December 2015 by Pacific San Diego Magazine

ARROW STAR

KATRINA LAW Takes aim at the Holidays D E C E M B ER 2015 PACI FI CSANDI EGO.COM

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OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY!

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EDITOR’S NOTE {DECEMBER 2015}

Inside this Holiday Issue of PacificSD: 36 New Year’s Eve options 17 art and theater openings 164 cool events 12 standup comedy shows 15 movie previews 58 concerts and DJ shows 10 celebrity chefs 19 kinds of beer 27 crafty cocktails 10 snow resorts 28 bartenders 80 restaurants

And a whole lot more things to do tonight, tomorrow, next week and for the rest of the month. While this may seem like a lot to fit into one magazine — would you believe it can also fit on a phone? They can do the darnedest shizzle these days. Speaking of shizzle, Sir Snoop’s rapping San Diego a gift for the holidays: a December 6 show at Observatory North Park, after which he’ll transform (without exhaling) into DJ Snoopadelic for a late-night show at FLUXX. Anyway, for your swiping pleasure, a backlit, inflammable version of all the shiz inside this magazine (plus all the good stuff that doesn’t fit), will soon be available in a trillion brilliant colors on a mobile device near you. As the D-Oh-Double-Gizzle would say, “Pass that thing over here.” (He’d be talking about your phone.) To commemorate the beginning of the magazine’s joyful and triumphant 10th year in print, PacificSD is launching a new social/mobile/digital platform before 2016 (or ASAMFP after that). It’s where the city’s New Year’s Eve options, art and theater openings, cool events, standup comedy shows, movie previews, concerts and DJ shows, celebrity chefs, beer, cocktails, nearby snow resorts, bartenders and restaurants will live without taking up a lot of space. If you’ve ever said, “Hey, what’s happening?” and no one gave you a great answer, this may be the mobile interface for you. Will it really be good? Will it ever actually launch? At this point, it’s safe to hold your breath. Just ask Snoop. Hizzle New Yizzle!

Sincerely, David Perloff, Editor-in-Chief

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

the

O riginal

s t e i n ie back for a

limited time The bottle that started it all is back. But it won’t be around forever. So crack open a Miller Lite Steinie bottle and enjoy a round while it’s still around.

Pictured here on the rooftop of Rustic Root in the Gaslamp, this Electric Blue Lemon Drop — made with Blue Ice Vodka, lemon juice, blue curaçao, sweet-and-sour mix and a sugared rim — is one of the cocktails to enjoy at Toast of Downtown.

20 holiday cocktails 20 small plates 20 bars + restaurants Exclusive gifts + shopping discounts

Toast of

Downtown Saturday, December 12 (1 - 5 p.m., ages 21+)

Participating restaurants: Blue Point Coastal Cuisine • Blush Ice Bar • Bootlegger • Coyote Ugly Saloon • Don Chido • Florent Restaurant • Henry’s Pub • Jolt’n Joe’s • Le Parfait Paris • Lotus Thai Cuisine • McFadden’s • Ocean Pacific Grille • Rockin’ Baja • Royal India • Rustic Root • Samurai Pie • The Field Irish Pub • Tin Roof • Top of the Hyatt • Whiskey Girl • Zymology Purchase tickets and find more info at

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VOLUME 9

ISSUE 12

DECEMBER 2015

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

David Perloff

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Kenny Boyer MANAGING EDITOR

Catlin Dorset ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jennifer Ianni CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Michael Benninger CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

John Brice, Brandon Hernández, Tony Lovitt, Brandon Matzek, David Nelson, Sarah Pfledderer COVER PHOTOGRAPHY

Grey Lockwood CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kate Auda, Michael Auda, Brevin Blach, Paul Body, Brandon Matzek

PUBLISHERS

David Perloff Simone Perloff DIRECTOR OF SALES

Scott Fisk (scott@pacificsandiego.com) MARKETING DIRECTOR

Alyson C. Baker (alyson@pacificsandiego.com) CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER

Beverly West (beverly@pacificsandiego.com) ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Michael Christopher (mike@pacificsandiego.com)

Reach America’s Finest readers via print, web, social media, email, street team and events. Read, click, connect... BOOM! 619.296.6300 | PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM | @PACIFICSD Facebook “f ” Logo

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

CMYK / .eps

Facebook “f ” Logo

CMYK / .eps

[PROMOTION]

ADDRESS TO IMPRESS

Downtown living reaches new heights EV Lofts, the slick new 200-unit residential community in East Village, offers San Diegans an opulent, modern, convenient lifestyle the caliber of which America’s Finest City citizens have never experienced. From the decadent floor coverings in the entrance courtyard to the trees on the expansive and social Sky Lounge to the warm walks through the pooch-pampering Skyline Dog Park, every meticulous detail of this exclusive urban enclave confirms that life at home is meant to be perfect….at any price. At EV, European-style lacquered cabinetry and quartz countertops make kitchens sparkle. The skyline views and over-sized closets make discerning residents feel like royalty, ruling over the heart of the city. There’s also a fitness center with towel service and a football-field-sized roof deck where neighbors mingle, toast and barbecue. Beyond its exquisite interiors and five-star amenities, EV offers an escape from the hustle, a modern downtown oasis that’s always a short walk from the action… even in stilettos. The city is rising. EV Lofts is above it all. Explore at ev-living.com

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CONTENTS DECEMBER 2015

FEATURES

62 TAKING A BOW

An Arrow star lays down her arms and shoots from the hip

74 HIGH THERE!

Say hello to western snow resorts peaking interests for snow-lovers and foodies alike

ON THE COVER: Katrina Law was photographed by Grey Lockwood at DK3 Studios in Sorrento Valley. Styling by Kristi Brooks. Hair by Rochelle Sunglao of Bluxom Studios. Makeup by Libbey Lazarus of Kiss and Makeup Now. Ms. Law is wearing a star dress by Aqua ($108) and glove booties by Stuart Weitzman ($585), Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley, bloomingdales.com; Ariella earrings ($140), Bella bracelets ($50 each) and Zahav bracelets ($35 each) by Double Happiness, doublehappinessjewelry.com. (See story, page 62.) THIS PAGE: Photo by Grey Lockwood. Katrina is wearing a beaded mesh skirt by Alice + Olivia ($698), Elenora crop top by BCBG ($198) and Nudistsong heels by Stuart Weitzman ($398), Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley, bloomingdales.com; sterling silver wave necklace ($1,500), sterling silver wave nine row bracelet ($1,300), sterling silver mesh tassel earrings with pearls ($375), and platinum and diamond ring ($75,000) by Elsa Peretti, Tiffany & Co. Fashion Valley, tiffany.com. (See story, page 62.)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

CONTENTS

Will Smith stars in the new drama Concussion, in theatres Christmas Day.

DECEMBER 2015

DEPARTMENTS CURRENTS 30 Twelve.Fifteen Event calendar 40 Laughing Stock December stand-up roundup PULSE 44 Art Beat December gallery and exhibition openings 50 Curtain Calls Performing arts preview 52 Mything in Action TV’s biggest skeptics cap their final season with a thrilling stage-show Downtown 54 It’s in the Bag Online success is in hand for San Diego- based purse reseller 56 The Reel World December motion picture preview TASTE 82 Dose of Reality Meet the TV chefs serving San Diego a taste of stardom 98 Flour Power High-density cookies to fuel yuletide bliss 100 Take it from the Tap A monthly taste of beer from here 104 No Small Potatoes Big-time holiday event returns to downtown GROOVE 106 Sounds Like a Plan December concert calendar 114 Take a Spin Upcoming EDM and DJ performances 118 Christmas Presence Hospitality company expands into North County LOVE 120 Laughing Matters A holiday affair with a sense of humor 22

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

[PROMOTION]

“The time for candlelight vigils is over. Let’s call this what it is: World War III.” —Craig Sewing, host, The Craig Sewing Show and The American Dream

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

City of Love By Craig Sewing

s yet another terror attack takes innocent lives, this time in Paris, news reporters in the United States are calling the violence a “wake-up call for the U.S.” Not if we go back to sleep again. Winning an asymmetric and ideological war while maintaining political correctness is a losing proposition. If we are unwilling to identify where this evil comes from and don’t have the will as a nation to fight it, the cancer will only spread. While there is something empowering in the air of unity, putting a French flag on your Facebook picture is hardly going to stop a radical Islamic terrorist from wanting to cut your head off. The time for candlelight vigils is over. This is World War III, and it’s time we recognize Paris is only in the news because it’s a major city. These atrocities are happening every single day around the globe and are coming soon to a city near you. The current U.S. administration’s unwillingness to call out the evil strain of the Muslim religion out of political correctness is ridiculous. Identifying the strain shouldn’t insult the 99.9 percent of Muslims who are peace-loving. In fact, it’s insulting that a portion of the media makes us feel guilty for being factual around these serious conversations. If anything, peace-loving Muslims should be engaged in the conversation and our biggest allies in this fight. It would be dumb to have an ounce of anger toward peaceloving Muslims. Their religion is being hijacked by evil, and this war is about good versus evil, not the world versus Muslims. All good people must unite... now. Here’s the math: there are one billion Muslims. If just one tenth of one percent are bad people, that means there are one million people who want to kill you — especially if you’re into things like freedom, or perhaps you are gay or female. We’re unwilling to physically and forcefully extract information from those we’ve captured and unwilling to have a real conversation regarding our open borders. Meantime, there are talks of shutting down the international jails where we hold our enemies. None of this is going to make it easier for America to win World War III. Imagine looking back on this era from the year 2050. From that vantage point, do you think these tactics (listed below) will have been the solutions to the war on terror? Eliminating programs like the Patriot Act and NSA because they infringe on civil liberties.

Continuing not to call out the radical strain of a religion because of a fear of offending those who practice the religion peacefully. Shutting down Gitmo as a place to hold terrorists. Giving the Kardashians more front-page headlines than our military. Treating the bad guys we capture with kindness, making sure not to extract vital information from them. Weakening our relationship with Israel, our biggest ally in the Middle East. Sticking to our guns that “boots on the ground” was never an option. Fight our battles according to timelines. Keeping our failing two-party political system, which polarizes the nation rather than bringing citizens together. Fostering our media’s competition for ratings rather than compelling them to report real news and align for a greater good. Behaving as though politics is more important than policy. Settling for lighting candles during vigils versus fighting for freedom. Electing a commander-in-chief based upon social issues rather than geopolitical and economic ones. A gift to the U.S. from France to symbolize American freedom and our nations’ alliance, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated in 1886. It was designed and built by French sculptor Gustave Eiffel, for whom Paris’ Eiffel Tower was named when it was erected three years later as the grand entranceway to the 1889 World’s Fair. Today, the inhuman and inhumane factions of ISIS and the like would love to see these towers topple. We’re facing the most violent strain of evil this world has seen. It’s time to join hands — not to sing Kumbaya, but to fight. Fight the status quo and fight our enemies. Fight this war like we’re really in one. God bless America and Vive la France. We’re all in this together.

Craig Sewing is a television and radio personality and consumer activist who confronts polarizing issues head-on. Forever focused on cutting through the media clutter, he states his views bluntly, making friends and enemies along the way. Tune-in to Sewing’s intriguing and sometimes controversial broadcasts on The American Dream every Saturday at 10 a.m. on Cox or Time Warner Channel 4, and on The Craig Sewing Show weekdays at 6 p.m. on KCBQ 1170-AM to hear his engaging and enlightening conversations with the region’s political, business and finance luminaries.

FOLLOW CRAIG AT FACEBOOK.COM/CRAIGSEWING OR ON TWITTER @CRAIGSEWING

[PROMOTION]

FEATURE MARKET:

Downtown 92101

Market Update Fantastic 1 bedroom at ICON with skyline and ball park views, upgraded cherry wood floors, custom wardrobe, and more. Watch all the home Padres games and concerts from the rooftop skybox. Live in the heart of the action - just steps from dining, shopping, entertainment & more!

(October 2015 data) Number of homes for sale: 200 Number of homes sold: 73 Highest Price: $2,410,000 Lowest Price: $250,000 Median Home Price: $440,000

Market Info

The downtown real estate market continues to flourish with the addition of new apartment buildings & a new luxury condo tower under construction.

Business Spotlight

Market Expert 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.

Social Tap is East Village›s newest restaurant. Enjoy scratch made pub fare with an emphasis on Southern California cuisine & pair with a nice craft beer or cocktail. Hang out for a while & watch your favorite sporting event. 815 J St, San Diego, CA 92101

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

BRE#01459513

FEATURE MARKET:

Point Loma 92106

Market Update

Breathtaking, panoramic 180 degree views from this sought after La Playa neighborhood 3BR/2BA home located on one of the most desirable streets! Minutes from restaurants and entertainment!

(October 2015 data) Number of homes for sale: 38 Number of homes sold: 2 Highest Price: $8,958,888 Lowest Price: $499,999 Median Home Price: $1,109,500

Business Spotlight

Point Loma Seafoods is a San Diego Fish Market and restaurant offering the freshest fish and classic seafood dishes! You can come in for a fish sandwich and clam chowder or you can pick up some of your favorite seafood to bring home and cook to your liking. Point Loma seafoods is right on the marina, so you can enjoy the San Diego sunshine and the water! Point Loma Seafood’s 2805 Emerson St. San Diego, CA 92106

Market Expert Melissa Tucci is the Official Real Estate Agent of the San Diego Padres. #1 ranked Century 21 agent in the nation, 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

BRE # 01380034

[PROMOTION]

Street Smart Market Advice

CRAIG SEWING {CONSUMER ACTIVIST}

CRAIG SEWING’S

AMERICAN DREAM ON COX CHANNEL 4 SATURDAY, 10A.M.

FEATURING SAN DIEGO’S REAL ESTATE & FINANCIAL ELITE

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ALSO LISTEN AT CRAIGSEWING.COM Twitter: @craigsewing, Facebook.com/craigsewing, Instagram: Craig_Sewing

Craigsewing.com

FOLLOW CRAIG

[PROMOTION]

I’D LIKE TO MAKE A TOAST... My name is Johan Engman. (I’m the guy on the left.) I opened my first Fig Tree Cafe restaurant in San Diego in 2008. And it’s thanks in large part to William Lopez, the guy sitting next to me, that I now have three Fig Tree Cafe locations, a new restaurant called Breakfast Republic and two new restaurants slated to open in 2016. William owns and operates

Alternative Strategies, a full-service public relations and advertising agency in San Diego, but this isn’t an ad for his company. He didn’t authorize this, and he’d kill me or otherwise try to stop me from publishing this page — which is why I didn’t tell him I was going to do it. William, thank you, thank you, thank you for everything you’ve done for me and my restaurant group. It’s

This page was paid for by me, Johan Engman, and is not an ad for Alternative Strategies. They are friggin’ awesome, though.

because of you and your incredible team — who design my websites, help create my brands, work with local media to get me incredible exposure, and do so much other innovative and creative work for me I can’t list it here — that I’ve been able to be successful in this competitive marketplace. You’re a great friend, a confidant and a critical part of my company’s growth and upward trajectory. Here’s to you, buddy. DECEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

CURRENTS

DECEMBER EVENT CALENDAR

T W E LV E . F I F T E E N E V E N T C A L E N D A R

12.30 HOLIDAY BOWL

Qualcomm Stadium, Mission Valley, sandiegobowlgames.com Marching bands, pageantry and a fireworks display during halftime mark the annual return of this college football game featuring top teams from the Pac-12 and Big Ten conferences. (CONT. ON PAGE 32)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 2015

BY CATLIN DORSET

C U R R E N T S {CALENDAR}

12.4-5

(CONT. FROM PAGE 30)

BALBOA PARK DECEMBER NIGHTS Balboa Park balboapark.org Join more than 350,000 merrymakers for music and dance performances, free entry to many Balboa Park museums, a culinary trip around the globe (at the International Cottages) and more at this annual holiday event.

12.3-4

AUSTRALIA’S THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER Casino Pauma, Pauma Valley casinopauma.com Chiseled mates from down unda leave little to the imagination during a two-night, 75-minute striptease in Pauma Valley.

D AV I D A L L E N

12.5

12.4-23

HOLIDAY WONDERLAND Petco Park, East Village padres.com For 12 select nights in December, illuminated scenes, Polar Express rides and a 40-foot Christmas tree transform the home of the San Diego Padres into a yuletide playground.

12/6: vs. Denver Broncos 12/20: vs. Miami Dolphins

RA SCO N M EDI A

CHARGERS HOME GAMES

12.5

MYTHBUSTERS — JAMIE & ADAM UNLEASHED! Civic Theatre, Downtown sandiegotheatres.org Discovery Channel’s Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage take their Emmynominated MythBusters show on the road for one last time together (Jamie retires from touring once this one wraps) for live experiments with help from audience volunteers.

STEAM MAKER FESTIVAL Del Mar Fairgrounds steammakerfest.org See Steam Punk-esque drones, robot battles, human foosball games and more at this celebration of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics (STEAM). (CONT. ON PAGE 34)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

C U R R E N T S {CALENDAR} (CONT. FROM PAGE 32)

JOE EWING

12.5

OB HOLIDAY PARADE Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach obtowncouncil.org The lighting of the OB Xmas tree kicks off this 36th annual seaside procession, where festively decorated VW Beetles and Woodies, live bands, S.D.’s Roller Derby Dolls and more roll down Newport Avenue.

RA C H E L C O B B

12.5

GINGERBREAD FESTIVAL Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad omnihotels.com Design San Diego’s raddest gingerbread house to win bragging rights, $1,000 in cash and prizes, and a $1,000 donation in your name to the Carlsbad Boys & Girls Club.

12.6

LA JOLLA CHRISTMAS PARADE AND HOLIDAY FESTIVAL Girard Avenue, La Jolla ljparade.com Vintage autos, marching bands, decked-out floats and the Big Man in Red parade down Girard Avenue in keeping with this season’s “100 Years of Christmas Cheer” theme.

12.5-23, 12.26-30

GARDEN OF LIGHTS San Diego Botanic Garden, Encinitas sdbgarden.org More than 125,000 lights will illuminate San Diego’s 37acre Botanic Garden for nightly marshmallow roasting, snow sledding, visits from Santa and more.

12.6

SONO FEST AND CHILI COOK-OFF Thorn Street and 32nd Street, North Park sonofestchilicookoff.com Enjoy two stages of live music, craft brews and a few dozen chili varieties from several local restaurants vying for the “Best Chili” nod.

(CONT. ON PAGE 36)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

C U R R E N T S {CALENDAR} (CONT. FROM PAGE 34)

12.12

TOAST OF DOWNTOWN Several downtown venues toastofdowntown.com Help spread the holiday cheers! in downtown San Diego as 20 East Village and Gaslamp bars and restaurants offer light bites and mini holiday cocktails, while 20 of the neighborhoods’ popular stores offer deep discounts and great gift ideas at this second annual event sponsored by seven local radio stations, East Village Association, Gaslamp Quarter Association, McFarlane Promotions and PacificSD. (See details, page 12.)

12.12

12.10

REINDEER GAMES Del Mar Fairgrounds provinggroundscomps.com Flex everything you’ve got to out-squat the other twoperson teams competing for thousands in cash and prizes at this holidaythemed fitness fête.

TASTE ‘N’ TINIS Hillcrest stores and eateries fabuloushillcrest.com Embark upon a self-guided sipping and shopping tour through Hillcrest, where participating restaurants and boutiques will offer menu bites, holiday cocktails and gift-shopping discounts. COREY JENKINS

12.12-13

12.12

SAN DIEGO SANTA RUN Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach sandiegosantarun.com Run this 5K for the Santa suit (hat, jacket, shorts, belt and beard), San Diego Santa Run sunglasses and drink ticket given to all participants.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

JINGLE Balboa Theatre, Downtown sandiegotheatres.org The 180-member San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus will warm audiences’ cockles with renditions of “Jingle Bell Rock,” “Deck the Halls” and many other holiday classics.

(CONT. ON PAGE 38)

Decem

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, 2015

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Tickets Sold Out Last 11 Years

Guaranteed Seating, Prime Rib Buffet, Dessert, Party Favors, Champagne Toast, Souvenir Champagne Glass TICKETS & INFO: WWW.THESHOUTHOUSE.COM/SD 655 4th Ave, Gaslamp Quarter / 619.231.6700

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C U R R E N T S {CALENDAR}

SAN DIEGO BAY PARADE OF LIGHTS San Diego Bay sdparadeoflights.org More than 80,000 revelers are expected to surround the San Diego Bay waterfront to watch a sparkling nighttime procession of nearly 100 boats festively festooned in lights, balloons and holiday scenes befitting this year’s “Christmas Around the World” theme.

(CONT. FROM PAGE 36)

MICHAEL TRIMBLE

12.13

GASLAMP HOLIDAY PET PARADE K Street, Gaslamp gaslamp.org Put your best paw forward for this annual march through the streets of the Gaslamp and subsequent pet expo, where awards will be given to Best Costume (pet and human), Best Ugly Holiday Sweater and Best of Show.

12.23

12.14

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE LIVE Copley Symphony Hall, Downtown sandiegosymphony.org The top 10 dance troupes from FOX’s So You Think You Can Dance Season 12 perform live on a 70-city tour of North America.

POINSETTIA BOWL Qualcomm Stadium, Mission Valley sandiegobowlgames.com Two to-be-determined college teams — one from the Mountain West Conference and one from the Mid-American Conference — go head-to-head at this annual football game followed by an over-the-top fireworks show.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

12.30

HOLIDAY BOWL PARADE Harbor Drive and Ash Street, Downtown sandiegobowlgames.com Cheer on the doxies racing in the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals, dash across the finish line in the Bumble Bee Seafoods 5K and/or join the other 100,000 spectators watching larger-than-life balloons float down Harbor Drive.

C U R R E N T S {COMEDY}

“How many calories is Xanax? Trying to keep track of my intake.” —Carly Aquilino on Twitter 12/3-5: Carly Aquilino @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

LAUGHING STOCK DECEMBER STAND-UP ROUNDUP COMEDY CURATOR: CATLIN DORSET

“My fear of camping: I’m convinced bugs will crawl up my vagina and lay eggs. Isn’t everyone?”

“I’m having a great year. I made so much this year, I think I might even file taxes.”

—Kathy Griffin in Official Book Club Selection: A Memoir According to Kathy Griffin 12/5: Kathy Griffin @ Pala Casino, palacasino.com

—Kristin Key on Last Comic Standing 12/4-5: Kristin Key @ The Comedy Palace, thecomedypalace.com

“Whenever I put sunscreen on my bald spot I am reminded that my youth is over.”

ASHNA RODJAN

—Tom Rhodes on Twitter 12/4-5: Tom Rhodes @ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com

“I read in the paper that Viagra now has a pill they call ‘The Weekender,’ because its effects last 36 hours. Dear God. Thirty-six hours? I’m thrilled if it lasts three-to-six minutes. Let me tell you something, 36 hours — you’re not making love at that point, you’re a circus freak.” —Bill Engvall on Here’s Your Sign 12/5: Bill Engvall @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

(CONT. ON PAGE 42)

C U R R E N T S {COMEDY}

“Hey, let’s pop some Viagras and issue tickets with raging, mega-huge boners.”

(CONT. FROM PAGE 40)

— Kevin Heffernan as Farva in Super Troopers 12/10-13: Broken Lizard @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

“I remember waiting tables, which, by the way, is the worst job, ever. You know your job sucks if you get mad when people just come in.”

“You get into a lot of fights growing up with a lazy eye, ’cause no matter how I look at you, it’s the wrong way.”

—Bret Ernst on Comedy Central Presents 12/11-12: Bret Ernst @ The Comedy Store, thecomedystore.com

—Shaun Latham on Gabriel Iglesias Presents: Stand-Up Revolution 12/6: Shaun Latham @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

DAN DION

“During the act of love-making, I will actually warn the woman when I’m about ready to wrap it up. I think that’s a very sweet gesture. I’ll whisper something romantic in her ear, like, ‘T-MINUS TEN SECONDS! NINE! EIGHT! OOPS!’” —Doug Benson on Premium Blend 12/27: Doug Benson @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

—Joey Diaz on Gabriel Iglesias Presents: Stand-Up Revolution 12/17: Joey Diaz @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

—Michael McDonald on Twitter 12/18-19: Michael McDonald @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

“I got a problem with my hair, though; it’s jumpin’ ship quick. It’s a disaster. I’m taking my Propecia and… nothing. It gets wet, it looks like a piece of lettuce, okay? That’s not how you get girls.” —Bryan Callen on Live at Gotham 12/31: Bryan Callen @ American Comedy Co., americancomedyco.com

FR ED ERIC K M. B R OWN

“I do have a gay cat. I haven’t caught him doing anything bad, but when I take a shower, he purrs and he rolls around in my underwears. That’s a f***in’ problem, right there.”

“I’m more worried about what my Uber driver thinks of me than I am about what my loved ones do. #UberRating.”

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“Mandingueiro” by JC Carino

12.5-27 “Fragments” by JC Carino

TPG2, 1475 University Ave., Hillcrest, 858.354.6294, tpg2.net San Diego graphic artist JC Carino presents recent works reflecting a degree of abstractionism. (CONT. ON PAGE 46)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

DECEMBER GALLERY AND EXHIBITION OPENINGS BY SARAH PFLEDDERER

“Filling Station Cafe” by Angela Chang

P U L S E {ARTS} (CONT. FROM PAGE 44)

12/2-31: “Illumin Art” San Diego Watercolor Society (SDWS) 2825 Dewey Rd., Ste. 105, Liberty Station 619.876.4550, sdws.org This SDWS show spotlights artwork by watercolorists from around the world, including celebrated San Diego artist Shuang Li.

12/5-13: Athenaeum Annual Student Exhibition Bread & Salt 1955 Julian Ave., Logan Heights 858.454.5872, ljathenaeum.org Students from Athenaeum’s School of the Arts present works they created in the classroom throughout 2015. 12/10-1/10: “Push Play” by Pauline Cuevas Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream 3077 University Ave., North Park 619.220.0231, hammondsgourmet.com See Pauline Cuevas’ paintings depicting Southern California’s skater and punk lifestyles in the artist’s first solo show. (CONT. ON PAGE 48)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

“It’s O.K. to Have Fun” by Pauline Cuevas

P U L S E {ARTS} (CONT. FROM PAGE 46)

“Lost and Found” by Nonie Cruzado

12/12-1/3: “Soul Seed” by Nonie Cruzado Thumbprint Gallery, 920 Kline St., La Jolla, 858.354.6294, thumbprintgallerysd.com Local artist Nonie Cruzado presents a visual diary of his life experiences in this solo show of his recent works in oil, acrylic and ink.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

“Siblings” by Virginie Mazureau

INDULGE YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY WITH THE GIFT OF

12/12-1/2: “Free Souls” by Virginie Mazureau Distinction Gallery 317 E Grand Ave., Escondido 760.707.2770, distinctionart.com

SPAIN

Having recently relocated from France to Carlsbad, artist Virginie Mazureau shares 15 fantastical mixedmedia paintings in her debut solo exhibition in the U.S.

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12/12-2/27: “Pages” JDC Fine Art 2400 Kettner Blvd., Ste. 208, Downtown 619.985.2322, jdcfineart.com

“Playa Bagdad, Tamaulipas, MX” from Paul Turounet’s Tierra Brava

Four artists — Ian van Coller, Jennifer Greenburg, Guillermo SrodekHart and Paul Turounet — present themselves as open books, displaying tomes featuring their artwork. 12/22: “Deck the Walls: A Custom Skate Deck Show” BASIC Urban Kitchen + Bar 410 10th Ave., East Village 619.531.8869, thumbprintgallery.com La Jolla’s Thumbprint brings an exhibition of artsy skateboard decks to East Village for the holidays.

“Grandfather Clock” skate deck by Nicki Yarwick

RESTAURANT & TAPAS BAR 353 Fifth Avenue, San Diego Gaslamp 619.233.5979 - CafeSevilla.com DECEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

P U L S E {ARTS}

CURTAIN CALLS DECEMBER PERFORMING ARTS PREVIEW BY SARAH PFLEDDERER

CHELSEA PENYAK

KEN JACQUES

12/2-27: All I Want for Christmas Lamb’s Players Theatre 1142 Orange Ave., Coronado 619.437.6000, lambsplayers.org Set in San Diego’s Little Italy in 1949, this holiday favorite brings musical merriment to the season with a story of two siblings’ efforts to bring their parents back together.

12/5-31: The 1940’s Radio Hour New Village Arts Theatre 2787 State St., Carlsbad 760.433.3245, newvillagearts.org Musical classics including “Blue Moon” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” are given new life in this story about a New York radio station’s holidaythemed broadcast in 1942.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

12/8-27: This Wonderful Life North Coast Repertory Theatre 987 Lomas Santa Fe Dr., Ste. D, Solana Beach 858.481.1055, northcoastrep.org This one-man adaptation of the 1946 film It’s a Wonderful Life teaches the lesson: be careful what you wish for.

12/11-12: Women are Crazy Because Men are Assholes The Horton Grand Theatre 444 Fourth Ave., Downtown 619.437.6000, bleepingcrazy.com Sunday brunch goes haywire when, among five couples, secrets are unveiled, sexual encounters are exposed, and sanity loses its value.

12/11-23: The Nutcracker Spreckels Theatre 121 Broadway, Downtown 619.235.9500, cityballet.org Clara’s (the protagonist’s) dream sequence involves a battle with mice, sugarplum fairies and travels to the Land of Sweets, all brought to vibrant life by City Ballet of San Diego.

12/12-13: Shrek: The Musical California Center for the Arts 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido 800.988.4253, artcenter.org A grumpy ogre falls for a princess with a secret while trying to regain his swampland home.

12/12-20: The Nutcracker San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave., Downtown 619.570.1100, sandiegotheatres.org California Ballet Co.’s presentation of the timeless

production features accompaniments by the Classics Philharmonics Orchestra (Dec. 12-13) and the San Diego Symphony (Dec. 16-20).

12/16-1/3: Hershey Felder as Irving Berlin La Jolla Playhouse 2910 La Jolla Village Dr., La Jolla 858.550.1010, lajollaplayhouse.org This musical pays homage to “America’s Composer,” famed songwriter Irving Berlin, whose original scores include “God Bless America” and “White Christmas.”

12/17-26: An American Christmas The U.S. Grant Hotel 326 Broadway, Downtown 619.232.3121, usgrant.net Pop champagne and enjoy a decadent four-course holiday meal in the Presidential Ballroom of The U.S. Grant Hotel while 24 performers entertain the crowd.

P U L S E {COOLTURE}

MYTHING IN ACTION TV’S BIGGEST SKEPTICS CAP THEIR FINAL SEASON WITH A THRILLING STAGE-SHOW DOWNTOWN BY MICHAEL BENNINGER | PHOTOS BY DAVID ALLEN

fter MythBusting their asses off on the Discovery Channel for the past 14 years, Adam Savage and co-host Jamie Hyneman have exposed more truths than Wikileaks. And now, as their show’s ultimate episodes are about to air (the final season of MythBusters begins January 9), the destructive duo is touring the country together one last time. Ahead of their arrival, Savage speaks with PacificSD about science, storytelling and social media. PacificSD: How would you describe the show? ADAM SAVAGE: It’s a magic show, except, instead of magic, it’s science. It shares its structure with what you are familiar with in a magic show, which is separate vignettes or stunts or bits of storytelling. And like a magic show, we incorporate the audience. We bring about a dozen people up onstage throughout the evening, and it’s really fun. It keeps the show different and it allows us more direct interaction with the audience. We just love doing it. What’s one element of the show that gets a big reaction from audiences? We do all sorts of stuff in the show. We talk about behind-the-scenes stuff, and we give a glimpse into what we really love about explosions. There’s one bit that I’m particularly fond of, when we have a physical contest between two audience members we call “gladiators.” One is the tiniest little girl we can find, and the other is the biggest man we can

MythBusters’ Adam Savage performs live on the Jamie & Adam Unleashed: Jamie’s Farewell Tour.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

find. With a little help from physics, we pretty much make sure that the little girl wins. What’s your favorite part about performing onstage, as opposed to on television? It took me a long time to realize that the thing I love about doing the show is the storytelling. Really that’s what it breaks down to. Humans are naturally addicted to storytelling; it’s what we do as a species. MythBusters was a wonderful way to tell stories, but going onstage is completely different. I love the immediacy of it. I have a lot of friends who are standup comedians, which I consider the most difficult of the performing arts — seriously, the most difficult. And the thing about it that’s difficult is being able to slow down and really hear the audience and react to them. A great comedian is not just rhetorically talking, but they are responding to the audience and having a conversation with them. I love doing that from the stage. It’s a tremendous rush and a great education. I love being able to whip a crowd into a frenzy and talk about something that’s really amazing to me all at the same time.

Jamie Hyneman (left) and Adam Savage, mid-experiment during a live stage show.

You live-tweeted your last day of filming in November. What was that experience like? It was one of those rare social-media moments in which what I was doing was as cathartic for me as it was for the fans. I was thinking of it as just like, “Oh, this would be really nice,” and the fans were so appreciative for including them in this goodbye. I didn’t realize they would be so moved by it. Now that the TV show is over, what’s next for your career? Jamie and I, along with Gail Berman at the Jackal Group, we sold a scripted dramedy to CBS a few weeks ago. It’s about two specialeffects guys based on Jamie and me who get tied up with clandestine government agencies. It’s a really fun idea we’re working on with Lilla and Nora Zuckerman, two amazing television writers from Fringe. I’m really psyched about this idea. It’s going to be a lot of fun. Besides that, I’ve got a nice deep pitch deck and I’m working with my team to craft the next move. What are you going to miss most about MythBusters? I haven’t the slightest idea. It’s a reality that I can’t quite conceive of at this point. I’m still sort of fresh from the end. But we’ve produced 250 hours of this show with a crew of only about 17 people, and I love every single one of them. They’re like family, and to realize that I’m not going to be working on set with those guys, it’s really quite emotional. Anything you’re not going to miss? Frankly, I know I’m not going to miss arguing with Jamie. 12.5: MythBusters: Jamie & Adam Unleashed San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave., Downtown 619.570.1100, broadwaysd.com

DECEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

P U L S E {ENTREPRENEUR}

IT’S IN THE BAG

ONLINE SUCCESS IS IN HAND FOR SAN DIEGO-BASED PURSE RESELLER BY TONY LOVITT | PHOTO BY BREVIN BLACH

he economy is on the rise, so perhaps having had a pretty good year means splurging on a haute couture designer handbag this holiday season. But, zut alors! (that’s something like a four-letterword in French), the retail prices of bags made by, par example, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, or Chanel are, well... pretty darn haute. What to do? “The only way to get (a designer handbag) cheaper than retail is to buy it used,” says Sarah Davis, founder of Fashionphile. com, an online purveyor of preowned luxury handbags and

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

accessories. “The brands that we sell don’t discount at all. There’s no such thing as an outlet (store) for Louis Vuitton. There’s no wholesale sources. There’s no (sales) events or irregulars.” Davis started Fashionphile in 1999, when pursuing a law degree at the University of Maryland. “My husband and I were both in school and so we had lots of money going out and no money coming in. So I actually started selling my own things on eBay,” says Davis. “I realized very quickly that there’s money locked up in these pieces. Women’s luxury accessories really retain their value.” Davis admits that, despite always having considered herself entrepreneurial, she never felt like a businessperson. “I always joked that I don’t know what a profit-and-loss statement is,” she says. “And I don’t want to know. I decided I wanted somebody onboard who knows

what it is and finds it important and does all that kind of stuff.” That somebody was her brother-in-law, Ben Hemminger, a graduate of Brigham Young University and UCLA’s prestigious Anderson School of Management. Hemminger brought his business acumen to Fashionphile in 2006 and now serves as the company’s CEO. “It started with people asking us to help them sell their stuff, handbags specifically, and so we started taking things on consignment,” says Hemminger. Today, Fashionphile receives its gently used inventory from sources in the U.S. and from China, Australia, Dubai and other faraway locales. Fashionphile has three physical locations (Carlsbad, Beverly Hills, San Francisco) where folks looking to sell their bags can have their wares reviewed in-person. Another option is to

upload photographs of bags for sale to Fashionphile.com. “If the bag passes Fashionphile’s painstaking scrutiny,” Hemminger says, “We give them a price and, if they like it, we pay them.” Voila! After purchasing a bag, Fashionphile photographs it inside and out, making sure it’s authenticated, priced and tagged properly. “We give (customers) a 30-day return policy — for any reason, or no reason at all, (they) can return it,” says Davis. “For authenticity, we have a lifetime guarantee.” In the luxury-reseller race, it seems Fashionphile is winning the purse. Fashionphile 1819 Aston Ave., Ste. 101, Carlsbad 866.468.5893, fashionphile.com

“I realized very quickly that there’s money locked up in these pieces. Women’s luxury accessories really retain their value.”

Fashionphile co-owners Ben Hemminger (left) and Sarah Davis.

DECEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

P U L S E {MOVIES}

Krampus You don’t want to be on his list. Horror | Comedy Starring: Adam Scott, Toni Collette, Allison Tolman In theatres: December 4 When a distraught boy’s bonkers family causes him to lose faith in Santa, the disaffected youth inadvertently invokes a mythic yuletide monster that terrorizes his folks into a fearful frenzy.

Life From rebel to icon. Drama | Biography Starring: Robert Pattinson, Dane DeHaan, Ben Kingsley In theatres: December 4 A magazine photographer tasked with snapping shots of ascending actor James Dean ends up befriending the ill-fated star as they venture together from coast to coast in the 1950s.

Macbeth All hail. Drama | War Starring: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, David Thewlis In theatres: December 4 After a man learns from three prognosticating witches that he’ll one day become king, his wife convinces him to kill the current regal ruler, sending the dethroner on a downward spiral of increasingly unwise decisions.

THE REEL WORLD DECEMBER MOTION PICTURE PREVIEW BY MICHAEL BENNINGER

Youth Drama Starring: Michael Caine, Rachel Weisz, Harvey Keitel In theatres: December 4 Two talented men struggling with aging and their pending retirements take a vacation in the Alps, where they discover it’s never too late to change their ways.

In the Heart of the Sea Action | Drama Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Cillian Murphy, Tom Holland In theatres: December 11 In this film based on the true events that inspired Moby-Dick, an immense sperm whale ambushes a New England ship whose crew struggles to survive while stranded at sea.

Bleeding Heart Tied by blood. Bound by lies. Drama Starring: Jessica Biel, Zosia Mamet, Edi Gathegi In theatres: December 11 A yoga instructor meets the long-lost sister she never knew existed and helps her break free from the abusive relationship and destructive habits ruining her life. (CONT. ON PAGE 58)

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DECEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

P U L S E {MOVIES} (CONT. FROM PAGE 56)

Star Wars: Episode VII – The Force Awakens Fantasy | Sci-Fi Starring: Harrison Ford, Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher In theatres: December 18 Thirty years after Darth Vader’s demise, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo bring the saga back to the big screen, sure to shatter every box-office record on the books.

Sisters They don’t get any closer than this. Comedy Starring: Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, James Brolin In theatres: December 18 After adult sisters discover their parents are selling their childhood home, they resolve to host the epic rager they could never pull off during adolescence.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

Point Break Find your breaking point. Crime | Thriller Starring: Luke Bracey, Teresa Palmer, Édgar Ramírez In theatres: December 25 In this jet-setting remake of the ’90s Keanu Reeves/Patrick Swayze classic, an enterprising FBI agent infiltrates a squad of thieving adrenaline-junkies responsible for an intricate series of stick-ups that turn out to be part of a much grander plan.

The Hateful Eight No one comes up here without a damn good reason. Western | Action Starring: Kurt Russell, Samuel L. Jackson, Jennifer Jason Leigh In theatres: December 25 Set in post-Civil War Wyoming, a ruthless bounty hunter and his prisoner cross paths with a supposed lawman and another professional pursuer, who together run into four more colorful characters while attempting to escape an impending blizzard.

PATTI PERET

MERIE WEISMILLER WALLACE

Joy Comedy | Drama Starring: Jennifer Lawrence, Robert De Niro, Bradley Cooper In theatres: December 25 A young woman overcomes an onslaught of internal and external challenges as she establishes an influential business operation and serves as head of household for her high-drama family.

Daddy’s Home Choose your daddy. Comedy Starring: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Linda Cardellini In theatres: December 25 A sedate stepfather and his brazen, biological counterpart engage in an escalating match of amusing and abusing one-upmanship as they contend for the affection of the two small children they love.

The Revenant Blood lost. Life found. Action | Adventure Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson In theatres: December 25 After narrowly surviving a horrific bear attack — and later being left for dead — a single-minded frontiersman in 19th-century America must navigate through harsh, uncharted wilderness to exact revenge on the man who betrayed him and return home to the family he loves.

Concussion Even legends need a hero. Drama | Sport Starring: Will Smith, Alec Baldwin, Gugu Mbatha-Raw In theatres: December 25 Based on the true story that continues to send shockwaves through the National Football League, a Nigerian doctor practicing in the United States makes a landmark discovery when he proves the long-term damage caused by repeated incidents of head trauma.

DECEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

P H OTO G R A P H Y BY G R E Y LO C KWO O D S T Y L E D BY K R I S T I B R O O K S M A K E U P BY L I B B E Y L A Z A R U S , K I S S A N D M A K E U P N OW H A I R BY R O C H E L L E S U N G L AO, B L U XO M S A LO N P H OTO G R A P H E R ’ S A S S I S TA N T S : A N DY W I L H E L M , J O S H M O R S E I N T E R V I E W A N D TA L E N T L I A I S O N : R O B E R T P I P E R S H OT AT D K 3 S T U D I O S , S O R R E N TO VA L L E Y

Taking a Bow A N A R R O W S TA R L AY S D O W N H E R A R M S AND SHOOTS FROM THE HIP

By David Perloff

on’t mess with Nyssa al Ghul. She’s a member of The League of Assassins on Arrow (The CW’s hit action-adventure series) and she’s scary-good with a bow. Giving al Ghul her strength of a character is actor Katrina Law, best known for her starring role as Mira, a rough-and-tumble fighter on the popular STARZ series Spartacus: Blood and Sand and Spartacus: Vengeance. A marine-biology-major-turnedactor from South Jersey, Law has played strong women with complex characters. Given her experience in sports, martial arts, dancing, singing and standup comedy, earning critical

PacificSD: You’ve played badass women in Spartacus and Arrow. In real life, you’re an actual badass black belt in Taekwondo. Using all of your real and imagined faculties, to whom would you like to give a serious beat-down and why?

acclaim for filling these roles hasn’t been much of a stretch. Next up for Law is 12 Gifts of Christmas, a Hallmark Channel movie premiering Thanksgiving night. Before taking aim at the next season of Arrow, she drops her bow, says she dreams of being an action hero and reveals how she makes her enemies quiver.

ON KATRINA: Beaded top by Alice + Olivia ($368) and Hendrick culotte by BCBG ($178), Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley, bloomingdales.com. Si necklace ($120) and Adara earrings ($160) by Double Happiness, doublehappinessjewelry. com. Moniirra heels by Ted Baker ($185), Ted Baker Fashion Valley, tedbaker.com. DECEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

KATRINA LAW: They know who they are, and my triple Salchow, flying double-kick to the throat would totally take them out.

to entertain, to let people know that somewhere out there is someone who also understands your journey, and that you are not alone.

Who are you heroes? My parents are my heroes. I love them beyond belief and I am so proud of them. Life has dealt them a few hard knocks, and to watch them work their way through the mess together and come out of it still standing is aweinspiring.

What’s been the most challenging aspect of your career? The down time in between jobs — not knowing if or when you will work again is always mentally taxing. This is where faith and perseverance come into play; believing that, if you keep pushing on and working hard, things will fall your way.

What’s your dream acting role? I would love to be the female Jason Bourne. Or the female Aragorn from Lord of the Rings. You sing, dance, do standup comedy and act. What are you best at and what skills or talents don’t you possess that you’d like to? I would love to be able to cook something that doesn’t immediately set off people’s gag reflexes. Flavor combinations and open fires are not my strong points. What joke have you told on-stage that got the biggest laugh? My being half-Asian, Asian jokes have always gone over well on stage. What’s been the most rewarding part of your career? The most rewarding aspect of my career is getting to hear the positive effects that my work has had on people — knowing that Spartacus helped get a man through his chemotherapy by inspiring him to fight on, and that it helped our military boys feel connected and understood overseas. Hearing how Arrow helped give a girl the strength to come out of the closet to her parents, how its strong female characters inspire young girls to start taking karate classes, and how a father and son who were a bit distanced found common ground on their couch on Wednesday nights… [these things] inspire me. This is why we do what we do: tell stories. We want to make people feel connected,

ON KATRINA: Fringe dress by Parker ($418) and Nudistsong heels by Stuart Weitzman ($398), Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley, bloomingdales.com. Mason earrings ($68) and Quinn ring ($98) by Double Happiness, doublehappinessjewelry.com. 64

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Which is the scariest place to be brought up, Spartacus’ ancient Rome, the jungles portrayed in Arrow or South Jersey? Ha! I think it’s a toss up between Ancient Rome and South Jersey. What’s your favorite music to listen to? Or dance to? I listen to everything from Muse to Rihanna, Beats Antique, Taylor Swift, The Eagles, Lana Del Rey, Tim McGraw and Murs. I think it’s really about what mood I am in and what strikes my fancy at the moment. I do find myself dancing a lot to Nicki Minaj. What gifts would you like to receive this holiday season? I would love to receive the continued gifts of love, friendship, luck, family, friends and health. I would also like to receive one million dollars — broken down into bank issued nonsequential twenties — and my own personal masseuse under my Christmas tree. Please, and thank you.

ON KATRINA: Gorgiya dress by Ted Baker ($335), Ted Baker Fashion Valley, tedbaker. com. Enchant scroll earrings in platinum and diamond ($11,000), Tiffany & Co. Fashion Valley, tiffany.com.

DECEMBER 2015 â&#x20AC;˘ PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

ON KATRINA: Star dress by Aqua ($108) and glove booties by Stuart Weitzman ($585), Bloomingdale’s Fashion Valley, bloomingdales.com. Ariella earrings ($140), Bella bracelets ($50 each) and Zahav bracelets ($35 each) by Double Happiness, doublehappinessjewelry.com. 66

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DECEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

ON KATRINA: Dessa dress ($798), charm heels ($398) and furry owl bag ($398) by Kate Spade, Kate Spade Fashion Valley, katespade.com. J-hoop platinum and diamond earrings ($36,000), Victoria platinum and diamond bracelet ($37,000), and Enchant platinum and diamond scroll ring ($98,000), Tiffany & Co. Fashion Valley, tiffany.com.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM â&#x20AC;˘ DECEMBER 2015

DECEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

Screening Process K AT R I N A L AW ’ S A C T I N G C R E D I T S — PA S T, F U T U R E A N D P R E S E N T S

Spartacus is history, for now. Catch Karina Law on Arrow, which will continue to air on The CW through at least 2016, and on 12 Gifts of Christmas, which premieres Thanksgiving Day on Hallmark Channel.

Law as Mira on Spartacus: Blood and Sand. 70

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Law as Nyssa al Ghul on Arrow.

DIYAH P ER A / TH E C W © 2 015 T H E CW N ETW OR K, LL C. AL L R IGH TS RE SERV ED .

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

ALL IMAGES FRED HAYES, © CROWN MEDIA UNITED STATES, LLC

Law as Anna Russo on 12 Gifts of Christmas.

DECEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

HT H IE GR EH! Say hello to western snow resorts peaking interests for snow-lovers and foodies alike

BY JOHN BRICE

mericans hit the slopes 53.6 million times last year — that’s a lot of mouths to feed. Rising to the challenge, mountain destinations from Mammoth to Montana are elevating the snow-vacation experience by providing a plethora of pre- and après-ski dining options. If El Niño lives up to his hype, this season’s mounds of snow will draw even larger throngs of people to the region’s resorts for everything from snowflakes to flaky pastry crusts to flaking out on work. Bundle up… it’s time to dig in. (No shovel required.)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

New on the Ritz-Carlton’s patio is Backyard Bar & BBQ. The “blues, brews and BBQ” concept includes smoked ribs, beef brisket sandwiches, the “Yard Bird” half-chicken smoked on-site, wood-fired pizzas and more. Dress it up at the Ritz-Carlton’s Manzanita, where James Beard Award-winner Traci Des Jardins brings her Top Chef and Iron Chef chops to a menu offering organic, sustainable, local meats and produce from her open kitchen. For an incredible dinner, try the pork belly and ricotta ravioli with parsnip purée, pickled chanterelles and apple slaw.

T OM ZIK AS

COR EY RIC H

NORTHSTAR, Truckee, CA

Overnight accommodations: The RitzCarlton

Summit: 8,610 feet Vertical: 2,280 feet

Après-ski: The patio at the new Backyard Bar & BBQ at the Ritz-Carlton is perfect for soaking up stunning mountain views and daily après-ski drink specials from a full bar. Insider tip: San Diegan and Olympian Shaun White designed the 22-foot superpipe. Average annual snowfall: 350 inches

Longest run: 1 mile Lift tickets: $106 Snow report: northstarcalifornia.com Other activities: Geocaching (global interactive treasure hunt) lessons

Base elevation: 6,330 feet

DECEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

SNOW VALLEY

Running Springs, CA

SNOW SUMMIT

Overnight accommodations: Pine Knot Guest Ranch

The big food-and-beverage news at Snow Summit is the introduction of an open-pit rotisserie barbecue on the spacious deck at the Summit Haus, which overlooks Big Bear Lake. Plans call for a whole pig to be cooked up daily, and a full bar specializing in local craft brews. At the base, a new coffee and smoothie bar utilizes fresh local produce; and the Summit Inn offers breakfast, lunch and aprèsski. For Mama Lu’s pizza, wings, fish and more BBQ, plant your poles at the Slopeside Pub.

Après-ski: Hit the 13,000-square-foot outdoor deck area at the Beach Bar, or the local brewery in the mountain town of Big Bear Lake.

Big Bear Lake, CA

Base elevation: 7,000 feet Summit: 8,200 feet

Insider tip: Exhibition Run is one of the steeper, least-crowded runs at the resort and has a view of Big Bear Lake. Average annual snowfall: 100 inches

For sit-down dining, go to WR’s Smokehouse and savor smoked beef, pork and chicken served in a knotty pine room warmed by a roaring fire. Weather permitting, head to Deer Meadow Grille’s outdoor patio for more BBQ, a full bar and great views from the deck. Made-toorder pizzas are perfect in Snow Valley’s Little Italy. If you arrive early, have a great breakfast and Starbucks at The Chalet, where lunch offerings include a quarterpound hot dog and a 100-percent Angus beef burger with cheese, pulled pork, bacon, lettuce and tomato.

Vertical: 1,200 feet Longest run: 1 mile Lift tickets: TBD Snow report: snowsummit.com Other activities: Snowshoeing

Overnight accommodations: North Shore Inn Après-ski: Hit Last Run Lounge for its hot-drink menu, draft beer selection, appetizers and daily happy hour from 3-5 p.m. Insider tip: Frequent nighttime skiing sessions running until 9 p.m. Average annual snowfall: 160 inches Base elevation: 6,800 feet Summit: 7,841 feet Vertical: 1,041 feet Longest run: 1 mile Lift tickets: TBD Snow report: snow-valley.com Other activities: Snow play and sledding

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

MAMMOTH MOUNTAIN, Mammoth Lakes, CA The newest restaurant in Mammoth Village is 53 Kitchen & Cocktails. For preski fuel, try the chilaquiles: sliced avocado, charred salsa, cotija and cheddar cheeses, lime crema, cilantro and two eggs. For dinner, the smoked bourbon bacon mac ‘n’ cheese is a winner. New this season at Mammoth Brewing Company is an upstairs seating area available for private group events. For a sit-down, fine-dining experience, head to the Lakefront Restaurant, located in the Tamarack Lodge on Twin Lakes. Mammoth’s Burrito Cat brings the foodtruck trend to the slopes (track it down on Twitter @MammothMountain). Overnight accommodations: Westin Monache Resort (upscale), Mammoth Mountain Inn (old school) Après-ski: Visit the Yodler Restaurant and Bar for a European après experience with schnitzel sandwiches at the fireplace lounge. Insider tip: Highest summit elevation in the state of California at a height of 11,053 feet. Average annual snowfall: 400 inches

Base elevation: 7,953 feet Summit: 11,053 feet Vertical: 3,100 feet Longest run: 3 miles Lift tickets: TBD Snow report: mammothmountain.com Other activities: Sledding and downhill inner tubing at Woolly’s Tube Park. DECEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

BIG SKY, MT Food and drink play a major role in Big Sky Resort’s being among North America’s top-ranked ski areas each year. New this season: Friday, Saturday and Sunday night dinners begin with a 6:00 p.m. ride up the Ramcharger High Speed Quad chairlift, which climbs 1,160 feet and unloads at Everett’s 8800. You’ll be dinning at 8,800 feet above sea level, where cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are followed by a fine-dining entrée (which can be pre-ordered when making reservations on OpenTable.com). End the night with a chauffeured ride down the mountain in a specially equipped 12-passenger vehicle.

M ICH EL TALL IC HET CHR IS KAM MA N

Overnight accommodations: Huntley Lodge.

Summit: 11,166 feet

Après-ski: The new Montana Jack in the heart of the Mountain Village serves 100 beers (24 on tap) and live music nightly.

Average annual snowfall: 400 inches

Insider tip: Head to Buck’s T-4 Lodge just down the mountain for wild game, bison tenderloin, house-cured duck bacon, foie gras cheeseburgers and more. Base: 6,816 feet

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

Vertical: 4,350 feet

Longest run: 6 miles Lift tickets: $96$106 Snow report: bigskyresort.com Other activities: Dog sledding

BEAR MOUNTAIN

Big Bear Lake, CA

Kickstart the day with specialty coffee and tea drinks at West End Java. After getting a few runs under your belt, consider lunch at the Rail View BBQ, or get beachy at the Aloha Grill N Chill and full bar. If you are with a group, Silver Mountain Eatery offers a variety of menu options, including Asian, Italian, Mexican, healthy salads, smoothies and grab-and-go items. The quickest option is Geronimo’s Outpost, Bear Mountain’s ski-in/ski-out eatery at the base of Chair 8.

Overnight accommodations: Mountain Vista Resort Aprèsski: World Famous Beach Bar frequently has live music on its deck. Insider tip: Southern California’s only superpipe.

Average snowfall: 100 inches Base elevation: 7,139 feet Summit: 8,804 feet Vertical: 1,665 feet Longest run: 2 miles Lift tickets: TBD Snow report: bearmountain. com Other activities: Zip lining

MOUNTAIN HIGH

Wrightwood, CA

Start the day with an avocado iced coffee with vanilla at the Village Grind in town (open by 6 a.m.), then head up the hill for breakfast at Angeles Crest Café at the base of the East Resort. Pulled-pork sandwiches make for the perfect lunch at the outdoor Big Pines BBQ. For après-ski cocktails, hit the Snowshoe Saloon in the East Resort. Off mountain, don’t miss Wrightwood’s family-owned Grizzly Café, home of a mean Reuben sandwich and the Grizzly Bull (HAN Vodka + Red Bull). All over the hill, the new official quaff is ice cold “Yeti Amber Ale” from Tap It Brewing Co. of San Luis Obispo. Base elevation: 6,600 feet

Overnight accommodations: Best Western Après-ski: For fullon black diamond booze, swill a stiff “Yeti Forgetty” at the Foggy Goggle, slope-side at the West Resort. Insider tip: AllSeason pass-holders now get three days free at nearby Snow Valley Mountain Resort. Average annual snowfall: 132 inches

Summit: 8,200 feet Vertical: 1,600 feet Longest Run: 2 miles Lift tickets: $30-$69 Snow report: mthigh.com Other activities: Sledding and tubing at North Pole Tubing Park.

DECEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

SQUAW VALLEY, Olympic Valley, CA Local, sustainable food takes center stage April 1-3, 2016, at the second annual WinterWonderGrass, a three-day music and beer festival featuring bluegrass and acoustic roots performances. The new “Farm to Table + Movie Series” on December 28, 30 and January 1, offers a four-course, family-style meal followed by an all-ages movie, plus dessert and cocktails for adults. New in town is the Truckee Tavern, with a focus on local ingredients and produce, and farm-raised, hormone-free meats.

Overnight accommodations: Village at Squaw Valley, PlumpJack Squaw Valley Inn

Summit: 9,050 feet

Après-ski: KT Base Bar, Le Chamois and the Loft Bar (Squaw’s most famous après scene), Rocker@Squaw, Mamasake.

Longest run: 3 miles

Insider tip: If you venture to Tahoe City or Truckee, leave your keys behind — this is the first ski season where North Lake Tahoe has Uber. Average snowfall: 450 inches

Vertical: 2,850 feet

Lift tickets: $124 (purchase at least three days in advance for best price) Snow report: squawalpine.com Other activities: Visit the recently renovated Olympic Museum. (The 1960 Winter Olympics took place at Squaw Valley.)

Overnight Accommodations: Deer Valley Lodge, Silver Baron Lodge

Summit: 9,570 feet

Après-ski: The Brass Tag for oven fired chimichurri chips, deep-dish chocolate chip skillets and drinks.

Average snowfall: 300 inches

Base: 6,570 feet

M ATT PA LME R

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

Deer Valley remains a can’t-miss stop for skiing and food — snowboarding is verboten. Get authentic Vietnamese Pho bowls, draft beers and assorted beverages at the new Bald Mountain Pho in the Silver Lake Lodge. Michelin-starred-chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten serves a fivecourse tasting menu in the 13,000-bottle wine vault at the tried-and-true J&G Grill at the St. Regis Hotel. Fireside Dining at Empire Canyon Lodge features four courses served from stone fireplaces.

Insider-tip: Pre-purchase lift tickets online, as Deer Valley limits the number of lift tickets sold daily and can cap out at holidays.

Base: 6,200 feet

DEER VALLEY, Park City, UT

Vertical: 3,000 feet

Longest run: 3 miles Lift tickets: $120 Snow report: deervalley. com/OnTheMountain Other activities: Snowmobiling

IGLU DORF GMBH

ZERMATT, Switzerland At the foot of Switzerland’s most famous mountain, the Matterhorn, Zermatt is a picturesque, car-free ski resort that’s home to The Omnia Hotel and executive chef Stefan Krieglstein, recent winner of a Michelin Star (the culinary equivalent to an Oscar). The newcomer to the local dining scene is Alpine Gourmet Prato Borni, where chef de cuisine Ralph Busch oversees the kitchen. For an exquisite meal and breathtaking views of the Matterhorn from 6,500 feet up, try Chez Vrony.

Unlike the other western resorts included in this story, Zermatt, Switzerland, is about 18,000 miles west (or about 6,000 miles east) of San Diego, but it’s awesome and worth the trip.

Overnight accommodations: Hotel Monte Rosa (upscale), Hotel Bahnhof Après-ski: Hennu Stall usually has a band playing and around 400 people getting into the groove. Insider tip: Zermatt is a combustionengine car-free zone, reducing air pollution and preserving the town’s iconic view of the Matterhorn. Base elevation: 5,314 feet

Summit: 12,791 feet Vertical: 7,477 feet Average annual snowfall: 300 inches Longest run: 16 miles Lift tickets: $80 Snow report: zermatt.ch/en/ snow-report Other activities: Scottish and Bavarian curling tournaments.

MI CH AEL PO RTM ANN

DECEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

TASTE

MasterChef Season Six winner and San Diego denizen Claudia Sandoval.

DINING OUT

W Dose of Reality

MEET THE TV CHEFS SERVING SAN DIEGO A TASTE OF STARDOM BY JENNIFER IANNI

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

hen masterful culinary skills meet reality television, gastronomical stars are born. Whether Top, Master or Iron, several of these cheflebrities, who’ve converted talent in the kitchen to fame on TV, are now at the helm of America’s Finest restaurants. Take a seat — at the table or in front of the nearest flat screen — and see what’s cooking. (CONT. ON PAGE 84)

T A S T E {DINING OUT} (CONT. FROM PAGE 82)

Sam “The Cooking Guy” Zien Birth city: Vancouver, Canada Current neighborhood: Carmel Valley PacificSD: On which TV show(s) have you appeared? SAM “THE COOKING GUY” ZIEN: My own show, Sam the Cooking Guy since 2002. I also had a series on Discovery Health called Just Cook This for a year, until Oprah took over the channel and decided I didn’t fit into her ‘how to live your best life’ mantra. Not that I’m bitter or anything. How has becoming a celebrity chef changed the way you cook? Hasn’t at all. But it has made me lose weight, ’cause I didn’t want to look heavy on TV, and the camera really does add at least ten pounds. How has it chef changed the way you run your business? My audience is so diverse, from 8-year-old to 80-year-old fans. So, I suppose on some level, I’ve become slightly more politically correct — maybe not a lot, just a little. You just can’t say or do the first thing that comes into your mind anymore, especially when you’re on TV. What will you be doing in 10 years? Cooking, eating, drinking and playing with grandchildren — though, not necessarily all at the same time.

Vancouver, Canada. It’s really one of the most beautiful cities in the world with an amazing mix of cultures and food. In fact, Condé Nast Traveler said Vancouver’s Chinese food was the best Chinese food in the world. No shit. Who inspires you? When it comes to chefs, I’m generally inspired by foreign chefs, including many from Baja right now, ’cause they’re doing such cool yet casual stuff. But I also get inspired by what everyday people ask me about, because they’re my wheelhouse. What are your favorite San Diego restaurants? We’d rather eat and drink [at home], and seldom go out. That said, I’m a Hodad’s fan; really like Underbelly and their oxtail dumplings; love a good chorizo burrito at almost any taco shop; and give me anything Asian, and I smile… especially a cheap Chinese buffet — can anything really beat that? What’s your favorite food? Salmon, no question. A superhealthy protein with great fat that you can eat raw, poached, steamed, broiled, grilled, seared, torched and even baked… though don’t eat it baked, ’cause it dries out and sucks. What food do you detest? Sea cucumber — effing ewww!

Claudia Sandoval Birth city: National City, San Diego Current neighborhood: National City and South San Diego PacificSD: On which TV show(s) have you appeared? CLAUDIA SANDOVAL: MasterChef Season Six. How has becoming a celebrity chef changed the way you cook? I have become a much more efficient and quick chef. I have also continued to push myself to come up with much more complex and advanced recipes and concepts. How has it changed the way you run your business? Before going on MasterChef, I didn’t have a business. I was working to make other people’s businesses successful at a local marketing agency. Now that the show has afforded me the opportunity to start my own business, I am excited to be a business owner and do what I love every day. What will you be doing in 10 years? In ten years, I plan to be a successful restaurateur, owning a number of restaurants and maybe even hosting a TV series. I would love to continue to share my family’s food and expanding the knowledge of Mexican cuisine.

Who inspires you? Some of my favorite chefs include the likes of Enrique Olvera out of Mexico City, Drew Deckman in the Valley of Guadalupe and my dear friend chef Flor Franco. In life, my daughter is my biggest source of inspiration. Her gentle nature and humility remind me often why I should never be afraid to step outside my comfort zone. Which are your favorite San Diego restaurants? Some of my favorites include Parkhouse Eatery in University Heights for Brunch, Solare at Liberty Station for their traditional Italian, and Kitchen 4140 for their farm-to-table deliciousness. Bracero takes the cake for my favorite Mexican restaurant, their albondigas remind me of home. What’s your favorite food? Anything that brings back a memory. So much of the experience we have with food is because of sensory recall and how smells, textures and flavors can transport you to another time or place. If we were talking about types of food, then my favorites would have to be Italian and Mexican. What food do you detest? There is very little I detest in the food realm, but since I am a fan of lighter proteins, I tend to stay away from iron-rich meats like liver and heart. (CONT. ON PAGE 86)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

T A S T E {DINING OUT} (CONT. FROM PAGE 84)

Jason Knibb Restaurant: NINE-TEN, La Jolla Birth city: Montego Bay, Jamaica Current neighborhood: Bay Ho

young cooks that have passed through my kitchen or even started their careers with me are doing great things in our industry. That inspires me.

PacificSD: On which TV show(s) have you appeared? JASON KNIBB: Food Network’s Cooking Live with Sara Moulton, Bobby Flay’s Food Nation – Best of Utah and Food Network’s Iron Chef America.

Which are your favorite San Diego restaurants? I don’t really have a favorite restaurant in town. My favorite thing to do is visit new restaurants when I go out, and try a variety of different places. I do have some favorite dishes though: the sweet breads at Whisknladle, the Tonkotsu Ramen at Ramen Yamadaya, the carnitas burrito at Porkyland and the lengua taco at La Tiendita Market in Clairemont. I also love the burger at Bankers Hill Bar & Restaurant.

How has becoming a celebrity chef changed the way you cook? The spotlight has certainly made me more aware of what I and my team at NINETEN are cooking, and I have become much more critical of the dishes that we are putting out. The pressure to perform is also much greater. How has it changed the way you run your business? You really have to be ready and on your game at all times, as you never know who may walk through your dining room front door. What will you be doing in 10 years? It’s hard for me to even predict a year from now. But hopefully I will be enjoying life, enjoying my family and good friends, and still creating amazing food that I am proud of and that people love to eat. Who inspires you? For me, inspiration can come from just about anything — shopping at Chino Farms or the local farmers’ markets, dining at another restaurant, even surfing. But I can say wholeheartedly that most of the other chefs and 86

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

What’s your favorite food? It really depends on my mood, but I guess it would have to be Jamaican food. My favorite is curried goat and Escovitch fish. I also love jerk pork and chicken but I don’t order it unless I’m in Jamaica because I’m always disappointed. Nobody can make jerk pork or chicken like they do at home. What food do you detest? Easy. Monkfish liver terrine. Hands down. (CONT. ON PAGE 88)

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T A S T E {DINING OUT} (CONT. FROM PAGE 86)

Brian Malarkey Restaurant: The Herb Shop, Little Italy (opening March 2016) Birth city: Portland Current neighborhood: Point Loma PacificSD: On which TV show(s) have you appeared? BRIAN MALARKEY: The major ones are getting to the finale of Top Chef Miami and beating Ludo [Lefebvre], Anthony Bourdain and Nigella Lawson to win The Taste. I’m also a recurring judge on Guy’s Grocery Games and I competed in an All-Stars episode with the Raiders’ Marcel Reece where we won thirty thousand dollars for charity. How has becoming a celebrity chef changed the way you cook? I work with more confidence after having met all of my idols and realizing they are just hard-working, passionate chefs like myself. The abundance of travel has made me more of a long-distance chef, and I have incredible teams that run our incredible restaurants. I also dress nicer.

What will you be doing in 10 years? I have an incredible goal. I’m keeping most of it under wraps for now, but it includes taking my wife and kids all the way around the world before they are too cool for me. It will be an epic year off and an epic yearlong adventure. When I get back, I’ll

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

CHA N TEL LE MAR IE

How has it changed the way you run your business? I really count on my team to follow the vision to work hard, pass on the good vibes and trust, trust, trust, trust.

dive into the kitchen with more knowledge and passion than ever before. Who inspires you? The great chefs that work with me, the great restaurants I’m fortunate enough to eat at, our staffs that work with so much passion, my wife and kids. And, of course, chef Shane McIntyre and the Christopher Puffer, my partners in The Herb Shop, our

upcoming restaurant and market in Little Italy. Which are your favorite San Diego restaurants? Catania, Ironside, Juniper & Ivy, Puesto, and the classic Café Chloe. What’s your favorite food? Seafood and shellfish. I can’t just pick one, and my love for crab, lobster, clams, sea urchin,

abalone, salmon, sea bass, halibut, cod, snapper, caviar, sardines, octopus and shrimp is deep. What food do you detest? Pre-cut-and-packed fruits and vegetables. Not all, but most, canned items. And that damn cereal that does such a great job of marketing to my kids. And, yes, I ate Cocoa Pebbles as a kid. (CONT. ON PAGE 90)

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T A S T E {DINING OUT} (CONT. FROM PAGE 88)

Nathan Odom Birth city: San Diego Current neighborhood: Mission Valley PacificSD: On which TV show(s) have you appeared? NATHAN ODOM: I was on Season Three of Fox’s MasterChef Junior. How has becoming a celebrity chef changed the way you cook? I definitely have a lot more personal joy when I cook and I am also much less afraid to be spontaneous. What will you be doing in 10 years? In ten years, I’ll be in Japan, either preparing to or already operating a French/Japanese pastry cafe. Depending on how I’m feeling, I might serve savory as well. Who inspires you? The people who inspire me the most are my family, close friends and several chefs including chef Ricardio Heredia, Gustaf Rooth and, of course, Gordon, Graham, Joe and Christina. Which are your favorite San Diego restaurants? My favorite San Diego restaurants are probably Izakaya Masa, Safehouse, Hodads, Santouka and last, but certainly not least, Carnitas. What’s your favorite food? It’s a tough choice, but I’d definitely have to go with ramen, the good stuff. Sushi is, of course, a close second. What food do you detest? I absolutely despise natto, the more intimidating kinds of offal and, surprisingly enough, kale. (CONT. ON PAGE 92)

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

T A S T E {DINING OUT} (CONT. FROM PAGE 90)

Ricardo Heredia Birth city: Fort Wayne, Indiana Current neighborhood: South Park PacificSD: On which TV show(s) have you appeared? RICARDO HEREDIA: I have appeared on In Search of Food on Ovation, World Food Championships on FYI, Chuck’s Eat the Street on the Cooking Channel, Project: Cook-Off on the Outdoor Cooking Channel and KitchenAid Apple Challenge on the Food Network.

Maeve Rochford Restaurant: Sugar and Scribe Bakery and Fine Food, La Jolla Birth city: Cincinnati, Ohio Current neighborhood: Pacific Beach

[Sugar and Scribe] locations, including Dublin, Ireland, to have launched a line of sprinkles and have developed a chef-wear line for women.

PacificSD: On which TV show(s) have you appeared? MAEVE ROCHFORD: Food Network Holiday Baking Championship, Season Two.

Who inspires you? I’m inspired by Darina Allen and all the amazing culinary items she has brought to the table that have changed the way Ireland is viewed as a world culinary force.

How has becoming a celebrity chef changed the way you cook? Becoming a celebrity chef has made me want to try harder, to be better, offer more and elevate everyday. How has it changed the way you run your business? It hasn’t really changed the way I run my business. I always say, “Offer the best or offer nothing.” What will you be doing in 10 years? In ten years, I’d like to have several

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

Which are you favorite San Diego restaurants? I love Costa Brava in Pacific Beach and Wine Vault Bistro on India Street. What’s your favorite food? Pie. I love sweet and savory pie. I could eat pie all day, everyday. What food do you detest? Ice cream, sorbet — actually, anything frozen, cold, chilled or iced.

How has becoming a celebrity chef changed the way you cook? Cooking is my passion, so nothing will alter my journey to always learn and discover new flavors. Winning one hundred thirty thousand dollars in the last year has allowed me to travel through Mexico and Puerto Rico this year. How has it changed the way you run your business? Being on television has definitely opened some doors. I started a consulting business and am continuing my Scratch Culinary Education classes for elementary and middle school kids. What will you be doing in 10 years? In ten years, I would like to have a restaurantslash-education center to teach kids from lowincome communities

and continue to travel the world, experiencing culture through food. Who inspires you? Nature, other cultures and, of course, other chefs are inspiring. [From famed Spanish chef ] Ferran Adrià to home cooks, all are inspiring to me. Which are your favorite San Diego restaurants? It’s hard to choose a favorite restaurant, but I have to say Wa Dining OKAN always makes me smile. What’s your favorite food? I don’t have a favorite food; it’s all about the moment that makes a dish special. From street food in Tijuana to a sweet potato roasted over coals with coconut milk in Ton Sai, Thailand… [both] are unique and create memorable eating experiences. What food do you detest? I love all foods. What I detest is our culture of poison in most of our foods, especially what we feed to children. (CONT. ON PAGE 94)

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T A S T E {DINING OUT} (CONT. FROM PAGE 92)

Richard Blais Restaurants: Juniper & Ivy and The Crack Shack, Little Italy Birth city: Uniondale, New York Current neighborhood: Del Mar Uniondale, New York. PacificSD: On which TV show(s) did you appear? RICHARD BLAIS: Runner up on Top Chef Season 4; winner of Top Chef Season 8; judge on Top Chef Season 12; judge on Top Chef Season 13; winner of Top Chef All-Stars. Other appearances include Hungry Games, Cutthroat Kitchen and Iron Chef America. How has becoming a celebrity chef changed the way you cook? It’s widened my audience, so I think I have a better understanding of what people like, but I don’t think it’s changed my cooking that much. How has it changed the way you run your business? It’s just made me appreciate people more. I spend more time personally interacting with people, so I see their experience from a wider perspective. What will you be doing in 10 years? Hopefully the same thing. Who inspires you? Inspiration comes from everywhere and changes often. Right now, maybe Wes Anderson. Bluegrass music, Ramen, Marshawn Lynch. The canyon behind my house, Freakonomics, Colin Cowherd, Chris Hardwick, the Pacific Ocean, Mexico. Yeah, that’s my inspiration… like, right in this exact moment. What are your favorite San Diego restaurants? Chipotle, Beaming, Cucina Urbana. KATE AN D M ICH AEL A UDA

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

What food do you detest? Can’t say I detest any. I’d pass the insects on a buffet, though. (CONT. ON PAGE 96)

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T A S T E {DINING OUT} (CONT. FROM PAGE 94)

Rich Sweeney Restaurant: Waypoint Public, North Park Birth city: Smithtown, New York (Long Island) Current neighborhood: Hillcrest PacificSD: On which TV show(s) have you appeared? RICH SWEENEY: Top Chef, Season Five (NYC). How has becoming a celebrity chef changed the way you cook? There is less looming-overhead stress when something goes wrong or breaks. Once you’ve gone from crazy challenges and time constraints, it makes even a crazy service seem easier. How has it changed the way you run your business? It’s made me more involved with mentoring culinary school students and more involved with community and charitable organizations. We manage to get this little spark of fame — why not put it to good use by encouraging the people who want to be chefs, and/or give back to our communities? What will you be doing in 10 years? Probably still cooking; it’s what I love to do. Working with John [Pani] to help expand Waypoint Public as a brand will be a big undertaking. And hopefully, in ten years, we have a bunch of locations all over the country.

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

JO HN DO L E

Who inspires you? I find inspiration in everything, from my staff, who are always trying different flavor combinations — some amazing, others epic fails — to a tasty new beer we might be pouring at the bar to other chefs around town that are making great food and

keeping their standards high. Which are your favorite San Diego restaurants? Carnitas Snack Shack, Tajima Ramen Bar, Underbelly, Café Chloe.

What’s your favorite food? I love too many things for different reasons: a tasty hot bowl of spicy ramen, a great piece of bacon, some decadent chocolate truffles, a creamy bowl of butter pecan ice cream.

What food do you detest? There aren’t many foods that I detest and I’m always willing to retry a food and give it another go. But I think raw oysters are up there; it’s a texture thing for me.

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T A S T E {WHAT’S COOKING}

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FLOUR POWER HIGH-DENSITY COOKIES TO FUEL YULETIDE BLISS

RECIPE AND PHOTOS BY BRANDON MATZEK

ookies are an integral part of the holiday season. They’re the treat left out for Santa, the gifts for friends and family, and the late-night sweets enjoyed with a glass of milk. Nestled in a tin or fanned out across a festive platter, cookies help create and conjure memories of loved ones, so having a few stand-out recipes is crucial. These slice-and-bake Mocha Brownie Cookies are a crowd-pleasing confection that can be made from pantry staples. Cocoa powder, instant coffee and vanilla extract work harmoniously together to form a sweet cookie rich with notes of dark-chocolate brownie and roasted coffee. Glistening sprinkles on the outer edge provide satisfying crunch, a pleasant contrast to the tender, cakey center. Mocha Brownie Cookies require chill-time in the freezer, so plan accordingly. They can be made in advance and stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator or 1 month in the freezer. If stored at length in the freezer, let thaw at room temperature MOCHA BROWNIE COOKIES until sliceable but INGREDIENTS still cold (30 minutes to 1 hour), then add 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting a minute or two of 1/3 cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder extra bake time. 2 tsp. good quality instant coffee 1/2 tsp. fine grain sea salt 1/4 tsp. baking powder 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, softened* 3/4 cup sugar 1 egg PROCESS 1 tsp. vanilla extract Batter Up. Add 2 tbsp. sparkling white sprinkles flour, cocoa powder, instant coffee, sea salt and baking powder to a medium bowl, a lightly floured work surface whisking to combine. Add and gently roll into a log that’s butter and sugar to the bowl 2 inches in diameter. Cover the of a stand mixer fitted with the entire surface of the dough with paddle attachment. Cream at sprinkles, and then roll back and medium speed until fluffy (about forth several times to make them 2 minutes). Mix in the egg and stick. Wrap dough tightly in vanilla extract, scraping down the plastic and chill in the freezer for sides as needed. In 3 additions, 1 hour.** mix in the dry ingredients just until combined. Don’t overmix Slice and Bake. Preheat an oven here. Scrape cookie dough onto to 350°F and place an oven rack

in the middle position. Slice log into 1/4- to 1/2-inch thick rounds and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving 1 inch of space between each cookie. Bake until the cookies are set around the edges and slightly puffed in the center (9 to 11 minutes). Let rest for 1 minute on the baking sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. * To achieve the right texture here, the butter must be softened at room temperature for a few hours. If you

forget to do this, cut a stick of butter into 8 even slices and place in the stand mixer bowl (or on a plate). The slices shouldn’t be touching each other. Set the bowl in a warm spot for 1 hour, and the butter should be soft enough to use for this recipe. ** For perfectly round slice-andbake cookies, place wrapped log of dough in an empty paper towel roll that’s been cut open lengthwise. Tighten the roll around the dough, then secure with rubber bands or tape. Chill in the freezer according to the instructions above.

DECEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

T A S T E {BEER}

ALESMITH NOEL

The last of more than two dozen specialty ales brewed for the Beer to the Rescue lupus campaign is a spiced take on AleSmith’s elegant, dark, fruit-packed Belgian strong ale, Grand Cru. The addition of wintry, holiday-friendly spices (think mulled wine and baked goods) transforms a year-round classic into a Christmas-ready instant tradition. 9990 AleSmith Ct., Miramar, alesmith.com

A MONTHLY TASTE OF BEER FROM HERE BY BRANDON HERNÁNDEZ

DO ME A FLAVOR NEW BEERS TO

CHEERS & BREWS TO PERUSE KARL STRAUSS SIX SUITS A-HANGIN’

The sixth of 12 beers following the theme of the iconic tune “The 12 Days of Christmas” is an imperial Belgian-style brown ale aged in French Oak. The brewery describes it as having graham cracker-like flavors with a touch of wood-borne vanilla, plus peppery, yeast-infused spice. 5985 Santa Fe St., Pacific Beach, karlstrauss.com

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MISSION HOLIDAY ALE

Belgian yeast esters bring forth deep flavors of caramelized figs, raisins and even sugarplums to build the quintessential European-style yuletide delight. Dark in color and rich in its caramely, spicy complexity, it remains smooth on the palate, rendering it the perfect quaff for prolonged enjoyment from a comfy seat in front of a roaring fire. 1441 L St., East Village, missionbrewery.com

MONKEY PAW SANTA’S PET MONKEY

In this case, Saint Nick’s faithful companion is a palate- and belly-warming imperial stout. Onyx in complexion and decadent in its rich chocolatiness, it abounds with roasted barley appeal and nuances of espresso. Forego the milk — leave Kris Kringle a glass of this instead and wait for the top-shelf gifts to come rolling in. 805 16th St., East Village, monkeypawbrewing.com

BENCHMARK FEISTY FLEUR

The feisty family behind this young standout brewery has elevated its Belgian-style tripel to Christmas-beer status, releasing it during the winter season as the perfect complement to family gatherings, traditional holiday feasting and nights spent caroling. Citrusy in its fruitiness, it’s a splendid alternative to traditional dark winter ales. 6190 Fairmount Ave., Grantville, benchmarkbrewing.com

SOUTH PARK WINTER WARMER

Beer fans of the British bent looking to replicate the experience of nursing a proper holiday ale in a warm, inviting English pub need look no further than this traditional UK-style “Winter Warmer.” Dry and drinkable with flavors akin to toffee, currants and dark spirits, it’s deliciously evocative of English Christmas puddings. 1517 30th St., South Park, southparkbrewing.com

STONE XOCOVEZA FOR THE HOLIDAYS

In 19 years, the return of no Stone beer has been so fervently requested as this take on Mexican hot chocolate… and the recipe came from a local homebrewer! Now, this chocolate, coffee, cinnamon and nutmeg-infused imperial milk stout will be an annual offering gifted to beer enthusiasts in six-packs. 1999 Citracado Pkwy, Escondido, stonebrewing.com

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T A S T E {BEER} (CONT. FROM PAGE 101)

COMING TO A HEAD

LET’S GO TO THE HOPS DECEMBER BEER EVENTS

WHAT’S NEW IN BREW OR COMING SOON MIKE HESS BREWING TASTING ROOM

DEC. 6 | SOUTH BAY UPRISING DINNER

What started as a tiny nanobrewery has expanded to a threelocation ale empire of sorts. The latest addition to Mike Hess’ kingdom is a stylish, wood- and metaladorned satellite sampling space in Ocean Beach, which allows coastal imbibers to taste the company’s breadth of West Coast-tinged beers while observing (through roll-up windows) Obetians in their natural habitats. 4893 Voltaire St., Ocean Beach, mikehessbrewing.com

A group of ale and lager enthusiasts have banded together to help gain recognition for the fact that San Diego’s southernmost communities — Chula Vista, Otay Mesa, Imperial Beach and National City — are finally gaining craftbeer identities. Allow them to educate you in a most delectable manner. Machete Beer House, 2325 Highland Ave., National City, 6 p.m., southbayuprising.bpt.me

DEC. 12 | THE NEW KIDS

C YN T HIA J IMEN EZ

BAY BRIDGE BREWING COMPANY

Three years after shuttering his first attempt to provide Chula Vista with its very own brewpub (The Brew House at Eastlake), a persistent entrepreneur is at it again — now with a more polished concept that isn’t as aheadof-its-time. The result is a business that’s being embraced rather than misunderstood. It features an array of approachable brews (blond, wheat, amber, red, IPA) that combine to tell a satisfying tale of perseverance. 688 Marsat Ct., Chula Vista, baybridgebrewing.com

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Enjoy unlimited samples of beers from the most recent entrants into San Diego’s brewery class — Council, Fall, Half Door, Novo Brazil, Second Chance — along with live music. Young local distilleries will also have their wares on display, making for equal-opportunity cross-drinking opportunities. Makers Quarter, 753 15th St., East Village, 1 p.m., sdnewkids.com

MEET YOUR MAKER BREWMASTER Q&A WITH JONATHAN BARBARIN Co-founder, Thunderhawk Alements, Miramar

fter running a successful Kickstarter campaign that utilized an ugly-sweater party as their kickoff event, Jonathan Barbarin and business partner Bill Lindsay are taking the final steps necessary to bring their Miramar-based Thunderhawk Alements to life. With any luck, Santa will fulfill the duo’s wish for a December 2015 opening.

How did you come up with your company name? It was a cold, foggy December night in OB. A couple of homebrewers were huddled around a brew kettle, trying to stay warm whilst waiting for their concoction to hit the boil point so the sweet green wave of hops could be unleashed into the brew. Cheerful banter was suddenly overwhelmed by a roaring, thunderous sound from above. They looked up to see red lights cutting through the foggy night. One of the brewers threw his arms in the air and yelled “All hail the mighty Thunderhawk!” At that moment, they knew brewing was their calling — that their primal labor was of the righteous and pure variety. What will be Thunderhawk’s brewing M.O.? Our beer culture is a celebration of the American West. We will have innovative and diverse beers, some brewed in stylistically

PA U L B O D Y

Brandon Hernandez: Where did the idea for Thunderhawk Alements come about? JONATHAN BARBARIN: Me and my lifelong friend, Bill, started brewing together five years ago. At that point, we never imagined opening a brewery. We were just craft fans curious enough to create our own beer. As our homebrewing ramped up, we needed somewhere for the beer to go, so we threw an uglyChristmas-sweater party and served it to family and friends. After getting great feedback, we started brewing even more. The party became an annual event that kept growing in size. In 2014, we decided to start a brewery and used the party as a crowdfunding launch that raised $19,400. It was the confidence booster we needed.

traditional manners, such as our core lineup consisting of a Dunkelweiss, ESB, Milk Stout and a San Diego Pale Ale. Beyond the core beers, we want to let our imaginations run wild and create unique beers that utilize locally sourced ingredients. I don’t want to give too much away, but honey, ginger, coffee, oak and pomegranate will all be part of the taste experience of our beers. Our goal is to keep the adventurous drinkers guessing and coming back for more. Describe how yours is an environmentally conscious operation. A big part of our culture is to operate in a very environmentally friendly way. We hoped to minimize our footprint by first choosing an electric system that we are working on pairing with a solar photovoltaic (PV) system. That probably won’t happen day one, as we want to measure our electrical usage for a few months to assess the PV system size needed. We are also installing some simple water-monitoring devices to keep track of our usage and, hopefully, get our water-to-beer ratio as low as possible without having a full-on water treatment facility on-site. We truly believe every little decision to help the environment helps in the global picture.

Brandon Hernández is a native San Diegan with a fervent passion for craft beer and the talented individuals who produce it. He is the author of Complete Guide to San Diego Breweries, Marketing Manager for AleSmith Brewing Co. and contributes beercentric content to national and San Diego-based publications. The first publication for which he ever wrote about beer was PacificSD. Follow him on Twitter: @ sdbeernews and @offdutyfoodie.

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BY IDA ROSENBERG | PHOTO BY PAUL BODY

BIG-TIME HOLIDAY EVENT RETURNS TO DOWNTOWN

No Small Potatoes

inding the perfect gift becomes a delicious social affair when 20 top bars and restaurants team up to bring a thousand yuletide diners and shoppers downtown for an incredible urban-retail experience. Raise a glass (several, actually) on Saturday, December 12, while enjoying mini holiday cocktails, a foodie’s dream collection of smallplate fare and deep discounts at retail stores throughout the Gaslamp and East Village. One of the delicious cocktails to try during the second annual Toast of Downtown (a joint production by PacificSD and McFarlane Promotions) is the Moscow Mule, pictured here at the rooftop dining room atop Rustic Root, named Best New Gaslamp Restaurant/ Bar at the 2015 Lamplighter Awards. Each of Toast’s participating restaurants will present samples of their culinary offerings, showcasing local ingredients and cuisines that span the globe. In addition to spotlighting their popular dishes, participating bars are also

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

Rustic Root 535 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp 619.232.1747 rusticroot.com

Visit toastofdowntown.com for participating venues and other info. Tickets, which include holiday cocktail and light bites at 20 bars and restaurants, grant exclusive shopping discounts at retail stores across downtown.

offering ticketholders cocktails crafted with the award-winning (including a gold medal at the 2014 San Francisco Spirits Competition) Blue Ice Vodka. Made with spicy ginger beer and lime juice, the chill copper kettle of love pictured here warms the cockles with Blue Ice Vodka (blueicevodka.com), a gluten-free spirit distilled in Idaho using only all-natural ingredients — including 100-percentAmerican potatoes. Proceeds from Toast of Downtown benefit Gaslamp Quarter Association and East Village Association.

T A S T E {DRINK}

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Sparkling on the rooftop of Rustic Root in the Gaslamp, this Moscow Mule — made with Blue Ice Vodka and served in a copper mug with spicy ginger beer and lime juice — is one of the holiday craft cocktails to enjoy at Toast of Downtown.

GROOVE SOUND DECISIONS

12.13

JENNIFER NETTLES @ Pechanga Resort & Casino, pechanga.com Half of mega-successful country duo Sugarland, singer-songwriter Jennifer Nettles released her debut studio album, That Girl, in January 2014. In advance of her forthcoming sophomore solo album, Nettles released a new single, “Sugar,” in July, and will complete her 20-stop Playing with Fire tour (with openers Brandy Clark and Ryan Kinder) at this show in Temecula. (CONT. ON PAGE 108)

MAR C B APT IS TE

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present

G R O O V E {SOUND DECISIONS} (CONT. FROM PAGE 106)

LIKE A PLAN DECEMBER CONCERT CALENDAR BY CATLIN DORSET

12.4

ADAM LAMBERT

@ San Diego Civic Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org

In June, this Season Eight American Idol runner-up dropped The Original High, his third pop album.

12/2: Gloriana @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com Country threesome best known for its 2011 hit, “(Kissed You) Good Night.” 12/4: Slightly Stoopid @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com These Ocean Beach-based boys dropped their eighth studio album, Meanwhile…Back at the Lab, in June. Slightly Stoopid also plays at the Belly Up Tavern on 12/5. 12/4: Trans-Siberian Orchestra @ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com Progressive rockers on the road to promote their new album, Letters from the Labyrinth, which dropped November 13. 12/5: Tori Kelly @ Petco Park, channel933.com Pop singer-songwriter Tori Kelly headlines Channel 933’s FREEcember concert (free admission with an unwrapped toy donation) with support from Alessia Cara and Max. 12/5: Slightly Stoopid @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com Also playing 12/4 at Observatory North Park (see 12/4 entry above). 12/9: Ghost Town @ SOMA, somasandiego.com Kevin “Ghost” McCullough, Alix “Monster” Koochaki and Manny “Drummer” Dominick compose this electronic rock outfit. 12/10-11: Tribal Seeds @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com In 2014, this San Diego-based roots/reggae band’s Representing album debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s reggae chart.

(CONT. ON PAGE 110)

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DAV ID RO EMER

12/11: Eli Young Band @ House of Blues, hob.com This country foursome’s first chart-topping hit, “Crazy Girl” (2011), earned the band an Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year.

G R O O V E {SOUND DECISIONS} (CONT. FROM PAGE 108)

STEPHEN DENTON

Five-piece alt. rock band on the road to promote its new album, American Candy, which dropped in March.

12/11: Our Last Night @ SOMA, somasandiego.com These punk rockers have covered songs by Maroon 5, Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus. 12/12: Dance Gavin Dance @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Screamo quintet headlining the 10 Year Anniversary tour with Slaves, A Lot Like Birds, Dayshell and Strawberry Girls. 12/12: KSON CountryFest Christmas @ Del Mar Fairgrounds, kson.com Country artists Scotty McCreery, Love and Theft, Raelynn and Chase Bryant perform at KSON’s annual holiday-themed mini music festival. 12/12: Will Downing @ Sycuan Casino, sycuan.com Grammy Award-winning R&B artist on the road in support of his new album, Chocolate Drops, which dropped in March. 12/13: 91X Wrex the Halls @ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com Alt. rockers Jane’s Addiction, indie rock bands The Wombats and Foals, hip-hop duo Run the Jewels and others perform during this annual holiday music fest. 110

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER NOVEMBER 2015 2015

12.12 AGNOSTIC FRONT

Hardcore punk band out of NYC.

@ Til-Two Club, tiltwoclub.com

12.12 THE MAINE

@ The Irenic, theirenic.com

12/15: Cheap Trick @ Belly Up Tavern, bellyup.com In October, the rock band best known for 1977’s “I Want You to Want Me” was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 12/15: The 1975 @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com These indie rockers plan to release their sophomore album, I Like It When You Sleep for You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware of It, in February 2016. 12/16: Chris Tomlin @ Balboa Theatre, sandiegotheatres.org In 2013, this Christian music singer-songwriter’s Burning Lights album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart. (CONT. ON PAGE 112)

12.13

LIGHTS

@ House of Blues, hob.com

The Canadian electro-soul artist wraps her month-long U.S. tour at this show in San Diego.

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G R O O V E {SOUND DECISIONS} (CONT. FROM PAGE 110)

12.16

MUSE

@ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com Shania Twain’s ex-hubby, Robert John “Mutt” Lang, produced this Grammy Award-winning alt. rock band’s seventh album, Drones, which dropped in March.

HANS PETER

12/17: Ghostface Killah @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Rapper Dennis Cole, aka Ghostface Killah, is also a member of hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan. 12/17: Volumes @ SOMA, somasandiego.com This metal band covered Drake’s “Hold On, We’re Going Home” on the Punk Goes Pop 6 album.

12/20: Mötley Crüe @ SDSU’s Viejas Arena, as.sdsu.edu Tommy Lee and his hard rock crew plan to retire after this tour, The Final Tour, which wraps on New Year’s Eve.

12/18: Rick Springfield @ House of Blues, hob.com In August, this rocker starred opposite Meryl Streep in the film Ricki and the Flash.

12/30: The Academy Is… @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com These Illinois rockers reunited for their month-long 10 Year Anniversary tour, which wraps on this night in America’s Finest.

12/18: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony @ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com Five-piece R&B group most recognized for “Tha Crossroads,” its 1999 hit and tribute to deceased rapper Eazy-E.

12/31: Skylar Grey @ Parq Nightclub, parqsd.com Pop/rocker Holly Brook Hafermann, aka Skylar Grey, co-wrote Eminem and Rihanna’s 2010 hit single “Love the Way You Lie.”

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

12.29 CHET FAKER

@ Observatory North Park, observatorysd.com

This electro soul artist’s cover of Blackstreet’s “No Diggity” was featured in a Beck’s Sapphire beer commercial during the 2013 Super Bowl.

LI SA FR IEL IN G

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12/18: Machine Head @ Ramona Mainstage, ramonamainstage.com Metal foursome on its international Bloodstone & Diamonds tour through March.

IT’S LIKE SQUATS FOR YOUR VOCAL CHORDS YOUR FIRST RESORT FOR FUN. Do you hear it? That’s the siren song of a hot night at Harrah’s. With an entertainment calendar packed with the bands, comedians and festivals you love, the only thing you need is a strong set of pipes. Check out upcoming events and start warming up today.

HarrahsSoCal.com/events Must be 21 or older to gamble. Know When To Stop Before You Start.® Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Owned by the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians. Managed by HCAL, LLC. ©2015, Caesars License Company, LLC. All rights reserved.

G R O O V E {SPIN CYCLE}

TAKE A NIPS UPCOMING EDM AND DJ

PERFORMANCES

BY CATLIN DORSET

12/5: Julian Jordan @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com Electro house remixer from Apeldoorn, Netherlands. 12/6: DJ Snoopadelic @ FLUXX Nightclub, fluxxsd.com In November, Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. (aka Snoop Dogg, DJ Snoopadelic and Snoop Lion) dropped his own line of cannabis products — Leafs By Snoop.

12/10: Slander @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com UC Irvine frat brothers Derek Andersen and Scott Land compose this trap music twosome. 12/11: Dash Berlin @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com In October, this trance music musician landed at No. 15 on DJ Mag’s “Top 100 DJs” list.

12.3

FIREBEATZ

@ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com In 2014, these EDMers collaborated with Calvin Harris on the track “It Was You.”

(CONT. ON PAGE 116)

12.17 EC TWINS

PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM • DECEMBER 2015

@ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com

In October, these electro house twins released their remix of Adele’s new single, “Hello.”

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G R O O V E {SPIN CYCLE}

12/29-31: OMFG! NYE 2016 @ Valley View Casino Center, valleyviewcasinocenter.com Electro musicians Borgore, Porter Robinson, TJR and many others ring in 2016 at this three-night rager in Point Loma.

(CONT. FROM PAGE 114)

12/31: Above & Beyond @ Town and Country Resort, infinitynye.com This progressive trance trio ranked at No. 29 on DJ Mag’s 2015 “Top 100 DJs” list.

12.31 BRODY JENNER

@ Hilton San Diego Bayfront, bignightsandiego.com Caitlyn (formerly Bruce) Jenner’s youngest son travels around the globe, spinning his EDM beats.

12.31 FLOSSTRADAMUS

@ FLUXX Nightclub, fluxxsd.com

In May, this hip-hop/trap music twosome remixed Rihanna’s “Bitch Better Have My Money.”

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12/31: Ashley Wallbridge @ OMNIA San Diego, omnianightclub.com This English trance music producer is signed to Avicii’s Le7els label. 12/31: Laidback Luke @ Hard Rock Hotel San Diego, rmdnye16.com On November 6, this Filipino-Dutch progressive house turntablist dropped Focus, his first full-length album.

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G R O O V E {BARTENDER}

8 6

16 15

21 20

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CHRISTMAS PRESENCE HOSPITALITY COMPANY EXPANDS INTO NORTH COUNTY BY DAVID PERLOFF PHOTO BY KATE AND MICHAEL AUDA

11 12

10 14 13

ust in time for the holidays, the folks behind Verant Group — owners and operators of Tavern at the Beach (PB), Sandbar Sports Grill (Mission Beach), True North Tavern (North Park), Uptown Tavern (Hillcrest) and barleymash (Gaslamp) — announce they have some new tricks up their stockings. Having recently inked a deal to purchase and reinvent Pacific Beach Bar & Grill, the San Diego restaurant-and-bar company is now set to break ground on a venue that’s sure to be the talk of the town when it opens in Carmel Valley’s new Pacific Highlands Ranch this coming spring. For now, Verant is staying tight-lipped about the hotspot-to-be’s name and theme, but one thing it’s sure to feature is plenty of bartenders. Famous for serving big crowds fun in the form of top-notch food, beer and cocktails (not necessarily in that order), Verant always staffs enough pour people to keep the good times flowing and the repeat customers flocking back. Pictured here are 28 members of Verant’s legion of bartenders, some of whom may call the new location home. Raise a glass, say a cheer but be patient… this gift to North County won’t be unwrapped until April. Venue name: TBA 5965 Village Way, Carmel Valley verantgroup.com

BARTENDERS: 23

1) Tyler Tremor, Tavern at the Beach 2) Becca Trapp, Sandbar Sports Grill 3) Devyn Allison, Tavern at the Beach 4) Eric Arroyo, Uptown Tavern 5) Carley Kukowski, Tavern at the Beach 6) Zac Tankersley, Uptown Tavern 7) Willem Van Leuven, Sandbar Sports Grill 8) Krista Barrella, Tavern at the Beach 9) Nick Criscione, Uptown Tavern 10) Zac Buddenberg, Uptown Tavern 11) Grace Kehoe, Tavern at the Beach 12) Amy Adams, True North Tavern 13) Ashley Teixeira, Tavern at the Beach 14) Jeffrey Capps, True North Tavern 15) Simone Schader, True North Tavern 16) Ashley Geary, barleymash 17) Amy Patterson, barleymash 18) Mulunesh Miley, Uptown Tavern 19) Austin Coriell, Tavern at the Beach 20) Travis Enos, barleymash 21) Alexandria Wade, barleymash 22) Kasi Klapakis, Tavern at the Beach 23) Kyle Herman, barleymash 24) Ian Titus, True North Tavern 25) Emily Zeidler, barleymash 26) Will Quesenberry, True North Tavern 27) Jessica Collica, Tavern at the Beach 28) CJ Hockersmith, Tavern at the Beach DECEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

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L O V E {BLIND DATE}

LAUGHING MATTERS A HOLIDAY AFFAIR WITH A SENSE OF HUMOR

BY DAVID PERLOFF

PHOTOS BY BREVIN BLACH

an Diego nights have finally gotten chilly. Perhaps watching live standup at The American Comedy Co. will help this evening’s blind daters break the ice. Paulina and Donnie met about half an hour ago in the Epic Limo that’s about to drop

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MATCHMAKER: JESSICA PELLIGRA

them off at Brian’s 24 for preshow food and drinks. Before they arrive, let’s review their predate interviews. PacificSD: Where are you from and where do you live now? PAULINA: I’m originally from Sweden and moved to San Diego about three years ago. I live downtown. DONNIE: Originally from Lexington, Kentucky. Lived in L.A. for six years and Vegas for five before moving to S.D. What do you do for a living? PAULINA: I work for an Internet marketing-slashadvertisement company. DONNIE: I have been in

nightlife for over 10 years now. My current position is Director of Customer Development for EDL Management Group’s Cake Nightclub. What do you do for fun? PAULINA: Hiking, traveling, shopping, eating out, dancing, working out. DONNIE: Beach, dinner, a bar and a ball game always sounds good, and a round of golf. What are you best at? PAULINA: My cooking and baking skills are pretty much on-point. DONNIE: Almost all sports — played collegiate baseball and football.

What are you looking for in a date, physically and/or otherwise? PAULINA: Someone who shares similar interests, has a good sense of humor, is loyal, confident and outgoing without being cocky. And, of course, good looks and a nice six-pack is always a plus. DONNIE: I never go in looking for anything. If you go in looking for something specific, you limit what might be in front of you. Describe your special brand of sex appeal in five words or less. PAULINA: A flirty, positive and confident Swede. DONNIE: Life of the party.

What do you like least about yourself? PAULINA: I tend to be pretty blunt and outspoken — not always a good thing. DONNIE: That I curse like a sailor. Rate yourself on a scale from 1 to 10 for looks. PAULINA: Eight. DONNIE: I’m just your average Joe. Rate yourself on a scale from 1 to 10 for personality. PAULINA: A solid nine. DONNIE: A 10. What can I say? I throw parties for a living… I better be fun. What traits could your date exhibit that would be dealbreakers? PAULINA: Being ignorant and arrogant. DONNIE: People who tell lies

and can’t express themselves emotionally; people who keep that shit all inside are the worst people in relationships. Fill in the blanks: I want my blind date to be “blank” and “blank.” PAULINA: Outgoing and funny. DONNIE: Chic and sexy. Will the night end with a kiss, something more or something less? PAULINA: Maybe a kiss. Depends if we have chemistry or not. DONNIE: Only time will tell.

flash. He finishes his second before she finishes her first. As their entrées arrive, the daters are smiling wider, laughing louder and seem to be warming up to each other. After dinner, before heading next door to see comedian Bobby Lee (MADtv, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, Pineapple Express) perform, they embrace on the street and then hop back in the limo for a

cruise around downtown. THANK YOU! Epic Limo 858.270.LIMO (5466) epiclimo.com Brian’s 24 Restaurant Bar & Grill 828 Sixth Ave., Downtown 619.702.8410, brians24.com (CONT. ON PAGE 124)

When Paulina and Donnie arrive at the recently reimagined Brian’s 24, they sit in a booth by the window, order drinks and look over the menu. Paulina appears to be the more talkative of the two. Donnie, who looks more subdued, polishes off his first cocktail in a

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L O V E {BLIND DATE} (CONT. FROM PAGE 122)

A STANDUP GUY

THE HEADLINER TAKES THE STAGE

fter circumnavigating the Gaslamp, the limo drops Paulina and Donnie at The American Comedy Co. Inside, the place is packed. As the lights come down, Bobby Lee takes the stage and the crowd goes wild. Lee’s hilarious routine includes talking about why he hates cuddling with his girlfriend (She’s thinking, ‘I feel safe,’ and I’m thinking, ‘I can’t feel my arm’); why Asian women prefer white men and what Asian men dislike about Asian women’s genitals; and how karma proves homeless people

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were bad reincarnated from a previous life (‘Can you spare some change, sir?’ ‘No, Hitler!’). When he says, “I like to get naked and dance; is there a guy in the audience that wants to see,” Paulina waves her arm and tries to get him to pick Donnie, who turns red and tries to get her to stop. In the end, Lee picks another volunteer to come up to the stage to receive the pantswetting lap dance of a lifetime. The couple poses for a few photos with Lee after the show, then heads around the corner to Andaz to have a nightcap overlooking the city from Rooftop600. Once they’ve gotten the chance to order their drinks, they’re split for mid-date debriefings. PacificSD: How’s it going so far? PAULINA: It’s good. He’s really funny. We had dinner at Brian’s 24. The comedy show was funny.

It was honestly so much fun. He’s really good company. DONNIE: Fantastic. I’m having a good time. What were your first impressions? PAULINA: At first, I thought that he wasn’t the kind of guy I would date at all, but then he got a few drinks in him and became more talkative. He was really shy in the beginning. He’s super nice. We ended up having a really great conversation. DONNIE: Paulina is very pretty and a really fun girl. What do you think of the way your date is dressed? PAULINA: Really good, actually. Better than most Americans, for sure. DONNIE: She dresses really cute. How was Brian’s 24? PAULINA: I had only ever been

there late at night after going out, and I thought it was really funny that we were going to go there all dressed up. The food was actually really good. I had the Mediterranean Chicken and I had a Moscow mule, which I’m really picky about, but theirs were really good. It was definitely a more casual date — fun and good food. DONNIE: It’s good. I eat there all time. I ate there last night, and it was just as good. Describe the limo experience. PAULINA: At first, the limo ride was more quiet, as we just had met each other. But after dinner, when we went back to the limo for a little drive around town, we were more comfortable and even tried to take over the role as DJ in the limo. DONNIE: Very chill; driver was professional and early. (CONT. ON PAGE 126)

y p p a h s y a d ale i

L O V E {BLIND DATE} (CONT. FROM PAGE 124)

How was The American Comedy Co.? PAULINA: So much fun. I have been wanting to go there for the longest time ever and I love standup comedy. I was literally laughing from the time that we sat down until the time that [the comedian] was done. DONNIE: Extremely funny. It’s the first time I’ve been to a comedy show in San Diego, so it was a really good time. What was Bobby Lee’s funniest joke? PAULINA: When he asked the audience for a guy to come up on stage for a lap dance, I was pointing at Donnie like, “this guy should go up there!” He ended up giving a lap dance to this gay guy. It was definitely his funniest joke. DONNIE: His best joke was probably the Down syndrome one, sadly enough. What’s the most attractive thing your date has done so far? PAULINA: It’s attractive that he’s not on his phone the whole time. He’s really present in the conversation and laughing

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along with me; it shows that he’s really interested. DONNIE: I don’t know. I think it’s to be determined.

Rate your date on a scale from one to 10 for looks. PAULINA: Eight, strong eight. DONNIE: Nine-ish.

What’s the least attractive thing your date has done so far? PAULINA: He needed to have a few drinks in him to get going. The first drink was gone so fast. He was like, “I was thirsty.” But I totally understand it for this situation; I had a few drinks, too. It’s not even a big deal. DONNIE: Ditto [to his previous answer].

How about for personality? PAULINA: Oh, absolutely 9.5. He’s so nice. It’s going really good. DONNIE: She’s fun; she’s a 10 for personality.

What would your parents say if you brought your date home? PAULINA: My mom is like me. She would want to know everything that we did on the date when we met. She wants a copy of the date so she can read about it. She would love it. DONNIE: They would say, “What did she say?” because she has an accent. No, I’m totally kidding. They would like her, because she’s really nice.

Do you want to kiss your date now? PAULINA: Oh, jeez. This one is really fun. Yeah, I would give him a kiss. DONNIE: I always want to kiss my date. Does your date want to kiss you? PAULINA: Yeah, I think so. He’s already tried a few times. It hasn’t happened yet; maybe the next time. DONNIE: I honestly don’t know. She seems shy. THANK YOU! The American Comedy Co. 818 Sixth Ave., Downtown 619.795.3858, americancomedyco.com (CONT. ON PAGE 130)

DECEMBER 2015 • PACIFICSANDIEGO.COM

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L O V E {BLIND DATE} (CONT. FROM PAGE 126)

I NOW PRESENT YOU

GIFT EXCHANGE WITH A SKYLINE VIEW

he connection between Paulina and Donnie has been evident since the end of dinner. Now, as the two unwrap the small yuletide presents the matchmaker asked them to bring, they seem like a couple in the throes of a holiday romance. Then, as their drinks arrive, the magazine crew finally leaves the daters alone to enjoy the rest of their evening away from the camera. The next morning, we call to see what we missed. PacificSD: How was Rooftop600 at Andaz? PAULINA: I love the décor at Andaz and the rooftop is really pretty, overlooking San Diego. Definitely a great spot for drinks. DONNIE: I love the Andaz rooftop. The staff was great and very attentive. What did you eat and drink there? PAULINA: We ended up ordering a cheese plate. The Pinot Noir was really good. DONNIE: I had a Jameson Mule, she had red wine, and we had the cheese plate — all very good. What gift did your date give you? PAULINA: He got me a scented candle, and I love candles so I thought it was a perfect gift. DONNIE: A bottle of liquor. She must think she knows me well. Whose gift was better? PAULINA: No gift was better than the other, but I have to give credit to myself — I’m normally the worst when trying to come up with a good gift. DONNIE: Both gifts, all things considered, were pretty thoughtful. Girls love candles,

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and all guys love whiskey. Where did you go after Andaz? PAULINA: After Andaz, I made the responsible decision to go home and sleep; didn’t want to be tired for work the morning after. DONNIE: We stayed at the Andaz until midnight. There was such a great vibe, and we were talking and laughing. From there, the driver dropped her off. I walked her to her door and said goodbye. Was there a kiss or romantic exchange? PAULINA: There may have been a quick kiss on the cheek. DONNIE: Yes, we kissed. She is very attractive. We had some chemistry. How and when did the date end? PAULINA: The date ended after the limo dropped me off around 11:30 p.m., and Donnie made a gentleman move by walking me to my door. DONNIE: When I walked her to the door. We kissed goodnight, and that was that. What’s the funniest thing that happened during the date? PAULINA: We accidentally spilled my red wine on one of the chair cushions at Andaz and very discreetly tried to cover up our mess by flipping the cushion upside down. DONNIE: We were sitting close, I tried her wine, and when I passed it back, I thought she had a handle on it, but she didn’t and it spilled, and we had to quickly jump up. What was the best part of the date? PAULINA: Definitely seeing the stand up show with Bobby Lee at The American Comedy Co. I was laughing the entire time. DONNIE: The conversation at dinner and the comedy show. We laughed the entire time. What was the worst part of the date? PAULINA: The fact that I didn’t succeed to get Donnie up on

stage for a lap dance performed by the comedian himself. It would have been hilarious. DONNIE: To be honest, there wasn’t a bad part to it. Will there be a second date? PAULINA: We had a great time, and he’s a super nice guy, so I’m sure I’ll be seeing him around. DONNIE: We are still chatting… yes, there will be. What’s one thing your date really should know before going on another date? PAULINA: Maybe take it a little easier on the drinks at the beginning of the night. DONNIE: The second date is always better than the first. What did you learn about yourself last night? PAULINA: I learned that spontaneously going on a blind date is actually pretty fun. DONNIE: That being spontaneous is a lot of fun. AFTERMATCH: By the time Paulina and Donnie unwrapped their presents last night, it was as if they were peeling back the layers of each other’s hearts. He said, “Girls love candles.” She said, “I love candles.” She also said Donnie dresses “better than most Americans, for sure,” which any gringo could regard as a compliment. It was a match made in heaven… and confirmed on top of Andaz. Despite conducting this comedy-themed blind date for a few laughs, Pacific’s matchmaking team ended up receiving a greater gift: being able to brag that the past three blind dates in a row forged love connections. And that’s no joke. (Tune in next month when we check back with these couples to see if they’re still together.) THANK YOU! Rooftop600 at Andaz 600 F St., Downtown 619.814.2060, rooftop600.com

20 14 Thank you for an amazing year, San Diego! We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see you in 2016

ESTABLISHMENTS

Robbie G oR mley, m altm a n at the balvenie foR 39 yeaRs . Barley’s secrets are second nature to him. Turning the seed on time so it germinates evenly. Seasoning with enough peat in the kiln. Knowing when the grain’s ready, just by looking. Kept in his constancy, is the consistency of The Balvenie.

HANDCRAFTED AT THE BALVENIE