SPICED RUM
RESPECT HIS LEGACY. DRINKSAILOR JERRY RESPONSIBLY. ©2014 Sailor Jerry Rum, 46% Alc./Vol. William Grant & Sons, Inc. New York, NY.
Yule have a blast! Restaurants & Bars... more to be announced (food and cocktails included)
Stores... more to be announced (24% discounts included)
G45 (ZQTZ
Vintage and contemporary clothing
french twist salon
Seven San Diego radio stations, San Diego 6 TV, the Gaslamp Quarter Association, East Village Association and McFarlane promotions are partnering with two dozen bars and restaurants and two dozen retail stores in the Gaslamp and East Village to bring a thousand restaurant- and bar-lovers downtown for the holidays. Sip, savor and shop (not necessarily in that order ) and come help spread holiday cheer while raising awareness and funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County.
Sip, savor and shop...
Toast of
Downtown
Saturday, December 13
1 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Ages 21+ only)
24 cocktails 24 menu samples 24 bars & restaurants 24% discounts at 24 stores Get tickets and more info at
toastofdowntown.com San Diego
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D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 ///
On Comet...
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n November 12, the Philae space-lander successfully touched down on Comet 67P, which was 300 million miles from Earth and cruising at 40 thousand miles per hour. Talk about giant leap. Now that CNN has toned down its coverage of Ebola and the Isis crisis, perhaps anchors Wolf and Anderson can pay attention to man’s interstellar conquest before their feeds flicker anew with images of Santa, Comet and the other reindeer circumnavigating the globe’s nicer neighborhoods. And now it’s time for a holiday rhyme…
Eek! and alas, another year has passed. Still, for me, this one’s just like the last. I’m no older — at least no more mature. My humor’s still blue; some say it’s poor. I know it’s old-fashioned and probly ain’t cool To joke like the kids in elementary school. But when I hear what we’re doing in space, A juvenile look appears on my face. I think of the comet and what it can teach And know that Uranus is now within reach. Thank you, Dear Reader, for a wonderful year. I wish you incessant holiday cheer. And thanks to Obama’s executive order, Rudolph and Co. can now cross the border. As Comet said, right before he snorted. “With all these gifts, we won’t be deported.” Merry (and Murray) Christmas, Dear Reader. For sore eyes you’re a sight. See you next month. Have a great New Year’s night.
Sincerely, David Perloff, Editor-in-Chief
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(Fill in the blank, December 11, in The Rabbit Hole)
Pandora had a box. Now Normal Heights has a hole. If you haven’t been visiting the neighborhood... probably don’t start now.
San Diego
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ke rabbits. The Rabbit Hole Grand Opening Celebration Thursday, December 11 (6 to 9 p.m.) Crafty Cocktails Appetizing Appetizers Surprise Celebrity Musician Proceeds benefit Father Joe’s Villages (hint: it’s sumwhat dum)
Find tickets and info at pacificsandiego.com. Admission limited to 300 people. Menu bites included with ticket. Limited $5 tickets available. Use promo code: WABBIT.
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DECEMBER 2014
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF David Perloff
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kenny Boyer MANAGING EDITOR Catlin Dorset CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Michael Benninger, John Brice, Danielle Directo-Meston, Brandon Hernández, Brandon Matzek, David Nelson COVER ILLUSTRATION Court Jones CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Kate Auda, Michael Auda, Brevin Blach, Paul Body, Brandon Matzek, Sara Norris
PUBLISHERS David Perloff Simone Perloff MARKETING DIRECTOR Alyson C. Baker (alyson@pacificsandiego.com) PROMOTIONS assistant Ariel Gafni (ariel@pacificsandiego.com) CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER Ryan Jones (ryan@pacificsandiego.com) ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Michael Christopher (mike@pacificsandiego.com) Brennan MacLean (brennan@pacificsandiego.com) Kevin Sheehan (kevin@pacificsandiego.com) INTERN Tracy Ly
Reach America’s Finest readers via print, web, social media, email, street team and events. Read, click, connect... BOOM! 619.296.6300 • pacificsandiego.com Facebook “f ” Logo
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CONTENTS Features 12.14
62 Snow Wonder Homegrown dreams of a frosty White Christmas
70 It’s All Downhil
Western resorts offer a slippery slope for those falling (and fallen) in love
UNDERCOVER Cover illustration by Court Jones. The image of a frozen Finest City is available for purchase as an 18”x24” poster for $20. Proceeds benefit Challenged Athletes Foundation®, which “grew out of a desire to assist one athlete paralyzed in a triathlon. From this modest beginning arose a more important mission to make sure people with physical challenges have the same freedom to enjoy sports as everyone else.” Visit pacificsandiego.com for details. challengedathletes.org (See “Snow Wonder,” page 62.) THIS PAGE Air time at Mammoth Mountain. (See “It’s All Downhill,” page 70.)
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KEEP IT COOL. ALWAYS DESIGNATE A DRIVER.
CONTENTS departments / 12.14
AGENDA
24 Twelve.Fourteen December event listings 30 Laughing Stock December comedy calendar
PULSE
36 Art Beat December museum and gallery openings 42 Curtain Call This month’s performing arts preview 44 The Reel World Holiday season motion picture preview 50 It’s in the Bag A modern workout… with a twist 54 Thrice as Nice One couple’s trio of four-season boutiques
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And Many Moor New Little Italy restaurant anchors neighborhood to its nautical history
96 Light Bites, Big City Downtown’s dining scene shines bright for the holidays 102 Batter Up Waffles are a thing, come take a swing 104 Take it From the Tap Finest City beer — scene and heard
GROOVE
110 Sounds Like A Plan December concert calendar 116 Spin Cycle December EDM shows 118 Holiday Cheers! Getting into the spirits with bartender Mark Rillos
LOVE
120 Hit or Mistletoe There may be a chance for X-mas romance 20
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ON KAROL: Sanctuary jacket, $138; BB Dakota top, $65; Sanctuary pant, $84; shoes, model’s own.
DECEMBER 31, 2014 9pm – 1:30am
HILTON BAYFRONT • 1 PARK BLVD • SAN DIEGO
THIS INCREDIBLE EVENT FEATURES:
ALL INCLUSIVE (FOOD & DRINK)!
12 PARTY AREAS • 6 DANCE FLOORS FIRST CLASS CUISINE • PARTY FAVORS HUGE MIDNIGHT CELEBRATION • DISCOUNTED HOTEL ROOMS • MORE!
WWW.BIGNIGHTSANDIEGO.COM
PERFORMANCES BY:
Fishbone
DJ Happee
Agua Dulce
George Acosta
Who and Paulo da Rosa
DJ Bakspin
JT Douglas Band
Mike Czech (VIP)
EklekTek
Dale Diego
Kristina Sky
WWW.BIGNIGHTSANDIEGO.COM
Charger Girls
Agenda
twelve.FOURTEEN
december 2014 event CALENDAR By Catlin Dorset
12/23
San Diego County Credit Union Poinsettia Bowl Qualcomm Stadium, Mission Valley, sandiegobowlgames.com Two eligible, to-be-determined teams — one from the Mountain West Conference and one from the U.S. Naval Academy — will compete at the 10th annual Poinsettia Bowl benefiting Make-A-Wish San Diego. (continued on page 26)
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474 BROADWAY – 619.321.0021 | RASUSHI.COM NOW OPEN – MARINA MARKETPLACE – MARINA DEL REY
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12/5-6 Balboa Park December Nights
Balboa Park balboapark.org Spread holiday cheer with 350,000 other revelers at San Diego’s largest free festival, offering free admission to all Balboa Park museums, live entertainment, and plenty of gingerbread cookies and hot cocoa for the whole family.
12/5-24 Holiday Wonderland
Petco Park sandiego.padres.mlb.com Ride a Polar Express train, feed Santa’s reindeer and play in the snow falling on a 40-foot Christmas tree at this inaugural festive fair.
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12/6 Mustache Dache
12/6 DigiTour 2014
San Diego Balboa Theatre, Downtown sandiegotheatres.org Andrea Russett, Brent Rivera and other tweenage social media stars you’ve probably never heard of draw out their 15 minutes of fame with live performances.
De Anza Cove Park, Mission Bay mustachedache.com Run this 5K dressed as your favorite mustachioed hero and compete in the postrace costume contest to raise money for men’s health programs via the Movember Foundation.
12/7 SoNo Fest &
Chili CookOff
C h r i s M a rt i n
Thorn St. and 32nd St., North Park sonofestchili cookoff.com Forty South Park and North Park eateries vie for the “Best Chili” title while festivalgoers rock-out to live performances by local bands and wash down endless samples of stews with Finest City craft brews.
La Jolla Christmas 12/7 Parade and Holiday Festival
12/6 North Park Toyland Parade & Festival University Ave. and Utah St., North Park toylandparade.com Marching bands, vintage cars and beauty queens lead the way for Santa’s sleigh (in this case, a red fire engine) at this 51st annual parade.
Girard Ave. and Prospect St., La Jolla ljparade.com Antique aircraft flyovers, yuletide floats and drill teams set the tone for this year’s Spirit of Christmas/Peace on Earth parade, to be followed by a holiday festival featuring live music and a treelighting ceremony.
Chargers Home Games 12/7: vs. New England Patriots 12/14: vs. Denver Broncos
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12/13 Ultimate Santa Run
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NTC at Liberty Station, Point Loma ultimatesantarun.com Don a Santa hat, shirt and beard (all included with ticket price) to walk, run or dance this 5K filled with Christmas music, milk and cookies, and falling snow.
12/11 Hillcrest Taste ‘n’ Tinis
Several Hillcrest locations fabuloushillcrest.com Sip holiday-inspired martinis while shopping at Hillcrest boutiques and enjoying menu samples from several of the neighborhood’s popular restaurants.
S hane Morim atsu
12/13 Toast of Downtown
Several Gaslamp and East Village locations toastofdowntown.com Sip, savor and shop as dozens of downtown bars, restaurants and retail stores team up with seven local radio stations to bring a thousand holiday shoppers downtown. Drinks and menu tastings included with ticket price. Proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County.
12/13-14 San Diego
Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Spectacular
San Diego Balboa Theatre, Downtown sandiegotheatres.org A choir of more than 130 vocalists performs festive arrangements of “Jingle Bells,” “The Little Drummer Boy” and many other holiday classics.
12/14 Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade 12/14 & 12/21 San Diego Bay Parade of Lights
Shelter Island to Coronado, along North San Diego Bay sdparadeoflights.org The 43rd annual procession of illuminated boats — decked out this year to match the “Children’s Stories” theme — is expected to draw more than 80,000 spectators to the shores of San Diego Bay.
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12/26 Port of San Diego Big Bay Balloon Parade
North Harbor Dr., Downtown sandiegobowlgames.com Billed as “America’s Largest Balloon Parade,” this annual event lures 100,000 people to the downtown waterfront to see colossal heliumballoon characters, worldclass marching bands and elaborate floats.
Fourth Ave. and K St., Gaslamp gaslamp.org This tail-waggin’ trot along Fourth and Fifth Avenues in the Gaslamp culminates in a pet expo and awards ceremony for Cutest Critter, Ugliest Holiday Sweater (on a pet) and other four-legged feats.
12/27 National University Holiday Bowl
Qualcomm Stadium, Mission Valley sandiegobowlgames.com Teams from the Pac-12 and Big Ten Conferences face off at this 37th annual college football game, which welcomes a Big Ten team to the Holiday Bowl for the first time since 1994.
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n December 5, Mike Birbiglia will tell awkward tales from his uncomfortable past at downtown’s Balboa Theatre, one of many stops on the comedian’s cross-country Thank God for the Jokes tour. “I’ve been touring for like 15 years, and I’ve never done a proper show in San Diego,” says Birbiglia, a longtime contributor to public radio’s This American Life. “I always love when I go somewhere I haven’t played before because I’m finally able to tell the people from Twitter and Facebook who’ve inevitably urged me to come to their city, that I’m coming. It’s kind of thrilling.” Birbiglia, who chronicled his real-life struggles with somnambulism in his directorial debut, Sleepwalk with Me, once fell through a second-story window of a Washington motel while sleeping. Now, he goes to bed each night zipped-up in a sleeping bag and wearing mittens to prevent an unawake escape. “I just got an email from my brother about a hotel on the Florida leg of my tour that doesn’t have a ground-floor room. That’s always an issue,” he says. “I always have to find ground-floor hotel rooms.”
Sleepwalking funnyman brings his storytelling to San Diego By Michael Benninger
“I feel like there’s too many cameras right now. Like, you go to buy something, and everything’s also a camera. They’ll be like, ‘It’s also a camera.’ And I’m like, ‘I just wanted a grapefruit.’” —Comedy Central Presents Mike Birbiglia, performing live December 5 at Balboa Theatre in the Gaslamp, sandiegotheatres.org
PacificSD: Why should people pay to see your upcoming show in San Diego? MIKE BIRBIGLIA: It’s a brand new show, and I’m really excited about it. If people don’t know me, they can go on Netflix to watch my comedy specials and my movie. If you don’t have Netflix you can just borrow somebody’s password, and then you’ll have Netflix. You’ve done stand-up, TV, movies, off-Broadway shows, radio and more. What form of comedic expression do you enjoy most? I feel like I’m most passionate about movies, but that’s a tough thing to say, because they’re the hardest to make. Sleepwalk with Me took four years of my life to write, direct, edit and release to the world. What’s been your favorite acting role to date? I’ve been doing something on Orange is the New Black, which has been really fun. It’s for season three, so I can’t really talk about it yet. I’m in a Judd Apatow movie called Trainwreck coming out next summer, and it was pretty thrilling to work with someone whose movies I watched from afar for so many years. I also did a scene with Cameron Diaz for the new Annie movie. She plays Miss Hannigan, and I play an inspector who gets seduced by her. That was a surreal experience. I never saw that sort of stuff happening in my life, so I kinda relish it. Who are your favorite comedians on-the-rise? I feel like every time I talk about a rising comedian, they end up being more famous than me, like, in a day. Four weeks ago, I would have said Michael Che, but now he’s the anchor of SNL’s Weekend Update. Kevin Barnett is really good, he has a new show coming on TruTV called Friends of the People. Josh Rabinowitz is also really brilliant. He’s another one on that show.
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What’s the worst joke you’ve ever told on stage? One of the silliest jokes I’ve ever told was from my first album and goes like this: I was on the subway, and the guy next to me was crying over a book. So I leaned over and I said, ‘You don’t know how to read either, huh?’ (continued on page 32)
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laughing stock December stand-up roundup
“My girl wants to change the engagement rules. She tells me, ‘Babe, why do I got to wear a ring and let guys know I’m taken, and you don’t got to wear nothing?’ I told her, ‘Babe, I wear my sad face every day.’” —Alfred Robles on Gabriel Iglesias Presents Stand-Up Revolution 12/4: Alfred Robles @ Mad House Comedy Club, madhousecomedyclub.com
“I hate Texas because everyone refers to how small I am over there. ‘How ya doin’ there, little fella? Look, honey, it’s one of them Pokemons! Let’s take him home and put him on the mantel.’” —Bobby Lee on Comedy Central’s Premium Blend 12/4-6: Bobby Lee @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
“I’m from a little town in North Carolina called ‘Hickory.’ Hickory actually sits at the bottom of the Appalachian Mountains, so, like, even hillbillies look down on us. They’re like, ‘Look at ‘em down there, brushing their tooth.’” —John Reep on Comedy Central Presents 12/5-6: John Reep @ The Comedy Store, lajolla.thecomedystore.com
“My eye doctor told me this, I’m not making this up. He goes, ‘You know you have one eye set a little bit higher than your other eye?’ No, I didn’t know that. He goes, ‘It’s no big deal; it doesn’t affect your vision or anything. I just thought you might want to be self-conscious for the rest of your life.’” —Brian Regan on Comedy Central Presents 12/6: Brian Regan @ Pechanga Resort & Casino, pechanga.com
“When you don’t drink, people always need to know why. They’re like, ‘You don’t drink? Why?’ This never happens with anything else. ‘You don’t use mayonnaise? Why? Are you addicted to mayonnaise? Is it okay if I use mayonnaise?’” —Jim Gaffigan on Comedy Central Presents 12/6: Jim Gaffigan @ Pala Casino, palacasino.com
“Slept like a baby last night. I woke up every two hours screaming in the dark and then I sh*t my pants and almost died for, like, no reason whatsoever.” —Kurt Braunohler on John Oliver’s New York Stand-up Show 12/18-20: Kurt Braunohler @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
M and ee Joh n son
“I hate the Right-Wing jerkoffs that always say stupid stuff, like, ‘People choose to be gay.’ First off, no, they don’t. They’re born that way. I got a gay older brother. That bitch was different from day one. My brother flew out of the womb. He’s like, ‘This placenta’s disgusting. I’m never going back in there.’ And he didn’t; he kept his word.” —Bret Ernst on Comedy Central Presents 12/12-13: Bret Ernst @ The Comedy Store, lajolla.thecomedystore.com
“If you’re a woman and you get a breast reduction, you need to donate those boobs. There are flat women out there, right now, who actually have to think of clever things to say in conversation.” —Andrew Norelli on Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham 12/7: Andrew Norelli @ Mad House Comedy Club, madhousecomedyclub.com
“Ain’t nothing like a woman who almost came. She’s very angry; very angry. But ladies, y’all don’t understand. We don’t mean to f**k up, we just don’t know y’all bodies like that. Sometimes you down there, you can’t hear very well, your ears are muffled. And you ever do this — you think you heard your girl say some sh*t to you so you pop your head up at the wrong time and say, ‘Huh?’ And she be like, ‘I didn’t say sh*t to you! Is your name Jesus? I was so close, asshole.’” —Bill Bellamy on Back to My Roots 12/11-14: Bill Bellamy @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com “There is good news about a minivan. I’m telling you, you never get pulled over in a minivan. You could have a hooker strapped to your hood, doing Mach five — the cops’ll go, ‘Eh, let him go. He’s suffered enough, for god’s sake.’” —Craig Shoemaker on Comedy Central Presents 12/19-20: Craig Shoemaker @ Comedy Palace, thecomedypalace.com
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PHOTO CREDIT: DESANTI PHOTOGRAPHY
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(continued from page 32) “Ladies, you know how much you can get for your eggs? Fifteen thousand dollars. I don’t know why any of you are working. They’re hard to get to, but once you do, each one’s like an Easter egg filled with cash. But they base it on beauty, intelligence and athleticism, so don’t think you’re all going to go get fifteen grand... Some of you might have scrambled eggs or huevos rancheros. We’re not saying they’re all Fabergé or Cadbury.” —Kirk Fox on John Oliver’s New York Stand-up Show 12/19-20: Kirk Fox @ The Comedy Store, lajolla.thecomedystore.com “I wish friends with benefits was a guy you slept with who gave you health insurance with a low deductible.” —April Macie on Twitter 12/26-27: April Macie @ Mad House Comedy Club, madhousecomedyclub.com
M i n d y T u cke r
“I lost my cell phone... and that is nerve wracking. You ever lose a cell phone? It’s like losing a child — or not exactly. It’s like losing a child who had memorized all the names and numbers of all your friends and family. It’s like losing an autistic child.” —Myq Kaplan on Comedy Central Presents 12/26-28: Myq Kaplan @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
“I’m the level of celebrity where groups of guys at airports will kind of look over at me and whisper to each other and then kind of look back over. And I’m not sure if they recognize me, or they want to gang rape me in the men’s room. Either way, I’m flattered.” —T.J. Miller on No Real Reason 12/31: T.J. Miller @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com
C on stanc e K ost re vski
“I have a situation in my apartment right now: I have a surplus of pickle juice in my apartment. There’s too much pickle juice ‘cause after the pickles are gone, I don’t like throwing out the pickle juice. It just feels wasteful. So, lately I’ve been dipping my fingers in the pickle juice and I flick it on my sandwiches for flavor. How many flicks does it take to flavor a ham sandwich? I say between seven and eleven, depending on how big your fingers are and how long you leave them immersed in the pickle juice.” —Hannibal Buress on Late Show with David Letterman 12/31: Hannibal Buress @ San Diego Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org 34
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A WHOLE NEW VIBE TO A FAMILIAR PLACE.
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VILLAGE M ISSIONVALLEY.COM 855-781-9764
Pulse
december museum and gallery openings By Michael Benninger
“Devil Dog” by Hannah Johansen
ART BEAT
12/10-30: Pup Art
Hairy & Merry Pet Spa and Dog Wash, 2400 Kettner Blvd., Suite 105, Little Italy 619.238.0868, hairyandmerry.com, Reception: December 10, 7 p.m. The owners of Hairy & Merry, Little Italy’s resort for pampered pups, invite the public to attend the dog-friendly reception for their canine-centric group art show featuring works by more than two dozen local artists. (continued on page 38)
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12/12-2/28: “The Thought of thinking” by Bear Kirkpatrick jdc Fine Art 2400 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy 619.985.2322, jdcfineart.com Photographer Bear Kirkpatrick welcomes viewers of his latest works to explore the essence of humanity’s flawed existence through his series of evocative images that juxtapose nude bodies with timeless, transcendent natural settings. “Ashley 2: The Triumph of Death” by Bear Kirkpatrick
“Hummingbird” by Selina Calvo
12/6-3/29: “California Dreaming: An International Portrait of Southern California” Oceanside Museum of Art 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside 760.435.3720, oma-online.org For this juried exhibition arriving from Italy, artists from around the world were asked to depict SoCal, examining the allure of the region’s lifestyle and the global impact of society’s infatuation with the “California Dream.” “Sunbathe Barbie at Bombay Beach” by Jen Trute
12/13: “Too Cute” Chicano Art Gallery 2117 Logan Ave., Barrio Logan facebook.com/ChicanoArtGallery Committed to kawaii, the quality of “cuteness” in Japanese culture, this show presents toys, prints, sculptures and other adorable items, along with free activities for young ones and a “Cute Group” wall displaying pieces from 30-plus San Diegans.
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“Chasing Dreams” by Nonie Cruzado
12/13-1/4: Death Blossom Thumbprint Gallery 920 Kline St., La Jolla 858.354.6294, thumbprintgallerysd.com No subject is off-limits in this urban art and pop surrealism show highlighting new pieces by 25-plus artists whose only restriction was to create work measuring 8”x10”, 10”x10” or 12”x12.”
“The Madonna of the Pinks” by Raphael
12/19-4/26: Raphael’s “The Madonna of the Pinks” Timken Museum of Art 1500 El Prado, Balboa Park 619.239.5548, timkenmuseum.org Considered one of Raphael’s most esteemed works, “The Madonna of the Pinks” arrives at the Timken Museum on loan from London’s National Gallery, affording locals an opportunity to view the Renaissance master’s tiny treasure, measuring a mere 11”x9.” 40
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“The Queen Mother” by Heather McKey
12/13-1/3: “Wonderbirds” by Heather McKey ArtHatch 317 East Grand Ave., Escondido 760.781.5779, arthatch.org This debut solo exhibition of works by Heather McKey, a longtime admirer of everything avian, showcases the Escondido artist’s adept use of acrylic paints and ultra-fine brushes to depict brilliantly blushed birds.
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CURTAIN CALLS
December performing arts preview By Michael Benninger
12/11-21: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The North Park Theatre 2891 University Ave., North Park 619.239.8836, sdmt.org
12/4-21: Woman in the Mirror - A Dancer’s Journey Horton Grand Theatre 444 Fourth Ave., Downtown 619.437.6000, devasmj.com In this acclaimed one-woman show, accomplished dancer and Michael Jackson impersonator Devra Gregory reveals audacious and awe-inspiring tales from her captivating life story, punctuated by performances in a multitude of dance styles.
This adaptation of the perennial 1954 Bing Crosby/ Danny Kaye holiday film tells the story of two World War II vets whose post-army songand-dance careers lead them to love when they meet a pair of singing sisters traveling to a Vermont lodge, which happens to be owned by the boys’ former commanding officer. Ken Jacques
12/12-24: City Ballet’s The Nutcracker Spreckels Theater 121 Broadway, Ste. 600, Downtown 619.235.9500, cityballet.org
The California Ballet Company’s rendition of E.T.A. Hoffman’s timeless tale depicts Clara, the production’s protagonist, as an older child discovering love — for the first time — in the depths her dreams. 42
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K en J ac qu es
B ra d M att h ews
12/13-21: California Ballet Company’s The Nutcracker San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave., Downtown 619.570.1100, sandiegotheatres.org
Ch el sea P en yak
M a n u a l R ote nb erg
Experience Tchaikovsky’s celebrated ballet about a young girl who receives an extraordinary nutcracker that transports her to the realm of Mouse Kings, Sugar Plum Fairies and incredible, otherworldly delights.
12/15-27: An American Christmas Hotel Del Coronado 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado 619.437.6000, lambsplayers.org Party like it’s 1914 in the Hotel Del’s lavish ballroom during this enchanting Christmas celebration where 27 performers from Lamb’s Players Theatre treat guests (who are enjoying a five-course holiday meal) to three hours of music, dance, story and song.
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The Reel World
The Interview Comedy Starring: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Randall Park In Theatres: December 25 When two harebrained TV show hosts travel to North Korea to meet die-hard fan Kim Jong-un, the CIA intervenes, putting the duo on a mission to assassinate the Supreme Leader instead.
december’s motion picture preview By Michael Benninger
The Pyramid “You only enter once.” Horror Starring: Ashley Hinshaw, Denis O’Hare, James Buckley In Theatres: December 5 After a colossal pyramid is unearthed in the Egyptian desert, the Curse of the Pharaohs wreaks havoc on those who enter the torturous tomb.
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Dying of the Light “A second chance to find the truth. His last chance to get revenge.” Action, Thriller Starring: Nicolas Cage, Anton Yelchin, Irène Jacob In Theatres: December 5 A senior intelligence officer experiencing early signs of dementia hunts his long-time nemesis who suddenly reappears after two decades underground.
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Exodus: Gods and Kings “Once brothers, now enemies.” Drama, Biblical Starring: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, Aaron Paul In Theatres: December 12 This epic about the Plagues of Egypt shines a light on the relationship between brothers Moses and Ramses in this adaptation of the Bible’s second book.
Top Five Comedy Starring: Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Rosario Dawson, Kevin Hart In Theatres: December 12 A famous and formerly funny comedic actor struggles with his public perception as he rediscovers the roots of his humor.
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wear your onesies!
Spend your
$3 LIQUORS $4 BOTTLED BEERS
$5 DRAFTS AND
RBV SLUSHIES
CHRISTMAS ON THE BEACH!
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T W O
T H O U S A N D
A N D
F I F T E E N
8 o’clock in the evening December 31st
Hosted $20
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies “The defining chapter.” Fantasy, Adventure Starring: Ian McKellen, Martin Freeman, Richard Armitage In Theatres: December 17 Gandalf and the gang are back for this final cinematic chapter of J.R.R. Tolkien’s genre-defining Middle Earth masterpiece. Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb “One final night to save the day.” Comedy Starring: Ben Stiller, Robin Williams, Owen Wilson In Theatres: December 19 The third and final installment in this series — and one of Robin Williams’ final films — takes a museum security guard and his exhibits (which magically come to life) across the pond and beyond as they embark on a new set of nocturnal adventures.
cocktail hour 8-9pm
online $30 at the door brews
& grooves
LIVE MUSIC ALL NIGHT @SLOWERMUSIC + @GIRLBOYOFFICIAL
toast at midnight
MILLER HIGH LIFE (Champagne of Beers) AND BUBBLES
snap the night away
STRIKE A POSE and CAPTURE THE START OF THE NEW YEAR IN OUR PHOTO BOOTH
tickets
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858.228.9305 DRAFTSANDIEGO.COM @DRAFTSANDIEGO 3105 OCEAN FRONT WALK SAN DIEGO CA 92109 TEL
WEB
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Annie “It’s a hard knock life.” Musical, Comedy, Drama Starring: Jamie Foxx, Quvenzhané Wallis, Cameron Diaz In Theatres: December 19 This remake of the ’80s classic, which was based on a 1924 comic strip and 1977 Broadway show, takes a fresh approach to the story of an orphan’s ascent from rags to riches.
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Into the Woods “Be careful what you wish for.” Musical, Fantasy Starring: Anna Kendrick, Meryl Streep, Chris Pine In Theatres: December 25 This magical musical interweaves the tales of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and other familiar characters from the Brothers Grimm books, examining the repercussions of the protagonists’ decisions.
Unbroken “Survival. Resilience. Redemption.” Drama Starring: Jack O’Connell, Garrett Hedlund, Domhnall Gleeson In Theatres: December 25 Angelina Jolie directs this biographical drama about a series of horrific events that befall former Olympian and war hero Louie Zamperini.
Big Eyes “She created it. He sold it. And everyone bought it.” Biographical Drama Starring: Amy Adams, Christoph Waltz, Krysten Ritter In Theatres: December 25 Based on the true story of an artist with a penchant for painting oversized eyes, this Tim Burton film tells the tale of a single mother who meets a man who takes credit for her work.
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IT’S IN THE BAG A modern workout… with a twist By Danielle Directo-Meston Photos by Sara Norris
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our post-holiday baggage has met its match… in the form of a 20-pound croissant. Saying goodbye to love handles starts with grabbing the handles of one of these crescentshaped, calorie-crunching Bulgarian Bags on the extensive fitness menu at Point Loma Sports Club. (continued on page 52)
Point Loma Sports Club fitness director, Crystal Richter, works out with a Bulgarian Bag.
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Enter a world of chilling enchantment at San Diego’s Original Speakeasy... THE US GRANT’s 3 rd Annual New Year’s Eve re-opening of the Bivouac Club, featuring DJ Brett Bodley and live music by The Boundary Birds. Bottomless Scandinavian Cocktails and Bottle Service packages available for the ultimate frozen experience.
www.usgrant.net/nye
2015
BIVOUAC New Year’s Eve at THE US GRANT
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Point Loma Sports Club’s master trainer, Willie Edwards (center), leads the gym’s popular Bulgarian Bag classes
Inspired by competitions among shepherds in his native Bulgaria, wherein animal lovers lift livestock above their heads to demonstrate their strength, former Olympian and GrecoRoman wrestling champ Ivan Ivanov created the Bulgarian Bag in 2005 to provide a gymappropriate version of the shepherds’ activity. Thanks to Ivanov’s innovation, athletes and others hoping to get their workout on can now hoist, swing, push and pull leather-bound Bulgarian Bags (weighing between six and 84 pounds), flexible free-weights which, when manipulated through space, help build muscle in
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the shoulders, arms, wrists, core, back and legs… without the need for live animals. Ivanov’s colleague, former Navy SEAL Stephen Nave, brought the Bulgarian Bag to the states a couple years later, eventually teaching Point Loma Sports Club’s master trainer, Willie Edwards, the art of the workout Ivanov developed for his invention. These days, Edwards leads members of the Liberty Station sweat sanctuary through onehour Bulgarian Bag workouts, which fitness director Crystal Richter says are for people who “really want to be pushed.”
The power hour — which includes a mix of cardio, plyometrics and strength training — can burn up to 850 calories. It’s for those “who don’t have a lot of fear,” Richter says. So before you raise that second mutton chop to your lips (or that second sheep over your head), consider the Bulgarian Bag workout. It’s far from a piece of cake, but the results sure are sweet. Point Loma Sports Club 2751 Roosevelt Rd., Liberty Station 619.582.2582, plsportsclub.com
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Thrice as Nice
One couple’s trio of fourseason boutiques By Catlin Dorset / Photos by Sara Norris
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fter slinging Calvin Klein, Michael Kors and Nautica swimwear to any and all boutiques west of the Mississippi River for five years, Rachel Wolfe left her sales gig in 2008, using her two-piece expertise to her turn dreams of opening a boutique into a three-part reality. “Being a native San Diegan, I’ve watched the trend of women prioritizing quality denim purchases in the winter months and quality swimwear in the summer months,” says Wolfe. “This concept, based around the two priority fashion purchases, gave us the name Blue Jeans and Bikinis.” Wolfe and her husband, Kellen, opened their first Blue Jeans and Bikinis in El Cajon in the fall of 2008, and have since opened two more stores offering contemporary casual wear for women — one in Coronado in 2010, the other in the Gaslamp in May of this year. Each location offers high-end denim and swimwear (all year long), one-on-one styling and handmade jewelry from local artisans. Staying seasonably warm and fashionably cool during San Diego’s frostier months is a must, so Wolfe dressed Karol to make winter look hot! Blue Jeans and Bikinis 14860 Olde Hwy. 80, El Cajon (opened November 2008) 619.328.6745 971 Orange Ave., Coronado (opened March 2010) 619.319.5858 435 J St., Gaslamp (opened May 2014) 619.249.0916 (continued on page 56)
ON KAROL: Hudson denim jacket, $146; Sanctuary Flirt top, $74; Hudson Collin skinny denim pant, $192; ERAS “It’s a Wrap” bracelets, $55-$65; shoes, model’s own.
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ON KAROL: Sanctuary dress, $102; Joia clutch, $34; Cat Max bracelets, $40; shoes, model’s own.
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ON KAROL: Sanctuary Teddy sweater, $74; Joe’s high-rise shorts, $140; Mayra Old Gringo boots, $502; ERAS “Fallen” necklace, $80.
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ON KAROL: Aratta jacket, $130; VOXX tank top, $12; Affliction jeans, $137; Bonnie Old Gringo boots, $522.
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Snow Wonder Homegrown dreams of a frosty White Christmas Snowscapes by Court Jones Words by David Perloff
THE ART OF THE MATTER
Each of the illustrations showcased here and the image on the cover are available for purchase as 18�x24� posters for $20 apiece. Net proceeds benefit the charities indicated on each image. See and order posters at pacificsandiego.com. 62
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First he raced Dasher, then Prancer and Vixen, But Rudolph can’t beat the stallions who’re fixin’ To win at Del Mar on Opening Day. Rain, sleet or snow, they never say “neigh.”
Benefactor:
Helen Woodward Animal Center
Helen Woodward Animal Center is a unique, private, nonprofit organization in San Diego County that, for over 40 years, has been committed to the philosophy of people helping animals and animals helping people.
animalcenter.org
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Everest is tall and so far away. So where can one reach new heights today? The answer is simple, if you’re ready to dare To climb a bridge just because it is there.
Benefactor:
ARTS | A Reason To Survive
A Reason To Survive (ARTS) is a nationally recognized organization that believes in the power of the arts and creativity to create positive transformation in children and youth facing adversity.
areasontosurvive.org
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In Finest City winter, the living is easy. Find a rod and a reel and water that’s freezing. Then pull up a chair on your local ice patch And pray to Saint Nick you aren’t today’s catch.
Benefactor:
Mama’s Kitchen
Mama’s Kitchen believes that everyone is entitled to the basic necessity of life — nutritious food. As a communitydriven organization, Mama’s Kitchen provides nutrition support to men, women and children affected by AIDS or cancer who are vulnerable to hunger.
mamaskitchen.org
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For locals and tourists and sunburnt day-trippers, A toboggan ride on the iced Giant Dipper Means knowing for certain it’s downhill from here To warmer weather and a Happy New Year!
Benefactor:
Surfrider Foundation
The Surfrider Foundation has evolved into one of the largest non-profit grassroots organizations with a volunteer-activist network dedicated to its mission to protect and enjoy oceans, waves and beaches.
surfrider.org
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It’s All Downhill Western resorts offer a slippery slope for those falling (and fallen) in love. BY JOHN BRICE
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s the 2014-15 ski and snowboard season gets into gear, it’s time to plot out this year’s slope-side rendezvous. For skiing couples like Prince William and Kate, it’s the slopes in Ushuaia, Argentina. Closer to home, actors Diane Kruger and Joshua Jackson opt for Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah. Park City’s Deer Valley Resort is the choice of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. For Tiger Woods and Gold Medal Olympic Skier Lindsey Vonn, it’s Breckenridge, Colorado. American and Canadian resorts, which last season hosted 56.5 million skier and snowboarder visits, have increasingly been courting couples with intriguing, romance-themed packages and amenities. Couples ready to take their relationship to the next level, for example, can head to Loveland
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ski area outside Denver for the 24th annual Mountaintop Matrimony, a mass on-mountain wedding to be held Valentine’s Day 2015. Trailside nuptials include free lift tickets for the bride and groom. These days, San Diegans wanting to make an epic winter escape with that special someone should consider not only snowfall, but also what après-ski offerings may befall the journey — from hot tubs, libations and cozy fireplaces to fine food and a mélange of spa respites. Whether traveling as singles or in pairs, planning a ski trip from San Diego is easy. More than a half-dozen airlines fly nonstop from Lindbergh Field to both Salt Lake City (1-hr., 45-min. flight) and Denver (2-hr., 15-min flight). The ski areas are within a two-hour drive from Denver, and one hour from Salt Lake. Mid-December to early January, Alaska flies San Diego to Mammoth (1-hr., 35-min. flight). Driving is also an option. It’s 6.5 hours from San Diego to Mammoth, 7.5 hours to Flagstaff’s Arizona Snowbowl, 9 hours to Southern Utah and Eagle Point, 9 hours to Lake Tahoe’s Squaw Valley and 11 hours to legendary Park City, Utah. It’s a bit more work to reach icons like Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Big Sky, Montana, but the scenery during the ride is worth it.
Squaw Valley, California Lake Tahoe’s Squaw Valley is the crown jewel of California skiing to many. Among the snowiest major resorts in California, it hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and put American skiing on the map globally. And it is the birthplace of American extreme skiing. All that, and still Squaw has terrain for all ability levels. In fact, Squaw offers the rare mountain-top beginner area, allowing newbies the adrenaline rush associated with high elevations — without requiring them to slide down on their backsides, cursing under their breaths at the too-difficult terrain generally found as one heads to the higher reaches of ski areas. Couples that can’t get enough skiing or riding should consider the Mountain Collective pass, which delivers two days at Squaw Valley and/or its neighbor, Alpine Meadows, along with two days at each of these iconic ski resorts: Alta/Snowbird, Aspen/Snowmass, Jackson Hole, Mammoth, Ski Banff-Lake Louise-Sunshine and Whistler Blackcomb. The pass also offers other snow sports discounts and has no blackout dates.
Après-Ski: Le Chamois & Loft Bar (“Chammy,” for locals), an iconic Squaw Valley après destination with more than a great address: 1960 Squaw Valley Rd., Olympic Valley, CA. Insider Tip: Squaw’s new North Face Guide program is great for couples that want a private, exclusive on-mountain experience. Specially trained guides take couples on daylong mountain tours including front-of-lift-line privileges and insights into secret and under-experienced areas of the mountain — and two North Face Thermo-Ball jackets. Average Snowfall: 450 inches. Snowmaking: 600 acres. Overnight Accommodations: Village at Squaw Valley’s Romance Package includes spa treatments, chocolate and champagne. Lift Tickets: Single-day lift ticket pricing isn’t released until opening day; the Tahoe Super 4 Pack is $169-$279 (depending on age), and the Tahoe Super Pass ranges from $439 to $829. Snow Report: squawalpine.com and 530.452.4355. Skiers and boarders are encouraged to download the Squaw/Alpine app, available free for iPhone and Android.
Je ff Curtes
Other Activities: Couples’ Snowshoe Dinner at the Chalet: three-course dinner served in the Chalet, a mid-mountain restaurant at Alpine Meadows (adjacent to Squaw); ask about the optional 20minute snowshoe hike to and from dinner.
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Breckenridge, Colorado It’s unlikely that busy celebs Tiger and Lindsey chose Breckenridge for their slope-side getaway out of convenience, but the resort is conveniently located only 100 miles from the Denver airport, a mostly straight shot on I-70. SKI Magazine readers ranked Breckenridge the ninth best western ski area overall, and that was before the new, six-person Colorado SuperChair increased uphill (from the base of Peak 8) capacity by 30 percent. Entering its 30th season, the 2,908acre Breckenridge is home to North America’s highest chairlift, the Imperial Express, which climbs to 12,840 feet and serves up steep, high alpine bowls with unforgettable views. There’s free parking at the Airport Road Lot, satellite parking with a free shuttle to the Gondola; all paid lots are free after 2 p.m.
RockResort’s One Ski Hill Place in Breckenridge, Colorado
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Après-Ski: Breckenridge Distillery offers complimentary tastings of its award-winning products in the heart of downtown Breckenridge. Get in the spirit with handcrafted bourbon, vodka and bitters, as well as seasonal spirit tastings. breckenridgedistillery.com Insider Tip: Call it “Breck,” as in: “Be on the lookout for Breck Girls,” daily diehards on the aggressive terrain that makes up a third of the runs. Average Snowfall: 300 inches. Snowmaking: 600 acres. Overnight Accommodations: Check in to the ski-in/ski-out, luxury One Ski Hill Place, a RockResorts property offering the perfect mountain access at the base of Peak 8. The top of Peak 8 is among the places to propose among all the special spots found at any Vail Resort, from Jackson Hole to Lake Tahoe to Park City. Lift Tickets: It’s a moving target. The price was $88 on 11/17/14. Save with advance purchases — at least 7 days out. Snow Report: breckenridge.com and 970.496.4111. Other Activities: Winterhawk Dogsled Adventures, winterhawkdogsledadv.com. Legal pot.
Ruby Mountains Heli-Experience, Nevada For the ride of a lifetime, try the Ruby Mountains Heli-Experience (RMH) in northeastern Nevada. Owners Joe and Francy Royer, who met and married at RMH 29 years ago, will spoil you with helicopter rides to 10 peaks soaring above 11,000 feet. The Rubies offer untracked, freezedried, desert powder — “pure western fluff... an Alaskasize day of powder shots in the Lower 48,” reports National Geographic. When the skiing is done for the day, it’s heli-ski cuisine time at Red’s, which is “gourmet,” says National Geographic. Forbes calls it “spectacular... extravagant.”
Après-Ski: Red’s Ranch. Insider Tip: With more than 40 years’ experience, owner and lead guide Joe Royer is the nation’s unofficial dean of heli-ski guides. Average Snowfall: 250 inches, and it’s all yours. There are no ski lifts for hundreds of miles… just the three other people in helicopter. Snowmaking: N/A. Overnight Accommodations: The luxurious 10-room Red’s Ranch, RMH’s base lodge, is set on 92 pristine acres. Lift Tickets: $4,650 per person for the three-day package; $1,475 for the single-day package. All packages include lodging and dining options. Taxes are additional. Snow Report: helicopterskiing.com Equipment, Lift Ticket and Lesson Package: The best power skis and poles currently on the market are provided; just bring your boots. Every run is guided, but participants should be at least capable intermediates. Other Activities: Ruby Mountains Backcountry Yurt to open at 9,700 feet. D E CE MBE R 2014 / PACIFICSANDIEGO.coM
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Canyons Resort in Park City, Utah Located in very accessible Park City, Canyons Resort is home to the ski-in/ski-out Waldorf Astoria, which offers couples a “KAMA SKI-TRA” package. With 21 lifts servicing 4,000 skiable acres, it’s also Utah’s biggest ski area, touted as an “intermediate skier’s paradise.” If you are at all prone to altitude sickness, the resort’s low base-elevation of 6,800 feet should provide some comfort. So will the Canyons’ setting — it’s located 4 miles from Park City’s historic Main Street and is the closest Park City ski resort to Salt Lake City International Airport. The Park City situation can be confusing to the uninitiated, as there is the famous City chairlift running from Park City’s Main Street to Park City Mountain Resort, but the actual city is also home to Canyons and Deer Valley ski resorts.
Après-Ski: Ski Beach at Canyons. Insider Tip: Check out the couples massage at Utah’s largest full-service spa, Spa Montage. Average Snowfall: 355 inches.
Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming The storybook town of Jackson, with its real western/cowboy history and presence, plays nicely with cosmopolitan shops, restaurants and luxury resorts. The famous 19th-century Town Square is just 12 miles from Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, a paradise for skiers and snowboarders, with 4,139 vertical feet of skiing and snowboarding spread over 2,500 acres. Even with direct flights from 13 cities including Los Angeles, Jackson Hole’s runs are wide open and the lifts are famously uncrowded. While it certainly draws cliff jumpers and powder hounds, there is plenty of beginner-friendly terrain on the lower mountain. Two things not to be missed: the $30-million, 100-passenger Jackson Hole Aerial Tram and its 10-minute, top-to-bottom ride; and Jackson Hole’s most intriguing dining experience, the Couloir Restaurant in the Rendezvous Lodge at the 9,095-foot summit of the Bridger Gondola.
Snowmaking: Not available. Overnight Accommodations: Waldorf Astoria Park City (Canyons Resort) ski-in/ ski-out “KAMA SKI-TRA” romance package — January 3 through April 6, 2015. Cost: $704. parkcitywaldorfastoria.com Lift Tickets: Online price: around $90, sometimes with savings of up to 25 percent. canyonsresort.com
Après-Ski: The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. Insider Tip: The ultimate experience for jetsetters — a private jet tour of the Four Seasons Mountain Collection resorts in Jackson Hole (Wyoming), Vail (Colorado) and Whistler Blackcomb (Canada). fourseasons.com/aroundtheworld Average Snowfall: 459 inches. Snowmaking: 195 acres.
Snow Report: canyonsresort.com and 435.615.3456. Other Activities: Waldorf Astoria Park City can arrange private ice-skating and speedskating lessons with a member of the U.S. National Speedskating Team.
Overnight Accommodations: The ski-in/ski-out Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole just completed a major renovation to all of its 124 guest rooms and suites. Lift Tickets: It’s a moving target. On January 6, for example, tickets are $115 at the ticket window or $104 online. jacksonhole.com Snow Report: jacksonhole.com, 888.DEEP.SNO or 307.733.2291. Other Activities: Participate in a Wildlife Expeditions program from the Teton Science School. 888.945.3567, wildlifeexpeditions.org
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Big Sky, Montana
Après-Ski: Carabiner Lounge — enjoy spectacular views of Lone Peak (from the deck), daily drink specials and frequent live music. Insider Tip: The Summit at Big Sky has been the vacation choice of President Obama and Vice President Biden. Average Snowfall: 400 inches. Snowmaking: 162 acres. Overnight Accommodations: Summit King Hotel in the heart of the Mountain Village Center offers 400-plus-square-foot rooms with a king bed, wet bar, jetted tub and fireplace. The lifts are only 100 yards away. Lift Tickets: Full-day adult tickets for $103. bigskyresort.com Snow Report: bigskyresort.com and 406.995.5900. Other Activities: Snowmobile tours of Yellowstone National Park, Old Faithful.
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L onnie b all
My wife and I spent our honeymoon at the 5,800-acre Big Sky and we loved it. We’ve skied far and wide since then and still rank Big Sky with the best resorts of Utah, Colorado and California. Big Sky merged with neighboring resorts Moonlight Basin and Spanish Peaks in 2013 to become the largest in the country. Its “terrain variety” is ranked second in the western United States by SKI Magazine. Try the Andesite run for a sunny cruiser or push the envelope with a hike to Headwaters. New this season is more intermediate tree skiing, the result of extensive glading, particularly off of the Southern Comfort chairlift. Also new is an easy-to-read trail map from legendary trail-map artist, Jim Niehues.
Beaver Creek, Colorado Romantic dinners at the Ritz-Carlton’s Spago, situated just steps from the “Five Diamond” skiin/ski-out Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch, are among the many exclusive offerings (beyond skiing and snowboarding) that helped Beaver Creek earn its No. 3 ranking for customer service according to SKI Magazine. Located about 30 minutes from Vail in Avon, Colorado, the resort also ranks third for “meticulous” grooming and is America’s only stop on the World Cup ski circuit — think Olympic Champions Lindsey Vonn and Ted Ligety. At Beaver Creek the tone is set upon arrival, as everyone must be admitted through a gate at the guardhouse, and the resort is hidden from view. And when the clock strikes 3 p.m., out come warm, complimentary chocolate chip cookies at the base of the Centennial Chairlift (Chair 6).
Après-Ski: Enjoy stunning mountain views by the fire at Park Hyatt Beaver Creek lobby lounge, Antler Hall. Insider Tip: Couples Copper Tub Soak at the Ritz Spa. Average Snowfall: 325 inches. Snowmaking: 680 acres. Overnight Accommodations: Ski-in/ ski-out Ritz-Carlton Bachelor Gulch. Lift Tickets: Online price: $120; savings of up to 25 percent are sometimes offered. Snow Report: beavercreek.com and 970.754.4888. Other Activities: The 20-minute, openair, nighttime sleigh ride (pulled by a snow CAT) to fine dining at Beano’s Cabin is scenic and unforgettable; 970.SKI.DINE. Legal pot.
Chr is Ka mma n
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Mammoth Mountain, California Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is incredible. With 28 lifts (including two gondolas) serving 3,500 acres and 3,100 feet of vertical, it has terrain for everyone. A respected British newspaper, The Telegraph, named Mammoth the No. 1 resort for snowboard parks and half-pipes. The ski area also has four daylodges, 10 sport shops, 12 rental/ repair shops, two on-hill snack bars, four food courts/cafeterias, five restaurants and seven bars. MidDecember through early January, Alaska Airlines flies San Diego to Mammoth (90-min. flight), but many San Diegans opt to drive instead. The 6.5-hour ride to the east side of the Sierra Nevada mountain range provides access to the longest ski season in North America, which typically stretches from November to June.
Après-Ski: Grab a window stool or table at Dry Creek Bar in the Mammoth Mountain Inn for one of the best mountain views available. Insider Tip: If you’ll ski more than five times this year, look at the new Cali4nia Pass ($799), which includes Bear Mountain, June Mountain and Snow Summit. Average Snowfall: 400 inches. Snowmaking: 46 trails. Overnight Accommodations: Westin Monache Resort, great combo of alpine character and modern sophistication. Lift Tickets: Adult one-day tickets are $95. Snow Report: mammothmountain.com and 888.766.9778. Other Activities: Parallax Snowcat Dinner: enjoy a gourmet dining adventure at 9,600 feet above sea level.
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A COLD WON
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[ADVER TISEMENT]
TAKING STOCK
C
onfidence and optimism ripple through the economy when the stock market is as high as the state of Colorado’s marijuana tax earnings. But for the past six years, the market has been juiced by “Quantitative Easing,” the Federal Reserve’s bond-buying stimulus, which ended in November. How the market will fare on its own two legs remains to be seen. The Fed’s pumping money into the bond market for the past six-plus years kept bond prices high and interest rates low. The result was low yields on money invested in bonds and certificates of deposit, causing investors to flock to higher rates of return, and risk, in the stock market — which has driven the markets higher. Those who aren’t deeply invested in the stock market are still affected by its changes, just as those who don’t follow professional sports feel the hurt when their home team loses a big game. When regular people have 401Ks
and stock accounts that are consistently growing in value, they feel more comfortable purchasing new items for themselves or their children. Consistent increases in spending results in business growth, which results in job creation followed by lower unemployment, income growth and people living better, more prosperous lives. Whether you are vested in the market or not, the health of our market will benefit our country and make people happy. We need more happy people. The key to a diversified portfolio is to take into account your stage in life, comfort level with risk and need for income — and to buy the best-performing merchandise in market sectors that are growing. Build in flexibility to make course corrections as needed and take advantage of market opportunities, or react to unexpected economic downturns. Those who wish to build a high-performing portfolio should start by aligning with an excellent financial adviser who is a fiduciary, meaning fee-based
as opposed to commission-based. Your adviser’s compensation should be structured so that the recommendations made are always in your best interest. A personal financial plan involves budgets, tax planning, income planning, buying or renting a home, being adequately insured and having an estate plan. Investing in stocks, bonds and mutual funds will be impacted by the ripple effect of the ever-changing
global economy, whether the stock market is hitting record highs or record lows. We are in the fourth longest run in the stock market’s history without a 10-percent correction. I anticipate a drop in the market, and that can happen any day now – it’s going to happen, especially in an unstimulated economy with global markets slowing down and expected interest rate increases. The removal of Quantitative Easing from the market is like taking steroids away from a baseball player – their homeruns are going to shrink just like their biceps. If you’d like to get a financial review of your portfolio, I can facilitate an introduction to one of my elite team members. You can reach me directly through the contact form at craigsewing.com.
Watch Craig and his Real Estate and Financial Elite on The American Dream every Saturday at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4. You can also catch Craig and partners on The Craig Sewing Show weekdays at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170-AM or at CraigSewing.com. Follow Craig at Facebook.com/CraigSewing or on Twitter @craigsewing.
[ADVER TISEMENT]
downtown san diego 92101 Rarely available, this top-floor 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome with 17-foot ceilings and two parking spots is just steps from the ballpark and San Diego Bay! MARKET WATCH Downtown has become San Diego’s premier live, work, play zone. The median price of a condo is $473,000, making it the most affordable coastal zone in San Diego. Prices will continue to rise, so if you’re looking to elevate your lifestyle, there’s no better time to buy than now.
IN THE ‘HOOD On Dec. 14 and 21, the 43rd annual San Diego Bay Parade of Lights, a colorfully unique San Diego holiday tradition, will feature more than 100 private boats decorated with holiday lights, sailing along the waters of San Diego Bay.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT car2go, which makes it easy and fun to get around town, is celebrating its third anniversary since it opened downtown. Mention “Chad Dannecker” and get a free membership so you can bolt around in an electric car and leave it at your destination. CAR2GO 633 Ninth Ave. San Diego, CA 92101 877.488.4224, car2go.com
Listen to Chad on The Craig Sewing Show Friday, December 19, at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM and watch Chad on The American Dream on Saturday, December 20, at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.
BRE#01459513
Chad Dannecker is broker and owner of Welcome to San Diego Real Estate. He runs a team that has proven time and time again that they are the go-to professionals for downtown real estate. If you do any research on downtown, you’ll quickly find welcometosandiego.com, Chad and his team’s website, and their five-star client reviews on Yelp, Google and Zillow.
Chad Dannecker Welcome to San Diego Real Estate - Dannecker & Associates 875 G. St., Ste. 108, San Diego, CA 92101, 619.356.3099, welcometosandiego.com, chad@welcometosandiego.com
bay park 92110 Luxury home with unobstructed views for miles from every room. This 6-bedroom, 4-bath home, built in 2013, features a beautiful backyard perfect for entertaining with a fire pit and BBQ. MARKET WATCH The Bay Park is a buyer’s market with home sale prices around 20 percent lower than the median sales price in San Diego. The average listing price for this region is around $370,000. Home values have gone up around 12 percent over the past year and they are predicted to continue to rise into 2015, making now a great time to invest into the Bay Park area.
IN THE ‘HOOD The Mission Bay Parade of Lights will bring holiday cheer to the bay on Dec. 13. Beginning at 6 p.m., over 60,000 people are expected to attend this free celebration, featuring more than 100 vessels decorated for the holiday season.
Listen to Glen and Shannon on The Craig Sewing Show Wednesday, December 10, at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM and watch them on The American Dream on Saturday, December 13, at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Arguably deemed the best sushi in San Diego, Sushi Ota is a seafood lover’s haven. Make sure to make a reservation; this popular sushi spot typically holds a 2-3 hour wait for some of the freshest fish San Diego has to offer. SUSHI OTA 4529 Mission Bay Dr. San Diego, CA 92109 858.270.5670 sushiota.com
BRE # 01870483
Glen Henderson and Shannon Keatley are the brokers and owners of Alliance Group Real Estate. They go beyond the scope of traditional real estate services by providing turnkey financial solutions through their network of professional partners. They are a valuable resource for buyers and sellers throughout San Diego.
Glen Henderson & Shannon Keatley Alliance Group Real Estate Services 3131 Camino Del Rio North, Ste. 1420, San Diego, CA 92108, 619.500.3222, AllianceGroupRE.com, info@alliancegroupre.com
[ADVER TISEMENT]
blossom valley 92021 Gated and private, move-in ready, 4-bedroom single story Blossom Valley home on nearly 22 acres, with mountain views and 3-car garage! MARKET WATCH The market has shifted and homes are taking longer to sell, giving buyers more options to choose from. This, combined with the holiday season, creates a change in the marketplace overall. However, specific micro markets and high-demand properties still haven’t been affected and are receiving offers within a faster timeframe.
IN THE ‘HOOD It’s Karaoke Madness at the El Cajon Grand every Tuesday and Thursday starting at 8:30 p.m.! The “Oldest Known Bar in El Cajon” is a 3,500-square-foot establishment with HD wide screen TVs, pool tables and a patio with horseshoe pits.
Listen to Melissa on The Craig Sewing Show Monday, December 1, at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM and watch Melissa on The American Dream on Saturday, December 6, at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.
BRE # 01380034
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Whether you want to celebrate with family or friends, or go to a casual dining experience, the atmosphere is entertaining and enjoyable at Bongiovanni’s Italian Restaurant. The menu is endless with options that include pizza, steak, seafood and pasta specialties. BONGIOVANNI’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT 15244 Olde Hwy. 80 El Cajon, CA 92021 619.443.8455 bongiovannisitalianrestaurant.com
Melissa Tucci is the Official Real Estate Agent of the San Diego Padres. Awarded #5 global ranking for Century 21 worldwide, Tucci is a top producing professional and an experienced San Diego Realtor and Broker providing a superior level of informed, professional real estate services to buyers and sellers in San Diego County. She was also recently named Spotlight Agent in Zillow Nationwide and the Front Cover Winner of Top Agent Magazine’s November issue.
Melissa Goldstein Tucci Century 21 All Service 1820 Monroe Ave., San Diego, CA 92116, 619.787.6852, MelissaTucci.com, Sold@MelissaTucci.com
CARMEL VALLEY 92130 Award-winning, highly upgraded and stunningly gorgeous 5-bedroom 5.5-bath estate home. 4884 sq. ft. of private living space situated in the exclusive gated community of Collins Ranch. MARKET WATCH Many sellers have taken their homes off of the market for the holiday season. This has increased activity — meaning increased traffic and more offers coming through — for those who chose to stay on the market, as buyers have fewer properties to choose from. Escrows tend to be stronger during this time of the year, as buyers and sellers tend to be more serious.
IN THE ‘HOOD Parades, Lights & Festivals Start a new tradition! San Diego has you covered with holiday parades (on and off the water), colorful lights displays, and festivals full of good food, music and much more all over the county. sandiego.org/campaigns/ winter-holiday-in-san-diego/ holiday-lights-festivals-parades. aspx
Listen to Kurt on The Craig Sewing Show Tuesday, December 2, at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170 AM and watch Kurt on The American Dream on Saturday, December 16, at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT Snooze, a Denver-based and family-owned, brings its comfort food brunch to North County. The menu, anchored by gussied up egg and pancake dishes, has 4,000 square feet of space with seating for 110, and a large outdoor patio. A MUST try! SNOOZE AM EATERY 3435 Del Mar Heights Rd., Ste. D3 San Diego, CA 92130 858.703.5300 snoozeeatery.com
BRE# 01520942
Broker Kurt Wannebo is a business owner and the leader of a team ranked #1 in San Diego by the Wall Street Journal in 2013 and 2014. Kurt has sold more than 700 properties, and has 200+ five-star reviews online as a testament to his dedication to customer service.
Kurt Wannebo San Diego Real Estate & Investments 3636 Nobel Dr., Ste. 170, San Diego, CA 92122, 858.412.5541, BrokerKurt.com, kurt@sdreai.com
[ADVER TISEMENT]
NMLS# 247008
your mortgage banking team | synergyonelending.com
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DINING OUT
Taste
Inside Little Italy’s new Kettner Exchange.
And Many Moor
New Little Italy restaurant anchors neighborhood to its nautical history By David Nelson / Photos by Kate and Michael Auda
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hen America’s Finest renamed Arctic Street to honor U.S. Representative William Kettner, it was a cold day in hell for San Francisco and Los Angeles. Both had battled in Washington to land the multiple military bases (Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Naval Training Center, Balboa Naval Medical Center) the four-term Democratic congressman from San Diego ultimately snared. It helped that Kettner, a congenial man who was not a career politician, became buddies with Franklin D. Roosevelt, then Woodrow Wilson’s Assistant Secretary of the Navy. (continued on page 90)
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FigTreeEatery.com
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T
he process of transforming an eager little city near the Mexican border into Navy Town U.S.A. started a century ago, and military muscle has been synonymous with San Diego so long that Kettner’s role is rarely remembered. His name lives on it Little Italy, however, and influenced restaurateurs Matt Spencer and Tyler Charman when they acquired a prime parcel at the intersection of Kettner Boulevard and Grape Street. Their weeks-old Kettner Exchange, aka KEX, boasts two floors of west-facing dining rooms and lounges whose views frequently feature Navy vessels. In the entry of the imposing, 7,400 squarefoot showplace, a formal photo of the congressman hangs between a double-sided fireplace and a black glass ceiling embossed with a map of San Diego Bay. “Kettner’s story really spoke to me,” says Spencer. “Since he brought the Navy here, KEX has a nautical vibe. But we didn’t want to beat people over the head with it.” The partners also wrestled with the name, he says, making their final decision after considering the grandeur of the restaurant they were building. “The place is so massive it reminds me of a commodities exchange or a stock exchange,” Spencer says. “It’s a place to exchange ideas, and early trading was an exchange of products, so we decided on Kettner Exchange.” Brass-caged lights glow in one area, echoed by other
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imposing fixtures common on ocean-going vessels a hundred years ago. But nothing howls “seafaring grog shop” at this contemporary, chef-powered restaurant. Metal and fine woods add both sharp and mellow edges; shades of black ripple over many of the ground floor’s walls, ceilings and furnishings. The details, sometimes deluxe, include tufted-leather sofas anchored on the lounge side of the fireplace. (continued on page 92)
ABOVE: KEX co-owner/ restaurateur Matt Spencer. BELOW: Upstairs lounge at KEX.
A Delicious Ménage à Trois of Friends, Food & Wine
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K
EX is a sleek example of what $3.6 million can buy when spent thoughtfully, or, as Spencer describes it, “partially by accident, partially by design.” “You could come here three or four times and have a completely different experience each time,” he says. A “tree chandelier” drops two stories from a ceiling skylight, whereas the open-air lounge upstairs is lighted by sunsets, stars and unrestricted views west. On the north side of the structure, five cabanas offer luxuries like customizable beer taps of which Spencer says, “If you like Blue Moon, you get Blue Moon.” In a restaurant that harbors several memorable spaces, Spencer, a Point Loma native, seems fondest of the hidden Chef’s Table. Boldly navigating a kitchen fraught with furiously busy cooks and hot stoves, he steers to a remote alcove just big enough to accommodate 10. By intention, there is no other approach, since this “prep walk” immerses guests in the noise, activity and smells of a professional kitchen before they sit down. It’s an experiential appetizer. Multi-course paired dinners (stylish food accompanied by tastings of wine, beer or spirits) are served at a table built of wood salvaged from the predecessor building’s loading bays. Considerably experienced chef Brian Redzikowski, who most recently ran the kitchens at other Spencer/Charman restaurants (the partners also own Firehouse American Eatery & Lounge in Pacific Beach — which is currently closed for
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remodel and slated to reopen January 1, 2015 — and Vin de Syrah and Analog in the Gaslamp), refers to Spencer as “El Gran Jefe,” but he’s king within his own domain. (continued on page 94)
ABOVE: KEX’s 1855 Beef Short Rib. BELOW: KEX’s Chocolate Cup dessert.
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(continued from page 92)
“I
just keep it simple, staying very close to the classic roots of cuisine,” Redzikowski says of the fare at KEX, which he describes as Progressive American. “We use presentation and modern garnishes and sauces to make our dishes forward-looking.” Substituting inventive vinaigrettes for the heavier sauces of traditional cooking is one such look forward. Redzikowski was part of the opening team at Chef of the Century (Joël Robuchon’s restaurant at The Mansion in Las Vegas), where he mastered a potato recipe calling for a puree of ratte potatoes, which the chef, who likes naming things, calls “The Cadillac of potatoes.” Deliciously nutty, the Frenchbred spuds arrive at KEX via FedEx to be boiled, peeled and muscled through a taut tamis strainer to keep starch from developing. After butter and cream are beaten in, the mixture is strained a second time, “which nobody does with potatoes,” says one chef who does. “It’s what creates the silkiness.” Spencer tagged Redzikowski for the post because he wanted someone capable of putting this restaurant on the map, and pronto. “We’re one-thousand-percent focused on our culinary program,” Spencer says. “We’d like to be in the ballpark of winning a Best Restaurant of 2015 award. We aren’t a bar that serves food, we’re a restaurant with upscale dining.” With the paint barely dry at Kettner Exchange, it seems the Spencer/Charman team is already eyeing future projects. The
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plan: “To do cool shit,” Spencer says. “To do stuff I like and enjoy first, and pray to God the money comes in afterwards.” Which is how William Kettner steered the Navy into San Diego Bay. Kettner Exchange 2001 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy 619.255.2001, kettnerexchange.com
ABOVE: KEX’s Suckling Pig Larb. BELOW: KEX chef Brian Redzikowski.
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Shrimp & Ouzo Saganaki from Meze Greek Fusion in the Gaslamp, gaslampmeze.com.
Light Bites,
Big City
Downtown’s dining scene shines bright for the holidays By Ida Rosenberg / Photos by Brevin Blach
T
o help Finest City folks get their fill of holiday cheer while raising awareness and funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters of San Diego County, seven local radio stations (see sidebar) and San Diego 6 television are teaming up to bring a thousand holiday diners and shoppers downtown. All the hoopla? It’s Toast of Downtown, a food-driven, cocktail-and-beerinfused dining/mingling/shopping tour of 24 restaurants and bars and 24 retail stores in the Gaslamp and East Village on Saturday, December 13. “The Toast of Downtown has every opportunity to become San Diego’s official kickoff of the holiday social season,” says the Gaslamp Quarter Association’s Executive Director, Jimmy Parker. (continued on page 98)
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*Participating radio stations Channel 933, Star 94.1, Easy 98.1, 100.7 JACK FM, 101 KGB, 95.7 KISS-FM, Easy 98.1, 101 KGB-FM and KFMB-AM 760.
Hospitality industry owners, call today for a free analysis of your current coverage by an expert specializing in the hospitality industry.
A unique dining experience awaits you.
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Half-Priced Bottles of Wine Minimum purchase of $20 required. Specific wines excluded.
S US H I & S A K E S ATUR DAYS Half-Priced Select Sushi Rolls + Gekkeikan Sake Specials 4-6 pm Every Saturday
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Half-Priced Tapas + $10 Specialty Cocktails 4-6 pm Daily (Patio & Bar Area only)
875 Prospect Street | La Jolla, CA 92037 | 858.551.5252 Above specials can not be combined with any other offers or discounts. Available for a limited time.
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(continued from page 96)
Chicken Tiki Masala from Royal India in the Gaslamp, royalindia.com.
“The Gaslamp Quarter Association Board of Directors continues to focus on the growth of true urban retail in the Gaslamp and the surrounding area, especially during the holidays. Their support of Toast of Downtown continues their leadership in the campaign to make downtown the premiere destination for the holiday season.” Each of the event’s participating restaurants will offer foodies samples of their culinary offerings, showcasing local ingredients and cuisines that span the globe. From the award-winning Lotus Thai to the Greek Fusion fare at Meze to the ever-popular Mexican food at La Puerta to chef Chad White’s Baja Med stylings at the new Común, the event promises to appeal to nearly every taste. And then there’s the “Toast” part of the equation. (continued on page 100)
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Crispy Tofu and Chicken Satay from Lotus Thai in East Village, lotusthaisd.com.
In addition to spotlighting their popular dishes, all participating restaurants and bars are offering ticketholders cocktails made with Henebery Whiskey, a San Diego-born spirits company (see “Here’s Mud in Your Eye,” page 108), and a variety of beers to sample. Between visits to the two dozen Gaslamp and East Village restaurants and bars, Toast of Downtown sippers/shoppers will enjoy two-dozen-percent (24 percent, to be exact) discounts at two dozen downtown stores, hence the event’s tagline: Dozen it feel good. “This is a great opportunity to get people out of the malls and see all the unique shops, restaurants and bars that we have in East Village while helping a great cause,” says Lisa Len, Executive Director of the East Village Association. “We have a creative, entrepreneurial vibe, and the Toast of Downtown is a great way to showcase that to an audience.” It’s as if the whole city is coming together to devour the holidays. Highlighted here is just a sample of what so many will be savoring during Toast of Downtown. Cheers! For event tickets and to see the complete list of participating restaurants, bars and stores, visit toastofdowntown.com.
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Batter Up Waffles
are a thing (take a swing)
Recipe and photos by Brandon Matzek
W
affles are trending hard in the foodie scene right now. Historically sweet, iron-pressed and drenched in maple syrup, these patterned pretties have broken free of their breakfast mold. These days, they’re often found sitting beneath a mound of crunchy fried chicken or in sandwich form with a variety of sweet and/or savory fillings inside. Simple buttermilk waffles are perfect for a casual morning meal, but a special occasion, like a holiday breakfast or cocktail party, demands something special. These Savory Waffles with Rosemary, Ham and Dubliner Cheese rise to the occasion. The recipe starts with a buttermilk batter spiked with Dubliner cheese and chopped, fresh rosemary. (Similar to mature cheddar, Dubliner cheese has a complex flavor with sweet, nutty tones and a sharp bite like that of Parmesan.) The batter is scooped onto a hot waffle iron; dotted with cubes of salty, smoked ham; and then pressed until golden brown. The finished waffle needs just a drizzle of maple syrup to create a perfectly sweet, salty, savory bite. Dubliner cheese can be found at most grocery stores and Costco (Kerrygold brand). Also, be sure to use fresh rosemary here — dried just won’t do.
Savory Waffles with Rosemary, Ham and Dubliner Cheese ingredients
2 cups all purpose flour 2 tsps. baking powder 1 1/2 tsps. fine grain sea salt 1 3/4 cups buttermilk (be sure to shake the carton before pouring and measuring) 4 tsps. butter, melted and cooled, plus extra for brushing 2 eggs 1 egg yolk 1 cup (3.5 ounces) coarsely grated Kerrygold Dubliner cheese 1 tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary 1/4 lbs. (4 ounces) black forest ham, diced* Maple syrup, for serving
Process
In the mix. Add flour, baking powder and sea salt to a large bowl, whisking to combine and aerate. In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, butter, eggs and egg yolk, mixing until just combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix here. It’s ok to have lumps, but make sure any large patches of flour are mixed in. Stir in Dubliner cheese and rosemary, and then let the batter sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Press and serve. Preheat a waffle iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Brush the top and bottom plates lightly with melted butter to keep the waffles from sticking. Scoop 1/2 cup of batter into each well**,
and, using a spatula, spread the batter out to the corners. Sprinkle a heaping tablespoon of diced ham over each well, close the waffle iron and cook until golden brown. Enjoy immediately with maple syrup. If making waffles for a crowd, prepare them in batches and keep them warm in a 250°F oven until ready to serve. * Instead of purchasing pre-sliced Black Forest ham, ask for a 1/4inch to 1/2-inch ham steak at the deli counter. Thicker steaks are easier to dice, and the resulting ham chunks have a better texture inside the waffles. ** Waffle irons can vary greatly. The one I used here makes 4 square waffles. Adjust the batter and ham measurements accordingly.
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Take it from the
Finest City beer — scene and heard By Brandon Hernández
It’s the Most Wonderful Time for a Beer
It’s time to deck the (beer) halls, and San Diego’s breweries are anything but Scrooge-y when it comes to getting into the yuletide spirit. Each year, several brew up specialty creations to celebrate the holidays (err… holidaze?), making great sudsy stocking stuffers for the jolly beerophiles on your gift list.
Sco t t L i n n e t t
Five Wee Heavy Bells Five years ago, San Diego’s brewing elder statesman (aka Karl Strauss Brewing Co.) debuted the first in a line of a dozen beers to be released each winter over a 12-year span. The goal was and is to enjoy all dozen of them during the holidays on the 12th year. That’s still seven years away, but now’s the time to get this, the fifth brew in the group — an intense, high-alcohol (9% ABV) Scotch ale with a sturdy, caramely malt backbone and touches of smokiness from Scotch-soaked American oak chips. The beer’s moniker references the “golden rings” of the bells at Mission de Alcala in Mission Valley. Karl Strauss Brewing Company, multiple locations, karlstrauss.com 104
Gift of the Magi Another beer built for aging, this 10% ABV annual offering beats gold, frankincense or myrrh any day — well, two out of three ain’t bad. The base style of this brew is a Belgianinspired biere de garde, but what makes it special and fit for the cellar is a dose of Brettanomyces, a type of wild yeast that, over time, imparts dryness, spiciness and funkiness, making for an almost completely different beer from the one that was originally socked away. Buy two, try one now and forget about the second bottle for three or four years, and you’ll see for yourself. The Lost Abbey, 155 Mata Way, #104, San Marcos, lostabbey.com
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Merry Taj IPA It took The Lost Abbey seven years to introduce its first India pale ale — surprising considering its sister operation, Port Brewing Company, is renowned for multiple versions of this hoppy beer style — but it was so worth the wait. Its big, boldness doesn’t stop with its whopping 8.5% ABV. Big flavors of stonefruit and botanical spice come on strong from the taste buds on down the gullet. It’s best to head to the brewery’s tasting room to get a fresh growler full of this wintertime delight, which is available only on draft. The Lost Abbey, 155 Mata Way, #104, San Marcos, lostabbey.com
Old Tempestuous Ale With a name more fitted for The Grinch than the usual cast of popular holiday characters, this brew offers deep, brownsugar sweetness and hints of familiar wintry fruits — sugar plums, figgy pudding and the like. It’s a lovely New World take on an Old World “winter warmer,” a style of warming strong ale hailing from ye olde English pubs. Lightning brewmaster Jim Crute excels at bringing such traditional recipes to life in San Diego, making this one to keep an eye out for as the holiday season rolls around. Lightning Brewery, 13200 Kirkham Way, Poway, lightningbrewery.com
Santa’s Little Helper When a beer’s this good, there’s no reason to consign it to yearround status. Rich flavors of chocolate and roasted coffee beans permeate this onyx, viscous brew, which reigns as one of the county’s, nay the country’s, finest imperial stouts. A barrel-aged version comes out during Port’s Christmas in July fundraiser, but the standard version (which is anything but) is available on tap and in bottle all year long. One sip shows just how apt this hardy brew would be for sustaining the big man himself on a reindeerguided tour around the globe. Port Brewing Company, 155 Mata Way, #104, San Marcos, portbrewing.com
Winter YuleSmith Not so much into dark strong ales of European decent or West Coast IPAs? No problem. The awardwinning brewers at AleSmith have a beer that’s not only different, but also color-appropriate for the season. An imperial red ale with bright, piney, resinous hop intensity that’s balanced by a substantial malt presence, it’s the cold-weather-suited counterpart to a double IPA summer version of YuleSmith. But don’t sit on this one. Because of its hop forwardness, it should have a tag that reads: “Do not open beyond X-mas.” AleSmith Brewing Company, 9368 Cabot Drive, Miramar, alesmith.com
(continued on page 106)
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Paul body
A Message from Uncle Sam
Brewmaster
Q&A Grant Fraley and Marta Jankowska
Owners and co-founders, ChuckAlek Independent Brewers Christmas came early this year for Grant Fraley and Marta Jankowska — owners of ChuckAlek Independent Brewers, Ramona’s small producer of rare and historical beers — when Jim Koch, founder of Boston Beer Co. (the makers of Samuel Adams) awarded the couple a small business loan and a promise to mentor them on how to advance their operation. These gifts were doled out courtesy of BBC’s Brewing the American Dream Program, and awarded based on the couple’s passion for what they do.
Pau l Bod y
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Brandon Hernández: What made ChuckAlek stand out from the other Brewing the American Dream applicants? Fraley/Jankowska: We emphasized in our application that we offer beers like no others in San Diego County and that we have a clear and unique mission characterized by our emphasis on historical and Old School-style revivals.
THE 2014/2015 EDITION of the first and only critical guide
judges, Cicerones (the brewing industry equivalent of sommeliers), brewers, brewery quality control personnel and more. It is a definitive and reliable source of information for all looking to extract the very best the U.S.’s foremost craft brewing region has to offer, from quality beer to service, setting, and a well-rounded overall experience.
Fall Brewing Company:
You can believe in a guy whose brewing Hernández’s reporting is insightful, honest and consistently resume includes“Brandon stints at Mission Brewery, held in the highest regard. As a professional brewer, I believe he sets Maui Brewing Company, Left the standard in San Diego Coast by which all Brewing other beer beat reporters must measure themselves.” Company and Saint Archer Brewery. Such —TOMME ARTHUR, Director of Brewery Operations, Brewing Company The LostAstamendi, Abbey are the LinkedInPortentries for /Ray an industry veteran best known histo bring solid facts to his “I can always count on Brandon for Hernández readers. His opinions are always substantiated and accurate.” incredible, easy-drinking kölsch and over—JEFF BAGBY, Owner & Brewmaster, Bagby Beer Company the-top passion. The latter will make “Brandon Hernández is more passionate about beer than any other Astamendi’s first time working forbecause himself writer in town and has my respect of it.” —COLBYwhile CHANDLER, Specialty Brewer, Ballast Brewing & Spirits work for everybody, the former willPointjoin a wide array of ales lagers produced in Read Sanand Diego Beer News at sdreader.com/beer a former auto-repair shop. 4542 30th St., 5 1 1 9 9 North Park, fallbrewing.com 9 780990 853701 > ISBN 978-0-9908537-0-1
2014/2015 COMPLETE GUIDE TO SAN DIEGO BREWERIES | BRANDON HERNÁNDEZ |
Miracle on 30th Street
the 130-plus brewing company-owned public venues Already one of the beeriest main drags in the country, Northtoin San Park’s 30th Street Diego County offers the ratings, insights and direct from local beer bar owners, journalists, beer is set to ring in the Holidays with two more craft beercommentary newcomers.
COMPLETE GUIDE TO
SAN DIEGO BREWERIES 2014/2015 EDITION BRANDON HERNÁNDEZ
S
AN
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$11.99
SDREADERBOOKS.COM
Rip Current Brewing Company: This San Marcos-based operation
One for the Books
is taking over a former corner laundromat, replacing washers and dryers with tons of taps that will dispense not only Rip Current’s super hoppy and otherwise interesting beers, but also the liquid assets of other standout San Diego breweries. The place also has a kitchen that will serve up brew-appropriate vittles cooked up by fellow San Marcos business, Sublime Ale House. 4101 30th St., North Park, ripcurrentbrewing.com
What do the “Experienceship” aspects of the award entail? We’ll fly out to Boston for two days of coaching and mentoring from a variety of Samuel Adams experts and brewers, including those involved in ingredient sourcing, sales and distribution, package design and more. While there, we’ll also plan a collaboration brew with Samuel Adams, which will be distributed throughout San Diego.
Paul body
Please expand on that mission. It always comes back to our mantra: Old School beers for New School palates. We are passionate about reviving old styles but want to present them in new ways to get craft beer lovers of today excited about the historical journey beer has gone through and how it is a part of living history. In the past, when a customer came in and asked for an IPA, we would apologize for not having one. Now, we are confident in saying we don’t really do that here, but you shouldn’t leave without trying one of our porters or stouts… they are some of the best and most unique in the county.
What’s on tap for the New Year? For 2015, we will focus on a project that looks forward. We have started to lay the groundwork for a number of collaborations and events featuring breweries, restaurants, hop farms and wineries in Baja California, Mexico, where the beer and food scenes are exploding.
The critical guide to all of San Diego County’s 130-plus brewery-owned tasting rooms, restaurants, brewpubs, bars and retail outlets is dropping just in time for the holidays. Written by PacificSD’s official beer aficionado, Stone Brewing Co.’s Brandon Hernández, the 2014/15 Complete Guide to San Diego Breweries was created using commentary and ratings by dozens of the planet’s most knowledgeable brewery professionals, certified beer judges, Cicerones (the beer industry equivalent of the wine industry’s sommeliers), quality control personnel, bar and restaurant owners, and well-traveled brewery tourists. Pick up a copy to see how San Diego’s brews and breweries rank according to overall beer quality, service and ambience — and get the inside scoop on what the expert panel selected as the musttry beers at each stop. The guide is available for purchase in paperback at bit.ly/1415beerguide.
Brandon Hernández is a native San Diegan with a fervent passion for craft beer and the talented individuals who produce it. He is a Senior Communications Specialist for Stone Brewing Co., an editor for Zagat, has served as a consultant to Food Network and contributes to national and San Diego-based magazines including The Beer Connoisseur, Imbibe, Wine Enthusiast, San Diego Reader and more. The first publication for which he ever wrote about beer was PacificSD. Follow him on Twitter: @sdbeernews and @offdutyfoodie.
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Here’s Mud in Your Rye Say cheers to a collaborative concoction that’s taking the city by storm By Michael Benninger / Photos by Kate and Michael Auda
wo standout brands in the local liquor industry have teamed up to create an exquisite new craft cocktail as native to San Diego as flat bellies and fish tacos. Dubbed “The Balboa,” this liquid sensation spouts from the minds behind Rx Bitters and Henebery Whiskey and is poised to make a splash throughout the city. Made with 90-proof Henebery Whiskey (a spiceinfused rye) and dashes of Rx Bitters’ Sarsaparilla, The Balboa hosts a hint of honey and a splash of fresh lemon, creating a citrusy/sweet flavor profile that promises to imbue the imbiber with a sophisticated sense of euphoria. “Our goal was to create a drink that’s synonymous with San Diego and which embodies all the great things this city has to offer,” says Henebery’s CEO and co-founder, Jesse Fanning. “The use of locally made products and the refreshing characteristic of the drink make it a perfect complement to San Diego’s fun, sunny and active culture.” Henebery Spirits is a family-owned, San Diegobased business that continues the traditions of 19thcentury distiller Matthew Henebery. Rx Bitters is
an enterprising upstart formed by three San Diego bartenders who crowdfunded their venture on Kickstarter in 2013. Together, these two brands debuted The Balboa in November, taking home the Mixologist Award at the March of Dimes’ Master Mixologists Gala. While the The Balboa won’t get credit for discovering new worlds like its Spanish conquistador namesake (Vasco Núñez de Balboa, 1475-1519) does, it has been making a land-grab along the Pacific. To make it appear on cocktail menus up and down the coast, Fanning worked his magic, hitting the streets with a pitch to get bars onboard. “The strategy was a simple one,” says Fanning. “Any location offering The Balboa will keep track of sales, and Henebery will donate one dollar of every cocktail sold to the San Diego County Surfrider Foundation — at no expense to the venue.” The tactic proved wildly successful: beginning December 1, more than 70 local establishments will be offering the Balboa to patrons. “The City of San Diego deserves a signature cocktail to call its own,” Fanning says. “And we’re honored that so many of our favorite locations have come together for a good cause.” The Balboa will also be among the cocktails featured during December 13th’s Toast of Downtown in the Gaslamp Quarter and FROM LEFT: Henebery Whiskey CEO and co-founder, East Village (see “Light Bites, Jesse Fanning; Rx Bitters’ co-founder Ryan Andrews; Big City,” page 96). and Henebery co-founder Wesley Burkart “San Diego has an amazing brewing scene and an even better drinking culture,” says Fanning, who asks San Diegans to think/ drink local when they order from the shelves, not just from the taps. “By supporting this cocktail, you’re supporting two hardworking companies trying to make a thoughtful contribution to this amazing scene.” Taste The Balboa at any of the establishments listed in the sidebar; find more venues at heneberyevents.com.
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WHERE IT’S AT
JUST A FEW OF THE Bars and restaurants crafting The Balboa Alchemy Restaurant, South Park Bridges, College Area Cafe 21, Gaslamp Ciro’s Pizza & Craft Beer House, Gaslamp Coin-Op Game Room, North Park Común Kitchen & Tavern, East Village Counterpoint, Golden Hill Craft & Commerce, Little Italy Duck Dive, Pacific Beach Grant Grill, Downtown Heat Kitchen, University Heights Herringbone, La Jolla Jsix, East Village Juniper & Ivy, Little Italy Knotty Barrel, East Village Monkey Paw, East Village Neighborhood, Gaslamp Quarter Noble Experiment, Gaslamp Quarter Palace Bar, Gaslamp Quarter Po Pazzo, Little Italy Polite Provisions, North Park Prepkitchen, Little Italy Prohibition, Gaslamp Quarter Saltbox, Downtown Sycamore Den, Normal Heights Table No. 10, East Village The Lion’s Share, Marina District U-31, North Park Urban Bar & Grill, Gaslamp Whisknladle, La Jolla
“The City of San Diego deserves a signature cocktail to call its own, and we’re honored that so many of our favorite locations have come together for a good cause.”
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12.12 91X Wrex
the Halls
@ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com In May, FoxWeekly named alt. pop/R&B artist Banks (born Jillian Rose Banks) one of its “Artists to Watch” in 2014. Two months later, the 26-year-old singer-songwriter from Orange County released “Beggin For Thread,” the fourth single from her debut album, Goddess, and her biggest hit to-date. Catch Banks performing live at this year’s 91X Wrex the Halls holiday music-fest with indie/alt. rockers Cage the Elephant, alt-J, Interpol, Billy Idol and more. (continued on page 112) 110
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By Catlin Dorset
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(continued from page 110) 112)
soundslikeaplan december concert calendar By Catlin Dorset
12/2: Alex Clare @ House of Blues, hob.com British alt. rocker on the Three Hearts tour to promote his recent album by the same name. 12/2: Andy McKee @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com This indie acoustic guitarist dropped his Mythmaker EP on April 8. 12/2: Fleetwood Mac @ SDSU’s Viejas Arena, as.sdsu.edu Rock and Roll Hall of Famers known for many ’70s and ’80s hits including “Landslide,” “Rhiannon” and “Gypsy.” 12/3: Dance Gavin Dance @ SOMA, somasandiego.com Screamo quintet headlining The Rise Records Tour with Secrets, Alive Like Me and Defeat the Low. 12/3: Chris Isaak @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com This rockabilly musician and occasional actor recently gueststarred on the TV show Hot in Cleveland alongside actor/comedian Betty White. 12/4: Nipsey Hussle @ UCSD’s Porter’s Pub, porterspub.com Twenty-nine-year-old rapper working on his new album, Victory Lap; release date TBA. 12/5: Phillip Phillips @ UCSD’s RIMAC Arena, ticketmaster.com The pop rocker and American Idol Season 11 winner opened for John Mayer on the Born and Raised World Tour in 2013. 12/6: Ace Frehley @ Ramona Mainstage, ramonamainstage.com This rock guitarist and his former KISS bandmates were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in April. 12/6: Emmure @ SOMA, somasandiego.com Following extreme controversy, these metalers changed the name of the lead track on their Eternal Enemies album from “Bring a Gun to School” to “Untitled.” 112
12/6: O.A.R. @ California Center for the Arts, artcenter.org Alt. rock Marylanders most recognized for their 2008 hit “Shattered (Turn the Car Around)” and 2005’s “Love and Memories.” 12/7: 2 Chainz @ FLUXX, fluxxsd.com This hip-hopper collaborated with the likes of Lil Wayne, Fergie and Pharrell Williams on his 2013 album, B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Time. 12/7: Tristan Prettyman @ House of Blues, hob.com Del Mar native pop singer-songwriter on a U.S. tour with singer-songwriter Eric Hutchison. 12/7: Judy Collins @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com This mid-’70s folk/country songstress appeared in Season Two of HBO’s Girls, where she sings her track “Song for Judith (Open the Door).” 12/7: Cannabis Corpse @ Soda Bar, sodabarmusic.com Death metal band promoting its From Wisdom to Baked album with a tour by the same name. 12/7: Pink Martini @ California Center for the Arts, artcenter.org TV shows The Sopranos, Castle and Sherlock have featured songs by this pop/jazz musical group. 12/8: Augustana @ House of Blues, hob.com San Diego-native rockers most known for their 2005 hit, “Boston.” 12/10: Celtic Woman @ San Diego Civic Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org This Irish folk foursome released its Celtic Woman: O Christmas Tree album in October.
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12.10
merle haggard
@ California Center for the Arts, artcenter.org
While intoxicated in 1957, this country/western musician attempted to rob a restaurant during business hours and was later sentenced to a 15-year term in San Quentin prison.
#TBT Holiday Party
Ft. COOLIO Thursday 12/11 7 PM - $20 Tickets: www.TinRoofSanDiego.com Tin Roof 401 G St. Gaslamp @TinRoofSanDiego Fresh ’90s DJs Dope Drink Specials Mad Giveaways Rad ‘90s Gear Suggested
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(continued from page 112)
12.18 him
@ House of Blues, hob.com
Morgan Page, Tiësto and other DJs remixed tracks for this rock band’s 2010 SWRMXS album.
12/11: Moonshine Bandits @ Brick by Brick, brickbybrick.com These country rappers are kicking off their Rebels on the Run tour during this show in America’s Finest.
name was inspired by Soviet Union dictator Joseph Stalin, because they have the same initials and because “[Stalin] was short like me, but he was always smashin’ on everybody.”
12/11: Frankie Ballard @ House of Blues, hob.com Country singer-songwriter climbing the charts with his recent single “Sunshine & Whiskey.”
12/13: Strung Out @ Brick by Brick, brickbybrick.com These punk rockers are working on their eighth studio album, Transmission Alpha Delta, which is expected to drop sometime in 2015.
12/11: coolio @ Tin Roof San Diego, thetinroof.com Rapper Artis Leon Ivey Jr., aka Coolio, is most known for his 1995 Grammy Award-winning hit, “Gangsta’s Paradise.” 12/12: Allah-Las @ Casbah, casbahmusic.com These rockers released their latest album, Worship the Sun, in September. 12/12: Pepper @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com This reggae rock outfit has toured with Slightly Stoopid, Snoop Dogg and 311. 12/12: J. Stalin @ UCSD’s Porter’s Pub, porterspub.com Rapper Jovan Smith says his stage 114
12/13: Sheila E. @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com Marvin Gaye, Prince and Beyoncé are just a few of the megastars this Latin pop artist has collaborated with during her nearly 40-year career. 12/13: KSON’s CountryFest Christmas @ Del Mar Fairgrounds, kson.com Country stars Easton Corbin, Jon Pardi, Lucy Hale and The Swon Brothers perform at this holiday version of KSON’s ever-popular semi-annual CountryFest. 12/14: In this Moment @ House of Blues, hob.com Metalcore band on the Black Widow tour in support of its recent album
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by the same name, which dropped November 17.
Heard this One Before” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.
12/14: Howie Day @ House of Blues, hob.com Pop rock singer-songwriter most recognized for his hits “Collide” (2004) and “She Says” (2005).
12/21: The Mighty Mighty Bosstones @ House of Blues, hob.com In the 1995 film Clueless, this is the band playing at the fraternity party where Tai (Brittany Murphy) falls down the stairs and dances with Josh (Paul Rudd).
12/14: Yung Lean @ UCSD’s Porter’s Pub, porterspub.com This 18-year-old Swedish rapper released his debut studio album, Unknown Memory, in September. 12/15: Ryan Adams @ Copley Symphony Hall, sandiegosymphony.org Ryan Adams, aka actress Mandy Moore’s rocker hubby, produced Willie Nelson’s 2006 album, Songbird. 12/16: The Brian Setzer Orchestra @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Swing and blues band on its annual Christmas Rocks tour. 12/18: Johnny Marr @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com On November 11, this alt. rocker performed his new single, “Easy Money,” and a cover of the Smiths’ song “Stop Me If You Think You’ve
12/23: Dave Koz and Friends @ San Diego Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org Stevie Wonder, India Arie, Trombone Shorty and many others collaborated with these smooth jazz instrumentalists on their recent album, The 25th of December. 12/31: Donovan Frankenreiter @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Jack Johnson’s soft-rocking BFF and fellow surfer started his own label, Liquid Tambourine Records, in 2010. 12/31: Straight No Chaser @ San Diego Civic Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org This a cappella group’s rendition of “The 12 Days of Christmas” has been viewed more than 17 million times on YouTube.
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Cedric S equerra
december edm shows By Catlin Dorset
12/20: Tube & Berger
@ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com Electronic musicians most known for 2004’s “Straight Ahead” song, featuring The Pretenders singersongwriter Chrissie Hynde.
12/31: Adventure Club @ Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, sdnye.com
These Canadian dubsteppers joined with the Electric Family brand to produce a bracelet that gives back 100 percent of its proceeds to the F**k Cancer Foundation.
12/6: Gladiator @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com
L.A.-native trap music duo Gladiator takes the stage following the opening set by 18-year-old electro house DJ Julian Jordan.
12/1: Chet Faker @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com This electronica artist’s cover of “No Diggity” by Blackstreet has been streamed more than six million times via YouTube. 12/4: Quintino @ FLUXX, fluxxsd.com Dutch DJ Quinten van den Berg, aka Quintino, was discovered by Laidback Luke when he was 18 years old. 12/4: Manufactured Superstars @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com EDMers Bradley Roulier and Shawn Sabo released their Magnetic EP in March. 12/4: Goldroom @ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com This indie dance producer is working on his first full-length album; release date TBA. 12/5: The Chainsmokers @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com Electro house remixers best known for their self-centered single from earlier this year, “#Selfie.”
12/18: 3LAU @ FLUXX, fluxxsd.com
This EDMer made his debut on DJ Magazine’s “Top 100 DJs” list this year, coming in at No. 81.
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12/11: MK @ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com Jay Z, Snoop Dogg and Rihanna are just a few of the superstars this house music producer has collaborated with. 12/12: Loudpvck @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com In August, this trap twosome collaborated with Gladiator and Nipsey Hussle on the single, “Tony.”
12/12: DJ Cobra @ Parq Restaurant & Nightclub, parqsd.com This house music turntablist has played at many high-profile events, including Ferrari’s 458 launch party, Jamie Foxx’s NBA All Star Weekend party and Miley Cyrus’ 18th birthday party. 12/13: EDX @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com In 2009, Beatport ranked this remixer as one of the top three “Best Progressive House Artists,” just behind Deadmau5 and Eric Prydz. 12/13: Brody Jenner @ Parq Restaurant & Nightclub, parqsd.com Kim Kardashian’s half-brother and former star of The Hills hosts this night at Parq, performing a special DJ set. 12/18: Lee Foss @ Bang Bang, bangbangsd.com Deep house DJ Lee Foss is also a member of the electronic music foursome Hot Natured. 12/29-31: LED OMFG NYE 2015 @ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com House music giants Hardwell, Tiësto and Eric Prydz, respectively, are each headlining an evening of EDM as LED’s three-night New Year’s bash makes Sports Arena Boulevard go boom! Borgore, Gareth Emery and several other big-name DJs are also set to perform. 12/31: Tritonal @ BASSMNT, bassmntsd.com Armin van Buuren, Tiësto and Steve Aoki are just a few of the big names that have supported these progressive house artists.
[ADVER TISEMENT]
Cameron Fous, seen here trading from his private pool while on vacation in Costa Rica.
Earn A Full Time Living... Part Time. Anywhere! — Cameron Fous, “The Wolf of San Diego”
Investment wizard Cameron Fous has made a fortune day-trading part-time. Now, he wants to teach you how to do it for yourself. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are in the world. If you put in the time to learn the FOUS4 trading strategy, you can make thousands day-trading stocks in just a few hours per day. Stay up-to-date on Fous’ social media as he trades live from Hawaii in December. “Fous Alerts is the best place for a new trader to begin. I purchased both the FOUS4 and 4X2 trainings as well as subscribed to Fous TV a little over a year ago. I started with $100,000 and was able to increase my account by 84 percent my first year, thanks to Cameron’s training and Fous TV. If you are a new trader starting with a small account, I would very strongly recommend learning how to trade the long-sided, microcap breakout patterns that Cameron Fous teaches to build up your account.” - Fous student, John C. For a limited time, try a two-week trial of Fous’ training services — and full access to his chat room and FousTV — for free. Visit fousalerts.com and enter promo code ELITE14 today.
facebook.com/fousalerts INSTAGRAM @fousalerts TWITTER @fousalerts
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Holiday Cheers! Getting into the spirits Photo by Sara Norris
with bartender Mark Rillos
PacificSD: Where are you from? MARK RILLOS: In short, San Diego, but I was a military brat, so there’s a little bit of Japan mixed in there with some Arizona for high school and college. Where do you work? A brand-new, awesome spot downtown; it’s called Florent Restaurant & Lounge. And another new awesome place in OB, The OB Noodle House Bar 1502. Both are killer, and everyone needs to come check them out if they haven’t yet. Where else have you worked? I was a Bloody Mary factory at Urban Solace a few years back. If you haven’t been to their bluegrass brunch on Sunday, you’re missing out. I was also the male equivalent of a beer wench at the High Dive in Bay Park awhile back. What’s your motto when you’re bartending? ‘Treat others how you like to be treated.’ Just because I’m on one side of the bar doesn’t mean I have the right to be pretentious or act a
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certain way, unless you’re ordering AMFs [Adios Motherf***ers]. Then I have every right to be a dick. What drink do you recommend for people who’ve been naughty? Jameson, Fernet, Fortaleza… and ’tis the season for Rumplemintz. How about for nice folks? Jameson, Fernet, Fortaleza, Rumplemintz — join the party! Have you been naughty or nice yourself? Well-behaved men seldom make history. What do you expect to find in your X-mas stocking? That bastard should know me by now: a sixpack of Sculpin, Haribo gummy bears, a bottle of tequila, Chargers tickets and an economy size bottle of Aspirin. Just the necessities, you know? What’s the best gift you’ll give this year?
I have a friend who, every year, goes up and actually cuts down Christmas trees to give to people who can’t afford their own. I think it’s so awesome and I plan on joining him this year. What’s the best gift you’ll receive? Hopefully, I’ll get the time off I requested — wink, wink — and get to spend some time with my family up in Portland, Oregon. If you put yourself in a gift-wrapped box, who would want to tear you open? I’m gonna go ahead and say Margot Robbie, the actress who plays Naomi in The Wolf of Wall Street. Yeah, I feel like she would enjoy her present. Fill in the blanks: I’m ___ ’s gift to ___ . I’m God’s gift to bachelorette parties. I don’t know what it is, but they seem to find me, and I like to play along. Fuel the fire, you know. A couple weeks back, a group may or may not have left with a personal article of my clothing. Speaking of that naughty list, I have some people to add.
, Deer! Oh It’s the Ugly Sweater Pub Crawls Tis a few weeks ’til X-mas And all over town Seasonal beer is flowing… Let’s drink some down! So grab an ugly sweater, And join us for two crawls To make the holidays jollier Than decking the same old halls.
$3
seasonal craft beers
[
[
Yule Love This! PacificSD is buying beers for the first 100 crawlers to arrive at each location.
Saturday 12/6 Gaslamp (Noon – 5 p.m)
Barleymash (check-in), Tin Roof, Whiskey Girl, McFadden’s, Tipsy Crow, Lucky Bastard (after party)
Sunday 12/7 Pacific Beach (Noon – 5 p.m)
P.B. Shore Club (check-in), The Wood, PB Local, Miller’s Field, Duck Dive, Johnny V (after party)
Florent Restaurant & Lounge 672 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp 619.595.0123, florentsd.com
Get free tickets and more info at
pacificsandiego.com Saloon
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Hit or Mistletoe There may be a chance for X-Mas romance By David Perloff / Photos by Brevin Blach
’T
for anyone that’s wondering — but I’ve lived in San Diego since 2008. BRAD: I grew up in Orange County, in a city called Garden Grove. Yes, like the Sublime song. I moved down to San Diego and fell in love and currently live in North Pacific Beach.
PacificSD: Where are you from and where do you live now? CAYLIN: San Luis Obispo, or more specifically Pismo Beach, California — which is not NorCal,
What do you do for a living? CAYLIN: I’m an ER Nurse, but I’m also currently working on my Master’s in Nursing and my MBA. BRAD: I am the owner and COO of my company, Luded, Inc. We host, promote and market nightlife and philanthropy events all across San Diego County. Also, I am
is some weeks ’til Christmas, and all over town, jingle bells are ringing. It’s time to get down. Looking for love at the end of the year, two daters succumb to the holiday cheer. So the story begins, it’s happening live. Let’s preview the couple before they arrive.
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a part-time barista at the Living Room in La Jolla. What do you do for fun? CAYLIN: Travel and find new delicious food or beers to try. I’m a bit of a snob when it comes to my beer, but I proudly blame that on San Diego. BRAD: I’m a big reader. Having a good book does the trick for me, but if I’m feeling adventurous, then it’s off to the mountains for some snowboarding. What are you looking for in a date, physically and/or otherwise? CAYLIN: Someone who has a
passion for what they do in their lives and can speak to that. Physically, I’m a sucker for eyes and, sorry, but they’ve got to be taller than me. I’m pretty sure that rules out at least eighty-five percent of the men in the U.S. alone. That’s depressing. BRAD: Physically? I’m not too picky, just someone who’s comfortable enough to wear sweats and a t-shirt in front of me and still find herself attractive. An independent, confident woman is what I find most attractive. (continued on page 122)
A San Diego Icon The new 2014 FIAT 500L
Wrap design by SDCM (sdcm.com) Installation by My Printer (myprintersd.com)
Kearny Mesa FIAT | 5155 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa | 858.492.9200 | Kmfiat.com | Facebook.com/kmfiatsd
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(continued from page 120)
Describe your special brand of sex appeal in five words or less. CAYLIN: I’ve got an old soul. BRAD: Only fight the good fight. What do you like least about yourself? CAYLIN: I have a tendency to be pretty blunt and outspoken. BRAD: I have really long toes. Rate yourself on a scale from one to 10 for looks. CAYLIN: I’d prefer to use the pediatric faces scale. Google it. BRAD: Seven-point-eight.
How about for personality. CAYLIN: Seven? That’s my favorite number. Hope that doesn’t make me too basic. BRAD: Nine-point-three. What’s your biggest fear? CAYLIN: Inadequacy. And probably getting dementia, because it’s such an intense loss of control. Plus, I would never want the people I love to think I have forgotten them. BRAD: I hate deep water. If you’re a deep-sea fisherlady, you might need to find another man to join you. What traits could your date
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exhibit that would be complete deal-breakers? CAYLIN: Inability to hold an intelligent conversation, arrogance and a sense of entitlement. Also, being rude to wait-staff or just anyone else in general, especially if they feel like it’s in an effort to protect or defend me. I can defend myself, so please don’t leave your manners at home. BRAD: Any and all sorts of prejudice.
Epic Limo’s out front; the daters are here. They step inside Florent, a new place this year. They smile and talk as they check out the venue, then grab a table and look over the menu. Top Chef Rich Sweeney’s fare is the tops. After they order, the couple has shots. When dinner is served, Brad has the chicken, while a nice piece of bass was hers for the pickin’.
What’s the most important thing in the world? CAYLIN: Raw vulnerability and the human connection. BRAD: Family. They’re my rock.
THANK YOU! EPIC LIMO 858.270.LIMO (5466) epiclimo.com (continued on page 124)
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(continued from page 122)
Put it in PARQ Back on the move, the couple’s ready to groove
A
fter the meal, it’s time to move on, so Caylin stands up, and Brad comes along. Next up is Parq, the city’s new spot for having a blast and a night out that’s hot. It’s a block away, it sure isn’t far, but the limo’s been paid for — it’s not just some car. So the daters ride and arrive like kings, but before they go in, we ask them some things. PacificSD: How’s it going so far?
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CAYLIN: Wonderfully. We got to the restaurant, and it had a beautiful atmosphere. We got seated and we immediately got an incredible glass of beer. I’m happy to find that he also enjoys craft beer like I do. BRAD: It’s going good, I like it. Awkward first vibes, as always. That’s just how it goes. You never know who you’re meeting on a blind date, but she was very, very personable, which was great. She kinda came on strong, and then, as
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the night progressed, I kinda came out of my shell. What were your first impressions? CAYLIN: He seemed like a very attractive guy. He was dressed very well; I liked his style. BRAD: Tall, cute, and then after about two minutes of conversation — very, very headstrong. I like it. Is this the type of person you’d normally date? CAYLIN: Not particularly, but I’m
very open to trying new things at all times. BRAD: Honestly, probably not. Just because… I don’t really know. How was Florent? CAYLIN: I liked it. We were able to sit and talk, and that was wonderful. BRAD: We sat down, the music was good, the vibe was great, and we were handled very well. (continued on page 126)
b r e a k fa s t
lunch
dinner
24 hours a day
The Restaurant That Never Sleeps
®
E St
N
6th Ave
5th Ave
ABOVE: Brian’s 24 Omelette BELOW: (clockwise from top left): Carne Asada Fries, Chicken & Waffle, Fish Tacos, Monte Cristo
F St
Daily Happy Hour (Full Bar) 4 p.m.—7 p.m. $3 16-ounce draft beers $4 well drinks $5 food specials Lunch Specials, $9.99 Mon.–Fri. 11 a.m.–4 p.m. 828 Sixth Avenue
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Gaslamp Quarter
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619.702.8410
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brians24.com
LOVE
B LIN D D AT E ///
(continued from page 124)
What did you have to eat and drink? CAYLIN: I had the sea bass; it was awesome. I really liked how it was plated. I had a Ballast Point Pale Ale as well as a glass of chardonnay and a shot of tequila, and all of them were incredible. BRAD: I ordered the Jidori chicken, and that was excellent. She had the sea bass, which I had a piece of, which was good. I had a few shots of whiskey and about three Ballast Point beers — the Pale Ale twice and the Sculpin once. What’s the most attractive thing
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your date has done so far? CAYLIN: He’s very down-to-Earth. I really appreciate the fact that he comes from means, yet he knows good work ethic. BRAD: That she is actually selfconfident, she’s very self-driven and she doesn’t need me, which is great. What’s the least attractive thing your date has done so far? CAYLIN: He works in the nightlife industry, which is a lot of exposure to a lot of very superficial things. BRAD: Probably the fact that she apologizes for her sarcasm. I’m like, ‘Dude, you’re f**king killing it. Why
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are you apologizing for that shit?’ What would your parents say if you brought your date home? CAYLIN: Probably that he is a very well brought-up gentleman. BRAD: That she is a f**king catch, probably. Rate your date on a scale from one to 10 for looks. CAYLIN: Eight. BRAD: Nine. How about for personality? CAYLIN: Nine or ten. BRAD: Ten.
Do you want to kiss your date now? CAYLIN: No, but that’s because that’s not what I tend to do when I first meet somebody. BRAD: Probably. Does your date want to kiss you? CAYLIN: I don’t think so. BRAD: I don’t know, we’ll see how it goes. THANK YOU! FLORENT RESTAURANT & LOUNGE 672 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp 619.595.0123, florentsd.com (continued on page 128)
20 14 ESTABLISHMENTS
LOVE
B LIN D D AT E ///
(continued from page 126)
Wholly Night Darkness has a magical power… ’specially this close to the midnight hoUR
O
nce inside Parq, the couple is able to see the action from their private table. The place is bumping, the crowd’s going wild. The lights are flashing, the music is dialed. As the server confirms things are all right, the camera crew heads out into the night. Then what happens? Was there a kiss? We call the next day to see what we missed. PacificSD: How was Parq? CAYLIN: I absolutely loved Parq. The vibe is awesome, the lighting is amazing, there are beautiful women dancing all around you and above you, and the music is on-point. What more could you want?
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BRAD: The vibe was great. The production of everything was amazing. It had a ballroom feel with a new edge attached to it. The LED lighting was great and not overwhelming, the décor flowed with the theme of the place, and overall it was a great venue with good music. How was your table? CAYLIN: We had the best table in Parq, right above the dance floor and in front of the DJ. Immediately, our awesome hostess came to us to see what, if anything, we desired on top of our already extravagant bottle service set-up. She was awesome and made sure we never ran out of something to drink, that’s for sure.
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BRAD: Our booth was front-andcenter, with a perfect view of the DJ and dance floor. It felt like everything was centered around us, and I had an absolute blast. The staff was engaging and willing to have fun with us while keeping us comfortable with everything we needed. The booth was a perfect place to have fun and keep a sense of seclusion as well. Where did you go and what did you do for the rest of the evening after Parq? CAYLIN: I went home. I had to work the next morning at seven a.m. BRAD: I went over to Bassmnt and celebrated Cristian Garibay’s birthday with my Luded, Inc. crew. What an end to a great night.
When did you get home? CAYLIN: Well, I don’t actually know, because my phone had died, but must have been around or after one a.m. BRAD: I didn’t get home ’til well past my bedtime. Was there a kiss or romantic exchange? CAYLIN: With a giant robot we saw walking through the club, yes. I kind of attacked him, if it even was a ‘him.’ BRAD: A gentleman does not kiss and tell. (continued on page 130)
y p p a h s y a d i e l a
CRISP LIKE AN APPLE. BREWED LIKE AN ALE.
LOVE
B LIN D D AT E ///
(continued from page 128)
How did the date end? CAYLIN: Brad had to catch up with some friends and coworkers for an event-slash-birthday. He works in that scene, so I imagine it feels like he’s always working. He very nicely walked me to the limo and made sure I was getting home safely. BRAD: The date ended with Caylin getting back in the SUV, with our good buddy, Chuck [the chauffeur], taking her home. What was the best part of the date? CAYLIN: Hanging out with Brad. I think we are both super lowmaintenance and like to have fun. So, no matter what was going on, we were able to talk, laugh and keep it light-hearted without caring what was happening or what other
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people might think. BRAD: Dinner. Hands down. The conversation flowed too easily, almost as much as our drinks did. Will there be a second date? CAYLIN: No, but I’m not really the type to go out on dates. That’s all too formal for me, and I actually like to hang out with people more casually. If he wanted to go grab a good beer sometime, I’d be down. As we found out in the limo, we actually share mutual friends, so I imagine I’ll probably see him again. BRAD: We will have to wait and see. Depends on our availability. Who was the sexiest person you saw last night? CAYLIN: That robot, for sure. BRAD: There was this big gigantic robot at Parq.
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What’s one thing your date should know before going on another date? CAYLIN: Keep telling women you secretly love country. They’ll eat that up coming from an attractive guy like you. BRAD: That my work moves the usual ‘Date Night’ to a Tuesday or Thursday instead of a weekend deal. What did you learn about yourself last night? CAYLIN: I really hate posing for photographs. I get all awkward and end up purposely making funny faces like Miley Cyrus. Guess I won’t be nurse-turned-model any time soon. BRAD: That being humbled is a trait that I accept with open arms.
Mistletoe, mistletoe, dubya tee eff? We hoped for some sizzle, but then she just left. She gave him an “eight” and a “nine or 10,” but he split for Bassmnt to party with friends. He’s into nightlife, she works as a nurse. It ended dull; but it coulda been worse. So TwentyFourteen may end with a bang, but that’ll be New Year’s — last night was no thang. Thanks for nada Santa, you didn’t bring luck. All we asked for was a good X-mas f… fire truck, for the kids.
THANK YOU! PARQ RESTAURANT & NIGHTCLUB 615 Broadway, Downtown 619.727.6789, parqsd.com