snow clothes as well and take the Aerial Tramway up to the 8,500-foot-high elevation of Mt. San Jacinto, graced by snow most of the winter and offering incredible views over the desert. The Adventure Center at the top of the tramway rents cross-country ski equipment and snowshoes. Note: there is generally about a 30-degree temperature drop from the desert floor to top of the tramway.

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BROTH-ERLY LOVE

how two

TasTe

BEST CELLARS

The mussel bisque at downtown’s dobson’s bar & restaurant comes topped with a golden puff pastry.

broth-erly

love

A citywide selection of soups to warm your cockles

By David Nelson / Photos by Brevin Blach Spooning isn’t just romantic, it’s downright heart-warming when it applies to the chowders, bisques and broths that come from the caring hands of San Diego’s soup-making chefs. (Continued on page 68)

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(Continued from page 67) Here are a dozen varieties to help burn off the winter frost about to settle across the city. And although we might not have snow, these recipes for heat let us imagine there’s a real winter here…at least a ladle bit.

(The Ultimate!) Hot and Sour Soup

Spicy King 1233 E. Vista Way, Vista 760.639.1888 Personable, comfortable, affordable and possessed of a firecracker-hot Szechuan menu capable of knocking you off your feet, Spicy King is the destination when the soul cries out for hot and sour soup. Better than wonderful, this inimitable brew arrives almost boiling in a huge, four-sided casserole. Hot with black pepper, velvetized with beaten eggs and rich with tofu, shredded carrots and more, it sizzles and sings.

Mussel Bisque

Dobson’s Bar & Restaurant 956 Broadway Cir., Downtown 619.231.6771, dobsonsrestaurant.com A double-sized bottle of Harvey’s Bristol Cream sherry resides on a corner of the bar at Paul Dobson’s legendary restaurant. And every time the kitchen dispatches a puff pastrytopped crock of Dobson’s celebrated mussel bisque, the server breaks a hole in the crust and pours in one serious shot of the stuff. Culinary bliss results as the creamy, sensuous broth, enriched with plump mussels, marries the wine to create sublime flavors and aroma.

an exquisitely tart hot/sour soup that breathes a relaxing warmth into anyone who eats it.

Tom Yum

Lotus Thai Downtown 909 Market St., San Diego 619.595.0115, lotusthaisd.com Serendipitously seasoned with Kaffir lime leaves, lemon grass and lime juice, tom yum is an exquisitely tart hot/sour soup that breathes a relaxing warmth into anyone who eats it. As is typical of Thai dishes, the featured ingredient (such as tofu, vegetables or shrimp) is up to you.

Dark and mildly spicy, Lotus Thai’s tom yum is jammed with good things like mushrooms, thick tomatoes and savory herbs.

(Continued on page 70)

Crema Fabiola

Candelas by the Bay 1201 First St., #115, Coronado 619.435.4900, candelas-coronado.com No surprise to learn that Martin San Roman, the noted French-trained chef who set the tone in Tijuana for two decades, designs the cuisine at this romantic (loads of flickering candles!) restaurant facing the city skyline. Roman’s glamorous Crema Fabiola, based on pureed poblano chiles, is distinguished by garnishes like a petite half lobster tail and a tangled nest of fried and shredded sweet potatoes.

clockwise (from top): the tom yum at lotus thai comes packed with mushrooms, tomatoes and herbs; candelas crema fabiola is made with pureed poblano chiles; dobson’s mussel bisque gets topped off by a puffy pastry and a shot of Harvey’s bristol cream.

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(Continued from page 68)

Avgolemeno

CafE Athena 1846 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach 858.274.1140, cafeathena.com A sunshine-bright flavor jumps tartly from the plush avgolemono (Greek for “with lemon”) at Cafe Athena.

Wonderfully colorful, the soup is flecked with minced carrots and parsley against a bright yellow shade derived from the egg yolks that thicken rich chicken stock to an elegantly smooth, tongue-delighting texture. It’s among the most distinctive soups in Western cuisine.

Seafood Gumbo

Bud’s Louisiana Cafe 4320 Viewridge Ave., Kearny Mesa 858.573.2837, budscafe.com Louisiana cooks go stir-crazy making roux (flour cooked slowly in fat), but once the chore is complete, they have a delicious base on which to build dishes like murky seafood gumbo. At Bud’s, a charming hideaway in a Kearny Mesa industrial park near I-15, dark roux adds a moody savor to exceptional, spicy, New Orleans-style gumbo rich in crayfish, shrimp, andouille sausage, okra and peppers.

Butternut Squash Soup

Beaumont’s 5662 La Jolla Blvd., Bird Rock 858.459.0474, beaumontseatery.com New chef George Morris transforms mundane butternut squash into a thing of joy when he brews it into soup.

Smoothly textured like a well-phrased compliment, it takes salty notes from pancetta and spicy tones from sliced red chiles. Good to the last spoonful, the soup arrives in an oval, bathtub-shaped dish smeared on one side with “maple brulee,” a syrup-flavored meringue that adds welcome sweetness.

avgolemeno at cafe athena in pacific beach.

It’s among the most distinctive soups in Western cuisine. seafood gumbo at bud’s louisiana CAFE in kearny mesa.

Ribolitta

Caroline’s Seaside Cafe 8610 Kennel Way (formerly Discovery Way), La Jolla Shores 858.202.0569, carolinesseasidecafe.com Giuseppe Ciuffa’s warming and savory ribolitta, a Tuscan classic, tastes best garnished with Caroline’s above-the-beach view of La Jolla Cove, edged by Scripps Pier and aimed at blue skies right to the horizon. Ribolitta means “reboiled” and is a slow simmer of cavolo nero (Italian black cabbage), cannelini beans and many vegetables and seasonings.

Aromatic, rustic and soulful, it’s finished with croutons and plenty of parmigiano.

Acqua Pazza

Sora 655 W. Broadway, Downtown 619.564.7100, sorasandiego.com Hey, Pazzo (Italian for “crazy guy”), heard about the Acqua Pazza at Sora? It’s “Crazy Water,” and you’ve never met a crazy-cool combination of Japanese and Italian culinary styles like this. It’s simple but complex, just like the best Japanese dishes and the best Italian fare, and it makes a soupy success of ingredients like seasonal fish (only the best), dried tomatoes, mussels, clams and a strong shot of dashi broth, which gives it a kick and makes it, you know, kind of pazza. Molto buono! (Continued on page 72)

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MONDAY & SUNDAY 3PM - CLOSE

TUESDAY- SATURDAY 3 - 6PM

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WANG’S CARES We have partnered with New Leaf Biofuel in an effort to combat global warming and clean up the air in our community!

100% of our used fryer oil is donated to the local production of biodiesel fuel.

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5 - 9 PM

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turns seemingly simple ingredients into wonders of flavorful complexity.

(Continued from page 70)

Puerto Nuevo-Style Tortilla Soup

the puerto nuevo-style tortilla soup at ortega’s is flavored with herbs, chiles and roasted tomatoes.

Ortega’s, A Mexican Bistro 141 University Ave., Hillcrest 619.692.4200, ortegasbistro.com Co-owned by former SDPD detective John Haugland, Ortega’s celebrates the subtle triumphs of Baja California Coastal cuisine, which turns seemingly simple ingredients into wonders of flavorful complexity. The delicious Puerto Nuevo-style tortilla soup (originally brewed in the Baja’s “lobster village” south of Rosarito Beach) enriches deluxe homemade chicken broth with herbs, chiles and roasted tomatoes. Buttery avocado cubes look festive against the red-orange broth, and fried tortilla shreds add distinctive crunch to the fiesta.

Seafood Chowder

Donovan’s Prime Seafood 333 5th Ave., Gaslamp 619.906.4850, donovansprimeseafood.com This fine restaurant’s opulent setting is the perfect showcase for chef Augie Saucedo’s richly irresistible seafood chowder. Complicated to make (flavorings include garlic, thyme and rosemary, for starters), it’s easy to eat, especially with Mr. Sinatra crooning on the sound system.

Sided by hunks of crusty sourdough, the chowder arrives blisteringly hot, and rich with cream, scallops, clams and bay shrimp. Symphonies of flavors make each spoonful a delight. (Continued on page 74)

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Enjoy globally influenced seafood, paired with panoramic harbor views

HAPPY HOUR: Until 6 p.m. every day LATE-NIGHT HAPPY HOUR: 10 p.m. to midnight every day LATE-NIGHT KITCHEN: Open until midnight every night (25% off for service industry)

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WEEKEND BRUNCH: Saturday and Sunday, Bottomless Mimosas & Bloody Marys

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PACIFIC BEACH / EASTLAKE / GASLAMP / LA COSTA / SAN MARCOS OCEANSIDE / POINT LOMA / CARMEL MOUNTAIN RANCH / TEMECULA S EVE N T Y – t h r e e

SIGNATURE LOCAL SEA FARE: Seared locally caught grouper over beluga lentils and smothered with etouffee topped by fennel-parsley salad.

taste the world from our view

1 8 3 5 C O L U M B I A S T. , 4 T H F L O O R , L I T T L E I T A LY (619) 564-3755

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GLASSDOORSD.COM

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Essentially an essence of lobster that is among the most elegant dishes in classic French cuisine.

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(Continued from page 72)

Goulash Soup

Kaiserhof 2253 Sunset Cliffs Blvd., Ocean Beach 619.224.0606, kaiserhofrestaurant.com Winter inspires the soups of Germany, many of which have built-in warming elements that comfort when the wind howls down from the icy Alps. In the case of Kaiserhof ’s ultra-satisfying Goulash soup, genuine Hungarian paprika contributes a sophisticated spiciness, which the server complements with big twists from the pepper mill. The rich red broth hides cargoes of cubed beef and vegetables and makes you yearn for the sight of snow on the windowsills.

Lobster Bisque

Vintana Atop the Lexus Centre 1205 Auto Park Way, Escondido 760.745.7777, dinevintana.com A bisque is just a bisque, unless it’s created by chef Deborah Scott, who designed a show-stopping version of this famous soup to complement Vintana’s remarkable location and views. Essentially an essence of lobster that is among the most elegant dishes in classic French cuisine, Scott’s version is a little different and decidedly American in tone. Plenty of cream, a sweet splash of sherry and a crisp shrimpcorn fritter distinguish each classy bowl.

Clam Chowder

San Diego Soup Shoppe 2850 El Cajon Blvd., North Park 619.795.3870, sdsoupshoppe.com Toss an extra two bucks across the counter at this bubbling-hot new soupery on the upper edge of North Park. This amount buys a bread bowl to encase some of the tastiest clam chowder in town, a smooth brew jammed with both chewy, flavorful clams and the cubed potatoes that traditionally make chowder a substantial affair. The soup-soaked bread (called a “sop” in old English, and the origin of “supper”) makes a delicious second course.

cream, sherry and shrimpcorn fritters flavor vintana’s lobster bisque.

Cajun Gumbo

Brazen BBQ 441 Washington St., Hillcrest 619.816.1990, brazenbbq.com Brazen BBQ’s “Best in the West” chili may have inspired the Texas-centric Hillcrest restaurant’s take on Louisiana’s famous Cajun Gumbo. The Brazen approach to this fabled brew is bold, and yes, Sir, it sure tastes good. Gumbo should be as dark as the mud at the bottom of a bayou but as bright in flavor as the blue skies that follow a hurricane. Brazen meets these standards with a perfect bowl that’s spiced to entice.

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COOL GIFT: Spice is nice, especially when it comes to Brazen BBQ’s awardwinning barbecue (1st Place winner in more than 20 barbecue competitions, including FOX 5’s). Pour it on for $8.95 per bottle at brazenbbq.com.

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Plan Your Holiday Party at

CAFE SEVILLA!

*HWHJP[PLZ \W [V N\LZ[Z

Restaurant & Tapas Bar -PM[O (]L :HU +PLNV *( ^^^ JHMLZL]PSSH JVT

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WH A T ’ S

COOKING LET holiday party guests spoon their own vanilla frosting onto these spiced molasses cookies for a fun and delicious dessert.

How Two Recipe for success: throwing a holiday party and making great cookies Story and photos by Brandon Matzek During my first few years of throwing dinner parties, I made many mistakes and learned a number of valuable lessons. I’m sharing these lessons to help you host a holiday bash that’s easy and elegant.

Rule #4: End with the perfect dessert.

If you’re serving a light dinner, finish the meal with a decadent, showstopper dessert. Ice cream, pie or cake are all good options. If you’re serving a heavy dinner, finish the meal with a light dessert: ripe fruit with freshly whipped cream or a small, yet flavorful cookie. Spiced molasses cookies with vanilla frosting are the perfect finish to a rich, multi-course meal.

Cinnamon, clove, ginger and allspice will enliven your taste buds, while the creamy vanilla frosting provides a silky, sweet counter.

Rule #1: Don’t make everything from scratch.

Choose two or three recipes that you feel comfortable making, and accent these special dishes with high-quality, store-bought accompaniments. During the appetizer course, set out a bowl of homemade spiced nuts next to an array of purchased artisan cheeses, fresh fruit and charcuterie. For the main course, purchase a spiral ham or roast turkey and make one or two gourmet side dishes. Sides like roasted garlic mashed potatoes and fresh cranberry sauce are simple to put together, yet have an elevated feel.

Follow these four rules and you’ll enjoy the party as much as your guests will. (Continued on page 78)

Rule #2: Never experiment with new recipes.

Unless you’re a seasoned home cook, always entertain with recipes that you’ve made before. The extra worry of dabbling in uncharted territories isn’t needed and should be avoided.

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Rule #3: Start with good drinks.

Greet your guests with a specialty cocktail or a glass of good wine, and the rest of the evening is guaranteed to be successful. After a few drinks, no one will even notice that your stuffing turned out a bit crispier than you had anticipated. If you’re serving cocktails, make a large pitcher in advance or set up a DIY station where you guests can make their own drinks. You don’t want to be shaking up individual cocktails all night long!

COOL GIFT: A 12x8” Silpat flexible baking mat, under $20 at Great News! in Pacific Beach. great-news.com /

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Know someone who avoided the naughty list this year? There’s no better reward than a RA Sushi gift card.

And for every $50 in gift cards you purchase you’ll receive a $10 bonus card for yourself.* (Hey, you’ve been good, too.) *Gift card purchases must be made from 11/12/12 – 12/31/12. $10 bonus card valid from 1/2/13 – 3/31/13.

SAN DIEGO t 474 BROADWAY t 619.321.0021 t RASUSHI.COM Holiday Party & Catering Options Available

SURGEON GENERAL’S WARNING: Smoking Causes Lung Cancer, Heart Disease, Emphysema, and May Complicate Pregnancy.

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ec of Sen e n i l er Full Danc y k S & co Tobac

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a

Spiced molasses cookies with vanilla frosting Ingredients

For the cookies:

2 1/3 cup flour 2 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. fine-grain sea salt 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger 1/2 tsp. ground cloves 1/4 tsp. ground allspice 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature 1/2 cup dark brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar 1 egg 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1/2 cup dark unsulphured molasses Turbinado sugar (natural, granulated brown sugar), for rolling

For the frosting:

Mix your own vanilla frosting or save time by using a store-bought variety Process

Prepare the dry ingredients. Sift together flour, baking soda, sea salt, cinnamon, ginger, cloves and allspice in a medium bowl.

11A Y L DAI O PE N

Prepare the wet ingredients. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream together butter, dark brown sugar and white sugar (beat on medium for several minutes until fluffy).

Add egg and vanilla extract, beating until well incorporated. Add molasses and beat until combined.

7P

C Sycuan

Combine wet and dry. To the wet ingredients, add the dry ingredients (flour and spice mixture) in three additions. With each addition, beat only until just incorporated – over-mixing can result in tough cookies. Cover dough in plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

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Scoop and bake. Preheat oven /

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to 325°F and place a rack in the center of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a Silpat (flexible, non-stick baking mat). Using a spoon, scoop approximately 1 teaspoon of dough, then roll the dough in your hands to form a ball. Roll each dough ball in the turbinado (natural brown) sugar, coating evenly, then place on the lined baking sheets about 1 inch apart. Bake for 12 - 14 minutes.

For a softer, chewier cookie, pull them out of the oven at around the 12-minute mark. For a crispier, crunchier cookie, remove them at minute 13 or 14. Let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a cooling rack.

Serve. To serve at a holiday party, set up a cookie station with plates of spiced molasses cookies and a small bowl of the vanilla frosting. Guests can enjoy the cookies unadorned or spoon frosting over the top.

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Best Cellars From wineries to wine bars, here are a couple dozen of San Diego’s all-time grapes

By Frank Sabatini Jr. / Photos by Brevin Blach

There was a time not long ago when the average drinker couldn’t tell the difference between a buttery Chardonnay and a peachy wine cooler. But in a short decade, San Diegans have become notably more wine savvy in the face of 50 wineries established within the county and dozens operating in nearby Temecula. Add to the landscape a neverending proliferation of wine bars, and you’ve acquired (or are about to) the confidence for leaning into a spit bucket and the knowledge for removing those stubborn purple stains off your lips (Wine Wipes by Borracha).

Ripe for the picking, these “grape escapes” are great locations for sampling our region’s fermented juices.

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WINERIES Bernardo Winery 13330 Paseo Del Verano Norte, Rancho Bernardo 858.487.1866, bernardowinery.com Grapes have dangled over these soils since 1889, when a well was dug to supply irrigation with mineral-rich water. Syrah is the specialty grape that thrives today on the 15-acre plot, which has blossomed into a cottage village of shops and restaurants. Displays of antique machinery show how our ancestors labored over the craft, and some current releases are still hand-bottled like yesteryear. Located in Rancho Bernardo, the winery features a tasting room that’s open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, with hours extended to 8 p.m. from December 13 through 16, when “holiday nights” usher in carriage rides, caroling and a little extra swirling.

Background: Vast vats of aging vintages at Bernardo Winery in Rancho Bernardo.

ABOVE, RIGHT: Top right: GRAPE VINES HAVE DANGLED AT Bernardo Winery since 1889.

Below (from left): Carruth Cellar’s tasting room is stocked with contemporary art and wine barrels; East Village’s Toast Enoteca and Cucina serves bottles from all over the world; Finch’s Bistro and Wine Bar IN LA JOLLA offers wines from Europe as well as California; Bernardo Winery EXUDES AND OLD-WEST VIBE; Sample 72 different wines, one ounce at a time, at North Park’s Splash Wine Lounge; Wet Stone Wine Bar In Bankers Hill offers house-made sangria.

Orfila Vineyards 13455 San Pasqual Rd., Escondido 760.738.6500, orfila.com Spread across 70 acres in Escondido’s San Pasqual Valley, Orfila Vineyards is a picturesque stomping ground for savoring wines hailing from 10 different grape varietals. The tasting room greets visitors with Old World charm and offers a couple of new, limited-production releases. The 2010 Full Fathom Five, for example, is an inky blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Montepulciano. For pinot lovers seeking that coveted berry-like finish, Element 119 has you covered. Tours of the property are held at noon daily, and a holiday tasting of dessert wines is scheduled December 13, on the outdoor terrace overlooking the vines.

Salerno Winery 17948 Highway 67, Ramona 760.788.7160, salernowinery.com Consider a visit to this Italian-owned winery your fast pass to Tuscany. Nestled within the hills of Ramona, Salerno’s award-winning petite Syrah flows abundantly from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays, when proprietor Herman Salerno breaks into occasional operatic karaoke on his Mediterranean-style patio for friends and visitors. The winery’s portfolio also includes mildly fruity Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and a juicy, sweet Port wine called Temptation.

Deer Park Winery & Automobile Museum 29013 Champagne Blvd., Escondido 760.749.1666, deerparkwine.com Wine tasting strikes a curious match to vintage convertibles and a Barbie Doll museum at this 35year-old estate, known for its annual productions of Chardonnay, Merlot, champagne (the local equivalent, anyway) and a popular late-harvest Sauvignon Blanc (think apricots with honey). Wine samples are free with the purchase of any bottle. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Friday through Sunday.

(Continued on page 82)

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(Continued from page 81) Fallbrook Winery 2554 Via Rancheros, Fallbrook 760.728.0156 fallbrookwinery.com What started out as acreage for champagne production in the late 1980s has since turned into a full-scale winery boasting two large aging cellars built into the hillside. Tours of the lower-terraced vineyards and cellars are available through appointment only. Visitors lately have come knocking for the winery’s 33 Degree series from 2009, which includes a sturdy backbone of smooth Cabernet Franc, fruitforward Sangiovese and wellstructured Malbec, all born from handpicked grapes.

Carruth Cellars 320 S. Cedros Ave., Ste 400, Solana Beach 858.847.9463 carruthcellars.com Viticulturist Adam Carruth started out as a backyard winemaker and ended up pasting his label on nearly two dozen different wines produced in his Solana Beach facility. The only thing missing is a vineyard, a void that he fills by sourcing most of the grapes from Napa Valley and Sonoma County. The awardgrabbers include a 2009 lineup of Lake County Malbec, Napa Valley Cabernet and North Coast Barbera.

The tasting room, stocked with contemporary art and wine barrels, opens at noon daily.

Mount Palomar Winery 33820 Rancho California Rd., Temecula 800.854.5177, mountpalomar.com Sweeping views of Temecula Valley are complemented by some of the finest Bordeaux and Italian varietals our region has to offer. Dessert wines such as Solera Cream Sherry also take center stage. Aged for a minimum of three years, it’s produced in oak barrels that are tempered under the sun, an old tradition that other California wineries no longer follow. The bucolic setting extends into Shorty’s Bistro, where decorative flora and farm-fresh meals help to restore your equilibrium after extended stays in the tasting room.

Europa Village 33475 La Serena Way, Temecula 888.383.8767, europavillage.com Among Temecula’s newcomers is Europa Village, which demands a sojourn at the property’s hyper-romantic Inn at Europa Village. An interim tasting room gives visitors a chance to sample from a trio of introductory brands representing Old World wine styles from France, Italy and Spain. The master plan shows a trinity compound in the works, each with its own dedicated winery, lodge and tasting room. (Continued on page 84)

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Carruth Cellars in Solana Beach offers two-dozen different wines PRODUCED ON-SITE.

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WINE BARS The Grape 823 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp 619.238.8010, thegrapebar.com Considered San Diego’s oldest wine bar, The Grape was established 16 years ago in the historic Hubbell Building. It served as a beacon to seasoned wine connoisseurs on the hunt for obscure labels, which back then included everything other than Blue Nun and Gallo. Today’s inventory is formidable, with wines hailing from prime global regions that are poured inside a pub-like atmosphere showing graceful age marks.

The Wine Lover 3968 Fifth Ave., Hillcrest 619.294.9200, thewineloversd.com New owners Serge and Nick Chable have refreshed The Wine Lover’s wine program with choices originating from reliable family winemakers.

Finding a swell Napa cab for $20 isn’t so difficult here. The bros also implemented evening happy hour and other price breaks while swapping out

BREAKFA ST

Mosaic Wine Bar in North Park serves MORE THAN 200 wines.

plastic greenery for live succulents on the quaint patio. Catch them flipping steaks on Tuesdays.

Mosaic Wine Bar 3422 30th St., North Park 619.906.4747, mosaicwinebar.com A sizable front patio flows into a roomy interior sporting industrial panache. The wine list exceeds 200 choices, with some starting for as little as $2 a glass during happy hour. Scan the equally ambitious food menu, which includes crispy smoked oysters, then peruse the shelves for a full bottle of Sauvignon Blanc to strike a seamless pairing.

LUNCH

Wine Steals 2970 Truxtun Rd., Point Loma/Liberty Station 619.221.1959, winestealssd.com After achieving brand recognition in Hillcrest, the owners branched into Liberty Station at the lip of Sail Ho Golf Course, where a garden-like patio is kept at safe distance from low-flying balls. Cardiff marks a third location, which follows the same concept in affording customers discounted wines and snazzy pizzas named after grape varietals. Amateur wine drinkers can take comfort in the anti-snobby vibe inherent to each site. (Continued on page 86)

DINNER

Night orDay

ALL NIGHT

The Brian’s 24 Pancake Monster—five delicious buttermilk hot cakes, a half-pound each of ham and country-fried steak, four giant bacon strips and three fried eggs, all piled onto a pound of home fries.

“OUR FOCUS HAS ALWAYS BEEN ON BIG COMFORT FOOD. THIS DISH TAKES IT TO THE EXTREME.” —BRIAN EPSTEIN, OWNER

This $25 entrée is FREE for anyone who devours it in under an hour.

Open 24 Hours

828 SIXTH AVENUE | GASLAMP QUARTER | 619.702.8410 | BRIANS24.COM

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(Continued from page 84) Splash Wine Lounge 3043 University Ave., North Park 619.296.0714, asplashofwine.com Shiny, metal machinery from Italy allows you to self-serve one-ounce pours of 72 different wines using pre-paid plastic cards.

Decide on a favorite, then progress to fullglass pours or whole bottles via human interaction with the staff. Scratch-made flatbreads, artisan cheeses and charcuterie provide the chew to this modern-day wine experience.

Vinz Wine Bar & Tasting Room 201 E. Grand Ave., Ste. 1A, Escondido 760.743.8466, vinzwinebar.net Who ever said that jocks don’t drink wine?

Football is broadcast on Mondays and Thursdays during NFL season from TVs and a larger projection screen in the back room. Touchdowns trigger the clanging of stemware containing everything from un-oaked Chardonnay and blended reds to sangria and tawny ports from Portugal.

A full dinner menu is available, with lamb Wellington grabbing the trophy.

The 3rd Corner 2265 Bacon St., Ocean Beach 619.223.2700, the3rdcorner.com If you were a wine hoarder, this is how your living room might look. Owner Ed Moore has amassed a collection of more than 800 labels from around the world, displaying them within an elegant bistro setting that he replicated in Encinitas (897 S. Coast Hwy.) and Palm Desert. French-inspired dishes lead into endless pairing possibilities, with the first kiss occurring between Oregon Pinot Noir and duck confit served with bean cassoulet.

57 Degrees 1735 Hancock St., Middletown 619.234.5757, fiftysevendegrees.com Ranking as San Diego’s largest wine bar, this former Pier 1 Imports outlet store transformed – at the hands of owner Russ Kindom – into an art-filled retail lounge, where customers imbibe over cheese and paninis, and collectors stash their prized bottles in temperature-controlled wine lockers. The inventory features niche wines of domestic and international origins.

On the third Friday of every month, the parking lot makes way for food truck extravaganzas.

Toast Enoteca and Cucina’s wine dispensers use Enomatic technology.

Solana Beach Crush 437 S. Highway 101, #112, Solana Beach 858.481.2787, solanabeachcrush.com The wine list highlights some of the finest estate productions from California and Italy as well as those special-occasion bottles of Opus One and Insignia from Napa Valley. Chairs made from French oak barrels lend a rustic contrast to the modern appointments, while executive chef Jason Colabove swoons visitors with truffleroasted chicken and “Mom’s meatballs.”

Toast Enoteca & Cucina 927 J St., East Village 619.269.4207, toastenoteca.com Name a continent or a region of Italy and you’ll likely find a wine from there at this Italian-inspired bar, which uses Enomatic e i g h t y – S IX

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technology to dispense and preserve a dizzying array of varietals. Chef Martin Gonzalez of Acqua Al 2 adds fodder to the experience with an all-Paesano menu. If you’ve never experienced the magic that occurs between Super Tuscan wine and pasta Bolognese, you’ve come to the right place.

Village Vino 4095 Adams Ave., Kensington 619.546.8466, villagevino.com After swirling her way through wine regions in dozens of countries and the Wine Executive Program at UC Davis, Rita Pirkl decided to share her zeal for small-production wines that evade the radar of big distributors.

Her list flaunts 35 options by the glass or halfglass, plus 100 bottles of humble origins that can be uncorked inside the small, sleek space or purchased to go. (Continued on page 88) 2 0 1 2

NEW STYLES IN STOCK NOW! THE STORE WITH THE STAIRS...

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(Continued from page 86)

Wet Stone Wine Bar 1927 Fourth Ave., Bankers Hill 619.255.2856, wetstonewinebar.com Obscure wines from California and Argentina join forces in Wet Stone’s house-made sangria, which winks at you from two large vats perched on the front counter. There’s tropical white with star anise; and succulent red, stocked with oranges and mint leaves. But don’t totter away without dabbling in some of the South American fare, such as gut-warming seafood stew (moqueca) and the mixed grill plate with chimichurri.

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The Wine Pub 2907 Shelter Island Dr., #108, Point Loma 619.758.9325, thewinepubsd.com South African Shiraz, Australian chardonnay and Amour De L’Orange bubbly from Temecula are among the pleasurable pickings available at this cozy, dog-friendly hangout. Lighted trees and a fire pit grace the outdoor patio, while homemade soups and crafty paninis sing to what sits in your glass.

Twenty/20 Grill and Wine Bar (at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa) 5480 Grand Pacific Dr., Carlsbad 760.827.2500, twenty20grill.com Shhh. Don’t tell the nearby locals who have staked territory here for the past few years that we’re on to Twenty/20’s urbane wine list, which allows you to globetrot between continents via a glass program offering 30 choices. The bottle selection shows off 100 additional labels, including some rare finds from Austria and the Alsace region. A full menu of contemporary fare and a cushy patio with ocean views keep you planted firmly in your seat.

(Continued on page 90)

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TOAST Enoteca & Cucina is a one-of-a-kind, authentic Italian wine bar that brings a full dinner menu and the world’s premier wines to the charming East Village neighborhood of San Diego.

Toast Enoteca | 927 J Street | San Diego, CA | 92101 toastenoteca.com | 619.269.4267

Visit our sister restaurant Acqua al 2 in the Gaslamp.

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Finchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bistro IN LA JOLLA

(Continued from page 88)

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100 Wines Hillcrest 1027 University Ave., Hillcrest 619.491.0100, 100wineshillcrest.com The Cohn Restaurant Group splashed into Hillcrest this summer with a restaurant/bar stocked with no less than 100 different wines.

Stone accent walls and vintage dĂŠcor from rural Europe play up to rustic dishes authored by French-trained chef Katherine Humphus of BO-beau Kitchen + Bar (also owned by the Cohn Group). Bottled wines are categorized without complication: $20 for â&#x20AC;&#x153;friendly,â&#x20AC;? $30 for â&#x20AC;&#x153;intriguingâ&#x20AC;? and $40 for â&#x20AC;&#x153;adventurous.â&#x20AC;?

Firefly Grill and Wine Bar 251 N. El Camino Real, Ste. B, Encinitas 760.635.1066, fireflygrillandwinebar.com An ambitious wine list obliges with flavor categories, sparing you the misfortune of ordering a â&#x20AC;&#x153;dry, lightâ&#x20AC;? Riesling when your palate demanded a â&#x20AC;&#x153;full-intensityâ&#x20AC;? Chardonnay. The protein-rich bill of fare is designed expressly for wine drinking, as the staff is quick to point out foolproof pairings to dishes like crispy pork belly and Kobe top sirloin.

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Rose Wine Pub 2219 30th St., South Park 619.280.1815, therosewinepub.com Reclaimed wood, stone and metal flow throughout this parlor-like pad, housed in a restored building that began as a grocery store in 1927. Daily happy hour (4:30 to 6 p.m.) nurtures your budget with $5 glasses and a rotating selection of tapas. Or, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on the hunt for a reasonably priced bottle of Châteauneuf Du Pape, a French Rhone, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll likely be able to score it here for about $70.

0ĂŁDFT JO 1BDJmD #FBDI /PSUI #FBDI .JSB .FTB ESSLBTJSSJEET DPN

*This $25.00 gift card is yours FREE with a $50.00 minimum purchase.

Expires 12.31.12, limit two per customer

435 Island Ave., Gaslamp 619.795.2824 facebook.com/teaseboutique s teaseboutique.com s @teasemesandiego

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Finchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bistro and Wine Bar 7644 Girard Ave., La Jolla 858.456.4056, finchslajolla.com Tucked inconspicuously into an alley, this cozy bistro with its pretty courtyard combines fanciful wines, mostly from Europe and California, with dishes such as â&#x20AC;&#x153;stick to your ribsâ&#x20AC;? ribs and lobster carbonara. Musicians rotate through on Fridays and Saturdays, matching their soft harmonies to the gentle tannins in your glass.

COOL GIFT: Loose lips sink ships â&#x20AC;&#x201C; burgundy lips reveal all those sips. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wipe that wine off your smileâ&#x20AC;? with a three-pack of Wine Wipes compacts for $20 at winewipes.com.

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los lobos east l.a. rockers with legendary latin flavor page 96

CONCERT calendar

pour boys

Snoop’s coming to Solana Beach, but now the D-O-Double-Gizzle is a Lion, not a Dogg. No shizzle. Smoking weed in Jamaica can do that to a rapper, apparently.

LION

SNOOP It’s a slippery slope from “gimme some of that sticky-icky” to “Irie, Mon,” and now a legendary rapper has gone reggae.

Puff, puff, give – and the circle of life is complete. At this point, I don’t even know what I’m talking about, but Cheetos sure sound nice. —DMP

@ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com (Continued on page 94)

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BRIAN MANLEY

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BY TIM PYLES (Continued from page 93)

12/2: RICK RO$$ @ Viejas Arena, ticketmaster.com Rapper Rick Ro$$, whose 2012 album “Teflon Don” was co-produced

by Kanye West, was the first artist signed to Sean “Diddy” Combs’ Ciroc Entertainment record label.

12/3: PAUL BANKS @ House of Blues, hob.com The lead singer of Interpol (post punk revival band from NYC), Paul Banks, tours solo under the name Julian Plenti.

12/4: STREETLIGHT MANIFESTO @ House of Blues, hob.com Punk, ska, jazz…and a little bit of New Jersey.

12/5: DEATH GRIPS @ Casbah, casbahmusic.com Electro hardcore rap punk!

12/5 & 6: BRET MICHAELS @ Sycuan Live & Up Close, sycuan.com Former front man of Poison and resident of the Love Bus never seems to stop touring.

12/6: TIESTO @ Valley View Casino Center, ticketmaster.com One of the world’s most popular EDM DJ/producers. If you haven’t heard of this guy yet, it’s high time to grab a light stick and get with it. Could 13 million Facebook fans be wrong?

12/7: THE KILLERS, M83, PASSION PIT AND MORE @ Viejas Arena, ticketmaster.com 91X’s Wrex The Halls holiday concert – always a rockin’ good time.

12/7: THE WHAMMY @ Casbah, casbahmusic.com Rockabilly legends from the ’80s, now in one revival band.

12/8-9: CHRIS ISAAK HOLIDAY SHOW @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com “Wicked Game” sounds as cool now as it did when it came out in 1989.

RICK RO$$, 12/2

12/9: HYPER CRUSH @ 207 at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, hrhsdtickets.com Electro group with a cool keytarist.

T orey M und k ow s k y

12/4: A JOHN WATERS CHRISTMAS @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com The man behind the films “Hairspray” and “Pink Flamingos” (among other biggies) puts on a racy one-man holiday show that’s been said to put the “X” in X-mas.

YELLOWCARD, 12/2

12/7: ED KOWALCZYK OF LIVE @ Sycuan Live & Up Close, sycuan.com Solo since 2009, and with a new EP coming soon, he’s sure to play some of LIVE’s biggest hits.

J onathan M annion

12/2: YELLOWCARD @ House of Blues, hob.com Floridian pop punk band that’s been at it since 1997.

12/10: SUPERSUCKERS @ Casbah, casbahmusic.com They claim to be the “Greatest Rock ‘n’ Roll Band in the World.”

See them and you just might agree.

12/12: PUBLIC ENEMY @ 4th & B, 4thandbevents.com Flavor Flaaaaaaaav. Bring your bigclock necklace and celebrate good, old-time hip-hop. Yeah, boooooyyyy.

12/12: AARON NEVILLE @ Anthology, anthologysd.com Soul, R&B singer from New Orleans (and one of The Neville Brothers, in case you didn’t guess).

12/13: ALT-J @ Casbah, casbahmusic.com This British alternative rock band recently won the Mercury Prize in the UK. Past winners include PJ Harvey and The XX. n i n e t y – four

(Continued on page 96)

THE KILLERS, 12/7

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BUCK-O-NINE, 12/28

(Continued from page 94) 12/13: AC SLATER @ FLUXX, fluxxsd.com Big-bass DJ/producer who opened for Chemical Brothers at age 16.

Maybe Mario Lopez will show up for a dance-off.

12/14: THE TEMPTATIONS @ Sycuan Live & Up Close, sycuan.com Motown group from the ’60s with hits like “My Girl” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”

12/14: JONNY LANG @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Blues rock singer/songwriter who’s often been called a virtuoso.

12/14 & 15: THE GROWLERS @ Casbah, casbahmusic.com They call themselves beach goth.

12/16: BOYS NOIZE @ House of Blues, hob.com Indie electro dance music DJ/ producer who has remixed Snoop Dogg (Lion?) and Depeche Mode.

los lobos, 12/16

12/16: LOS LOBOS @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Legendary rock band from East Los Angeles.

12/20: NORIN & RAD @ FLUXX, fluxxsd.com EDM DJs/producers – from Orange County but known internationally.

12/23: HEATBEAT @ 207 at Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, hrhsdtickets.com Trance music duo from Argentina.

12/27: LEE DEWYZE @ Anthology, anthologysd.com Singer/songwriter and “American Idol” season nine winner.

12/27: CRACKER and CAMPER VAN BEETHOVEN @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Two bands featuring the same members, one from the ’80s and one from the ’90s. “Take The Skinheads Bowling” and “EuroTrash Girl” will be played!

(Continued on page 98) mammoth record s

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Sound Gift Ideas

Give an earful or a mouthful to the music lover in your life Zip It Get caught up in the music without getting wrapped up in the cords.

Zipbuds earphones, with their unique zipper design, were named Travel + Leisure Design’s Best Personal Gadget of 2012. Founded in 2007 by lifelong friends and CSU San Marcos alumni Rob DeFay and Erik Groset, Zipbuds are ready to rock in a wide range of juiced-up colors, unabashed style and premium sound. zipbuds.com My Fi High-fidelity audio and supreme comfort come together in JLab’s waterproof MP3 player headphones.

With an ergonomic, cordless design and 800+ song capacity, they can rock your favorite jams while you’re catching a gnarly wave. Send your old buds to JLab’s office in Oceanside for 30 percent off new ones as part of the company’s recycling (and creative marketing) program. jlabaudio.com Wines That Rock Send your message in a bottle with Rock ‘n’ Rollinspired wines. Whether filled with the fruity, juicy notes of The Police’s red wine blend, or the bold cedar and vanilla aromas of Pink Floyd’s cabernet sauvignon, each bottle (with its nostalgic album cover art) is sure to rock your stockings off. wines-that-rock.com

(Continued from page 96) 12/27: PRIMUS 3D @ Balboa Theater, ticketmaster.com See the alternative progressive punk funk legends from the ’90s and experience Quad Surround Sound.

12/30-31: OMFG! @ Valley View Casino Center, mylifeeveryday.com Ages 18+ EDM super-show with an all-star two-day line up featuring Calvin Harris and many more.

Dance, sweat (with teens), repeat!

12/27: ZED’S DEAD @ House of Blues, hob.com Electronic duo from Canada that mixes dubstep and electro.

12/31: REVERAND HORTON HEAT @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com New Year’s Eve with one of the greatest rockabilly/psychobilly artists of today.

12/28: BUCK-O-NINE @ 710 Beach Club, 710bc.com Ska punk band formed in San Diego in the early ’90s.

12/28: REBELUTION @ House of Blues, hob.com Cali-reggae band that formed in Isla Vista, party central for UC Santa Barbara.

L O N G O R I A P H O T O G R PA H Y

DJ Z-TRIP, 12/31

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12/31: DJ Z-Trip @ Block No. 16, finestcitynewyear.com DJ Times named Z-trip “America’s best DJ.” LA Times says his frenzied turntable performance was “one of the great musical moments of Coachella.” Check him out in an exclusive New Year’s Eve performance at Block No. 16.

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Loc al m ixo to f logist orm s un bend the el ite bo e Photo By Bran rs soc w iety don H s by J eff “ T e urbo” rnández Corri gan

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“San Diego is catching up quick as a top city for cocktails,” says Castro. “It’s one of my favorite cocktail scenes because it’s so authentic. Everyone is in it for the right reasons, whereas, in other markets, once things take off, the vultures come in to make a fast buck versus having a real love for it.”

Castro and Schmidt get together often. And as is the case with colleagues in any industry, their conversation often shifts to work. Excited about the fact San Diego’s tipple subculture is advancing as fast as it is, they’ve been discussing a way to help bring craft cocktail consumers into the fold with the mixologists, building O N E

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the men of the elbow benders association. clockwise from back row left: Pedro antonio melgar flores, anthony schmidt, levi walker, travis baker, jason o’bryan, erick castro, dustin haarstad, brian prugalidad, adam stemmler, matthew stanton. (not pictured: hassan mahmood, see following page.)

a community via education. The Elbow Benders Association is their vehicle for doing that.

“We decided to create a club that brings together industry people, enthusiasts and journalists, so we can advance as a whole,” says Castro. “It’s a cool opportunity for bartenders and enthusiasts to work with innovative boutique brands, because, together, we have a lot of friends in the industry.

It’ll make it so someone can sample five or six bourbons and figure out that they like theirs with high wheat content without having to plunk O N E

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down big money to go through a bunch of different versions of the same spirit at a bar.”

The group behind the Elbow Benders Association is 11 ’tenders strong and growing quickly. Their plan is to hold monthly get-togethers at local bars, restaurants, breweries and distilleries beginning in January.

In the meantime, get to know the guys and their craft cocktails on the following pages.

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(Continued from page 101)

Travis Baker

Age: 34 ’Hood: Ocean Beach Workplace(s): Prohibition Liquor Bar, Gaslamp; House Spirits Distillery Drink recipe: Respect My Physique, made in honor of a friend’s divorce – 2 oz. rye whiskey, 1/2 oz. Punt e Mes [Italian vermouth], 1/4 oz. Green Chartreuse [110 proof French herbal liqueur], 1/4 oz. Cynar [Italian bitter liqueur], dash of Peychaud’s bitters. Stir, serve with a big-ass ice cube and a lemon peel.

When to drink it: This drink can be consumed anywhere, at any time, but generally tastes best in a dark bar, after a bad break-up, probably alone.

Motto: “There are two types of people in the world who are allowed to not have beards: women and children. I am neither of those.”

For Christmas…: Just one winning lottery ticket. I don’t ask for much.

Erick Castro

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Age: 34 ’Hood: Golden Hill Workplace(s): Polite Provisions, Normal Heights Drink recipe: The Kentucky Buck – 2 oz. bourbon; 3/4 oz. lemon juice; 1/2 oz. simple syrup; 1 medium sized strawberry, muddled; 2 dashes Angostura bitters.

Shake and strain into Collins glass. Top with ginger beer. Garnish with lemon wheel.

When to drink it: With friends, when the weather is hot and the conversation is good.

Motto: A cocktail recipe, like a sculpture, is only fully brought to life by chipping away what doesn’t belong, not by adding the non-essential.

For Christmas…: A bottle of Pappy Van Winkle 12 year Bourbon.

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“There are two types of people in the world who are allowed to not have beards: women and children. I am neither of those.”

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Brian Prugalidad

Age: Somewhere in the thirties ’Hood: Mira Mesa Workplace(s): Craft & Commerce, Little Italy; UnderBelly, Little Italy Drink recipe: The Boulevardier – equal parts whiskey (bourbon or rye, your preference), Campari [Italian aperitif] and sweet vermouth. The lovechild of the Negroni and Manhattan, but with an identity strong enough to stand on its own. Beautiful cocktail.

When to drink it: Whenever, wherever, whatever and with whomever.

Motto: Control what you can; don’t worry about what you can’t.

For Christmas…: Peace on earth, good will towards men (and women) and a great, local Tiki Bar.

GETTING A HEAD Inside the minds of 11 of San Diego’s leading mixologists

“All I want for Christmas is to be with my two babies.”

Matthew Stanton

Pedro Antonio Melgar Flores

Age: 31 ’Hood: Clairemont Workplace(s): El Dorado, Downtown Drink recipe: The Night Creature – 1.5 oz. rye whiskey, 1.5 oz. Mezcal tequila (blanco), 3/4 oz. Averna [Italian herbal digestif], 1/4 oz. Benedictine [French herbal spiced liqueur], dash of Angostura bitters. Add all ingredients, stir with ice, strain into a chilled cocktail glass, garnish with a lemon twist.

When to drink it: Someone should first off be cautious when drinking this – it’s a doozy. Definitely during the cold months of the fall and winter. Or, if you have real grit, one in the morning with your eggs.

Motto: How you think I got this belly, overnight? A brother was hungry, I got an appetite.

For Christmas…: I want a ’69 Camaro Pro Street – 671 supercharged 377 small block. Dual demon carbs, dual exhaust with a hood scoop. Some skinnies up front and some monster Hoover’s in back. Built to win.

Age: 24 ’Hood: East Village Workplace(s): Saltbox, Gaslamp Favorite Drink: Too Biter, Too Sweet – it’s a play off the Chet Baker cocktail, a drink made by the talented Samuel Ross at Milk & Honey in NYC. It’s a fancy cocktail with aged rum and a little Fernet Branca [Italian liqueur].

When to drink: I think it’s a great nightcap cocktail. It’s on the sweeter side and also can be enjoyed in a cold night.

Motto: Fernet about it.

For Christmas…: All I want for Christmas is to be with my two babies.

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Dustin Haarstad

Age: 28 ’Hood: South Park Workplace(s): Blind Tiger Cocktail Co., Fortaleza Tequila Drink recipe: The Old Man – 2 oz. Black Maple Hill bourbon, 1/2 oz. maple syrup, 2 dashes Fee Bros. black walnut bitters, smoked sage. Serve on rocks and garnish with orange peel.

When to drink it: Drink with your father while listening to Neil Young on the front porch.

Motto: When in doubt, drink Fernet.

For Christmas…: Friends, food and booze.

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(Note: Hassan was out of town on group photo day) Age: 32 ’Hood: Marina District Workplace(s): The Lion’s Share, Marina District Drink recipe: Corpse Destroyer – London Dry Gin, Cocchi Americano [Italian aperitif wine], lemon juice, blackberry shrubs.

When to drink it: In a cozy corner of the bar amongst good company.

Motto: Have hospitality at your heart and treat people how you would like to be treated.

For Christmas…: A new MacBook Pro.

Age: 29 ’Hood: Ocean Beach Workplace(s): Young’s Market Co. Drink recipe: Blood and Sand – equal parts scotch, sweet vermouth, Cherry Heering [cherry-flavored Danish liqueur] and orange juice. It has citrus and vermouth, which is unconventional. It is an equal-parts cocktail, which means all components are naturally in balance...very Zen. Different scotches and vermouths can drastically affect outcome.

When to drink it: I would drink it after dinner, in a whisky bar, with Seth Laufman.

Motto: Serve people not drinks, and blind-taste things all the time.

For Christmas…: I want a cat.

Hassan Mahmood

Age: 31 ’Hood: East Village Workplace(s): Noble Experiment, East Village Drink recipe: Doblón – 1.5 oz. Scotch (I love Highland Park 12), 1 oz. fino sherry (I love Valdespino), 3/4 oz. fresh lemon juice, 3/4 oz. runny honey (3:1, honey:water). Add all ingredients to a shaker can. Add ice.

Shake/strain into ice-filled rocks glass. Garnish with lemon wedge. Try the same with an orange peel in the shaker (ice will muddle). Delicious!

When to drink it: With friends at a friend’s house.

For Christmas…: A bar.

Anthony Schmidt

Age: 31 ’Hood: Pacific Beach Workplace(s): Vin de Syrah, Gaslamp; Blind Tiger Cocktail Co.; Tequila Fortaleza Drink recipe: There Will Be Blood – 3/4 oz. Banks 7 Rum, 3/4 oz.

Dry Sack Sherry, 3/4 oz. Cherry Heering [sweet Danish liqueur], 1 oz. fresh orange juice, shaken and fine strained up. This is a modernized original spin on a classic cocktail called Blood and Sand, which traditionally calls for blended scotch and sweet vermouth instead of rum and sherry.

It’s a nice angular answer to the more linear original.

When to drink it: Enjoy this cocktail during the winter and spring seasons at Alchemy Restaurant in South Park with co-owners Ron and Matt. Make sure to ask Ron to show some sweet dance moves.

Motto: There are only two types of people in the world: those that love scotch and those I will never fully understand.

For Christmas…: I’ve always wanted my own hype man, but I would settle for a Bear Force One reunion tour and Mila Kunis as my date.

Adam Stemmler

“Serve people not drinks...and blind-taste things all the time.”

Levi Walker

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Age: 28 ’Hood: Ocean Beach Workplace(s): URBN Coal Fired Pizza, North Park; Blind Tiger Cocktail Co. Drink recipe: Colleen Bawn – it’s a classic from the turn of the century, with 1 oz. each of Rittenhouse Rye, Yellow Chartreuse [80 proof French herbal liqueur] and Benedictine [French herbal spiced liqueur], with a whole egg. Shake first without ice and then again with, serve in a martini or cocktail glass with grated nutmeg.

When to drink it: Sweet, herbal, creamy, pungent and totally delicious, this is warming and complex and is perfect as a last drink on a cold night.

Motto: If not now, when?

For Christmas…: It’s been over a decade, and I still don’t have a Furby.

Jason O’Bryan

“It’s been over a decade, and I still don’t have a Furby.”

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Blind date trivia: tonight is Ari’s second PacificSD blind date. Her first was in March 2010, when she and Brannon had wine at Toast Enoteca in East Village, followed by dinner at Bice in the Gaslamp. “Well, my first-date-kiss rule may have kinda/sorta been broken, but that’s all I can say,” she said at the time. So it went well...but not so well that she didn’t come back for more. (XOXO, Ari. You rock!)

SNOW WAY!

Making fresh tracks in San Diego

By David Perloff / Photos by Brevin Blach

Ari and Peter are bundled up for a twilight ride: ski jackets, snow pants, the whole nine.

They met about 30 minutes ago in the Epic Limo that picked them up – her from a salon in La Jolla, him from his home in Solana Beach – and are about to be dropped off at the bottom of the slopes in Encinitas. Before they arrive, let’s review the pre-date interviews.

What do you do for a living?

ARI: I work at Internet Marketing, Inc. as a business development executive. I also hire and manage promo models around the country for my company, LittleMissPromo.com.

PETER: I sell orthopedic devices like replacement knees and hips.

It’s a cool job, because I’m in the operating room while they’re implanting the devices to answer any technical questions.

What do you do for fun?

ARI: If I’m not CSI investigating the JFK conspiracy theory via YouTube or attempting to pay attention to my personal trainer at the gym, I’m traveling, snowboarding, going to a wine bar or sporting event or going out dancing to show off my salsa moves.

PETER: I enjoy playing water polo, surfing, Olympic

weightlifting, Crossfit – basically, anything that keeps me active. I also enjoy more relaxing pursuits like reading, barbecuing outside on a weekend afternoon and strumming my guitar.

What are you looking for in a date?

ARI: I’d be happy to meet a tall, handsome, intelligent, powerful Christian Grey type – minus the whips and chains.

PETER: I enjoy a girl that has a good sense of humor. It’s also important that they’re outgoing, intelligent and adventurous. I prefer athletic girls. I also like a girl that can appreciate a relaxing afternoon, hanging out and sharing good conversation. I’m 6’6” so being taller is always a plus.

What’s the sexiest thing about you?

ARI: I’ve been told it’s my intellect, O N E

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curves, energy and smile.

PETER: People will say my eyes.

It’s my butt, though.

What’s your surefire trick for making a date with romance?

ARI: Sweet nothings in Spanish usually do the trick. “Hola, guapo. Te gustaria bailar con una chica muy linda?”

PETER: Be yourself and be confident. If that doesn’t work, then there probably was never going to be romance anyways.

What’s the best thing that could happen during the date?

ARI: It turns out to be this holiday season’s blockbuster hit – “The Notebook” plus “Serendipity” plus “007,” starring Jennifer Lopez and Mr. Right. Ice-skating, salsa dancing and an action-packed exit, where we ditch photographers in our blacked-out Audi R8. /

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PETER: Have an amazing time with an interesting person.

Rain in San Diego means snow in the county’s highest elevations (see “Flakin’ Out,” page 60), but skiing in Julian sucks, and it’s way too far to drive for a blind date, anyway.

Instead, Ari and Peter will be riding the local mountain: the rotating carpet slope at Adventure Ski & Snowboard School, where thousands of San Diegans have learned to ski since 1977.

After buckling their boots and learning safety tips from instructors Kent (he owns the place) and Eric, the couple is ready to ride.

THANK YOU! Epic Limo 858.270.LIMO (5466), epiclimo.com (Continued on page 106)

Curious about what beer tasted like before Prohibition? Now you have your chance to find out, ask your local watering hole if they carry it. 짜 #//23 !2#()6% "2%7).' '/,$%. #/ s ,!'%2

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RUG BURNS

At least it can if you fall and aren’t wearing pants A typical run down a mountain, even one as big as Mammoth, takes about five minutes. But after getting the hang of the equipment at Adventure Ski & Snowboard School, the daters ride the magic carpet (which feels like heavy snow) for more than 30 minutes without stopping – not counting when the machine pauses after Ari falls down, sometimes pretty hard.

Sweaty from a rigorous workout, Ari and Peter freshen up in the bathroom at the adjacent Hansen’s Surf Shop (also open in Encinitas since the ’70s), and then jump back into their Epic Limo for the ride (across the

street, but it’s fun to arrive in style) to dinner at Union Kitchen & Tap. Union draws a young, fun crowd, making it stand out from the cougar dens that sprinkle the North County coast. The place is hopping when the couple arrives and grabs a booth in the back dining room. Once they’ve had a chance to order their food and talk over drinks, they’re split for mid-date debriefings.

How’s it going so far?

ARI: Totally good. I’m a little stubborn, so the skiing place was all about me making sure of Ari’s ego.

But the whole time, he was like, “Hey, how’s it going?” Super cool.

Most guys don’t do that.

PETER: Going great. I’m lovin’ it.

Having a great time.

humbling. Every imperfection was exaggerated by the carpet, but it was a lot of fun and a great way to break the ice.

Does your date want to kiss you right now?

ARI: Maybe. Probably.

PETER: I think she could, yeah.

Rate your date on a scale from one to 10 for looks.

ARI: Eight.

PETER: Nine.

Ari and Peter appear to be having a great time together – laughing, sitting close, toasting shots of tequila. By this time, the bar tables in the main lounge at Union have been moved out of the room, and the restaurant is now aflurry with late-night action.

What were your first impressions?

ARI: Tall, and I really like tall guys.

And he’s super nice. And he’s in medical sales, which is what my dad does, so my dad would love him.

PETER: I was really pleased. She seems like a cool person. We’re both in sales, so it was instant hitting-it-off.

Is this the type of person you’d normally date?

ARI: He’s definitely someone I could see myself hanging out with.

PETER: Definitely. I could see her being the type once I get to know her.

How was riding at Adventure Ski & Snowboard School?

ARI: I think Peter took the easy route by going on skis. I was a snowboard instructor for two years and I could barely do it. But I’m glad it was challenging, because if it was too easy, it probably wouldn’t be as much fun. And the people there were so cool.

PETER: She was a snowboard instructor, and I’ve been skiing my whole life, but it was a bit O N E

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How about for personality?

ARI: Ten. PETER: Ten. Do you want to kiss your date now?

ARI: Not yet.

PETER: Not right at this moment, but I think that could be something that happens further down the line. /

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THANK YOU! Adventure Ski & Snowboard School 1105 S. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas 760.942.2188, adventureski.com (Continued on page 108)

POINT BE Hug my sister on the platform Thoughts like a stream Snapping tons of photos A roadrunner

POINT A

Small towns are awesome

Crank out five pages of thesis

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(Continued from page 106)

A More Perfect Union It’s not just the preamble to the Constitution anymore

As the couple exchanges the $20-or-less holiday gifts they were asked to bring for each other, they’re finally left alone to enjoy the rest of their evening. We call the next morning to see what we missed.

How was Union Kitchen & Tap? ARI: I loved it. The vibe was great; good-looking, upscale crowd; amazing food.

PETER: There was a good crowd of people, and they had good music going. The ambiance was perfect for the date, not too formal, but great food. I would definitely eat there again.

What did you eat?

ARI: We ordered shrimp and grits, a ribeye steak, meat, scallops, Brussels sprouts, quinoa potato cakes. We probably ordered too much, but we were starving from our butt workout on the carpet. I can’t wait to go back.

PETER: We ordered quite a bit of food, and it was all great. I particularly loved the shrimp and grits. We also tried the rib eye, and that was delicious.

What gift did you give your date?

ARI: I gave him a bottle of Rombauer. I don’t think he’d ever heard of it, but hopefully he’ll like it as much as I do.

PETER: I gave Ari one of those Russian snow hats with the earflaps.

Flaps up, flaps down, it does it all.

What did you receive?

ARI: I got a great furry hat to wear on my next trip to Park City during Sundance. It was perfect.

PETER: She got me a bottle of her favorite wine. I can’t wait to try it.

What happened after the magazine crew left?

ARI: We went to a bar in Encinitas for a little while. Then at midnight the limo dropped him off at his house. He asked the limo to pull over right before his place, and he took me for a short walk to look at the ocean. It was really sweet.

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up the street to the First Street Bar. The line was too long there, and the bouncer was somehow unswayed by the fact that we had just stepped out of a limo. We then decided to brave the night air and made the blocklong walk to The Saloon. On the drive home, I was disappointed to find out that the limo did not have a sun roof to stand up through and shout “I’m king of the world!”

PETER: Sure, I think there will be a second date. It was a great time, and Ari is definitely someone I want to get to know better.

Was there a kiss or romantic exchange?

ARI: No, I think maybe that’s what was supposed to happen on the walk to see the ocean view, but we hugged it out instead.

PETER: Yep.

We had hoped for 50 Shades of Grey.

What we got was a few hues of meh.

Sure, there may have been rug burns, and Ari did make reference to a “butt workout,” but she never grabbed his pole – not while skiing, anyway.

Will there be a second date?

ARI: Peter is a great guy, super mature, has a great job, total catch.

I just didn’t feel a lot of romantic chemistry. /

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AFTERMATCH: Ari and Peter exchanged gifts, but the only fluid exchange seems to have been the tequila shots…and maybe whatever Peter’s “Yep” refers to in response to the question about the romantic exchange.

THANK YOU! Union Kitchen & Tap 1108 South Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas 760.230.BEER (2337), localunion101.com

[ LIVE DJ ] [ MIDNIGHT CHAMPAGNE TOAST ] [ NEW YEARS PARTY FAVORS ] Regular Priced Food and Drinks

4343 Ocean Blvd San Diego, CA 92109 | 858.272.SURF | pbshoreclub.com CM

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Calendar DECEMBER 2012

CLOCKWISE (FROM TOP) del mar holiday of lights; san diego derby DOLLS; balboa park december nights.

pacifics A N d I E G O . com

Chargers Home Games 12/2: vs.

Cincinnati Bengals 12/16: vs.

Carolina Panthers 12/30 vs.

Oakland Raiders

M anny C enciero s

12/1-31: Del Mar Holiday of Lights

Location: Del Mar Race Track Admission: $15-$20 Info: holidayoflights.com Buckle up (or jump aboard a hayride) for an illuminating loop around the 1.5-mile track at Del Mar, which will be atwinkle with more than 400 lighted scenes that lured roughly 21,000 passenger cars last year.

12/7-8: Balboa Park December Nights

12/9, 16: San Diego Bay Parade of Lights

Location: Balboa Park museums, Balboa Park Admission: Free Info: balboapark.org/decembernights A crowd of more than 300,000 is expected at this 35th annual holiday lights celebration in Balboa Park, where participating museums will offer free admission.

Location: San Diego Bay, from Shelter Island to Coronado Ferry Landing Admission: Free Info: sdparadeoflights.org Twilight waterfront fireworks (5:30 p.m.) will kick-off two consecutive Sunday evenings of illuminated boat-watching along San Diego Bay during this 42nd annual event, expected to draw 80,000 spectators each weekend. A similar but smaller such parade sparkles along Mission Bay December 8.

12/2: SoNo Park Holiday Fest & ChiliPalooza

12/8: San Diego Derby Dolls Championships

Location: 32nd St. and Thorn St., North Park Admission: Free Info: sonoparkholidayfest.blogspot.com Have a gas as dozens of restaurants compete in a chili cook-off energized by live music in this family-friendly celebration of the neighborhoods of South Park and North Park.

Location: Wyland Hall at Del Mar Race Track, Del Mar Admission: $13-$20 Info: sd.derbydolls.com Watch tough women smack into each other on roller skates in this roller derby championship, featuring two San Diego teams: Diego Rollers vs. The Swarm.

12/7: Alpine Village Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting

12/8: Bikes Boards and Brews

Location: Alpine Creek Town Center, Alpine Admission: Free Info: alpinechamber.com Celebrate the season the redneck way with a parade of lighted golf carts and lawn tractors in Alpine, where “ho, ho, ho!” sounds more like “hee-haw!”

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Location: Catamaran Resort Hotel, Mission Bay Admission: $25-$30 Info: govavi.com Sample local craft beers with food pairings from beach-area restaurants while checking out vintage and modern surfboards, beach cruisers and beach-inspired art at this celebration of San Diego beach culture at the magnificent Catamaran Resort & Spa. H U N D R E D

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12/9: Gaslamp Quarter Holiday Pet Parade

Location: Gaslamp Hilton Park (4th Ave. and K St.) Admission: Free to watch, $10-$20 to participate Info: gaslamp.org In case there weren’t already enough reasons to show off those matching outfits (Continued on page 112) you and your dog have, now you can do it alongside lizard and cat owners to compete for prizes. The time to sign up is right meow!

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“Beautiful horses, a talented cast, and a luxurious setting.”

–San Diego Union Tribune

Join us on an epic adventure to the kingdom of Valitar, located somewhere between myth and magic. Come explore a legendary realm where we can still hear the voice of the horse.

Your spirits will soar as the primal elements of earth, wind, fire and water and the ancient energies of love and power celebrate the fabled partnership of man and horse.

NOW PLAYING AT THE DEL MAR FAIRGROUNDS 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar, California 92014

Limited seating available Tickets on sale now at Ticketmaster.com

Valitar.net

Calendar DECEMBER 2012

pacifics A N d I E G O . com

(Continued from page 110) 12/14: The Gaslamp Comedy Show

every participant a medal, so no one feels like a loser.

Location: The Tipsy Crow, Gaslamp Admission: $10-$20 Info: thetipsycrow.com FuseTV’s Mal Hall hosts a night of stand-up comedy featuring Jay Larson and Ryan Sickler from Comedy Central.

12/18: Poinsettia Bowl Battle of the Bands

12/15: National Cupcake Day

12/27: Big Bay Balloon Parade 2012

Location: Pacific Hwy., Downtown Admission: Free Info: holidaybowl.com We’re talking really big balloons. Like, enormous.

12/15-16: San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus “Ice & Spice”

12/27-30: San Diego International Auto Show

Location: Balboa Theatre Admission: $21-$43 Info: sdgmc.org Put a little sass in your Christmas with the too-fabulous San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, singing traditional holiday songs with the “spice” of a tropical holiday get-away.

Location: San Diego Convention Center, Downtown Admission: $12 Info: sdautoshow.com Get your motor running by kicking the tires of more than 400 new and concept vehicles from 36 car manufacturers.

For a brief but very cool thrill-ride/ test-drive, take a trip to the top of the 18-foot-tall Jeep Mountain and indoor obstacle course.

12/16: Beach Blast Triathlon

Location: Fiesta Island Admission: $75 Info: beachblasttri.com Swim, bike and run along around Fiesta Island in this triathlon that gives

phillip collum

Location: Encinitas Admission: Free Info: 2good2b.com Cupcakes used to be called 1-2-3-4 cakes, because they were (and often still are) made with 1 cup of butter, 2 cups of sugar, 3 cups of flour and 4 eggs (plus milk and baking soda). Pretty heavy, huh?

Lighten up on National Cupcake Day with a gluten- corn- and soy-free version at 2Good2B Bakery & Cafe in Encinitas.

Location: 5th Ave., Gaslamp Admission: Free Info: poinsettiabowl.com You have spirit, yes you do – or at least you will while watching marching bands and spirit squads (representing the teams competing in the Poinsettia Bowl) battle it out on the streets of the Gaslamp.

CLOCKWISE (FROM TOP): national cupcake day; big bay balloon parade; GASLAMP COMEDY SHOW; POINSETTIA BOWL battle of the bands

michael lawrence

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“Frank Subaru Love a Pet” Adoption & Care Event

Saturday December 8th 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

• Pet Adoption mobile on-site with dogs • In partnership with the Chula Vista Animal Care Facility with representatives as part of the Subaru/ASPCA support • FREE Pet ID Tagging • FREE dog treats & product samples

FREE

Kids Holiday Photo Session

Saturday, Dec. 15th 9:30AM - 1:30PM

Meet our Mascot

“ Frankie”

In the Frank Scion Showroom Call NOW to register!

866-498-5814

STOP BY ANY FRANK LOCATION FOR A FAST LANE OIL & FILTER CHANGE! Subaru is a proud partner of the ASPCA, bringing pets and people together.

• • • • •

Install oil filter Replace engine oil per factory specifications Top off all under hood fluids Check & set tire pressure to vehicle specifications Multipoint inspection

Oil & Filter change in 30 minutes or less!

19

$

Call for an appointment today!

95 +tax

Up to 5 quarts of multi-grade oil. Synthetic and specialty oils additional. V-6 and V-8 engines additional. Please present coupon at the time of purchase. Coupons cannot be combined with any other offer and cannot be applied toward previous purchases. Offer expires 12/31/12

FRANK FRANK FRANK FRANK

TOYOTA 2400 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950 | 888-293-3518 HYUNDAI 3150 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950 | 888-261-8214 SUBARU 2940 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950 | 888-207-3548 USED CARS 2829 National City Blvd., National City, CA 91950 | 888-220-2524

THINK

San Diego

SAN DIEGO’S WHERE, WHEN AND WOW

Gimme Head Lines Unbelievable stories from the editing room floor Hit or Myth Lisping baseball players’ major league superstitions Smarts Phos MIRA MESA eatery makes big bucks selling soup via new app

Prose & Cons

Writing contest for San Diego inmates Thumb Thing Special Diary of a serial hitchhiker Gaze at Your Uranus Its shuttle program scrapped, NASA sends man beyond Mars Go Pluck Yourself The how-to guide to perfect eyebrows Scrooge You How to save money and hate people Can’t Catch the Ginger Bread Man The story of a red-haired baker on the lamb Hauling Ass Man carries donkey across state lines Special Erection Japanese city council member defeats opponent in run-off vote O N E

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WINTER THRILLS WINTER THRILLS DESIGNER SHOES FROM $29.99

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